X-Rays, Chip Wrappers Turn Showstopper For Abraham & Thakore At Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI 

Sustainable Fashion Day, celebrated on Day 1 of Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI saw masters of minimalism – David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore along with Kevin Nigli breathe new life into forgotten materials.

Finding Beauty by Abraham & Thakore examined the idea of the forgotten everyday material into objects of beauty. Crafted over six months, the collection challenged conventional ideas of beauty and value. Reflecting the brand’s commitment to thoughtful, sustainable fashion, the designers turned discarded X-rays, old film reels, unspooled cassette tapes, and snack wrappers into desirable evening wear.

“By turning discarded materials into luxuriant evening wear, the collection profoundly reflects on consumption and value, inviting us to reconsider the overlooked beauty in our world. This approach mirrors our deep respect for materials and craft,” express Abraham & Thakore, adding, “The creation of the ‘Finding Beauty’ collection took almost six months, with each piece requiring careful sourcing of discarded materials and innovative craftsmanship. Materials like discarded X-rays, chip wrappers, and cement sacks were sourced from a wide array of places — X-rays from hospitals, gunny bags and cement sacks from scrap vendors, and toffee wrappers from rag pickers.”

The show began with actor Shefali Shah sashaying down the ramp in a black saree with sequin detailing. The laser cut sequins were created from discarded X-rays.

From scrap to ramp, here’s a low down on the statement pieces designed by Abraham & Thakore:

Old film reels are now expressed on delicate georgettes

Old film reels, symbols of forgotten memories, were expressed through delicate georgette, a fabric known for its lightness and fluidity. The fragility of georgette perfectly complemented the intricate patterns of the film reels, creating an ethereal evening wear piece that evokes nostalgia while bringing a modern edge to the ensemble.

Unspooled cassette tapes are intricately embroidered into organza

The subtle shine of the cassette tapes added a nostalgic yet refined touch to the lightweight organza fabric, which was chosen for its luxurious feel and sheer quality making it ideal for evening wear. The reflective quality of the tape, combined with the light, airy nature of organza, created a visual interplay of texture and nostalgia, transforming a once-overlooked material into something luxurious and desirable.

Discarded chip wrappers, are stitched together to create striking knee-length dresses

Discarded chip wrappers, each carrying its own story of everyday indulgence, were stitched together to form striking knee-length dresses. The reflective surface of the wrappers added a playful, shimmering effect, making these dresses ideal for evening wear. The stiff texture allowed for more structured silhouettes, giving the dresses a defined and modern edge.

Laser-cut sequins made from discarded X-rays

Discarded X-rays were laser-cut into delicate sequins, adding an unexpected brilliance to the evening wear. These sequins were used to embellish soft fabrics, combining the rigidity of the X-ray material with the fluidity of fabric to create a unique, shimmering effect. The X-rays, once cast off, now gleamed with new life, symbolising the collection’s core idea of reimagining waste as a treasurer. Thus, adding both physical and symbolic depth to the pieces.

Gunny bags, toffee wrappers, bin bags, kitchen foil and rice sacks

The gunny bags and rice sacks were transformed into skirts, jackets, and other pieces that highlight the interplay of texture and form. The rough texture of gunny bags contrasts with the intricate, laser-cut sequins made from kitchen foil and chip packets, which were used as embellishments for floral motifs or geometric patterns. These pieces play with structure, volume, and texture, illustrating how even the most unexpected materials can be sculpted into elegant, wearable art.