Fashion, heritage and innovation came together on the opening day of Times Lifestyle Week 2026 at Grand Hyatt, Gurgaon. From handloom-inspired saris and bridal couture to sustainable fashion and modern menswear, designers presented diverse collections that blended traditional influences with contemporary aesthetics at Dalcore – Design is Alive Presents HMD Times Lifestyle Week 2026, powered by Indian Institute of Fashion & Design (IIFD) and Volvo Car India, co-powered by Ahaglow.Heritage weaves
Deepthi Reddy’s Kashi highlighted authentic handloom artistry and Banarasi weaves with a modern touch
Adhvaria Silks – Deepthi ReddyDesigner Deepthi Reddy presented her collection Kashi with Adhvaria Silks, highlighting authentic handloom artistry and Banarasi weaves with a modern touch. Models walked the ramp barefoot as a mark of respect for the fabric. The designer shared, “Whenever we buy a sari, we first offer it to the goddess. We give so much importance to outfits, especially silk saris. So, I wanted to bring that vibe and that respect to these divine fabrics.“Graduate showcase
Showstopper Arshmeet Brar (L), Prof (Dr) Vaibbhavi Pruthviraj Ranavaade, Dean, Chitkara Design School, Chitkara University with student designers (bottom)
Chitkara University presents Chitkara Grad Show 2026The Chitkara Grad Show 2026 featured collections that blended traditional craftsmanship with digital techniques and global trends. “It’s always a great collaboration with Times Lifestyle Fashion Week, where we present the Chitkara graduates and the amazing hard work and talent that our young designers have showcased today. It’s been an incredible show,” said Prof (Dr) Vaibbhavi Pruthviraj Ranavaade, Dean, Chitkara Design School, Chitkara University.Showstopper Arshmeet Brar added, “The designer, Vaishnavi, did a very good job. I’m very fascinated by samurais, and she took inspiration from them. I felt that power in the look – I was just waiting to get a sword!”Bridal elegance
Aaliya Deeba (C) showcased handcrafted bridal couture inspired by the Nizami traditions of Hyderabad
Aaliya DeebaAaliya Deeba showcased handcrafted bridal couture inspired by the Nizami traditions of Hyderabad. “With timeless silhouettes, pastel hues and more, it was a celebration of our signature styles for the modern global woman. If you see any of my collections, I focus on modest fashion,” she said.Sustainable fashion
Designer Shivali Sahay (in black) used technological waste such as wires, motherboard pieces and circuit boards to create sustainable fashion pieces with fluid silhouettes. Richa Mehta (L) turned showstopper
BLK SHI;P by Shivali SahayDesigner Shivali Sahay used technological waste such as wires, motherboard pieces and circuit boards to create sustainable fashion pieces with fluid silhouettes. “Motherboards, circuit boards and lamps are all such beautiful, intricate things. I was very inspired by them, and they reminded me of the currents of the sea, combining nature with technology because I’m into sustainability. I connected those ideas with my fluid silhouettes and created a cruise line,” the designer shared.Showstopper Richa Mehta commented, “It’s breathable and something I would love to wear every day. Technology is a beautiful blend of sustainability and fashion.”Summer style
Sonam Bajwa turned showstopper for M S Summer Collection
M&S Actor Sonam Bajwa turned showstopper for M&S and spoke about her long association with the brand. “I feel very grateful because M&S is a brand that I have loved for a very long time. From the time I started working, it has been one of my favourite brands. I could resonate with many designs in this collection. I love them for maintaining quality while serving really amazing styles,” she told us.The Summer’26 collection featured womenswear and menswear with lightweight fabrics, statement textures and relaxed summer styles.Vibrant prints
Rajeev Khandelwal (L) was the showstopper for Rajdeep Ranawat’s (R ) nature-inspired collection
HMD & VI-JOHN presents Rajdeep RanawatRajdeep Ranawat’s nature-inspired collection brought vibrant colours and prints to the runway. Ravi Kunwar, CEO & VP – HMD India & APAC, said, “We’re absolutely excited to partner with Rajdeep. The phone we are announcing today, HMD Vibe 2 5G, truly reflects the vibrancy and colour we saw in his designs. It perfectly represents what the phone stands for. A big thank you to Times Lifestyle as well, because it’s always great to be part of the platform.“Tarun Kochar, Director, Vi-John, added, “At VI-JOHN, grooming has always been about confidence and individuality. With this Limited Edition Pack, we are celebrating style, sophistication and the evolving grooming needs of the modern man. We’re delighted to unveil the pack here at Times Lifestyle Week.”Actor Rajeev Khandelwal, who walked as the showstopper, highlighted the association with Sashakt Foundation. “Sashakt is a foundation that generates awareness about ovarian cancer. I lost my mother to ovarian cancer, which is why I’m trying my best to spread awareness among women. I’m very happy that Sashakt is associated with Rajdeep’s clothing line. The idea was not just to wear his clothes, but also to use this platform to tell women that we are there for them,” he said.Festive glamour
Designer Rachit Khanna and showstopper Karanveer Mehra (C) for Rachit’s Gilded Dreams collection
Diavo Jewels presents Rachit KhannaRachit Khanna showcased Gilded Dreams, a collection featuring vibrant colours, shimmer and intricate beadwork. “I wanted to give Indian festive wear a modern yet royal touch. So I opted for a golden collection with glitter and experimented with it. It came out beautifully on the ramp,” Rachit said.Showstopper Karanveer Mehra shared, “I was excited and nervous before the show, but I was confident about Rachit’s designs.”Rishabh Aggarwal of Diavo Jewels added, “It was fabulous to see Diavo Jewels with Rachit’s designs. I was stunned – the designs looked beautiful together!”
