London Fashion Week: 12 things that reminded us of India

Indian designers and models pulled all stops to celebrate India at the recently concluded London Fashion Week.

It was an Indian celebration of sorts on the London Fashion Week (LFW) Spring/Summer 2017 runway.

It started with designer Ashish Gupta who defied traditional fashion norms. LFW was the first international fashion show in Europe post Brexit and Ashish's show sent out a strong political message that London is open to Indians too!

Models dressed like Hindu gods and goddesses, snake charmers and young urchins selling roses on traffic signals graced the runway. The show which was a celebration of colours, also threw light on gender neutrality with male models dressed in skirts and anarkalis.

Next were a bevy of Indian models including an acid attack victim and film actor who graced the runway.

Mumbai-based designer Rocky S too made the county proud by showcasing Indian crafts at LFW, with his collection which was inspired by love and beauty.

Presenting 12 such noteworthy moments from LFW. We start out with Ashish's collection.

1. Mukuts and maang-tikkas

IMAGE: Plaid hair, pearls and gemstones...it's time to bring on the Indianness. A model backstage gets ready for the show.

Photograph: Tim P Whitby/Getty Images

2. Flower boys at traffic signals

London Fashion Week 2016

IMAGE: Ashish's show was about going back to the Indian roots. Fairy tale lights glittered on the runway.
This model represents the young boys who make a living by selling roses at traffic signals.

Photograph: Tim P Whitby/Getty Images

3. Snake charmers

London Fashion Week 2016

IMAGE: A live snake makes for a fashion accessory for this model.
India was known as the land of snake charmers in the past. But this one is a little different with flowers adorning his head and a pair on anklets on his feet.
While the show celebrated India, the outfits showcased didn't stick to one gender.

Photograph: Tim P Whitby/Getty Images

4. Goddess in glitter

London Fashion Week 2016

IMAGE: Dressed in her finery and that studded crown, this model looks like a Hindu goddess.

Photograph: Tim P Whitby/Getty Images

5. Sequins and vibrant colours

London Fashion Week 2016

IMAGE: The Delhi-based fashion designer continued his love affair with sequins through the show. The blue paint is reminiscent of Lord Krishna.

Photograph: Tim P Whitby/Getty Images

London Fashion Week 2016

IMAGE: Smile please! The eye make-up resembles Goddess Kali.
Painted faces, beautiful head gear in intricate designs, bindis and anklets etc...the show had it all.

Photograph: Tim P Whitby/Getty Images

6. Men in Indianwear

London Fashion Week 2016

IMAGE: Male models were also dressed in jewellery and unisex outfits.
The show sent out a strong message with its gender neutral outfits.

Photograph: Tim P Whitby/Getty Images

London Fashion Week 2016

IMAGE: The show had an underlying theme to it: Bollywood pop culture.

Photograph: Tim P Whitby/Getty Images

And look who we spotted on the ramp...

7. Indian students from INIFD graced the runway

London Fashion Week 2016

IMAGE: Fashion designer Priya Gaikwad on the runway after the INIFD-LST show at Fashion Scout during London Fashion Week Spring/Summer collections 2017.
Priyanka is one among the 10 student designers across India, who showcased their collection at the fashion week.

Photograph: Tabatha Fireman/Getty Images

8. Freida Pinto was there too!

IMAGE: Freida Pinto at the presentation of the Burberry collection during London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2017.

Photograph: Luke MacGregor/Reuters

9. And so was Amy Jackson

IMAGE: What a stylish entry Amy Jackson made at the London Fashion Week!

Photograph: Kind Courtesy Amy Jackson/Instagram

10. Acid attack victim Laxmi made a bold statement on the ramp with #GiveAGirlAFuture

IMAGE: She walked the London Fashion Week ramp to raise awareness about violence against women.

Photograph: Kind Courtesy GMSP Foundation/Instagram

11. Fashion designer Rocky S showcased Indian handicrafts

IMAGE: The Mumbai-based designer, who showcased his collection at the fashion week, was greeted with a huge round of applause the minute he stepped out onstage.

Photograph: Eamonn M McCormack/Getty Images

12. Monica Tomas graced the ramp

IMAGE: Monica Tomas, who has been the toast of several international fashion show, walked for the Fashion East show.

Photograph: Ben A Pruchnie/Getty Images