Shefali Shah walks the ramp in sari made of garbage bags, discarded CDs for Abraham & Thakore at Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI

At a press conference after the show, the designers shared how their collection was about “finding beauty in what the world has discarded.” Talking about Shefali’s sari, David Abraham — one half of the designer duo — laughingly said how beautiful trash could look too, only if we knew what to do with it. “You can’t even tell it’s garbage bags at a glance.”

The preview offered a glimpse into a future where couture is crafted from discarded materials. (Express Photo by Chitral Khambati)

The collection featured models sporting silhouettes adorned with intricate embroidery using recovered film and unspooled cassette tapes. The soundtrack, a juxtaposition of industrial sounds and a solitary human voice, added to the runway’s dystopian opulence.

Abraham & Thakore’s collection challenged the cyclical nature of fashion by revisiting their earlier technique of laser-cutting sequins from discarded X-rays. Known as the “Masters of Minimalism,” the designers showcased their ability to reframe and recontextualise ordinary objects into expressions of high fashion.

Abraham & Thakore’s brand philosophy centres around “fabric-first,” celebrating Indian heirloom textiles and crafts. (Express Photo by Chitral Khambati)

Everyday Indian ephemera, such as toffee wrappers, bin bags, kitchen foil, and rice sacks, was transformed into luxurious evening gowns. “Finding Beauty” invited the audience to reflect on consumption patterns and values, highlighting the transformative power of wonder and awe.

Known as the “Masters of Minimalism,” the designers showcased their ability to reframe and recontextualise ordinary objects into expressions of high fashion. (Express photo by Chitral Khambati)

Abraham & Thakore’s brand philosophy centres around “fabric-first,” celebrating Indian heirloom textiles and crafts.