Pearl Academy Showcased Distinctive Indian Fashion Voices at London Fashion Week SS26

During London Fashion Week SS26, Pearl Academy brought forward a vibrant showcase of distinctive and diverse collections by Mehakk Jain, Vaibhavi G. Prasad, Shivangi Sharma, and the TEESRA collective (Manvi Mittal, Tanya Garg, and Mehak Goel). Each designer introduced a unique lens to Indian fashion—ranging from saree-inspired silhouettes and fairytale couture crafted with natural dyes to Indo-fusion garments influenced by Vrindavan’s cultural heritage and streetwear rooted in Indian identity. The event demonstrated the depth and range of talent emerging from India.

Vaibhavi G. Prasad, a postgraduate in fashion design from Pearl Academy Bengaluru, presented Chapters—an autobiographical collection in which emotions such as Hopelessness, Hate, Creativity, and Love took physical form through experimental silhouettes. Created in collaboration with Smith Design Studio, the collection blended indigo-dyed handloom textiles with repurposed vintage sarees once worn by her mother and grandmothers. The result was an ode to South India, where heritage fabrics and intimate storytelling merged into garments that felt resilient, emotional, and timeless.

Mehakk Jain, a fashion design student at Pearl Academy and founder of her namesake label, unveiled Enchantment—a dreamy exploration of fairy-core aesthetics inspired by magical gardens and nature. Remaining true to her philosophy of sustainable luxury, Mehakk collaborated with local artisans and worked with naturally dyed fabrics, ensuring that each piece embodied eco-conscious craftsmanship alongside a sense of ethereal allure.

Shivangi Sharma, founder and creative director of Kunj Gatha, presented an Indo-fusion aesthetic bridging heritage with modern minimalism. Drawing inspiration from the cultural richness of Vrindavan and Indian artistry, her designs reinterpreted tradition through bold contemporary silhouettes and vibrant narratives. As a Pearl Academy alumna, Shivangi positioned Kunj Gatha as a brand celebrating cultural roots while embracing a global identity.

TEESRA – TANA, a collective founded by Pearl Academy students Manvi Mittal, Tanya Garg, and Mehak Goel, reimagined Indian wear through the lens of global street culture. Driven by their passion for experimentation, the trio blended traditional craft with avant-garde forms and contemporary expression. Their debut embodied fearless innovation and youthful energy, positioning TEESRA as a brand unafraid to push the boundaries of identity and style.

Adding a celebrated dimension to the showcase, Rimzim Dadu, one of India’s most innovative designers and a Pearl Academy alumna, joined the presentation. Known for her experimental surface techniques and futuristic couture, Dadu transformed unconventional materials such as metal, cords, and sculpted textiles into garments that balanced innovation with Indian sensibility. Her work—already featured at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and acknowledged by Forbes 30 Under 30, Vogue Italia, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar—cemented her presence as a trailblazer redefining contemporary couture.

The visual direction unified all the collections with a late-1950s femme fatale aesthetic. Models walked with bold waves, dramatic eyes, and striking lips, evoking a glamorous, sophisticated woman who could move seamlessly between saree, couture, and streetwear.

Reflecting on the showcase, Aditi Srivastava, President of Pearl Academy, stated:
“India has long been integral to the global fashion landscape, with its craftsmanship, textiles, and creativity inspiring the world. London Fashion Week provided our talented designers with an important international platform to present their creativity and contribute to global fashion dialogues alongside Milan and Paris. At Pearl Academy, our goal is to shape the future of Indian fashion by nurturing confidence, culture, and community that will one day establish India as a fashion capital in its own right.”