Partnership Overview

American Express Banking Corp., India has become the Experience Partner for the October 2026 edition of Lakmé Fashion Week, organized in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). The six‑day event will be held in New Delhi from 13 October to 18 October 2026, with the main Fashion Week programme staged at the Taj Palace from 14 October to 18 October 2026.

Card‑Member Benefits

Eligible American Express Card Members may reserve front‑row seats for runway shows scheduled between 14 October and 18 October 2026. Reservations are allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis and are subject to availability and the standard terms, conditions and eligibility criteria. Card Members whose reservations are confirmed will also gain access to a dedicated VIP Lounge, providing curated hospitality alongside the front‑row experience.

Brand Experience Zone

In addition to the member‑only benefits, American Express will operate a brand experience zone that is open to all attendees of Lakmé Fashion Week. The zone will feature an experiential installation inspired by American Express’s signature blue colour and an interactive photo‑booth, offering visitors additional ways to engage with the brand during the event.

Statements

Sanjay Khanna, CEO and Country Manager of American Express India, said that the partnership “brings our Card Members closer to the experiences they’re passionate about… offering the opportunity to experience the energy of the runway from the front row, complemented by curated hospitality.” Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President of Reliance Brands Limited, the organiser of Lakmé Fashion Week, noted that the collaboration “extends the experience of Lakmé Fashion Week… bringing together fashion and curated access… creating relevant touchpoints for Card Members as well as visitors.”

Media Contacts

  • Lakmé: Ruchita Marda (ruchita.marda@unilever.com)
  • American Express: Abhishank Babbar (Abhishank.Babbar@aexp.com)
  • FDCI: Ritika Khandelwal (ritikakhandelwal01996@gmail.com)
  • Reliance Brands (BrandTalk Communications): Ruhani Singh Mann (ruhanimann@brandtalkindia.com), Shimona Dargan (shimonadargan@brandtalkindia.com)

About the Entities

House of Lakmé is Hindustan Unilever Ltd’s premium colour‑cosmetics and skincare brand, operating since 1952 with more than 1,000 SKUs.

American Express (NYSE: AXP) is a global payments and premium‑lifestyle company founded in 1850, headquartered in New York, offering a range of products and services to consumers and businesses worldwide.

Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) is a non‑profit apex body representing over 400 fashion designers, dedicated to promoting Indian fashion and the “Make in India” initiative.

Reliance Brands Limited (RBL), a subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd, was established in 2007 to launch and manage global luxury and premium fashion and lifestyle brands in India. RBL currently operates 1,621 doors, comprising 934 stores and 687 shop‑in‑shops, and has invested in homegrown designer brands and the acquisition of British toy retailer Hamleys, which operates 191 stores across 14 countries.