Event Overview

The Italian Trade Agency, in collaboration with Confartigianato, the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and the Embassy of Italy, will present the “Eccellenza – The Artisans of Italian Style” showcase at Lakmé Fashion Week on 17 October 2026. The runway event is scheduled for 12 PM at the Taj Palace in New Delhi and will feature three Italian fashion labels: Avant Toi, LeoDean and UNBREAKIT.

Participating Labels and Collections

  • Avant Toi will unveil the collection titled “Traces of Memory”, inspired by the historic Salt Roads that linked the Mediterranean coast to the Alps. The line emphasizes material experimentation with lightweight cashmere gauzes, cotton ribbon yarns, mouliné knits, floral raffia embroidery, basketry‑inspired weaves, raw‑cut fabrics, delicate crochet, salt‑dyed textiles, time‑worn toile de Jouy prints and Provençal‑style florals.
  • LeoDean will debut its inaugural Spring/Summer 2027 collection “The Uniform of the Modern Mediterranean Nomad”. The theme draws on a nomadic woman moving between cities and coastlines such as Florence, Milan, Capri, Ibiza and Saint‑Tropez. The collection offers relaxed yet precise silhouettes, tactile technical and natural Italian fabrics, refined finishes and a wardrobe that transitions from travel‑daywear to evening occasions.
  • UNBREAKIT, founded in Milan by artist Silvano Negri and currently directed by Giorgia Both, will present an art‑led runway featuring expressive prints, individualistic silhouettes and Italian craftsmanship. All pieces are produced in Italy using locally sourced materials, reflecting the label’s focus on originality and wearable art.

Official Statements

Antonietta Baccanari, Trade Commissioner of the Italian Trade Agency and Embassy of Italy, said the showcase celebrates contemporary Italian fashion and the excellence of Made‑in‑Italy, highlighting the shared heritage of craftsmanship between Italy and India and opening new possibilities for collaboration. Sunil Sethi, Chairman of the FDCI, noted that the event strengthens cultural dialogue and underscores the importance of creative exchange between the two countries.

Partner Organisations

The event is jointly presented by the Italian Trade Agency, Confartigianato, the Fashion Design Council of India and the Embassy of Italy. It is part of Lakmé Fashion Week, organized by the House of Lakmé, India’s leading colour cosmetics and premium skincare brand owned by Hindustan Unilever Ltd. Lakmé operates more than 1,000 SKUs and has been a market leader since 1952.

About Reliance Brands Limited

Reliance Brands Limited (RBL), a subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd, partners with global luxury and premium fashion houses. Its portfolio includes Armani Exchange, Balenciaga, Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Hugo Boss, Valentino, Versace and many others. RBL currently runs 1,621 points of sale across India, comprising 934 standalone stores and 687 shop‑in‑shop locations. Over the past five years, RBL has also invested in homegrown designer brands and acquired the British toy retailer Hamleys, which operates 191 stores in 14 countries.

Media Contacts

  • Lakmé / FDCI: Ruchita Marda (ruchita.marda@unilever.com), Ritika Vadehra (media@fdci.org), Ritika Khandelwal (ritikakhandelwal01996@gmail.com)
  • Brand Talk Communications: Ruhani Singh Mann (ruhanimann@brandtalkindia.com), Shimona Dargan (shimonadargan@brandtalkindia.com)

The press release was issued on Tuesday, 13 October 2026 at 18:54 hrs.