Designer Anurag Gupta brought a powerful story of craftsmanship, sustainability and women’s empowerment to Lakmé Fashion Week 2026 with his collection, Artisanal. Presented on October 16, 2026, at Taj Palace, New Delhi, the showcase highlighted the experiences of women affected by generations of prostitution and limited economic opportunities.
Through the collection, Gupta aimed to create meaningful livelihood opportunities for women associated with sex work while celebrating traditional craftsmanship and innovative textile design.
The designer discussed the inspiration behind Artisanal, his efforts to support women from his hometown region and the challenges of building trust within marginalised communities.
Anurag Gupta Shares the Inspiration Behind His Artisanal Collection
Anurag Gupta explained that everyday experiences and overlooked elements of daily life often influence his creative process. His latest collection reflected this approach by transforming abstract textile concepts and unconventional materials into contemporary fashion.
A central inspiration behind Artisanal was the lives of sex workers from his hometown village, referred to as Bishnor during the interview. Gupta expressed his desire to help these women achieve financial independence by involving them in the production process of his fashion label.
The initiative focuses on women who are either currently involved in sex work or have previously worked in the profession. By introducing opportunities in artisanal craftsmanship, the designer hopes to provide them with a sustainable source of income and greater economic independence.
However, Gupta acknowledged that establishing trust remains a significant challenge. He explained that hesitation and a lack of mutual confidence have made collaboration difficult, but his label is working towards building stronger relationships with the women.
He also indicated that the coming months could bring more substantial contributions from these artisans, with opportunities for them to earn regular salaries through their involvement in the collection.
How Water Hyacinth Became a Key Element of the Collection
One of the defining features of Anurag Gupta’s Artisanal collection was its innovative use of Jalkumbhi, commonly known as water hyacinth.
Usually considered an invasive aquatic plant and an environmental problem, water hyacinth was reimagined as a valuable resource for sustainable craftsmanship. Gupta explored how the plant could be transformed into functional materials while generating employment opportunities for women in Biskohar.
The process involves harvesting, drying and treating the plant to extract fibres that can be woven into durable textiles and handcrafted products.
This material experimentation formed the foundation of the collection’s design approach. Structured tailoring was combined with naturally woven textures, layered construction and carefully manipulated fabric surfaces.
Architectural silhouettes and intricate handcrafted details further highlighted the connection between traditional techniques, natural resources and contemporary fashion.
Anurag Gupta’s Runway Presentation at Lakmé Fashion Week 2026
The runway showcase opened with a video featuring women working with different textile materials. The presentation introduced the audience to the people and craftsmanship behind the collection, establishing a connection between the garments and the designer’s broader vision.
On the runway, Artisanal featured sculptural silhouettes, earthy colour palettes and experimental fabric treatments. Oversized shapes, prominent woven elements and unfinished-looking textile details contributed to the collection’s distinctive visual identity.
The garments combined traditional craftsmanship with modern construction techniques, demonstrating how unconventional materials could be incorporated into contemporary fashion.
Through textured surfaces and innovative silhouettes, Gupta highlighted the creative possibilities of sustainable design while drawing attention to the skilled work involved in producing each piece.
A Fashion Collection Focused on Women’s Empowerment
Beyond its creative presentation, Anurag Gupta’s Artisanal collection reflected his efforts to connect fashion with social and economic opportunities for marginalised women.
By exploring the potential of water hyacinth and encouraging women affected by sex work to participate in artisanal production, the designer sought to establish a relationship between sustainable materials, traditional skills and financial independence.
His Lakmé Fashion Week 2026 showcase brought these ideas together, presenting contemporary menswear and experimental craftsmanship as part of a wider effort to support women’s livelihoods.
With Artisanal, Gupta demonstrated how a fashion collection can highlight the experiences of communities whose stories often remain outside the spotlight while creating opportunities through design and craftsmanship.