Designer Richa Khemka brought a study in contrasts to the runway at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI, presented by Maruti Suzuki Nexa, with her latest collection, VESPER. Showcased under the NEXA Presents The Spotlight platform, the collection explored the idea of being seen without revealing every aspect of oneself.
Actor Diana Penty walked as the showstopper, wearing an embellished black bralette with a black-and-white fringed skirt, a high slit and a black cummerbund belt featuring silver embroidery. Intricate detailing, layers of fringe and a restrained colour palette brought texture and movement to the look.
Rooted in the theme of The Unseen, VESPER explored identity, perception and the freedom to define oneself on one's own terms. Sculptural silhouettes, sheer organza, layered transparencies, reflective surfaces and intricate embroidery came together in shades of black, white, silver and metallics.
Speaking exclusively to HT Shop Now at the fashion week, Khemka shared the thinking behind her latest collection, the fashion staples she believes consumers should invest in and her advice for translating runway style into everyday dressing.
Richa Khemka on the inspiration behind VESPER and the fashion trends to invest in
Q. What inspired your latest collection at Lakmé Fashion Week, and what story did you want to tell through its silhouettes, colours and craftsmanship?
Richa Khemka: The colour palette is strongly monochrome. In terms of the concept, we were working with a theme called The Unseen. It is about the ability to hold yourself back and not reveal every aspect of yourself. I feel there is glamour in that, and that is what we tried to bring through the collection.
Q. Which fashion trends do you believe Indian consumers should invest in this season, and which ones do you think are simply social media hype?
Richa Khemka: I love a classic blazer or a classic pantsuit.
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Q. How can someone recreate the essence of runway fashion in their everyday wardrobe without spending a fortune?
Richa Khemka: One thing stands out, and everything else is very simple. That is how you can make a statement and still look classic, without trying too hard.
VESPER explores the power of what remains unseen
The collection's central idea extended beyond monochrome dressing. VESPER explored the different facets of a woman's identity and the freedom to decide what she chooses to reveal and what she keeps private.
Its design language brought together architectural forms, unconventional fabric manipulation, dimensional textures and artisanal craftsmanship. Sheer layers and reflective surfaces introduced a play of light and shadow, while the black, white, silver and metallic palette gave the collection a distinctive edge.
Diana Penty's showstopper look reflected this interplay of structure and texture. The embellished black bralette, fringed skirt and silver-embroidered belt combined a restrained colour story with intricate detailing and movement.
For Khemka, the collection was also about moving beyond the expectation that women should present a single, easily defined version of themselves. Instead, VESPER celebrated a woman who could be bold yet introspective, striking yet elusive.
Khemka, who launched her eponymous label in 2015 after a background in finance, has developed a design approach that combines traditional handwork with contemporary silhouettes. With VESPER, she brought that sensibility to a collection centred on individuality, quiet confidence and the many dimensions of personal style.
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- What inspired Richa Khemka’s VESPER collection at Lakmé Fashion Week?
Richa Khemka explored the theme of “The Unseen”, using a monochrome palette to express identity, restraint and the power of keeping parts of oneself hidden.
- Who walked as the showstopper for Richa Khemka at Lakmé Fashion Week?
Actor Diana Penty walked as the showstopper for Richa Khemka’s VESPER collection at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI, presented by Maruti Suzuki NEXA.
- How can you recreate runway fashion on a budget?
Khemka suggests letting one standout piece take centre stage while keeping the rest of the outfit simple for a classic, polished look.
- What fashion trends does Richa Khemka recommend investing in this season?
Khemka recommends timeless wardrobe staples such as a classic blazer or pantsuit, which can be styled across occasions.
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