Mumbai, 24 March 2025 -Pearl Academy, India’s leading creative education institution established in 1993, in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), is proud to present ‘FIRST CUT,’its groundbreaking student showcase at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI on March 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM in Mumbai.
This year’s theme, “Find Your Self,” is inspired by the upcoming film Mannu Kya Karegga, which is based on the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai: The Secret to a Long and Happy Life. The showcase delves into the emotional, psychological, and societal shifts shaping today’s youth, offering a profound exploration of fashion, resilience, and the human spirit.
The philosophy of Ikigai teaches that true happiness lies at the intersection of passion, mission, vocation, and profession. Through fashion, Pearl Academy’s students translate these essential pillars into a visual and tactile narrative, reflecting on the aftermath of global catastrophes and the search for happiness in an uncertain world.
A Platform for Emerging Talent
FIRST CUT stands as a testament to Pearl Academy’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of fashion innovators. For years, the institution has provided its students with a platform to showcase their creativity at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI, one of the most prestigious events in the industry. This collaboration with FDCI underscores Pearl Academy’s dedication to excellence and its pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian fashion.
Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, said, “At FDCI, we are committed to providing emerging talent with meaningful opportunities to shape their future in fashion. FIRST CUT is a platform that nurtures young student designers from Pearl Academy and gives them the exposure they need to make an impact in the industry. Fashion is an evolving dialogue, and this showcase allows students to engage with its transformative power. We look forward to witnessing their vision come to life on the runway.”
Thematic Acts: A Journey to Find Your Self
The showcase takes audiences on a transformative journey through four thematic acts, each a pillar of Ikigai, guiding the search for self-discovery. It begins with PASSION: “Make Nothing from Scratches”, where raw creativity meets sustainability as students breathe new life into deadstock fabrics, crafting bold, rebellious silhouettes that symbolize the courage to create from within. Next, SUCCESS: “Juxtapose” challenges conventional notions of achievement, blending unexpected layers and unconventional styling to reflect the evolving, often contradictory paths to finding one’s true self. PURPOSE: “Reimagine” delves into tradition, reinventing Indian pattern-cutting techniques to create garments that honor heritage while embracing a global identity, symbolizing the quest for deeper meaning and authenticity. The journey culminates in LOVE: “Love is Blind”, a vibrant celebration of love in all its forms—innocent, digital, mature, and beyond—exploring how connection and inclusivity help us understand ourselves and others. Together, these acts weave a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is visually stunning, inviting audiences to reflect on their journey to ‘Find Your Self’ in a rapidly evolving world.
FIRST CUT has a rich history of addressing global issues through fashion. Past editions have explored themes like the post-COVID world, the impact of wars and natural disasters, India’s moon landing, and the rise of AI. This year, the focus shifts inward, urging audiences to rethink success, purpose, and joy in an era defined by uncertainty.
For Pearl Academy students, FIRST CUT is more than a fashion show—it’s a life-changing opportunity to present their work on a national stage, gain recognition from industry leaders, and take their first steps toward a successful career in fashion. Students from Fashion Design and Fashion Styling are collaboratively working on this showcase, blending technical craftsmanship with artistic vision. Each thematic area is meticulously curated, from concept development to garment construction and styling, ensuring a holistic and immersive fashion experience.
FIRST CUT at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI is more than just a runway show—it is a statement, a reflection, and a dialogue on the realities shaping our world.This season, we invite audiences to embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring identity, purpose, and authenticity through a thought-provoking, emotionally charged showcase. Witness how the next generation of designers redefines fashion as a medium for finding oneself in an era defined by uncertainty and transformation.
Event Detail
- Date: March 30, 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM
- Venue: JIO World Centre, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai
Join us as we redefine happiness and resilience through the art of fashion. Witness the future of fashion unfold on the runway, as the next-gen designers from Pearl Academy take center stage
