"There was this feeling of nostalgia in the collection."
Indian designer Anamika Khanna’s label AK|OK made a highly anticipated debut at London Fashion Week, unveiling a collection that reimagined Indian artistry through a deeply nostalgic lens.
The show was staged at Hamleys, the world’s most iconic toy store, chosen to embody the collection’s themes of memory and wonder.
For Khanna, the move to London marked a pivotal step in her brand’s international journey after hosting eight celebrated shows in India over four years.
“London was a very natural choice for us because it is so open and accepting of different cultures and experimentations,” she explained.
“Our brand bridges the gap between how dressing in India has always been perceived and the reality, that it is very modern.”
The runway unfolded as more than just fashion, instead telling a story of roots rediscovered.
Khanna traced her journey back to her grandmother’s home in Rajasthan, where a time capsule of hand-embroidered skirts, woven shawls and relics of childhood memories reawakened her heritage.
Hamleys mirrored this sentiment, inviting audiences to revisit their own childhoods as they stepped inside.
“There was this feeling of nostalgia in the collection,” Khanna said.
“This girl went back to her grandmother’s home after many years, and it evoked these childhood memories. The same feeling came when you entered Hamleys; everyone was transported back.”
The garments reflected this emotional journey with bold, graphic prints inspired by Indian mythology and astrology, each carrying a sense of childlike wonder.
Chikankari embroidery, often seen as formal, appeared in unexpected contexts such as a statement coat draped over slouchy trousers, blending tradition with ease.
Silver elements, referencing Indian jewellery, were reworked with jeans, skirts, and boots, pushing boundaries of how heritage crafts could be worn.
The collection challenged stereotypes that Indian fashion is “too ethnic” or “too formal.”
Instead, it revealed fluid silhouettes and styling that seamlessly merged coats, tops, and jewellery into modern wardrobes.
“For so many years, eastern culture has been perceived as costume, not wearable in everyday life,” Khanna said.
“It’s about looking at these elements in a modern way, whether they belong today.”
Beyond style, AK|OK posed deeper questions about pace and value in an increasingly digital world.
“I just wanted to bring back the feeling of being present for one minute,” Khanna reflected.
“To emotionally not be in a rush, and to value things that may disappear as we digitise everything.
“The beauty of what we have always had is unmatched, and I want it to remain.”
The show attracted high-profile attendees, including Bollywood stars Sonam Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez, adding a glamorous touch to the already momentous occasion.
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