At Lakmē Fashion Week 2026 in partnership with FDCI, Shahin Mannan presented I AM, a collection that questioned the identities we inherit and the expectations that shape who we become. Rooted in individuality and self-expression, the collection explored what it means to define yourself on your own terms, without feeling bound by convention.
Moving between sharp tailoring and relaxed proportions, I AM brought together denim, Japanese crepe, Swiss poplin, suede leather and cotton silks, giving familiar wardrobe staples an unexpected edge. Intricate hand embroidery emerged as a defining feature, with moths, dragonflies, wasps, abstract forms and graphic text transforming garments into expressive, almost illustrative artworks. Through exaggerated proportions, contrasting textures and instinctive detailing, Mannan challenged the familiar without losing sight of wearability.
We caught up with Shahin Mannan to talk about the ideas behind the collection, the role of embroidery in expressing identity, and dressing without the need for permission or explanation.
FL: I AM is centred on individuality and the freedom to define yourself. What was the personal thought or experience that first sparked this collection?
SM: I’ve always believed that you should be able to define yourself on your own terms. We spend so much time living by what is expected of us. I AM is about stepping away from that and being comfortable with who you are, without needing anyone’s approval.
FL: Denim takes centre stage in I AM, alongside Japanese crepe, Swiss poplin, jersey, suede leather and cotton silks. What made denim the starting point, and how did you use contrasting fabrics to build its visual identity?
SM: Denim has an honesty and an ease to it. It’s something everyone relates to, but it can be interpreted in so many different ways. I wanted to bring it together with sharper fabrics like Japanese crepe and Swiss poplin, creating a contrast between structure and ease. That balance is very much a part of the Shahin Mannan aesthetic.
FL: Your hand embroidery features moths, insects, dragonflies, wasps and graphic text. What do these motifs represent within I AM, and how do you decide which ideas translate into embroidery?
SM: The motifs are an extension of the collection’s individuality. I’m drawn to insects because they are unusual, often misunderstood, and have a character of their own. I like taking these elements and translating them into hand embroidery. For me, it’s about the idea first, and then finding the right way to bring it to life through craft.
FL: Where do you see I AM fitting into the current fashion landscape, and what makes this collection distinctly Shahin Mannan?
SM: I think I AM is relevant because it encourages people to dress for themselves rather than follow trends blindly. What makes it distinctly Shahin Mannan is the combination of strong silhouettes, unexpected details and hand craftsmanship. I’ve always wanted to create wearable art that has a point of view but still feels natural to live in.
FL: What’s next for Shahin Mannan after Lakmē Fashion Week?
SM: We’re focused on taking the collection forward and bringing more of it to our customers through our stores and online. We’re also continuing to build our retail presence. For me, it’s always about evolving, experimenting and staying true to our own vision rather than following a formula.
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