Avant Toi, LeoDean and UnbreakIT bring the artistry and mastery of Made in Italy to the Indian runway
The Italian Trade Agency (ITA), in collaboration with Confartigianato and the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), presented three distinctive Italian fashion labels — Avant Toi, LeoDean and UnbreakIT — at Lakmé Fashion Week 2026 on Saturday, 17 October, at 12 noon at Taj Palace, New Delhi.
Titled Eccellenza: The Artisans of Italian Style, the showcase celebrated contemporary Italian fashion, bringing together the rich heritage of Italian craftsmanship, artistic expression and innovative design. Supported by Camera Showroom Milano, the presentation highlighted the distinct creative identities of the three labels, offering a glimpse into the diverse interpretations of Italian luxury and artisanal excellence.
The showcase underscored the shared appreciation for craftsmanship that connects Italy and India, bringing together two cultures with deep-rooted traditions of handmade artistry and an enduring commitment to creativity.
Avant Toi: Traces of Memory
Founded in 1994 by Fiorella and Mirko Ghignone, Avant Toi is renowned for its experimental approach to fine knitwear, transforming precious materials such as cashmere and silk through hand-painting, colour experimentation and artisanal treatments.
At Lakmé Fashion Week 2026, the brand presented its Spring/Summer 2027 collection, Traces of Memory, inspired by nature and the ancient Salt Roads stretching between the Ligurian coast, the sea, the Alps and Provence.
The collection explored the relationship between landscape, memory and the passage of time through distinctive textures, raw-cut fabrics, basketry-inspired cashmere gauzes and experimental dyeing techniques. Floral raffia embroideries, time-worn prints and a palette inspired by Mediterranean landscapes reflected the brand’s signature interplay of craftsmanship, experimentation and artistic imperfection.
LeoDean: Between Land and Water
Led by Olivia and Natalia Beach, LeoDean presented a contemporary Mediterranean aesthetic rooted in movement, exploration and understated sophistication. The brand’s design philosophy centres on creating enduring garments that balance precision, quality and effortless versatility.
Drawing inspiration from the relationship between land and water, the collection explored fluid silhouettes, transparency, tactile textures and prints influenced by reflections on water, natural landscapes and changing light. A palette spanning mineral neutrals, sun-faded tones and aquatic shades captured the spirit of a modern wardrobe designed to transition seamlessly from day to evening.
UnbreakIT: Dall’Alba alla Notte
Founded by artist Silvano Negri, UnbreakIT brings art and fashion together through distinctive prints and carefully crafted garments. With Giorgia Both leading the creative direction, the brand transforms artistic narratives into wearable pieces, produced in Italy using printed silk, fluid jersey and locally sourced materials.
The collection, Dall’Alba alla Notte, meaning “from dawn to night”, traced the passage of a single day through colour, light and the changing moods of the sky. Inspired by the sea, the looks moved from luminous sand and rippling blue tones to the deeper hues of evening, creating a visual narrative that celebrated individuality, artistic expression and the belief that lightness and strength can coexist.
Through the showcase, the Italian Trade Agency reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the excellence of Made in Italy fashion and supporting Italian businesses in international markets. The presentation offered Indian audiences an opportunity to discover three distinctive design perspectives, each rooted in craftsmanship while embracing contemporary creativity.
“Eccellenza represents the pinnacle of authentic Made in Italy fashion, where exceptional craftsmanship, quality and creativity come together. Through Avant Toi, LeoDean and UnbreakIT, we are delighted to bring the diversity and soul of Italian design to India. This showcase celebrates the shared appreciation for artisanal excellence between Italy and India, demonstrating how craftsmanship and fashion can connect cultures across borders.”
About the Italian Trade Agency (ITA)
The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) is the Italian government agency that supports the business development of Italian companies abroad and promotes the attraction of foreign investment to Italy. Through its international network of offices, ITA provides information, assistance, consulting, promotion and training to Italian small and medium-sized enterprises. Leveraging contemporary communication and promotional tools, the agency works to promote the excellence of Made in Italy across global markets.
About Avant Toi
Founded in 1994 by Fiorella and Mirko Ghignone within Liapull, the family knitwear company established in Genoa in 1955, Avant Toi combines decades of expertise in fine knitwear with continuous experimentation and innovation.
Under the creative direction of Mirko Ghignone, materials such as cashmere and silk are transformed through hand-painting, airbrush colouring, action painting and experimental treatments. Each garment is individually crafted, creating distinctive pieces that bring together Italian craftsmanship, technical research and artistic expression.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avant_toi.it/
Website: https://www.avant-toi.it/
About LeoDean
LeoDean is a contemporary fashion brand founded by Olivia and Natalia Beach, shaped by a cosmopolitan outlook and a spirit of exploration. With an emphasis on precision, quality and longevity, the brand creates thoughtfully crafted garments designed to transcend fleeting trends. Its aesthetic combines understated sophistication with a sense of freedom and movement, reflecting a modern approach to dressing.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leodeanofficial/
Website: https://leo-dean.com/
About UnbreakIT
Established by artist Silvano Negri in Milan, UnbreakIT is a family-run fashion enterprise that brings art into everyday dressing. Joined by her daughters Lara and Mila, and with Giorgia Both leading the brand’s creative direction, the label transforms original artworks into distinctive garments.
Each piece is made in Italy using locally sourced materials and the expertise of local artisans, reflecting the brand’s philosophy that every piece is unique, just like you.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbreak.it/
Website: https://unbreakit.eu/
