IMAGES: Is THIS the future of Indian fashion?

Day One of Lakme Fashion Week kicked off with a showing by the new talent. And they're not afraid of unleashing their creativity and taking risks -- check it out!

It's the age of heel-less platforms, masculine looks for women and the death of sensible style.

Eight new designers took to the LFW ramp for the first time today to drive that very point home. Lady Gaga would be proud!

Farah Sanjana's collection 'Collars Galore' laid emphasis on blends of origami, metal work and architectural shapes; Mohammed Javed Khan's label 'Ex-pression-ist' offered young, edgy menswear; duo Shashank Raja and Prajwal Badwe fused the Elizabethan era and Indian royalty; Siddarth Arya's 'Steam Punk' line picked up on the cult punk movement of the 1980s;  'Retarded Velvet' by Canadian twosome Teresa and Roger oozed unisex appeal; Urmi Ghosh's 'Maar and Moumoune' collection was inspired by the tragic love story of Pablo Picasso and his beloved Dora
Maar; Thinles Chosdup and Nirajara Adhya came up with a collection named after their label, Koslak, which showcased traditional costumes of Ladakh; and Nikhil Thampi stuck to the winter/festive theme with deconstructed silhouettes.

Here's a collective look at their diverse lines, starting with this heavy-duty armoured corset and ruffled skirt, with sheer printed leggings.

Next is a pair of denims with sparkly drape worn over another gleaming corset with armour accoutrements. Wonder how the model could see through those zany gold shades?

Layer upon layer creates a curious effect -- kurta, jacket, bowtie, pocket handkerchief...and the pants are rolled up at the ankles.

Another men's get-up from the same line offers denims, a pink drawstring at the waist and vest underneath the belted coat.

Sari? Not quite. But this dip-dye ensemble certainly fits the bill, what say?

Sheer drapes cascade over a bodysuit that ends in pencil-cut crops.

A long olive vest sets off this close-necked shirt and patchy denims.

Freddy Daruwala models an asymmetrical studded vest worn over a shirt.

This puffball tulle dress shows off a strong combination of colours -- deep blue and orange.

High-waisted pants and a puffed sleeve shirt create a sophisticated look.

This woven number has overlapping panels in peach and beige, while the knee-high socks add an unusual touch.

An exaggerated collar stands out atop this pleated front-fastening top.

The hues on this tasselled get-up are so bright even the model is wearing shades!

Seems this outfit seems fashioned from a bright striped shawl and a black rouched bodysuit.

The GenNext showing draws to a close with all the designers taking to the ramp with a selection of their creations.