DEBASHRI SAMANT HOOKED THE AUDIENCE WITH A SKILFULLY CRAFTED COLLECTION AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2014

Tussar, silk and woollen Jamdani came together for Debashri Samanta who enchanted the audience with her Vietnam inspired collection called “Hooked” at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014. 

Eager to recreate the rustic, rich culture of the Far Eastern country with touches of contemporary appeal, Debashri celebrated the beauty of old and new with creative vigour. The traditional Jamdani fish motifs and loose cotton of the fabric was engineered to suit New Age silhouettes. 

Debashri Samanta

Bringing to centre stage the stylishly torn hand knitted woollens, Debashri told a fashionable tale of craft, culture and hints of poverty from Vietnam’s exotic heritage. Fish and hook motifs were hand woven on the woollen Jamdani, as well as the shredded knit covers. The colour story was sombre with black, white, purple and grey being the base. 

Debashri Samanta

Opening the show with a printed coat over an asymmetric, knotted- at-the-hemline midi; Debashri followed it with a black jumpsuit with long crushed cotton hoodie. Woollen knit choli under a choir boy cape, front tie-up pants, boxy printed coat, over-lapping waist cropped pants, loose square kurta and a draw string gathered pleated skirt, were some of the interesting construction techniques that emerged on stage. To end the show Debashri brought in the knitted one-shoulder cover, a printed poncho and a one-shoulder long sleeve creation.

Debashri Samanta

For fashionistas who long for that exotic touch of the Far East mingled with Indian ethos, they will be “Hooked” on Debashri Samanta’s collection. 

DIVYA SHETH REINVENTED AJRAKH FOR HER STUNNING COLLECTION AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2014

Last season’s Gen Next designer Divya Sheth was inspired by tea tables with Ajrakh prints. For Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014, Divya once again worked with Ajrakh for a collection called “Ajrakh Jo Galicho” (Carpet of Ajrakh). Highlighting health conscious festive wear for spiritual souls, Divya had natural dyed Ajrakh with experimental Kalamkari, which was hand printed/painted and turned these two crafts into couture offerings.

Divya Seth

Indian hues lit up the ramp as haldi and kesari, Mehendi Sindoor, were created with pure turmeric, henna, madder flower and indigo. Adding Uzbek ikat, large doses of gotta, quilling, raffia tassels and safety pins, the winter collection of carpet dresses, scarves and draped garments were a visual delight to behold. 

Divya Seth

Colours were muted shades of khaki, brown; chutney and teal. The military like dress with raffia tassels, the wrap jumpsuit with woven shrug and the column creation with long sleeve tasselled bolero fitted into the theme perfectly.

Divya Seth

The multi fabric draped maxi added a feminine touch to the line, while the trio of indigo satin gowns with intricate embroidery on the sleeves and bodice, offered a more formal option. Dhoti pants were visible under long kameez and jacket, while the final khaki lehenga and printed kurta-coat with pleated 3D fan appliqués was a perfect answer to semi formal wear.

Divya Seth

The jewellery, which highlighted the creations was in copper and once again with raffia tassels and shimmering semi precious stones.

Working around a fluid flowing silhouette and asymmetry for the creations, Divya Sheth showcased a colourful line that will delight women who long for unconventional styling.

PURVI DOSHI MARRIED TWO CULTURES FOR A SUPERB COLLECTION AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2014

Purvi Joshi showcased her creative and innovative side at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014 by bringing in harmony between two cultures for her collection ‘Chavi’.

Purvi Doshi

Inspiration was drawn from the ever famous African ‘AZTEC’ prints which are trendy all over the world.  Purvi converted these prints to turn them into a ‘desi’ offering of glamorous fusion wear.

This change from international to hometown material was created with brilliant merging of the prints into mirror embroidery with subtlety of Kutch and Gujarat beaming through.

The garments looked melodious in sound hues of saffron, blue, chilli red, green and white, that effortlessly flowed into the silhouettes.

Purvi Doshi

The hand-work on the garments was the reflection of a dying art of mirror work by the rural crafts-people who were struggling to keep this tradition afloat.

This eye filling collection had maxis, saris paired with short kurtas along with flared blouses, tie and dye skirts as well as long kurtas with flared pants. This collection had variety of detailing like pleats, layering, gathers and keyholes. It was colourful and eclectic just like its mirror work. 

Purvi Doshi

Other enchanting ensembles were the Anarkalis that were rich in blue and had colourful edging details. Rajasthani bangles were also a major statement making accessory style that was adopted to complete the collection.

Purvi Doshi

Sonal Chauhan, star of the Bollywood hit film ‘Jaanat’ appeared wearing a sleeveless off-white blouse with a flared skirt embodying tons of mirror work. 

Purvi Doshi’s beautiful collection ‘Chavi’ not only brought the intricate Indian craft and culture onto the international fashion stage, but also managed to create awareness amongst the Indians on how important it is to “Wear Indian and be Indian”

SIDHARTH SINHA OF N & S GAIA BROUGHT EARTHY LUXURY AT JABONG STAGE DURING LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2014

Sidharth Sinha under his label ‘N&S Gaia’ showcased a city-chic collection titled ‘Meta Modernism’ at the Jabong Stage during Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014. 

Inspired by the beauty of butterflies this collection stuck to its roots using elements and motifs in nature for their grace, texture and beauty.

N&S GAIA

The colour palette comprised earthy tones such as champagne, pale green and nude, while darker tones of fairy green, earthy brown, stained white, deep violet and woody black added to the fantastical feel of this range.

N&S GAIA

 Luxurious fabrics like Bhagalpur silk, hand-spun wool, khadi silk, cotton blends and chanderi silk made their way onto the runway in the form of dresses, saris, jackets, gowns, capes and tops. 

The silhouettes were carefully constructed, with drapes taking centre stage in each design so as to give the outfits a feminine, free-flowing appeal.

N&S GAIA

The designer’s craftsmanship was displayed brilliantly when an interesting floral embroidered forest green dress with a touch of sparkle made its way onto the catwalk.

N&S GAIA

Keeping the collection simple yet stylish, the embellishments were restricted to Dakmanda hand plucking with more focus on the cuts and the paint-splatter like print on the fabrics. The crumbled finishes and Organic Iridescent textured dyes added to the innovative look.

N&S GAIA

Beautiful and timeless ‘Meta Modernism’ by Sidharth Sinha for his label N&S Gaia was one range that is sure to fly off the racks!

Lakme' Fashion Week Summer Resort 2014 Day 3 part 2

GAURANG SHAH’S “CHANDBALI” COLLECTION WAS A MYSTICAL SCINTILLATING LINE OF RARE BEAUTY AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

Mumbai, 14^th March 2014: Dedicated to the modern bride, Gaurang Shah’s “Chandbali” collection was a splendid line of regal ethnic wear at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014.

To the strains of lilting music by Ashok Gurjale, the show which was a rainbow of colours and styles created a feast for the eyes.

Gaurang

Combining the patterns of the antique odhnas from the Akbarnama with khadi, Gaurang ensured that the outfits had all the richness, beauty and auspicious touches of bridal finery. Motifs like gow-mata, chand-suraj, Buddha-pada were combined with Chandbali like embroidery. The colours caused a riot on the ramp as garments in surkh red, gulabi pink, zard yellow, narangi orange, sabz green were designed into majestic styles.

Reviving the jama, achkans, angarkha, sadri, shaluka, floor length kalidaar and lehenga with assi kalis, Gaurang ensured that the 21^st century bride had ample options. Bringing to centre stage the ancient Jamdani weaving technique, Gaurang’s “Chandbali” collection was poetry in fabric form as he presented the odhna weaves on organza while the embroidery on khadi recreated the antique zardosi style.

Gaurang

To end the show Gaurang had his favourite muse, the beautiful, elegant, dimpled Kirron Kher in a shocking pink brocade sari that glided down the ramp to thunderous applause.

When the bride wants to ensure that she is the cynosure of all eyes on the most important day of her life then Gaurang Shah’s “Chandbali” collection will create that magic.

PURVI DOSHI’S RENAISSANCE COLLECTION GAVE REBIRTH TO GLAMOROUS FASHION AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

Fascinated by nature and all things natural, Purvi Doshi’s collection called “Renaissance” created from the humble basic pure cotton fabric was a memorable presentation at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014.

Red, grey, khaki, deep green, ecru and indigo were combined with cultures and styles of Europe and Gujarat from 1400-1600 centuries and were the inspirations of the garments.

Purvi Doshi

Playing with silhouettes, Purvi dreamt up long gowns, blends of different sleeve designs, plunging low-back interest but added gathers and pleats to present unconventional garments. Choosing natural dyes from plants, animals and shells, Purvi’s collection also sent out a strong message to preserve the environment with sustainable fashion through embroidery featuring flora and fauna.

Purvi Doshi

The show opened with two majestic full circle floor length gowns with a marked Lambadi touch. Soon flared minis, long sleeved collared kurtas, waisted black dress with print/embellishment and kedia inspired tops swirled down the catwalk.

Boleros with cut-out sleeves and kurtas with high slit sleeves, printed palazzos and stylish covers completed the collection. Purvi ended the show with multiple colour blocked diaphanous gowns that were luxurious in their style and design.

‘Be fashionable but respect the earth’ declared Purvi Doshi with her “Renaissance” collection.

SHRUTI SANCHETI’S “LE PONDI” COLLECTION WAS AN ETHEREAL OFFERING ON THE RAMP AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

Inspired by the beauty of Pondicherry Shruti Sancheti’s “Le Pondi” collection for Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014 had all the gentle tranquil influences of the city. Merging the grandeur of French and European influences with Tamilian sensibilities; the collection was a fashionable mix of intricately woven Temple weaves with a trendy twist given to the pastel colour borders. Expertly woven with a 150 thread count, the base fabric was teamed with silk, natural calico cotton, lace and cotton silk.

Blossoms appeared artistically on the fabrics in the form of screen and block prints to add a European-Boho ambience to the collection. Working around romantic silhouettes that swirled down the ramp; Shruti presented midis, maxis, voluminous jumpsuits, asymmetrical dresses and jackets with marked French influence.

Shruti Sancheti

Indian silhouettes were added as kurtas, tunics and saris brought in the oriental flavour on the catwalk. Colours created a riot of hues as aqua, coral, canary, moss and mint in green shades and powder blue, yellow, lilac; bubble gum pink brought a refreshing feel on the catwalk.

Shruti Sancheti

Detailing was in the form of long/short stitches, cutwork, French knots and cross stitch. Swallow tail tops, lace yokes for the back, sleeves and as edging for hemlines, interesting apron-like layers over maxis and tiny floral cutwork bolero gave the collection the finishing touch. Saris too were treated with prints or lace to match the theme of the show.

The show witnessed the who’s who of the town including included: Sangita Jindal, Rashmi Thackeray, Shaina NC Urvashi Lottakiya, VJ Andy and Kim Sharma, applauding for Shruti.

Ideal for the globetrotting woman, who adores the crafts, weaves and textures of India, Shruti Sancheti’s “Le Pondi” collection had marked international appeal.

DESIGNERS AIMAN AGHA AND ARMAAN RANDHAWA CREATED A SURREAL FASHION COLLECTION AT JABONG STAGE DURING LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

Designer duo Aiman Agha and Armaan Randhawa under their label ‘ARMAAN AIMAN’ showcased a surreal, fantasy-meets-fashion collection titled ‘Buddalicious’ at Jabong Stage during Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014.

Armaan Aiman

Staying true to their design philosophy of experimental expression, the range which was inspired by the intricacy and artistry of tapestry made use of exquisite embroidery and meticulous tailoring in raw, earthy fabrics to create diverse pieces for the modern sophisticated urban Indian woman. The chakras were also an inspiration through lines and the lotus motifs that appeared on the garments.

The colour palette was simple, blacks and whites helped set the mood as textures, prints and embellishments took centre stage on pieces like skirts, trousers, tops, blazers, shorts and dresses.

Armaan Aiman

A constant theme within the collection was the Buddha print which worked to set a spiritual, philosophical undertone to the collection. The designers also used gold accents to add a touch of glam to their range.

Armaan Aiman

Calm and charming, Aiman Agha and Armaan Randhawa’s label ‘ARMAAN AIMAN’ is perfect for those fashionistas who like to wear not just their heart, but also their mind on their sleeve.

KARISHMA JAMWAL PRESENTED A BREEZY SUMMER COLLECTION AT JABONG STAGE DURING LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

Mumbai, 14^th March 2014: Karishma Jamwal under her ‘Lotus Sutr’ showcased an elegant, ethereal range inspired by Egyptian and Persian aesthetics and culture at Jabong Stage during Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014.

Lotus Sutr

The designer worked with surface textures along with embellishments comprising old coins and keys on luxurious fabrics like lightweight chiffon and silk fabric to give her collection a breezy-summery vibe. 

Lotus Sutr

Bright hues of pop saffron, olive, pale blue, sunny yellow, ash beige and cream graced flowing silhouettes with soft cuts reminiscent of desert sand dunes.

Dresses, long tops, sleeveless jackets, shrugs, cloaks, dhoti skirts and trousers gave her line an Indo-Western appeal. It was further enhanced with fabric accents, material beadwork, deep necklines, gathers, pleats, layers and subtle urban stylised prints.

Lotus Sutr

A mustard toned kaftan with heavy work around the neck and muted prints was a statement piece that beautifully showcased the designer’s skill.

Modern yet traditional, bold and beautiful Karishma Jamwal’s label ‘Lotus Sutr’ is sure to leave any urban woman wanting more.