Day 1&2 at Lakme Fashion Week prove to be an eclectic mix of vogue
Day 1 at the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014 held at Palladium Hotel in Mumbai continued on an eclectic footing with styles ranging from western street chic to hand-woven desi ensembles.
Day 1 at the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014 held at Palladium Hotel in Mumbai continued on an eclectic footing with styles ranging from western street chic to hand-woven desi ensembles.
One of the most awaited shows of the afternoon was by sister duo Kaabia and Sasha Grewal-and their jewellery label 'Outhouse'- who showcased a baroque collection of gold and pearl-studded trinkets inspired by Greek and Roman medallions. Choker necklaces, body harnesses, embellished gloves and maang tikkas with gold leaves were highlights of their creation that complimented the asymmetrical dresses crafted by Jatin Varma.
In contrast, Gaurav Jai Gupta's label 'Akaaro' showcased earthy, hand-woven saris and loose maxi dresses with golden and silver undertones. Fabrics like fulia, lycra, silk and zari work were used for a variety of local traditions such as Bengal, Benarasi and Chanderi. Moving east, the Jabong stage transported inspiration to Naga warriors with Asa Kazingmei's armour-like collection. The show began with a traditional war dance high on drama.
Four Pakistani designers added a pop of colour on the runway, especially with Rizwan Beyg's collection of peppy and girly combinations like off-shoulder tops, pleated skirts, flared pants, saris and dresses. Even the boys got a dose of colour with bright patterned jackets. Young Karachi designer Sania Maskatiya , on the other hand, took to a more subtle palette of white and blue tones with trousers, tops and kurtas in sharp cuts.
British brand River Island was launched at the event by Jabong that featured a variety of young, high street dressing options for both men and women. Actress Kriti Sanon walked as its youthful showstopper in a shimmering gold loose top, silver skirt and strappy black block heels. The styling, however, in general didn't make the cut.
Meanwhile designer Laila Singh made her debut on stage with a sleek range of western wear in monotone shades created under her label 'Social Butterfly'. Former model and VJ Kamal Sidhu walked the ramp in a dress that attempted to channel the Victoria's Secret winged angels. Though the jewellery made a statement, it didn't go well with the modern feel of the collection.
Reliance Jewels ended the day on a high note with Anju Modi's bridal wear 'Mahikarnika' that was inspired by Ajanta and Ellora cave paintings and the Khajuraho sculptures. Attention to detail was a delight to the eye, especially the lehengas with carriages embroidered on it. Showstopper Jacqueline Fernandez walked the ramp with confidence in her eyes until her lehenga got caught in her footwear and she nearly stumbled upon it, following which she continuously flashed her gorgeous smile and made sure people could not take their eyes off her as she cut a stunning picture in the red lehenga with a gold embroidered full-sleeved blouse with mesh panels, and a white dupatta with red velvet and gold border.
However, the real stars of the day were confident kids at Hamley's show that was in association with Hot Wheels and Barbie. Though the designs offered nothing new, the fabulous attitude of the young models won the hearts of audience.
WOVEN HERITAGE
Day 2 on Thursday was dedicated to handloom, and began with Minister of Textiles Santosh Gangwar meeting fashion insiders and inaugurating the show. While Debashri Samant hooked the audience with traditional Jamdani fish motifs on loose cotton ensembles in black, white, purple and grey, last season's Gen Next designer Divya Sheth took to ajrakh prints and churned out some very chic designs in copper undertones.
The showstopper for the morning was actress Konkona Sen Sharma who walked for Anavila Sandhu Mishra in rhythm with the loud applause for her. The collection titled 'Mohenjoc Daro' was a treat to witness as it included an austere simplicity with loosely tied saris and woven shirt-blouses in gold, glimmering reds, blue and silver accents.
Konkona exuded charisma on the ramp as she walked in a mustard yellow sari and gold blouse. Her look was completed with a bun, a bronze coin-necklace, a white sandalwood paste bindi and silver heels.
Sen later shared, "I personally feel a strong connect with Anavila's clothes in terms of style and colours." Speaking about her absence from the film industry in the past few years, she said, "I was busy doing a Bengali film and I will be doing Meghna Gulzar's next. And I have a three-year-old who's keeping me busy. I'm also writing a script and hope to direct soon."
Actress Priyanka Bose also walked the ramp for Anavila in a white-and-blue wide draped sari with an ancient pattern embroidery near the neck.