ARCHANA RAO’S NOSTALGIC PARIS INSPIRED COLLECTION LEFT A LASTING IMPACT AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2015
When the inspiration is a 70 years old apartment in Paris with its treasure trove of memories, the collection has to have a nostalgic appeal. Archana Rao’s “The Apartment” for her ‘Frou-Frou’ label at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2015 revived the memories of a bygone Parisian era as she creatively merged colours and fabrics with romantic nuances.
Shades of a soft palette started with nudes, blush pinks, pearly whites and moved to strong hues of military green and ochré. Matching the gentle beauty of the colours was the mélange of fabrics that moved from versatile hosiery and frail nets, to pure cotton and sheer organza. Detailing played a soft symphony, as embroidered cut-work and pearl minutiae added to the ethereal touch but the silhouettes were kept relaxed yet regal.
The show opened with an ochré net skirt sprinkled with green tassels and white shirt with pink appliqués on shoulder. Next on the catwalk was a crêpe tulle gown with pink tassels, cutwork white shoulder cape over maxi and a white shirt worn with will-power slit kurta.
Net and solid fabrics worked well together, while patchwork quilted coat matched with shirt and trousers and a shaded pearl edged sari with cutwork cropped top added variety. Net capes appeared over sheaths and the rust pearl fringed toga, voluminous khaki net skirt and body-con dress with patched pockets created the mood.
Some interesting men’s wear appeared on the ramp where appliquéd shirts and jackets were teamed with relaxed trousers.
Stopping the show was the very petite Aditi Rao Hydari who glided down in an empire line light maroon layered cutwork gown.
For women who long for that nostalgic Parisian touch in their wardrobe “The Apartment” by Archana Rao is what they will opt for.
KARISHMA SHAHANI KHAN PAID HOMAGE TO INDIGO WITH HER “NEEL” COLLECTION AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2015
Indigo the eternal popular shade of blue loved by all from various walks of life, has been at the centre of fashion for decades. Paying homage to this eternal shade, Karishma Shahani Khan’s “Neel” collection at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2015 moved from comfort with functional detailing and then gradually went into traditional Asian mending and repairing techniques.
Boro, Sashika and Kantha gave the ensembles a richness that was timeless. The motifs were inspired by the blossoms that garland the blue skinned Indian deities with hints of vermillion and kumkum. Using fabulous hand woven silks, cottons, medium weight recycled denim and reused remnants of fabrics starting with Malkha cotton, ikats and hand woven silk; Karishma brought in a symphony of colours like white, red and mustard to balance the indigo shade.
Layered to perfection, the garments in varying lengths were perfectly balanced for each entry. Tiered dresses were matched with printed skirts and flared jackets; cross-over tie-up kurtas appeared with Capris while bias cut shirt was worn with shaded sari and asymmetrical sleeveless waistcoat. The cute arrow print appeared occasionally to highlight the ensembles along with other motifs. An eye-catcher was the looped flared reversible skirt and layers of soft jackets in varying silhouettes that added to the very folksy fun-filled nature of the collection.
When traditional weaves and colours come seamlessly together, then the result is the stunning “Neel” collection by Karishma Shahani Khan.
PRANAV MISHRA AND SHYAMA SHETTY SHOWCASED A NEO LUXE COLLECTION AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2015
From placement prints on black, white and grey last season, Pranav Mishra and Shyma Shetty for their “Huemn” label showcased a neo luxe collection at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2015. Combining luxury in comfort and vice versa, the designers brought in stark femininity that had a flirtatious fascination for masculine coordinates. Classic silhouettes were revised with 3D futuristic fabrics and New Age print treatments.
Easy-to-wear summer apparel was layered with handmade techniques and finishes for suiting fabrics that enhanced the collection to a premium level. To match the silhouettes and fabrics the luxurious colour story was woven around fuchsia and gold with sheer white for lush silk, cotton and knits.
In a fast paced show, the collection opened with a white double sleeved shirt, followed by a midi shirt splashed with an abstract design. Double breast jackets were in red with one button closure or in black pinstripes. Trousers were cut short above the ankle, while sheer covers made the shorts and shirts look dressy.
Abstract prints in black and white looked great for sheer covers over sheaths, a khaki flared white blotch print skirt, jumpsuit with net trail, red maxi with bold shimmer and the final white maxi embellished with feather like shredding with a sheer hem was an innovative end to the very practical but trendy collection.
For the Summer/Resort season of 2015 Pranav Mishra and Shyma Shetty’s “Huemn” label offered a bouquet of exotic ensembles to the adventurous trendsetters.
