WITH DIVINE INSPIRATIONS GAURANG SHAH’S “KALPAVRIKSHA” COLLECTION WAS A VISUAL TREAT AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2015
This season it was the divine tree in Hindu mythology that inspired Gaurang Shah’s collection called “Kalpavriksha” at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2015.
Gaurang winner of many awards for his work with Indian textiles and khadi, once again revisited the humble ‘fabric of freedom’ with a representation of the ‘Tree of Life’ woven by the Jamdani weavers of Andhra Pradesh and Bangladesh. He creatively merged the khadi with Phulkari, Kalamkari and Chikankari to bring an innovative textile offering.
The glamorous show began to the live strains of melodious music by well known saxophone player, Anil Kumar, who serenaded the models with popular Bollywood tunes.
Presenting the exquisite Jamdani art, where the discontinuous extra weft technique of weaving by hand is with a detailed hand drawn design kept under the warp on the loom and replicated perfectly; Gaurang ensured that the result was flawless.
Creating a perfectly balanced melodious fashion jugalbandi, Gaurang brought together Jamdani, Phulkari, Chikankari and Kalamkari and offered heirloom pieces.
Stunning anarkalis with intricate weaves, ghagras that were voluminous but superbly crafted and elegant saris worn by graceful models floated down the ramp.
Colours from rainbows were used for the weaves and designs, as indigo kurta with woven border, flared beige anarkali, rust lehenga with leaf design, a black stunning sari with a bird pattern, and lots of florals recreated the natural theme. Phulkari was used for dupattas and cholis, while a bird and tiger weave looked magnificent on a sari.
Making a surprise appearance on the ramp from the audience was showstopper Bollywood super star, Vidhya Balan. She looked beautiful in a gorgeous pink/gold sari designed by Gaurang Shah as they glided down the catwalk together to thunderous applause.
When women want timeless innovative classics in their wardrobe then the beautiful “Kalpavriksha” collection by Gaurang Shah will win them compliments galore.
SHRUTI SANCHETI’S FASHIONABLE NOMADIC COLLECTION WAS AIMED AT THE YOUNG ADVENTUROUS BUYER AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2015
Dedicating her “Nomadistaan” collection to the new breed of globe trotters, Shruti Sancheti created a perfect blend of textiles and crafts at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2015.
Keeping the focus on non-conformist lines, Shruti opted for rich hues that ranged from the popular Marsala, soft peach, blush, tangerine, to vibrant crimson red, rose, pink, burnt orange, yellow, indigo, ochré, blue and olive.
The fabric base remained organic as pure woven khadi, eri, matka and summer silk came together with organic cotton to form the soul of the collection. Prints played an exciting role as Shruti brought together a mélange of tie and dye, Shibori, leheriya, mothda, resist dyeing with wax and block prints.
The detailing was intricate with heer, Bhagat embroidery, kaleen or carpel embellishments and the fabulous banjara work seen in the artistic Thar region but now given a modern slant.
Giving mix and match options to the dresser, Shruti displayed a relaxed layered look that started with maxis, midis, floppy pants, jumpsuits, pleated pants, tail coat jackets, swishy long or spliced skirts and completed the line with saris.
Detailing appeared in the form of assorted pockets on sleeves that added to the fun-filled quirky nature of the collection. Zippers gave skirts and tunics a glitzy detailed touch, when they appeared in pairs down the front of slashed kurtas. Shorts were seen with side slit long tunics, a tiny shrug added to beauty of a brown maxi and the black and blue shaded sari and choli revealed contemporary flavour.
For striking rustic inspired vibrant clothes, the young and those young at heart need not travel far since “Nomadistaan” by Shruti Sancheti is within easy reach.
SOUMITRA MONDAL GAVE A CONTEMPORARY ROYAL LOOK TO INDIAN HERITAGE AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2015
For Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2015 one of Kolkata’s top designers, Soumitra Mondal for his label ‘Marg’ presented a contemporary royal line, called “English Garden”, which was seamlessly blended with classic Indian heritage. The designer focused on embroidery and developed some interesting and eye-catching embellishments in varying patterns. Inspired by the beauty of nature Soumitra had florals in varying shapes and sizes to embellish the creations.
Staying true to his love for khadi, a fabric Soumitra has promoted religiously year after year, this time it was woven in 200’s count along with silk, cotton silk and zori khadi all with a clever twist in the weaving process.
The colours were dramatic with white and pitch, balanced perfectly by gold and silver. The silhouettes were very traditional as swirling anarkalis, stylish Bandgalas, smart blouses, voluminous lehengas, regal jackets, cute boleros, fitted dress with slim pants and glamorous saris with gold embroidered borders took centre stage. Mini kurtas appeared with embellished waist coats and slim pants; while a regal white Sherwani was a sophisticated entry.
White was the favoured colour of the collection but with large doses of embroidery that ranged from sequins to crystals and even 3D work.
The final striking entries featured lehengas with intricate pearl work, cholis with dazzling embellishments and dupattas that matched the beauty of the two.
The beautiful handcrafted jewellery in butterfly shapes for the neck and ears and as brooches was a perfect complement to the collection.
When tradition and New Age innovations are blended creatively, then Soumitra Mondal’s collection, “The English Garden” for his ‘Marg’ label is at the top of the fashion ladder.
