Mumbai, 26th August, 2016: Around the world, throughout all forms of design, nature has served as one of our biggest inspirations. The fashion industry too has often drawn inspiration from the vistas of the natural world. Designer Aartivijay Gupta’s “Winter Garden” left the audience spellbound with its portrayal of the eponymous garden at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2016. The collection for men and women was an ode to that time of the year when the flowers turn into a deep shade of aubergine, and the trees sprinkle the streets with their dry, ochre leaves.
The exotic exploration encompassed an eclectic mix of prints and textures – notebook stripes, bold fonts and scripts, coalesced into vintage florals and garden prints. Comfortable, organic fabrics such as jute and khadi were carved into an array of silhouettes, which ranged from fitted to oversized and deconstructed. Quirky one liners and words such as “Pollen Eater” and “Silly” stencilled on the garments gave a youthful vibe to the collection.
Featuring an array of comfy floor length dresses, baggy tops, pencil skirts, cropped trousers and tops, the garments resonated an easy, breezy vibe.
Double-breasted deconstructed soft jackets with notched lapels were teamed with cropped trousers. An ivory jacket worn with matching cropped trousers and a shirt, covered in leaf prints, was worthy of making a statement for men.
The colour palette was reminiscent of the transition in the appearance of a flower from summer to fall. It comprised shades of emerald green, tangerine, lavender, and moved towards rustic and earthy hues. The mix and match of the different hues of flowers came together almost seamless in the whole collection to present a compact look.
“Winter Garden” by Aartivijay Gupta captivated the audience with its immaculate portrayal of the fall season. The designer definitely hit the right notes with her collection.
DIVYA SHETH’S “NIJMANDIR” CREATED A FASHION STIR AT LAKME FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2016
Divya Sheth’s “Nijmandir” infused a magical touch to the age old art form of the pichwai paintings of Nathdwara, Rajasthan at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2016.
The paintings, which essentially depicted the different moods, postures and attires of Lord Krishna, were elegantly etched in naturally dyed, hand-painted and block-printed motifs on the garments. The fluid, effortless silhouettes, such as floor length anarkalis, cape style kurtas and palazzos, brought alive the romanticism of the modern-day Gopi.
The designer envisioned the wearer as the Lord himself, and crafted a beautiful colour palette, which comprised shades of Neel (blue), syahi (grey black) and gulaabi (lotus pink), with hints of gold, thus symbolising the deity. The muted hues were a deviation from the more vibrant colours that are generally associated with the state of Rajasthan, and the result was the kind of sophistication that is synonymous with the designer.
A deep indigo elaborately embroidered lehenga, depicting the Nathdwara temple under the starlit night sky, looked worthy of making a statement this festive season. A modern rendition of a sari was showcased in the form of a grey-black palazzo, teamed with a short, black choli and a hand printed dupatta draped like a pallav. The outfit will surely be a head turner at evening soirées.
Divya Sheth’s collection “Nijmandir” was a perfect portrayal of artful fashion. Her intense fondness for traditional handicrafts, combined with artistically unique designs, held the audience spellbound. The garments will surely be lauded by the modern woman who is deeply rooted in tradition.
‘CHAR CHINAR’ FROM VRISA BY RAHUL AND SHIKHA WAS AN EXCEPTIONAL REVIVAL OF THE BEAUTIFUL THREAD WORK AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2016.
‘Char Chinar’ from Vrisa by Rahul and Shikha narrated the story of the intricate Kashmiri hand embroidery on beautiful Persian and Ikat fabrics at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2016. Keeping alive their USP of revisiting and reviving ancient arts, crafts and traditions, the collection redefined ethnic opulence.
The designer duo drew inspiration from the breathtakingly beautiful Kashmir and the Persian region of Fergana. The intricate crafts and craftsmanship of the two famed regions created magic on the ramp. As the models glided down the runway, the audience was transported to the valleys of the “Paradise on Earth”. The colour palette comprised shades of maroon, green and dusty blue. The signature long, free-flowing silhouettes, such as anarkalis, lehengas, and straight long kurtas were overlaid with copious amounts of the delicate thread work featuring Turkish motifs. The velvet dupattas with tassels added a royal touch to the collection.
The dainty ensembles reflected the grandeur associated with the Mughal era, one of the most influential periods in history where art, crafts and textiles flourished. It was interesting to see Kashmiri hand embroidery, which is generally restricted to shawls and carpets, being reflected on the garments. The collection, which got its name from the eponymous island in Dal Lake, Srinagar, captivated the viewers with its beauty and splendour.
“Char Chinar” from the Vrisa label by Rahul and Shikha made an impactful statement on the ramp through its revival of the age old handicraft. It exuded an admirable ease, which will definitely bring the wearer into the limelight this festive season.
