It was the tenth-year of the India Couture Week and that meant upping the quotient of grandiosity that is epitome of couture fashion. Though even in its decade of existence, Indian Couture essentially meant wedding wear, not typically what couture fashion globally stands for.
The week started off with Anamika Khanna’s exotic installation of her couture collection at The Evoluzione. She created looks for every occasion of a wedding affair and used almost all the hues in it with her exceptional treatment of burnt Zardozi embellishment, tone-on-tone embroidery and finesse to create exotic ensembles. It was an absolute treat to the eyes.
Rohit Bal definitely stole the week by showcasing what he does best – the panelled floor-duster jackets over voluminous crinkled skirts/lehengas. Immaculate quilting, interesting motifs of images of Sahensahs from Mughal era, beautiful capes (that has taken over the cholis) and form fitting long-sleeved jackets with band collars and puffed shoulders were spectacular. Each ensemble was a work of art and looked magnificent on fashionistas who walked the ramp.
Interesting motifs at times win the hearts. Manav Gangwani did introduce us to the Kathakali mask as a motif that was extensively used on silk girdled lehengas. A designer with penchant for creating grand ambience, Manav had the longest ramp ever used in the Indian fashion industry.
Rahul Mishra went floral and made the ramp bloom with flowers in pink, purple, yellow, red and more beautifully placed on off-white ensembles. Sparrows were definitely there! Excellent scallop detailing, appliqué work and controlled use of glitter made Mishra’s collection an epitome of refined elegance.
If any designer broke away from just showing wedding wear, it was Monisha Jaising. She brought the ‘sexy’ look on the ramp with off-shoulder gowns with thigh-high slits. The toned thigh peeking out from the thigh-high slit gown of Shilpa Shetty attracted loads of oohs and aahs! Gaurav Gupta too had a sexy collection. He has mastered the art of peek-a-boo look besides the signature sculpting and moulding techniques that he flaunts in his creations.
Varun Bahl also used floral motifs and expressed that his creation is inspired by an Art Nouveau painter. As always, Bahl showcased his understanding of aesthetics and mastery on construction. This vital mix makes a collection a beautiful one always.