New Delhi: As India Couture Week comes to an end on Sunday with a fashion show organized by FDCI and Shree Rajmahal Jewellers, the last fashion designer showcased his master craftsmanship on Saturday. Manish Malhotra’s collection titled ‘Portraits’ was an ode to brides and the portrait of perfection.
Manish Malhotra used gold dust and beige hues to create bridal designs, using both old and new features of bridal wear in his collection. Alia Bhatt kept up with the star-studded show Manish Malhotra generally guarantees. She walked down the ramp in a red full-sleeved choli with a tie-up dori behind. She also wore a red lehenga that had a flare and golden embroidery.
Fashion is distinct to each and with Manish Arora, its bold, antithetic, and unequivocally him. On day four of the India Couture Week, Manish Arora stood out. Â The internationally acclaimed Indian designer known for giving an edge to the Indian elements, had this on full display when he presented a gamut of designs in varied colours.
Taking inspiration from the Peacock Room in Castello di Sammezzano in Italy’s Tuscany region, “The Peacock” story revisited the “old school Manish Arora”. Multicolour stripes, gold rexine embroideries, and 3D highlighted on bases of bright colour were some of the highlight of this psychedelic collection. Applique, zari, peacock textures and traditional embroideries harmoniously inter-wove Indian aesthetic with European sensibility to make it a true example of East meet West.
“The Crown Story” derived its inspiration from the majestic crowns worn by historic monarchs, with the designs were translated beautifully and delicately in the collection that was feminine in its own way.
The show hosted at French ambassador Francois Richier’s residence saw models wearing headpieces in shapes ranging from the lotus to a bunch of roses. Necklaces were worn on the chin and killer heels made way for striped wedges. In the offering titled ‘Festive 2014’, embroideries were stronger and so was the detailing, as Manish refused to go by just one inspiration or idea.
The Third Day (Friday) of the India Couture Week 2014 in New Delhi managed to draw in a large crowd. Sleek cuts, exotic flare and a global influence dominated the runway. Designer Monisha Jaising kick- started the evening with global influences for her show titled ‘ World Bride’.
Her ensembles drew inspiration from the French Rococo style of the 18th century. The ramp was converted to a Parisian street, complete with an outdoor cafe in the background and artists sketching portraits in the centre. Models sashayed down in structured ball gown skirts, fitted lehengas, cocktail saris, slinky dresses and cigarette pants teamed with embroidered corsets, lace blouses, asymmetrical tops and bandhgalas.
Designer Varun Bahl stuck to sharp silhouettes to accentuate the female figure with mesh sleeves, linear cuts and fitted dresses. His range included anarkalis, lehengas, saris, ideal for cocktail wear.
The evening ended with high- octane glamour as couturier Rohit Bal presented his much- awaited creations that were both traditional and opulent. While the ladies were treated to four impressive ivory and gold ensembles – sari with cape, voluminous anarakalis, bandhgala jackets and lehenga – men were treated to colours with brocade sherwanis, shawls and turbans fitted with brooches.
The second day saw a display of desi delights as wedding wear got the traditional treatment on the runway. Taking a leaf out of history books, designers Anju Modi and Rina Dhaka both drew inspiration from styles, patterns and embroidery techniques of the royal past.
Anju Modi’s collection titled Manikarnika that paid homage to the ancient craftsmanship of India with embroidery deriving from architecture and the paintings of Ajanta- Ellora caves, the ensembles presented ethnic designs with a refreshing modern twist. The range featured tints like old rose, champagne, gold, light blue and cream to rich hues like burgundy, ruby, emerald and ink blue with styles for every function of the wedding season.
The week started off with romantic, vintage and royal- designer Sabyasachi, captivating the audience with his fashion show on the first day at the Taj Palace hotel. Soft hued pastels, floral prints, sequins and feminine silhouettes dominated the collection with crepe de Chine kurta churidars, crystal embellished ghagras, vintage zardozi embroidery and hand- crafted bugle beaded lehengas, flapper dresses, peplum jackets, heritage Pashmina and Banarasi saris as well as tulle details featuring strongly in the ensembles.
Flowing drapes with slender silhouettes and round necklines were the highlight of the garments, styled with neat, tiedback hair, oxblood pouts and traditional chocker neckpieces.
Â