From the richness of India’s traditional bridal wear and the fine works of zardozi and meenakari, to impressions of nature, military, and a twist to Victorian and Dutch gowns, top Indian fashion designers have participated in the recent Spring-Summer collections, creating a flash buzz at India Fashion Week, organised by Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI).
Keeping the show on amid the pandemic, designers went more creative by taking the Phygital route to showcase their vivid and vibrant collections through fashion film.
While some gave tribute to artisans and weavers of India working relentlessly through the pandemic, many took inspiration from Mother Nature and the powerful energy of the female spirit.
As the show ended on Sunday, some of the more eccentric collections by top designers grabbed attention.
- ‘Parallax’ by Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna
Specially designed for the modern-day bride and groom, the new collection, by fashion-design duo Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna titled ‘Parallax’, showcased black regal velvet and silk tuxedos with metallic intricate embroideries on jackets for men.
Draped with silk organza and meshes, varieties of fabric incorporate red and black gowns for women looking feminine and sensual.
- ‘The Age of Innocence’ by TarunTahiliani
From women donning gorgeous lightweight brocade lehengas with pockets, to men in chevron embroidery on sherwanis and headgear, the ‘The Age of Innocence’ collection, by fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani, is conceptualised with a vision for the ‘Indian Modern’ bride and groom.
It has a perfect blend of minakari work in aquas, shell pinks, pale jades and tea rose colours, and use of the Jaamevars technique with hand-painted and hand-embroidered work is evident.
- ‘She Universe’ by Neeta Lulla
Celebrating the spirit of the fearless, powerful energy of the female spirit, fashion designer Neeta Lulla’s collection ‘She Universe’ added charm to model personalities with her wraparound nine-yard saree and multi-sequined work. Her glimmering saree gowns, neatly draped around the body, captivated the audience.
Wear it to a chic cocktail party or with regalia at a wedding, her collection is versatile, comfortable and weightless, exuding a sense of glamour, sexiness and elegance.
- ‘Bloom’ by Varun Bahl
Inspired by nature, fashion designer Varun Bahl’s collection ‘Bloom’ brings to life a variety of silhouettes for women, including capes, waistcoats, tulip pants and flared trousers in pure silk organza and satin fabrics.
From 3D floral embroidery, sequin detailing to bugle beads, ruffles and pleats, the ensembles exuded earthiness and fine artistry of surface embellishments.
- ‘The Eternal Lightness of Being’ by Suneet Varma
Stunning chiffon sarees in soft hues and a multi-colored palette, paired with tunics and Georgette Gowns were the highlights of designer Suneet Varma’s collection 'The Eternal Lightness'. Its waves of crinkled chiffon, crushed georgette and organza created light caressing textures in refreshing yellows and somber pinks, limes and blues, making for an elegant and idyllic summer mood.
- ‘Spring Summer 2021’ by Gauri & Nainika
From Victorian-inspired florals to a soft Dutch-inspired delft print in leaf-green, the collection by Gauri and Nainika featured breezy ensembles of demure pencil dresses, wrap and crepe dresses and tea length dresses and gowns.
Giving a new twist with a range of vintage colour palette of scarlet red, bottle green and classic black, the designer duo’s collection in polka dots, stripes and floral prints with cape sleeves were utterly feminine.
- ‘The Declaration 2034’ by Shantanu and Nikhil
Giving a futuristic spin through ‘The Declaration 2034’, the designer duo Shantanu and Nikhil (S&N) collection for both women and men exhibited power and authority, about military influence and autocratic layering.
Hued in a classic palette of decadence and power, the navy blues, off-whites, muted blues, olive greens & blacks of the jackets, trousers and shirts were beautifully tailored and crafted with headgear and brooches of pearls, beads, stones.
- ‘Umme Rabab’ by Ashima Leena
In tribute to artisans and weavers, the ‘Umme Rabba’ collection by Ashima Leena exuded the old-world charm and the richness of India’s embroidery and textile industry.
The couture collection for women boasted delicate hand zardozi embroidery and applique on classic silhouettes, lehengas, jackets, sarees and a brocade woven Odhni (stole).
It was perfectly blended with hues and colour palettes of mustard, muted turmeric, soft dusky pink, ivory, pomegranate red, beaten gold, deep emerald, and beige.