Shashank Chouhan
Whoever would have thought that the earthy Pragati Maidan in Delhi would become the cynosure of all flash bulbs for a whole week and come out starry eyed with visions of glitter decked leggies and beauties. But then, when half of the fash-frat decides to go green, what else do you expect? The 11th edition of Wills India Fashion Week began on friendly notes for Mother Earth and her elements.
Here’s a front row account of what scorched the ramps on Day 1.
Dance and jungle beats marked the beginning of Day 1 as Vikram Phardnis` (See Pictures »)
unleashed Fashion Week with a message to save Earth. His Spring Summer 2008 collection in two words- ULTRA GLAMOROUS, SEXY. The designer played with shiny, shimmer using matt effects to bring a clever balance to his collection. Drapes managed and held with high waist embellished belts like empire lines. Warrior like head gear had the audience awestruck. And he called all the glitter Earthy!
Futuristic, slick and sophisticated- at times outlandish! That’s Namrata Joshipurafor you as she revived the glamorous look of Joan Collins in her collection for Spring/Summer 2008. The sequins all over and the beaded fabric look were the main themes. Silhouettes showed the characteristic styling elements of the era of disco and Studio 54 in New York kimono and butterfly sleeves, boat necklines, jackets with shawl collars and broad belts, cowls and drapes. The contemporary silhouettes ranged from being fitted at the waist to baggy dresses and the colours were very wearable. She won more hearts on taking her bow with a five ear old in tow.
Think Cuba, contemporary and chic and what you get is Ranna Gill’s Havana inspired collection. A theme where one immediately begins to dream of Salsa music, sparkling beaches and charming vintage cars. The collection displayed a rich palette of browns such as chocolate, tobacco and coffee which were combined with aquatic blue, turquoise vanilla yellow and bougainvillea pink. Very feminine and wearable.
Designer duo Lecoanet & Hemant is an old name in world fashion and this year they turned towards the India Fahion Week with a timely and most wearable collection of western outfits for men and women. Slim fitted pants were combined with short narrow jackets which displayed subtle pleated detailings. Heavy-duty winter coats were worn over short metallic decorated tops. The colour palette showed subdued hues with an iridescent touch such as midnight blue, jade green, canary yellow, burnt sienna, taupe and charcoal.
If dramatic was the defining word of Rohit Bal’s 2007 collection, ‘daring’ is the watchword in 2008. No sindoor smeared, dhoti clad boys or ink splashing models from his last year’s ‘Siyahi’ collection this time. But Gudda is a pro at surprising and delighting the crowds. That’s what he did in his show which marked the end of Day 1. Themed ‘Ashta Dhatu’, Bal`s latest collection has been inspired by the tradition of wearing the eight metals together. Complete with metallic hues like Gold, Metallic copper, Silver, Iron and lead, the silhouettes were kept very contemporary and international. But wearable? Now, now, you don’t ask Gudda questions like these! Don’t get disturbed on the puffed up, star-wars, type dresses. Concentrate on the daring gowns, and shimmering sherwani kind of men’s wear.
Bollywood and fashion- no separating these. Day one of the Wills Fashion Week struck its high point with Bipasha Basu walking the ramp. Wearing a light brown flowy dress, the Goal-girl looked perfectly at ease at the Gauri & Nainika`s show. The duo concentrated on party wear with emphasis on flowing skirts with flares in essential hues of blood red, golden brown and black. Minimal embellishments and simple cut made the collection elegantly wearable.
Stockings, fishnets, socks and scarves- out with all the basic accessories ladies. Suneet Varma’s ‘Lure of the East’ collection drew its inspiration from eastern Asian countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, Nepal and China. The collection offered soft drape dresses with structured sleeves worn with masculine ties in blues and reds. The line had wide-necked jackets with matching belts and sarong skirts, short cropped cavalry jackets with long evening dresses as well as coats, kaftans and kimono dresses. Fabrics like disco ball shimmer fabric, velvet, net, sheer, and satin were pleated and textured to craft the silhouettes.
Boys just wanna have some fun, don’t they? Designer Manoviraj Khosla chose this theme for his show and had the front row in splits. The colors, the cow boy look, the boots, the print work- won’t really make a man melt but would surely grab a lot of attention. Tan, brown on leather, suedes can make for party wear but of course for the brave. Men are you listening?
Tiring eh? You ain’t seen nothing yet for Day 2 holds bigger and better promise. Watch out for this space.
