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Fresh Faces Shine at Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI GenNext Show

Designer Shimona Agrawal, 28, came next and showcased the collection called ‘Hue’ under her eponymous label, which had been made out of myriad techniques. Inspired by the art and history of the spiritual capital of India, Banaras, ensembles were tastefully made from pure handwoven silk…reports Asian Lite News

The GenNext show at Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI turned out to be a stellar one for the fashion fiesta on its latest edition, as four new faces gave a promising, fresh, and inclusive start on Wednesday.

The five-day fashion celebration commenced on Wednesday and will bring down the curtains on March 17 with its grand finale. Four excellent designers Rohitash Notani, Charmee Ambavat, Kriti Greta Singhee, and Shimona Agrawal gave a creative start to the new edition with their debut collection.

The first to showcase was Kriti Greta Singhee.

Geometric patterns of mathematical art were the theme for designer Kriti Greta Singhee’s collection titled ‘Third Space-Sustainable Future’, which focused on the flow of lines and folds.

The fabrics used for the collection include organic, sustainable, and eco-friendly hand-woven natural silks and cotton silk from Phulia in Bengal.

Talking about her collection, Singhee told reporters here: “I was so excited to showcase as it was a lot of hard work. It feels amazing… My collection is all about textile manipulations and I have used the origami technique.”

Designer Shimona Agrawal, 28, came next and showcased the collection called ‘Hue’ under her eponymous label, which had been made out of myriad techniques. Inspired by the art and history of the spiritual capital of India, Banaras, ensembles were tastefully made from pure handwoven silk.

Agrawal said of her collection: “Hue is a captivating tribute to Benarasi silk but with a twist that it is completely brocade free. The collection is a celebration of the craftsmanship we have in the present and commitment to preserving it in the future.”

Then, there was a collection by the brand The Terra Tribe by 35-year-old Charmee Ambavat. Christened ‘Indigene’, the collection showcased cultural references to indigenous tribes of Africa and the intricately painted mud houses in rural Africa made out of locally manufactured organic cotton made consciously by the makers in India.

Ambavat said: “The collection has taken inspiration from Africa. The primitive and raw nature that you find in Africa… We have tried to keep it as conscious as possible.”

Then came 40-year-old Rohitash Notani, who showcased a collection under his brand Rosani. His collection ‘Anima and Animus’ is a comparison between the conventional masculinity and sensuality that is associated with feminine energy. The collection revolved around office wear and uniform fabrics made out of cotton drill, blended with an array of embroidered materials.

Talking about his collection, Notani, who is an alumnus of the IED Milan, said: “Celebrating the duality that coexists within us. The pluralistic identities. The masculine and the feminine. So, the intention was to take what I grew up knowing.”

The first day, the first show of the fashion celebration was dominated by hues such as black and grey infused with several other colours and textures. The GenNext platform has previously churned out some of the best designers such as Masaba Gupta, Nachiket Barve, and Rahul Mishra.

ALSO READ-Karishma Tanna Steals the Show as Showstopper at LFW

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FDCI Showcases ‘Made in India’ Talent at Lakmē Fashion Week

With more than 400 members, the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) was established with the primary goal of spreading the fashion industry – based on the foundation of supporting, fostering, and showcasing the nation’s finest fashion and creative talent…reports Asian Lite News

Anticipation surges with the return of India’s official and largest Fashion Week, the Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI to the heart of Mumbai. House of Lakmē, the Fashion Design Council of India, and Reliance Brands (RBL) have announced the schedule and dates for the upcoming season which will take place at the Jio World Convention Center from 13-17th March 2024. The platform is set to redefine the essence of Indian fashion and weave together narratives of fashion, beauty, modernity, and individual expression. As the platform raises the curtains on its upcoming 49th edition, audiences across India will embark on a journey of sartorial splendor where a roster of marquee designers will be taking center-stage. 

Day 1 will open with the coveted INIFD Presents GenNext show, followed by the premier of a Fashion x Beauty Trend Magazine- LFW Edition. This trend magazine presented by Lakmē, will showcase the 2024/25 global trends across fashion, beauty, design, and lifestyle. Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI will culminate with the House of Lakmē Grand Finale on 17 March which will entail the showcase of an award-winning couturier’s new collection.

With more than 400 members, the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) was established with the primary goal of spreading the fashion industry – based on the foundation of supporting, fostering, and showcasing the nation’s finest fashion and creative talent. As handlooms take center stage in a nation whose history is steeped in the flavors of indigenous crafts, FDCI remains loyal to its promise to promote the “Made in India” badge. The FDCI Stockroom will also help attendees gain direct access to collections off the ramp and interact with designers on the ground. This season, FDCI will be hosting three showcases, one is FDCI Presents ‘Measure’ featuring an international Designer, and the other is GQ X FDCI Men’s Edit featuring designers Countrymade, Jaywalking, and Rishta by Arjun Saluja. In addition, FDCI will be collaborating with Pearl Academy for ‘First Cut’.

Reliance Brands, which operates Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI, is a prominent player in India’s luxury and fashion industries. The organization places a lot of emphasis on nurturing the nation’s young designers and fashion talent as well as creating sustainable narratives through initiatives like INIFD presents GenNext and R|ElanTM Presents Circular Design Challenge. The Circular Design Challenge, which was first launched in India in collaboration with R|ElanTM and the UN, has now expanded globally, and winner Anish Malpani of ‘Without’ will be showcasing his talent to the world this season. One can also witness the fusion of heritage and contemporary elegance as JJ Valaya unveils his latest collection, JJV Kapurthala, at the R|ElanTM showcase during Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI. 

Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI has always been one of the most awaited and celebrated fashion shows in the country. All showcases will continue to be live-streamed across the platform’s OTT partners JioCinema and JioTV, while the Lakmē showcases and initiatives will also be streamed on Lakmē’s social media handles. The event is also taken live on the LFW and FDCI social media channels to reach the widespread Indian and global fashion audience.

Sunanda Khaitan, Vice President, Lakmē said, “We are delighted to announce the forthcoming edition of Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI, India’s largest and official Fashion X Beauty event. Unparalleled design talent and artists will converge across every facet of the five days of fashion, as this season plays center stage to the latest innovations, technologies, and trends in fashion & beauty. The House of Lakmē will debut a collection that is modern, trendsetting, and has a high-performance approach to beauty, against the Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI Finale runway show helmed by a globally celebrated Indian designer.” 

Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI commented, “We are thrilled to announce our return to Mumbai for the upcoming Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI. This season we are all set to bring forth the best in design talent to the runway. Our goal is to develop an environment that provides a platform for seasoned and up-and-coming designers to showcase their talent to the industry whilst also nurturing a newer crop of designers through our talent discovery initiatives. We are eagerly looking forward to this season and are confident that it will bolster the Indian fashion industry to new heights.” 

Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands said, “We return with an electrifying agenda, set to celebrate exceptional design talent from India and beyond, featuring a selection of influential and visionary creators. We are also grateful for the continued support of our esteemed brand partners and are eager to welcome the new collaborators joining us on this thrilling journey. Our anticipation is high as we aim to transform the event into a vibrant hub of ideas encompassing design, innovation, and sustainability in the upcoming season in Mumbai.”

ALSO READ-Rahul Mishra’s ‘We, The People’: A couture spectacle at FDCI

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Unique ‘contrasting couture’ presentations at FDCI

Janhvi Kapoor walked the runway in a showstopper silhouette in an electric blue lehenga adorned with 3000 hand-embroidered bugle beads, which took 457 man hours to make…reports Tanya Banon

When it come to design sensibilities designers Gaurav Gupta and Varun Bahl are poles apart, but on day three of the FDCI Hyundai India Couture Week their couture presentations made the Capital proud; couture was presented in two very unique and fabulous ways. 

After successfully showcasing at Paris Haute Couture Week in July, Gaurav Gupta showcased his Couture’23 collection Hiranyagarbha in partnership with DLF Emporio at the offsite location.  

Gupta known for his sculptural prowess and design which scales architectural heights, was inspired for this collection by the. cosmos in Vedic philosophy. The interpretations of the five elements: Panchamahabhutas – earth (Prithvi), water (jal), fire (Agni), air (vayu), and space (Akasha) from the universal womb on statement silhouettes and designs made his collection contemporary and fashionable and en vogue. 

The designer has made successful inroads on the international platform with the likes of pop sensation Cardi B choosing his ensembles for red carpet occasions. Aishwariya Rai has worn the designer at Cannes recently.  This edit of the couture, the designer has expanded the Hiranyagarbha story to include reception cocktail lehengas, gowns, saris, and modern hybrid silhouettes with the synergies of comfortable, confident, easy couture.

Janhvi Kapoor walked the runway in a showstopper silhouette in an electric blue lehenga adorned with 3000 hand-embroidered bugle beads, which took 457 man hours to make.

 “The starkness of space is imagined in the absolute whites submerged in lustrous, iridescent pearls and crystals orbiting around the body; The wind is reminiscent in smoke pearl embroideries on shades of moondust; Glass bugle beads are hand-embroidered on a striking electric blue reflecting the currant of the water; The vibrant Malachite evokes the glory of the earth; and the acid yellow reminds us of ferocious flames of the fire,” read the designer’s note. 

Interpreting fantasy and whimsical creatures like Dragons, Pegasus, and Centaur on silhouettes rendered in 3-D embroideries, the men’s collection of tuxedos, bandhgalas and jackets were  elevated flamboyance.

True to his signature style Varun Bahl’s artisanal embroideries with beautiful 3D flowers were urbane and chic. Youthful and playful silhouettes brought a fresh and contemporary feel to his designs in vivid hues. 

Bahl who is a favourite amongst Delhi’s fashionable set, has also become the go-to designer for millennials and Gen Z who look for styles which are both free-spirited, boho-chic with haute couture craftsmanship. His bridal couture pieces cater to the contemporary and modern bride, who looks for something dreamy and yet has an experimental and edgy vibe.

The designer has retained his strong emphasis on fine handwork and craftsmanship which has resulted in dramatic yet functional ensembles perfect for the modern bride. Actor Bhumi Padnekar closed the show for the designer dressed in a gold ensemble featuring floral gold motifs and a sexy thigh high slit. 

ALSO READ-Ritu Kumar weaving tradition into modern couture

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FDCI partners with Reliance brands for fashion extravaganza

Sunil Sethi, Chairman, Fashion Design Council of India said, “We are thrilled to associate with Reliance Brands for the Hyundai India Couture Week…reports Asian Lite News

The Hyundai India Couture Week, is scheduled to be held in the National capital from July 25 to August 2, 2023, at the Taj Palace Hotel.

For the event The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) associates with Reliance Brands, bringing additional heft to the event which has been India’s premier showcase for bridal and couture designers for the past 16 years. An FDCI initiative, the fashion extravaganza has been “the” platform for showcasing the growing influence of many designers promoted businesses in India and has also brought Indian craftsmanship as the centerstage of homegrown luxury. Reliance Brands (RBL) with its experience and expertise in launching, nurturing, and partnering with International and Indian luxury brands will help accelerate and widen this proposition.

Sunil Sethi, Chairman, Fashion Design Council of India said, “We are thrilled to associate with Reliance Brands for the Hyundai India Couture Week. Our relationship grows from strength to strength, and we look forward to the value that this partnership will bring towards the growth of the property in the years to come as we strive to make it a showcase at par with anywhere in the world.”

Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands, said, “This partnership re-affirms our commitment towards the growth of the designer fashion industry in India as we look to create global benchmarks in terms of showcase, appeal and visibility. The Hyundai India Couture Week is a unique property, and we are glad to take our already deep partnership with FDCI to the next level.”

Presenting 17 artistic showcases in its 16th edition, India’s renowned couturiers will unveil their exclusive collections, celebrating the exuberance of craftsmanship through mesmerizing visual narratives. Participating designers include Anamika Khanna, Ritu Kumar, Tarun Tahiliani, JJ Valaya, Rahul Mishra, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Suneet Varma, Falguni Shane Peacock, Dolly J, Gaurav Gupta, Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna, Varun Bahl, Shantnu Nikhil, Kunal Rawal, Rimzim Dadu, Rose Room and Samant Chauhan.

ALSO READ-Fashion unveils style and personality

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Manish’s bold and edgy diffuse collection at LFW X FDCI

Manish Malhotra will present the grand finale at LFW X FDCI(IANSLIFE)

Commenting on the Lakme Absolute Grand Finale and the showcasing designers, Harman Dhillon, Vice President Skin Care & Color Cosmetics at Hindustan Unilever Limited said, “We, at Lakme, are excited to bring to you another season of Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI…reports Asian Lite News

Designer Manish Malhotra’s Diffuse line comes together with Lakme for the Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI Grand Finale. The grand finale will be an extension of the brand’s newly launched #UnapologeticallyME campaign. Malhotra will showcase his bold and edgy Diffuse collection, in line with its ‘Find Your Core’ philosophy

Aiming to re-tag conventional titles and redefine the rules of fashion in line with Lakme’s philosophy of #UnapologeticallyME, the Manish Malhotra Diffuse collection will see a splash of game-inspired prints representing individuality, non-binary, fluidity and androgenous styles. The collection is steeped in the spirit of enabling everyone to find their core and express themselves unfiltered and the show is for the fashionistas who are ready to take on the world, looking and feeling their best both on and off the runway.

Commenting on the show, celebrity favourite, Manish Malhotra said, “Celebrating one year of Diffuse at the Grand Finale of Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI. The rules of fashion are being redefined, it’s time to re-tag. I’m excited to bring the next drop of Diffuse with striking digital prints in androgynous and futuristic designs along with Lakme’s bold endeavour to be #UnapoloegeticallyME. Let the games begin.”

Commenting on the Lakme Absolute Grand Finale and the showcasing designers, Harman Dhillon, Vice President Skin Care & Color Cosmetics at Hindustan Unilever Limited said, “We, at Lakme, are excited to bring to you another season of Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI. This season will be pivoted around our #UnapologeticallyME campaign that celebrates fashionist as at work – accomplished Indian women who unapologetically embrace fashion, beauty and themselves in all walks of life; women who prove that prioritising beauty does not strip them of their substance. Partnering with celebrated designer Manish Malhotra, who is known for pioneering trends through his Diffuse collection’s signature aesthetic, we look forward to our joint endeavour to redefine the new era of beauty and fashion in the country.”

Renowned makeup artist, Daniel Bauer will conceptualize the show-stopping makeup looks for the show this season, complementing the genius of Lakme and Manish Malhotra. Commenting on the concept of the show, he said, “The Lakme Grand Finale is the biggest and most influential fashion and beauty moment in our country. Through this show and with two icons of our industry, Lakme and Manish Malhotra, we’re going to confront and challenge what beauty stereotypes and goals mean in 2023 and beyond. No apology for who you are and the makeup you choose, we are championing Unapologetically Me for everyone, every day.”

The Lakme Grand Finale in collaboration with Manish Malhotra will be a spectacular show to watch out for. Held on the concluding day of Lakme Fashion Week in collaboration with FDCI, the collection encourages Indian women to embrace beauty and fashion unapologetically.

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‘Blooms of Paradise’

The 'nature' of fashion(IANSLIFE)

For men, there were embroidered cropped kurtas with circular hemlines, along with jackets, double-breasted bundies and draped styles…reports Asian Lite News

Ace couturiers like Shyamal & Bhumika, national-award winner Nachiket Bharve, among others presented their latest creation on the final day of the Lakme Fashion Week in partnership with the FDCI.

Shyamal and Bhumika’s took inspiration from nature’s beauty, Indian history as well as traditions and ancient architecture like royal courts and museums to create their new line-up called the ‘Blooms of Paradise’.

Hand embroidery with antique finish metallic threads appeared amongst pearls, beads and multi-hued resham. Techniques like resham aari, silk-zardozi, metal thread peeta, knotting and sequinning were used along with beadwork, silk thread and crystals.

The duo chose handwoven raw silk, matka silk, sheer silk organza, tulle along with hand-dyed velvet in hues like English rose pink, muted ivory, deep powder blue and moved to emerald, dusty mint, orchid, pearl, cannoli-cream, olive to finally end with sage, sky, lunar grey and midnight blue.

For women, the designers offered ensembles like shararas, draped skirts with jackets, shift kurtas, capes over jumpsuits and lehengas with jackets. Silhouettes pointed to draped, flared, paneled lehengas, corsets, flouncy voluminous sleeves, off-shoulder accents, empire lines, dhoti pants, constructed saris and some trailing dupattas.

For men, there were embroidered cropped kurtas with circular hemlines, along with jackets, double-breasted bundies and draped styles.

Actress Yami Gautam walked as the showstopper, wearing a pastel, paneled, flared, lehenga, with floral motifs, paired with a shimmering, corset choli and tulle dupatta.

Barve, who recently made headlines for winning the National Award for costume designing in the movie “Tanhaji”, came up with his contemporary festival collection called Ephermera’.

Inspired by the “patterns of the ocean, tides on shores, along with meteor showers in the sky, blooms, sea anemones and tidal currents”, the couturier used of cutwork, thread embroidery, sequins work, appliques and beading to add texture to the ensembles.

Upcycled fabrics and trims from previous seasons we repurposed to create the collection. Air organza, silks, velvets and chiffons were used to form floor-length swirling gowns and capes, cocktail-wear lehengas, jumpsuits, separates and sari gowns.

The highlights of his show were the floor-sweeping ensemble with a off-shoulder bodice, and the sheer asymmetric cape with appliques work, over bralette and matching trousers. For men, Barve restricted the options to black, embroidered, bundie, buttonless jacket, kurta, sheer shirt, and trousers.

Huma Qureshi ended the show in great style wearing a dazzling, magenta, heavily, encrusted, embroidered lehenga and long-sleeved choli complemented with a matching, sheer, organza, ruffled, dupatta.

Day 5 of LFW x FDCI also saw Bollywood actors Shamita Shetty walk for designer Rina Dhaka, Alaya F for Nikita Mhaisalkar, Bhagyashree Patwardhan for Sanjukta Dutta.

Babil Irrfan Khan debuted on the ramp for menswear designer Pawan Sachdeva, while Mrunal Thakur walked for the grand finale for Rajesh Pratap Singh.

ALSO READ-LFW DAY 4: Perfect amalgamation of traditional and contemporary styles

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Rajesh Pratap Singh is set to make a return to Lakme Fashion Week

Rajesh Pratap Singh Grand Finale designer at LFW x FDCI.(PHOTO:Twitter)

Embodying the attributes of the Lakme Absolute Skin Dew Serum Foundation, the show will exude radiance and grace, drawing inspiration from the blend of skincare and beauty in this range.”…reports Asian Lite News

Internationally acclaimed, Indian designer Rajesh Pratap Singh is set to make a return to the physical runway for Lakme Absolute Grand Finale on day five of Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI.

His unique collection will showcase his perspective on traditional techniques reinterpreted in a contemporary language. Championing the trend statement of the season, #ReadyForACloseUp, the highly anticipated finale will celebrate iconic moments in the journey of the brand while having the Lakme Absolute Skin Dew Serum Foundation at the heart of it. Lakme’s muse and brand ambassador, Mrunal Thakur will be the show opener at the Lakme Absolute Grand Finale.

FDCI x LakmE Fashion Week announce designers and partners for the upcoming edition.(PHOTO:ianslife)

Designer Rajesh Pratap Singh said: “It is an absolute honor to be returning as the Lakme Absolute Grand Finale designer this season. Presenting a collection at LakmeFashion Week C FDCI has always been an incredibly special and memorable experience, and more so this year as we celebrate Lakme’s iconic journey in the country and its pioneering milestones along the way. This collection is my humble effort to marry a take on retro glam couture and soft glam makeup with Mrunal Thakur gracing the runway.

Embodying the attributes of the Lakme Absolute Skin Dew Serum Foundation, the show will exude radiance and grace, drawing inspiration from the blend of skincare and beauty in this range.”

Drawing a parallel from the way Lakme’s constant contemporisation of beauty through new trends and transformative innovations over the years, the show will bring to life its iconic journey and set the tone for a multitude of trend statements in the future. With a contemporary take on Indian classics, the collection will incorporate modern techniques in quintessential Indian couture such as sarees with structured jackets with a color palette spanning ivory, metallics, and blacks, with embellishments to top it off.

Building on the ‘skinification’ of makeup, the Lakme Absolute Skin Dew Serum Foundation is infused with the skin-loving goodness of Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide, for flawless-looking, dewy skin within and without. Ideal for Indian skin and available in 12 beautiful shades, the range promises buildable coverage with a long-lasting, comfortable matte finish that ensures utmost comfort and a flawless base.

Lakme Absolute Grand Finale and the showcasing designers, Sumati Mattu, Head of Innovations at Lakme said, “As we return to another season of Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI, the beauty trend statement this edition #ReadyForACloseup, brings to center stage the most important nuance of makeup with its Lakme Absolute Skin Dew Serum Foundation – a dewy, radiant, light-weight base powered by the skin-loving care of a serum.

“For the Lakme Absolute Grand Finale, we are excited to collaborate with celebrated designer Rajesh Pratap Singh, who is known for always pushing boundaries, pioneering trends, and reimagining fashion in its truest form, just like Lakme has reimagined beauty over the years. Rajesh’s signature clothing famously made with bespoke fabric and exquisite tailoring looks even more remarkable up close, making him the natural choice for the Lakme beauty trend #ReadyforaCloseup. This show will witness the iconic journey of Lakmeover an unforgettable evening.”

Makeup artist Daniel Bauer will conceptualize the makeup look for the show this season, complementing Lakme and Rajesh Pratap Singh. Commenting on the trend statement for the season, Daniel Bauer said, “I am thrilled to collaborate with Lakme once again at Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI, as the Lakme Absolute Grand Finale is one of the biggest creative platforms for makeup artists to showcase their art and vision.

FDCI X Lakmé Fashion Week to take place in October

“In 2022, we have observed that the dewy, no-makeup makeup look is one of the fastest growing trends globally, where ‘skin is in’. Lakme Absolute Skin Dew Serum Foundation is the ideal launch this season, as it accentuates the texture of the skin and focuses on the ‘skinification’ of makeup. It is always a pleasure to see Rajesh Pratap Singh’s magical vision come to life, I am excited to be a part of this creative union.”

ALSO READ-FDCI X Lakme Fashion opens with ‘The Enchanted Garden’

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LFW DAY 1: Plethora of designs from established designers

The day ended with veteran designer JJ Valaya’s show. The designer introduced his new occasion wear brand JJV…reports Nimerta C Sharan

The first day of the Lakme Fashion Week in association with FDCI witnessed a plethora of designs from both young and established designers.

It started with the ‘INIFD launchpad’ where more than twenty design students showcased their versatile collections. Actress Soha Ali Khan was present at the event to show her support. She walked the runway in a corset blouse and a ballerina midi skirt. ‘This platform is a wonderful avenue for young designers to showcase their talent and get recognised,’ added Khan.

Jewellery label Outhouse by Sasha and Kaabia Grewal presented a super-edgy line of statement necklaces, rings, earrings and brooches. Their collection “Oh Dopamine” was a trip down memory lane with various elements of the ‘Y2K’ era in full power.

Designer Samant Chauhan who is known for his majestic embroideries showcased his collection of silks blended with organzas and cottons, and metallic embellishments. Actor Manoj Bajpayee walked the ramp for Chauhan in a grey silk two-button jacket and matching trousers.

Masoom Minawala for Varun Bahl

Keeping things summery and fresh, ace couturier’s presentation was an amalgamation of ethnic and contemporary pieces, with his signature floral embroideries taking centre stage. Some of the highlights of his collection were the contrasting lengths of the veil, cool sneakers and a garden-fresh colour palette. Bahl roped in global fashion creator and influencer Masoom Minawala Mehta to walk the ramp. “It feels so good to be in Delhi. Varun Bahl’s designs are super-sophisticated, elegant and timeless. With this collection, he’s catering to a younger vibe backed up with his rich aesthetic,” added Mehta.

Designer-duo Shantanu and Nikhil presented their gender-fluid collection, “Nomad” that showcased unique silhouettes, motifs and textures. With this line, the designers have clearly announced ‘fringe’ as one of the trends to look out for. Voluminous jackets, knitted sweaters, modern lehengas and vintage hats in mostly blacks and ivories were in focus.

Models and Actress Mrunal Thakur walking ramp for JJ valaya during FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week, in New Delhi, 23 March,2022 (Photo:Pallav Paliwal)

The day ended with veteran designer JJ Valaya’s show. The designer introduced his new occasion wear brand JJV. He said, “This bridge-to-luxury brand is an environmental-friendly initiative. It retains the distinct signature of the Valaya ethos and yet is a modern label for the traveller who likes to be prepared for celebrations wherever they go.” Actress Mrunal Thakur closed the show in an embroidered crop top and skirt, accessorised with chunky jewellery.

ALSO READ-Three winner labels’ collections at LFW

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Shades of happiness in Fashion week

The inspiration for the collection is the ‘Valley of Flowers’ in Uttarakhand and I’m really just talking about ’50 Shades Of Happiness’…Suneet Varma speaks with Puja Gupta.

There wasn’t a single person who remained unaffected by the pandemic, and fashion designer Suneet Varma feels that here has been an impact on creativity because of it.

“I actually have felt more creative,” the designer tells as he launched his collection ’50 Shades Of Happiness’ at the ongoing phygital FDCI x LFW event.

Talking about how the industry will fare in the future and his own personal take on the global crisis, Varma speaks to in depth.

Excerpts:

Q:Did the pandemic bring about any change in your design philosophy?

A:Yes certainly, there has been an impact on creativity because of the pandemic. Most people have come out of the pandemic a little bit changed — some for the better, some for the worse, some have had to deal with their own personal issues, some have had to deal with financial issues.

I actually have felt more creative. I also feel that fast fashion is not something that we necessarily have to adapt to or embrace. I think something more classic, something more beautiful, something that’s forever, something that’s timeless is more my focus for creativity right now.

Q:How do you see the future of the fashion industry taking shape in a post-Covid period?

A:Most certainly, the pandemic has brought the entire world to a standstill, not just the fashion industry. And the fashion industry like any other industry has had to brace itself and get on with it. I think it’s really important. And life is for the living, so we all have to live it and live it up as well. A pandemic is something that comes along every 100 years and it takes a good 5-10 years to overcome it completely. But it’s nice to stay on the positive side. I personally feel the pandemic has been good in some ways for the world — it made the world stop and think and take stock of their own life.

I’ve actually worked more diligently, harder, and in some ways with more satisfaction through the pandemic. We have done fashion week last season, we are doing fashion week this season, we have done couture week — we have never done these many shows and collections ever through a year — so I feel you can sit back and wait for the tide to turn or you just literally have to swim to the shore yourself.

Also Read-Stars’ glow at FDCI, Lakme Fashion Week

Q:What has been your greatest achievement?

A:I don’t look at my life as having achieved anything great — there are far more important emotions I believe in — such as happiness, satisfaction, love for life and my passion for my work. Even after 30 years of doing the same thing, I still believe my greatest work is in my future collections!

Q:Tell us about the inspiration behind this collection.

A:The inspiration for the collection is the ‘Valley of Flowers’ in Uttarakhand and I’m really just talking about ’50 Shades Of Happiness’. I think coming out of the pandemic it becomes really imperative and important that we find joy in almost anything… so I call it ’50 Shades Of Happiness’ — look for happiness in smaller things and whatever will make your day more joyful.

The collection really symbolises the importance of staying mentally fit and alert and being able to deal with calamities and coming out of it feeling joy — it can be through colour, art, music — it can be anything that gives you a certain satisfaction and happiness. The collection offers a lot of colour — which is very unusual for my work. It offers a lot of beautiful light silhouettes and very happy tonal embroideries.

Q:Who do you see wearing your collection?

A:I see all my clientele all over the world wearing the collection since it symbolises Happiness — the one emotion we all need most after a very difficult year post the pandemic. The collection is joyful and exuberant and will add that extra spark to bridal dressing.

Also Read-Lakme Fashion Week

Read More-Lakme Fashion Show on March 11

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Stars’ glow at FDCI, Lakme Fashion Week

Women’s bridal wear included silver and gold gowns, backless and button less cholis. The designer has used mini capes with gowns, floor-kissing ornate robes, kurtas and kurtis with cropped, flowing pants…writes Puja Gupta.

This is an awesome month of fashion, style and trends. Veteran fashion designer Manish Malhotra showcased his latest couture collection ‘Nooraniyat’ with Bollywood stars Kiara Advani and Kartik Aryan as the showstoppers for his phygital show at the FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week.

The designer presented a line-up of bridal wears — dominated by metallics and a lot of blacks and blue. The primary line of inspiration for the collection is from the old world repertoire–the embroidery in particular, says the designer.

For the show, Kiara wore a shimmering silver gown with cut outs and a silver sheer, long shoulder train. While Kartik was dressed in a black, bundgala jacket with three silver reindeers embroidered, teamed with an asymmetric ink kurta and slim pants.

“Everyone knows my fondness for the deft embroidery, the intricate and ornate designs. However, I’ve given my own take to the collection where it is influenced by contemporary times. I wanted to bring together a new composition that is balanced in its heterogeneous elements. Where everything exists. The collection is developed on the ethos of tradition but influenced by the new world’s present. A collection that sits firmly with the pandemic-induced preferences but also relatable to our aesthetics and our loyalists,” he tells.

The collection also saw a mixture of sumptuous sorbet and blush shades, like vibrant pink with lilac, grey-blue and royal beige-gold. The fabrics used were pure two-toned silks and Dupion silks, gold silks, sheer organzas, lush crepes and tissue fabrics.

Manish Malhotra

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There were oversized jackets and colour blocked lehengas, Kalidar kurtas, the diaphanous lehengas, gowns, shararas, kurtas, palazzos, jackets and traditional dupattas.

Women’s bridal wear included silver and gold gowns, backless and button less cholis. The designer has used mini capes with gowns, floor-kissing ornate robes, kurtas and kurtis with cropped, flowing pants.

For men’s wear, Manish offered a variety of jackets with beaded lapels or silver shawl collars. He teamed the conventional or jodhpuri jackets with kurtas and added discreet, animal motif embroidery for the Sherwanis.

Meanwhile, commenting on the collaboration of two fashion giants — FDCI and LFW — Manish says: “As we are gradually progressing towards the shared purpose to strengthen the fashion industry, this joint presentation makes even more sense based on the collaborative spirit and collective growth. What can get better than this?”

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