Preview: Payal Khandwala’s LFW Winter Festive 2016 Collection

Payal Khandwala’s upcoming show at LFW Winter Festive 2016 in collaboration with Lakmé Salon has got us excited for a variety of reasons, one of which is that it is a bridal collection. The designer’s sharp, clean aesthetic will, as before, lead to a truly unique collection of festive wear.

(Click on any image to view in larger gallery.)

Below, the designer speaks to us about the concept behind the collection and the techniques she has used:

What is the concept behind this collection?
“The collection is called The New Emperor and the premise is a land where woman is king. She’s not content being just a princess. I imagine her as a powerful yet gentle monarch, not afraid to embrace her graceful side, but also not reluctant to be a leader.”

What was on your mood board?
“To support the idea of this new king, we use the lion as an integral motif this season. Also known as the king of the jungle, the lion represents courage but also stateliness. Our national emblem, and more recently as the face of the Make In India campaign, it is the perfect icon to reinforce our message.”

What are some of the techniques and textiles used in this collection?
“Several of our key textiles are hand woven in Benares and our designs developed with weavers that are part of the Make In India initiative. Woven meticulously with gold thread to illuminate a deep palette of our signature jewel colours, these textiles are reminiscent of vintage heirlooms.
We also continue our association with our weavers in West Bengal for our developments in silk. This season we also introduce hand embroidery, while ensuring that it remains minimal and lightweight keeping with our house aesthetic.
We have done away with the dupatta traditionally draped on the head, but we have retained its drape and drama, and reinvented it in our pleated textures. The clothes are practical and uncluttered. They are layered and the lines are long. The more feminine shapes are paired with menswear essentials like jackets, cuffs and collars to find the perfect balance.”

What piece from the collection would you recommend?
“Our brocade lehenga with a men’s sherwani. Both are timeless and tow a fine line between the feminine and masculine.”

We’re also looking forward to see the accessories, which are from her own label Tachi and the footwear by Fizzy Goblet, created especially for the show. Here’s a sneak peek: