DAY 2: LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER FESTIVE 2016

Sanjay Garg 

Giving us much more to drool over, this time Sanjay Garg created a westernised catalogue of clothes. His trademark fabrics were used to create chic, well-tailored separates. Lots of palazzos, slip dresses in silk and long coats made their way into this metallic collection. Monkeys were the main motif running through the show for a playful take on festive wear. Don’t miss the sari innovation with an arm hole in the palla.

Anavila

Fuss-free Anavila saris have always been a favourite in the handloom section of the closet. This season, she shows us how to nonchalantly pair the nine yards with sleeveless-cropped blazers and flimsy long coats. If power-dressing is all the rage, then this collection shows you how it’s done.

Hemang Agrawal

Even though zari or metallic yarn, has been unmanageable to many an artisan especially to create full-blown ensembles, Hemang Agrawal, tames the wire to create a shimmery, metallic collection. Without the use of printing or embroidery, the ‘heavy metal’ collection showcased simple shifts, dresses and saris.

Bina Rao

Seeking inspiration from movies like Helen of Troy and Mughal-e-Azam, Bina Rao has used classic techniques to create contemporary clothes. Charcoal, burnt sienna, fiery reds and oranges, are a sandy overlay to the collection. Florals and flares definitely made this collection a heavy-weight, after all prints are always a welcome addition to the Indian wardrobe.

Weaver’s Studio

Indo-western silhouettes played a big part at the Weaver’s Studio showcase. The deep blue colour palette was juxtaposed with hints of red. Besides the play of warm and cool hues, we were quite impressed with their saris, and Indian wear.

Kallol Datta

Kallol Datta’s 1955 collection was fluid and voluminous with sharply cut black separates. The show kickstarted with his trademark baggy silhouettes, followed by some velvet, then graphic polka dots and blacks flowed into dark inky blues.
We liked the asymmetrical tops paired with crushed metallics which lent a futuristic feel to the collection.

Three

Monochromatic colour-blocking was seen at its best in this collection with its ode to comfortable silhouttes.
We liked the samurai-style robes and the blouse with pyjama-pants that looked too comfortable to be true.

Kaleekal

Kaleekal’s collection was fashioned after the anti-fit theme that seems to be the flavour of the season. Theatrically elongated sleeves and raw-edges were seen throughout his showcase.
We loved the delightful suits and separates. Although the collection gave off the impression of being distressed, the tailoring was top-notch.

Runaway Bicycle

Inspired by the outfits of different professions from a time gone by, Preeti Verma presented fresh, wholesome and colourful creations that favoured Khadi and organic fabrics. The youthful line was relaxed and easy with a sense of freedom in fashion.
We liked the demure milkmaid cum stylish factory worker vibe that the collection exuded. We also lapped up the feminine-androgyny trend that was the defining theme of the collection with jumpsuits and smocks paired with shirts and knee-length shorts matched with blazers.

Padmaja

The designer’s ‘Loom of my Mind’ collection presented the magic of handloom that revealed the expertise of weaver’s in Maheshwar with specially woven fabrics that were highlighted with minute detailing.
We liked the fluid shapes that lent an element of languor to the collection. The scarves added to the earthiness that is Padmaja’s signature style.

P.E.L.L.A

P.E.L.L.A.’s ‘Minus6.5’ was an interesting line of shapes that were hard to decipher. Hand woven pure Eri silk, Jamdani, Cashmere and Pashmina, all ideal for the coming season, were the designer’s top choices. The tone remained neutral with white and grey and then moved onto black peaked with red.
We liked the kaftan-shaped dresses in amorphous shapes without any embellishments. The sheer sleeves and patches started gave a very nomadic feel to the whole affair.

Anuradha Kuli

The designer who prides herself on being a revivalist of forgotten weaves brought natural dyes and hand-spun Eri threads to the ramp in her collection titled Naturally Anuradha.
We liked that weaves were the hero of this collection and that the blouses were fuss-free with the details being allowed to steal the show instead.

Pranami Kalita

The designer’s collection titled Pariah brought Assam’s couture tradition to the forefront with skilfully crafted luxurious silks like Paat, Eri and Muga.
We liked the transition from Indian silhouttes in tradition Assamese weaves and colours to western styles in bright pop colours. We also approved of the juxtaposition of modern garments like pleated skirts and dresses interspersed with Indian silk details.

Ants Craft

An NGO that is committed to uplifting tribal women weavers, Aagor by Ants Craft was one of the more casual collections to be showcased on the ramp. The simple, monochromatic collection was a breath of fresh air for those with a proclivity for understated fashion.
We liked the fluid silhouettes, earthy colours and refreshing construction elements like knots, ties and cut outs.