Day 1 was a blend of veteran designers & upcoming new breed of designers………..new ideas, new patterns, new silhouette is what we are hungry for every single season. IFP takes a look at the designers whose work stood out from the rest. Surely these designers will lay the ground rules for the upcoming Festive season.
Photo Courtesy : Vogue India
Nikhil Thampi
Nikhil Thampi had impressed us with his summer 2013 collection which had designs in sheer fabric, fish motifs & metallic accessories……that did indeed new trend. But this collection was based on contemporary Indian wear with faces of Kathakali dancers imprinted on the fabric………..there was no denying that Nikhil went back to his roots to draw inspiration for his recent works. And I thought the designer could make only western outfits………..feels good when fashion-wise you are proved wrong…. 🙂
The collection consisted of Bolero jackets, Achkans, flare pants, sarees, demure gowns, flowy skirts etc. mostly done up in silk & sheer fabric. The colour palette had beige golden, white, black & ash grey. My only wish would be to see more colours in Nikhil’s collection in future along with the surprise element of motifs which reflect his inspiration beautifully.
For this time, the designer has indeed has a good year as both his summer as well as festive collection have got noticed by the fashion circle. Hope Nikhil continues his fashion saga next year as well with his new ideas.
Payal Singhal
Payal Singhal has become a regular on IFP’s review of every season of Lakme Fashion Week. Her recent creations aptly titled as ‘Char Bagh’ better read as four gardens was Persian inspired was primarily done up in pastels, black, white & burgundy with hint of gotta patti work & embroidery. The motifs were a blend of monochromes & persian prints with a touch of geometry. Asymmetrical hemlines, patiala salwars & heavy detailwork around the neckline were prominent features seen in this collection.
I like the fact that Payal’s Indian wear designs are clean and contemporary. She blends the traditional well with modern and I am sure this collection will find plenty of takers. Though the western wear is not a strong point in this collection, the Indian line makes up for it. Payal has new ideas and is willing to experiment……that is a quality which impresses IFP.
Shilpa Reddy
Shilpa Reddy showcased her collection ‘Suriyothai’ collection……….the name of the warrior queen of Thailand. The bright yellow & tangerine colours took centre stage while the exaggerated shoulder was a prominent Thai feature. The collection had sarees, evening gowns, skirts, lehenga, anarkalis and jackets.
Thai combined with Indians designs was a first for this season………something new is what IFP always like. Need to see more works of Shilpa in future too but this collection is a keeper for the festive season.
Anita Dongre
There was a colour riot at the recent showcasing of Anita’ Dongre’s Timeless collection which had plenty of choices for the bride-to-be. ‘The Jaipur Bride’ – title for Anita’s festive collection had loads of Lehengas, anarkali & sarees in bright neons colours which will make any bride stand out from the rest of the crowd.
Though I felt many designs were seen before in Anita’s collection but the heavily embellished Lehenga got my vote for this upcoming festive season. The colours were alluring and the detailing was inspired by Rajasthan. Overall the collection was beautiful but require something off the usual from Anita in the next fashion week.