Day 1 was pretty satisfying in terms of designs with experienced designers going wild with their creativity, I loved the outfits which were much more wearable than last years Summer Resort. Day2 had loads of designers I was looking forward to see their latest creations. I must give credit to the team of Lakme Fashion Week for uploading the photos so soon…………..this shows their commitment to their work. Kudos to them……..
Photo courtesy : To view the complete collection visit www.lakmefashionweek.co.in
MANISH MALHOTRA
Who does not look forward to seeing Manish Malhotra’s latest designs on the runway, despite the India – South Africa match I’d say seeing his work made me happier than seeing the stressful match……………..but I saw both live……..could not keep myself from catching the cricket fever. Coming back to fashion, the Maestro was back with inspiration from Kashmir famous for it’s Kashmiri Kadhai……………he also designed pieces with chikankari and Gotta work. This time around I am very impressed with this menswear collection which had elaborate Kashmiri Work – the shawls, the kurtas, the bandhgala all in vibrant colours were very alluring. Love the use of Kashmiri Kadhai & Chikankari on the sheer fabrics like net & chiffons, love the knee length anarkalis, lehengas all done up in pastels. What I had expected is for Manish to make floor length anarkali’s in sheer fabrics but honestly that reminded me so much of his last season collection. My verdict : Menswear was an absolute surprise…………loved it instantly. All for the colour, the detail work and shorter length of kurtas. I do expect him to surprise his audience with a new creation in womens wear though.
ANAND KABRA
I just found few new designs on the runway…………..of course the credit goes to Anand Kabra for being so creative. Though I was not a fan of his collection last year, this season tell a different story all together. He had an array of summery colours & prints, fused together to form this collection. The collection was divided into five parts – first part had mustard yellows with grey, black & white, the second part had prints which were kinda very 1970s, the third part had bold prints in purple,magenta, grey & black, the fourth was more of a party wear style with glittery silver combined with grey and the last part was in black & white. The asymmetrical cut and beautiful use of sheer fabricis what set his collection apart from others. My verdict: Surprisingly fresh in terms of designs………..Love the collection which again is very wearable yet contemporary. Had a range of designs for women of all age.
MASABA GUPTA
The young and hip collection ‘Straight from my soil’ by Masaba had vibrant colours which was inspired by the Masai tribe. But unfortunately what lacked this time was the ‘Cut’ & ‘Fit’ of her outfits and the drapes too were wrapped pretty much in a hurry. The jumpsuits were impressive, the short dresses were fashionable, the sarees draped as resort wear still were stylish…………….but the styling of the entire collection left me high & dry. Some outfits still reminded me of her earlier collection. My verdict : Something absolutely fresh required here, the fitting of outfits should be given more focus next time around.
SHIVAN & NARRESH
The talented designer duo granted my wish by presenting wearable outfits with pants & shorts………………….I am liking it for sure. The collection had swimwear, cocktail dresses, jackets, tops………the colours were all for the summer, turquoise blue was my favourite. Styling was chic, the jewellery were awesome…………..the collection had a very real life feel to it. The duo was not presenting a fantasy which thankfully many designers go wrong at. My verdict: Neat & clean lines work for me.
VIIA BY VIVEK KARUNAKARAN
If you are thinking of going for a holiday at a beach resort, check Vivek’s latest collection. The sheer fabric worked for this Resort wear and the colours were radiant. Alot of white was used in shirts, dresses, swimwear, pants…………….nice, nice very nice indeed. On the wear-ability front, it is suitable for the young ones but I wish he had some outfits for women above 40s & 50s with some summer dresses in flowy fabrics. By far his collection was way, way better than his Winter festive collection showcased last year. My verdict : I like this collection alot for keeping up with the theme of the fashion week.
JATIN VARMA
Jatin Verma’s aptly titled ‘Gelato’ because of the way the drapes were used to create a delicious designs. The collection consisting of primarily gowns & dresses were suitable for parties. Some dresses however gave me the feel of bridesmaid’s dress……………..in few dresses the drapes were not set and in some places looked crinkled. To work with drapes is not an easy job, if one can pull off the look it is worth amillion bucks. Unfortunately the colours were beautiful but some places the drapes left alot to be desired. My verdict : Some outfits will work, some won’t………needs more refined finishing to the ensemble.
LITTLE SHILPA
Did Little Shilpa actually get lost in a fairy land and found it difficult to find her way back to normalcy………………Yes she absolutely did that. She is an accessory designer who flaunted floral head gears, neck pieces, scarves and many more……but I wish that the styling could have been way better than this. What spoilt the entire look was the way it was presented…………few floral pieces actually were very beautiful but somehow never came to be noticed because of the poor styling. My verdict : A fairytale that could have been brought into life, just turned into a nightmare.
EMERGING DESIGNERS
PAMELA & ARCHANA
The sister duo Pamela & Archana began started their collection ‘Pam & Arch’ in London showed off floral prints in bouquet of colours that reminded me of the 1970s. I got to see summer dresses mostly in halter or boat necks……………..I sorely missed pants, tops, shirts & shorts in this collection. The prints were commendable but what lacked in this collection were the designs & the cut. My verdict : Need newer designs but find this designer duo talented……..will look forward to their collection next year as well.
SABBAH SHARMA
“Tempestivitas’ a collection designed by Sabbah Sharma had fusion of bright colours especially in darker shades. Geogettes, silk, cotton and many more fabrics to take form of a knee length dress, flowy dresses, pants, tops. Bollywood actor Tusshar Kapoor in a grey double breast biker jacket & Ex Miss Britain Preeti Desai in a black short dress which had a colourful detail work on the front & a half trail flowing from the waist behind were the show stoppers for Sabbah. I liked the styling and the jewellery used to accessorize the outfits. My verdict : Lovely colours, unique designs especially the cut work. Like the collection which was relatively fresh.
JELIN GEORGE
Pencil skirts, shirts is elaborate collars, puff sleeves, visible buttons & bows…………..I felt as if I am attending a Sunday mass at a church. I have seen women wear these stuff on my walks in Mumbai, I just did not find the collection creative or new. Plus the colour combinations were too boring to hold my interest in the outfits. I was not impressed by her earlier collection, still have the same feeling for this collection too. My verdict : Found the designs too old fashion. This is the fashion week where the designer is expected to showcase something extremely creative…………….elements of which were totally lacking.
Indian Fashion Police 