Day 2 started off on time unlike the previous day……………you truly never know when the Indian officials might show up with some problem w.r.t paper work……………In my opinion the show should have not been stopped and the problem should have been dealt behind the scenes or the officials should have warned them before hand about the fire permit problem………….It is waste of time and huge money.
Day 2 was more on a colourful with Established Designer going back to Indian roots.
Tarun Tahiliani
Tarun Tahiliani or ‘Emperor of Indian Fashion Industry’ as I would call him, presented his recent collection in Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week – Autumn/Winter 2010. Loved the way he had accessorize the models with bags, jewellery and wooden bangles. The colours were dark with the season of Autumn/Winter kept in mind. The collection was different from the usual glamorous ‘Tarun Tahiliani’ collections which were displayed in earlier fashion weeks. The colours were darker, designs were bolder, more of Indian prints & motifs dominated the scene, shells used on the border of the silhouette, prints merged with embroidery and stone work. Lovvveeeeddd the prints but was a bit skeptical about the few pieces in the collection since they were not wearable and not appealing to the eye. In short they kinda did not have the Tarun Tahiliani touch. Nonetheless lovvveeedddd this collection for the beautiful prints in rich colours. This time around Tarun has gone deep into Indian craft for this creation. I always look forward to see the new collection of Tarun Tahiliani and fortunately I have never been disappointed. He always has something ‘Exceptional’ to offer every season. My verdict: This collection will do a roaring business.
Ashima & Leena
Ashima & Leena presented a very bright coloured Indian Wear collection which somehow reminded me of the song ‘Rang de Basanti’………………………….Oh I simply loved the bright orange, yellows, reds combined with cooler colours like blue & green with a hint of black. They had both Indian attire as well as Western wear in their collection. The flowy fabrics looked like a dream on the ramp with the layering effect given by this designer duo. The intricate detailing and minute sequin work made the outfits look fit for Gala occasions. They had dresses, skirts, trousers, coat, saree, salwar kameez, etc. for women of all ages. The best part about this collection is that each and every outfit was wearable off the ramp also. Indian taste reflected in the colours and prints of this collection.
My Say for this collection : I am all for the bright colours in Indian Wear. Great work!!
Ritu Kumar
Ritu Kumar’s western wear brand name ‘Label’ which is the brainchild of her son Amrish Kumar, presented the collection which was more of a fusion of casual and formal attire. The metallic colours dominated the scene with designs in skirts, trousers, short dresses, jackets and many more. The collection was for the young smart women but somehow I missed the Regal touch which I usually see in Ritu Kumar’s Indian Ensemble. The collection was kept too simple with more emphasis only on cut and not on look of the outfit. Detailing was kept to the bare minimum but that is what is the key signature look of Ritu Kumar. I don’t mind wearing western wear with a bit of detailing as long as it looks elegant and not trashy. Ritu’s clothes no matter how old they might be still look amazing with detailing and can never go out of fashion. Hope to see more of an ‘Oscar De La Renta’ look in Ritu and Amrish Kumar’s Western wear ‘Label’ collection line in the future.
Aastha Bahl
I could literally see all the colours ever invented on the runway for Aastha Bahl’s Collection which was inspired by the lifestyle of a Roman Nomad. Bizarre designs……………..yes most certainly, beautiful colour fusion………………….very much, alluring fabric layering style……………….thumbs up to that but were they wearable……………..only few were in the wearable category. The clothes were not styled beautifully since I believe a dash of ‘Bling’ in form of accessories would have done the job better. This collection looked as if bits & pieces of cloth taken from here there and stitched together to make an outfit. No doubt I loved the rich colours for the winter look but somehow the designs left me speechless. My Advice to Aastha would be to keep on creating the fusion of rich colours but have more elaborate designs and better styling.
Anky by Ankita & Anjana Bhargav
Now here is a collection that oozes loads of Power and Attitude for the modern Indian Woman. Ankita and Anjana have presented their recent collection ‘Anky 2011’ which I can be describe as Menswear for Women. The emphasis was on the fit while the colours were kept more towards earthy tones. Exaggerated shoulders, cowl neckline, crochet knits, asymmetrical patterns, loads of buttons, large pockets, high waisted trousers were the highlight of this collection. Models walked down the ramp flaunting browns, olive greens, beige, black in designs like skirts, pants, short dresses, party wear, coats. There was a touch of masculinity in every outfit but the clothes when worn on the runway looked very feminine. My verdict : Very stylish and wearable ensemble. I would love to see more from this designer duo.
Pallavi Mohan
Pallavi’s collection ‘Not so serious’ reminded me more of the recent hollywood flick ‘Alice in wonderland’. May be it was the way the entire show was styled with hats, head pieces, stockings, gloves, satin flower broach……………….all ‘oh-so-dreamy’. Clothes were simple and contemporary……………….but the designs of the clothes were something that we have seen earlier on the runway but somehow I liked her collection since few aspects like a short jacket on a dress with beautiful curled hemlines or the dreamy white lace dress combined with striped red & white stockings………..the wearable collection was very boho-chic as one would call yet very, very feminine. I do look forward to see more western creations from Ms. Mohan in future fashion weeks.
P.S: Will only be able to comment on other designer’s creation once I view the entire collection.
Indian Fashion Police 