By  
on  

FDCIx Lakme Fashion Week: Aisha Rao’s fairytale magic to Abhishek Gupta’s ode to ‘Benaras’, drama unfolds on the Day 2 of runway!

After an exciting Day 1, the second day of the 5-day fashion soiree of FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week witnessed a high dose of glamour. Many celebrated designers came together to unfold the drama on the runway with their first physical shows for the season, entertaining the audience in flesh and blood.

Check out all the pivotal fashion moments from the Day 2 of the joint fashion week:

AISHA RAO

Aisha Rao’s latest collection for FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week, Paper Dolls, will take you on a trip to the childlike dreamscapes of beloved storybooks and fantastical tales from the yore.

The designer reimagined these tales with subliminal lehengas, contemporary saris, show-stopping dresses, and gowns. Many of the pieces bring back the lost luster of the most ubiquitous fabric spotted during yesteryear Indian weddings—tissue—minus the fraying.

The designer reimagined these tales with subliminal lehengas, contemporary saris, show-stopping dresses, and gowns. Many of the pieces bring back the lost luster of the most ubiquitous fabric spotted during yesteryear Indian weddings, tissue.

The shade card consisted of a bold yet enigmatic colour palette of ebony, lavender, gold, and soft shades of pink.

Showstopper Diana Penty glided in a purple tissue lehenga featuring colourful yet delicate embroidery. A statement neckpiece accentuated her sweetheart neckline furthermore.

 

MOHAMMED MAZHAR

Paying tribute to his dear Nani and the Cot weavers, Mohammed’s collection ‘Meri Pyaari Khaat' was a stylish ode in just monochrome black and white. Staying true to his characteristic statement-making boxy, free-flowing dramatic silhouettes, Mohammed ensured that the specially developed fabric with the Cot weaving technique was the focal point of the collection.

Sprinkling the garments with discreet hand embroidery, the immense selection of cotton fabrics, created the necessary fashionable tale for the ensembles.

 

PEARL ACADEMY

The 'Liquid Love' collection by Resham Karmchandani and Sanya Suri for ‘The Pot Plant’ label presented by FDCI x Pearl Academy was all about setting an individual, style statement and loving it too for the coming season.

Pushing the boundaries of the traditional crafts like Bandhani and Shibori, the designers offered gender-fluid silhouettes that revealed fine finishing and impeccable tailoring.

The choice of fabrics revolved around sheer, fluid textiles that allowed the wearers to express their identity. Cotton, silk and organza moved with stylish, languid, easy movements through trans-seasonal colours and silhouettes.

The black and white jacket with Bandhani and minute stitch detailing was a sure winner, while the electric blue unisex jacket with bursts of fuchsia Bandhani florets and dots was a real scene-stealer. Yellow and white came together for another stunning, draped creation that was belted with great pizzazz.

The brown, sheer, organza tunic with cubic Bandhani motifs will surely cause a fashion tussle between HIM and HER, as it was an ideal gender-neutral option. Gender fluidity was apparent for the button-less jacket, shirt with placement print and soft robe with a slit skirt in red and indigo. The long-sleeved belted maxi, black and white trench coat and the 50/50 print for the ink blue blouse and pant, as well as the fuchsia, printed jumpsuit, will move effortlessly through wardrobes.

 

JADE BY MONICA AND KARISHMA

Inspired by 18th century Rajasthani miniature paintings, the designing duo of Monica Shah and Karishma Swali unveiled their collection “Bani Thani – Bridal Heirlooms” that gave a fresh fashion impetus to the art of wedding trousseaux. Working the rich detailing, vibrant colours of miniature art into their couture creations, the designers presented exquisite, handcrafted, heirloom pieces to create a memorable wardrobe.

Giving a centre stage focus to the Leheriya - one of Rajasthan’s artisanal heritages, it was a visually mesmerising delight.

There was a colourful blend of prints and embroidery, as backless blouses and a variety of lehengas some with black bikini-style cholis or bareback bralettes, danced through the film. At times the trellised blouse and the lacy bolero added a touch of unique crafted pieces. Introducing a men’s wear line, the ‘Jade’ label offered an amazing array of wedding wear along with hand-crafted silver accessories.

ABHISHEK GUPTA

Bringing the nostalgic beauty of his hometown, Benares to center stage, Abhishek unveiled an occasion wear collection for men and women in jewel tones that matched the splendor of the traditional weaves. The lush colors of burgundy, teal green, Prussian blue and black were splashed with rich gold embellishments.

The fabric choice was obviously the timeless brocades of Benares along with pure silks and tulles, whose beauty was further enhanced with intricate pleating, quilting and detailed appliqués. The surface ornamentation for the ensembles featured artworks that were positioned creatively to match the silhouettes, as the many motifs flowed effortlessly over seams.

The beauty of Benares was the perfect backdrop for the fashion film as the models glided through the magical city.

For men’s wear it was the classic sherwani with tonal texturing with subtle glitter, while the Nehru Waistcoats maintained the traditional silhouette but had a marked formal appeal.

IT was indeed a sartorial extravaganza! Can’t wait for the magic we are about to witness on Day 3!

Recommended