In collaboration with Cover Story, Karl Lagerfeld’s collection in India presented a play of athleisure with casual-chic. It makes for elegant silhouettes that can be worn in the boardroom or even at brunches. Manjula Tiwari, CEO of the Indian retail brand, talks to Team Viva
If there was one thing that Karl Lagerfeld desired to have invented in fashion, it’s the white shirt. For him, it was the basis of everything. Rest comes after. Known worldwide for his aspirational, relevant and cutting-edge approach to style, he was a force of nature, coupled with an enigmatic persona and an original perspective on fashion and pop culture. And such a design philosophy has finally made its way to the Indian fashion scene. In collaboration with homegrown Indian fashion retail label, Cover Story, Maison Karl Lagerfeld has presented its timeless, signature styles across ready-to-wear and accessories for Fall-Winter 2019, created in London.
So is there an Indianness to the Lagerfeld design philosophy? Manjula Tiwari, CEO of Cover Story, describes that the designs have been created keeping in mind the Indian body-types, seasonal and cultural preferences. “The day-wear captures Lagerfeld’s crisp, minimalist aesthetic, fashioned in a monochrome palette. The play of athleisure with casual-chic makes for elegant silhouettes that can be worn to the board-room or even at brunch. Key looks are crafted in black-and-white with highlights of red. A snow-leopard mono-print and bold houndstooth design, along with boucle fabrics, brings texture and dimension to the range,” she says.
Must-haves for the day include — the iconic, fitted white blouse with a black-tie, oversized as well as peplumed white shirts, the poplin shirt-dress, elegantly cinched at the waist with a logo belt and a fit-and-flair dress in houndstooth.
“The evening wear celebrates the glamour of Paris at night. From sequins ad bodycon silhouettes to tux detailing, chains and studs, the range pays a fashionable tribute to rock-chic,” she adds.
Must-haves for festive evenings include — a black sequined wide-leg jumpsuit, an androgynous tuxedo suit, a tuxedo-dress juxtaposed with a georgette sleeve and a deep red halter-neck knitted dress worn with a studded leather jacket.
Manjula feels that during his lifetime, Lagerfeld has influenced multiple generations of women with his inimitable design philosophy. “A mix of Parisian chic with a touch of the avant-garde — this ethos is reflected in the collection and is deeply inspired by every-woman. We have always believed in the substance of style,” she says.
There have been numerous collaborations between Indian and international brands such as Coach, Burberry, H&M and Tiffany. Similarly, this will also certainly broaden the horizons of both the fashion houses, believes Manjula. “We aim to celebrate the individual spirit that shapes a woman’s sense of style. When it comes to fashion, the Indian woman and her sartorial preferences are truly unique,” she says.
However, the question that arises here is how did the collaboration happened? Manjula tells us that Lagerfeld approached her while she was in London. It has been in process from the last year. “We wanted to bring the best of international fashion to India but made exclusively as per the needs as well as requirements of the Indian consumers and what could be more grand than Karl Lagerfeld?” she adds.
The collection included a comfortable range of trench-coats, leather jackets and logo sweatshirts, which not only make for ideal travel companions but can also be used to layer day-looks this winter.
Photo: Pankaj Kumar