lakmé Fashion Week Summer Resort 2017 is all set to soar to new heights with iconic designers. Unnati Joshi and Ankita Jain give you a sneak peek on what to expect
India’s most prestigious fashion week is back with a bang and it’s the first lFW of the year. So get ready to indulge in some fashion therapy that aims to redefine the future of fashion and integrate India into the global fashion world. To a burgeoning band of fashion-minded urbanites, a cluttered design space offers plenty of diversity to navigate. From practical prêt to high-end artisanal and a lot in-between, fresh talents undoubtedly bring variety to the fashion front every season. Embracing the hard-to-impress world of style are these young designers who are scheduled to showcase their collections at lakmé Fashion Week that begins on February in Mumbai.
Gold and glam
Taking cue from lakme’s theme, Anita Dongre is putting together the ‘Alchemy’ collection inspired by the glistening sands of Rajasthan and the unique flora and fauna of the state.
“It feels great to collaborate with the lakmé team for the Grand Finale for the first time. I am excited about the argan oil trend in beauty and look forward to bringing alive the liquid gold theme through my designs,” said the designer.
Anita has created designer wear that leaves unforgettable impressions on the world, and yet, is versatile enough to transcend people, places and occasions. A line that effortlessly fuses a variety of styles, silhouettes and designs to offer customers a fashion that is global chic.
Talking about the collaboration, Purnima lamba, head of Innovation at lakmé said, “Anita’s organic approach made her a natural collaborator as we launch our argan oil lipsticks range. She works closely with traditional artisans in showcasing Indian aesthetics with a modern sensibility. We look forward to seeing her interpretation of liquid gold at the finale.”
Vintage hit
Does a traditional sari that has taken months of craftsmanship, become useless once certain parts of it are weathered by time and useIJ
“My multiple visits to the Delhi blind school Diwali mela made me meet a woman from the Waghri community of Gujarat, selling quilt and patch-work art made from worn-out saris. Upon a candid conversation, she described how women in villages trade these shreds for aluminum utensils.
‘Seamless’ derives inspiration from millions of these unusable, unclaimed pieces of heritage by changing their identity and giving it a new purpose and life,” Amit told us.
The collaboration between AM.IT with lakmé Salon, saw its inception with mutual sensibilities about presenting something unique and relevant with an environmentally conscious approach.
“In the hope to increase their lifeline, ripped patola saris were restored by using modern industrial treatments through responsible design ethics to fortify them and arrange them as a new entity. An unusable sari can be made more meaningful by changing its application to evoke new feelings and express new values. Here, lakmé Salon displays unconventional hairdos that will create vogues out of discarded industrial materials. Vintage weaves are integrated with unconventional industrial materials deriving colours from the traditional patola which include wine, rust, teal, olive, khaki, mustard and ink blue and accentuated them with similar metallic tones. The unstitched nature of the sari is modernised with structured silhouettes and the fluid nature of handwoven silk chanderi and ikat find a great support from nylon meshes, poplins, tapestry and faux leather braids. Taking cue, lakmé aims to redefine the way we wear our hair and put forward a new trend for the eco-conscious millennial,” explained Amit.
Pastel glory
Drawing inspiration from the first bloom of summer as it mirrors the freshness of nature at its blossoming best is how Karn Malhotra sums up his collection. Powder and aqua blue mirrors the calm of a clear sky, flaming orange reflects the vibrancy of the golden sun, while deep green is as invigorating as a serene forest patch. These hues amalgamate in a range of high fashion, short evening dresses, jumpsuits, separates and gowns, to create a couture collection crafted to perfection. Fine summer silks like crepe and chiffon along with polyester blends and georgette feature bring alive patterns inspired from the summer floras. Subtle use of ruffles, layers, frills and glass bead tassels adds a feminine yet edgy touch to his avant-garde imagination. The collection features solids, a two-tone diamond check print and a hint of colour blocking, in a mix of Karn’s signature clean cuts and flowing fluid forms with hints of vintage and modern elements alike.
Talking about the trends, he told us, “Sequins and shimmer will continue to be in vogue in 2017. From making an elegant appearance in form of tassels and embellishments in cocktail dresses, jumpsuits and gowns in collars and cuffs. The silhouettes will be a combination of structured and flowy to depict the modern power woman.”
The Mughal thread
A fusion of organic and fresh tones brings Tarun Tahiliani’s Spring Summer collection 2017 to life this season. Inspired by Mughal gardens and architecture, the Spring Summer collection aptly titled Chashme Shahi reveals clothes that transform into a breathtaking aria of fantasy and romance. Representing the ateliers timeless craft combined
with a modern muse, skillfully presented in an array of elegant cool garments to create an offering reminiscent of summer and all that it brings with it. “Chashme Shahi, a spring of freshness and lightness, of pared down finesse, restraint and elegant draping, spring flowers and delicate chikankari. As dressing in the day becomes more casual, the collections move more towards the evening – changes in lifestyle heralds a change in fashion”, said Tarun Tahiliani.
Defining the new summer silhouettes and exploring fantasy through form with lehenga-skirts, kurtas, concept saris and asymmetrical hemlines, the collection is imbibed with a fresh and youthful simplicity.
Handloom saris, kurtas, off shoulder tops and tunics in soft cottons, silk, georgettes, chanderi and crepe jerseys radiate sheer sophistication and chicness – translating his signature daywear looks into evening wear.
Rules get rewritten on colour blocking with the studio’s unique take on the trend - easy separates that include scarves, skirts, tees, tunics and kurtas in tones of red, ivory, black and jade that can be paired up to create various permutations and combinations, functioning flawlessly in a modern wardrobe.
Tribal Trinket
Hang a painting not on you wall, but on your neck. That’s the suggestion jewellery designer Simran Juneja from Inaayat Jewels seems to be making. Accessory brand Inaayat Jewel have collaborated with — Sufiyaan with Madamme Hall for the fashion extravaganza. Together they will put up a show on February 2. Sufiyaan is the Ajrakh artisan who supplies fabric to Madamme Hall and help to build her collection.
The collection is inspired by the tribal communities from all across the world, taking the essence of their lost aesthetic legacy and mixing it up with the contemporary touch. All the products are 100 per cent handcrafted just like the old traditional way of jewellery making, when something is hand-made it is very likely that the craft person is deliberate and mindful about each and every step.
“I feel proud and happy for myself and for all those artisan who give part of their creative soul to the handcrafted goods. A platform is what gives recognition to an artist and artisans. I am privileged to represent and promote handcrafted jewellery on the most reputed platform,” said designer Simran.
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The UAE-based fast fashion retailer Splash, will be showcasing its Spring Summer’17 collection at the fashion week. For the first time, a retail brand will unveil its collection with a runway show. Scheduled for February 3, the collection is a perfect choice for urban and chic fashion aficionados who will be spoilt for choice with an array of clothing, accessories, bags, sunglasses and other products from the brand. The runway looks are designed to give tips and cues to fashionista’s on how to dress up effortlessly this season. “Our association with lFW is an exciting one for us as this is our second association with a leading fashion week, starting with Fashion Forward in the Middle East. With our show at lFW we aim to create visibility for the brand in India and the fashion we present that takes its cues from leading trends showcased each season,” said RazaBeig, CEO, Splash.