Though Masaba Gupta’s prints and colours were repetitive, the hemlines and embroidered shoulders were quite impressive, says K Bhardwaj
We must thank Masaba Gupta for infusing the right energy at the opening show of the Wills lifestyle India Fashion Week. The extravaganza, which is under scanner due to absence of several big designers, took off with on a glamorous note. Showstopper Alia Bhatt walked the ramp while cricketer Irfan Pathan, actor Neena Gupta and city’s who’s who were spotted in the front row.
Masaba presented quirky dresses with a variety of prints based on her label’s stamp, machine-prints and Chandragupta written on them. Muslin, georgettes, silk, cotton had crochets on shoulders. Sheer hemlines added to the sensuality and Masaba’s spontaneity. Though the prints and colours have almost become a trademark of her clothes, what stood out was her experiment with drapes. “Honestly, nothing inspired me for this collection. I feel certain weightlessness in my garments. I have just embraced my younger side and had fun doing the clothes. It’s everything that the brand stands for — and prints,” she said. During the day, Masaba also unveiled her version of the Nano car.
Alia Bhatt who has known the designer for a long time was excited to walk the ramp for her. “It was a very emotional and special moment. We have grown up doing all the crazy things together and today walking for her was a big deal. Her clothes are quirky and edgy. Since I hate being boring, I was having fun on ramp. I do go wrong sometimes but I still take the risk. I was told to be me and I haven’t walked the ramp as any professional model,” she said.
Following Masaba was designer Anupama Dayal who took inspiration from her travels. Her collection had a protagonist called Gulabi who grew up in a haveli but later travelled across the world. “It’s a free flowing and spirited collection,” said the designer. What impressed us was Dayal’s subtle choice of colours. There were flower prints on saris, tops, long and short layered skirts. She tweaked the traditional jewellery to lend a funky look. The accessories comprised funky necklaces, inspired by the Mughal era and head gears with flowers.