The grand finale of Amazon India Fashion Week was a magnum opus. Ankita Jain reports
The much awaited night began with the embedded classical flavours like the spins, footwork and the facial expressions fused altogether in kathak. And the live Rajasthani folk singers gave a rustic touch to the grand finale of the Amazon India Fashion week (AIFW) Spring-Summer 2017. It was done just like the way artists would perform in a king’s courtyard.
With a voice-over by actor Kabir Bedi talking about ‘guru-shishya parampara’, the ramp witnessed the 28th edition of AIFW with a never-seen-before collaboration between the master and the disciple where the festive was represented by JJ Valaya’s grandeur and opulence and the Modern by Alpana-Neeraj’s restrained sculpting. The trio showcased 60 garments.
“Guru- Shishya parampara has been a very integral part of Indian culture. Within FDCI, every designer has worked with a senior designer at some point. So, it was like the whole spirit of FDCI had come together in one show,” said Alpana.
Inspired by the Rann of Kutch, models sashayed in ensembles that used traditional motifs in neat cuts and flowing capes, lehengas, cholis, long modern dresses with more of zari and swarovski work on fabrics like velvet. From intricate embroidery to breathtaking embellishments, every outfit was better than the other.
Accessories such as metal waist belts, septum rings, statement ear cuffs and hand cuffs from loupe jewellery added more drama to the extravagant clothes. The beauty look had gorgeous smoldering sheen on the face with a dab of glitter on the eyes.
When asked about the take-away trends from his collection, the designer said, “Metallic, which has been a constant in our show is a hot trend and we’ve tried to make it as classic as possible,” said Vallaya.
The collection was segregated into three phases. The first phase featured a royal and antique collection. The second phase was more about metallic and mirror work and the last one showcased a nomadic collection.
Describing a quintessential Valaya woman, he said, “She’s a royal nomad just like me. I think I’m a nomad but definitely a royal one. All the women and men, who love to travel, should do it in style.”
The designer also emphasised on how he has been working with menswear since the beginning of his career and also that 40 per cent of his revenue is generated from menswear, which is an inspiration enough for young designers to experiment with men’s clothing.
Photo: Pankaj Kumar