Bringing a great sartorial spin on Catalan modernism and art nouveau at Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI, Aisha Rao’s latest festive collection was aimed at recreating her version of the Trencadis form of folk art through her creations.
Hyderabad based Aisha Rao’s travels to Barcelona and the great works of Antoni Gaudi and his Catalan contemporaries as well as the Gothic beauty of churches and stylised work, formed the mainstay of her collection’s inspirations.
The wide array of saris, dresses, lehengas, cholis and dupattas, reflected some complex geometry and Spanish expressionist visuals. The colour story had large doses of Spanish red and lapis lazuli blue rendered as motifs of nature, landscapes and sculptural forms. Upcycled fabrics were worked along with georgette dobby that sparkled with gold and silver filament, ending in a brocade like texturing. Prints were brought in for added excitement, shimmered with badla work, while sequins encrusted the outfits for added drama.
Giving men some options to choose from, Aisha showcased a printed long-sleeved shirt, and a glittering tunic-shirt with long-sleeves with tie-ups teamed with shimmering trousers. The traditional look was brought in with an ornate bundie over brown kurta and narrow pants or a gleaning sherwani with fitted trousers.
Tara Sutaria looked the perfect showstopper when she ended the Aisha Rao show wearing an amazingly, embellished lehenga teamed with an off-shoulder long-sleeved choli. A demure touch was added with the short, black, tulle, veil edged with pretty, floral embroidery
Presenting a line that moved effortlessly from dawn to dusk, Aisha Rao’s Spanish inspired collection had nostalgic flavour with a celebratory touch that will appeal to fashion connoisseurs.
Renowned Couturier Aisha Rao said “With Trencadís, I bring architecture, art and literature from the Catalan culture with exuberant prints for the contemporary global mood of the generation. The collection is fun yet can double for key occasions. It’s the same line being eclectic yet opulent.”
Varun and Nidhika paid fashionable homage to feminine style
The designing duo, Varun and Nidhika’s “Swarn” collection which unveiled at Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI was an homage to feminine power that had strength and was bold but sensual. Nature proved to be the perfect driving force for the designers, who added serene imagery of swaying palms, verdant wilderness with delicate lattice work to balance it.
Fabrics were a mix of sheer, silk organza and metallic knits for draped silhouettes. The colour card was discreet and restricted to just gold and black. Intense detailing was carefully executed with hand crafted techniques for embroidered motifs and cut-outs that created a layered surface texturing. An intriguing form of molten metal with gold and rust-hued metallic tape embroidery further enhanced the impact of the look.
Offering a cross section of ensembles, the designer pair showcased structured jackets, followed by co-ord sets and elaborately designed dresses to complete the line. Draped saris were a great addition for traditional dressers.
Men’s wear matched the grandeur of the collection when long or short jackets appeared with sashes or in buttonless versions. An all-black sheer kurta with a long, sleeveless robe was a formal look for festive occasions.
The very effervescent Genelia Deshmukh graced the ramp as the showstopper, wearing a gorgeous, heavily, embroidered, long skirt with a fitted hip accent and an unconventional, black, draped, cape style blouse.
The “Swarn” collection by Varun and Nidhika was an ideal showcase for women who want to make strong style statements whenever they venture out.
