Working around an inspiration of a futuristic collection, Yogesh Chaudhary’s ‘Surendri’ label presented the 18 piece ‘Dot’ story at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2016. It was a glamorous cosmic journey through three galaxies as constellations, moon surfaces, scarred geometry and thermal radiation patterns, created an amazing mix of textures, silhouettes and innovative traditions.

The creations featured space-age inspired pleated dress, shirt kurta with open tie-up back with grey long skirt and long line shirts. There was a gorgeous mélange of draped saris, funky skirts, easy palazzos and floppy blouses that sparkled with circular motifs with exquisite foiling embroidery technique, which revealed a great blend of the East Jumpsuits dazzled, while coat-dress/pants, one-shoulder long tops with flowing pants, grey moulded gowns with cut outs and the long sleeve grey sheath were stunners. Volume appeared for the wide culottes, the waist cinched silver dress, cross drape palazzos and floor-length skirts.
Inspired by the dazzling array of the night sky, Yogesh had stunning ethnic wear that glittered with sequins and zari work for lehengas, asymmetric blouses and twinkling dupattas.

There was a marked deconstructed Grecian draped look for many of the creations, while the sculpted shoulders and futuristic fringing added to the drama of the space inspired line in mechanised knits and Indian shapes .

It was a stylish, untamed fashion odyssey that Sneha Arora brought to centre stage with her “Find Your Wild” collection, aimed at women who enjoy the freedom of fashion with bold, dramatic but easy silhouettes.

Long shirts were just perfect for lounging, while backless dresses had a cool element. Tie-up blouses offered comfort but knotted collar shirts were interesting conversation pieces. Her assortment of summer jackets was light and airy just right for the rising mercury.

The colour palette was cool with stark white, natural nude, cool aquas, striking teal and imposing peach making strong fashion statements. Sneha added her distinct prints that were quite unconventional. Hybrid animals, prancing zebras, speeding reindeers and stags were the highlight of the wild and wanton feel of the collection.

Pleating was the prime detailing that was expertly done on blouses, soft coats, skirts, tops, dresses and short jackets. Construction was unconventional as a trench coat was pleated to perfection, while the peplum pleated blouse, skirt and pant were a great trio. To further emphasis the wild theme the word ‘WILD’ was boldly splashed on a blouse. It was a very practical line of separates, which could be teamed with various garments to add life to the summer wardrobe.

The collection ‘Fossilized Subconscious’ by Chirag Nainani was a memorable line inspired by forgotten memories. Exploring the use of indigenous material, handloom fabrics and crafts by local artisans, designer brought in indigo dyeing with resist techniques.

Mercerised cotton and suiting material was presented in easy silhouettes that spelt comfortable wearability. The all-indigo and white collection offered peplum blouses with saris, asymmetric panelled flared mini, layered gown and an interesting take on the tuxedo jacket with a skirt. Relaxed parallel pants were teamed with asymmetric wrap tops; while stylised creations worked well into the theme.

Pranav Mishra and Shyma Shetty label Huemn at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2016 created a stylish rebellion on the ramp, which had eccentric touches that included a hint of raw sensuality.

The duo’s clever mix of textures and layers was the highlight of the gangster inspired retro line of mix and match separates with a contemporary feel. Bringing a hint of sporty chic, the 100 per cent handmade textures were inspired and resembled animal and reptile skins, as luxe silk, velvet leather and faux fur gave the ensembles an arresting appeal.

Ultra-fashionable Tees, lots of zippered blousons, biker jackets, shimmering satin shirts, velvet suits for the glam look and sporty coordinates were part of the eye-catching line. The colour palette matched the richness of the fabrics as shades of oxblood, deep rust, glowing emerald, sparkling silver grey, merged artistically with ever popular neutral black. Detailing revolved around floor kissing sleeves, tie-ups and drawstrings, which appeared on waist, hemlines and assorted parts of the garments.

Motifs of furry gorilla faces on the sweat shirts and the coiled snake embroidery on tops were truly eye catching.

Naveem Naaz Shaikh ‘Sukomo’ collection only with denim added striking touch to the popular fabric. From an ombré and laser cut treatment, designer added red, white and grey plaids, stripes and childish motifs as the collection brought out a fun-filled, carefree and trendy element for the wearer.

Kurtas, midis, checked unstructured coats, an unconventional treatment for saris with shirts and pants and a bold slogan NOW WHOM WHO WHENEVER gave the muted colour palette a lively lift. Structured silhouettes however allowed easy movement as Naveem kept comfort in the forefront. Colour blocked jeans with angular patch pockets were worn with alphabet print shirts.

Agrima Batra’s collection ‘To the Stars and Back’ or ‘Astraea’ was an exotic mélange of stylish chic day-to-evening wear that was created with zero wastage. Patched to perfection with every single scrap of fabric, the range with contrast colours worked beautifully with Rose Quartz and Serenity.

Vivid shades highlighted the contemporary look along with form fitting but graphic silhouettes. Slit pants with short sleeved jacket had origami appliqués, pencil pants, one-shoulder jumpsuit in ink with shoulder patches, black kimono wrap dress and a black one-sleeve gown were innovative additions to the line.

Manish Malhotra opened Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2016 with ‘ELEMENTS’ – his Spring/Summer 2016 Haute Couture collection, celebrating the designer’s inimitable style of glamour through a couture lens.

Comprising of over 70 ensembles for a beautiful summer wedding, the collection was inspired by Nature’s four glories– Earth, Water, Wind and Flame, with an unexpected, yet glamorous variations to traditional yet modern Indian couture. Tailored ponchos and overlapped trousers; cocktail dresses with graceful sari drapes; off-shoulder jumpsuits with Victorian trails, all make for playful additions to a bridal wardrobe.

Think colourful garden mehendis. Breezy open-air sangeets. Cascading layers of organza, tussar and crepe in dreamy hues of baby pink, powder blue, mint green and sunset orange, there was all. Floral motifs on asymmetrical cuts and sharp tailoring added an edge to the collection, enhanced by Manish’s handpicked uncuts, rubies, emerald & diamond accessories with handcrafted belts & beaded fringe bags.

There was something for the modern groom too, sharp jackets and kurtas, tailored pants and churidars in shades of blue and ivory were showcased for the millennial gentleman.
The mise en scène depicted nature, in keeping with the theme, the collection had showstoppers in a pastel pink gown and sheer cape with men to match in a midnight blue kurta and pants closed the show to thunderous applause.

The inaugural Dubai Collections, held at The Annex, Burj Khalifa, showcased collections from some of the region’s most talented young designers.
Six runway shows, two fashion presentations and six innovative pop-up boutiques were held as part of Dubai Collections. Visitors also had the opportunity to gain insights on how best to raise the profile of the regional designers in the global fashion arena through two lively talks by industry experts.

d 1

The first day of Dubai Collections saw runway shows by Endemage, Arwa Al Banawi and House of Nomad and a fashion presentation by Mochi, all showcasing their Autumn/Winter 16 collections.While day two saw runway shows by Taller Marmo, Dima Ayad and Madiyah Al Sharqi and a fashion presentation from Bouguessa. All four designers were also presenting their AW16 collections.

Across the two days visitors had a chance to visit Pop Up Boutiques by accessory designers Bil Arabi, L’Afshar, Nathalie Trad, NS by Noof, Rula Galayini and Shamsa Alabba.

In a first for the region, the designers showcased were specially invited to take part by a special committee of fashion industry professionals and leading influencers. The event was also endorsed by Dubai Design & Fashion Council, supporting its mission to nurture the next generation of talent in the region.

d 2

430International Wrestling Champion Sangram Singh launched his sportswear line SGX by Sangram Singh supported by veteran designer Rohit Bal at the recently concluded Amazon India Fashion Week.

Amongst those who attended were designers Rohit Bal, Varun Bahl, JJ Valaya, Ashish Soni, Rimple Narula, Samant Chauhan, Pratima Pandey, Ankita Chaudhry, Neha Gupta, Nandita Basu, Manish Gupta, Gautam Gupta, Niharika Khan, Paras Bairoliya; FDCI President Sunil Sethi; Actors Payal Rohatgi, Lalit Tehlan, Nasir Abdullah; Make-up Expert Ambika Pillai; Entrepreneurs AD Singh, Kashif Farooq, Julie Deb, Nikhil Kumar; Models Lucia, hida, Maria, Suraj Dhalia; TV Commentator Gautam Bhimani amongst many others.

sTextile designers Swati & Sunaina headquarted in Kolkata invoke the spirit of Radha for their Lakme Fashion Week Summer/ Resort 2016 collection on 31st March at 12pm. Their sensuous, gossamer creations in soothing and calm pastel shades, hand loomed with affection, pay homage to a wearer’s purest and calmest incarnation, to ‘Radha’,r

The designer’s have spent time convincing weavers to rework on a highly technical weave of “Rung – Kat” that was almost extinct and will, again, find an audience now. To complete the spectrum of day to night options, festive evening wear is also being visited with preamble of a beautiful non-silk option – Aab-ae-rawan (woven like a dream) shimmering, pure Zari sari. This molten gold like textile has a tender, malleable drape decorated with vintage, Mughal motif.  This season you will discover new experimental creations that render a 3D effect. Summer hues of orals, light blues, pinks, beige shall come alive.

t