The gen-next designers at the Lakme Fashion Week deconstructed traditional Indian wear for the festive and wedding season. Here’s our thumbs up and thumbs down list’¦
It is probably the hottest trend that we spotted during the recently held Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai – traditional Indian looks with a twist. And soon enough, we may even see one our fashion-crazy friends or cousins flaunting it at a wedding, just dying to look different. The fact that a considerable number of young, read-to-wear fashion designers who showcased their collections at the hallowed event, had completely deconstructed traditional Indian attire and then reconstructed with quirky (read strange) elements for the younger demographic, is commendable. Purely for the hard work and passion to be different. But, don’t you think clothes are meant to be worn? Though I personally loved some of the styles and creations by these gen-next designers, I am severely puzzled about what to think of that forceful mashup of Indian, western, fusion, tradition, quirk and everything else. Looking at these so-called futuristic ensembles that had the potential to look extraordinarily good, I am thinking if the designers made those last-minute faux pas. Here are a few experimental designs from the ramp that we either loved or loathed.
No. We are not talking about that alien hair-do here. We really liked how Amit Agarwal gave an interesting twist to the traditional lehenga. The molten metallic gold coupled with magenta, and a form fitting and structured silhouette makes it our hot favourite. We also like the sensual, sheer upper. Totally wearable.
Shilpa Chavan of Little Shilpa may be quite a name as a milliner the worldover, but she definitely doesn’t connect with the youth which still has its senses in place. Even if we refrain ourselves from saying what she has done to this poor model’s face and head, we definitely can’t ignore the clothes. According to her, she has abbreviated the sari into a preppy skirt with a sash, but will you ever try and bring yourself to wear it? I am wondering how did the model agree.
Payal Singhal went a little too creative with her version of the half-lehenga. We really liked her choice of colours, print and fabric, but what’s with the design? Had she continued with the traditional, 64-kali lehenga thoughout, without cutting it abruptly in the centre and the one leg in churidar jutting out, it would have been our favourite creation from the ramp.
Shehla Khan’s boudoir lehengas, worn over lace pants just astounded us. This breezy number by the designer is a perfect wear for a dreamy wedding by the sea. That little golden detailing on the lehenga and on the off-shoulder blouse have added just the right sheen to the ensemble. Thumbs Up!
