Kareena Kapoor Khan for Rajesh Pratap Singh at the Lakme Grand Finale
The international fraternity may take a break from fashion week come March but it’s just the beginning for the Indian fash frat. After all it’s time for a fashion extravaganza more fondly known as Lakmé Fashion Week! And just like every season, we lived on a steady dose of fashion for the five days of Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014 (read: 12th-16th March), with eyes for nothing else.
So once we kicked off our heels after Sunday’s finale show, we decided to dedicate space to some of our favorite traditional looks from the week that was! Here goes…
There were some strong trends that emerged this season. White and muted colors stole the limelight, providing us a much-needed reprieve for the neon overdose. Pretty pastels also came out as a SS ’14 go-to. Fashion’s love affair with reinvented traditional silhouettes continued as designers sent fresh reinterpretations down the ramp. The churidaar seems to be a thing of the past — as comfort took centre stage, so did bottoms like palazzo pants, dhotis, skirts and loose trousers among others.
L to R: Tarun Tahiliani, Neeta Lulla, Gaurav Gupta and Manish Malhotra
Several heavyweight names were part of the roster this season. Tarun Tahiliani presented a collection dominated by black and white and his SS ’14 signature draped saris were a clear top choice for us. Manish Malhotra’s ‘Summer Affair’ drew us in and we gave our vote to his soft hues, toned down floor length kurtas and intricate thread work. Neeta Lulla’s breezy collection was another favorite — especially because it was unlike anything the designer has presented before. This Indo-western line with a younger vibe gets props for wearability. Gaurav Gupta’s collection was high on drama, edgy cuts and signature use of metallic hues.
Anju Modi
All eyes were on industry veteran designer Anju Modi after her much talked-about styling of Deepika Padukone in Ram Leela. Her line was high on layering, voluminous flares, fluidity and tailored cuts typically associated with her designs. The pop of print was a welcome addition too.
Shantanu and Nikhil
Shantanu & Nikhil’s Victorian-inspired collection was hauntingly beautiful and elegant. We loved the pairing of peplum blouses with the skirts and lehengas. If only they had refrained from that unnecessary runway selfie…
L to R: Sonaakshi Raaj and Ritika Mirchandani
Sari gowns were a ubiquitous pick for most designers and we are particularly digging these looks by Sonaakshi Raaj and Ritika Mirchandani.
Nupur Kanoi
Nupur Kanoi was another top pick owing to her ingenious garment construction, muted color palette and fresh spin on Indian silhouettes. We call dibs on that desi jumpsuit!
Prama by Pratima Pandey
Prama by Pratima Pandey was one of the best Textile Day shows in our opinion. Her feminine line of loose pants, crinkled cotton midis and white sheer tunics with tonal and multi-colored embroidery in silk Chanderi and pure cotton had summer written all over it!
Mrinalini Chandra
Accessory designer Mrinalini Chandra invited everyone to take a seat, quite literally, with her collection of statement pieces in recycled glass stones and semi-precious gems, all inspired by the humble chair. We, for one, can’t wait to flaunt this one!
Nikhil Thampi
And then there was Nikhil Thampi. Yes, we know we said we’re picking out our favorite Indian looks, but we just couldn’t resist. Such was the impact of his power-packed collection called ‘Untamed’. A round of sexy for all the ladies, please!
For more runway reports and trend alerts check out our top AW ’14 looks, 2014 Trend Guide and our favorite looks from India Bridal Fashion Week. You can also head to our Facebook page for the best runway looks!
Which shows did you enjoy most this season? Tell us in the comment box below!
Praachi Raniwala for Luxemi
