AIFW finale
The bells of change — ushering out the dated and welcoming the fresh — were at the core of the recently held Autumn/Winter 15 Fashion Week in Delhi. Amazon was roped in as the title sponsor in what was seen as a huge nod to the ever growing online fashion community in India. But AIFW wasn’t ready to simply rest on the brilliant collections that most designers showed. FDCI also pulled off a coup of sorts with the finale show — 25 superstars of Indian fashion came together to contribute two looks each to a 50-piece finale collection dedicated to the crafts of India. Safe to say, we couldn’t get enough of it!
So if you have umpteen winter weddings to attend, we are here to make your life (well, at least your wardrobe!) easier with a quick roundup of the season’s best desi looks!
Best Salwars
L to R: Anamika Khanna and Rohit Bal
Anamika Khanna had our heart with a masterfully draped look — dhoti pants teamed with a choli (blouse) and signature jacket — but this time in a vibrant burst of colors. Rohit Bal’s crushed floor length anarkali paired with a koti and statement dupatta in a deep shade of brick red had effortless drama written all over it.
Ashima Leena
Designer duo Ashima-Leena chose eye-popping shades to highlight the bonhomie of a free-spirited gypset, while veteran JJ Valaya stuck to neutrals for a spot of some understated glam with his nomadic Russian themed showcase .
JJ Valaya
We absolutely loved pretty much every look from Prama by Pratima Pandey — a collection inspired by Sleeping Beauty with a particular emphasis on breathable fabrics, floral embroidery, artful signature layering and lust worthy salwars.
Parma by Pratima Pandey
Best sarees
L to R: Nikasha and Virtue by Viral, Ashish & Vikrant
It’s no secret that we nurse a soft spot for Nikasha and her vibrant design sensibilities. Her AW ’15 collection ‘Ruby’ was no exception. The bold saris are sure to bring some much needed colour to dull winter days with its vivid hues, offbeat blouses and oriental feel. This clashing print sari by Virtue by Viral, Ashish & Vikrant made us sit up and take notice of its careful tailoring and winning interplay of textures. The slim belt was just the finishing flourish it needed.
Amalraj Sengupta
Another sari that stood out was a hand spun number Amalraj Sengupta. It caught the eye without trying too hard and the jacket blouse sealed the deal.
Best Blouses
L to R: Nikasha and Mynah Designs
Nikasha pulled out all aces with this collection and her blouses had a lot to do with it! The delicate zardosi work and camisole peplum silhouette of this particular blouse is sure to elevate a same ‘ol sari. Mynah Designs, on the other hand, played with a black crop top style blouse with strategic sheer panels for some peek-a-boo fun.
L to R: Payal Singhal Tanvi Kedia
Tanvi Kedia’s colourful high-necked blouse was a crafty creation whereas delicate Parisian romance reigned supreme at Payal Singhal.
Samant Chauhan
Samant Chauhan’s collection largely stayed within the gold and cream territory, making things interesting with avant garde cuts and shapes. How can this fringed cape blouse not be on one’s lust list?!
Best Lehengas
L to R: Ritu Kumar and Anupama Dayal
Ritu Kumar proved again that she can’t go wrong with classic Indian wear and this lehenga from the finale show is sure to brighten up any festivity. Equal parts bohemian and chic, this unique Anupama Dayal lehenga is inspired by her muse Nur Jahan and boasts of an inimitable eclectic vibe.
L to R: Payal Singhal and Sabyasachi
Payal Singhal’s heavily appliquéd tulle and organza creation has trousseau-ready written all over it while there’s no going wrong with Sabysachi’s tribute to India’s rich heritage with an embellished lehenga and jacket blouse. Brownie points for weaving marsala, Pantone’s color of 2015, into his looks.
L to R: Varun Bahl and Anju Modi
Anju Modi turned her attention to the new-age princess with an upbeat collection that married the layering she is so famous for with a whimsical spin, happy colours and a younger overall vibe. Varun Bahl turned to the trusty combination of ivory, red and lots of shimmer — we bet many brides will be scrambling to sport these looks at their upcoming nuptials!
Which trends are you planning to try this season? Tell us in the comment box below!
