In the many years of having covered fashion weeks without ever giving it a miss, I must admit that 2016’s ‘Textile Day’ was way more versatile and diverse than any of the previous years. While some collections were immersed in the regular bright hues and stuck to borderline fusions of saris and their variants, there were others that broke the norm at every level. Curious? Read on!
Wendell Rodricks
Clean geometry, precision and neatness defined Wendell Rodricks’ show. He created perfect harmony by incorporating the right amount of overwhelming colour, with fuchsias and crimsons galore, but settled them with contrasting earthy and nude tones. Not one design came out looking unplanned. Every garment was meticulously designed. If you’re looking out for some understated statement pieces, Rodricks is your man this season.
Gaurang Shah
It’s amazing how Gaurang Shah always manages to pull off a fascinating surprise. To make traditional textiles look fashion forward, while retaining their Indian-ness, is nothing short of a grand challenge. But this man has a distinct vision, which comes through effortlessly in his collection this year. Gaurang stuck to ethnic core materials and fabrics only to advance on the path of magical designs; draping saris and crafting them in forms unimaginable. He even made a lehenga and dress gown out of a sari! Gaurang Shah’s fusion collection this year is simply blissful. What’s more? We lovd that fact that a pregnant Carol Gracias walked the ramp for this designer, flaunting her baby bump. Now that’s adding a sweet twist to tradition.
NorBlack NorWhite
NorBlack NorWhite’s summer line is a psychedelic painting. A burst of vibrant hues, extremely fluid cuts and simplistic patterns. There’s no element here that creates a discord in this uplifting setup. What’s interesting though is the collection’s perspective on layering by way of introducing the completely modern side of the realm of Indian textiles. To say the least, it’s an experiment that couldn’t have been more successful.
Paromita Banerjee
If you’re a hippie at heart, and find solace in everything Boho, then the one way to go Indian while sticking to your liberated aesthetics is to give Paromita’s collection a good look. The ease in her designs define comfort. Her colour palette is pleasing and her designs are innovative, yet truly simple.
Swati Vijaivargie
Swati’s made the conscious choice to go dramatic and why not? Blood red with hints of beige define her summer collection to a great extent. A lot of capes and jackets decorate her designs without looking unnecessary for even a minute. All her garments are made to perfection and have to be appreciated for their duality. You can stroll around in them during the day just as easily as flaunting your sass in them at an evening do.
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