Fold and unfold with dance, drama, dress on opening night of Lakme Fashion Week 2019, cc Gaurav Gupta

By Marcellus Baptista

on January 30, 2019

There was drama, there was dance, there was delightful dress. It all unfolded at The (Un)folding, Gaurav Gupta’s sensational show at The Royal Opera House that turned out to be a memorable opening for Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2019.

As the curtain slid apart, the stage was draped in folds of white fabrics from which a statuesque beauty rose up to the ceiling, while her voluminous white gown covered the stage. The curved spiral staircase was a grand setting from where the models glided down to the ramp. The show presented with the recitation of a monologue and interspersed with balletic dancers opened with the stunning star Tabu in a dazzling grey gown that glittered under the ramp lights.

Recommended Read: Lakme Fashion Week: Showstoppers Karan Johar and Tabu become Gaurav Gupta's muse for his collection 'Unfolding' and it's truly magical!

The show divided into colours, started with pale blue then moved to midnight black, then fiery rose, soothing ivory and gorgeous brocade. The final unbelievably constructed vibrant yellow, wired, curved and moulded willpower gown was an arresting study in construction and grandeur that only Gaurav can visualise.

A mélange of dresses, pantsuits, sari gowns and eveningwear classics were dappled with zardosi, Chikankari and hand-woven brocades. The embroidery was specially crafted as 3D flowers in delicate organza and soft georgette, blossomed all over the garments along with a discreet splash of crystals. The construction was extreme with a scaffold-like inspiration; while the colour card kept the Chikankari craft in mind and therefore stayed true to timeless pastels like yellow, ivory, rose and powder blue.

The tucked, draped and folded skirts, asymmetric mini, embroidered yokes and sleeves for slinky gowns, the neo sari with a beaded bustier and the sensational sari gowns were breathtaking. The swirling cape over a pant suit and a pair of black and red identical gowns kept the show in a high-voltage state. Sleeves soared upward from shoulders, while sharply tailored jackets were worn with draped trousers.

The Indian bridal wear was given the Gaurav Gupta touch as heavily embellished skirts with 3D appliqués were worn with intricately draped blouses. At times, a discreet transparency appeared for the creations to add a hint of mystery.

Menswear followed in a similar fashion. Glittering black tuxedos, some with shimmering lapels, zippered tailcoats, a red biker’s jacket, stylish brocade dinner jacket, as well as pin tucked and moulded lapels and shoulder detailing offered the western wear options. The Indian option came in the form of a long regal sherwani with a hint of glitter that will prove ideal wedding wear.

And ending the show was the very versatile and multi-talented Bollywood personality Karan Johar who showed off an ornate rose coloured one-button jacket with black lapels, corded epaulets and teamed with sleek black trousers.