Day 5 of the Lakmé Fashion Week 2020 Digital First Season Fluid Edition unleashed a sartorial extravaganza on the virtual runway in form of designers Punit Balana and Aisha Rao’s respective collections.
AISHA RAO
Aisha’s 'Pastiche' paid an ode to all the flora & fauna lost in the Australian bush fires and featured timeless silhouettes with unique handcrafted techniques to the liking of the millennial brides.
Cleverly creating tailoring waste into exclusive ensembles, Aisha added India’s rich traditional crafts and techniques but ensured that the carbon footprint was at all times quite absent.
The collection was a kaleidoscope of colours that fitted perfectly in the theme of the show.
There was just the right mix of western and Indian silhouettes with some exotic saris added in sleek tunics, narrow pants, cropped blouses, elegant gowns some with one-shoulder and a slinky skirt with a long-sleeved choli featuring a wide décolletage had great multi-coloured print stories.
Athiya Shetty looked stunning in a long-sleeved heavily embellished tiny choli teamed with a high-waist lehenga as she elegantly glided to end the show.
PUNIT BALANA
Punit’s latest collection 'Muneer' was a grand showcase of block prints in natural organic dyes to highlight the varying silhouettes and construction of the garments. It was also a celebration of new beginnings, beauty, hope and awakening. Jaipur, Punit’s hometown was the perfect inspiration that creatively drove the collection into an eye-catching look.
The colour format favoured the very feminine royal intense pink of the rose. The black on beige print was a stunning addition in the collection, while velvet proved to be a popular choice but treated creatively to showcase an impressive silhouette. The unique coin work made a debut on Punit’s garments and added the required glitter.
The styles were aimed at the festive dresser or the blushing bride. Making a striking impression was the Mughal architectural motifs on a majestic ghararas, which was teamed with a tiny bralette and regal flowing cape. Dhoti pants gave an ethnic flirty touch to the collection while swirling lehengas brought bridal splendour to the line. The accessories for the collection included matching potlis that completed the look in great style.
Myriad prints were the basis of most creations. Lehengas, cholis, dupattas, and kurtas - some with curved hemline others in rich red velvet with embroidery were ideal for occasion wear
For lovers of western silhouettes the designer favoured the low, crotch, draped, dhotis teamed with either strappy bustier and robes or with drawstring batwing blouses. The printed asymmetrical trapeze midi overflowing skirt and the very peasant-inspired, layered, maxi skirt with a simple choli was a firm direction towards fusion fashion.
Day 5 also included Ajio Sneakerhood’s versatile footwear collection ‘For the Love Of Sneakers,' panel discussion with The Voices of Fashion and a makeup masterclass by artist Namrata Soni.
Though we missed the glitz, glam and rush that comes with LFW every season, this season-fluid digital-first edition marked as the first step towards the ‘phytigal’ format. Of course, there were some hits and misses but hey, there's always a first time! What are your thoughts for this entire season?