Day 5 of the FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week 2021 unleashed a sartorial extravaganza by presenting an array of old and new labels showcasing their talents on the runway. Finale day, finally!
Here’s what unfolded on the last day of the fashion soiree:
FDCI x PEARL ACADEMY
Titled ‘Gender Me Good’, FDCI x Pearl Academy First Cut show was about gender fluidity and self-expression. The theme was inspired by Judith Butler’s Essay titled ‘Gender Trouble’ and attempted to break constructs built by society, taking elements from what most consider masculine or feminine.
6 DEGREE
Sanjukta Dutta
Sanjukta Dutta’s “Shukoolaa” collection was a timeless celebration of Indian textiles and fashion-forward followers will covet craftsmanship that was beautifully merged with fresh styling. With white as the primary base, the line was highlighted with silver and gold motifs that were ideal for the coming season. Bringing a range of Indo-Western ensembles, Sanjukta ensured that her signature Mekhela Chadors were also in the forefront, along with gorgeous saris, swirling lehengas, floor kissing skirts, an assortment of cropped blouses and regal gowns.
Opening with a yellow, polka-dotted kurta with palazzos, the show moved swiftly to a collared poncho, an interesting butterfly-sleeved blouse and a cape with train over a lehenga and choli duo. The balloon, long-sleeved choli with a tiny collar, cummerbund over long kurta with pants and the slashed jacket over sari added to the innovative look of the collection. The drama came in the form of choli sleeves with floor-sweeping trains, while a poncho over draped skirt and blouse gave the line a contemporary flavour.
Stopping the show was the very regal Lara Dutta in a white/gold Mekhela Chador worn with a demure white long-sleeved backless choli.
Gazal Mishra
When it comes to a uniquely embellished line with timeless heirloom elements, then Gazal Mishra’s “Uzbek Vintage” had everything that fashion lovers long for. The highlight of the collection was the beautiful thread work and zardosi embroidery, which turned the base textile - cotton silk - into visions of beauty. The colours favoured however, remained partial to a burnt pink palette. The focus of the collection was on a minimalistic approach, which revolved around a contemporary style statement.
Keeping a firm fashionable hold on the colour choice and gorgeous embroidery, there were shararas with kurtis, maxi skirts for long kurtas, pin tucking on bodice for lean kurta and a wrapped, draped version with flowing pants. The empire line midi dress with a layered hemline, peplum blouse over kurta and cropped pants, ensured that the theme of the collection was on-trend.
Making a show-stopping entry Bollywood star Aahana Kumra glided in a full-flared, tiered, long kurta with ornate embellishment on the front and back of the garment and teamed it with a swirling maxi skirt and matching dupatta.
Shaveta And Anuj
The Shaveta and Anuj label by Shaveta Choudhary and Anuj Choudhary presented their bridal collection Qalb that was stylish, contemporary, feminine but demure. The selection of tulle and tissues was the ideal choice for the designers, while Tanchoi silk added that marked element of classic elegance. The deep ‘V’ neckline and long-sleeves completed the perfect portrait of the creations.
Making an eye-catching entry was the mini kurta over short tulip pants, while the Kalidar kurtas overflowing skirts proved a great offering for the festive season. Detailing was interesting, as a white choli was edged with fringes and the long-sleeved flowing Kalidar kurtas were majestic in form and silhouette. Laces at times, gave a delicate touch to the dupattas, while the ruffle-edged saris offered a feminine frothy look. The colour card moved rapidly from shades of red to green, white and of course glorious gold.
Keeping the regal look of the collection in firm focus, Shaveta and Anuj designed a grand creation for showstopper Divya Khosla Kumar, who looked splendid in a deep-gold, scalloped, hemline lehenga, choli and dupatta with dazzling goldwork.
Varun Chakkilam
Varun Chakkilam’s “Art Nouveau” collection was a dazzling blend of epochs and traditions that will turn into timeless pieces for fashion lovers. The collection was inspired by the art movement of the 18th century that was a glorious time in history. Keeping the inspiration in creative focus, Varun selected a colour card favourable to art. There was the ever-popular, feminine pink, while tranquil green and mustard created variety, but teal brought in shades of serene appeal.
The look spelt opulence in all its grandeur as intricately hand-embroidered bustiers looked magical when worn with voluminous skirts, while the slinky elegant gowns were drizzled with a shower of sequins. The detailing appeared in the form of tailored peplums as well as drapes that were beautifully visualised to present a feminine flatter image. The ornate lehenga, choli and dupatta trios looked magnificent with their gorgeous embroidery, while the spaghetti strap gown, pre-stitched sari, embroidered kurti over draped lungi and the ruffled dupatta teamed with corset style choli and lehenga; added to the grandeur of the collection. Some eye-catching additions were the slashed cape over a teal printed lehenga and choli, while the angular hemline of the midi kurta over the maxi skirt showcased formal elegance. Bringing in just three men’s ethnic wear creations, Varun limited them to the pale green tone for the sherwani, buttonless, bundgala, jacket, kurta, bundi and the stylish dupatta.
Stopping the show was the very elegant Pooja Hegde who looked ethereal in a white, heavily, embellished lehenga with cascading embroidery, worn with a tiny ornate choli and matching dupatta.
Tatwamm
The “Rajwadi” collection from the ‘Tatwamm’ label by Abhishek and Vinita will surely turn the discerning buyers into contemporary royal millennials during the coming season. The show was a fashionable glorious ode to the amazing and exquisite weaves of India that brought the country’s textile wealth to centre stage.From Kanchipuram to Pochampali, the exotic textiles were merged with the intricate Bandhani from Bhuj and then dappled with glittering zardosi embroidery created in rural Bengal. It was a fantasy of saris in myriad weaves, prints, colours and embellished with exotic zari work, all worn with the most traditional but stylish cholis. The colour palette vied with the rainbow for attention, as hues of all shades and tones appeared on the textiles.
Hina Khan was the perfect showstopper as she created an impact and sashayed in, wearing the stunning silk, velvet lehenga, ornamented intricately with prancing horses that added to the regal feel of the ensemble.
PAWAN SACHDEVA
Menswear guru Pawan Sachdeva showcased his line, Neoteric which means new and modern. The versatile, comfortable and fashionable line consisted an array of garments ranging from casual to quilted and long jackets made using PU fabric, leather and suede uppers perfectly coordinating with different styles of bottoms (with details), aligning perfectly with very pop and chic inners.
Splash of colour palette ran from greys to powder blues to reds, wine, orange, fawn and teal. So cool!
(Source-Lakme Fashion Week)