After unfolding drama on the first two days, Day 3 at the FDCIx Lakmé Fashion Week was all about making the industry more sustainable and environment-friendly, the fashionable way. We saw up-and-coming as well as established designers making a strong case for sustainability without leaving the glamour quotient behind.
Here’s a small roundup of what went down on the runway of Day 3 of the fashion fest:
EKA CO BY RINA SINGH
Drawing from the sublimity of the countryside, Rina’s collection narrated the story of love and longing, set in the sleepy, slow town of Shillong. For her Autumn/Winter 2021 look, Rina reflected the picturesque, sober, solemn mood in an unusual color mix, an overlay of masculine and feminine shapes – free-flowing, oversized jackets and sheer dresses with techniques like - broken fauna embroideries, appliqué, Shibori and block prints.
Punctuated in earthy color tones with an unusual mix, on woven merino checks and stripes, handwoven tussar silk and diaphanous organzas from Eka's archives. Her statement-making silhouettes remained free and fluid, while gentle layering played a prominent role in unveiling creations of great beauty.
Embellishments appeared in a discreet, restrained manner as Shibori gave striking character to the fabrics and 3D appliqués enhanced the visual beauty of the garments. Hand blocked printing was dappled with minute Kantha detailing to further add to the beauty of the collection.
Sheer sleeves and texturing enhanced the delicate nature of the collection. The white self-striped dress, fluid voluminous creations, emphasis on stitch detailing for hemline and sleeves, were some of the interesting points to watch out for.
Easy, relaxed, fluid jackets were ideal for men, along with a few quilted coats, while checks made a brief appearance for the silhouettes.
ABRAHAM & THAKORE
David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore’s latest collection at the FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week was all about the theme “Assemble, Disassemble and Reassemble” for a look created from recycled PET materials.
The designing duo ensured that craft techniques like patchwork, hand stitching and appliqués formed the perfect base of the ensembles. Assembled surfaces and graphic patterns were cleverly merged with prints and designs that brought a renewed visual delight to techniques of recycling.
Keeping the silhouettes relaxed and timeless, the designers showcased stylish, modern, ready-to-wear options that moved effortlessly from dawn to dusk. Tunics, pants, wrap skirts and dresses vied for attention with kimono-inspired jackets, while cleverly constructed saris would be welcomed by the jet-setting buyers.
When it came to the colour card, the designing pair selected the neutral classics like black and white, but added haute shades of burgundy, red, wine, coffee and olive. Some of the eye-catchers were the simple, black, wrap, long skirt that was ideal for Brunch when teamed with a basic but stylish blouse with minute detailing.
Bringing the fast-paced show to an end was the very graceful and elegant Dia Mirza, who glided in, wearing a luxurious black abstract patchwork kaftan with stitch detailing and contrasting yoke and cuffs.
COCCCON
Cocccon’s latest collection “Abundant Paradise” made its appearance for the second time at the FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week Sustainable Fashion Day. It was inspired by the humble life of tribes in Jharkhand, the native state of designer Chandra Prakash Jha. Unfolding a look that was pure luxury, the brand showcased luxe night and home wear, along with formal suits, very stylish dresses and then added comfy streetwear for relaxed dressing. There were more interesting add-ons to the look, with scarves, saris and even pillowcases to match the dreamy bedtime style statements.
Keeping the collection totally plastic-free, alternate materials like bamboo and cane replaced them, while the patterns followed a zero-waste policy. Waste from the side cuts of designs was turned into sisal patterns, while silk fur was the perfect alternative to animal furs.
Women’s wear was more extravagant as layers of pronged, 3D, origami-like, detailing covered sleeves, trousers, asymmetric dresses and even complete minis in an unconventional form.
Cutouts appeared strategically for a yellow one-shoulder creation with a wired detailing, or for a textured neon green bodysuit and at other times for impressive sleeves. The boxy, white jacket with pastel appliqués teamed with textured, pleated, billowing pants brought peace silk in a glam avatar. Comfortable kimono-style robes and belted pyjama sets set the mood of the show.
For men’s wear, making a fashion impact was the orange and fuchsia abundantly tasseled white jacket teamed with shorts, the basic ice blue shirt and trouser combo and the simple zipped up white shirt. A mix of textures for a coat with shredding and patchwork was the focal point, while a white floor-length version caused considerable drama.
Day 4 is nearing and we are excited. How about you?