Day 4 of the ongoing FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week paved was for some sartorial extravaganza in the form of designer Punit Balana’s latest collection. Titled ‘Lakshmi,’ the line was an artistic expression that merges the culture and art forms of Rajasthan. To the strains of live music, the show opened to reveal a line of men’s and women’s ensembles that will be ideal festive looks.
Bold motifs from the region were dreamt up in natural dyes with the Kalamkari and Ajrakh craft adorning the ensembles. The fabric base was the wonderful Chanderi silk with its almost surreal feel. Visions of grand lotus blossoms, birds, enchanted gardens and Mughal war zones with horses were hand-blocked to add further drama to the collection. The embellishments were a mélange of layered, metallic embroidery on prints and solid colours like neutrals, henna and earthy shades that creatively used thread and mirror work to create magic on the diaphanous looks.
Punit’s signature style was very much visible in the fluid skirts with side pockets that looked absolutely divine when worn with molded, metallic blouses, while string blouses added a sexy touch to the look. Boleros appeared with palazzos, while slinky dresses, sarongs, shararas, saris and a strappy, rouched maxi added to the fashionable trendy look. The cut-away shoulders enhanced the tiny, cropped blouses that were elegant additions to the six-yard wonder, the sari.
The inclusion of metallic bralettes with printed shararas and stylish peplum jackets further upped the style quotient of the line. Sheer slip dresses brought in a surprise element to the collection, which could be termed as not only edgy but also dramatic. Men’s wear brought in printed stoles, which looked regal with kurtas or tunics while a shirt and trouser combo added the western option.
Stopping the show was fashionista Janhvi Kapoor who looked amazing in a ruby red embroidered lehenga worn with a moulded backless choli and embellished dupatta.
(Source- Lakme Fashion Week)
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