Mona
Floral motifs, neon, embellished sleeves and lots of bling – the recently concluded India Fashion Week 2022 by FDCI kicked off many fashion dreams. Making a strong case for sustainability and gender fluidity, Delhi’s mega-show saw the country’s art artists showcase their best collections.
Tough times ahead
It’s time to step out of the shadows of loss and indulge in some bling! Towering over pearls, crystals and metallic fringe, Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna’s latest fashion collection, Fibonacci, features dramatic fabrics that complement precise techniques in defined patterns.
“We present a world that is perfect, that has just returned from the brink of chaos. Every garment is handmade,” says the duo. Suneet Varma’s brilliant collection titled Sitara combined modern glamor with traditional styles. Sequined sarees teamed with sexy blouses and contemporary silhouettes were in keeping with the designer’s signature style.
Designer Dolly J’s voluminous lehengas in red and gold, in fluid textures and dramatic cascades, also upped the bling quotient. Rahul Mishra added metallics to their trademark hand art.
Bank on sustainability
“The industry is moving towards sustainability. We have customers who want to know about the product, materials and resources,” says Kunal Rawal.
Ace couturier Tarun Tahiliani agrees, “As ironic as it sounds, the lull of the pandemic has given me and the studio time to review what we do and think about how technically, smart and fluid movements make that experience rather than just creating dazzling. embarrassment, as many Indian evening and bridal brands have done. We also firmly believe that a thing of beauty is a joy forever and creating great clothes that feel like skin are part of sustainable fashion because then man will wear them again and again!”
flower party
Voluminous lehengas, statement pantsuits, layered dresses with bold floral prints, patchwork embroidery and interesting textures from designer Varun Bahl’s New Leaf collection made for a dreamy outing. If you are an experimental bride/groom, stop here. Bralette tops, 3-D textured patchwork and luxe suits are some amazing options.
ICW 2022 also marked the end of 30 years of JJ Valaya. Luxurious fabrics, elegant prints and timeless embroidery with floral details, this collection had Spanish influence written all over it.
Dirty celebrities
Fashion weeks have had plenty of celebrity spectacles and ICW 2022 was no exception. Shilpa Shetty closed the show for Dolly J wearing a sparkling lehenga dress; Aditi Rao Hydari as a spectator of designer Anju Modi looked regal in an embellished yellow lehenga; Malaika Arora walked for Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna. Pushpa fame Rashmika Mandanna also made her ramp debut in Varun Bahl’s red lehenga. Rajkummar Rao wore a statement neck along with sherwani making a case for gender fluidity in an Anamika Khanna creation. Arjun Kapoor walked for Kunal Rawal in a shiny black ensemble.
Trend setters
While it’s hard to sum up all the beautiful looks, the embellished sleeves deserve a mention! Suneet Verma’s gown with bow detailing, cap-sleeve neckline on Rahul Mishra’s creations and dazzling detailing on Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna’s designs, it’s time to literally wear bling on your sleeves! The neon love lives on.
