2021 marks a special occasion for the India Fashion Week. For the first time, two major fashion giants in the country—Lakmé Fashion Week and Fashion Design Council of India—came together for a phydigital fashion show. Showcasing on the runways were the latest collections by a plethora of renowned designers from across the country including Manish Malhotra, Suneet Varma, Payal Singhal, Gauri and Nainika and Anamika Khanna among others.
Being the biggest fashion event in the country, fashion week is known for its high celebrity quotient and trend analysis that set the tone for the upcoming season. However, in light of COVID-19, a physical showcase wasn’t possible but the phydigital presentation did leave us pleasantly surprised. The five day extravaganza - that lasted from 16th March 2021 until 21st March 2021 - was taken up a couple of notches with the coming together of technology and fashion, allowing the designers to push their boundaries of creativity.
As the show just drew to a close, we’ve held onto some of the most glamorous ensembles that perfectly set the tone for the upcoming festive season. Each piece of couture embodied luxury and a dreamy charm. So, as we sit to unravel the trends for the next season, here’s looking at our some of the best looks we spotted on the runways. Scroll on!
Manish Malhotra
Manish Malhotra came back with a bang, and it’s no surprise that his collection took our breath away. High on glam pieces with intricated shimmer and sequins characterized his line-up. The stunning Kiara Advani and dapper Kartik Aryan closed the show for the ace designer. While Advani was spotted in a grey sequin contemporary cut lehenga with statement sleeves, Aryan donned a black well-tailored sherwani with intricate detailing. The duo made a strong fashion case for the modern-day bride and groom.
Payal Singhal
She’s known for her quirky and playful couture, and her new collection is no different. A breath of fresh air, the easy-breezy silhouettes transition from Indo-Western pieces to casual separates that are easy to pair. Closing the show was Athiya Shetty in a pastel colour yellow printed lehenga. Adding a touch of structure to the ensemble was a slouchy jacket and oversized hoops.
Suneet Varma
Suneet Varma’s collection ‘Shade of Happiness’ transported us in a whimsical and dreamy world of couture filled with floral motifs and drama. The collection draws inspiration from the fantastical and splendid valley of flowers, making it vibrant and cheerful.
Bodice
Ruchika Sachdeva made a refreshing and impactful presence felt on the runway with her new collection. Moving away from the brand’s signature muted colour palette, the designer incorporated vibrant pops of colour. Our favourite was undoubtedly Ananya Panday’s colour-blocked pleated skirt than was paired with a crop top featuring pleated balloon sleeves.
Gauri and Nainika
Fun, feminine and flirty, Gauri and Nainika’s collection ‘An Ode To Our Mother Garden’ is ideal for the young modern woman. Delicate textures, bows, ruffles, florals and their signature trapeze cut were omnipresent in the outfits, reiterating the duo’s signature style.
Anamika Khanna
If off-beat and experimental is your calling, Anamika Khanna’s new collection is just for you. Featuring patchwork, bold graphic prints and black and white colour palette, the pieces are perfect for those who like to keep it modern and chic. This lehenga combines minimalism and an eclectic fashion choice.
Masaba
Giving fashion a contemporary twist, House of Masaba’s new collection in collaboration with Boat Audio was driven by comfort and inspired by luxury. Bold prints, vibrant hues and silhouettes like kaftans, slouchy pants and cover-ups characterized the line.
Varun Chakkilam
Minimalistic elegance perfectly describes Varun Chakkilam’s spring/summer collection. Intricate, colourful thread work on a solid colour lehenga makes this set perfect for a day wedding. Pooja Hegde’s blue and white showstopping lehenga is definitely one to take note of.
Shaveta and Anuj
Exquisite pieces with threadwork in vibrant pops of colour make Shaveta and Anuj’s collection mesmerizing. Divya Khosla Kumar closed the show in a mustard lehenga with intricate gotta patti work, channeling traditional roots of the outfits.
Geisha Designs
Graceful drapes, delicate pre-draped saris with ruffles and ballgowns in a pastel palette, make this collection straight out of a fairy-tale. Each piece blends modern sensibilities with stylish silhouettes.
Arpita Mehta
Staying true to the signature style of the brand, Arpita Mehta’s collection ‘Reflections’ emphasizes the importance of style without compromising on comfort. New prints and evergreen silhouettes make this collection perfect for bridesmaids and wedding guests.
Pankaj and Nidhi
With a burst of colours and prints, Pankaj and Nidhi’s collection takes inspiration from kaleidoscopic patterns that symbolize constant change. Dresses, maxis and quirky separates with delicate romantic ruffles make this collection flirtatious and sexy.