After two long years, we are back with on-ground fashion weeks, and the feeling is surreal. The FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week kick started on March 23, 2022 in New Delhi, India. And all we can say is that no matter how many years go by, the charm and glamour of physical fashion weeks cannot be dulled.
Opening Day 1 was a show full of bling, vibrancy and quirky accessories by Outhouse. The brand showcased their new collection ‘OH Dopamine’ which is all about celebrating a strong sense of self-expression in an unapologetic way. The designer duo rediscovered the joys in the little memories from their past by diving into the exuberant spirit of the 2000s. From high on bling handcuffs studded with crystals to semi-circle bags in poppy shades, the pieces are an interplay as a motley of silver plating combined with matte silver along with crystals and rhinestones. The collection is ideal for the bride who loves to keep it quirky for a beachside wedding, or the handbags are perfect additions to every bridesmaid ensemble.
After setting the memo for Day 1, Rara Avis by Sonal Verma, Shruti Sancheti, Alpana Neeraj and Samant Chauhan took the runway by storm with an array of metallic gowns, dresses, well-tailored pants and intricate embellished Indo-Western ensembles. From sharp-tailoring to flowy fluid silhouettes, the runway burst with options for every occasion. Also spotted on the runway were feminine silhouettes with an alluring appeal that will leave everyone captivated.
And for the latter half of the day, the maestro's of Indian wear closed the day on a fabulous note. Varun Bahl showcased his new SS '22 Collection 'Quintessential.' Bringing to the forefront the biggest trend of the year for weddings, bridal veils, the collection was feminine, romantic and oozed elegance. Infusing his trademark romantic embroidery with a hint of fun and drama using upcycled patchworks, the collection featured everlasting pieces that rethink tradition for the changing world and redefine the grandeur of Indian couture. With fluid designs that bring Indian couture into the global fashion culture and defining uncertainties of life reflecting in the ever-changing amorphic shapes captured in hand-crafted embroideries, Varun used abstraction and juxtaposition to express himself through design. His collection is about curvilinear lines and forms with a vivid explosion of colour yet absorbing the softness of delicate shapes and layers. The pieces have been made by using the amalgamation of both traditional and modern designs.
Staying true to his design aesthetics, the array of floral prints, pastel colours and elegance, each design makes for the ultimate wedding ensemble. Closing the show was influencer Masoom Minawala in a head-turning pastel pink, floral and bead-work lehenga.
Offering a stark contrast to Varun’s couture was designer duo Shantnu & Nikhil’s showcase, ‘Nomad’. Hues of black and white took centre stage, with a collection that features sweaters in rough knits that seemed like they are made of rope-yarn, suited to a breezy beachside affair, while classic intarsia featuring large leopard spots are cut into voluminous jackets for the urban jungle.
Closing Day 1 of the fashion week was couturier JJ Valaya with his collection, ‘Rumeli-The Summer Story’ by JJV. This year the brand celebrates its 30th year in the industry, and it takes a step further by launching its all-new bridge-to-luxury brand, JJV. The new brand debuted with an eco-conscious collection made from TENCEL™? LUXE filament yarn which is a sustainable, eco-friendly and vegan alternative to silk. Derived from renewable wood sources in a closed loop lyocell process, TENCEL™? LUXE filament yarn is set to define the landscape of luxury fashion with its silky smoothness, liquid-like drape, colour vibrancy and yarn strength. Adopting a more minimalistic and sustainable route, the collection is ideal for the bride who loves to keep it simple and fuss-free. The collection is all about maintaining a unique sense of personal style without the use of any heavy embroideries.