Of hype and hope

Manpriya Singh

Christian Louboutin’s iconic red soles will make an appearance and so will he. An elaborate affair is hard to keep hush, however, there is not a word, only key words, ‘Departure from what you’ve seen’ ‘better’, ‘bigger’ ‘elaborate’. As for the line-up, they vow to keep it long and impressive. Well, as long as exclusive can allow and as impressive as experience renders!

Fashion Design Council Of India presents its couture week in the Capital, comprising 12 participating designers and three off-site shows. So will the hype match the hope? In the midst of relentless build-up growing each day, five couturiers to look out for at the upcoming India Couture Week 2015—

Top to toe

Sabyasachi Mukherjee

What gets the excitement levels ticking is the creative collaboration, between Christian Louboutin and Sabyasachi. Opening the Couture Week will be Sabyasachi with a unique shoe collection by Christian accompanying his creations on the ramp. As a quick recap, the designer last season made everyone aboard a train to Ferozabad, a vintage luxury railway train. Waiting for this one.

Old-world charm

Manish Malhotra

He promises to be himself and that’s all we ask for. Need it be anything more? “I will bring to you Couture Soiree, an evening reminiscent of old-world charm from the 50s, when western fashion was being revolutionized and fashion shows had a sense of intimate experience and luxury.”

He adds, “Guests will witness iconic moments in fashion...It is going to be a departure from anything you’ve seen.” With the promise of an intimate setting, (at an off-site show) the designer is all set to showcase the preview of limited edition Manish Malhotra London Label. The event also marks the celebration of 10 successful years of his label. There is never a Manish Malhotra show without overwhelming presence of B-town, threatening to sideline fashion. Walking the ramp for the grand finale as the show stopper will be Aishwarya Rai. Having already walked the ramp for Manish back in 2010, she will be making a comeback on the runway after five long years.

Elaborate affair

Varun Bahl

He is popularly known to equate couture with bespoke. In yet another off-site show at the week, he promises to keep things, “Much more elaborate than last year.” Last year’s collection comprised a vivid colour palette, apart from a fair share of black, tone on tone texture, generous sequins and his signature saree pants.

Fresh appeal

Rahul Mishra

If not a heads up, the ace designer had given a hint, if only we’d taken. Earlier this year, Rahul Mishra had said, “I would love to branch out into bridal wear and couture. I’m contemplating. I may do that very soon.”

Anyway, the Woolmark Prize winner, debuts at the week, hopefully keeping his philosophy of integrating the heritage of Indian craft in his creations intact.

Fantasy world

Rohit Bal

His creations, like his persona, are unrestrained by trends. Will Rohit Bal create a world of fantasy on the runway (in an off-site show) at the India Couture Week? See for yourself. Spanning five days, India Couture Week 2015 will be held from July 29 to August 2 in New Delhi.

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