Alchemy of desire

Argan oil or ‘liquid gold’ as it is referred to in the beauty world, was the inspiration for Anita Dongre’s grand finale for Lakmé Fashion Week’s Summer/Resort 2017 edition. Set against the rustic backdrop of the Bandra Fort, it was a beautiful night under the stars, and a gorgeous setting for the finale. Anita’s nature inspired collection, called Alchemy featured beautiful combinations of whites and golds. Looking every bit a stunner, new mom Kareena Kapoor Khan, walked the ramp in a garment that embodied liquid gold in its fluid form.

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Into the sea

The deep seas were meticulously deciphered by Abha Choudhary through her splendid collection Coral 101. Taking inspiration from the movement of the sea and the structure and details of white corals, the ensembles brought the scenic ocean bed live on the ramp. Showstopper Sophie Choudhary made a dramatic appearance in a gold embellished gown with a deep V-neckline, long sleeves and an enticing trail attached from the waist.  

Elegance of Bidri 

The intricacy and beauty of the Bidri art form was an influential aspect for the vibrant collection presented by Sashi Vangapalli for her label Mugdha Art Studio. The primal focus of the collection was the women for whom the garments were designed. Sashi Vangapalli had in mind modern Indian women deeply rooted to their traditional roots. Bidri art form gave meaning to this thought process. The extravagant ensembles comprised a long cape with a jumpsuit, a flowing off-shoulder sheer top with a skirt. Sushmita Sen, enthralled the spectators by her perky strides down the runway in a majestic purple gown. 

Being feminine 

Retailing her glamorous collections at top stores in India and abroad, the name Jayanti Reddy is a favourite with Bollywood stars. Her elegant, feminine, formal wear creations were a captivating offering on the ramp. With naturally dyed, hand-woven textiles, Jayanti splashed the ensembles with beautiful, intricate hand embroidery. Flared poncho tops were teamed with dhoti pants, while angular lace tunics looked divine on pristine white, flared, long skirts. Her love for romanticism and royalty was portrayed beautifully at the end with pretty Disha Patani beguiling the audience as the show stopper. She graced the runway with embroidered, ink blue lehenga and choli combination that had a cream, polka dot, gotta Patti dupatta adorned with huge tassels.

Muslin magic

The Muslin collection by Gaurang Shah, ace textile expert was a vision of ethereal beauty. Inspired by the love stories of nature and flora, Gaurang translated them into unforgettable hand woven textiles in gentle discreet shades and white, the colour of eternal love. The show opened with a poetic recital by Iqbal Pattani whose melodious voice was the background for the models on the ramp. Bringing the show to a beautiful end was gorgeous super star, Tabu, who glided in wearing a magnificent wide gold bordered anarkali over a swirling lehenga teamed with an ornate gold dupatta.

Right calculations

The Geo-Metron collection by Raamz and Chandrika Raamz founders of Raamz Design Studio was conceptualised from the two words, ‘geo’ (earth) and ‘metron’ (measurement). Juxtaposing these two elements, they showcased a brilliant collection. Making a sustainable statement, the men’s wear collection was constructed with handwoven linen, crafted by the artisans from Tamil Nadu. Lines played along with the construction of the fabric in form of criss-cross, the square surface texture, or the basket weave. Actor Amit Sadh made a dashing entry as a show-stopper in an all-black three-piece ensemble. He walked down the runway in a sleeveless shirt, tailored pants with button epaulette details and a jacket.