LAKME FASHION WEEK 2019: GLIMPSE OF INDIA’S BIGGEST FASHION RITUAL

Lakme Fashion Week in partnership with IMG Reliance and NEXA kickstarted the Fall/Winter collection at Mumbai’s St. Regis on 21st August and however awaited the New York, Paris, and Milan’s fashion week might be, we can't deny the fact that there’s a unique thrill we get to experience with ethnic collections, especially when all this sartorial magic is bestowed upon us by the crème of the crème designers like Manish Malhotra, Amit Agarwal, Gauri & Nainika, Punit Balana, among others. Just like every year, the collaborative effort by the designers and models seems to create an alchemy of festive fashion yet again. From lehengas marked with opulent textures, pants with metallic polka dots to streetwear embellished with leather pockets, the designs captivated the attention of every fashion enthusiast! It was the very first day of the much-awaited fashion journey and the skilled couturiers have already decoded the way to infuse Indian fashion in the global fashion scenario. 

Excitement alert: Get ready to peep into the ramp of sheer brilliance!
Manish Malhotra

The man who needs no introduction, Manish Malhotra sashayed the first collection to walk on the ramp of Lakme Fashion Week 2019, where he showed his new collection, Maahrumshy – a celebration of resplendent beauty in dazzling details of Indian couture. Just like always, he did raise the bar for every designer to follow! With an undeniably stunning festive collection offering meticulously done twinkling-sequin, the distinct beauty of mesh on metallic grey tones, and heavy-royal lehengas with pastel embroideries, this global icon introduced an uber-fresh twist on the opening night of the prestigious event. The show culminated with Bollywood actress, Katrina Kaif who made a captivating appearance as the showstopper in Dark Green velvet lehenga having giant motifs of golden embroidery, and of course, her signature gleaming makeup with loose beach waves. 

Photo credits: Vogue

Photo credits: Pinkvilla

INIFD

The fashion maven, INIFD presented six Gen Next Designers who inspired every couturier at the premises with the amalgamation of bold tones, modern silhouettes, and intricate patterns. Right from the beginning, the show was a spellbinding performance where these prominent designers brought to the table a sartorial taste from all around the world, keeping India’s traditional techniques as a base. Where Sahib Bhatia's label 'Amaare' introduced the ultra-modern twists, ‘Anatomy’ by Gaurav Singh proved that the unconventional designs can be encapsulated into the fashion world with a wearable sensibility. Even the unique fashion sides of Ladakh were brought on the stage by 'Zilzom' label and did we miss the mesmerizing handmade textiles of the ‘Ura Maku’ collection? In a nutshell, INIFD was a sartorial treat for all desired to see global meet desi.

Photo credits: Vogue

Video credits: Lakme Fashion Week 

Vineet Rahul 

'Vineet Rahul' by Vineet Kataria and Rahul Arya deserve a special mention with their beautiful showcase ‘Pichwai’, which is a perfect blend of eclectic Indian culture and art in eccentric designs! The runway was filled with the iterations made of lustrous silk, subtle tones, and understated textile prints, which were so appealing to the eyes that we can only imagine how many minds were dreaming to add this artistic work by Vineet Rahul to their festive trove. The runway was brightened up when the Indian film actress, Malavika Mohanan walked down the ramp wearing flared teal blue co-ord set having metallic polka dots and a sheer jacket above. 

Photo credits: Vogue

Photo credits: Social news XYZ 

Payal Singh

Payal Singh celebrated her 20 years journey in the fashion world and hence, launched her collection named as #PS20 which is entirely based on gypsie and bohemia vibe (just what her penchant tells us!). With her impeccably expressive showcase, she filled the aura with the boho-chic magical dust, making the winter/fall festive collection all about colours, intricacy, and maximalism. We absolutely loved how this globally acknowledged designer stayed true to the title and added the quirky touch to her otherwise floaty lehengas embroidered with heavy-shimmery florals by adding fanny bags to the models’ overall look. 

Video credits: Lakme Fashion Week 

The ramp was glammed up even more when Bollywood's fittest couple, Shibani Dandekar and Farhan Akhtar joined in as the showstoppers – the 3D embellishment on Shibani's lehenga with the splash of pastel, fluorescent colours looked whimsical when she sashayed down the ramp with Farhan Akhtar who pulled a matching kurta.

Photo credits: Vogue

Photo credits: Ndtv

Amit Aggarwal

The combination of structured designs with fluidity was seen on the ramp when R Elan – which is Reliance’s textile arm – unveiled Amit Aggarwal's luxurious range, Flux. The designer reconceptualized the law of light's direction through balanced silhouettes, cuts, and hues with lustrous touch. Moreover, the mere thought of using recycled polymer strips on the structured outfits deserves an appreciation at its best. The free-flowing fabrics dipped into the electric and metallic shades with exaggerated sleeves and smooth draping was magnificent enough to overlook even for a second! 

The woman with the body of Greek Goddess, Lisa Haydon, and the charming Indian Cricketer, Hardik Pandya closed the show, where Lisa confidently carried her baby bump and flushed cheeks in an electric plum draped; on the other hand, Hardik wore a perfectly complementing structured outfit.

Photo credits: Vogue

Photo credits: Vogue 

Out of so many bewitching collections, which one dazzled you the most?