FDCI India Couture Week 2016: Deepika, Fawad set ramp on fire on Day 1

Actors Deepika Padukone, Fawad Khan and designer Manish Malhotra along with models walk the ramp at the India Couture Week 2016 in New Delhi on Wednesday. (Photo: Bunny Smith)

Ace fashion designer Manish Malhotra opened this year’s FDCI India Couture Week 2016 and showcased his latest collection titled, “The Persian Story”. Actors Deepika Padukone and Fawad Khan turned out to be the perfect showstoppers for the collection.

Pakistani star Fawad opened the grand show and was welcomed with loud cheers and applause from the crowd as he walked in a black kurta and deep maroon palazzo-pyjama.

Manish’s design narrative was inspired by the stunning architecture of Persia, blooming paradise of fauna and flora, and fearless royals that ruled their vast kingdoms. Models showcased his collection as they walked to the tunes of authentic Persian music. The collection saw a wide range of heavily-embellished hand-woven gold embroidery adorn sheer and velvet fabrics, lehengas with sheer tops, opulent velvet jackets over cigarette trousers, exquisite gowns and regal sherwanis and sequinned dresses which featured elaborate architectural, floral motifs and check shirts and achkans.

The designer presented intricate motifs on 50 limited edition pieces, swathed in deep shades of maroon, emerald green and azure blue. Manish recreated the magic of Persia by transforming the set into a traditional Persian setting filled with marble motifs, popular Persian chandeliers and a small shamiana (a marquee), which helped the models exiting the ramp.

Talking about his inspiration, the designer said, “I had Persian Story’s idea in mind for so many years. I love Persian architecture, I like the colour schemes of Persia, music and that was a concept I had in my mind and that’s how it got generated...”

The Bajirao Mastani actress stole the show in a beautiful off-shoulder choli, with intricate gold embroidery and a long-trailed lehenga. The star also wore a polki-pearl choker and a hath-phool from Hazoorilal by Sandeep Narang.

Talking about the fabulous showstoppers, Manish said, “I am so thankful to Fawad for being here and dearest Deepika I know her since she was a model and her first film...it’s a very special moment.”

Deepika, who started her career as a model, said the ensemble she donned was the heaviest. “The last time I walked for him, I thought that outfit was the heaviest. This is much heavier compared to the earlier one. I was very nervous and out of breath at the ramp. Also, this is the biggest ramp I have ever walked on,” quipped the actress.

Fawad walked the ramp for the first time in India. Asked if it was his first time on the ramp in Delhi, Fawad quickly replied, “In Delhi for the first time In India for the first time. Obviously it was very daunting.”