Lakme Fashion Week: Straight off the runway

Steady hues

Pattern cutting and construction have always been Kallol Dutta’s forté and on day three at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2016, his collection emphasised just that. Using simple cotton in monochrome hues along with wool, crepe, chiffon, velvet, foil and silk, the intricate silhouettes of the garments were the gems of his show. The show kickstarted with his trademark baggy silhouettes, followed by some velvet, and then graphic polka dots and blacks flowed into dark inky blues, to give the collection a formal look. Keeping the traditional dresser happy were two saris teamed with a velvet blouse or cotton moleskin 3D back-fold askew side kurta.

Made in Assam Bringing to centre stage the beauty of Assam, Pranami Kalita’s collection was a visual treat on the ramp. Making her debut at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2016, Pranami worked wonders with muga, eri and paat — indigenous silks that are renowned in Assam, going on to blend them with fabrics from other parts of India. The show opened with a gorgeous white and gold lehenga, choli and dupatta trio, which was followed by a red/ivory long kurta and luxurious red silk stole. Sleek pants, sheath with cape, one-shoulder gown and off-shoulder slim dresses kept the mood of the show high in fashion. Boleros and pleated skirts with cape blouses and the black/gold cross over kurta teamed with a lehenga added elegance to the line. Adding traditional Assamese motifs to highlight the garments, Pranami used embroidery and weaving techniques to create a romantic and a feminine look.

A magic of diverse weaves The beauty of Jamdani from Kulna and Khadi from parts of Bengal were the basis for Darshan Shah’s Shimul collection. From natural dyes — especially indigo — to the hand stitched, handmade in-house fabrics, the chic collection was a joy to behold. Opening the show with three white saris — one with tasselled edges and origami blouse, another with gold detailing teamed with a red long-sleeved blouse and the third with a village print coupled with a waistcoat — the show moved swiftly. Kurtas, pleated trousers, pyjamas, printed bustiers, appliquéd covers, boxy, loose blouse, abstract print kaftan, strappy or batwing tank tops and the printed patchwork coat added a variety of creations to suit all buyers.