Amazon India Fashion Week: Finale tribute to rich Indian crafts with modern twist

Ace designers Rajesh Pratap Singh, Rahul Mishra, Aneeth Arora, Abraham & Thakore, Anju Modi, Samant Chauhan, Rohit and Rahul, Amit Aggarwal, Pankaj and Nidhi brought the curtain down on Amazon India Fashion Week late on Sunday evening. With each of them showcasing around five to six ensembles inspired by the new age concept of “India Modern”, it was surely a gala affair. The designers presented their interpretations of Indian designs, elements and textiles, silhouettes and craftsmanship in tones of rust, indigo blue, earthy hues, gold, black and white.

Fashion Design Council of India president Sunil Sethi said that he was happy that “India Modern” was represented with panache. The theme showcased an undying mission to revive India’s rich craft tradition with a modernistic, revivalist approach.

Rajesh Pratap Singh kickstarted the sartorial marathon with his black and gold futuristic ensembles followed by Aneeth Arora’s laid back creations. Young designer Rahul Mishra’s collection, “It Felt Love”, was an extension of his much-talked about Paris Fashion Week show. Integrating his brand philosophy of handmade and sustainable fashion, Mishra played with creamy whites and indigos. The silhouettes were contemporary yet exuded a deep connection to his Indian background. The collection was a seamless mix of Merino wool with bandhini on silk and blended the beauty of centuries-old draping methods of India.

Abraham and Thakore presented a line of long skirts with cholis and attached hoodies, crumpled golden tops paired with middle length skirts and palazzos. Anju Modi showcased an ethnic and colourful collection, which saw intricate thread works followed by Hemant and Nandita, who took the avant-garde route and showcased gowns in fuchsia pinks.

Designer Samant Chauhan’s line saw long dresses in grey shades. He also used the intricate thread work on his ensembles. Anju Modi dedicated her collection to artisans: “We all are very lucky to present our collections. This shows our hard work and the hardwork of our artisans and craftsmen.”

Designer duo Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna showcased menswear besides their tie-and-dye women’s collection, which saw Hawa Mahal prints on jackets teamed with pants and skirts. Pankaj and Nidhi’s collection saw fish-tail middy dresses in the hues of pink and orange. Designer Amit Aggarwal’s architectural silhouettes received much appreciation. All the collections had a delicate mix of fluid and structured Indian silhouettes and sharp western cuts in textiles, hand-embroideries, porcelain silk, block prints, khadi, etc.

Popular band Grain with Kavya Trehan on vocals and Pandit Ajay Prasanna on bansuri played live Indian electronica complementing the “India Modern” theme.