Bangalore’s fashion quotient went up yet again. Delhi-based designer duo Gunjan Arora and Rahul Jain under the label Sirali and New York-based Gurpreet Pia Fleming of Bian showcased their latest collections, while Manoviraj Khosla revealed his designs for the upcoming Wills Fashion Week.

The fashion event kicked off with Gunjan and Rahul’s collection of men’s and women’s wear. Women’s line comprised of churidaar-kameezes structured interestingly. Elegant in nature, they came in great styles including the anarkali. What followed were dresses and tunics sporting bejewelled motifs. Sirali’s sarees flaunted textures that involved plain colourful threads woven together with unique techniques. This craft-based collection used English colours and fabrics like silk, linen, georgette, crepe and at times contrasting fabrics in a single garment, creating interest.

Rahul said, “Ours is a technique-based ensemble. The thread-woven saree with a wonder mesh look is our signature style. Drapes, textures and textiles fascinate us. Sirali means peacock’s ploom and so we infuse the Indian element into our craft.”

Bian was next with its range of western wear for women—trendy shirt dresses, tops, wrap shirts, dresses in clean silhouettes, besides sarees. Talking about the collection, head designer, Pallavi Kumar said, “Our western wear takes on the international silhouette with asymmetrical style. We have used cotton, linen, georgette and silk voils. Our sarees in georgette and crepe are heavily embellished and handwoven. Yet they are understated with matte or dull gold finishes and colours like peaches and dull pinks.”

Bian has it’s headquarters in New York where ace designer Gurpreet resides. With a strong foothold in Delhi, this is the first time Bian has come to Bangalore. Harmeet Bajaj, director, Bian said, “I have heard about Bangalore being price-conscious and laidback towards fashion. Yet, it comes into limelight time and again. I am curious; it’s an experiment for me.”

Sneak preview
Manoviraj Khosla gave a preview of his whacky collection for the upcoming fashion week. A complete men’s line, the collection aimed at the trendy new man and the design philosophy involved toying with fabrics and textures.

Manoviraj said, “The emphasis laid on experimentation with fabrics like linen, playing with colour, textures, different types of stitches, gathering and silhouettes. We have done trousers in a combination of churidaar and Jodhpuri. We have done lot of applique work and infused kalamkari work into different fabrics. Jackets are aplenty. Colours used are pastels and brighter shades like aqua, pinks, oranges and yellows. The collection is for Spring/Summer 2008.”

Choreographed by Prasad Bidapa, the show had City models like Rakesh, Pallavi and Tina among others walking the ramp.