The recently-held fashion event ‘India Runway Week’ 16’ was all about fresh talent. A number of young designers showcased their unique creations over the three days of the event, held at Thyagraj Stadium. The opening show was named ‘Fashion Startups of India’ in which eight designers presented their ready-to-wear collections for summer’16.
The sister duo Snidhi and Ishana showcased their label Snishh which was all about dynamic cuts and geometric prints. Puneet Gupta presented an enchanting palette of the very Indian and classic designs and patterns for bride and groom. Designer Hannah Khianghte showcased classic silhouettes and traditional formal wear that women in Mizoram wear with their Puan (traditional skirt of the Mizos).
While Natasa Stankovic dazzled on the ramp as a showstopper for Gauri Couture by Nikheil and Rivendra at India Runway week spring/summer 2016, wearing the collection named ‘Itrr’ inspired by the vintage garden, a 16-year old cancer patient, Chesi Anne Basil, walked the ramp for Pagdi by designer Varija Bajaj.
The second day started with a show ‘Think Design’ hosted by the students of International School of Design (INSD). The themes presented by Chakit, Ankita, Rashmi, Vineet and Sneha were shwet, achromania, emotions of khadi, romanticism and colours of life.
Banka Silk showcased their recent collection ‘Homecoming’ by designer Rashmi Shrivastav and Devleena Mazumdar. The collection in Tussar silk was showcased in many natural earthy colours like beige and brown. The highlight of the show was the Madhubani paintings on the outfits which gave a 3D effect. Handmade painting, weaving and traditional hand processes were used for the radical shapes.
Actress Mandira Bedi and transgender activist Laxmi Narayan Tripathi walked the ramp for Delhi-based jewellery designer Akassh K Aggarwal.
Inspired by the French word for core or heart, the spring/summer collection ‘The Coeur Collectives’ used fine techniques in filigree motif, stamped light weight metal sheet work, embossed 3D and vibrant metallic colours of gold and silver. The collection can be worn with ethnic as well as Indo-Western.
Five designers Anjana Singh, Priyanka Munot, Shafali Grover, Yugansatya and Scarlet by Shruti Jamaal presented their collection on day three. Actress Aditi
Gowitrikar walked the ramp for designer Megha Jain who showcased her collection as a tribute to her father.
Kolkata-based designer Niharika Kamani’s collection ‘Enchantress’ was an amalgamation of strong femininity and powerful clean lines in terms of silhouttes,texturing and embroidery.
Neha Dhupia walked the ramp for Sashi Vangapalli labelled Mughdha Art Studio.
Designer Rajdeep Ranawat captured the essence of Rann of Kutch in his collection titled ‘Kaanjari’. Depicting the beauty of the culture, the embroideries and techniques with the use of unusual hues, the women of Kutch formed an inspiration for the collection. Using sustainable organic fabrics and Swarovski elements with motifs derived from the theme, the collection further entwined with illustrations and artworks of cactus and foliage from the region.