Wills Fashion Week ends on a colourful note

What else could have added the right glitz on the last day of Wills India Lifestyle Fashion Week, except Ritu Kumar’s couture collection listed as the grand finale?

The show began with an audio-visual presentation of research behind the collection inspired by the art deco style of 1930s, 40s and 50s and culminated with model-turned actress Esha Gupta walking the ramp in a trademark Ritu Kumar styled heavily embellished black and gold lehenga. As the confetti was showered, the lights shimmered, Esha and Ritu walked to take their bows in front of a deafening audience.

Earlier, the day had been dedicated to floral prints, embroidery patterns, tribal prints and ancient designs inspired by Moroccon and Egyptian styles in places. Designers like Raj Shroff, Jenjum Gadi, Pia Pauro, Shivan and Naresh, Charu Parashar, Rajdeep Ranawat, Sulakshna, Hemant and Nandita, Joy Mitra and Nida Mahmmod showcased their collections which included everything from bold colours, masks, differently woven and worn sarees, gowns, short dresses, kurtis and jackets teamed up with shorts or divided skirts and kaftans.

Focusing on the global Indian style, Raj Shroff presented apparels in printed skirts and hot pants paired with plain chiffon tops.  ‘Virtues’ by Viral, Ashish and Vikrant was inspired by West Asian fashion which had garments in bold colours with sparkling silver metallics. Flowing silhouettes, kaftans and robes were beautifully crafted in chiffons and organzas.

Jenjum Gadi presented his collection inspired by traditional designs and dedicated his show to ‘Gotas.’  “When I started designing, I used to think gota was shiny and tacky.

But things changed over time and I have started to love gota. It adds beauty and versatility to a garment,” says Jenjum. Giving a summery feel to her creations, Pia Pauro used Ikat prints on swim wear and jute beach bags. Sequinned kaftans, cocktail dresses, pencil skirts with embroidery inspired from Sindh and cotton dresses which sported ancient body art prints.

Known for their signature styles in swim wear, Shivan and Narresh showcased the ‘Zip’ collection. Designers crafted swimsuits in the pop inspired colour palette. Designs in the form of zips were used to define structures of dresses. Charu Parashar focused on jackets with embroidery on sleeves, colourful prints and teamed up flowy silhouettes with net shrugs. Rajdeep Ranawat, taking inspiration from nature, created a collection full of vibrant tones and exquisite prints. The designs reminded one of the Mediterranean, and white houses on hill tops and colourful burst of bougainvilles. He also introduced a men’s wear range, handbags, bright embroidered clutches, shoes and jewellery.

Sulakshnaa used chiffons, silk and cotton in silhouettes with floral prints and patchwork on the neckline. It was a visual delight to watch Hemant and Nandita’s collections too.

With prints of hibiscus, roses and tulips, the duo created beautiful images on crepes, organzas and spandex.

Presenting a mix of georgettes and net with embroidery, Joy Mehta this time brought to the ramp an elegant collection with royal touch.  Lehangas, suits and traditional garments reflected true Indian wear.  Delhi-based Nida Mahmood added drama to her collection by making models wear masks of traditional classical dance forms - reminding one of scaled down Kathakali masks!