Scorching the ramp

Bengaluru saw five new celebrated designers showcasing an eclectic mix of design sensibilities and influences at the 16th edition of the ‘Wear.Style Bangalore Fashion Week’.

The first day saw mesmerising collections ranging from architectural inspirations to a royal Indian wedding. Young designer duo Gana Gowda and Rinu Alunkal presented their love for modern sophistication meshed with traditional Indian aesthetics, calling it ‘Geometric Blues’.

Different shades of blue incorporated with geometric patterns, keeping in mind the traditional Indian styles, ruled the ramp. The day also saw designer Sehrish Kabir showcasing her couture collection ‘Enchanting Moors’ inspired by Spanish-Moorish architecture, which was an artistic fusion of conservative culture and the Western world. Rich textiles like velvets, raw silks, sequins, heavy nets in alluring metallic and rustic colours dominated the collection.

The event also welcomed designer Sridevi Gogga, who sketched Hampi’s numerous temple complexes from Vijayanagara empire in her collection ‘Maya’. Puneesh Chopra unveiled his collection ‘Dilwale - Rang De’. His distinguished bridal couture designs effortlessly blended with inventive textures and design motifs. Designer Unais Mustafa exhibited his signature line ‘La mystical elegance’. His handcrafted bride and groom collection sparkled with heavy ‘zardozi’, mirrors, sequins and embellishment work.

With the collection named ‘Regalia’, designer Ramesh Dembla represented the grandeur associated with a royal Indian wedding. The collection accentuated traditional sentiments with a new-age twist.

The second day of Bangalore Fashion week saw young designer Mehar Naziruddin flaunting her ethnic wear collection theme - ‘Kumudini’. Her collection was inspired by the lotus flower which she had incorporated into saris, palazzos and tunics with a contemporary twist. Paying her ode to yakshagana was designer Parinitha. The dramatic patterns of the outfits and the striking colours gave the feel of theatre itself.

As the excitement grew among spectators, Arthi Ramalingam rolled out her artistic collection, a medley of modern art and conventional designs. As the collection was titled ‘Faded Hues’, the primary colours used were faded shades of red, peach and grey. From gowns and crop tops to skirts and short gowns, the collection saw detailed embroidery and various handcrafted elements.

The second day also saw talented designer duo Sunidhi and Vinita redefining denim wear. With the collection ‘Replay Denim’, they creatively incorporated the fabric into saris, gowns and skirts, giving it a new twist. Inspired by the Mughal era, designer Dimple Mehta’s collection, ‘Opulent Shades of Majestic India’, saw a mix of rich fabrics like jacquard, silk and satin with intricate hand embroidery of ‘resham’ and ‘zardozi’. The collection was designed to represent the masterpieces of Mughal architecture and designs.

Award-winning fashion and textile designer, Ganesh Nallari, showcased a line of retro-futuristic Indian wear. The collection ‘Amma’s Wedding Sari’ (‘wear-your-mom’s-style’) saw a change in the timeless drapes with animal and jewellery motifs in traditional embroideries. Bright colours gave it a sense of earthiness and elegance.