The complete lowdown on celeb showstoppers, designer showcases on the second day of the Lakme Fashion Week 2014
Back to the future
9.30 pm > GAURAV GUPTA
Couturier Gaurav Gupta showcased his debut LFW collection to a packed house. The futuristic line had a heady dose of gold, was complemented by accessories created by UK-based designer Mawi who is back in India after 12 years. The glossy ramp saw models strutting down in red carpet gowns. 
Pic/Pradeep Dhivar
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Boho chic on Indian threads
3.30 PM > ASMITA MARWA, ABDUL HALDER
Asmita Marwa’s collection was all about kimono-like silhouettes that were boxy yet flowy. The line was expressed through a mélange of checks and weaves with Chanderi and khadi featuring prominently. Adhuna Akhtar walked the ramp in a warm peach ensemble, embodying the bohemian slant of the collection.
KHEM played around with the white and blue palette
ILK’s collection had spring written all over
Summer fun
12 NOON > AARTIVIJAY GUPTA, KHEM, ILK & VERB
Aartivijay Gupta: Known for her bold overall prints, Aartivijay Gupta stuck to her signature style and this time drew inspiration from regal portraits. While we liked the simple silhouettes (especially the buttoned-up shirt dress) the prints got a bit overwhelming at times and too busy to be worn in summer.
KHEM: Understated in terms of patterns and airy when it came to silhouettes — Khushboo and Prem’s collection for their label Khem was like a breath of fresh air — there were plenty of whites and a hint to blue. Summer-friendly, we loved the use of nylon nets, georgettes and silk.
ILK: This collection spelt spring and came as a welcome change. Not over-the-top, yet exuding the cheer of colour, ILK’s collection was all about floral patterns. Our pick: Pink pants with floral appliqué with a matching blazer — this is sure to be a favourite this season.
VERB: While it was nice to see asymmetrical cuts and layering, Pallavi Singhee’s collection for her label VERB left us asking for more. The mix of colours — grey or green, beige and maroon with a black indulgence — failed in uplifting the collection and the pearls and ribbing did not make an impact as well.
Aartivijay Gupta’s line was inspired from Indian regalia
Morocco in Mumbai
Inspired by the French Moroccan culture and architecture (in the early 1900s, the French occupied Morocco and much of the French culture persisted even after Morocco gained independence), designer Payal Singhal’s collection was a winner from the very beginning. Done in tulle, linen and silk in muted colours of grey, rose and blue, the line made models look pretty in intricate patterns of Moroccan filigree work. The sarees with asymmetrical blouses and crop tops with skirts gets our vote!
Edgy meets floral
4.30 PM > VEDA RAHEJA, SOURABH KANT SHRIVASTAVA
One couldn’t help but sit up and take notice when a model wearing a black outfit with colourful floral embellishments strutted down the ramp. Seems ordinary? Not really. The model was sporting massive headgear that looked like a reversed basket of flowers. Sourabh Kant Shrivastava set the mood with this and what followed was the continuation of a line that attracted awe. Shrivastava, whose collection, Rebirth In Kalyug, was inspired by Greek goddesses Athena and Aphrodite, started by being high on floral elements and then transformed into metallic and crystallised outfits. But the interesting aspects were the masks sported by all models. Face totally covered, this addition added an edge to the collection, which boasted of embellished skirts, jackets, dresses, leggings, gowns, etc. The collection appealed for its detail but we curious to know how the leggy models managed to breathe. Professional hazards!
Suman Nathwani’s collection spelt summer all over
Stars, sarees and sunshine
1.30 PM > MANDIRA BEDI, JADE & SUMAN NATHWANI
The show started with Mandira Bedi’s saree collection, which witnessed the actress-turned-designer’s mother walking the ramp as the showstopper in a blue and gold saree. The collection primarily brought forward contemporary designs for the nine-yard garb with bright colours like pink, orange and blue and satin, georgettes and silk as base fabrics.
Turn up the volume
The second section was marked with voluminous lehengas and cocktail gowns designed by Monica and Karishma of Jade. The collection, which was the highlight of the show, was all about soft pastel colours with metal detailing with voluminous silhouettes. The ensemble sported by showstopper Lisa Haydon is sure to make a mark in fashion circles with its interesting back detailing and subtle colour combinations — perfect for a summer wedding.
Soak up the sun
Designer Suman Nathwani, who was celebrating her 25th anniversary in the industry with this show, brightened up the ramp with her resort wear collection high on sunshine colours like orange and yellow. The fluid collection that was all about chiffons, muslins, tulles and silk saw models strutting down the ramp in a range of bikinis, day gowns, kurtis, etc. We loved the airy feel of the outfits and bikinis with crop tops.
Mandira Bedi’s mother Gita Bedi walked the ramp for her daughter’s saree line; also in the frame (left) celebrity skin specialist Jamuna Pai and (right, hidden) famous city gynaecologist Kiran Coelho
DOROTHY PERKINS DEBUTS IN INDIA
UK high-street fashion brand Dorothy Perkins made their India debut at LFW. The line was bold and spelt coolth. Meant for women in the 25-35 age bracket, the collection created a buzz for all the right reasons. Current flavour of the season, Kangna Ranaut walked the ramp for the popular brand. The collection got our thumbs up. PIC/PRADEEP DHIVAR
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