Day 5 Highlights From AIFW 2016

Day 5 Highlights From AIFW 2016

The last day of AIFW 2016, as anticipated, was a riot. And I’m not saying this because of the grand finale, where 16 of India’s best designers took to the stag to showcase two garments each around one common theme: paying tribute to Banarasi weaves. I say this because it was literally a riot in terms of colours, patterns and prints. Here’s what went down:

 

Debarun AIFW_Hauterfly

Debarun

Geometry worked hand-in-hand with style at this show titled One Fine Day. Inspired by the hues of sunset skies, Debarun Mukherjee used geometric patterns and colour-blocking on silks. The result? A relaxed collection featuring contemporary silhouettes that ranged from kimono-style dresses, maxi dresses with angel sleeves, collared capes, saris, flared trousers, tiered crop tops and more.

 

Saaj by Ankita AIFW_Hauterfly

Saaj by Ankita

Taking inspiration from dandelions, designer Ankita Chaudhry’s collection Dandelion Wish was minimal yet edgy. Mixing smooth fabrics like crepe, georgette silk with hand-woven linen and khadi, the designer exhibited a contemporary line in radiant yellow, taupe, green and white. I particularly liked the lace embroidery on each garment. Cape dresses and caped gowns with thigh-high slits were a highlight.

 

taneiya khanuja AIFW 2016_Hauterfly

Tanieya Khanuja

When it comes to prints, I can’t deny I have a special liking for houndstooth. Tanieya Khanuja’s Summer Soldier worked around both Native American and Scottish influnces; which explains the use of optical stripes and houndstooth. A monochromatic line interspersed with hints of navy blue, we saw well-constructed silhouettes. Plunging necklines, pockets and multiple-slits on garments along with geometric pleating details were a repetition here. Sleek and nifty!

 

Dolly J AIFW_Hauterfly

Dolly J

Her collection tiptoed through the tulips… literally. Hues that ranged from a darker shade of slate grey gradually proceeding to reds and suddenly falling as pastel colours, the designer showcased jumpsuits, gowns and trench dresses. I personally liked the variation in collars. I must mention the use of ruffles to accentuate certain pieces.

 

kartikeyan AIFW_Hauterfly

Kartikeya

This collection revolved the use of embroidery, specifically zardosi work. From white to emerald greens and even sky blue and red, Kartikeya showcased tiered and pleated gowns, separates with jackets, sheath dresses with embroidered collars and crop tops with skirts. The emerald green dress with an embroidered waistband was a favourite.

 

Komal Sood AIFW 2016_Hauterfly

Kommal Sood

Models sashayed down the ramp in fine feathers during Feather of Freedom. Sood’s ensembles ranged from shimmering gowns to jumpsuits, shorts and pants and even breezy dresses. Whites and creams ascended to gold, taupe and even greys. Antique sequins were used on fabrics ranging from silk crepe, georgette, silk and satin.

 

Prashant Verma AIFW 2016_Hauterfly

Prashant Verma

Power dressing at its best… that’s what Prashant Verma’s show was all about. Pantsuits, three-piece suits, and maxis with graphic prints made up the collection. Teaming up of a cowl-neck graphic print top with a sleek pant suit worked well. Adds a serious style quotient to boring office wear for sure!

 

SIddharth Tytler AIFW 2016_Hauterfly

Siddartha Tytler

A bridal range showcased by Tytler, this show exhibited garments in hues like white, gold, reds and copper. Using embellishments in excess, the collection was made up of saris, lehengas, shararas, jackets teamed with patialas and cocktail gowns.

 

Grand FInale AIFW 2016_Hauterfly

Born in Benaras: The Grand Finale

Abhishek Gupta, Abraham & Thakore, Alpana Neeraj, Anupama Dayal, Arjun Saluja, Ashish N Soni, Atsu, Gauri & Nainika, JJ Valaya, Malini Ramani, Manish Arora, Namrata Joshipura, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna, Sabyasachi, Tarun Tahiliani… can you imagine what a show this must have been? Complete awesomeness, to say the least. The designers got together to pay tribute to Bananas weaves in the show Born In Benares.

Using only Banarasi fabrics, we saw a range of ensembles — from bridal wear to evening gowns, robe kurtas, dresses, jackets, separates and more. There were floor-length maxis layered with fringed capes at Malini Ramani, robed kurtis cinched at the waist and teamed with ankle-length trousers by Atsu, exquisite lehengas and saris in green by Sabyasachi, futuristic gowns by Alpana & Neeraj, patch-worked shirts with floor-length skirts by Abraham & Thakore, heavily-embroidered lehengas by JJ Valaya and Tarun Tahiliani. A well put-together finale with some great designs. What a way to end the week.

Simi Kuriakose

Read More From Simi
Seen it all?

We’ve got more!