#ICW2016: Manav Gangwani’s Royal Regalia

Regal timelessness has always been the quality that sets bridal ensembles apart. But when you’ve easily conformed to this quality and also allowed yourself to cater to modernity, it calls for a commendable collection. Manav Gangwani’s couture creations for India Couture Week 2016 displayed royalty and affluence in every seam and detail, doing complete justice to the collection titled Begum-e-Jannat, a tribute to his late friend Zainab Nedou Patel of Kashmir. Keeping intact the sentiments of a bygone era, the designer reinvented age-old silhouettes and detailing for a modern look and feel.

 

 

Capturing the essence of the Mughal era with specks of Victorian detailing via grand ruffles and flares, Gangwani pinpointed to yet another truth the industry has been aware of: history (in fashion) repeats itself. Elaborate lehengas, dramatic saris, detailed kaftans, and more made up the designer’s collection. While the opening outfits were hued in ivory, the show progressed to pieces in royal hues of blue, green, black, and red.

 

 

Using intricate work like zardozi with nominal additions of mirror work, Gangwani’s collection was made of luxurious fabrics like sheer gauzy tissues, silk velvet, silk, and tulle. Showstopper Kangana Ranaut walked down the ramp looking every bit the reigning Queen of Bollywood in a maroon mirror work choli, a heavily-embroidered lehenga and a mesh dupatta. “Every garment in this collection is disguised as a visual piece of paradise to be owned and cherished,” said the designer. And we couldn’t agree more. All in all… a luxurious treat on the final day of ICW 2016.