Anand Kabra’s ‘Mandi’ add old world charm to WIFW glitter

Spicezee Bureau

New Delhi: Replete with bold, unperturbed sexiness dripped from the seductive yet elegant cuts, the designs of Anand Kabra at the ongoing Wills India Fashion Week had a classy touch. Displaying magnificent collection Anand’s Spring Summer 2011 designs drew inspiration from the luxurious intonation of the old world. Calling it ‘Mandi’, the designer’s work was heavily influenced by the way of life of havelis where indulgence and seduction played a pivotal role in painting the fantasy canvas of every man’ s dreams. Complementing the silhouettes was the music reminiscent of 1960’s depiction of Lucknow in Bollywood. The collection brought to fore ethnic nostalgia of the royal Indian roots, giving way to a high fashion fusion of cultural details and western cuts. Designs included experimental fusions of achkan, with sheer dhoti pants fused with sari drapes; kurti cholis with wide leg crisp pants, kaftan dresses with Sharara bottoms and ghagra choli with sari drapes. The star of the show was the unique creation of new silhouettes. The surface treatments ranged from tie and dyes, ombres, ikkat and graffiti prints, subtle use of sequins, embellished gold borders, monumental motif embroideries with bugle beads and gold threads. The colors assortment had chest nut, laburnum, ochre, brick red, hints of turmeric yellow, antique golds, and loads of whites in varied shades. There was a wide array of soothing summer fabrics like crisp cottons, taffeta silks, satins, organza’s, pochampali cottons, and sheer bright georgettes. Kabra’s muse was a courtesan with her arresting sensuality in the market charmed many wistful minds, whose audacity, intelligence and beauty blurred the line between fantasy and reality. The designer translated his inspiration into a series of garments with aplomb.