WIFW Daily Diary: Day 1

Nabila Habib

Slotted to be India’s biggest fashion business event, Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week began with a muted style that guarantees breathtaking elegance. The new five star venue InterContinental Eros was a hotbed of glitter and colours. Targetted to promote and encourage designers grow their brands locally and internationally whilst developing strong links with the wider manufacturing and retail industries, the show encouraged young designers come up with their creation along with the accepted veterans. The WIFW is now 13 seasons old, attracting top-slot designers from across the country. The show is a big hope to give a positive impetus to fashion business in contemporary recession hit world. On the ramp… Nitin Bal chauhan: The show started with a sombre note. Nitin’s collection was called ‘Conditions Apply’, inspired by the contemporary social conditions. Models walked the ramp in shades of grey, periodically dotted by black and white ensembles. Truly elegant, the designs were mostly western, with a few regional influences giving an exotic touch to the gowns. Experimentation with subdued psychedelic designs was appealing, as it gave a vibrant feel to the muted colours. Headgears gave the basic appeal to the dresses, ranging in all rainbow colours. Wool was the chosen fabric. Nitin showed unmatched creativity bringing up a whole range of palette out through only three basic colours – grey, white and black. Samant Chauhan: Truly smitted by beige, Samant’s collection was a unique show of a single colour. The natural colour of silk was exploited, with its age-old appeal utilized to the full. Targetting heritage, Bhagalpur silk had never looked more appealing. The ensembles were for both the genders, giving the models that old-age charm. The collection had lots of pin tucks, ruched, plisse and pleats in various forms and sizes in the finest of brocades. The fabric was used creatively in both traditional and western wear, though the appeal of the traditional silk kurta-pajama overpowered even the sexiest designs. Virtues Rehane: Rehane is currently the strongest designer label in South India. A diffusion line, the label drew forth typical reactions of surprise and awe from its vibrant creations. Specialising in originality above anything in all types of surface ornamentation and fabric transformations, there were plenty of innovations in form of silhouettes, cuts and drapes in the most dynamic colour combinations. The twenty designs showed what variety could be created out of the mini frock-dress! Ashish, Viral and Vikrant: If colours could sing, 'Rainbow Rhapsody' had a rock band’s passion. The colours poured out on the ramp with a gush, and created unique solid identities. The shades were all the more enhanced by the apt use of high quality Indian Handloom silk. The inspiration clearly seemed geometry and origami. Kiran Uttam Ghosh: Though defying categorization between eastern and western, there were definite churidars and slacks matched with kurtas or knee length tops in vague western cuts. Her timeless classic appeal ran through each of the design, with her trademark detailing adding to the beauty. She experimented freely with fabric, teaming tweed jackets with flowing chiffon and lycra slacks. The novel combinations looked strangely attractive. The colours were mostly earthy and understated. Ritu Kumar: Loyal to her heritage, Ritu Kumar wowed the audience with her breathtaking creations seeped in tradition. There were plenty of skirts and dresses that could go with a number of attires. Adoringly wearable, the ensemble had a rich feel to it, making the designs a contemporary choice for the chic and the traditional alike. Full of earthy, warm colours, the dresses reminded one of home and hearth. Talking about fashion, Veteran designer Ritu Kumar said, "Designs should be practical, and in-thing. One part, I accept is done for the fun on the ramp, but garments should be wearable and should conform to everyday lifestyle." Describing her personal designs, she added, "My designs are urban folklorage which goes from years to years. It has fun element, too. They can be worn to mehndi, marriage or party. Fashion is just pick and mix and match with the other things in your wardrobe."