India Couture Week 2018: Rohit Bal to Tarun Tahiliani, expect sparkly, royal high fashion

Fashion Design Council of India’s India Couture Week 2018, starting from July 25 to July 29, at the Taj Palace, Delhi is a unique showcase of game-changing glamour, presenting top couturiers from the world of fashion. And this time, it returns in a bigger, better avatar as Hindustan Times and Sunil Sethi Design Alliance join hands with renowned designers — Anju Modi, Amit Aggarwal, Rohit Bal, Reynu Taandon, Tarun Tahiliani, Shyamal and Bhumika, Shane and Falguni Peacock, Rahul Mishra, Pallavi Jaikishan and Suneet Varma — for a fashion extravaganza that is not short on anticipation.

“This is going to be the 11th edition of couture week. It is undoubtedly the best fashion event in the country and having HT as a partner this year would take the fashion extravaganza to the next level of importance and unprecedented showcase of the event,” says Sunil Sethi.

Here’s what you can expect to see at the five-day fashion week:

1. Traditionally modern

Riots of colours meet Mughal miniature paintings in designer Rahul Mishra’s latest line. Corals, greens, whites, gold and blues make their presence felt in new avatars of zardozi lehengas embedded with Swarovski along with 3D embroideries. Fabrics such as kinkhab Benarasi, organza, merino wool, muga silk, georgettes, chiffons and chanderi will be spotted.

2. Contemporary classics

A beautiful blend of pastel tones and floral elements comprise designer Reynu Taandon’s latest collection titled Once Upon a Dream. Taking inspiration from contemporary brides, who like to take the modern route yet be in touch with traditional values, Taandon’s collection will showcase intricate detailing and sequin work weaved in light weight fabrics.

3. Crystal clear couture

Designer Amit Aggarwal is making his debut at the couture week. His collection titled Crystalis — a derivation of words crystal and chrysalis — will see textiles created using modern industrial materials crafted through traditional Zardozi and Ari hand techniques. Jewel tones will be prominent throughout the collection.

4. Traditional yet functional

Designer Tarun Tahiliani’s creation titled In Elysium celebrates different Indian goddesses. Shifting his focus from heavy ensembles to lehengas made with light weight fabrics, this time, Tarun Tahiliani statement pieces will see a more functional dimension. Vivid three-dimensional florals on cocktail lehengas and concept saris will make for a beautiful highlight.

5. An ultimate grand finale show

Designer Rohit Bal is planning to surprise everyone through his grand finale show at an off-site location. He says that this collection is a result of his efforts, creativity and experience all put together in one. Intricate embroideries in a bright colour palette and signature pieces will be a part of the show.

6. Walking through history

The Victorian era inspires designer Anju Modi’s collection A Maiden’s Prayer. The designer has tried to bring alive the historically significant era through cuts, silhouettes and designs. Rich and heavy fabrics such as velvet, silk and brocade will be spotted throughout, and to make it even more dreamier, Modi has stuck to a jewel tone colour palette.

7. Time travel

Designer Pallavi Jaikishan is set to take us back in time with her collection titled Nostalgia. The designer will be showcasing creations similar to what she had done two decades ago, and use old as well as new fabrics and design sensibilities. One will see silk, chiffons, georgette and imported Lamè in abundance throughout the line.

8. European touch

Indian princesses play muse to Suneet Varma’s latest collection. Titled Nayantara, Varma will showcase about 55 looks on the runway. The designer gives a classic twist to his signature style by amalgamating Indian sensibilities and European vision. Sequins, shimmer and fringes will sit pretty on lehengas, dresses and blouses.

9. Exquisite, sparkly and traditional

The Ahmedabad-based designer duo, Shyamal and Bhumika will showcase contemporary silhouettes with exquisite detailing in natural, diaphanous fabrics. Vibrantly-hued, their line will also feature ancient embroidery techniques such as zardozi pita. Crystals and sequins will all the necessary sparkle.

10. For kings and queens

A tale of a Parisian queen on a visit to the resplendent Junagarh Palace in Rajasthan where a mela (local carnival) is organised in her honour inspires designer duo Falguni and Shane Peacock’s collection. From the vibrant hues of the carousels, lit-up palace walls, the surreal array of jungle creatures such as the panther, peacock and elephant are portrayed together in picturesque festive demeanour.

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