Highlights from Day 1 and 2 of FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week

Bloni The day opened with Akshat Bansal’s show. The young designer’s label Bloni presented a sustainable collection called “In Between XY”. He used marine plastic waste textile to create a range of gender neutral outfits like jackets, billowy pants, and shirts. Akshat blended the tech-generated eco-friendly fabrics with local artisanal techniques, hand crochet and knitting. 

Arpita Mehta presented a collection titled “Reflections” that pivoted around four distinct prints—florals, abstracts, leaves and butti. The colour palette ranged from neutral sand tones to relaxing ocean colours and the occasional mango yellow and flame red. Easy, breezy and fluid silhouettes on breathable fabrics were the key highlights of Arpita’s resort wear collection.

Arpita Mehta

Designers Paras and Shalini showcased a collection that. was whimsy, romantic and dreamy. Titled “Sweet Reminiscences”, the collection included pant suits, floral ball gowns, drape Sarees with frills, volume sleeves, tucks and pleats in fabrics such as tulle, chiffons, georgettes, chantilly and organzas.

Geisha Designs by Paras and Shalini

The designer duo presented a playful, free-spirited collection called Kaleido, at FDCI X Lakmé Fashion Week. The geometrically sharp collection came in a burst of rainbow hues of brilliant reds, luscious oranges, unabashed pinks, ultra-violet blues, and electric greens. The silhouettes included flowing maxi, mini dresses, tailored co-ord sets with sporty elements in sheer and translucent fabrics.

Pankaj & Nidhi

S&N by Shantanu and Nikhil showcased #SNSafari, an edgy line in earthy tones and unconventional silhouettes. The collection that was targeted at millennials retained the signature Shantanu and Nikhil sharp, constructed silhouettes and dark solid colours. There were a range of asymmetric kurtas and cropped jacket shirts for women and open cut sherwanis and structured shirts with Nehruvian details for men, alongside casual T-shirts, sneakers and shorts.

Shantanu and Nikhil

All About India The second edition of All About India show presented collections of three designer labels. Each label worked towards promoting the various crafts of India. It was a sustainable craft initiative by RISE Worldwide with the designers Sohaya Misra of Chola, Gaurav Khanijo of Khanijo and Pranav Mishra and Shyma Shetty of Huemn. Chola’s collection called “Human Nature” showcased a range of clothes in varying silhouettes in just black and white.

Khanijo’s collection used natural fabrics in just the right colours keeping the coming season in focus. The primary base of the garments was up cycled fabrics that were used to create oversized silhouettes in a rainbow of hues and textures.  

Huemn’s “Huemn 21” collection had a range of gender-neutral separates that stressed on comfort. Anti fit and baggy silhouettes were the basis of the line, as shirts came with giant printed patch pockets and denim biker’s jackets had a dual wardrobe appeal.

The “Purn Vritt” collection presented by Cocccon drew inspiration from indigenous performing art of Jharkhand. The futuristic line was created from organically produced Ahimsa or peace silk. Geometrical prints on bright hues were the main draws of the garments that included draped saris with long- sleeved choli, pleated yoke blouse, summer dresses and party wear.

Payal Pratap showcased her line titled “View With A Room”. The collection that included maxis, wraps and sari dresses, riddled with peplums, gathers, smocking and hand-woven details used an interesting colour palette of plum, purple, navy, fuchsia, ruby, petrol, coffee, auburn, and ochre. The clothes were adorned with delicate embroideries, cross stitch motifs and hand embroidered sequin highlights.

Payal Pratap

The veteran designer’s Spring/Summer 2021 collection merged Indian craftsmanship with contemporary silhouettes. The bevy of midi dresses had subtle surface detailing and a strong boho vibe.

Ritu Kumar