Labels Up Their Eco Vibe and “Cool” Quotient on Day 2 of Lakme Fashion Week 2020

Khadi played muse for Amit Wadhwa, who gave the age-old fabric a modish and contemporary upgrade. His collection “RE-image-IN” offered plenty of options for the festive season. In menswear there were a range of asymmetrical kurtas, bundis, long jackets and trousers in solid colours such as black, blue, grey and beige, the occasional lemon yellow on some bundis and collars and other details made for a refreshing pop of colour. Womenswear comprised hand crafted saris matched with interesting cholis of different lengths and patterns. The colours ranged from festive hues of green, pink, and blue to black, brown, and grey.  

Amit Wadhwa

Amit Wadhwa

The “Cocoon” collection by ‘Kaveri’ crafted on a fabric base of linen and silk organza was fluid in construction and loosely draped around the body but in a flattering way. Flowing Kaftan and tiered balayage dresses with asymmetrical hemlines and tunics in gentle hues of mauve, sage, ivory, vintage rose and wine lent the collection a romantic vibe. Actor Sandeepa Dhar dressed in a maroon embroidered lehenga closed the show.

Kaveri

Kaveri

The second presentation of the day was a unique film, a collaboration between LFW and Fashion Open Studio to showcase the work that goes behind the conscious designer label 11.11/Eleven Eleven by Shani Himanshu and Mia Morikawa. The motive of the film being to create conversations around supply chain transparency. More of like an informative film, the presentation traced the art of transforming cotton into yarn. It also highlighted the role of women hand spinners in the international value chain. The most interesting part was the NFC button attached to the garment which would allow the customer to locate the exact destination of the spinner, dyer, weaver and artisan involved in the making of the apparel.

11:11/Eleven Eleven's journey

The “Tattva” collection by Hemang Agarwal married traditional Benarasi weaving techniques to Japanese Bemberg yarn. The result was a stunning collection of 40 ensembles for men and women that drew inspiration from the 12 Tattvas from the Indian scriptures—earth, water, fire, wind, sky, sun, moon, planets, organisms, body, mind, and spirit. Motifs representing these elements reoccured on the clothes along with quirky versions of moon-phases, tigers, human mind and DaVinci’s Vitruvian man. A mix of ethnic as well as modern silhouettes ensured there was something for every one. From classic double-breasted tunics, jackets, trousers, jumpsuits, dresses and skirts to saris and lehengas the womenswear had plenty of options. The menswear range included sherwanis, trench coats, single-button jackets, shirts and bandhgala.

Hemang Agarwal

Hemang Agarwal

Hemang Agarwal

Designer duo Pankaj and Nidhi’s collection “Talisman” presented in association with Reliance Industries Ltd.’s (RIL) R|Elan was all about putting plastic waste to good use. The clothes were made of GreenGold and FeelFresh fabrics. While the former was created with 100 per cent recycled plastic PET bottles, while the latter had anti-microbial properties and KoolTex, which absorbs perspiration. Sheer chiffon and knits were added to the base fabrics to make the clothes more practical and wearable. The collection was all about comfort wear that one can slip into at work as well as holidays. There were zippered bomber jackets with matching pants, jumpsuits, maxi dresses, textured skirts, pants and a range of blouses with interesting sleeves. The colour palette of sandy peach, dusty pink, pecan brown and earthy blue, which were also used in colour blocking or with geometric prints was in accordance with the relaxed, chilled-out vibes of the clothes.

Pankaj and Nidhi

Pankaj and Nidhi

Pankaj and Nidhi

The closing show of the day by Aneeth Arora stood out for more than one reason. The collection titled "Locked in Love” with obvious references to the lockdown was presented as a fun film that shows girls carrying on with their day-to-day lives in a candy coloured house with matching homeware and vintage wall paper. As these girls happily meet, read, eat desserts and make floral wreaths, the camera cleverly captures their clothes and the beautiful details on them. Inspired by the Kawai Japanese street style culture of Harajuku fashion, Aneeth brought in fun touches to the outfits with laces, ribbons and bows. Though global in appeal, the breezy dresses, jackets, trenches and pants were made of Indian textiles such as Mashru, gabardine and taffeta sourced from South India. Aneeth used contrast selvedge woven in Madhya Pradesh and Bengal in her basic cottons, gingham checks and linen stripes. The 3D floral embroidery and the laser cut and hand folded petals of fabric that were used as surface ornamentation added to the fun element of the garments.

“Locked in Love” by Aneeth Arora for péro

“Locked in Love” by Aneeth Arora for péro

“Locked in Love” by Aneeth Arora for péro

“Locked in Love” by Aneeth Arora for péro

“Locked in Love” by Aneeth Arora for péro

“Locked in Love” by Aneeth Arora for péro