Day 3 at Lakme Fashion Week AW 2018

Armaan Randhawa, Mohammed Mazhar and Two Point Two opened day three with diverse fashion directions at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018

Armaan Randhawa Made an impactful fashion statement at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018

Mumbai, 24th August 2018: Armaan Randhawa known for his very strong and dramatic fashion statements returned to Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018 with his “Twin Queen” Collection. It was an art presentation that paid rich tributes to the great British designer Alexander McQueen (1969-2010).

Armaan has always believed in designing clothes for strong-willed women, so that they will be empowered with their sartorial choices to face the global challenges. Staying far from the sweet, naïve, innocent ensembles, Armaan unleashed a fashion story that would turn every woman into a glamazon of strength and style.

Keeping the silhouettes boxy to stay true to the theme, there was Armaan’s trademark embroidery that gave a cutting-edge look to the collection. The construction almost bordered on masculine touches as bomber jackets; sweat shirts and oversized trench coats kept the inspiration on an even keel.

The colour card had great contrasts. From bright maroon for a three-piece suit with patch pockets and white top stitching, to a navy trouser suit with a majestic bee motif, the look sent out a confident fashion direction. The pinstriped two-piece belted suits in white and navy were almost fashionably battle ready. A pair of brown multi- striped suits and the trench coat dress brought the power dressing look to the forefront. An easy silhouette was the batwing-sleeved kurta and the black blouson, while the wrap tunic was a good variation.

The solitary men’s wear was a mid-blue track suit that offered the sporty angle on the ramp.

The fabrics were a mix of neoprene, jersey and cotton that were diverse but quite appropriate.

The layered looks ensured that the garments had multiple mix and match options should the need arise. Zippers played an important role, as they added the necessary subtle glitter and detailing to the apparel.

The “Twin Queen” collection by Armaan Randhawa gave not only a strong fashion message, but also a very socially relevant one to the contemporary Indian woman, who will be able to confidently stride in his creations.

Mohammed Mazhar’s Unconventional fashion inspiration was an eye-catching offering at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018

During the Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2018 Gen Next Show, Mohammed Mazhar’s all-white collection with its minute detailing and feminine flounces was an arresting offering.

For Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018 Mohammed returned with his “Rafugar” collection. Rafugar or the process of darning is considered the saviour of the clothes one wears. So if many may wonder how the process of darning can add value to a fashion story, then Mohammed answered it with his striking presentation on the ramp.

The embroidery inspired by Rafugar in red, black and white was the focal point of the collection with its intricate structure. To give his ensembles the perfect look for the festive season, his base fabric choice was varied as viscose, velvet, tweed and silk brought his theme to life. The silhouettes were feminine with a touch of drama that gave the garments an edgy appeal. Opening with an all-white asymmetric jacket with churidars the show moved to long white coat with black placement embroidery. The cape-sleeved maxi with embroidery and trailing threads and the black/white asymmetric bell-sleeved kurta completed the opening group.

Checks appeared in the red/black combo where extreme drapes and layers took over for the skirts and a hint of velvet provided the necessary glitter. Quilting for the embroidered jackets added an unconventional angle to the look. The final black/white laser laser cut detailing for the sari over black, velvet pants and shirt worked really well for the look.

Taking a bow with Mohammed Mazhar was expert embroiderer Zameer Ahmed from Saharanpur, who was responsible for the lovely Rafugar embroidery.

When the fashion trendsetters want conversation-stopping outfits, then Mohammed Mazhar’s “Rafugar” Winter/Festive 2018 line will strike the right chords.

Two Point Two paid an unconventional tribute to the kimono at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018

When Anvita Sharma and Asit Barik unveiled their label ‘Two Point Two’ during the Gen Next show at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2018 it was one that spoke a language all its own with an edgy collection.

For Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018 the duo turned to the Japanese Kimono with their Eastern ode called “Simultaneity”. Transforming this oriental garment into street wear, the designers gave the sleeves, labels, closures and silhouettes a 21st century athleisure impact.

While the silhouettes had the distinct imagery of the Far East; there were touches of the relaxed sporty look that was striking. The fabrics selection bordered on the popular favourites, so there was 100 per cent Merino wool, cotton suiting, poplin and wool suiting fabrics, along with hand knits and touches of leather for added excitement.

Embroidery was added creatively as thread handwork was used as bold geometric patterns of cubism. The sea horse motif was an announcement that emphasised gender bending in nature, but the deer signalled a new way of life. Giving each garment numerous styling options, the label had unique detachable pockets and belt variations that offered mix and match possibilities.

The oversized checked/striped kimono jacket and checked pants with cowl neck blouse clearly kept to the theme of the show and confirmed the agender concept. Deconstruction was the leit motif of the show as cropped loose pants, long line blouson, hoodie with extended sleeves, and floppy, slouchy shapes signalled that the clothes were total winter-wear-ready for some heavy duty mountain treks. The hooded, yellow, parka projected the triple X size that will be adored by lovers of comfort.

Making a stylish entry on the ramp to end the show were Bollywood’s talented siblings Huma Qureshi and her brother Saquib Salim. Huma looked impressive in loose textured coat, pants and strappy yellow tank top, while Saquib strutted down confidently in a black, patterned, jacket and yellow printed cowl neck shirt.

When a collection has immense fashion diversity then “Simultaneity” by the label Two Point Two makes a strong case for a best seller.

Anaam, The Pot Plant, Bobo Calcutta and Bloni presented their Gender Bender variations at the studio during Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018

Mumbai, 24th August 2018: An exciting quartet of very talented and innovative designers diverged from the usual runway show and divided the studio space into four installation areas to display their collections. The designers showcased their versions of the gender-neutral fashion concept that made “The Gender Bender” show one of the most awaited at The Studio during Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018.

Sumiran Kabir Sharma’s Anaam Label Brought Dual Silhouettes to The Studio During Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018

Keeping true to his gender-neutral fashion sensibilities ever since he first unveiled his label at Lakmé Fashion Week Gen Next Winter/Festive 2017 show, Sumiran Kabir Sharma’s ‘Anaam’ brand had made critics take special note of his creative path.

For Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018, it’s “Behrupiya” that inspired his collection. The theme, which is an impressionist in performing arts in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh; drove Sumiran to create great looks that offered dual or more possibilities.

As always, Sumiran’s garments had many lives and forms, so he ensured that his current collection would appeal to buyers who are as free spirited, expressive and Avant Garde as his inspiration.

The fluid drapes, another characteristic of the ‘Anaam’ label along with clever construction, offered an instantly interchangeable identity for the garment. Six looks in Merino Wool and the same in a Muslin Mix further exemplified the theme of the show; while the winter colours came to centre stage with a dark and earthy story. Copper jewellery with a tinge of turquoise made a striking surprise entry as it helped to keep the inspiration intact.

There were shades of ecru and dark brown for giant collars that turned into ponchos, while the Anaam label also offered khaki front tie-up shirts and off-white cowl collar tunics.

Poet Divya Dureja’s recitations further enhanced the concept of the show wearing a deep maroon Roman-inspired floor length robe.

The “Behrupiya” collection by Sumiran Kabir Sharma for his label ‘Anaam’ was a gracious unisex fashion story that had multiple options.

Akshat Bansal’s Bloni Label sent out a strong sustainable fashion message at the studio during Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018

For Akshat Bansal the environment, nature and biological effects have always been of utmost importance ever since he presented his ‘Bloni’ label at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2017 Gen Next Show.

For Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018, Akshat’s collection once again sent out a strong social message with his “Neutral Human” collection at The Studio.

Akshat’s aim has always been to present equality and regenerate gender norms. His ode to neutral sustainability sent a tough message to eliminate plastic not only from within but as well as around one’s self. Presenting a fashion message on what the result of havoc on the nature, culture and biology could do; Akshat selected econyl, wool and organza.

Monochromatic illustrations created by Bloni himself were being projected on the clothes giving the entire show an edgy feel.

To highlight these sustainable textile choices, Akshat worked with tie and dye, as well as ombré dyeing but in a very contemporary and trendsetting form. The mainstay of the collection was the indigenous techniques that were cleverly merged with western silhouettes to offer a gender-neutral line of clothing.

The men’s crisp, white, buttoned shirt, high neck polo in wool with coat and the white double-breasted tunic over a long-sleeved kurta were sure-fire highlights.

Making an impact was the inventive reverse embossed, black knit scuba jacket. The standout oversized, cocoon- shaped white top was used as a canvas for some thought-provoking embroidery. But when worn with a creatively patterned shirt sporting faggoted seams, cuff details over a pair of layered, carrot fit, white scuba pants, the look was completed.

When it’s responsible fashion one wants for the coming season, then Akshat Bansal’s ‘Bloni’ label offered the perfect line called “Neutral Human” to the experimental trendsetter.

Ayushman Mitra’s Bobo Calcutta label unleashed a multi-inspired collection at the studio during Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018

When the ‘Bobo Calcutta’ label by Ayushman Mitra unveiled its collection last season during Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2018 Gen Next Show, it was a riot of ultimate, graphic, embellishments that amazed the audience.

For Lakmè Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018 at The Studio, Ayushman’s ‘Bobo Calcutta’ brand once again made the audience take careful notice of his creativity. With the quirky title “Ludicrous Legacy” Ayushman hoped to communicate to the buyers the fun element, which he brought to centre stage, regarding individual choices, and ludicrous legacies that are left behind.

Celebrating strangeness in his trademark style, Ayushman worked with layers of hand embroidery that was inspired by the post modernist Japanese colours and silhouettes, which could be referenced to Yayoi Kusama. The drapes in printed silk had marked cubist motifs that were part of Berlin nightlife and fashion of the past.

The gender-neutral colour combos had a liberating effect on the clothes. It was almost like taking a journey into the past, when the ensembles were a mélange of art and movements of the 20th century. The total clash of fabrics and colours was the highpoint of the collection, which also exuded a sense of stillness.

The heavily multi-coloured, embroidered, tunics, shorts, coats, cowl neck shirts, caused a colour riot.

The sequinned dress layered with a light, flowing jacket, both floor length and in intensely, hued, abstract, motifs, truly stole the show. Adding an unusual centre piece to the collection; was a white Peter-Pan collar, midi dress, layered with a long hot pink scarf embroidered in shades of gold with motifs that were cohesive with the rest of the collection.

For buyers who want freedom in fashion, style and creativity of expression in clothing, the “Ludicrous Legacy” by Ayushman Mitra for his label ‘Bobo Calcutta’ recreated the past in a humorous but trendy manner.

Resham Karmchandani and Sanya Suri unveiled easy separates at the studio during Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018

When ‘The Pot Plant’ label by Resham Karmchandani and Sanya Suri made its debut at the Gen Next show Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2017, their fuss free, zero waste, collection was an intriguing gender fluid line.

For Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018 at The Studio ‘The Pot Plant’ once again displayed easy separates and coordinates called “100% Human” but ensured that they were not static within the gender norms.

Getting the inspirations from the by-lanes of Bhuj, the colour card was rooted in navy, grey, green and white with gender neutral drapes from traditional clothing being favoured. The kedia angarkhas were the focal point with oversized circles and multiple lines as the striking patterns.

The fabrics matched the mood of the season as cotton, Khadi and Chanderi blends were the perfect base for the comfort wear. Adding more excitement to the collection, the designers accentuated the clothes with interesting clamp dyeing, as well as the traditional, popular, Bandhani and hand painted them for further surface ornamentation. The overall look of the collection bordered on the athleisure category with relaxed clothing that would appeal to buyers of both sexes.

The collection signalled that fashion needed to move out of the constrained areas but should remain true to craft and garments that stayed away from gender specifics. This was further exemplified by the male and female models exchanging jackets during the showcase.

Giving traditional garments a contemporary feel, stripes and polka dots came together like a symphony in the form of a draped pant sari, which was a sure-fire heart stealer.

When it’s time to select separates that could be mixed and matched effortlessly with a gender-neutral feel, the “100% Human” line by ‘The Pot Plant’ label from Resham Karmchandani and Sanya Suri had the ideal line that was not only gender neutral but also perfectly finished.

Caprese, the international high-fashion handbags brand presented their Autumn/Winter 2018 collection in collaboration with Arpita Mehta’s and Nimish Shah’s effervescent apparel lines at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018

Mumbai, 24th August 2018: Arpita Mehta’s utterly feminine breezy collection and Nimish Shah’s offering presented in collaboration with Caprese handbags, was an opulent luxe show at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018.

Caprese – the perfect handbag accessory for every occasion.

Inspired by the colourful Caprese collection Arpita Mehta’s “La Fleur” collection had the ‘twirl with the wind’ feel, as it was a flirty, feminine look just ideal for the coming season.

With a confident aesthetic sense, sleek cuts and an indulgent voice to suit any occasion - Caprese’s every design is crafted as a style testament to every woman who wishes to announce her arrival in life.

Speaking about the new collection, Mr Sudip Ghose, CEO, VIP Industries Ltd., said, “Caprese brand is dedicated to bringing international high-fashion handbags and accessories to Indian women and this collection from Caprese has been designed to appeal to every modern Indian woman who deserves the best of everything in life.”

True to the international high-fashion lineage of Caprese, the latest Autumn Winter ’18 collection offers a brilliant mix of high fashion and functionality. Crafted in modern contemporary silhouettes with a fresh and vivid colour palette consisting of both pleasing pastels and bright pop favourites like blush, coral and olive, the collection offers a handbag for every occasion and need of today’s modern woman.

This new collection from Caprese comprises a wide array of handbags like elegant totes, timeless satchels, sophisticated hobos, smart sling bags, functional laptop bags, and trend-setting backpacks along with awe-inspiring small accessories like chic wallets and clutches. These international high-fashion handbags included in the collection exuded quiet opulence and subdued glamour, while they also came with a host of greatly desirable features for the modern woman.

Spacious interiors, multiple compartments, detachable and adjustable shoulder straps and easy access zippered pockets made the brilliant new collection a must-have in every woman’s Autumn Winter wardrobe. Handbags in the collection were attractively priced at Rs 1799 upward, sling bags onwards of Rs 1399 and wallets started at Rs 999.

Caprese is available across the country at all leading retailers as well as online in India.

Arpita Mehta’s breezy feminine line for the Jet Setters

Inspired by the colourful Caprese collection Arpita Mehta’s “La Fleur” collection had the ‘twirl with the wind’ feel, as it was a flirty, feminine look just ideal for the coming season.

For Arpita the print story has always been of utmost importance, so the focus was on floral hydrangeas along with strong accents on geometric and linear stripes. The ensembles were aimed at the jet setting, power dressing woman who is constantly on the move, so Arpita brought in fluid kaftan capes, a sprinkling of tiered ruffled pants, some figure contouring body suits and sexy bralettes for excitement.

There was ample after-dark, chic, destination clothing that will appeal to women with lots of fashion élan. The eye-catchers on the ramp were the panelled capes over embroidered body suits that will add some notches of style quotient for the wearer.

Colour has always been Arpita’s collection highlight. This season she started delicately with dainty pastels, then revved up a little with frozen blues and subtle mauves and finally went into top gear with siren red. Embellishments made strong fashion statements, as laser cutting focused on embroidery that also listed mirror, cut Dana and thread work as the exciting detailing. Adding more pizzazz to the boho luxe line of garments, Arpita emphasised the mood with linear and floral amalgamations.

Frills and flounces were the seductive details, while bias cut skirts and sequinned bralettes with capes brought the resort wear angle. Tiered, frilly, blouses with matching pants, capes, pre-stitched saris with sequinned corsets, jumpsuits under flowing capes added to the destination wardrobe look. The black embroidered lehenga with the itsy-bitsy choli would be the ideal holiday wedding look.

Making a dramatic entry on the ramp was the very lovely Karisma Kapoor who glided in a sheer glittering sari, fitted choli and a gorgeous embellished floor-sweeping cape that floated behind her.

For creations that will turn heads Arpita Mehta’s “La Fleur” collection presented by Caprese will cause a fashion flutter globally as well as locally.

Nimish Shah – Giving fashion a Shift in the season

Nimish Shah’s label ‘Shift’ has always been understated and discreet in its fashion directions. For Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018 his creations presented by Caprese moved along the lines of the season but remained true to his fashion sensibilities.

The quintessential vamps of the 90s inspired the collection, with the fun filled title “Cruise 19”. So, with the very stylish but slightly whimsical inspiration, Nimish stuck to his characteristic fashion directions that defined his label.

The fabrics that could match the collection’s nuances were restricted to artisanal cotton, Khadi, silk Cupro and jersey. Adding some surface texturing Nimish brought in quilting, appliqué and bits of zardosi. The colour spectrum revolved around pops of khaki, bright coral, subdued military green and the ever popular but neutral off-white.

Opening the show with a black/white giant checked trouser suit, Nimish followed it with an ombré striped shirt dress in the same monochrome hues. Biker jackets, white balloon-sleeved tops with touches of antique gold embroidery on the sleeves, lots of exaggerated shoulders and strappy summer dresses added to the holiday wardrobe.

The elegant kimono style midi with ruffled neckline, quilted biker jacket and the sudden entry of the woollen knit layered pullover brought variety to the collection. Jumpsuits were also given the detailing with top stitching, while the embroidered bolero shirt and cropped pants showed Nimish’s creative repertoire.

Sharp, sleek construction and tailoring was evident in the bright double-breasted coatdress and white blouse with tangerine skirt. The white top-stitching on the bright blue shirtdress with three patch pockets and the white jacket with discreet embroidery on cuffs proved that Nimish believed in craft and fashion but with a marked minimalistic touch.

For a relaxed “Cruise 19” wardrobe Nimish Shah’s ‘Shift’ label offered all the perfect options that would complement the line of handbags by Caprese.

Nachiket Barve’s “R|Elan™ Millennial Maharanis” collection was a magnum opus at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018

Mumbai, 24th August 2018: R|Elan™ collaborated with Nachiket Barve to unveil “R|Elan™ Millennial Maharanis” collection at - the India’s premier fashion extravaganza - Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018.

Nachiket took inspiration from the globetrotting Indian royalty of the 20’s and 30’s; looking at the lifestyle of the jet-setting millennial bride squads, for weddings sprawled across the globe. This concept of marrying the traditional with modern milieu necessitated rich, premium, yet lightweight and fluid outfits. R|Elan™ is the next generation of fabric, specially engineered to provide the dual benefits of high fashion and enhanced comfort.

The wardrobes of the Royalty of yore, amalgamated the Indian and European styles of dressing; as traditional lehengas and saris nestled next to jackets and gowns with the finest of craftsmanship. The Maharani of Cooch Behar, Kapurthala and Jaipur were renowned beauties and fashionistas! Their extraordinary jewels and the beautiful manicured palace gardens with budding blossoms and ripe pomegranates captured for posterity in commissioned portraits by famed artists and by legendary photographers such as Horst and Beaton have inspired the embroidery and surface development techniques of the collection.

While commenting on making of “Millennial Maharanis’ collection, Nachiket Barve said “The collection used a wide range of techniques that reinvent age old craft traditions with a modernist's point of view. The R|Elan™ fabrics were wonderful to embellish and do a range of techniques like beading, appliqué, resham embroidery and to just use for colour blocking. The intricate handwork and the subtle yet striking surfaces come alive on the fabric and are perfect for the destination wedding!”

The new royals are not dynastic necessarily, but the well-heeled and well-travelled Millennials who aspire for the best of everything, 'La Dolce Vita' on speed-dial! Bachelorettes in Nice, Sangeet in the exotic Middle East, Proposals on private islands and a gazillion occasions to wear extraordinary clothes across the world! The R|Elan™ FreeFlow collection fused the sensibility of these girls that’s a new mix of East and West, Tradition with a twist and sensible glamour that is versatile; after all, even the Maharanis have to mix and match their clothes for different girlfriends’ weddings!

A rich gem stone dipped palette was dressed up with intricate hand beading, rose tinted Resham embroidery and bedazzled with hand-cut Lamé Appliqué. Gota has been reinvented as yarn and used to embroider abstract Chrysanthemums that explode with joy. The heirloom jewels have been reinterpreted in beading and crystal to resemble faceted Golconda diamonds of the Queen of Baroda.

Exquisite hand embroidered jackets that have taken hundreds of hours to make, were paired with tiny cholis and irreverent tulle skirts. Slinky gowns were worn with bejewelled over-coats for the nippy nights spent with friends and saris got styled with blazers for a new take on power dressing. The style is effortless but glamorous, dressy yet nonchalant, timeless yet now!

Adding to these carefully appointed surfaces and techniques, R|Elan™ FreeFlow fabric stunningly enhanced the royal aesthetics of the garments, while bringing in an element of comfort and easy care, to provide freedom from the day-to-day hassles of a travelling bride squad. Despite the long yards of fabric used, R|Elan™ FreeFlow fabric ensures the garment does not weigh you down, in addition to an extraordinary drape, which flows and falls with perfection. R|Elan™ FreeFlow is fabric of the future which feels like second skin and drapes luxuriously.

The collection unveiled exquisite outfits created using special fabrics from R | Elan™ with sophisticated, premium fabric selections, meeting a medley of first-of-its-kind design and craft from a couturier par excellence, this collection has been conceptualized to envisage and demonstrate a wedding trousseau for the aspirational millennials.

Fabrics from R | Elan™ are made from specially engineered fibres that combine, in perfect proportions, functionality and fashion. Drawing from extensive R&D and vast expertise in fibres, R | Elan™ is a portfolio of innovative fabrics that does more. R|Elan™ is Fabric 2.0 and brings alive Nachiket Barve’s path-breaking innovative artisanship.

Nachiket Barve’s Millennial Maharani collection

Nachiket Barve’s “Millennial Maharanis” collection recreated the grandeur, style and glory of regal, Indian, royalty of the eras gone by.

Staying true to the theme, the showstopper was the gorgeous, Bollywood actor Janhvi Kapoor who recently debuted in ‘Dhadak’. She sashayed on the ramp in a cobalt blue and bright pink lehenga, exotic choli and dupatta. The exquisitely embroidered creation was designed to utmost perfection.

Just as the fashion of the past decades had merged with Indian and European fusion, Nachiket brought in the retro glamour with a twist for the 21st century woman, who is in search of the good life around the globe. Giving some sophisticated fashion directions to the New Age style followers, Nachiket’s style statement combined the beauty of the East and West. The designer offered numerous mix and match options that will take the style trendsetters from resort holiday wear, to the grand destination wedding happening, with the greatest of ease.

The key word to describe the collection could only be ‘opulent’ as the rich jewel toned colour card with deep fuchsia, black, bottle green, wine, blue, turquoise, red and lavish splashes of gold was given intelligent glitter with Resham work and dazzled with hand cut lamé appliqués. The abstract chrysanthemum motifs were crafted with Gota as yarn; while the inspiration of the heirloom jewels from the Maharani’s ornaments’ chest of yester years, appeared as beading and crystal embellishment.

The ensembles were a veritable treasure trove of exquisite creations. The flouncy, tulle, skirts floated down the runway teamed with seductive, tiny cholis and intricately embroidered jackets. Saris were given a fusion push when worn with blazers and could create quite a stir at the seaside wedding soirée. On the western wear chart, Nachiket had lined up slinky will-power or off-shouldered gowns that looked divine with overcoats. The shocking pink ornate jacket worn with a flared skirt was truly a regal entry.

Some daring destination wedding wear was presented when a black sheer kurta was teamed over a red bralette. The one- shouldered-sleeve gown, flared maxi skirt topped with a sleeveless blouse, embroidered sequinned jacket over asymmetric kurta and the long-sleeved coat over matching maroon gown were exquisite formal wear.

The slim, sleek gowns were striking with high slits, while the panelled lehenga, choli and dupattas along with the shimmering gold gown over a black sheer coat and bolero was an elegant trio. The multi-panelled, floor length cape over a lehenga and choli was pure drama.

The exquisite embroidery was the focal point of the collection, which started with tiny sparkling patterns and then moved into magnificent bouquets of golden blossoms by the end of the show.

There were large dollops of oomph and attitude in the creations that ensured that Nachiket Barve’s “Millennial Maharanis” collection would turn the wearer into the fashion diva she always longed to be.

NEXA UNVEILED THE ULTRA GLAM AMIT AGGARWAL COLLECTION TO END DAY THREE AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2018

Mumbai, 24th August 2018: Day Three at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018 ended with the ultra-glam collection from Amit Aggarwal presented by NEXA. Inspired by the fashionably, angular, sleek, lines of the NEXA models, Amit’s ensembles were a study in extreme creativity, along with minute detailing and show stopping appeal.

After the event Mr. R. S. Kalsi Sr. Executive Director, Marketing & Sales Maruti Suzuki commented, “It’s a special moment for us as we commemorate NEXA’s association with Lakme Fashion Week for the third consecutive season. With the launch of NEXA’s new vision, Create. Inspire, we strive to go further in innovating and creating inspiring products and experiences. We at NEXA share a common drive with Lakme Fashion Week, to always stay ahead of the game, to keep experimenting and to keep creating new designs and trends that inspire. It is the same vision that went into creating the new Ciaz. The car which was launched recently makes a statement of its own with its sharp looks and new engine.”

Keeping the values and the sleek lines of the NEXA models in mind, Amit Aggarwal’s experiments with New Age materials, patterns, fabric manipulation and extensive craftsmanship were breath taking on the ramp. For Amit, it was the iconic NEXA shapes that drove his design direction to create a collection that had both aesthetics as well as style.

The show opened with the throbbing rays of the laser and strobe lights, which formed the backdrop of the show and gave it an almost surreal outer space atmosphere. The pulsating beat of the live band added to the momentum of the fast paced show as the models strutted in quick succession.

Known for creating his unconventional textiles, Amit worked with modern industrial materials that included his favourite polymer strips and metallic laces that matched the NEXA characteristics. Amit’s ensembles were a visual innovative story where the patterns for the textiles gradually moved to angular lines and then onto more opaque constructions and finally culminated in soft waves and abstract linear forms.

Traditional Indian crafts played an important role but were presented in the Amit Aggarwal mode. So the stunning Phulkari appeared in a metallic embroidered technique with the help of recycled plastic and metal surfaces. Amit’s dramatic silhouettes have always been his fortè and this season too the exclusive textiles were moulded into sharp patterns and shapes that had a marked futuristic vibe.

While women’s wear featured bell-bottom pants and moulded silhouettes - though some were exotic and swirled around - the men’s wear was fitted with trousers being skinny and slightly shorter.

The colour story matched the classic sophistication of NEXA as well as Amit’s vision. So it was arctic and pearl white, granite silver grey and radiant black that dazzled on the runway for the show stopping creations. The sleek bell bottom pants were topped with an angular, pleated, ribbed, space-age like, blouse, while the one-shoulder, glittering, jumpsuit, palazzos, halter tops, will-power sheaths, gowns, peplum tops, lace beaded skirts and jackets stayed true to the construction and the colour card. Moulded sari gowns with halter cholis, pleated caped coats with Capri pants and tasselled gown brought further excitement to the show.

Launching his men’s wear line with which Amit opened the show, the shimmer and shine for the sherwanis, bundgalas, capes with coats and intricately constructed jackets were elaborately tailored. The parallel trousers and shirt worn with a floor-skimming, panelled, long-sleeved, coat with intricate bias cut, detailing, cascading down in black, was an arresting entry, while the black cape coat was an imposing offering.

Ending the show was Bollywood’s heartthrob and super star

Shahid Kapoor who gave the black textured bundgala and ankle length pant a dynamic enigmatic touch. Disha Patani the gorgeous Bollywood beauty, looked sensational in a beaded will-power sheath that revealed embellishments of a very exquisite level.

When the fashion conscious millennial want to make a memorable show stopping impact, then Amit Aggarwal’s collection inspired by NEXA will hit all the right notes.

For NEXA, the show provided a great platform to affirm its premium imagery. Adding to the success of the event was the launch of the New Ciaz, which is inspired by great design and technology. With sharp new looks and a new engine, the New Ciaz will have an extra edge in the mid-sized premium sedan segment. All in all, the fashion fiesta along with the car launch has capped off a great week for NEXA.