On the final day of FDCI India Couture Week 2016 couturier Manav Gangwani unveiled his collection Begum-e-Jannat. His inspiration for this collection originated in the intricacy of the Mughal era and the Royal Age. It is also a tribute to a dear friend of Manav who was from Kashmir: from the initial days of planning till the end product, this collection has been a heartfelt and a meaningful journey, which will always remain close to my heart. Late Ms. Zainab Nedou Patel was a very dear friend and like a sister to me, and it makes me proud to honour this collection in her name.
This regal collection has a jewel colour palette including tones of ivory, black, navy, green and maroon. Handcrafted pieces, some with grand, extravagant shapes and voluminous layered skirts, decorated with jewels by Rakyans Fine Jewellery. Manav’s muse, Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut made an appearance during the runway show as the showstopper, wearing a stunning maroon lehenga with embellished top.
Designer Rohit Bal closed India Couture Week with the breath-taking runway show KEHKASHAAN – the return of opulence. His collection was inspired by the grandeur of the Czarist regime of Russia (= history of the Russian empire, the tsarist empire in Asia and East Europe, overthrown by the Russian Revolution of 1917).
I was overwhelmed by the incredible treasures and immeasurable excesses of what was once, perhaps, the richest and most glamorous Royal Regimes the world has ever seen.
Two cultures meet for this collection, Rohit combined the Russian grandeur with Kashmiri craftsmanship. He collaborated with Shri Ram Hari Ram Jewellers, who have created handcrafted pieces to go with the designs.
The color palette includes Kashmiri autumn colors. The fabrics used are luxurious velvet and woven silks decorated with gold embroidery illustrating autumn leaves, poppies, irises and other blooms. The silhouettes are fluid, full volumed and styled to create a blend between the then and the now.
The gowns remind me of the luxurious pieces the reigning women of Game of Thrones wear. Cersei Lannister style – the crowns, belts, tiaras, sashes, capes, the bejewelled collars and cuffs and glittering footwear.
Need I say more? Check out my favorite designs from these collections in the gallery and let me know which you like best!
