Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013 took place from the 23rd until the 27th of august in Mumbai, India. This five day fashion extravaganza featured both upcoming talent and established designers. A few trends we’ve spotted: black and gold ensembles and ethnic influences, like dramatic capes, textiles from all over India and brightly colored prints. There was also an obvious divide between the young designers and the older ones. While the established and older designers held onto tradition and showcased their luxurious designs, the young designers went for creative and funky ensembles, a combination of west meets east. Because there are so many designers who showcased their collections, I picked my favorites and will quickly walk you through their collections. View the galleries for my favorite items, which I would love to add to my wardrobe.
Global Desi
Global Desi is a fun brand. I feel it would appeal to an international audience because it has a little bit of everything: geometric prints, bright colors, western silhouettes, African/global influences. Simple and wearable designs for modern, multicultural women.
Payal Singhal
Can I just say that I really want those soft pink/black trousers pictured in the gallery…combined with that geometric print, crop top it’s a statement outfit that I must have!
Manish Malhotra
For this collection Manish Malhotra really took a lot of risks. Some of the color combinations did not go that well together, while others were a perfect match. This collection was a bit of a mix and match; different fabrics brought together in one gown, like silk, velvet and georgettes. A very interesting combination that left some shocked and some pleasantly surprised, was the combination of a hot pink Lehenga skirt with a grey/metallic dress shirt. Highlight of the show were the long sherwani jackets for women, heavily embroidered and absolutely stunning!
Nikhil Thampi
I think Nikhil Thampi designs clothes that are very appealing to a young and international audience. A lot of black and gold in this collection. The prints were slightly kitsch, but in a funky way. Very Indian punkrock princess. Key words: contemporary chic, funky, kitsch, crop tops, young, fierce and edgy.
Ranna Gill
This orange, long length gown is one of my top picks, because I would love to own it. I love the embroidery on the sides, the fact that it’s simple and modest and the way it is fitted. Simple yet sophisticated, very wearable designs by Ranna Gill. Did you know orange is the national color of The Netherlands? It might be another reason why I feel so attracted to this dress…
Sabyasachi
I feel Sabyasachi has a signature look. He designs for a strong woman who loves luxury, a true lady. Somehow when comparing it to international designers Chanel is the first brand that comes to mind. His new collection features saris combined with striped tops: very French resort. Overall a luxurious and glittery collection, a lot of sparkle and a lot of intricate embroidery. I love the coffee, cream, beige colors combined with black. His show started with a performer singing Nina Simone’s ‘Feeling good’ and continued with Pink Panther music. Very jazzy. Sabysachi managed to pull off the combination of western tops and Indian skirts very well. I love his western wrap top (almost like short jackets) combined with full Indian skirts.
Amit Aggarwal
One of the best collections walking the Lakmé runway this week was from designer Amit Aggarwal. A very artistic show, pushing the boundaries of Indian fashion. Amit Aggarwal’s show was super futuristic, metallic fabrics and materials, surrealistic shapes and deep colors. When you look at the designs the song ‘E.T.’ from Katy Perry pops into my head. The designs have a science fiction element to them. Aggarwal really brings something different to the table, which is very refreshing.
Anita Dongre
Anita Dongre’s ‘Jaipur Bride’ collection is simply stunning. Pretty lehenga ensembles in popping neons. I’m like a kid in a candy store, I am not sure which one I like best and feel greedy enough to buy all. This collection is playful, young and chic, a combination of western silhouettes and traditional lehenga/choli ensembles with heavily embroidered skirts.
Arpita Mehta
‘The Violet Garden’ is Arpita Mehta’s new collection and her debut at Lakmé! A lot of praise for this talented designer. A beautiful color palette has been used for this collection: violets, purples and fresh greens. Her designs are modern, sexy and young. I love the embroidery on the tops: tiny little mirrors, intricate thread work, truly impressive craftsmanship!
Other favorites: Rajat K Tangri ‘Classic reds’, Sailex ‘Feminine meets masculine’, Shantanu Goenka ‘Oriental’, Vikram Phadnis ‘Gold rush’, Pria Kataaria ‘Resort’, Ritu Kumar ‘Ethnic chic’.
Tell us, who was your Lakmé favorite?
More info: lakmefashionweek.co.in/