Lady M, the collection by Indian designer Payal Singhal, was one of the highlights of Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2017. Singhal was inspired by the dark romanticism of the crime novel ‘Death on the Nile’ by English novelist Agatha Christie. In 1978 they turned the book into a film starring actors like Bette Davis and Mia Farrow. ‘Death on the Nile’ is a tale acclaimed as much for its storyline as for its dazzling costume display. For her collection Lady M, Singhal designed high society style pieces (think late 1930s fashion) with Indian influences.
Returning to the crime story, most action takes place in Egypt, on the Nile river and on a luxurious cruise ship. Payal Singhal focused on the essence of luxe cruise fashion; fringed and beaded tunics, black tie dressing with a bohemian twist and sparkling jewels.
The collection consists of beaded kaftans and jackets, low crotch dhotis, camisoles and lehenga style skirts. The colour palette includes midnight blue, emerald and black, pale rose, ivory and summer sky blues. The pieces are decorated with metallic embroidery; Art Deco style meets traditional Indian and floral motifs. Lady M is a fusion between contemporary and traditional, past and present, East meets West, dare I say it, Hollywood meets Bollywood…different influences coming together into one harmonious design.
I adore this collection, it is chic, very old Hollywood style with an Indian twist. Singhal’s designs are very appealing to young, fashion forward women. The choice of colour is superb, it all works well together.
Actress and model Diana Penty, known in Bollywood for her roles in films like ‘Cocktail’ (2012) and ‘Happy Bhag Jayegi’ (2016), walked the ramp for Singhal during her LFW show, she wore a pale rose mukaish kaftan tunic with a tulle skirt with pita and zardari work. A look I would love to add to my personal wardrobe!
Payal Singhal Lady M – Jewellery by: Isharya – Show Styled by: Nidhi Jacob – Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2017