India

Lakmé Fashion Week 2020

The first-ever digital and season-fluid edition of Lakmé Fashion Week took place from the 21^st until the 25^th of October 2020. The five-day event showcased collections from both emerging talents as designer legends and included dedicated time slots to celebrate sustainable fashion, Indian craftsmanship and to introduce next-generation talent. The digital fashion extravagance also gave us a view behind-the-scenes: a close-up look on the models donned in designer wear, glammed up with Lakmé make-up products.

My personal highlights from this edition were collections by: Pankaj & Nidhi, Punit Balana, Gaurang, Jayanti Reddy and Anushree Reddy.

Designers Pankaj & Nidhi presented their collection “Talisman”, all about comfort wear at home, work or on holiday. They used the most remarkable fabrics for their designs like GreenGold made from 100% recycled plastic PET bottles, FeelFresh with anti-microbial properties and KoolTex, which absorbs perspiration. The fabrics provide breathability, freshness, and flexibility and enhance the cool and comfort factors of the collection. I also adore the use of geometric shapes for the prints and choice of colour including sandy peach, dusty pink, pecan brown and earthy blue.

Punit Balana’s latest collection “Muneer” was a grand showcase of block prints in natural organic dyes to highlight the varying silhouettes and construction of the garments. It was also a celebration of new beginnings, beauty and hope.

National Award-Winning Textile and Fashion Designer Gaurang presented “Taramati” a collection of 30 grand, heritage, and handwoven saris from the Golconda era. The designer was inspired by ‘Taramati” an artisanal ode to the legendary courtesan who dazzled the Seventh Sultan of Golconda, Abdulla Qutub Shah. Gaurang showcased a treasure trove of saris, which brought the legend’s romantic narrative to life with the extraordinary weavers’ skills.

Jayanti Reddy’s “Rouge” is an ode to the different shades of red, which is considered the celebratory offering for all festive Indian seasons. The collection was all about vibrant, seductive, adventurous and bold clothes. The silhouettes fitted perfectly into the festive and bridal mood: sumptuous lehenga, choli, and dupatta trios, regal fluid capes and innovatively draped skirts.

Anushree Reddy unveiled her collection “Nazira” (meaning glowing with happiness) a demi-couture collection for the millennial bride. The ensembles are a reflection of romance and femininity. Embroidery was undoubtedly the star of Anushree’s collection but the colour palette is also a highlight including haute bridal favourites like peachy pink, cherry red, strong royal purple and regal navy.

Check out my personal highlights of Lakmé Fashion Week 2020 in the gallery.