October 12, 2014 Asmita Aggarwal

Enduring Appeal

Master of minimalism Wendell Rodricks keeps it calm this SS 15, while Shweta Kapur’s monochromatic hues playfully exude chic as Josh Goraya gets chipper zippers to act out the story and of course, the Kolkata boys Dev and Nil make prints their jaunty accompaniments

By Asmita Aggarwal

Goa’s pride, winner of the Padmashri and most recently the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres for his contribution to the fashion industry, Wendell Rodricks WIFW SS 15 line ‘Yoga Calm’ will remain a very special collection. It symbolises the core of his entire philosophy—-there was not a single bead, pearl or sequin in the collection. “It is as close to minimalism and yogic peace I can ever get to,” he says.

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Since the show is presented in support of the Handloom Weaver, Wendell used various woven fabrics, but for him, in a world of instant gratification, where trends trickle and vanish, “personal style is important and people who follow fashion with a fixed mentality are losing out on the joy of style.”

His clients have been biggest teachers, plus travel remains a constant inspiration, as well as the influence of living in Paris, which always propels his creativity.“My dream is to open a Moda Goa Museum to showcase the history of Goan costume,” he says.

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Day 4 at the WIFW SS 15 saw young designers making a play for cutwork with Jyoti’s label Bhanuni courting it with floor length gowns. Though it was Josh Goraya, who continued with his sportswear theme, adding silver touches in the cuffs of men’s powder blue shirts, shorts and sleeves. There were nifty mud coloured pants for women with sporty additions on the sides, what stood out was the flaming red piping on men’s linen shirts which came with a front zipper worn with sprightly lemon yellow and sometimes cobalt blue sneakers.

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Chennai’s spry guru Vivek Karunakaran, set the mood of his show with a live band as well as exaggerated pockets on his roomy palazzos and brisk skirts, as tie up dhotis in energetic yellow overtook the catwalk. Interestingly, he didn’t forget the flowers as tiny, pink ones made cropped tops dearer.

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The special surprise was Shweta Kapur of the label 431-88, who’s keen-witted monochromatic ode in pencil skirts with clever slits in front teamed up with V-neck white T-shirts embodied the spirit of prêt. But she also let zippy and melodramatic pockets protruding from the sides, made a statement. Mild silver in the dhoti style skirts was added for effect and she teamed it all up with sleek black Nike trainers.

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Kolkata’s boys Dev and Nil, on the other hand let prints do all the negotiating with compelling mullet dresses in red with splashes of white dots, garara-style, butter coloured jumpsuits, and all this was heightened with mirror work yokes on tunics. What won hearts was the Bandhini crushed pants, and the pleasing grid like, prints on sari blouses.

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