October 8, 2021 Asmita Aggarwal

Shine On

Day 2 of FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week was a celebration of celebrity daughters, paying homage to childhood impressions (Benaras and cot makers), as well as the pressing need to go organic

By Asmita Aggarwal

What happens when two powerhouses combine forces to add a bit of sparkle into the lives of women who still don’t want to get out of their track pants? Well, celebrity daughter Shweta Bachchan Nanda comes with her brand of glamour- sporty meets shine. It seemed like we were all back in school, with cheerleader pleated skirts, canvas white shoes, hoodies packed with glittering patches, as well as kaftans with extra roomy sleeves.

As Monisha Jaising joined hands with Nanda to create clothing that was relaxed, but with enough sparkle to rev up a dull day lounging around at home. This kind of summed up the mood of the nation and the second day of the phygital FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week.

In his usual magnanimous style Tarun Tahiliani showcased his line to an admiring audience in Mumbai replete with an imposing set and his maverick draping techniques.

Interestingly, the men’s edit by FDCI featuring menswear guru Troy Costa was a sneak peek into what really is the new way to dress a man who wants style without attempting to appear he is trying too hard. Costa had the perfect solution: mellow yellow, tangerines, patchwork and prints to allow them to adapt to the new normal.

Zippers became effective embellishments and were strategically placed on backs, sleeves, legs, shoulders to give portability. However, the most relevant introduction was men’s clutches, a distinctive turn from the more popular ‘man bag’ which came armed with a handle. And if you combine these small details with his dusty pinks suits you are the man on the go.

Day 2 of the fashion week saw a medley of trends whether it was Benaras by Abhishek Gupta, a hometown that he almost reveres for its sacredness and providing the unending metaphor of life which is continuity despite the storm or Monica and Karishma of Jade who paid a tribute to the colours of the leheriya artists soaked in culture of Rajasthan’s imposing sand dunes. Gupta’s tone-on-tone off white Sherwanis, sunshine yellows offered a more simplistic take on occasion wear. Though what is adulatory is the modernistic outlook on brocades, where cholis got inspiration from waistcoats. The mesmerising ghats of Benaras, which hold many secrets within them of treasured weaves found its way on to burnt rust safari-esque renditions.

The biggest ‘trend’ in a more seasonless fashion week this year has also seen a resurgence of fashion films which have been shot in the open arms of nature, as we welcome the pushing human need for the outdoors.  With the pandemic many things have been revolutionised whether it is the desire to go sustainable or size inclusive, two things that Pot Plant Clothing has gracefully adopted.  In the FDCI X Pearl Academy showcase, Bandhini and Shibori have been given a gender fluid twist to ensure it can be worn across various age groups, with natty drape detailing.

Taking a cue from the need to be ‘conscious’, Aisha Rao offered upcycled pieces in coppery hues with silver zari work, taking a break from conventional reds and widening the framework of occasion wear with lilacs and salmon pinks.

The beauty of an event of this magnitude is also the diverse themes, and the indelible connection with childhood always comes to the fore during any adversity, as that is your safe place. Cot makers served as the perfect platform for Mohammed Mazhar to pay homage to both his maternal grandma and monochromes. The black and white film encapsulated the art of weaving into silhouettes with tassels. Kimono style wraps to easy blouses and even long dresses, each piece came with a unique presentation.

Fashion as always is mirroring the mental, physical and emotional landscape of our times, where unpredictability is the only certainty. And in this churn what has emerged is to add lightness and happiness with a little help from glitter.

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