Clockwise from top: Pankaj & Nidhi, Saaksha & Kinni, Mishru, Rimzim Dadu
Seeing our favourite designers drop new releases on Instagram, or watching them showcase magnificent outfits via live streaming on their social media or arduously produced fashion films, is not nearly the same as seeing them on the runway. Any usual fashion-week attendee will tell you that. But there is an upside to witnessing these shows in their phygital avatar. The joy of watching clothes that is usually ephemeral on the runway has now become ever-lasting. Fashion shows that permanently fossilize in the Instagram grids of designers can be revisited time and again if you think you've missed out on crucial details in those few fleeting moments.
We combed through five-days’ worth of Lakme Fashion Week content and distilled them into six standout trends that will set the fashion precedent for the upcoming season. Take a look, because the imprimatur for this edit has been granted by some of the biggest names of the Indian fashion industry.
The Resurgence of Pinks and Reds
The classic pinks and reds are back and are displacing last season’s incandescent neon and pastel hues. From appearing on lehengas and sarees in Anushree Reddy, Ridhi Mehra, and Jayanti Reddy's wedding-wear to more relaxed silhouettes in Punit Balana, Aisha Rao, and Mishru, these colours are ruling the runway. If you've had reservations about resorting to these classic feminine colours, now's the time to wear them unapologetically.
Dark Florals
Did the nip in the air discourage you from resorting to floral prints? Well, designers have taken our favourite motif and used them with dark hues that come with the cold weather. From dainty and intricately embroidered flowers on lehengas to big splashes of flowers on sarees, this season presents flowers in a new mood.
Jewel Tones
Bridalwear designers continue to get inspired by heirloom jewellery and the result is stunning outfits in decadent hues that run the gamut from amethyst and emerald (prominent in designer Amit Aggarwal’s collection) to fuchsia and red. Also accompanying these hues are rich fabrics like chanderi and organza and multitudes of intricate hand-embroidery like cut-dana and gota patti.
Prints Still Please
Sure, 2020 was all about spending time in isolation, but we suggest making a statement while easing back into public consciousness via these outfits featuring standout prints. From interesting abstract prints on unconventionally draped silhouettes in Saaksha & Kinni to a geometric bonanza at Pankaj & Nidhi and traditional motifs on mod Indian-wear at Punit Balana, prints are not in short supply this season.
Fusion Silhouettes
With more and more Indian women associating with the modern traditionalist design aesthetics, designers have turned to infuse classic Indian silhouettes with contemporary elements by way of adding capes and other layering options, OTT-blouses, playing with shoulder styles, and incorporating skirts into occasion-wear and everyday outfits. If you’re looking for ways to ace the fusion trend, turn to this season’s options for inspiration.
