Paromita Banerjee, Abhi-Rahul, Sulakshana Show at LIFW Day 5

ABHI RAHUL, PAROMITA BANERJEE AND SOALTEE BY SULAKSHANA MONGA PRESENTED A TRIPLE FASHION STATEMENT AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2010. ABHIRAHUL DISPLAYED A FEMININE ORNATE LINE OF WOMEN’S WEAR – Moving from the western genre which Abhi and Rahul are well known for, the duo now showed a totally Indian collection for women to appeal to the traditional buyer.

Inspired by the beauteous Zeb-un-Nissa the creations were opulent and grand in all respects. With gorgeous silks, velvets, rubia cotton, khadi in colours that ranged from all the favourite ethnic tones of orange, maroon, burgundy, emerald, pink, beige and white which came together to offer the wearer more choices than just one; the collection was a move away from the conventionally styled garments.
The silhouettes were obviously traditional with razzle dazzle that gave the ensembles a great occasion wear appeal with beautiful embroidery.

With orange as the main shade there were kalidar kurtas with red velvet bodice, shaded saris with heavy zardozi work, long gold lame raja coat, brocade kurta, different motifs in gold on sari, and luxurious lehengas with gotta border.
The glamorous showstopper was Bollywood actor, Anjana Sukahni star of Golmaal Returns in a ravishing red glittering narrow lehenga, choli and dupatta that was fit for a bride.

PAROMITA BANERJEE’S ETHNIC TOUCHES ADDED THE RIGHT STYLE STATEMENT TO HER CREATIONS
It was story time when Paromita Banerjee unveiled her collection for Winter/Festive 2010 at Lakmé Fashion Week. Featuring a blend of ethnic yet contemporary looks inspired by stories of the past, there was a great Indo-Global twist to the garments.
Mixing the old Gharana with the shawl drapes and the Mughal touches with simple shift dresses with resist dyed khadi or layered silks, the fabrics had a tale to tell all their own. From matka and tussore from Bengal to handloom mangalgiri cotton from Andhra Pradesh and discharged printed silks; Paromita brought forth the beauty of Indian textiles in an interesting and innovative manner.
The embellishments were the highlight with Mughal patkas and the leaf from the pichhwai temple hanging. Placement embroidery, zari gopur or gold temple top borders appeared for textured waistcoats and lehengas which were teamed with collared shirts while French cuffs gave a new more interesting look to fashion.
Colours were restrained with black and white with a bit of red. The silhouettes were influenced by a Kosode the short sleeved kimono to the Mughal jama and angarkhas both popular in men’s clothing. Resist dyeing in the indigo story appeared for layered asymmetrical tunics, bolero wraps and patchwork kimonos.
Divided into three segments the blackm white and red story had khadi dress with asymmetric hemline layered with red mul inner and crushed stole, a kalidar collared angarkha kurta with conifer leaf embroidery and striking cotton dupattas
The indigo story had versions of the patchwork kimono, khadi dyed shift dress, discharge calico print dress, teamed with layered gheras.
The final colour story featured Mangalgiri for capes, kalidar kurtas with embroidered placket and discharge print flared dress in green/red worn with cotton half dyed salwar pants.

For a fusion look that works on the “glocal” platform, Paromita Banerjee’s collection presented a strong definite fashion picture.

SULAKSHANA MONGA’S VINTAGE GLAM WAS AN INNOVATIVE FASHION STORY
When a designer makes a detour on the fashion scene it is an interesting watch and that is what Sulakshana Monga has done for her Soaltee label. Moving away from Mughal and floral art she tried her hand at western garments and called the collection “Vintage Glam” at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2010.

Men’s fabrics were predominant along with feminine touches like chiffon, georgette, brocade, velvet and satin but the colour chart was restricted to black, yellow, grey, blue and pink.
With a women’s wear line that was woven around washes and lots of textures there were dresses and gowns that were elegant and stylish but with a touch of geometric detailing that gave them a New Age look that would appeal to a cross section of buyers.
Opening the show with a black mini with cord work and appliquéd yoke, there were shaded satin draped minis in bronze with heavy embellishments, drapes and overlapping worked well for the dresses while rouching gave the garments a form fitting silhouette. A grey checked wrap Jodhpur trouser with zippers was eye-catching while a black mini with plaited necklace, a corded and piped fuschia dress and the black sari gown were elegant.

It was a versatile collection by Sulakshana Monga for any occasion which will appeal to the modern Indian woman during the coming season.
About Lakmé Fashion Week:
Lakmé Fashion Week (LFW) is jointly organised by Lakmé, the No.1 cosmetics and beauty services brand in India and IMG, the global leader in fashion weeks and event production. LFW has been conceived and created with a vision to “Redefine the future of fashion and Integrate India into the global fashion world”. LFW is organized twice every year. LFW Winter/ Festive 2010 will be held from September 17 – September 21, 2010 at Grand Hyatt Hotel, Mumbai.
For further information log on to http://www.lakmefashionweek.co.in

About Lakmé:
The contemporary Indian Beauty expert in the beauty industry, Lakmé continuously innovates to offer a wide range of, high performance and exceptional quality color cosmetics, skincare products, and beauty salons. In addition to leveraging Unilever’s worldwide expertise, Lakmé also partners with the leading cosmetic house Milan-based Intercos Italia, Schwann Stabilo Germany and Paris-based Fiabila. Combining international cosmetic technology with an in-depth understanding of the Indian woman’s needs, Lakmé also offers its consumers a holistic ‘Beauty Sutra’ experience through its products and services at the Lakmé Salons. For further information log on to www.lakmeindia.com

About IMG Fashion:
IMG Fashion is dedicated to facilitating a gateway to the fashion world – from creation to consumer. We offer solutions that seamlessly connect and associate fashion’s key constituents and corporate brands using IMG’s global resources, influence and expertise.

Within the fashion industry IMG represents the world’s top models, leading designers and the most influential photographers, art directors and stylists. The division produces the leading fashion events around the globe and represents many of the industry’s top organizations and federations as well as works with various local and national governments, creating regional and international fashion platforms. For more information on IMG and its business visit www.imgworld.com