Lakme Fashion Week Recap

Some of the designers whose work impressed...

Emerging designer Sabah Khan’s Sabashe label let loose a quirky and colorful collection “Tuk Tuk”, (colloquial for the Tangewala or Rickshawala). Finding her muse in the pastel uniforms of the rickshaw drivers and the bright interiors of the rickshaw, Sabah devised a series of trendy, interesting ensembles. From cute bikinis to hot pants, dhoti dungarees, waist coats, T backs - Sabah's inspired summer wear struck a cord with the young and the bold.






Harangad Singh's "Madame Pavone" brought alive the Pre-World War II Fashion decadence with opulent shades like sand, gold lemonade, pink, Tahitian red, sea blue and black. the collection featured maxis, summer cardigans, and flapper dresses from the 1920s shifts, embellished with embroidery replete with fine net, chiffon, seed beads and crystals. Details included pleats, cowls and 3D drapes.

Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2011

The last time I saw VJ, he was minutes away from his Fashion Week show. Hyper-energetic and ever warm, he was full of anticipation and not a trace of nervousness. Confident and with the poise of the super-model that he was before he turned to designing, he stood in the lounge of the Grand Hyatt, looking every bit the emerging star in the world of style that he is. That, to me, defines VJ's fashion brand: confident, contemporary, rooted.

And now, the not so new kid on the block is about to make another collection go down the runway history. Titled “Rustic Sophistication”, his signature style Neo Traditional Resort wear will see its audience at the upcoming Lakme Fashion Week Summer / Resort 2011.

It is fast becoming VJ’s forte to give a contemporary twist to a rural story. This time, he brings his fairy dust to traditional block prints enhanced with rural embellishments and unusual silhouettes.

The designs find their root in the traditional clothing women from Zamindaar (Landlords) community of Haryana. These are fused with the European glamour from the late 1950’s & early 1960’s to create a collection that primarily aims to find common grounds between the raw sensuality of the villages and the modern city chic.

With “Rustic Sophistication”, VJ continues to promote 100% cotton as a luxury fashion Fabric, another reason why I love his designs. Other fabrics which feature in the collection are Chanderi, “Satin Cotton” and chiffon. A rich palette of Ivory, Olive, Lavender, Fuschia, Shocking Pink, Yellow and Turquoise promise to make this collection stand out. VJ’s show is scheduled for March 15th at The Garnd Hyatt, Mumbai.