As the clock struck nine last night the entrance to The Kila at Seven Style Mile, Qutab Minar was jam-packed. Socialites, the fourth estate and fashionistas pushed past each other to get themselves ready for the Delhi Couture Weeks second nights, double fashion show at the exclusive Evoluzione a store that houses selected loved pieces from an array of Indias pioneers in fashion. As people skipped around the room swapping hugs and smiles around the nightclub Blue Frog, the inside courtyard was being prepared for a very complex and highly entertaining kind of fashion show that is very rare to India. Once the doors were opened guests were treated to a different experience as they were wined and dined while waiting for the show to start. All around the venue, the runway stretched around tables and rooms to give each guest the front and second row experience so they could really appreciate the garments.
First on the stage was Anamika Khanna as headliner Carol Gracias swooped in with a cream cape over flowing trousers. Garments in black, red and blue were introduced with the ever-present creams and golds, which have been favourite colours this week to commence shows. Many pieces showed heavy embroidery on capes and fitted suits that showed the continuity in Khannas collection which had a lot of understated sparkle adorning the clothes. Her collection weaved modern ideas into traditional Indian garments.
As the show drew to a close, there was a quick five-minute grace period for guests to refill their glasses until the lights were dimmed and a handful of pixie-like figures ran onto the stage. As these people danced beautifully all over the ramps covered in ripped and twisted white silk-like fabric, the models backstage got ready for their first walk for designer Gaurav Gupta. The collection took the crowd on a journey through colour, from creams to gold with splashed of orange, coral and reds. The collection shone with heavy beading all over the delicate fabrics and western shapes embellished with an Indian appreciation for decadence.
Supporters of both designers including Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor and lyricist Javed Akhtar joined designers Varun Bahl, Rohit Bal, Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna to celebrate the event.
LCD-D caught up with Anamika Khanna after the show. We started with the royal families in India, their luxury their craft and tradition. So we could try and imagine what they would do if they were here today. Thats what the idea was, just contemporize them, she said elaborating on the inspiration for her collection.
Look at what an offsite show can do for any designer, commented Sunil Sethi, FDCI President, adding, Anamika was magical and Gaurav was traditional and yet contemporary. Gaurav I think had the best gowns for me. This really sets the bar for me. This is how couture week should be.
Text by Devika Mehta