As love for neons continues, bling becomes the mainstay of fashion

Mona

Floral motifs, neons, fancy sleeves and plenty of bling—FDCI’s recently concluded India Couture Week 2022 launched many a fashion dream. Making a strong case for sustainability and gender fluidity, the Delhi’s mega show had the country’s ace couturiers put up their finest collections.

Blingy times ahead

It’s time we came out of the shadows of loss, and gave in to some bling! High on pearls, crystals and metallic fringes, Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna’s latest couture collection, Fibonacci, has dramatic fabrics meet precise techniques in defined patterns.

“We present a world that is perfect, that just returned from the brink of chaos. Each garment is handmade,” says the duo. Suneet Varma’s sparkling collection, titled Sitara, blended modern glamour with traditional styles. Sequin saris teamed with sexy blouses and contemporary silhouettes were in line with the designer’s signature style.

Designer Dolly J’s voluminous lehengas in red and gold, in fluid textures and dramatic cascades, too upped the bling quotient. Rahul Mishra added metallics to their brand’s signature hand craft.

Banking on sustainability

“The industry is moving towards sustainability. We have clients who want to know about the product, materials and sourcing,” says Kunal Rawal.

Ace couturier Tarun Tahiliani agrees, “Ironical as it sounds, the stillness of the pandemic gave me and the studio time to revisit what we do, and think about how to technically, movement wise and flow wise, make it experiential rather than creating just dazzling discomfort, as many evening and bridal Indian brands have been doing. We are also of the firm belief that a thing of beauty is a joy forever, and creating exquisite clothes that feel like skin are part of sustainable fashion because then one will wear them again and again!”

Floral fiesta

Voluminous lehengas, statement pantsuits, layered dresses in bold floral prints, patchwork embroideries and interesting textures from designer Varun Bahl’s collection, New Leaf, made for a dreamy outing. If you are an experimental bride/groom, make a stop here. The bralette tops, 3-D textured patchworks, and luxe suits are some amazing options.

ICW 2022 also marked the completion of 30 years of JJ Valaya. Luxurious fabrics, elegant prints and timeless embroideries with floral details, this collection had Spanish influence written all over it.

Celebs spotted

Fashion weeks heavily bank on celeb showstopper and ICW 2022 was no exception. Shilpa Shetty closed the show for Dolly J dressed in a sparkling lehenga-gown; Aditi Rao Hydari as a showstopper for designer Anju Modi looked regal in an embellished yellow lehenga; Malaika Arora walked for Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna. Pushpa-fame Rashmika Mandanna too debuted on the ramp in Varun Bahl’s red lehenga. Rajkummar Rao donned a statement neckpiece along with the sherwani making a case for gender fluidity in an Anamika Khanna creation. Arjun Kapoor walked for Kunal Rawal in a shiny black ensemble.

Trend setters

While it’s difficult to sum up all the beautiful outings, fancy sleeve deserves a mention! Suneet Verma’s gown with bow details, cowl neck extending to sleeves in Rahul Mishra’s creations and dazzling details on Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna’s designs, it’s time to wear bling literally on your sleeve! Love for neons stays on.