A model displays a creation by Deepika Govind
© AFP Manpreet Romana
New Delhi, Sept. 3: A blend of ethnic poise and innovation ruled the fourth day of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week on Saturday.
While the designer couple Meera-Muzaffar Ali's collection evoked a blend of detailing and innovation, modernity and old world charm, Deepika Govind and Krishna Mehta unleashed a riot of colors on the ramp.
Meera-Muzaffar Ali's 'Kotwara' collection sparkled with fine Urdu calligraphy imparting the outfits an exotic touch.
Designers said the collection was a tribute to craftsmen and calligraphers.
"The artists who do this kind of work are absolutely, I think, on a different spiritual level. So, taking those forms, those alphabets we put them together and move them around. They do not mean anything on the fabric… they need to be embroidered. But they have all the dramatic look and we kept it all metallic - gold silver, bronze, copper - all layered, one on top of another," said Meera Ali.
The show evoked heavy applause from the spectators.
"It was pretty interesting. They have used Urdu calligraphy all over the work. Because you do not know Urdu, it looks like a design and that's the best part of it. And they use it subtly," said Mishti, a visitor.
With simple craft techniques like ‘chikan’, ‘zardozi’, ‘tukdi’ and ‘appliqui’ with hand detailing, the designer duo created dramatic effects on chiffons and other fabrics.
On the penultimate day of the fashion week Deepika Govind stole the show with her depiction of a variety of moods in the form of drama and myriad colors - pure black and white colors and flamboyant bright shades.
"We had three colors in them - bone white, brown and charcoal. We started with charcoal…, to show how gradually (it changes). We used charcoal, which is not jet black but it is almost sullied. Then with the brown – to show earth - and white is to show purity," Govind said.
The fashion week has provided an opportunity to both fashion and accessory designers to share the platform with international buyers and consultants.
The Will Lifestyle India Fashion Week was made a bi-annual event this year in order to cater to the international market segments.
At least 160 buyers, including 70 international buyers, are exploring Indian designs, floored by their ethnic yet classy opulence and an amalgam of traditional and modern lines. (ANI)