As the love for neon continues, bling becomes a fashion staple: Tribune India

Mona

Floral motifs, neon, fancy sleeves and lots of sparkle—FDCI’s recently concluded India Couture Week 2022 kicked off a lot of fashion dreams. Making a strong case for sustainability and gender fluidity, Delhi’s mega fair saw the country’s ace couturiers present their best collections.

Cruel times ahead

It’s time to step out of the shadow of bankruptcy and surrender to some mobs! High pearls, crystals and metallic fringe, Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna’s latest couture collection, Fibonacci, dramatic fabrics meet precise techniques in defined patterns.

“We present a perfect world, brought back from the brink of chaos. Every garment is handmade,” says Double. Sunit Varma’s glittering collection, titled Sitara, fused contemporary elegance with traditional patterns. Sequin sarees paired with sexy blouses and modern silhouettes were synonymous with the designer’s signature style.

Designer Dolly J’s voluminous red and gold, fluid textures and dramatic cascades, amped up the sparkle. Rahul Mishra adds metallics to his brand’s signature handwork.

Bank on sustainability

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

Ace couturier Tarun Tahiliani agrees, “Ironically, the calm of the pandemic has given me and the studio time to look at what we do, and think about how we can move technically, artfully, and creatively, to make it an experience rather than something spectacular. Uncomfortable as many evening and bridal Indian brands have been doing. We also firmly believe that beauty is a joy forever, and creating beautiful clothes that look like leather is part of sustainable fashion because one wears them over and over again!”

Flower party

Oversized lehengas, statement pants, layered dresses in bold floral prints, embroidery and fun textures from designer Varun Culture’s collection, a new leaf, made for a dreamy outing. If you are a trial bride/groom, stop by here. Bralette tops, 3-D textured plaster works and luxe dresses are some of the amazing options.

ICW 2022 also marks the completion of 30 years of JJ Valaya. With luxurious fabrics, beautiful prints and timeless embroidery with floral details, this collection had Spanish influence written all over it.

Celebrities have been spotted.

Fashion weeks banked heavily on the popular Stoptopper and ICW 2022 was no different. Shilpa Shetty closed the show for Dolly J in a sparkling lehenga gown; Aditi Rao Hydari looked regal in an embellished yellow lehenga as a show stopper for designer Anju Modi. Malaika Arora walks up to Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna. Pushpa-fame Rashmika Mandana also debuted on the ramp in Varun Bahl’s red lehenga. Rajkummar Rao donned the statement neck with Sherwani, an issue of gender fluidity in Anamika Khanna’s creation. Arjun Kapoor walks up to Kunal Rawal in a glittering black ensemble.

trend setters

While it’s hard to sum up all the gorgeous outings, a gorgeous sleeve must be mentioned! Sunit Verma’s dress with bow detailing, sleeve-length collar in Rahul Mishra’s creations and stunning detailing in Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna’s designs, it’s time to wear a literal ruffle on your sleeve. The love for neon continues.