HYDERABAD: Lakme Fashion Week, renowned for showcasing top designers and their creations, recently featured Varun Chakkilam, Founder and Creative Director of the brand ‘Varun Chakkilam’. He unveiled his latest designs for LFW 2024. With Sara Ali Khan gracing the ramp as the showstopper, Chakkilam raised the bar for his grandeur collection. Let’s delve into his insights about his LFW collection:
Tell us about the collections you showcased at Lakme Fashion Week.
Our showcased collection at LFW is named ‘Lenora,’ an opulent celebration of light. Symbolising luminosity, Lenora blends four classic contours with botanical embellishments and luxurious fabrics. It radiates effortless refinement with a palette spanning from alabaster purity to infinite greys and fiery burnt coppers. The garments marry antiquated artistry with contemporary forms, weaving a narrative of timeless enchantment. Lenora invites our audience into a realm where luminosity reigns supreme, captivating all who bask in its glow.
Why did you choose Sara Ali Khan as the showstopper?
Sara Ali Khan, the princess of Pataudi, epitomises the luminosity and aura embodied by the Lenora collection. Her royal status and graceful persona perfectly complement the opulence of our designs. Sara adorned a pearl grey embroidered lehenga, intricately detailed with dori embroidery, silver zari strings, glass beads, and swarovski crystals. She encapsulates the essence of luxury and grace, aligning seamlessly with our vision for Lenora.
What’s unique about this year’s collection?
Our collection promises an ethereal journey, each creation transporting you to a realm of unparalleled beauty. It seamlessly merges antiquated artistry with contemporary design, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in luminous enchantment.
Could you elaborate on the fabric and design?
‘Lenora’ embodies a realm where light and botanical whispers intertwine, showcased on sumptuous satin backed organza. Our designs fuse antiquated artistry like aari and swarovski beadwork with modern forms, narrating tales of timeless allure through intricate embroideries and plush textures.
How have wedding collections evolved over the years?
Over the past five years, Indian wedding ensembles have evolved significantly. Brides now seek versatile attire suitable beyond the wedding day, amidst a trend towards more intimate gatherings. Wedding collections must offer pieces that brides can repurpose, while maintaining the traditional grandeur and glamour.
Current colour trends in wedding ensembles?
Contemporary brides lean towards lighter hues, favouring shades like gulabi pink, pastel pink, and peach over traditional red. Additionally, colours like white, cream, and ivory are gaining popularity in bridal wardrobes. Green tones are also making a debut in bridal ensembles, reflecting the evolving landscape of wedding fashion. Traditional elements such as the red chuda now feature colours like pink and white, reflecting the transformative nature of wedding attire.