The Spring-Summer 2015 edition of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) ends today with an off-site show of one the best known names of Indian fashion, Rohita Bal’s ‘Gulbagh’ collection. Over the past five days, what was prominent was more and more designers digging the treasure trove of Indian textiles and traditional craft to create contemporary fashion. Rajesh Pratap Singh created a collection out of Khadi denim in its purist form made with indigo. Exceptional collection consisted of Pratap’s signature tailored-look with style details like shirts without armholes, interesting patchwork and fluid bias-cut silhouettes.
Ashish Soni developed unique prints of feathers of various birds, including the national bird, to create a dramatic look on white teal and chambray blue pieces of well-styled trench-coats, jumpsuits and separates like slim pants and tops.
The famous Singh Twins and Tarun Tahiliani collaborated to create a ‘Past Modern’ style of digital prints on garments. Singh Twins are famous for creating miniature painting with modern iconography. Tahiliani used the work of the sisters on his draped ensembles to create Mughal look on kaftans and his signature pre-stitched ‘concept saris’.
Young talents are always discovered at WIFW and Eka by Rina Singh was one such label. Her ultra-feminine look with fluid shapes and interesting layering caught many’s attention. Rina used linens and washed khadi cottons to design trapeze dresses, shifts and shirt dresses. Husband-wife duo Hemant and Nandita created some long jackets and great dresses in Ikat weaves. Good construction of the garments were their high point.
Modern material like neoprene too found favour with designers alongside natural fabrics. Pankaj & Nidhi used neoprene to craft out beautiful cape-dresses and blouses with vintage look of old-world femininity. Gauri & Nainika too used neoprene to create some well-constructed cocktail dresses and their signature gowns.