“Chiaro-scuro” by Amrich at Lakmé Fashion Week was a collection inspired by nature. Shadows cast by the sun rays, dark foliage, arches and the dance of light and shade came alive as inspirations for the delicate garments. Creating exquisite natural textiles with artisans in India, the ‘Amrich’ label by Amit Vijaya and Richard Pandav has been on the fashion scene ever since the pair from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad partnered to give the country some pure clothing.
The brand’s simple, flowing, silhouettes featured a mix of fit and flare for the easy breezy garments. Taking the beauty of the traditional clothing of the Orient and merging it with the Occident, the designers presented a perfect amalgamation of style, design and detailing.
Making a visual impact on the ramp was the hand-woven silk dress and skirt embellished with hand stitch Shibori patterning. Another striking beauty was the hand-woven silk/cotton ensemble with Itajime Shibori patterned khadi cotton lining that dazzled on the runway. Making a great organic fashion statement was the hand-woven khadi cotton tunic with hand stitched Shibori.
Each ensemble had a statement making identity, which made the collection a great fashion offering. Some more eye-catchers on the ramp were the hand-woven silk/cotton pleated dress with stitch Shibori and the trouser/blouse combo with matching Shibori designs. For evening wear drama, there was the asymmetric hem, off-shoulder dress with the same treatment while the strappy maxi pinafore with hand done Itajime Shibori was a great fashionable offering.
The “Chiaro-scuro” collection by Amrich was all about ethereal organic clothing that brought the Shibori experience to centre stage and will add a new sartorial experience in global wardrobes.
SAYANTAN SARKAR PRESENTED “BEYOND BOUNDARIES “AN UNCONVENTIONAL LINE AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2017
Sayantan Sarkar’s collection “Beyond Boundaries” at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2017 was influenced by colourful gingham checks and plaid patterns woven on handlooms, as the designer presented a line of eye-catching outfits that were totally handcrafted.
Each ensemble was fluid with a free flowing appeal that highlighted the Gamcha weaver’s talent to create the extraordinary in the Coochbehar district. The silhouettes were a visual treat as the weaver’s skill was exploited to take the unconventional path, for outfits that were mesmerizing.
Experimenting with creativity, the designer showcased strong Gamcha from North Bengal and fused them with fine linen yarn checks in bright, flashy colours. Remaining true to his ethics, Sayantan Sarkar combined contemporary silhouettes with traditional techniques and ethnic surface treatments. With Gamcha being the basis of this collection, textures and quirky designs were intricately incorporated to create ensembles that will thrill buyers of ready-to-wear fashion. Pastel blue, pink ecru, brown camel and beige were beautifully injected into the colour palette.
The silhouettes were anti-fit and innovative but with a marked western touch. The varied versions of the Gamcha checks appeared with solids for quirky trousers, dresses, sheer covers, short cropped jackets and mid-length light coats. The drop crotch skirt-cum-pant was one of the highlights of the show when teamed with a checked cover. Layering was achieved with solid and checks in an interesting manner with checked or solid piping and insets added for style. For women who are strong enough to push boundaries with bold outfits that make a fashion statement, “Beyond Boundaries” by “Sayantan Sarkar” was perfect when it came to interpreting creative silhouettes into ramp style quotients.
SOHAM DAVE’S “LINE BY LINE” COLLECTION WAS A FASHIONABLE ORGANIC LESSON AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2017
Total sustainable fashion came to centre stage when Soham Dave’s ‘Line by Line’ collection appeared at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2017. It was a stylish lesson in various inspirations that were closer to the black slate or tabula rasa of organic fashion. The journey of each creation was fascinating, starting with the artisans and hand spinning of natural fibres to the final hand tagging.
Soham selected hand woven silk/cotton and cotton/silk and then naturally processed and finished them.The de-sizing by ‘Harda’ an open pool washed and sunlit field dried technique further ensured that nature was used for the garments. The hand printing was eye-catching with hand carved wooden blocks and Soham was adamant that the entire process of designing the collection eliminated the use of electricity.
Opening the show with a grey lined drop-waist dress; Soham set the mood for the inspiration. The front-buttoned maxi, black long dress with a black/white/grey checked cover-up and the full black/white checked dungaree had a playful feel. The solitary sari followed the colour scheme and was teamed with a checked loose blouse.
The silhouettes were almost basic as boxy empire line grey/white striped dresses appeared covered with soft slate grey covers. Slightly flared midis were layered over pin-striped skirts; while comfy, front- buttoned, and calf-length, black dresses could be worn with or without micro-checked skirts.
The final line of all-black maxis with beige flecks or colour blocked moved away a little from the linear inspiration.
When fashion meets nature then the “Line by Line” collection by Soham Dave will make a strong sustainable style statement.
