LFW: New designers display collections

Mumbai, Mar 23 : The Zovi Gen Next show on the opening day of Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Summer/Resort 2013 was one of the most awaited happenings on Friday.

Crowds filled the Ballroom of Hotel Grand Hyatt in Mumbai to eagerly witness the creations of the six chosen designers who were all set to be the stars of the future.

Their creativity was presented in a slickly styled show to the beat of lively music by ace designer, Aki Narula.

Debashri Samanta - Emphasising weaves

Using the gorgeous weaves of West Bengal, designer Debashri Samanta proved her expertise in creating trendy outfits for the 21st century multi-faceted women.

Called "The Black Swan", Debashri's inspirations were the fabulous yarns of her beautiful state, which she used creatively for her finely constructed garments.

Using only handloom cottons, the sharply cut jackets, tops and stylish bottom wear were enhanced with Kantha, the delicate craft of West Bengal.

The intricate silhouettes of the creations as they floated down the ramp in strong colours of bright tangerine, fuchsia and blue were a visual delight.

The opening entry was a long lean midi with bolero and tasselled shoulders, the draped asymmetric skirt, and the blouse with the emphasis on the extended shoulders proved interesting. The lean pants with a one-sleeve blouse, the palazzo/gown and double

waistcoat with layered skirt were the highlights of the collection. It was a great debut with an innovative line from Debashri Samanta.

Karishma Jamwal - Prints to the forefront

From the designing table of Karishma Jamwal came her fluid feminine brand - "Lotus Sutr", which she started in 2010. Blending the beauty of kitschy silhouettes with digital and block prints, Karishma presented a collection highlighted by the striking quality of unfinished forms of fine arts. Working around a colour story of earthy shades with some exotic bright tones, she added fluid forms to present an interesting line of stylish women's wear.

Draped and flowing, the outfits in varying lengths created an impact on the catwalk. The collection titled "And I still Haven't Found" revealed some interesting printed, layered, draped togas, textured tunics, a stylish tasselled knitted skirt with tube, a one-shoulder surface ornamented creation and a strappy rouched tunic.

The cleverly put together kitschy line, worked well and will give trendy dressers a stylish option.

Ragini Ahuja - Stylish origami and geometrics

Creator of the label "The Ikai Space", Ragini Ahuja's collection called "Brute" was a striking medley of Origami which created a fashionable symphony.

Using geometric animal motifs, appliqued with pure cottons on feather like Chanderi fabrics the designer dreamt up innovative looks.

The generously but cleverly draped flat silk chiffons were in sky shades and striking geometric prints.

Fine detailing played an important role in Ragini's collection inspired by the beauty of Turkish Iznic pottery, Mughal motifs, tessellations, Persian rugs and scintillating artworks with roaring animal prints. Her choice of just black and white stripes and prints created a controlled colour story and added further depth to the fluid resort collection for the 2013 season.

The striped Bermuda and black shirt for the men, the long lean tube, the black and white skirt and bias blouse, the printed/striped kaftan, the shirt dress with cat print and the black mini with wrap skirt brought in some innovative fashion directions. Ragini's symphony in dual tones gave a new summer option for easy dressing.

Shubham Kumar - Reviving the rustic look

Shubham Kumar's "Shubh" label presented a unique collection, which was not only completely stitched by him, but the designer also created the base fabric manually. Calling the garments, "India Lives Here", Shubham's line highlighted the earthy lifestyle of the rural hardworking Indians who are the true spirit of the country.

With a colour palette moving from rustic brown to earthy grey, beige, black and white; the silhouettes revealed a stylish Indo-western story that revolved around Khadi - the Fabric of Freedom and cotton.

Touches of Indian traditions gave the fusion creations a unique feel, while the innovative fabrics made a rustic stylish impact on the audience with their intricate detailing.

The highlights were the collared sleeveless top with a flared pleated trouser, the grey anarkali dress, the one piece knotted dress, and the cape with an intricate flare.

The full circular cape with self pulled threads and the half jacket for the male model showed the designer's experiments with construction and style. Here was rustic styling with the right doses of modern flare to appeal to the fashion trend setters.

Sneha S Saha - Contemporarising tradition

It was a gorgeous blend of natural hand woven fabrics along with dyeing and stain techniques that created magic on the ramp as the models glided down in Sneha S Saha's collection. Selecting the most intricate traditional techniques like Japanese etajimi, Shibori and Indonesian batik, Sneha's label "Siyaahin" (meaning 'ink' in Urdu) gave her creations that stunning contemporary touch.

Using cotton, linen and silk, Sneha fashioned these into slinky gowns and stylish dresses for the modern woman. Her clever use of traditional and contemporary techniques was the highlight of the collection.

Called "Postage" the interesting pocket watch and clock prints gave the traditional fabrics a modern twist.

Asymmetric printed dresses, flared solid jackets, pants with off-centre opening blouses, shirts teamed with waistcoats and a stylish mix of print and solid gave the creations a trendy look.

The final blousoned pleated jumpsuit in silk was a perfect summer evening choice. Sneha S Saha's collection with its unique style will add a fashionable angle to summer wardrobes.

Stephany Dsouza - Breezy resort line

It was a light, airy, breezy resort wear line that Stephany Dsouza presented on the ramp. Aimed at the beachcomber, the minimal deconstructed, quirky collection was a perfect offering to the bold jet setting woman.

Working with seductive sheers like silk, georgette and crepe, Stephany gave her beach-cum-lounge wear party creations, that intricate detailing. Easy to pack, yet bold in form and silhouette, the outfits with sultry drapes were a holiday maker's delight.

Layers of fabrics in varying colours created magic on the ramp. Electric with turquoise tunic, fuchsia and orange cover, a tangerine batwing cape, grey looped hem midi, trousers and the multicolour four layer summer creation will give the wearer the comfort and ease on a hot sunny day.

The detailing was minute but clever and appeared in the form of rouching and tie-ups. For luxury clothing that moves from beach to bar-hopping nights, Stephany Dsouza had all the right ingredients in her collection.