Pandemic forces a phygital, seasonless outing for FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week: 10 things to know

1) Kismet by Payal Singhal x R|Elan 

As the world got comfortable in pyjamas, Singhal’s Kismet collection of Indian athleisure showcased a playful, Gen–Z friendly line of fun clothing. She collaborated with material manufacturer R|Elan for this collection, which was crafted using eco-friendly fabrics.

Closing the show, dressed in a yellow, bee garden printed embroidered bomber jacket, bustier and skirt was actress Athiya Shetty. “It’s impossible to ignore the times we are living in when designing a collection now,” says Singhal. “We’ve spent the past year in kaftans and loungewear, they have become wardrobe essentials!”

2) A bridal collection by Manish Malhotra x Nexa

This collection had oversized jackets, colour-blocked lehengas, Kalidar kurtas, the diaphanous lehengas, dramatic gowns, swirling shararas, kurtas, palazzos, striking jackets and traditional dupattas, in a mixture of vibrant pink, lilac, grey-blue and royal beige-gold. 

“The collection is created on the ethos of tradition, but inspired by the present, the new world. A collection that sits firmly with the pandemic-induced preferences but also relatable to our aesthetics and our loyalists. We need to re-write the idea of design, which is not bound to a similar thread of uniformity. Each garment is a new and individual visual expression and explores a possibility of a free monologue, thus establishing a discerning connection with the wearer,” explained Manish Malhotra. 

Showstopper, actress Kiara Advani wore a shimmering silver gown and a silver sheer, long shoulder train. And actor Kartik Aryan was in a black bundgala jacket with three silver reindeers embroidered, teamed with an asymmetric ink kurta and slim pants.

3) #SNSafari, S&N by Shantanu and Nikhil

Shantanu and Nikhil’s collection plays on our urge to move out of our houses, to explore and to travel in this pandemic. Inspired by the notion of celebration on the move, this edgy collection for millennials has earthy tones and unconventional silhouettes.

4) Uzbek Vintage by Gazal Mishra x 6 Degree

In the lockdown we have all been thinking about green spaces and post that travelling to forest and mountains to be with nature. This collection also takes its inspiration from the greens. Uzbek Vintage is inspired by the fauna and foliage of Uzbekistan. Gazal’s shararas, kurtis, maxi skirts, long kurtas and flowing pants dazzled with intricate craft and detailed embroidery. Bollywood star Aahana Kumra walked the ramp for Mishra in a full-flared, tiered, long kurta with ornate embellishment on the front and back of the garment and teamed it with a swirling maxi skirt and matching dupatta.

5) Shukoolaa by Sanjukta Dutta x 6 Degree

Setting the tone for brighter, better times, Shukoolaa, which means white and bright, used white as the base colour of this collection, highlighted with silver and gold motifs. It has a range of Indo-Western ensembles, saris, lehengas, floor-kissing skirts, an assortment of cropped blouses and regal gowns.  Showstopper, actress Lara Dutta wore a white/gold Mekhela Chador (a sari from Assam that has two pieces of clothes) with a demure white long-sleeved backless choli.

6) Ready Set Play by Ruchika Sachdeva of Bodice

Ready Set Play played with different patterns and shapes and was built around the thought that good things come in small packages, which stems from how, at a difficult time (Covid-19 pandemic), the world came together to find joy and peace in the smallest of things around them.

As the event’s grand finale, the outfits were in summery, pastel colours—pale pinks, ice blue, pistachios, white, fresh yellows matched with bright colour blockings, much like the vibrancy of the lip colours of Lakmé. Showstopper and Lakmé brand ambassador, Ananya Panday wore a vibrant pleated skirt and full-sleeved crop top.

7) New Born by Samant Chauhan

As Covid-19 pandemic forces us to lead a monotonous life, this line is designed, keeping in mind, the need to break the chain of dullness, and coming out with a new perspective. The dramatic garments with bold sleeves, flowy fabric and shimmer details give you the freedom to move out, get ready for the party, and celebrate life your way.

8) Summer 21 by Masaba Gupta x boAt

Masaba’s breezy Summer’21 line was aimed at women and men who are escapists by nature and long to get away in fun clothes. It was a nostalgic look that evoked days of crazy music, happy conversations and munching candy all day.

9) Ritu Kumar’s spring-summer collection

Keeping in mind the rising demand for comfortable clothing to suit work from home, and the need to consume less, Ritu Kumar’s spring-summer collection is the blend of modern minimalism with the boho touch. Ritu Kumar included a variety of yarn dyes that lets one mix and match pieces and wear it in different ways. The designer then showcased vibrant, floral prints and added some clever patchwork, with an amalgamation of laces, to finally end with intricate geometric designs. 

Offering a wide choice to the contemporary fashion-forward woman, the collection comprised a youthful suit line, followed by great looking soya fabric saris worn in amazing drapes, along with some of the fun-filled, geometric range options.

10) New Dawn by Payal Pratap

Confinement accords a strange sense of limitless freedom, where the mind is free and cannot be bound. This collection pendulates between myriad emotions from reminiscing, introspecting, internalising to connecting to one’s roots, invoking a flood of memories.

Pratap’s collection includes maxis, wraps and sari dresses with peplums, gathers, smocking and hand-woven details. It also has wool stripe and check jackets peppered with delicate embroideries, cross stitch motifs and hand embroidered sequin highlights in shades of plum, purple, navy, fuchsia, ruby, petrol, coffee, auburn, and ochre.