Delhi Couture Week: kitsch and Punjabi tadka

Day four of couture week started with designer Ritu Beri, who re-modelled a Punjabi bride in a contemporary, victorian-inspired way. Adding to the peppy mood was the king of kitsch, Manish Arora, who left his audiences amazed — from Himmatwala-inspired sets, to his debut couture take on Indianwear.

Fashion can spell out a lot of things — and when the shows are all about having fun, they make for an unforgettable experience.

Day four of couture week started with designer Ritu Beri, who re-modelled a Punjabi bride in a contemporary, victorian-inspired way. The opulent showcase was laced with a feeling of a grand celebration, as grooms and kids took over the ramp, while singers Jassi and Sunanda Sharma sang live.

Adding to the peppy mood was the king of kitsch, Manish Arora, who left his audiences amazed — from Himmatwala-inspired sets, to his debut couture take on Indianwear — complete with signature pop colours and heart motifs. Tapan Raj’s musical mix and live whistles (in typical Arora style) filled the air.

Photo: Raajesh Kashyap

Manish Arora

Indian

Manish’s first take on bridal couture saw wonderous use of holographed leather, lots of silk, Banarasi brocade.

We loved the lehengas and saris inspired by prints from Buddhist temples, paired with neon-hued blouses.

Anarkali suits teamed with pop coloured belts and sequinned tights, capes and eclectic coats were interesting.

Mohawk-esque

maang tikka

, heart motifs on drapes, neon bindis as well as armour necklaces added oomph.

Ritu Beri
Punjabi rock & roll

Beri went for dramatic embellishments, larger-than-life silhouettes and loads of sequins.

Bling-heavy, sequinned jackets were a very wearable option, as they could be styled in varied ways.

The removable Elizabethan-style collars added instant drama, alongwith the layered ruffles.

Opulent masks, jewelled headgears and the heeled take on the traditional Punjabi

jutti

was interesting.