Gen Next puts up interesting show

The Gen Next shows were packed with interesting collections by many young designer labels with energetic and vibrant collection.

On the closing show of Lakme Fashion Week’s first day, Sabyasachi showed what he is well known for — his ability to play with different fabrics in single outfits. This time he did a complete collection in western silhouettes… some of them in solid and vibrant hues. “This I will do once in five years!” he said at the end of his showing. And he was right. He is one designer who has never moved away from his signature style for many seasons. Yet he has managed to cultivate a huge fan following. And his show this time once again marked his success as a designer doing what he is best at; yet he sprinkled a few well-received surprises in between.

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Good platform
The day began with Gen Next shows that, by now, have become the launch platform for a lot of leading talent in the country. This time around too, the shows were packed with interesting collections by many such young designer labels — Deux A by Anna-Liza Ganguli and Anita Walia (well made and pleasing to the eye), Manas Dash (interesting mythical prints), Deepti Pruthi Know by Timsy and Siddhartha (men’s shirts with a new twist), Blank Spot by Shivaji Dutta and my favourite, Miriam Strehlau who brought in an energetic and vibrant collection that was creative and appealing.

Young Fashion

Chaitanya Rao’s collection was pretty with tone embroidery, a pleasing colour palette and well-finished garments. Parvesh and Jai had an interesting beach side look with fish and animal prints worn over bikinis.

Priyadarshini Rao made every one happy with her new line ‘Mineral’ that was fresh, crisp and very stylish. And what’s more is that before her showing the designer told me that the pieces are priced around Rs 1,000. Well, one shouldn’t really wait and think as the collection is totally saleable and will definitely be a hit.

Another highlight of the day was a showing by the designers from Japan called ‘Tokyo Eye’. Now, that is a country obsessed with quality and finishing, and their collections proved what they believe in — perfectly finished, well conceived and very wearable.