Raising the bar

Disappointing debutants, no emerging stars and stellar shows by the veterans of fashion. Jaydeep Ghosh and Kirti Mehta review both fashion weeks.

Until the evening of Day 4 of the fashion week there was nothing to rave about. No head turners, no energy and even worse, no great designs. We did not expect much from the debutants but even the so-called ‘emerging designers’ didn’t make a mark.

The day started with Abdul Halder’s couture show, which was okay-ish and had overflowing gowns with ruffle detailing and satin pleats. Sonia Jetleey’s show is not even worth mentioning as it lacked any great design and finishing. Nida Mahmood pepped-up the show with her few funky garments but it still lacked great designs. Elisha Wadhwani had ensembles in yellow, beige, blue and pinks. The embellishments were very tacky and just when we thought it couldn’t get worse, Lalit Jalan’s show began showing menswear garments in candy pink with floral motifs.

After that the veterans held the fort and they truly raised the bar.

Payal Jain’s show had garments in whites and beiges in the first set, contrasting it with colorful embroidery on the garment. The second set was just the opposite; bright colourful clothes with stark white jackets and boleros.
Anita Dongre’s prêt collection comprised excellent choices in tie and dye effect for a summer wardrobe with ankle length dresses, shifts, dhoti pants and some see-through kurtas.

Swapan & Seema were good in parts, like their sequence of silver dresses, the draped blouses for saris held together with clasps, belted gown and dresses. Their traditional garments could have been edited to fewer ensembles.
The day ended with a magnificent show by Rajesh Pratap Singh. The collection was all about sheer sensibilities, pleated textures innovatively juxtaposed and flawless construction.