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Aparna Chandra
This set the tone for the collection - it was for the contemporary Indian woman who is simple and sophisticated.
The collection had a strong summery feel, as chanderis, cottons and linens took to the ramp. Aparna started her line with the colour of the season - white. A beautiful handspun sari worn with a racer back blouse and shrug was the first garment on the ramp.
This set the tone for the collection - it was for the contemporary Indian woman who is simple and sophisticated.
Off-white kurtas with silver appliqué work worn with plunging necklines were sexy in a subtle way. There were some fabulous short pinstripe shirts for men.
Moving on to neon greens and pinks, the designer cleverly used them in fabrics like chiffon and georgette that took away the harshness of the hues. Pleating and fluting gave them a rather linear feel. At the same time a lot of drama was created with puff sleeves, ribbons as brooches and sexy netting around the collarbones.
Floor length sheer kaftans concealed racy little bikinis. This was an interesting prelude to the eveningwear that came next. Empire waist dresses and blouses looked very sophisticated with cigarette pants.
THE OTHER VIEW: New direction
Arati Thapa/HT City
Coming from Aparna Chandra, known for her western wear, it was refreshing to see a white sari with silver motifs opening the show.
Chandra made a clear deviation from her otherwise clean and minimalist style to do surface ornamentation.
One of India's funkiest designers, Chandra put white lycra churi dars with fitted kurtas, chanderi saris with silver embroidery, blouses, kaftans and crisp linen trousers on the ramp.
The collection also had plenty of western wear -- a prêt-ty mix of fluted off-shoulder tops, layered skirts and fitted dresses. Black and white stripes playing an important role. Chandra also used stripes as belts.
Rate-o-meter
Wearability: 8
Presentation: 8. Simple, yet classy. Sans drama.
Front Row: Siren Malaika Arora, restaurateur AD Singh and designer Manish Arora
Buzz factor: 6
Late-o-meter: 15 minutes
