Basu's social canvas for woman of today

Nandita Basu's collection simultaneously evoked a sense of sensitivity, anger and quiet but determined rebellion against all that is wrong with society.

Nandita Basu's collection simultaneously evoked a sense of sensitivity, anger and quiet but determined rebellion against all that is wrong with society. She used her understanding of texture and surface ornamentation to communicate her annoyance in a collection that comprised of fantastic jackets, sexy pants and skirts, and thought provoking T-shirts.

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Starting with stark black and smart lines, Basu moved across the colour palette with a collection that had a lot of attitude. There was an amazing choice of colours on display - from funky black tops with basic structured lowers, moving on clever use of whites and reds, transitioning into only reds and finally a riot of oranges, blues and greens. The knee-length jackets were absolutely to die for: structured, fitted and in eye-catching hues. The knee-length fish net stockings with colourful pumps were the perfect add-ons.

Basu created lean and long jackets, bomber jackets, sleeveless vest-jackets, and dress coats with exquisite seam detailing in tone on tone colours. She cleverly manipulated leather into paper cutwork patterns - like strips of a Chinese lantern, eyelets and floral patterns, besides using unhampered suede shapes as blouses. The pants were mostly track bottoms with tie-ups and knit cuffs at the hem, and sporty strips along the side seam length. Her skirts were in sexy slim shapes, trimmed with leather and quilted panels, and in vibrant colours like mango green, orange and tomato red, as were her fitted one-piece dresses in ivory. The star pieces of her collection were her t-shirts, which were used as canvas to express her reaction to society's evils, be it riots, corruption or brutality. The prints of people involved as well as the newsprint like text struck a chord with everyone.

As if to experiment with the other dimension, Basu threw in some sheer tops and pastel pants, but her forte lies in a funkified ready-to-wear line for anyone who wants to have a bit of fun.

Basu's accessorized her collection with vibrant and amusing footwear - patent leather sport shoes with pencil heels, canvas shoes made into ankle-tie shoes and winkle pickers.

Truly a collection for the thinking woman of today.