In a sea of (con)fusion wear, here's one design team that makes no bones about its homage to western silhou ettes. Gauri and Nainika Karan are clear about catering to urban women who are contemporary, stylish and sophisticated.
Just recovering from brother Karan's big bash wedding to Fatima, the de signer sisters' first solo show married style, sophistication and elegance seen so far in the exquisite drapes of such veteran de signers as Tarun Tahiliani and the cuts and finish of Rajesh Pratap.
Cocking a snook at the Lakme India Fashion Week, which will not showcase their designs, the sisters had a impressive fashion fraternity turn-out at their first major showing at the Nandiya Gardens at the Maurya Sheraton.
Inspired by the luxurious styles of the Belle Epoque and Gibson Girl, the collection was seductive, ultra feminine and romantic. "It was our first big show and we were nervous, but it went off well," says Nainika. The girls began with a collection inspired by the Turkish evil eye.
Corsets played an important role in the next collection. "It's one outfit that gives shape to the female form defining the waist and making women feel beautiful and romantic," says Nainika. The collection comprised fitted short skirts, dresses, tops and gowns with a mix and match of fabrics such as jacquard, brocade, satins, silk and net. The only accessory used was a strand of pearls.
{{/usCountry}}Corsets played an important role in the next collection. "It's one outfit that gives shape to the female form defining the waist and making women feel beautiful and romantic," says Nainika. The collection comprised fitted short skirts, dresses, tops and gowns with a mix and match of fabrics such as jacquard, brocade, satins, silk and net. The only accessory used was a strand of pearls.
{{/usCountry}}The urban skyline backdrop by architect Martand Khosla was breathtaking. Just as unusual was the choice of classical western music. Spotted at the show: Designers Suneet Varma, Manish Arora, Varun Bahl; art gallery owners Anmol Vadhera and Kalyani Chawla and P3 staples Sophie Azad, Ameeta Seth and Charu Sachdeva and, of course, the entire Karan family.