Mixed reactions to Krishna Mehta

She impresses with her men's line, but her women's collection falls flat, finds Sidhi Chadha.

Unlike last year, when Mumbai based designer Krishna Mehta’s collection was branded “tacky”, this year the designer bagged mixed opinions. As the men’s line impressed, the women’s wear disappointed because of some over the top western cuts.

HT Image

Promising men’s line
The show kicked off with the men’s clothing inspired by Arabia. Models walked on ramp, like deserters, wearing fluid, desirable, long kurtas in linen, jute and organza fabrics that were balanced with extremely loose pyjamas (banjara style).

Also, elegant achkans in gold embroidery, sequins and beads formed part of Krishna’s collection.

Wide contrasts could be seen in the ensembles. A mustard kurta was teamed up with pristine white straight pyjamas. Similar mix and match was done on other creations as well. Two button coats were worn over churidar pants, which predicted the diffusion for future.

Colour palette had an eclectic mix of blood red, olive greens, white, crème, mustard colours. The fabrics used were jute, linen, brocade and tissue.

The differences between two lines of the designer were evident as well as striking.

“I know my focus was on the kurtas but that does not mean I ignored what I have created for women. Last year, I made women wear churidars and some Indian silhouettes but this time, I think Indian has graduated; she has taken a leap. So, I made clothes for girls that are pretty urbane and stylish at the same time,” says Krishna.

It seems the designer has faith in what she has made but will it impress the buyers and wearer?

Dolly Thakore, a known socialite, sums it up: “Krishna’s men’s wear is a success, something what the buyers are looking at. But the range for women disappointed a little. It was so un-Indian. The designer needs to re-focus on her strengths.”