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Shalini & Paras
Pretty is the only way to describe this gorgeous collection that reminded one of tea and scones in an English rose garden. Even though the vintage look rarely fails in its appeal, Shalini and Paras were clearly not taking chances. They created myriad styles that would suit anyone and everyone.
Pretty is the only way to describe this gorgeous collection that reminded one of tea and scones in an English rose garden. Even though the vintage look rarely fails in its appeal, Shalini and Paras were clearly not taking chances. They created myriad styles that would suit anyone and everyone.
Admirably restrained, genteel and at the same time a wee bit whimsical, all the lines were delicately refined. Interestingly, while all the influences were so Continental, the expression came through Indian fabrics and ornamentation techniques.
Oodles of chantilly lace, corsages, polonaise, pants all in virginal white, powder pinks, baby blues, and the faintest touch of gold. Extremely feminine, delicate and beautiful, even the fabrics were equally stunning girly georgettes, sensuous silks and tafetta.
The cool summery strawberry and white candy striped cottons, voiles, and jacquards in the Mad Duchess line were used to create trendy capris, casual jackets, flirty knee length skirts, blouses and tees, and beautiful dresses that were further embellished with appliquéd on strips and ribbons, ruffled collars, engineered floral embroidery, and ruching and gathering. The powder blues, lattes and tea rose colours of the Marie Antoinette range incorporated appliqués, cutwork and tone on tone embroideries into the vintage late-afternoon ensembles of asymmetric blouses and restrictedly voluminous skirts.
The Equestrian line used traditional Indian block printed fabrics in natural dyed colours like neem, maroons, fuchsia and inky blue to create delicately quilted bottoms and jackets. Emphasis was brought in by the use of contrast coloured appliqué detailing on the hems, cuffs and lapels. The last line, called the Grand Duke, was truly impressive in the use of natural ecru and sand coloured khadi-silk and jacquards, embellished delicately with jewel like embroideries and fine laces.
Models wearing magnificent basques and chapeaux shimmied down the ramp looking elegant and at the same time so much the quintessential women.
The collection recreated the splendour of yesteryears by using the finest silks, nets and mul. There was an emphasis on fine detailing, delicate imbroidery and exotic yet regal silhouettes.
Truly a study in the beauty of the understated and the elegant!
