The female Sikh Warriors that Shantanu and Nikhil tried to morph models into, generated quite a lot of interest but failed to impress the eager crowd or the buyers.
This was the second year in running that the designer duo flirted with a religious theme. But the hype surrounding 'Guru Shabad - the words of the God', a collection that sought to celebrate the tercentenary of the Khalsa in general and the strength of Sikh women in particular, proved to be much greater than its impact.
"Last year was much better," the buyer from Harrods was quoted as saying. Shantanu and Nikhil had sought inspiration from the Roman Catholics for their 2004 collection, which was dramatic in use of colour as well as silhouettes that were very structured. The cross was used as a running motif.
This year, the silhouettes were quite fluid with lots of drapes and layers. The primary colours were navy blue and grey, and the duo merged the two to create a collection that was wearable at best but somewhat dowdy and unimaginative at worst.
The headgear of the models was rather striking - high piled up braids covered with sheer scarves in grey, tied with a scarf at the base with the 'akhanda' symbol to further emphasise the duo's collection. Layers and layers of chiffon were used to create a 'warrior like' look that draped the models from head to toe.
As separates, some of the garments were quite appropriate for a dinner party or even a casual lunch. The use of fabrics like silk voil, 'shifli' with 'zari' to create blouses and skirts was definitely unique, but the effect wasn't quite striking.
{{/usCountry}}As separates, some of the garments were quite appropriate for a dinner party or even a casual lunch. The use of fabrics like silk voil, 'shifli' with 'zari' to create blouses and skirts was definitely unique, but the effect wasn't quite striking.
{{/usCountry}}This year the duo used stripes in pretty much everything. The result was that while it made the garments quite tame and wearable, it was nothing too exciting.
THE OTHER VIEW: God is watching!
Malvika Nanda/HT City
Shantanu and Nikhil Mehra's collection 'Guru Shabad The Words of God,' was strong and powerful. Voile, silk chiffon, silk georgette and zari were used in the Fall Winter collection. There was smart texturing, surface ornamentation and drapes.
Skirts with side pleats, chogas with striped piping and churidars rouched at the bottom, along with Tees with Indian yokes, looked wearable. Hoods inspired by the duppata looked chic, as did the embellished belts worn over garments inspired by Nihangs.
Rate-o-meter
Wearability: 7. The garments had a mix of Indian and western silhouettes.
Presentation: 6.5
Front Row: Peter Punj, Ameeta Seth, Sanjay Sharma, Tarun Tahiliani, Gauri and Nainika, Sabyasachi, Ranna Gill
Buzz factor: 5
Late-o-meter: 25 mins