"The theme started with thoughts of an enchanted forest and the fantasy world that I live it."
Amazon India Couture Week (AICW) 2015 is done and dusted for another year, and what a week it has been.
The five day fashion extravaganza by the Fashion Design Council of India showcased some of the finest fashion that India had to offer.
Taj Palace Hotel New Delhi was filled to the brim with celebs, from the likes of Shilpa Shetty, Kangana Ranaut and the ultimate showstopper, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
DESIblitz has all the highlights from the week.
Day 1
AICW 2015 welcomed an explosive opening show from Sabyasachi, who teamed up with Italian footwear designer, Christian Louboutin.
The wasteland set created a mysteriously gothic mood full of suspense, which reflected his edgy ‘Bater’ collection.
Sabyasachi’s signature voluminous lehengas were darker than his usual designs, using golds, browns and deep reds with heavy embroidery.
But it was the Christian Louboutin red soles that had everyone talking, as the embellished designs created a uniquely daring look.
Day 2
Day 2 presented stunning collections from Rahul Mishra and Gaurav Gupta.
Rahul Mishra showcased the feminine floral collection, ‘Tree of Life’.
Like Sabyasachi, Rahul moulded a specific ambiance with his chosen soundtrack, soothing the audience with its mellow, classical tones.
Predominantly for the modern bride, the ‘Tree of Life’ blended together an array of lehengas and gowns which most brides-to-be would dream of.
Gaurav Gupta continued this streak with his collection, ‘Silt and Cipher’.
The 20 minute long showcase was compact with sari gowns, lehengas, and enchanting designs.
The models looked mythical with their metallic make-up and accessories. Gaurav expressed the process in creating the collection:
“The theme started with thoughts of an enchanted forest and the fantasy world that I live it.”
Using shades of beige, white, gold and midnight blue, ‘Silt and Cipher’ emphasised feminine fragility as well as womanly strength.
Day 3
On Day 3, the Anju Modi Couture Preview followed a Persian theme with the collection ‘Kashish’, which comprised of anarkalis and lehengas.
‘Kashish’ indulged the audience in ultimate regal elegance. Her voluminous designs were eye-catchingly bright, with pinks, mint greens, and yellows creating a show stopping watch.
The set design followed the same mood, transporting the audience into a royal household.
Monisha Jaising followed with his collection, ‘The Sailing Bride’, which saw Pernia Qureshi, Imran Abbas, and Kriti Sanon debut on the runway.
The collection catered to the ‘laid back bride’ who wishes for a luxurious yet practical and ‘fuss-free ensemble.’
Opting for a natural colour palette, her designs were effortlessly chic. The upholstery fabrics along with the weaving patterns brought bridal couture to the forefront of Indian fashion.
‘Aurum’ by Varun Bahl was equally as tantilising. Merging together traditional bridal looks with a modern feminine beauty, Varun used a mix of ivory, pale blue, black, and burgundy colours to portray the range of his designs.
The array of dhoti pants, lehengas, and saris gave women the ultimate selection, whilst his men’s wear comprised of sherwanis and dhotis in soft shades.
Day 4
SBJ presents Reynu Taandon was first to grace the runway on day 4, and unveiled a selection of saris, anarkalis and lehengas.
The show transported the audience into different Bollywood eras and emphasised the collections’ Persian influences. Maroons and golds sculpted a rich feel to each avatar, as did the lightweight fabrics used.
Richa Chadda walked the ramp for the designer, and channelled her inner Persian princess.
Preciosa presents Rimple & Harpreet Narula saw Bollywood superstar, Shilpa Shetty grace the catwalk, wearing a gorgeous gold lehenga, with detailed embroidery towards the lower half.
The collection was by far the most aesthetically lavish, and stuck to a red and gold colour scheme to emphasise the rich, splendour lifestyle of the Maharajas.
Heroine presents Debarun created a similar buzz with his timeless collection.
The models wore avatars from the 1940’s, forming statement looks with their silhouettes, embroidery and fabrics.
Aditi Rao Hydari walked the ramp firstly, channelling the earlier era of Bollywood with black and white designs.
Chitrangda Singh wrapped up the show in green, beige and red designs, and looked perfectly stunning.
Rohit Bal left everyone spellbound with his ‘Husn-E-Taa’iraat’ collection.
His flower embroidered designs celebrated Bal’s love for nature, particularly through his unique head garments.
The show was a theatrical phenomenon, with models sashaying down the runway holding flute glasses, then sitting on the audience members laps.
Lehengas, dupattas, anarkalis, and saris were all part of the collection, and seemed fit for the most lavish of lifestyles.
Day 5
Manav Gangwani and Manish Malhotra closed the week’s proceedings.
Manav’s collection, entitled ‘Le’amoureuse’, was sensuously feminine.
Velvets, sheer tulles and chiffons were used to sculpt such a lavish collection, whilst the embroidery and embellishments completed the romantic designs.
Kanagna Ranaut stepped out in a 30kg deep purple design which was utterly spellbinding.
The most highly anticipated collection came from Manish Malhotra, who had Aishwarya Rai Bachchan walk the runway.
‘The Empress Story’ was perfect for Ash, who looked unbelievable in her feminine design.
The ramp was decorated with rose garden flowers and chandeliers to reflect the grandeur of the collection.
Ranging from metallic silvers to rich golds and burgundys, Manish revived centuries of old Indian craftsmanship, and brought Indian history to life.
Amazon India Couture Week 2015 lived up to all expectations, and celebrated the most exquisite Indian designers. We look forward to the next fashion installment from Fashion Design Council of India.
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