“I want to break the notion that western outfits can’t be worn with heavy jewellery pieces.”
After a stellar first edition in February 2015, India Beach Fashion Week returned to the breezy Goa on October 29-31.
The fashion event was an extravaganza and glamorous party held at the Lalit Golf & Spa Resort Goa.
Apart from the main catwalk shows in the venue, a poolside beachwear show also took place throughout the weekend.
And if that wasn’t enough, themed after-parties kicked off every night after 11pm for guests to make the best of being in a coastal event.
We bring you the best highlights and most exceptional designs revealed over the weekend!
Day 1
The grand opening saw Delhi designer, Anupamma Dayal, fill the room with a Bohemian vibe.
Models graced the runway in colourful hair and all sorts of beautiful wedding attire, and even snapped a few group selfies!
Following up with a stunning contrast was Kolkata-based designer, Esha Sethi Thiran.
Her collection showcased an array of silky smooth outfits and maxi dresses in different shades of silver, grey and navy blue.
Akara changed the mood from solemn to royal with a number of fierce and feminine pieces accessorised with bright gold tassels, straps and stripes.
Shweta Puthran’s love for vibrant colours was clear to see, and so were her preference for edgy and geometric prints used on the skirts and jackets in the collection.
Guests got their first film star treatment when Rana Daggubati, star of box office sensation Baahubali: The Beginning (2015), walked the ramp.
Presenting Asmita Marwa’s collection, the 30-year-old actor impressed in black pants and lime green kurta.
Asmita commented: “[Rana] is a gorgeous guy. My collection is inspired by the Bindu. It’s a very powerful symbol. It symbolises eternity.
“I’ve mostly used red, white and black. These are my favourite colours. There is purity in off-white, red is also a pure colour and black is powerful.”
The last show of the day featured James Ferreira, the founder and designer of his famous ‘James Ferreira’ label.
From simple colours to printed dresses and tops, there was no better way to close the first day of the second edition of India Beach Fashion Week.
Ferreira said: “The fabric takes a shape of its own because it is based on the Issey Miyake pleat. It was a lot of fun to do this show, as it should be.”
Day 2
The second day started with an atmospheric seaside networking event, called ‘Sangria by the Sea’, followed by many star-studded runway shows.
Neha Dhupia walked for Sangeeta Sharma. The former Femina Miss India looked elegant in a bold red lehenga, gold statement earrings, and her hair neatly tied into a bun.
Actress Richa Chadda also turned into a red goddess, donning a shimmery red lehenga with gorgeous roses edged in red.
Wrapping up the second day of Season 2 of India Beach Fashion Week was none other than the renowned and pioneering Rocky Star.
VJ Anusha Dandekar, who recently appeared on the judging panel of India’s Next Top Model, walked the ramp for him in a golden sequin dress, paired with sparkly strappy shoes.
Other designers like Dimple Shroff and Manju Todi opted for glittery gold as well in their pieces, enhancing the elegant feel of the garments.
Pastel colours flowed through the runway, when Shilpa Reddy and Zeel Doshi Thakkar presented their incredible gowns and lehengas in every gorgeous shade from baby blue to apple green.
Day 3
The final day of the fashion show was a spectacle of exquisite jewellery and gowns for the destination bride.
Presenting the fine designs of Sukriti & Aakriti Grover was the star of Guddu Rangeela (2015), Aditi Rao Hydari, sashaying down the runway in an angelic white lehenga.
The girl-next-door beauty said: “I feel brides are always decked up with heavy clothes and jewellery, but to have something that’s so light and pretty, is lovely.”
Urvee Adhikari, the daughter of businessman Gautam Adhikari, debuted her collection, titled ‘The Bride & Her Tribe’.
Tailored for the bride and her bridesmaids, the pieces were fun, simple and trendy.
Another highlight came from jewellery designer Moni Agarwal, who showcased her Zohrakshi collection.
Moni spoke about what she wished to convey through her designs, saying: “The whole set up and feel of this platform is so exhilarating. My designs are for the quintessential destination bride.”
“All young brides want to look stylish. Just one piece is sufficient for your wedding. We have functions like sangeet where you can wear a gown with good jewellery.
“I want to break the notion that western outfits can’t be worn with heavy jewellery pieces. When you club the two, you get Indian yet an international look.”
Former Miss Universe, Sushmita Sen, was the fitting choice to model these original and immaculate necklaces and earrings.
The actress was dazzling and charming in a black strapless gown and hair updo, showing off her envious curves and sexy collarbone.
The grand finale was delivered by leading fashion designer, Wendell Rodricks, who pulled out an array of show-stopping menswear and womenswear.
Wendell said: “I really enjoyed doing the menswear because it was very different. It was breezy and very Goa. I don’t normally do such creative menswear, but I really put my heart into it.”
Bringing innovative designs to the beautiful and relaxing coastal setting of Goa, India Beach Fashion Week was a captivating event that is set to become a key date on the fashion calendar.
Check out our gallery below for all the amazing and unique designs!