The pinnacle of Joshipura's show was closed by the Bollywood 'Queen' Kangana Ranaut
Twice a year, New Delhi hosts the biggest fashion and trade event in Asia, the Wills Lifestyle Indian Fashion Week (WLIFW). Organised by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), the event showcased the most prominent designers in the country.
From 26th of March to 30th of March, 2014, attendees were treated to a selection of luxurious clothing ranging from traditional sari to futuristic costumes and glamorous evening wear.
The climax of the week were some of the most distinguished Bollywood beauties, who walked the ramp for their favourite designers and established WLIFW as one of the most stylish events of the year.
Opening Day
The event kicked of with ace designer Tarun Tahiliani. He described his collection which “traces its root in the early tradition of the country when the clothes would mould to fit the body and not vice versa.”
The opening model was Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, who wowed the audience with her gracious presentation, wearing a bright pink kanjeevaram lehenga and a draped corset.
The following pieces including saris, dhoti skirts and tunics, seemed as if they had emerged from the pages of One Thousand and One Nights. The classic Indian silhouette, accentuating the waist, was complemented with regal colours and rich embellishment. Although Tahiliani was accused of playing it too safe, his magical show won the hearts of both celebrities and critics.
The day also featured Anupamaa by Anupama Dayal, Vineet Bahl, Kiran Uttam Ghosh, Shantanu & Nikhil and Rina Dhaka.
Raakesh Agarvwal’s collection called Seduce Not Control broke new ground with its brevity. He presented a selection of revealing body-con suits, leather jackets, over-the-knee boots and fitted gowns in nude colours. His non-conformist approach pushed the boundaries of Indian fashion.
A former Miss India, Ankita Shorey, gave a spectacular closure of the day, when she walked the ramp for Rina Dhaka. Dressed in a breathtaking gown and styled with loose hair and smokey eye, the beauty was the embodiment of Bollywood glamour.
Second Day
One of the opening shows of the second day of the fashion extravaganza was Pratima Pandey’s brand Prama. Her collection named ‘Singing Sparrow’ was inspired by Edith Piaf’s famous song “La Vie en Rose.” It featured black and crimson silk chanderi, combined with a wool hat with two oversized pompoms.
Other designers who presented on the day were ‘Myoho’ by Kiran & Meghna, Prama by and Vaishali S, ‘My Village’ by Rimzim, Dadu MSA 1, Kallol Datta 1955, Anand Bhushan, Nachiket Barve, Amit GT, Charu Parashar, Malini Ramani and Nikasha and Ashima -Leena.
Rahul Mishra closed the day with a collection, inspired by “Buddha’s philosophy that lotus is found in womb of the world.”
Intricate image of the flower was incorporated within the design of the clothes.
Mishra enjoyed a triumphant moment for being the first Indian designer rewarded the International Woolmark Prize (IWP) in Milan. In honour of his accomplishment, he received a black cashmere scarf by the president Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) Sunil Sethi.
Third Day
Pia Pauro opened Day 3 with a show inspired by William Morris’ paintings, Scottish glam rock and a tint of David Bowie’s psychedelic prints.
On this day collections from Urvashi Kaur, Akaaro by Gaurav, Jai Gupta and Paromita Banerjee Archana Rao, Dev r Nil and Rishta by Arjun Saluja, Payal Pratap and Satya Paul, Abraham and Thakore, were also presented.
Sanchita’s collection featured the idea of the ‘Modern Nomad.’ It featured oversized T-shirts, effortless dresses in unconventional print combinations and an exceptional cropped nylon jacket.
Fourth Day
The fourth day featured Chhaya Mehrotra,, Josh Goraya, Rinku Sobti, Saaj by Ankita and 431-88 by Shweta Kapur, Hemant and Nandita, Tanvi Kedia, Rajputana by Samant Chauhan, Zubair Kirmani, Soltee by Sulakshana Monga, Virtues by Ashish, Viral and Vikrant, Rehane, Rabani and Rakha and Siddartha Tytler.
Indian model Gauhar Khan closed Mandira Wirk’s show, dressed in a bold black masterpiece embellished with lace and sequins.
Pankaj and Nidhi gave a spectacular finale of the day with a gorgeous selection of a sharp and modern attire, elevated with clean lines, psychedelic prints and green lace. The back screen depicted a pile of cards, signifying that the show was dedicated to risk-takers, who are not afraid to push the boundaries of conventional fashion.
Final Day
The last day kicked off with Pinnacle – Shruti Sancheti, who presented a selection of claret and navy coloured sari, adorned with floral prints and rich embroidery. The collection defined the notion of easiness that was prevalent during the season.
The day included designers Tanieya Khanuja, Taurus by Dhruv- Pallavi, Jenjum Gadi, Mrinalini and Sahil Kochhar.
Anita Dongre’s collection was beautifully inspired by sikri work of the palaces in Rajasthan. It featured colourful mini dresses, sheer capes and tops, leggings and statement coats in intricate prints.
The grand finale of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week featured Namrata Joshipura. The pinnacle of Joshipura’s show was closed by the Bollywood ‘Queen’ Kangana Ranaut, dressed into a strapless long black dress.
This year’s Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week brought the most promising Indian designers together, to treat the audience to their exceptional Autumn-Winter 2014 collections.
While some designers stayed true to the national heritage, others fearlessly delved into the modern edge and zeitgeist clothing The event managed to established itself as a key week in every fashion calendar and elevated New Delhi to the realms of the major fashion capitals.
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