Couture uncovered

“My collection revolves around the story of a courtesan in love with a member of the royalty. I did a lot of research on the nautch girl era in India and came up with a fictitious character called Alika. I have used fabrics like velvets,silks and georgettes,” explains designer JJ Valaya,who will showcase his collection on July 23. While Valaya promises to take the audience on a Mughal-e-Azam-esque journey,Indian fashion’s wunderkind Gaurav Gupta,is working on a fantasy-based theme. “I am inspired by fantastical elements like marine life,jelly fish,fairy creatures,basically the wonders of the unknown world,” says Gupta,whose collection incorporates fabrics like chiffon,tulle and taffeta with embroidery on them. Rina Dhaka,on the other hand, is ready with an interesting collection inspired by cobwebs. “My collection depicts a cobweb of modernity and tradition. Its tells us what we are today,” says Dhaka,who will be showcasing about 25 ensembles on the ramp.

Movies too have been a motivating factor for several designers. Manav Gangwani,for instance,is showcasing his interpretation of risque romance as inspired by the 1957 Hollywood blockbuster An Affair to Remember. “My designs depict intense passion. They are bold yet dreamy like the protagonists in the film,” he gushes. Accordingly he has used fabrics like sequin-sheeted nets,silk satins,french lame and intricate French laces.

What would Couture Week be without a suitable sprinkling of stardust? Raakesh Agarvwal,who’s famous for styling Bollywood glamour girls like Lara Dutta and Deepika Padukone,will be showing a sexy,luxurious collection of saris and gowns. The designer is trying hard to get some of his famous friends to walk the ramp. “But would you believe it? They’re all travelling,” he moans,“But I promise I’m going to get someone fabulous to walk for me.” His collection,featuring fabrics like chiffon,silk lame and french velvet,will present easy-to-wear couture like pre-draped saris and dupattas,and will be very contemporary. The designer is incidentally the youngest participant in the Week and will also debut his accessories and jewellery collection on the ramp on the final day,July 25. He’ll also be giving a sneak peek at his menswear.

Apart from runway shows,the Week will also play host to stalls by a few designers,including the Kolkata-based label Ekru by designer duo Ekta-Ruchira. “Our ensembles will have a vintage feel to it,inspired by the Mughal era,but we will showcase traditional stuff with a contemporary twist,” says Ruchira Kandhari,mentioning that they have used woven fabrics like benarasis and georgettes.

Incidentally,the 19 designers who are part of the couture week have not been charged any participation fee by the Fashion Designer Council of India (FDCI). “Couture is an expensive concept,so we have done away with the fees,” says Sunil Sethi,President,FDCI.