Neon Glow

SOON after Delhi-based Namrata Joshipura came on board as the grand finale designer for the Summer Resort 2013 edition of Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) earlier this year,she was faced with the challenge of creating a range without black. “I have worked with black throughout my career,without giving it a miss for a single season. But here,I was given a pop-tints theme that needed me to create a young,peppy line. So,I had to let go of black for the first time,” she says.

This season at LFW spelt out a series of firsts for her. The lack of black aside,this was her first-ever show at the event and the grand finale slot was the cherry on top. Joshipura didn’t disappoint. She has been known for using Indian embroidery in Western silhouettes. However,this time,she used embroidery to give her outfits a glossy,glamorous feel. Her show on Tuesday night played out beautifully with set designer Sumant Jayakrishnan’s LED pillars,and mirrored floor and backdrop complementing the neon hues that she showcased. The colours ranged from pinks and corals to light greens,lime yellows and royal blues,with a liberal dose of grey,white and beige. Floral motifs — of roses and sunflowers — dominated the line as did cut-work. In fact,cutwork jackets and skirts with neon-coloured inners,in particular,were eye-catching,as were the sequined forehead accessories.

For someone who has often worked with western outfits,this collection saw Joshipura capitalise on her strengths to create frock dresses,gowns,jumpsuits,blouses,jackets,skirts,palazzo pants and summer shorts. Most of them were dotted with delicate embroidery and neon piping. With fabrics such as sheer organza,georgettes,silks and neoprene being featured,textures gained prominence too. The line also scored high on wearability,which is always a big win for a designer.

While there weren’t many film personalities in attendance,the Bollywood quotient was upped by Kareena Kapoor. Clad in a sheer coral shirt,orange high-waisted trousers with a dash of shimmer,and a pink blazer,the actor played the showstopper with much elan. More importantly,the makeup,set and the clothes showcased the same story of pop colour,thus ending the five-day fashion extravaganza on a feel-good note.