Ode to India

The US-based designer’s brother,Azeem Khan (also a designer),was present at the show. But for a couturier who is much loved and celebrated in America’s fashion circles,his first-ever show in India was devoid of the trappings of a commercially-driven show (read: Bollywood actors as showstoppers). That,however,hardly affected the response to the show. Khan — who showed at LFW after being pursued by its organisers for several years — was overwhelmed by the adulation that poured in. The show told a glamorous story through the medium of intricate embroidery done in Mumbai,which is known to be one of Khan’s many strengths. The detailing was elaborate with stones,sequins,pearls and studs embellishing floor-length dresses with slits,frock dresses,long jackets,blouses,boleros,skirts and skinny pants. The designer also took care to ensure that this collection was wearable. Dark hues formed his canvas — particularly black,grey,midnight blue and red. Most of his creations had been culled liberally from his past two shows — including the New York Fashion Week collection shown this February.

The show started with a segment that beautifully played out the classic combination of black-and-white. Also eye-catching were the full encrusted gown and the knotted lungi creation with a beaded bodice. The highlight of the line was indisputably the “ball gown sari”. A multi-striped draped gown with generous folds,it was a fitting end to his clean cut and sharply structured narrative.