Warp and Weft

What worked and what didnt on Day Two

Royal Salute

Day Two ended euphorically with designer Anju Modis collection Steel Magnolia. Inspired by the Indian military,Modi sought to address multiple questions such as can severe regimentals allow fluidity in drapes and whether the strength of steel can be gloved in the petals of a magnolia? She answered them through a collection that presented a smooth coexistence of dark and light tones,and heavy and light fabrics. The long jacket-style kurtas with detailing on the lapels and worn over full skirts,structured short jackets over flared woollen pants,the berets and Nehru topis reflected the ethos of the collection.

Live Acts

Music plays an important part in any fashion show. A few designers added live music to their showcase. Urvashi Kaurs show opened with a performance by Space. The Delhi-based band performed throughout the show their woman-centric lyrics complementing the collection. Tarun Tahiliani had Sounds of Isha,a band from the Coimbatore-based Isha Foundation,play during the second half of the show. The drum and traditional instruments were in sync with his mystic designs.

Touch Wood

Designer duo Hemant and Nanditas autumn-winter collection drew inspiration from the woods,the barks of the trees to be precise. The colourful and deep palette suggest that the two wandered into thick,swampy forests,capturing the emerald green and purple colours of nature. We liked the combination of lace,reminiscent of vines,and Western silhouettes.

Familiar Path

As interesting as it sounded,complete with the vrooming noise of bikes kick-starting and roaring to life,designer Samant Chauhans Rajputana Bikers collection steered on the same,been-there-seen-that route. While the show started well,and references to the biker theme came through with tan leather jackets,buckled belts and the like,it fell into the same pattern of simple and clean use of natural fabric that is the designers signature style. A change of pace in design would have been nice.