Journalism of Courage
The historic building of the St. Xavier's College here served as a dramatic backdrop for ace fashion designer Rohit Bal's grand finale showcase for the summer-resort 2016 edition of Lakme Fashion Week (LFW), which he wrapped up with the grandeur it deserved. (Text: PTI/IANS; Image: Varinder Chawla)
Bal, who is celebrating his silver jubilee in the fashion industry this year, turned the finale designer for the fashion week after 2012. (Text: PTI/IANS; Image: Varinder Chawla)
Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan turned up as showstopper for the show for being the face of the event's title sponsor Lakme, it was the creativity and opulence reflected in Bal’s collection that stole the show. This was also the first time the Delhi-based designer was collaborating with Kareena, who is the face of Lakme. Kapoor looked every bit of a diva, dressed in royal blue lehenga choli with golden 'chaand' motifs. (Text: PTI/IANS; Image: Varinder Chawla)
Titled "Koroshini", which is an Urdu word for illuminate, the collection was Bal's expression of subtle and gentle grace. (Text: PTI/IANS; Image: Varinder Chawla)
"The collection is called 'Koroshini', which in Urdu means illuminate. For me this whole association with Lakme, Kareena and the whole team is been about illumination," Bal said. (Text: PTI/IANS; Image: Varinder Chawla)
From yards of mulmul to hues of sunset golds and pristine ivories, there was a presentation of handmade cut-works and lattice, interwined with organic fabrics and age-old techniques of Indian heritage. (Text: PTI/IANS; Image: Varinder Chawla)
The designer used organic fabrics throughout his range and used ancient techniques of embroidery crafted by artisans of the country. (Text: PTI/IANS; Image: Varinder Chawla)
Bal's fabrics range from handloom mulmuls, chanderis, hand-spun silks and rich silk velvets. This collection also includes crafts like shibori hand crinkling and organic dyes. (Text: PTI/IANS; Image: Varinder Chawla)
When asked about the idea behind the perfectly lit structure, Bal said: “The credit for that goes to Lakme. Purnima Lamba, head of Innovations at Lakme, wanted the show to have such lighting and I think this is the first time anybody created something like this. The backdrop was lit really well and blended beautifully with the show.” (Text: PTI/IANS; Image: Varinder Chawla)
“This is the first time I am walking for Rohit Bal, but I think his clothes are amazing. His clothes reflect his personality, which is very ostentatious... I think super sexy and super amazing. I love it especially because it has this chand (shape of moon) on it, so I like it. I would personally love to keep it for next 50 years for my family as heirloom,” Kapoor said about the collection and designer. (Text: PTI/IANS; Image: Varinder Chawla)
The collection was glinty. Gold work was an essential part of the designs. It has elements of drama but at the same time it is simple and wearable. (Text: PTI/IANS; Image: Varinder Chawla)
There were a lot of bright florals and ivory interspersed with subtle gold. (Text: PTI/IANS; Image: Varinder Chawla)
The show gave viewers a complete experience of haute couture with a brilliant light and sound show to complement it. "You will get to see a lot of Indian elements and that goes for the lighting too with lion and tiger motifs playing in the background," Bal had said in exclusive interview with IndianExpres.com, ahead of the show. (Text: PTI/IANS; Image: Varinder Chawla)
The collection is exclusively available at Rohit Bal Palladium & Colaba stores (Mumbai). There is an exclusive preview on April 5-6 April, 2016. (Text: PTI/IANS; Image: Varinder Chawla)
