Ode to zesty, chic women

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Dia Mirza and Sameera Reddy pose with designers Shan-tanu and Nikhil at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion 2012 in New Delhi

It was quite a starry affair on day one at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week 2012. For some the well-crafted ensembles were the main highlight, and for the rest glamorous names from Bollywood we-re the crowd-pullers.
The show starters Sha-ntanu and Nikhil Mehra opened 2012 edition with their S&N Drape collection for Autumn/Winter 2012-13.
The ultra-glam bronze sequinned gowns and dresses in lavish fabrics like satin and silks were draped to perfection and paired with short faux fur shrugs and tight-fitted structured jackets.
Use of sheer fabric and lace detailing with crystals in the draped garments added the much-needed femininity factor. Rooting for the designers in the front row were Dia Mirza and Sameera Reddy. The designer brothers said that they took inspiration from the real life women they design for; women who are confident and glamorous, “the collection is sexy and edgy, and we accessorised it with deconstructed jackets.”
Speaking about the drape line, Dia remarked, “I think these outfits are perfect for confident women, who know their bodies. Even though the drapes were structured, they fit you so well.” Next in line was a “flamboyant” line “Matador Chic” from designer Preeti Chandra. The designer picked up crimsons, mint greens, oranges and fuchsias from a bright colour palette, and mixed them with gold to create a line of body-hugging gowns and dresses. The extensive use of heavy embroidery and jewelled embellishments at hand cuffs, collars and shoulders were a bit too much to handle.
Nevertheless, the power-shoulders, high-collars and sharply cut military jackets screamed for attention from top to bottom. After bling and glam, next was designer Vineet Bhal, who paid an ode to the 60s with his black and white crocheted lace, polka dots and colourful Kantha prints. The collection titled “Carvan” was a mix of colourful block printed dresses with neon detailing.
Beautiful threadwork, antique gold sequins and brocade added a subtle favour to the outfits. After witnessing glam, bling and vintage elegance next was Anand Kabra, the eccentric designer from Hyderabad, who celebrated his “Becoming Kami” collection amidst the din of droplets and ringing bells. The designer’s imperfect arrangement of asymmetric tunics and kurtas in small floral prints were definitely noteworthy. Intere-stingly, at this fashion’s fare at one of the off-ramp sites Peta supporters also managed to assemble actor Gulshan Grover, Mahima Chaudhary and Monica Dongra to support their “Fashion for Freedom” campaign.