Gold shines on winter runway

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He’s been known for his “Midas touch” when it comes to couture, so it’s fitting then, that Vikram Phadnis’ new line at the Lakme Fashion Week’s winter/festive season is inspired by “gold radiance”.

For the designer, this has been quite a journey from the simplicity of his line dedicated to the Swades Foundation, showcased earlier this year, to a far more “glamorous and ostentatious” line he’s put together now.
“For me, every new collection is enriching — the lessons learnt and the designs created. I want to do distinctive collections, bringing something new to the table every time,” says Vikram, on the very different nature of his current and previous lines.
For Vikram, “gold radiance” was a natural fit for his winter/festive collection. “I understand the beauty of gold and what it evokes — which is royalty and a striking presence that just cannot be missed. The finished product will reflect intense craftsmanship and ‘gold’ will illuminate the ramp in a way like never before,” he explains.
The collection includes a mélange of shades like ivory, copper and beige to bright golden. Vikram has also created beautifully crafted accessories like belts and kadas to complete each look — which is epitomised by showstopper Karisma Kapoor. Vikram calls his showstopper “strong, successful, maternal” and a “timeless beauty”.
Of course, Vikram has always had a close equation with Bollywood — the stars have always supported his fashion shows while Vikram has done quite a bit of work in the realm of costume design for films. “All the celebrities I have designed clothes for have always been extremely open to trying new things and have given me complete creative freedom,” Vikram says. “I think it is important for designers to not just limit themselves to the runway. When you explore another creative medium, there are no limitations or preconceived ideas. You start from scratch and come up with innovative, dramatic and fresh stuff.”
Vikram says he is inspired by the environment he is in. “I am also influenced by our history, from people like Maharani Gayatri Devi. I incorporate elements from that era mixed with contemporary aesthetics,” he says. “It is important to incorporate our heritage in my designs as that is where I come from and envision things. I relate to facets of our culture in developing designs for outfits.”