Day 1: designers pay homage to forgotten crafts

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Model display the creations of designers Paras during the Wills Lifestyle Indian fashion week at pragati Maidan in New Delhi

FDCI President Sunil Sethi has done a coup of sorts. He may not have slept for three days and was hiding his dark circles under his stylish red Oakleys, but he will be remembered for getting the most reclusive designer on board.

After 30 years, textile revivalist Neeru Kumar stunned chiffon-loving fashionistas at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week on Wednesday with her effortless linens, blends of wool, cashmere and silks to create magic on the runway, at the Pragati Maidan. It was heartening to see her loyal supporter former Union minister Renuka Choudhary, in a pale yellow sari extending full support by giving the low-profile designer a standing ovation.
An earthy palette, muddy hues, barring a few bursts of colours, accentuated raw silk saris worn with cropped jackets and thin belts highlighting wasp thin waists. “It was the right time for me to show,” said Neeru, adding, “I have been working with Indian crafts and wanted to do a show to break the misconception that you can’t contemporise textiles.”
Day one, was truly a field day for Indian textiles as designers paid homage to forgotten crafts with a fitting tribute. Gaurav Jai Gupta of Akaaro, beautifully teamed up capes, stripes and steel jacquards with the understated Bengal pleats which added an interesting twist to the eclectic collection. A simple, straightforward and honest line, Jai’s hand-woven panel dresses rubbed shoulders with his structured silk tops.
You know when a designer tries too hard to impress and that was just the case with Kallol Datta. Bengal is known for aesthetics and creativity, but all that seemed to be missing from his “laboured line” with multi flap jackets and hooded tops. Though his disjointed waistcoats and cargo boy shorts were interesting, but one was desperately left looking for an inspiration.
Then came a thunderstorm on the ramp, peroxide blonde Rehane Yavar Dala, the bombshell from Chennai.
The line was quite like Rehane, flirty, carefree and lots of fun also bright, in fact very bright. With flaming yellow and red ballerinas, avoidable head scarves and of course red lips, Rehane managed to get the shutterbugs excited with her off shoulder net dresses, sheer electric blue tops and micro minis. And there were fringe benefits too. Cute jackets with fringes and interesting accessories like patchwork bags. And it did end on the right note with Prince’s famous song, You don’t need to be beautiful, with Rehane blowing a kiss to the audience.