Gowns gain popularity

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While it’s always experiment that rules fashion weeks, this time there was something more to it as well. Amongst the innovation and novelty which is a priority for designers, something tried and tested also held a strong place. And that seems to be the reason behind the fact that many designers never leave out goddess gowns.
Like most fashion weeks, gowns ruled in the recently concluded Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week too.

While some like designer Preeti Chandra showcased simple yet elegant gowns, there were others like Alpna and Neeraj who came up with sculptured gowns, and there were yet many others who offered a wide variety. But are Indian designers obsessed with the Western silhouette?
Designer Preeti Chandra, who showcased a wide range of gowns this WLIFW thinks it’s the increasing demand that has motivated designers in India to design gowns. “It’s not that we have forgotten Indian dresses. It’s just that we have realised how Western cuts are dominating the Indian market. Due to an increase in destination weddings, girls want to wear something which makes them feel comfortable, so stylish gowns give you just that,” she says.
However, young designer Gautam Gupta, who has just forayed into Western wear after a couture line, thinks it’s not just the comfort or style that makes fashionistas prefer gowns.
“It’s also the awareness. The current breed is very fashion conscious and they know that gowns worn during any special occasion make a style statement,” says Gautam, who also thinks that the love for drapes is another reason why gowns have begun ruling the markets.
But designers also think that gowns are way too popular abroad than in India and that transition is yet to happen. “There’s only a select section who can carry off gowns. Others are either not aware of the statement it makes and some can’t carry it off elegantly. We still need time to make it more popular,” says Gautam.
Still, fashion design student, Shivangi Suman says that designing a beautiful evening gown is every design students’ dream. “And wearing one is every girl’s I guess,” she quips and adds that every girl in her batch wants to have one. “It brings out your feminine side and makes you look extremely sensual if you carry it off well,” she says.