Rixi Bhatia and Jayesh Sachdev of Quirk Box for Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014

Rixi Bhatia and Jayesh Sachdev

For two seasons Rixi Bhatia and Jayesh Sachdev have been creating a fashionable stir with their label ‘Quirk Box’. For this season, the designer duo’s collection called ‘Bombay Balloon’ was a nostalgic inspiration, which recreated the vintage charm of Bollywood cinema and theatre.

Rixi Bhatia and Jayesh Sachdev

Using chanderi, crepe and georgette, the designers brought in colour blocking with delicate textured details. With such a vibrant theme it was but natural that the colour card had to be versatile; so tones of mustard, burnt orange, teal blue, emerald along with metallics like grey, gold and black came in for a fun filled line.

Rixi Bhatia and Jayesh Sachdev

Pen and ink drawings featured the characteristic images of Bombay on all the garments. From the big air balloon to rickshaws, buses, zeppelins, bulbs, boats, the iconic Gateway of India—the print story was a great mix of past memories. The silhouettes ranged from soft swinging blouses and skirts, to patch work dresses, maxis with pleat detailing, lapel waistcoat with a striped blouse, mini smock, cropped tops and double-breasted jacket.

Rixi Bhatia and Jayesh Sachdev

Men’s wear was as colourful and followed the theme religiously with black waistcoat and a suit with all the ink and pen drawings; but this time in white on a black background.

Harshita Chatterjee for Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014

Harshita Chatterjee Deshpande with Showstopper Chitarangada Singh

Inspired by the richness of the temples of South India and the rule of the Chola dynasty—a throwback to an era that was decadent, detailed and divine, Harshita Chatterjee Deshpande showcased ‘Footsteps of the Temple Girl’ at Jabong Stage during the fashion week.

Harshita Chatterjee Deshpande

Staying true to tradition, the designer used hand woven kanjeevaram pure silk for the core fabric and paired chanderi silk, leather and soy net for an unconventional edge to her outfits. Burnt oranges, moody blues, blood reds and bright fuchsias balanced out gloomy grays and striking shades of black, to perfectly mirror the festive season.

Harshita Chatterjee Deshpande

The designer also worked with quilting along with zardosi work in antique gold and metal tones in the form of embroidery to contour each form. The outfit which stole the show was worn by showstopper Chitrangada Singh who looked remarkable in a garnet red ghagra choli flaunting a sensual neckline complemented by antique gold work at strategic places.

Harshita Chatterjee Deshpande

Enticing and glamorous, ‘Footsteps of the Temple Girl’ by Harshita Chatterjee Deshpande was a beautiful collection that tells a story of a woman who is in the midst of finding herself – she is unafraid, adventurous and yet very sophisticated.

Luxurious Fabrics at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014

Pramita Pandey

‘Midway Gardens’ by Pratima Pandey- Putting an emphasis on Eco-friendly fashion that highlights craftsmanship and sustainability; Pratima Pandey’s label ‘Prama’, presented ‘Midway Gardens’ at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014.

Pramita Pandey

Giving importance to only natural fabrics, the collection was inspired by the life of the 1920’s, which was an era of women empowerment and emancipation. Working with beautiful silk chanderi and cotton Madras checks for basic simple layered silhouettes, the ensembles were splashed with floral embroidery. The sheer over solid theme worked really well for the elegant feminine collection that will appeal to the classic dresser.

Pramita Pandey

Once again Pratima worked with ecru chanderi for over-shirts, which were part of every entry. But this time there were variations, featuring beautiful delicate floral and rose embroidery that cascaded down the front or sides of the tunics. The designer used crinkling as a prominent treatment for solid cotton and checks. Shades of blue, amethyst, green and red were for the kurtas, flared dresses and trousers, while churi sleeves gave a stylish angle to the garments. An interesting innovation was the palm tie-up that held the sleeves firmly in place. Other options included turn-ups for short sleeves and dolman cuts; while the jumpsuits were often teamed with checked jackets.

Shruti Sancheti

‘Strands of Silk’ by Shruti Sancheti– Celebrating the festive season, Shruti Sancheti’s label ‘Pinnacle’, presented the vibrant collection ‘Strands of Silk’ at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014.

Shruti Sancheti

Silk, the most favoured fabric was woven exclusively by Shruti in Benaras with zari as well as pochampalli, an intricate weave. In addition, the designer had raw and cotton silk along with makhmaal to highlight the beauty of the garments. Rich opulent hand embroidery like zardosi, cutwork, resham and kasab gave dramatic touches to the creations.

Shruti Sancheti

The shade card was filled with warm hues ranging from crimson, vermillion, cherry, wine, burnt orange, to saffron, Alphonso, fuchsia and indigo blue. Giving a wide choice of silhouettes, Shruti had voluminous sharara jumpsuits, pleated anarkalis, palazzos, cropped choga jackets and elegant blouses. The show opened with a wrap skirt followed by a long shirt-kurta with cigarette pants, asymmetrical pleated smock and a maxi with checked bodice. Pleated pants and tailcoat blouse, shift with checked yoke, asymmetrical layered tunic, striking sari with long sleeved trench coat and the black/gold sheath with side cut-outs added to the drama of the collection. Shruti ended the show with a black gown having a woven inset, red pleated long skirt with brocade bodice, a dazzling angarkha and gold lehenga.

Sreejith Jeevan

‘Strung Together’ by Sreejith Jeevan- Sreejith Jeevan under his label ‘Rouka’ showcased a traditional collection called ‘Strung Together’ inspired by the beauty of hand-strung Indian garlands at the Jabong Stage during Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014.

Sreejith Jeevan

The range comprised of western silhouettes like dresses, skirts, crop tops, pants, tunics, jackets, and kurtis in rich fabrics such as pure silks, handmade cottons and linens. Bright, bold hues of red, amber, emerald and white gave the pieces a fun, quirky vibe, while darker tones of wood and classic black added a sophisticated edge.

Sreejith Jeevan

Keeping embellishments to a minimal, the designer used illustrative embroidery in geometric shapes along with gathers at the arms so as to envelope and contour each piece. The outfits were simple with intriguing necklines, which ranged from cowl necks to garland-like floral embroidery work. Floral frills balanced out the careful construction of the range and added a feminine appeal.