Sonaakshi Raaj for Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014

Known as the ‘Sari-gown Specialist’, Sonaakshi Raaj presented her opulent line of Red Carpet creations called ‘Rebel with a Cause’ at the fashion week. The show stopping entry was made by Malaika Arora Khan in a post-box red lacy embroidered gown with a layered luxurious tulle flounce.

Malaika Arora Khan

Her finely crafted couture gowns reflected a luxurious style with some edgy detailing. Selecting colours that will glow in the dark as the wearer glides down the celebrity carpet, Sonaakshi had oxblood red, nude, charcoal and metallics on her fabrics.

Sonaakshi Raaj

Interesting drapes were an experimental move that Sonaakshi loves to undertake. The fluid fabrics added to the charm of the flirty sensuous silhouettes of the garments and detailing was meticulously added to highlight the construction.

Sonaakshi Raaj

Making a dramatic entry was the peach sari-gown with drop-shoulder glittering blouse, followed by a halter gold mesh creation. Jumpsuits in gold had beaded tassels, while the sharply cut, white embroidered one-button jacket worn with side slit pants was ideal cocktail wear.

Sonaakshi Raaj with showstopper Malaika Arora Khan

An interesting innovation was the red pant-cum-sari, the churidar draped sari, beaded body suit teamed with a dhoti-sari, poncho over corset and draped skirt and the textured top with a blue tulip skirt. Embellished boleros added variety to the collection, Jodhpur pants had body-con blouses and the black Grecian sari gown with dazzling gold work was stunning.

Payal Singhal for Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014

Payal Singhal and Showstopper Vani Kapoor

Payal Singhal has always researched in depth for her collections and this season, she was inspired by India’s first fashion export to the world, the ‘Chintz’ print, which came from the Coromandal Coast.

Payal Singhal

Aptly naming her collection ‘Excavations’ for the fashion week, Payal’s display of the lovely iconic Indian print was translated into deep tones of aqua, navy, teal, sienna, cranberry and coral, which she transferred onto luxurious crepes, silks and linens.

Payal Singhal

Known for her trendsetting silhouettes, Payal brought in deconstructed Indian shapes to highlight the beauty of her ensembles. Interesting entries were the racer-back choli teamed with crepe churidar-skirt and printed overlap panel, the chiffon dupatta draped sleeve for the kurta, the silk mul lehenga-sari, and navy linen embroidered ghagra-sharara pants and the silver ring embroidered cutout short dress, which offered several options to the stylish buyer.

Payal Singhal

For the showstopper Vani Kapoor, it was a cranberry red, gold and silver ring embroidered choli with matching churidar-lehenga and dupatta. Women who love practical, stylish creations will adore this collection by Payal Singhal.

Krishna Mehta for Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014

Krishna Mehta’s love affair with the textiles of India has been an ongoing process for decades. The designer has presented the most fabulous collections season after season working with various Indian state handlooms. For Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014 Krishna once again brought to centre stage the glory and beauty of Indian handlooms from Benaras, Maheshwar, Bhagalpur and Manipur.

Krishna Mehta

Mixing flattering happy colours with easy comfortable silhouettes, Krishna’s woven textiles were a visual delight on the runway. Going for ample surface texturing, Krishna added her exclusive unique touches to the collection to unveil a festive couture look.

Krishna Mehta

Dividing the collection in four distinct colour stories – indigo, orange, white and shocking hot pink, the soft silhouettes were the basis of the various mix of prints and the tonal embroidery.While the kurtas, tunics, sheer covers were cut away from the body to allow for ease and comfort, the tiny shrugs almost embraced the curves of the models. An occasional pair of churidar was overpowered by the constant wide palazzos, pyjamas and flared pants, in assorted prints that signaled relaxed attire.

Krishna Mehta

Angarkha style gowns, bias cut kurtas, or slim ones, mul covers with extended sleeves and lacy flared pants were perfect for lounging or just making a fashionable impression. Saris came with kedia style blouses to add a rustic touch to the collection. Shimmer came in the form of a column maxi, fuchsia embroidered blouse and a multicoloured embellished swirling lehenga, which was the only entry that slightly moved away from the colour quartet.

Krishna Mehta

Men’s wear had an assorted line of engineered printed shirts, sherwanis, and Jodhpuri jackets— all worn with wide pyjamas. For timeless couture, which pays homage to India’s rich textile heritage, Krishna Mehta’s relaxed laid back collection was the perfect offering for a variety of occasions.