The Fashion Design Council of India does a spectacular job hosting this bi-annual parade of Indian, fusion, and Western fashion – and this year’s show in New Delhi from October 8-12 was no exception. Some of our favorite designers, including Payal Singhal, Shree Raj Mahal Jewellers, and Rohit Bal, sent some sizzling designs down the runway.
I’ve collaborated some of the best looks and trends spotted at WIFW, so that us aspiring fashionistas have an idea of what to expect on the spring and summer runways in India next year.
Joy Mitra’s collection
Joy Mitra’s spring/summer collection featured A-line skirts, sheer fabrics, and lots of gold. This blue and gold lehenga is perfect for spring, as the blue satin fabric is fresh and dainty. The gold embroidery and beading makes the outfit appropriate for wedding events, and high-end atmospheres like the runway.
Vineet Bahl’s Malhaar collection
Vineet Bahl’s runway was full of pretty whites and sheer golds – not typical for a summer or spring collection, but beautiful nonetheless. This sheer white sari features some intricately embroidered florals across the pallu and blouse. I love the transparent sleeves with minuscule detailing and the gorgeous layering effect created by the fabric.
Rabani & Rakha’s collection
Another collection that defied the pastels and colors usually associated with spring runways, Rabani and Rakha’s offwhite color scheme stands out as elegant and timeless. This dress has a light airy feel to it, mostly due to the flowing fabric. The asymmetric beading pattern adds structure to the outfit and adds a sophisticated flair to the evening gown.
Sahil Kocchar’s collection
Sahil Kocchar’s collection utilized both in-style white/offwhite color schemes and predictable floral patterns. The ombre flowers on this dress are eye-catching, but the heavy A-line skirt really steals the show. I loved the feminine emphasis on the model’s neck combined with the masculine jacket-style sleeves and collar. It was a very fashion-forward (and floral!) ensemble.
Bhanuni by Jyoti
The western dresses featured in Bhanuni by Jyoti’s show were a welcome variance from the runway’s majorly Indian outfits. This pale yellow gown is flowy and fabulous, drawing architectural inspiration for the upper part of the dress. I like how the pale blue stands out against the yellow but also complements it. This is a fun, chic outfit that would fit in at an outdoor wedding ceremony.
Ashish N Soni’s collection
Ashish N Soni’s runway included plenty of menswear, which was welcome amongst the women’s fashion displayed throughout most of the show. I love this brown trench coat, which is a necessary fashion accessory for spring weather. The geometric pattern on it can easily be mixed and matched with pastel ties or checkered shirts. A sleek and smart pair of trousers finishes the laid back outfit.
Rehnu Tandon’s Secret Floral Garden Collection
How cool is this sheer, cutout dress from Rehnu Tandon’s Secret Floral Garden collection? I love the black floral pattern – it’s unique compared to the colored florals we’d usually expect. The cream fabric and dupatta-like collar adds a stark contrast to the sheer and black dress. It even resembles a twist on the salwar kameez.
Payal Singhal’s collection
Payal Singhal’s black and gold collection emphasized the upcoming trend of neutrals this spring. This modern chaniya choli features straight, sleek cuts and metallic features. I love the blouse detail that links the off-white top to the black skirt. That asymmetric metallic border is bound to stand out at any formal event this dress is worn to.
Ritu Pande’s collection
Ritu Pande got the memo about this spring’s off-white and gold color scheme. I particularly loved this unique lehenga with its jacket-style blouse and large skirt. The asymmetric floral pattern on one side of the blouse adds depth to the outfit, while the consistently patterned skirt keeps things traditional too. I can easily see this outfit transition from the runway to an upscale party.
Poonam Dubey’s Shakti collection
Poonam Dubey’s Shakti collection is all about the modern day goddess – she is strong, independent, and not afraid to show off her personal style in clothing. This twist on a traditional lehenga features mixed and matched patterns, from the traditional golden floral vines on the low necked blouse to the colored spring prints on the skirt. It doesn’t look thrown together or off – rather, the outfit expresses an experimental personality. The bright pink color goes well with the burnt gold accents, including that daring belly necklace and regal tikka.
Payal Pratap’s collection
Payal Pratap’s show gave us more of that predictable spring attire with bright pastels and prints. However, this outfit is in no way boring! I love the purple, pink, and silver color scheme. The jacket is the star of the outfit, as its intricate patterns bring together the colors of spring and the geometric floral designs of tomorrow. I bet that top would go great with dark pants as well.
Kavita Bhartia’s collection
Kavita Bhartia dressed her models in various pretty shades of pink pastels. The effect was dreamy and elegant. This outfit screams “twee” with its lacy, flowing skirt and collared top. However, it’s not tacky – those gold accents on the sheer blouse are classy and fashionable. I’m a huge fan of the color contrasts thrown into the skirt’s border. The teal and salmon combination stands out while still complementing the lace.
Manish Gupta’s collection
Manish Gupta’s collection also featured lots of sheer and lace, which seems to be in style this spring season. I love the various patterns of this dress – it’s demure, yet a statement piece. Both geometric and floral patterns meet in this contemporary design, creating a slim, silhouette figure on the wearer. The sheer fabric at the bottom of the skirt wins me over – it really shows off the marriage of flowery beauty and sharp triangular zigzags.
Tarun Tahiliani’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection
As a leader in the Indian fashion industry, Tarun Tahiliani knows how to design bold, yet elegant statement pieces. His Spring 2015 collection featured bright sorbet colors and fun, 1960s prints. I love this orange tunic and skirt combination. The flowing fabric represents a loose, fun attitude towards warmer weather. Those bold multicolored patterns draw inspiration from everywhere – geometrics to architecture. Add some long, statement jewelry and you’ve got an outfit that’s perfect for a pre-summer, lounge vacation.
Paras & Shalini’s Geisha Designs collection
Paras and Shalini’s collection featured florals like many others before it, but it stood out in its uniquely designed, shoulder-bearing and crop top-wearing outfits. This outfit brings out the contrast between a tight, crop top and a loose-fitting pastel green jacket. The colors are very spring indeed, and if that doesn’t convince you that this outfit is meant for the season, the beautifully patterned floral skirt over a translucently checkered background does the trick. I like how this outfit shows off the model’s slim, toned figure without revealing too much skin.
Rohit Bal’s Grand Finale at WIFW 2014
Rohit Bal had the well-deserved honors of closing out the show, and he did so by bombarding the runway with satiny white, black, and colored outfits. While his collection might not speak to a color scheme of the season, it does point out the importance of properly structured and fitting outfits. The dress has a fitting, peplum-style black blouse with shiny gold prints. But using black and gold doesn’t rule out color for Rohit Bal – he makes sure the flowing skirt of the dress has red roses patterned across it to symbolize the upcoming bloom. The menswear follows a similar theme, with fitting kurtas and pants. Black and gold is a classic, universally flattering combination – for men and women alike.
The trends noted from WIFW’s runways point to a new era of spring and summer fashion. Gone are the days of pastels and simple florals – blacks, whites, and neutrals are now in. That’s not to say we can’t don some airy, flowery fabrics in the warmer seasons. This fashion show emphasized the importance of structured outfits and gold accents. I for one am glad we don’t have to say goodbye to the burnt tones and golden palettes of fall!
What did you love about Wills India Lifestyle Fashion Week 2014?