This year’s Lakme Fashion Week is all about retro. The 1960s and 1970s and in, and perhaps finally the 1980s are out.
One of my favorite collections to strut the runway wasn’t from a superstar designer, but from free spirited Krishna Mehta.
Vibrant and fun-filled, the outfits came in rugged linen and twill cotton mixed with satin and rich traditional brocades. Florals were prominent in bright hues; and just so lovely they were!
Mehta delved into the handicrafts of India like Gaurang Shah and Manish Malhotra’s Blue Runway. We have brocades from Varanasi, jamdanis from Bengal, tussars from Bhagalpur, and silk muls from Maheshwar. The block prints that were hand carved by artisans in Farukhabad.
The colors were spectacular and full of the summer essence: fuschsia, orange and red, and cool tones of indigo, black and purple with bursts of ivory.
The bohemian influence was prevalent in the oriental touches and opulent silhouettes. High waisted gathered skirts with embroidered waistband, red printed asymmetric tunics, blue cowl skirts and dresses and the ecru tulip pants were to to die for. Think of wearing them for a sangeet or party night for the wedding.
From short sexy asymmetrical creations to floor kissing apparel, high waist fluid trousers and cinched at the waist pleated skirts, the collection offered varied options from lux beach goers to the 70s steampunk in you.
My absolute favorite from the collection was the Lucknowi multicolored embroidery on the jackets, tunics, waistcoats and kedios. I would totally wear these as a wedding guest!
The dhoti pants with printed tunic and shaded palazzos matched with khadi pyjama gave an Indo-west look to the collection.
The three saris featured were vibrant in both print and color, with one of the sari dazzling us in classic shibori (Japanese tie die).
For a dollop of contemporary and a dash free spiritedness, Krishna Mehta’s collection is just for you.
