Every now and then, creative design and presentation come together in perfect harmony, and for a brief moment you forget that you’re watching a fashion show. You forget that the models are deliberately styled and purposefully walking down a runway. You get taken in by the designer’s storyline as conveyed through the clothes, and you get caught up in their inspiration.
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This should be the motive behind every fashion show – to create a special experience. No designer in India does this better than Rohit Bal.
Sometimes the theme, motifs and patterns remind you not just of the designer’s history, but of your own. And it’s a special moment when design gets personal… to get lost in the fantasy, and be taken in by the designer’s vision.
I begin with Rohit Bal to summarize Day 4 of India Bridal Week even thought it was the second show of the night. I do so only because it would be a disservice to him (and you), to not to immediately share the experience.
People came for Rohit’s show EARLY. And let’s be real… no one in Delhi comes early for anything, not even their own family functions. Everyone wanted to see his show, which indicates the power of his brand, and Rohit’s reputation for consistency. He amazes his audiences with fine craftsmanship, and entertains them with this intrinsic feel good vibe.
His whole collection was finished impeccably, but this piece above produced a sigh from the entire crowd, myself included. There is something inexplicably delightful about the contrast of velvet and muslin.
Rohit Bal doesn’t take himself too seriously, and he doesn’t bore the media with streams of design philosophy or ‘gyaan’. Rather, you’ll find Rohit dancing with his models at the end of the show – letting his creations speak for themselves. Unlike a lot of designers, Bal’s men’s collection was as strong as his women’s, and showed how synchronous and complimenting outfits can be.
On the collection, Rohit Bal’s Elizabethan/Kashmiri fusion theme wasn’t overly costumey, or too aloof. The velvet and gold kasab embroidery, the blouse cuts, the ribbon tied muslin sleeves, and the regal high necks took me instantly back to the movie Elizabeth. But what was truly magical was how all of these stylistics made sense paired with a sari, as an anarkali, or on top of a lehenga! Just amazing.
And then there was Sonam Kapoor. Like her father yesterday, her smile instantly charmed the room. Not to mention, she looked absolutely stunning in the voluminous ivory and gold lehenga. Her flirty and vivacious nature shone through, and epitomized Rohit Bal to a tee. Together on the runway, their enthusiasm was infectious and they continued dancing even once the audience stood up. Oh the energy! What a great show.
Sonam Kapoor show stopper
Sonam Kapoor Interview
Meanwhile, earlier in the night Ashima & Leena kicked off their show on an intellectual note – a narration in Urdu highlighting the influences of visual and audio on art and communication. Although I don’t understand Urdu, the narrator held my attention throughout his monologue with his calm and soothing tone.
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This was a special show for the designers, as they were passing the baton onto Rhea Singh (Leena’s daughter, and Ashima’s niece).
What really stood out from the show for me were the intricate brocades and their deliberate placement. Not only were they aesthetically pleasing, negating the use of embroidery, but on a personal note they reminded me of my mother’s trousseau, and what she wore for her engagement (well, what I saw from her pictures anyway). Even their paneled sarees echoed the style of those days. The collection brought back the opulent past as the designers intended, and made it relevant to a contemporary audience.
Also to my liking were the dhoti pants, which seemed perfect for a chura/kaleera ceremony, or even a mehendi. They looked so comfortable on the runway, and just effortlessly chic. Definitely on my must buy list.
This blouse above caught my eye because of its cut and hybrid nature. The combination with the dhoti style sari was so unusual, it had me mulling over its construction for most of the show.
Nargis Fakhri brought the show to a fitting close, putting on a performance like a gilded princess who had wandered onto stage to her own surprise. She moved slowly and twirled to allow the cameras an opportunity to capture each and every angle of her sculpted face. As the cameras flashed away, the rest of the models paraded around he,r signaling the close of the show.
Nargis Fakhri interview
More Photos:
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Pix: Yogen Shah for MissMalini