Our picks from Lakme Fashion Week 2011 | Mumbai

The recently concluded Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai was an eagerly sought after occasion, which saw many talented designers showcase some trend setting inspirations for the season. Here are some of the designers we loved with gorgeous Indian bridal wear ensembles.

The Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2011 season kickstarted with Rohit Bal’s fabulous “Shaanti” collection. The audience was left mesmerized by the grandeur, style and detailing of each creation. The ingenious use of traditional crafts coupled with ethnic as well as western silhouettes gave the designs a brilliant edge. A blend of heavily textured fabrics, embellishments, cutwork, hints of crochet, appliqués and motifs were used creatively to create magic on the ramp.

Anita Dongre’s Indian bridal collection reflected the magnificence and beauty of Rajasthan. The collection included a blend of bandhani, banarasi brocades, Ikats and velvets, embellished with glittering zari, gota patti work, badla and traditional metallic patterns.

 From sensous saris and lehengas to stunning gowns, her collection saw a fusion of Indian and western elements, with an ethnic Rajasthani touch.

JJ Valaya presented his couture collection “Tasveer” in a dramatic storyboard effect. The collection, inspired by his skills behind the lens, included segments categorized as black and white, sepia, colored and digital. 

The black and white section included waist coats with white motifs and black churidars among other outfits. Delicate brown and off-white work and embroidered paisleys adorned the sepia ensembles while striking red designs and digitally printed saris constituted the last two segments.

The ““Bridal Fantasy” collection presented by Payal Singhal, drew inspiration from the timeless beauty of Indian costumes from bygone eras and the contemporary theatre clothes. 

The show featured absolutely stunning bridal dresses glittering with crystals, polkis and vintage embroidery garnished with a fusion touch.

Sabyasachi’s collection was quite nostalgic and reminiscent of the attire worn by people of the North-West Frontier Province. The collection featured fashionable ethnic pieces with the beautiful Kashmir thread work, shimmering silver floral designs in Zardozi and the Sunderban floral prints were the highlights of the show.  

The collection included four dozen models of different ages and sizes, dressed in colorful outfits making an everlasting impression on the applauding audience.

Neeta Lulla’s collection paid tribute to the craft of Sri Hastakala Kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh. The traditional art form combined with the influences of the Renaissance period transformed into some gorgeous creations.  

The use of vintage kundan, metal work on lush banaras brocades and French Laces and georgettes in stunning red, Persian Green, rust and gold, which gave the ensembles a heritage touch.

Nachiket Barve’s “The Golden Hour” collection was inspired by the changing colors of the sky from dusk to dawn. The models sashayed down the ramp in striking burgundy, plum, pink, gold, crimson, black and scarlet ensembles. 

The elegance of the outfits was further amplified by the fluid layering, appliqué, periwinkle embroidery and cutwork which turned produced timeless creations.

Narendra Kumar’s collection was a trip down memory lane, with models sporting outfits inspired by the Frank Sinatra hit “Fly me to the Moon”. The collection focused mainly on formal evening wear for men, with suits, tuxedos and other black tie outfits. 

The collection showcased jackets with varied lapels and buttons enhanced with an assortment of shawls, rolls and collars. Stylish shirts with mandarin collars and bows with pin tucks and tiny pleats and slim trousers provided a vintage touch.

Lakme Fashion Week’s grand finale was full of glitz, glamour and glitterati, with Manish Malhotra’s fabulous collection. The show stopper, Kareena Kapoor sashayed down the ramp in a white layered lace, silk, net gown with a shimmer, leaving the audience spell bound.