In its 15th year, FDII India High Fashion Week celebrates ‘high fashion’, also known as ‘a way of life’

This year, the event celebrates its 15th anniversary, and according to Sunil Sethi, head of the Council, it will be “a celebration of couture like no other”.

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What’s different this year?

“When it comes to haute couture, people want to touch and feel products, and designers have been eagerly waiting to welcome that. This has led to excitement in the air and demand skyrocketing to the point where for the first time, ICW will last more than 10 days instead of just four to five days,” Sethi said. indianexpress.com.

He shared that as part of the event schedule, five outside shows will be held unlike previous editions which only had one or two. “The purpose of the offsite shows is to provide freedom of choice for people to decide on the ICW venue based on their convenience. Since it will be back up and running after two worrying years, we wanted to neutralize the issue of event accessibility,” Sethi said.

“At the heart of ICW is the fashion industry’s best kept secret. And it is in the hands of carefully selected designers to reveal this secret through their collection,” he added.

As such, here’s a look at the showcase designers and their exquisite creations.

Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna geometric stitch with couture

Revealing the duo’s upcoming collection, Fibonacci, “It’s an architectural word,” says designer Rahul Khanna. Our work is quite similar to architecture in that it needs geometric accuracy. Inspired by the art of architecture, all of our embroideries and patterns transform into one as we strive to infuse contemplation into Indian silhouettes. “

Khanna added how to post Covid-19 Consumers make fashion-conscious statements with an understanding of haute couture as heirloom products that can be passed on to the next generation. “Choose for prêt-à-porter has decreased exponentially with people now investing in one-of-a-kind pieces for special occasions and we are providing them with exactly that. We offer a global, made-in-India and Indian-made garment – ​​and that’s what customers can have in their wardrobes,” he said.

Rahul Mishra dives into nature

Designer Rahul Mishra calls her collection “an expression of nature’s richness.”

“It was an attempt to celebrate its (natural) beauty and elegance. This collection represents our gratitude for the wisdom of nature. Under the brilliant setting sun, each leaf turns yellow, with sparkling dewdrops – a pinnacle of life,” the collection notes.

Rahul Mishra’s collection at ICW is called ‘Tree of Life’ (Source: FDII)

Falguni Shane Peacock brings haute couture into French architecture

For Falguni Shane Peacock, “French architecture will come to the collection, where elements merge with Indian architectural aspects.”

“From replicating the numerous structures of architectural gems on the ensemble to polishing them with refined stones and pearls, the collection reflects the French essence in traditional Indian clothing. The chrome technique reproduces the magic of structure and elements from both cultures on the fabric. The line is methodically innovative but rooted in approach,” they wrote.

On a designer’s approach to combining Indian craftsmanship with Western culture, Sethi said people never stray from their heritage no matter how fashionable they are. . “They may have a different view and understanding of how Indian heritage works, but the essence of it is undeniable,” he said.

Anamika Khanna’s entry into couture ‘rooted in a huge demand for change and pushing boundaries’

Designer Anamika Khanna, who will lift the curtain of ICW on July 31, about her – An Experiment – wrote: “We don’t mind adjustment, non-aligned awareness.” Calling her garments an “open field of experimentation,” she writes that they will be witnessed in relation to “the once flamboyant Indian tribe, approached with the eyes of modernism.” “.

Sustainable fashion

When asked about ‘sustainable fashion’, which has become a buzzword and a trendy topic now, Sethi said, “The topic of sustainable fashion is all about the masses. In fact, we encourage them to preserve and repeat the costumes so that they can later become priceless heirlooms. Such a thought goes beyond the topic of sustainability. Keywords like ‘craft renaissance’, or ‘job opportunity’ are in demand hourly after the impact of Covid-19. For a change, why can’t we look at how the industry is providing livelihoods for skilled people? kaarigars by creating a job market for them? Or the amount of work the designers put into each piece to maintain themselves? Needless to say, many of our designers use khadi fabrics and organic cotton for couture. “

(With input from Eesha Sood)

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