“Gulab Bagh” Collection at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2019 Drives Body Positivity for Women of All Shapes and Sizes

Strengthening the notion that people are beautiful in all shapes and sizes, Rixi and Tinka Bhatia’s ‘half Full CURVE’, promoted body positivity with their collection “Gulab Bagh” at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2019. While plus-size fashion is a relatively new concept from Indian designers, the label presented its range of luxury fashion for curvy women. Silhouettes were aimed at the amply endowed dressers who love to flaunt their style, so models and real women, in different sizes and shapes, conveyed the message of curvy confidence. The oriental inspiration revolved around the interiors of royal palaces, textures of textiles and patterns of wall art, that created a mélange of unconventional designs. The duo merged wearable gypsy and urban wear using intricate embellishments with surface textures and colour blocking. Their range was divided into two looks – Indian resort and traditional Indian wear, an appropriate choice for the contemporary Indian wedding. The resort wear comprised long/short kaftans and kurta/dresses, cocktail saris, and draped palazzo pants. Each entry was interpreted with intricate embroidery that had an old-world charm. The fluid silhouettes enhanced the comfort factor; while silk georgette created oodles of chic emphasis. The colour card moved smoothly from shades of pose pink, ecru, navy to sage green, aqua, olive and teal. In keeping with the theme for the Winter/Festive edition, resham/thread work, zardosi and sequins were used to create glitzy glamour. For traditional Indian wear, the fabric mix was Dupion/Habutai silk, with organza for dupattas. Gold and gunmetal zardosi work was juxtaposed, to create pizazz. The colour palette transitioned from Indian pink and navy blue to dull teal, maroon and chocolate brown. Experimenting with the blouses there was a range of deep ‘V’ necklines along with pleated jackets, pre-stitched saris and draped dupattas. The heavily embellished dark, pink lehenga with a plunged neckline choli and sheer dupatta, was a head turner. Variety in wardrobes is a ‘must’ for women of varying shapes and sizes, that will turn them into fashion Divas and the “Gulab Bagh” line by Rixi and Tinka Bhatia for their label “half Full CURVE” had all the right fashion credentials. Ensuring that their every collection at fashion weeks is a well-researched study of Indian arts and crafts, Vineet Kataria and Rahul Arya for their label ‘Vineet Rahul’ unveiled “Pichwai” a range that was replete with all the beautiful textiles and crafts of India. Their Winter/Festive 2019 line at Lakmé Fashion Week was a look that offered a contemporary take on the interpretation of the Pichwai colours from the Nathdwara School appeared for hand-woven Chanderi and silks. As the models sashayed down the runway, showering mogras that represented the essence of their range, the narration was a modern and neo classical story, for the range that aimed at love, devotion, flamboyance and vibrancy. The intricate details and expert hand-crafted embroidery along with discreet techniques was a visual fashion symphony of style and silhouette. Tassels along the hemline with French knots were a trend setter, while the scarves and layering played a significant role. Bold prints of flowers and birds, and traditional weaves were the basis of the ensembles as graceful tunics, kurtas, trench coats, kimonos, skirts and blouses floated down the ramp on elegant models. Asymmetric jackets and wrap around garments were teamed with block prints, appliqué and zardosi, while the tassel detailing added drama. The play of sheer fabrics created the right amount of jazz. For men’s wear, there was a range of mono chromes that stayed within the theme of the show. Long jackets with vertical stripes and belts that were let loose at the waist, personified a New Age trend. Recreating the beauty of the Pichwai paintings on the garments, the designers offered a visual delight to behold. The red kimono-style, tie-up kurta was lavishly embroidered with the Pichwai motifs; while the beautiful woven horizontal striped front open kurta when worn with an electric blue heavily floral appliquéd dress created drama on the ramp. Malavika Mohanan came on the ramp as the showstopper in a pair of teal blue flared pants splashed with metallic polka dots and a sexy bralette, with a sheer jacket that was a great and colourful end to the very interesting line. For buyers who long for tradition and craft on the creations the “Pichwai” collection by Vineet Kataria and Rahul Arya for their label ‘Vineet Rahul’ will fill their sartorial requirements. Lakmé Official Makeup Expert at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2019, Daniel Bauer kept the skin glossy and clean with a strong highlight. The lips were kept bold with the shade Dynamite Berry from the Lakmé Absolute Matte Revolution range.