Indian Fashion Week- Day 1

Spicezee Bureau

WLIFW, rightly touted as one of India’s greatest fashion fête, kicked off at Pragati Maidan. WLIFW began with an interesting and grand spectacle. Models dressed in elaborate Victorian-style gowns by designer duo Gauri & Nainika, theatrically threw open the doors of a birdcage to signify the freedom of summer and sashayed down the ramp in style.The décor and ambience of the fashion venue radiated style; a haunting Mozart composition added to the classy feel. The designers who showcased their collections were: Gauri & Nainika, ANKY by Anjana Bhargav Surily, Manoviraj Khosla, Siddartha Tytler, Sanchita, Ritu Kumar, Ranna Gill and Vivienne Tam. The creative duo Gauri & Nainika presented a collection that experimented with surfacing. Net was used over silk gowns giving them a vague shimmering look.

Talking about her collection, Nainika said, "We have gone back to the 1930s era when the fashion sense was very demure and not exaggerated. The whole look is vibrant with softly constructed dresses and soft and flowing hemlines. The line has a Greek and Roman feel to it; the styles are elegant, romantic and very provocative. The clothes have a feel good factor.”

"Our collection describes our mood, which is very modern and yet very classical and feminine," Gauri added.

Designer Anjana Bhargav presented a chic collection of apparels reflecting the choice of today's youth.

"My collection was for Spring Summers'09. This is a new label we have launched called 'Anky', which is targeted for the age group of 18-28. This label has been done with my daughter’s input, who will soon be joining the business. The specialty of my design is that the cuts are not pattern-made. There is constructed deconstruction, meaning there are certain things which are cut on a pattern and certain things just draped to the body. So, each dress has a little difference. It can never be replicated in the same way. Every time we make it, it will have to be made to order," said Anjana.

Models walked the ramp in tunics with cowl and flowing necks; short dresses, pencil skirts in satin and silk teamed up chiffon shirts and gowns. The colours ranged from beige, brown, orange, fluorescent green.