Ladies and Gentlemen, we come to the third day of the 14th edition of the Bangalore Fashion Week 2016. Pretty and Stylish people walked on the ground of Sheraton Grand Hotel and amidst all the hustle and bustle, fashion and elegance were the moods of the event. Former Miss Asia Pacific Nicole Faria walked the ramp for Ashok Maanay while Urvashi Rautela, who will be seen next week on big screens in Sanam Re, was the showstopper for Riya Kodali. The event, however, was opened by the students from Dream Zone and to sum it in a word – it was spectacular!
Ranipink Studio By Indrani Royan
All five fingers are not alike. No two people are alike – and that’s the fun, isn’t it? Every one of us brings a charm and individuality in this world and Indrani Royan understands this school of thought beautifully. Each of Indrani’s creation was unique and thus, she presented different styles and looks to her audience. There were plethora of colors. There was a huge range of silhouettes and styles. The embroided garments were given their due attention with intricate zardozi and Colorful Rich Pitta work – there was everything a perfect collection could ask for.
Maanay by Ashok R Maanay
I still remember last year’s show by Designer Ashok Maanay. It was different and royal. This year was another feather in his cap. His collection called the “MANDARIN FLAMES” has been specially crafted for Bangalore Fashion Week 2016. As you would have guessed, the inspiration comes from the plains of modern day China. The design was a mind-blowing amalgamation of florals with wild and mystique animal print. The colors were bright and the tradition from which this design was inspired was upheld with pride. Like the Gods in George Martin’s universe of A Song of Ice and Fire, MAAANAY by Ashok R Maanav gave respect to the old tradition while welcoming the new tradition.
I personally found the choice of Chinese culture in the show very intriguing. When I asked Ashok about this, he said, “”I always liked something intricate and with different shades, you can see all these finesse in Chinese embroidery, so I used that and made an Indo-Chinese fusion” And here is an interesting fact that Manav shared with me –Nicole, the showstopper, was wearing an outfit that was made up of Chinese silk which weighs 120 grams in contrast to the usual silk that weighs 80 grams”.
Honestly, up until now, I was not aware of this difference – talk about every experience being a learning experience!
Urban Factory
URBANFACTORY is a platform that welcomes the modern designer and gives them wings of entrepreneurship and creative skills. The first collection had a variety of cuts and colors and fabrics – the perfect combination that would make your wardrobe stand out from the rest. Then there was Indigo Blues – that reflected the brand’s love for blue with straight line cuts and geometrical prints. Mosaic Tiles showcased a collection with sophisticated, feminine prints with lace details and lastly Belle de Jour, presented us with outfits for festive occasions – the flairs and tones inspired by the Romantic era.
I also sat down to have a short chat with Madhuri Lakkapragada from the Urban Factory. “What sets Urban Factory apart from the other brands?” I asked her. “Radical transparency, allowing customers to know who their manufacturers are and how much the manufacturing cost will be, we also let them know our margins, and this is something new to Indian customers,” She told me.
Riya kodali Design House by Riya Kodali
Either as a child or a grown up, I have always been fascinated by the world under the sea. Riya Kodali seems to agree with me. Her latest collection, designed for the Banaglore Fashion Week, is inspired by the nature around us and the marine life beneath the ocean. The colors struck the right balance between bright and subtle, reflecting class and elegance. Every garment has been hand crafted by Indian artisans, thus echoing a delicate beauty and expertise in each style and traditional art.
Abhishek Dutta
Abhishek Dutta presented his Spring Summer 2016 is inspired by Eden’s garden – a mystical garden. The outfits had a variety of fabrics like cotton, linen, georgette and leather with interesting texture, laser-cuts, and prints. There were floral prints that stared ironically in the eye of geometric prints, providing a beautifully coordinated yet contrasting and futuristic collection.
Fashion, Travel and Lifestyle 