Fashion is one of my passionate love affairs. I take it as a dynamic, all consuming art. And like an intense affair, it drives me insane if I give too much of myself to it.
Once in a blue moon though, certain masterminds get together to celebrate fashion. It's fashion at its fabulous artistic best. It's the Couture Week.
This time around, I had the privilege to attend the Indian Couture Week as a photographer and witness designers showcase their grand ideas.
Over the next few days, I'll be curating my experience of Couture Week 2013. The ones I loved.
MANISH MALHOTRA
The grand finale by Manish Malhotra was grandiose as its best. A 1930s setting, a splendid mixture of the royal era of the decade and the British raj, Manish Malhotra's show was one magnificent, star studded affair.
MANISH MALHOTRA
The grand finale by Manish Malhotra was grandiose as its best. A 1930s setting, a splendid mixture of the royal era of the decade and the British raj, Manish Malhotra's show was one magnificent, star studded affair.
The exquisitely gorgeous Padukone in Malhotra's most stunning creation for the night, as the show stopper. All you need to know about the finale.
DRAUPADI - ANJU MODI
Anju Modi's show was the opening show of the Couture Week and even after the week got over, this one remained my personal favorite. Some works of art become an experience, this was one of them.
An ode to Draupadi, Anju Modi portrayed the tale of this timeless character from Mahabharata. The show started with a beautiful dance that brought alive the story of her marriage to Pandavas. Imagine a dance of crimson and gold, of romanticism and magnificence.
The show transitioned into the fiery 'Game of Dice' and followed into an ethereal dance showcasing Draupadi's devotion to Krishna.
In all, Mahabharata as never before.
One word about the collection - Stupendous.
Take a look at a few snippets I managed to capture when I managed to shake myself out of the hypnotism of the show.
 |
| Game of Dice |
OPIUM BY SABYASACHI
Think of a timeless romance set in mythical nights of regal love and fine wine, with classics for company; never ending conversations and lapses of comfortable silence. Think essence, think beauty, think debonair. Think smoked pipes, and age old rituals and the classic bengali literature.
Sabyasachi's collection for Couture Week 2013 was all this and much more. This man is a genius. That's all I wish to say about him. Rest, take a look at his press release for the show which is basically a mind map of some of the finest, richest words he draws his inspiration from.
 |
| SHEER GENIU Sabya recreated sequins in an elegant manner as only he can. Personally, I loved the collection for all the royalty factor and the air of Indian touch to it. Take a look. |
INDIAN - MANISH ARORA
This show titled 'Indian' by Manish Arora was his unique way of showcasing what the essence of a woman who has Indian blood running through her veins, really is. And boy did he go hardcore with this idea.
Paying ode to the baroque period and the Buddhist temples, Manish Arora's circular ramp was a fabulous amalgamation of painted matkas, swans, elephants and lotuses, with the music of Gangs of Wasseypur as the background score. ALL HAIL.
'Indian' took me back to villages with earthen pots and colourful cholis, red chillies and delicious food, bright colours and oodles of gold, loud fun music and louder wedding celebrations. So blissfully, beautifully desi.
The most exquisite thing about Manish Arora is that he nailed portraying the raw appeal and elegance of an Indian woman, with all the flair and opulence. Kudos to that.
A kickass collection, his insanely trippy designs are something only a woman who feels like a freaking goddess within, can carry off!
Now this is Couture.
 |
| The ramp. |
