THERE WAS drama, fun and lots of bling on first day, first show at the Delhi Couture Week. After all it is the only way Indian designers make their real moolah. If the French monarch Marie Antoinette were alive and ever planned a trip to India, she would have definitely given a call to our desi designer Varun Bahl. The queen,

famous for her whims and fancies in the history, was the muse for Varun, who opened Day One of the Synergy 1 Delhi Couture Week 2011. The whimsical collection of Bahl was an attempt to amalgamate the age-old French imperials with Indian royalty. The designer was cheered in front row by Bollywood actor Madhuri Dixit Nene, who looked like a diva in her off-white anarkali.
Model Tinu Verghis opened the show for Varun in a high-shoulder crimson velvet jacket, which was paired with heavily embellished teal-coloured lehenga and bright-coloured velvet jutis.
The careful use of power shoulders in most of Varun’s corset-like structured jackets indicated the return of this trend for the coming Fall\Winter season. The designer mentioned that his ensembles were 50 per cent Indian and 50 per cent French.
He said: “My theme was more like the French-queen-meets-the-Indian-maharani. I paired lehengas with regal jackets and draped saris over lavish skirts. I used rich fabrics, like chiffons, velvets, tulle and lace, to bring out the royalty factor. I also used a lot of coloured thread work for embroidery and motifs. Last year, I opted for the Russian royal influence in my couture collection, and this time it was French. I think I’ll stick to the French techniques for sometime and you’ll see more of it.”
The next in line was a breathtaking show by designer J.J. Valaya, who proved that he is a couturier worth his salt. His beautifully crafted ensembles were a delight to watch as the designer showcased his F\W 2011 couture collection titled “Tasveer”.
The theme was inspired by the art of photography; perhaps not many people know that designer is a talented photographer too. To showcase the evolutionary journey from black-and-white to the modern digital pictures, Valaya used interesting prints, techniques and combinations in his ensembles.
The show began with a dramatic start as the camera lens-shaped props on the ramp started clicking non-stop pictures, and a French opera song played in the background. As the models walked in monochromatic gowns, jackets and saris embellished with fine crystal embroidery and panelled detaining in the border, the audience applauded at the fine creations.
After the monochromes, it was the turn of sepia palette through which the designer created beige tunics with jewelled collars, embellished jackets and appliqué panelled lehengas. Valaya’s signature Alika jackets with rich jewelled necks added a special touch to most of his outfits.
The designer used intricate antique metal embroidery, zardozi, crystals, appliqué technique, detailed motifs and gold thread work to accentuate his outfits.
The showstopper model Bhavna Sharma looked graceful as she walked the ramp in a multiple bordered lehenga with jewel embroidery and antique crystal detail.