A grand finale draped in positivity

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It doesn’t matter how the other days of the fashion week fared, the penultimate day always has a buzz surrounding it. From the promise of more starry presence to interesting events off the ramp, day five is always draped in positivity. This time it was no different.

Sanchita Ajjampur’s finale on day four had set the stage for what was to come the next day. The creative quartet of Amrita Thakur, Nishka Lulla, Prashant Chauhan and Surya Sarkar started the proceedings on day five.
Amrita’s “Salma Sitara” collection was laced with tradition. Using fabrics like chiffon, net and organza the designer brought alive the festive seasons of India. “Back in the day, the term ‘salma sitara’ would be used to denote embroidery. I took it from there and experimented with cuts and techniques,” said Amrita.
Nishka Lulla’s “Boho Traveller Chic” was in sharp contrast to Amrita’s traditional flavour. The ikat work stood out as much as the elasticised skirt hems. “Nisshk (her label) has to have an Indian soul — hence the ikat work,” Nishka said. While Pras-hant Chauhan’s “Valley of Flowers” splashed with every colour imaginable. The 3D flowers drew appreciative glances from the front row.
Surya Sarkar’s “Daker Saaj” was a study in white and gold. “It’s my ode to the greatest festival of Bengal,” said the designer. His use of tussore, linen, lycra to create a fusion line made an unconventional fashion offering.
Inspired by the Trojan and Grecian era, Nupur Kanoi’s “Chapter Two” was sartorial romance. Models strolled in as the sound track of Requiem For A Dream overpowered the grand ballroom. The colours struck a fine balance between sobre and dazzling. Among the audience was spotted Wendell Rodrick’s who gave Nupur a standing ovation.
Ruchika Sachdeva kept up the fashion tempo with “Bodice”. Bodice attempted to marry Maharaja and sadhu influences through sharply cut blazers, silk blouses, shirt dresses.
Archana Kocchar open-ed the post-lunch slot with “Retro-Metric, a kaleidoscope of bold retro geometric prints on cocktail saris, short tunics, dresses and fluid gowns. Sameera Reddy signed off the show in a gleaming printed sari. Rajat Tangri’s evening show “La Cosa Nostra” was perfectly timed to showcase some hot red carpet dressing. His clothes drew the fine line between fantasy and rebellion.
By sundown, expectation was building up for Neeta Lulla’s jewelled offering besides the heightened anticipation for the grand finale to be helmed by the ace trio of Kallol Datta, Pankaj and Nidhi.