A grand & regal finale

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The five-day fashion jamboree came to a classic end when Bollywood designer and now Delhi’s favourite couturier Manish Malhotra presented the last collection of the PCJ Delhi Couture Week amidst cheers and applause. The finale was the dictionary definition of the word “grand” in every way.

From an enormous, regal set, an interesting fusion of Indian crafts and silhouettes to a pretty showstopper with a fellow heavyweight in tow, Manish definitely directed a blockbuster.
In the prelude to the show, the guests were ushered into a large show area where the conventional ramp made way for a wider wooden floor and leather couches, chairs, lamps atop tables bisected the runway in order to have two shows at the same time. “The idea was to make the stage resemble an old world town hall. I believe this is how a couture show in the 30s would have been like,” Manish said.
Having explored Lucknawi chikan-kari, Kashmiri embroidery and phulkari for couture, this time Manish revisited the grandeur of the princely states of India in the 1930s. The colonial influence was amply justified in techniques, silhouettes and embroidery. The collection also paid homage to the artisans and Indian craftsmanship.
As the inviting fragrance of mogra set the mood for the evening, the first model set the ball rolling in a flaming orange ensemble. Moving away from his staple breezy fabrics, Manish employed rich fabrics like velvet, tussar, silk whereas lace, sheer and net were used to balance it out. He also made a shift from his favourite coral, pistachio green, powder pink and made bold choices with tints of red, royal blue, mustard, olive, beige, dull grey and ochre to narrate the colour story. The silhouettes saw a fusion of different cuts and styles. For example, the kalidaars had elements of a ball gown and lehengas looked like lehenga-anarkalis.
There was no place for prints as zardosi and old embroidery techniques were extensively used on lehengas, anarkalis, cholis, dupattas whereas antique gold embroidery and dull silver threadwork kept the hems busy. The beautiful Kashmiri work also had its share of moments when stoles and drapes played hide and seek with voluminous ball gown style lehengas and lehenga anarkalis. Chantilly lace was used to craft ghagras and to add sleeves to velvet anarkalis. While the traditional styles covered it all, low backs gave the collection a sexy sensation.
Towards the end of it, Deepika Padukone emerged in an opulent royal blue lehenga with zardosi detailing teamed with a balloon-sleeved silk choli. Soon actor Shah Rukh Khan and the designer, who looked dapper in a violet kurta, churidaar and a fitted jacket, joined her on the ramp.
As the trio strolled, waving at the famous attendees like Shashi and Sunanda Tharoor, JJ Valaya, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan, Rohit Shetty and others, marking the end of the fashion fiesta, the FDCI president Sunil Sethi had the look of a proud man.