By Meher Castelino
Its peak summer and the tropical sun is burning bright. Cool blue waters beckon, and it’s time to wrap that hot bod in the latest trends in beachwear.
While Northern India was preparing for the winter chill, draped in caps and mits, the Gionee India Beach Fashion Week spring / summer 2016 unfolded in November 2015 at the Lalit Golf and Spa Resort in Goa. The designers displayed their versions of swim, beach, resort and destination wear, giving an abundance of style and creativity to the various segments. Swimwear is now de rigueur for most Indian designers who have learnt the basics of fit, form and style in the correct proportions. Resort wear moved into top gear as a profusion of sarongs, drapes, tunics, kaftans, maxis, midis, gowns and minis were showcased in mind-boggling colors fabrics and styles.Here is a recap.
Bikini Bombshells
The bikini and the one-piece swimwear for water babies was on top of the aqua wear charts here. Designer Aakriti Grover for her Flirtatious label created ‘The Mystic Sea’ collection and ensured that swimwear with colour blocking was of prime importance in her range. Shades of blue, pink and yellow with prints came together seamlessly. Strappy bikinis with aqua designs, the stylish black cross-over two-piece, a lemon bandana bustier and shorts and a colourfulversion in abstract patterns will make magic in the water. Aakriti’s printed one-piece and the sporty black leggings for the beach completed the look.
BabitaMalkani’s water wear for her collection called ‘Talim – the Woven Tale’ was more complicated with trikinis in prints/solids as well as cross-over numbers with cut outs, which made great fashion news. LalitDalmia’s gothic swimwear for his collection ‘Coupe Mélange’ was a sombre offering. Sequins dazzled with fluffs of tulle to liven the bikinis, while 3D baubles added to the grim inspiration. For added drama Lalit even had a fuchsia two-piece number with piercing cones decorated with glitter and fringes. An occasional shredded cape gave a stylish touch to his jade bikini.
Designer ManovirajKhosla remained sober with his black bandana style bikinis or white ones with multi coloured covers. Mona Shroff’s beach jewellery called ‘The Black Dove’ was highlighted by NIshankhSainani’s white one- piece with a sheer long cover or a sexy pristine halter bikini. ShwetaPuthran’s ‘Southern Sway’ collection brought the architectural print on one-shoulder cut out swimsuits or a figure hugging one with South Indian sculpture prints.
ShrutiKathpal’s body suits from her collection ‘A Luxe Retreat’ in dual tones worked well with attached soft covers or long side trails in ombré hues of mango and black. Her one-shoulder long sleeve electric blue cut-out beach wear with a side trail was just apt for relaxed brunch afternoons. Dionne Claudette Alves for her collection, ‘Coalesce’ brought floral printed zippered one-piece swimwear with matching cape sleeves for some fun in the sea.
Fabrics favoured for water wear were mainly neoprene, Lycra or scuba fabrics, which were ideal for the figure moulding styles.
Into Resort Wear
When on a holiday by the sea, cruise and resort wear makes a fashion statement. It’s the dare to bare look with loads of style and design that made a perfect after dark entry for the party goer. Fabrics that worked really well were chiffon, Georgette, jersey, tulle, mulmul, cotton, knits satin and silk. Esha Sethi Thirani’s ‘Summer Dive’ collection offered the sari gown with a nautical robe gilet for contrast. Her cleverly embellished grey/white skirts with beaded bikini tops and shouder cape were an ideal evening offering.
AnupamaaDayal’s ‘Swayamvar’ collection had floral printed silk togas, which went well for beach parties; while AsmitaMarwa’s white sheer sack cover over black/red bikini from her collection ‘The Bindu’ was the ideal accessory. BabitaMalkani’s fluid soft will-power maxis with strategic cut-outs were the best options for a beach bash but DhikshaKhanna’s collection ‘Missfit’ had dual tone sarong styles over bikinis that will move easily from beach to ballroom.
Lacy skirts over swimwear are a quick way to move away for a brunch as directed by Savitri for her label ‘GanitThe Wedding Gallery’ brand. Add a floppy beach hat to complete the look or a fancy corsage on the head along with an occasional lacy toga that could also do the trick for drama by the seas or for a beach party.
Wendell Rodricks’ ‘Ahead of the Curve’ collection had black sultry gown with white layered cape, silky blue mini with extended flaps that will look great at any resort bash. There was relaxed fluidity in Wendell’s collection which will appeal to the holiday makers
From Ken Ferns his ‘Day Dream’ collection was splashed with bright colorful poppies for cute miniskirts, frothy tops or lean tunics. Rina Dhaka’s ‘Bohemian Beach Belle’ line had enough boho chic to thrill the resort sundowners. Long lean red maxi with discreet embellishment will work really well.
UrvashiKaur’s Grecian inspired line showed ombré togas with long shoulder trails; while ZeelDoshiThakkar livened up her collection ‘Salty Kisses’ for the semi-formal look with embroidered micro mini skirt, grey bustier and soft silk jacket.
