India Beach Fashion Week 2017
By Meher Castelino
If you were expecting to find some snazzy new trends in swim wear at the India Beach Fashion Week 2017, then forget it. You would be wrong. Guess the designers have the high budget beach wedding segment in focus. Fashion has now moved from the ballroom and on to the silver sands and it doesn’t only mean bikinis, monokinis and tankinis under the palm trees. At COMO India Beach Fashion Week, Season 5 Winter Celebrations at Marriott Hotel Spa and Resort, Goa there was just one solitary true-blue swimwear designer. The rest of the collections offered a grand variety of everything from bridal wear to military inspired gear, jewellery and traditional crafts collections.
NIDHI MUNIM – SEA NYMPHS
Let’s start with Nidhi Munim, a dedicated swimwear creator whose “Aphrodite” collection inspired by Greek salads will make the wearer look like a Greek goddess who is a sun worshipping sea nymph and loves to loll on the beach. Nidhi offered Toga touched swimwear to choose from, along with teensy-weensy bikinis with flowing covers, some sexy plunge neck one piecers, monokinis, lacy alternatives, wrap skirts with snug tops, a one-shoulder gown ideal for beach soirées and just enough fabric cover to get a golden tan.
KEN FERNS – BEACHWEAR BONANZA
Mention the name Ken Ferns and it has to be fun, frolic and fiesta time on the ramp for resort wear options. His “Love, Laugh, Live,” collection inspired by of all things a TV channel -Romedy Now was a wild and wanton zingy line. Yellow and blue, with shades of pink, white and black splashed with quirky abstract prints spiced up the clothes. Here was a line, which was frothy and feisty, with loads of joi-de-vive for men and women. When you get into a Ken Ferns creation, you are bound to take a nostalgic trip back to the future when life was one big circus of fun.
PALLAVI JAIKISHAN – CRAFTS EXPERT
On the other hand Pallavi Jaikishan unveiled her exquisite collection called “Pristine” that paid homage to the Indian craftsmen’s skills. Zardosi, Resham, crystals and sequins dazzled on saris, lehengas, cholis, dupattas, tunics and lehenga/saris, which is Pallavi’s specialty in rich festive colours and lavish fabrics. Here is a perfect collection if you want to dance Dandiya Raas on the golden sands or light diyas for Diwali under the starlit skies.
ROCKY STAR – RED CARPET GLAMOUR
Rocky Star’s VIDA line is all about making that unforgettable Red Carpet entry. Part gothic, part old world charm with hints of baroque, the sultry dresses, crinkled capes, layered minis, gowns and fluid creations with decorative prints are just right. It’s definitely a collection that can get the paparazzi in a frenzy with motor drive or could be just ideal for candle lit dinners under palm trees with the sound of the gentle waves as background music.
VIKRAM PHADNIS – BRIDAL TRADITIONS
Vikram Phadnis wants to dress destination, resort, loving brides in his ethnic traditional wedding wear called “Bahisht”. Mixing tradition with contemporary silhouettes, the result is a slightly modernised version with intricate zardosi, kundan and pearl embroidery in subtle hues and fluid drapes. Here is bridal wear that will gladden the hearts of the puritans yet delight the millennials who want something a little out of the ordinary.
SHRISTI KAUR – EXTREME WARRIOR JEWELLERY
Ever thought of donning aggressive, impressive, warrior like jewellery when you sun bathe on the sands? Shristi Kaur’s “Eliferous” label showcased the “Forever Young” line with a dazzling Boho Gypsy vibe that will bring out the wild side in your personality. From coin trove body chains, harnesses, leg wraps to oversized tassel earrings, shoulder accents, breast plates, cuffs, head gear and matching beach bags here is fashion for the woman who wants to be the centre of attention on land or sea.
ANAND KABRA – FUSION FAVOURITES
Fusion fashion is the safest choice on a holiday by the sea. You can’t go wrong in billowy dhoti pants, swirling skirts, tops and tunics and that is exactly what Anand Kabra offers women who love to lounge on the sun deck. With vintage prints and embroidered patches to create contemporary shapes, it is a great honeymoon wardrobe that will keep the accolades flowing from dawn to dusk as the love of your life admires your sartorial choices.
KSHITIJ CHOUDHARY – ARMED IN FASHION
If you are on a fashionable war path then Kshitij Choudhary will dress you in his “The Army of the Glam” look that will win you stylish battles from 9 to 5 whenever you are at sea on what to wear. In khaki or grey the military touches will arm you in stylish battle-ready gear that will make you an effortless fashionable leader as you march up the style ladder as the best dressed diva this side of the equator.
AJAY KUMAR – PRINT FANTASY
If you are a male or female worshipper of the print story then Ajay Kumar’s “Bhu: Svah” collection is just right up your alley. With Khadi and handlooms as the fabric’s choice; the wildly, colourful, print-on-print tales for a versatile wardrobe comprising, dresses, toga, blouses, pants, complete suits, shirts and wildly imaginative creations that will keep the fashionistas at the top of the style charts.
ANUPAMAA DAYAL – BOHO CHIC
If you want to be the Belle on the Beach then it is Anupamaa Dayal’s “Le Optimiste” creations that you should rush to. It’s that Boho Chic look that Anupamaa is an expert at presenting. She cleverly puts together collages of patchwork, tassels, mix of prints, embroidery and the result is a free spirited collection that will allow you to romp on the sands, sip sangria at the resort brunch, or even sway to sunset serenades.
KARISHMA MEHTA – HERE COMES THE BRIDE
“Here comes the Bride all dressed in White” is the refrain every girl wants to hear on the most important day of her life and there is nothing more romantic and serene then a white wedding gown clad beauty on the silver sands as she recites her wedding vows standing by the side of her true love. Karishma Mehta makes that dream come true with the “Serene” collection from her Thiana label. The creations are aimed at the destination bride and her entourage with just the right touches of glitter and detailing to make the wedding day a truly memorable one.
SHAZIA NAIK – AN OMBRÉ FIESTA
Designers are inspired by many themes but rarely do they work on the concept of ombré dyeing that releases the creative juices on their drawing boards. Shazia Naik’s Shazzle label presented “Dark Romance” that brought fabric shading to the forefront on Dupion silk with embroidery. Just like the beautiful shades of the sky at a beach resort from sunrise to sunset, Shazia’s fluid, flowing, ensembles were an ombré fantasy as they appeared in navy/green, pink/magenta, and blue/pink/white ombré hues. The collection was pure romance and definitely far from dark as each creation creates a magical aura around the wearer.
