The interiors of a luxury train with a man reading a book, a couple sipping on wine and a lady engaged in conversation, made for an intriguing backdrop for the showcase of designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s Ferozabad collection, which opened the the India Couture Week (ICW) in New Delhi on Tuesday night.
Unlike most fashion ramps, which are placed in the midst of seating areas on either sides, the experience of watching Sabyasachi’s show was like watching a movie — and adding the Bollywood flavour, but in the audience, was actress Rani Mukherjee.
Ecstatic about being able to catch up with her good friend and favourite designer Sabyasachi, newly-wed Mukherjee, who looked resplendent in one of his saris, said: “When you come to watch his show, you always expect something different. And he’s so good with everything he does that the expectations soar high.
“Each time you come for Sabya’s show, it is better than the last time, so it is great. Even today, the set and train made you [us] feel so nostalgic.”
The ramp was adorned with designer trunks which gave the venue an old world charm. Models showcased 43 of the designer’s creations, including bespoke ensembles for women and some creative outfits for men.
Subtle line
The line was subtle, subdued and elegant — much in tune for what the ace designer is known for.
For women, there are saris, kurtas (tunics), ghararas (a tunic, veil and wide-legged pants), lehengas (embroidered skirt) and coats embellished with zardozi (type of embroidery), crystals and beads. The look was accentuated by the use of coats, peplum jackets and sleeved blouses, which were in khadi and velvet. The colour palette is soothing — beige, old rose pink and duck egg blue.
A black velvet lehenga with vintage Muslim zardozi embroidery was a standout.
For the men, Sabyasachi has explored Benarasi bandhgalas (formal evening suit), hand-block printed breeches, hand-block printed khadi shirts, patchwork blazers, sleeveless Nehru jackets embellished with 18 carat gold buttons and trousers with 18th century floral patterns.
Fashion Design Council of India’s six-day fashion gala, the India Couture Week, is being held at the Taj Palace.
