Indian designers JJ Valaya and Alpana-Neeraj brought grandeur, glitz, music and lights to the grand finale of Amazon India Fashion Week’s spring-summer 2017 showcase on Sunday.
Starting with a voice-over by actor Kabir Bedi, talking about guru shishya parampara (the traditional passing on of knowledge from teacher to disciple), the night featured a kathak dance performance on the simple catwalk, while Rajasthani folk singers gave a rustic touch, a contrast to the glittery collections.
“The theme was India — modern and festive. Though we pulled through, it was quite a challenge,” Alpana said.
“Guru Shishya parampara has been a very integral part of Indian culture. Within FDCI [Fashion Design Council of India], every designer has worked with a senior designer at some point. So it was like the whole spirit of FDCI had come together in one show,” she added.
Talking about the collection, Valaya said that the marriage of three collections was a challenge.
“It was meant to be spectacular. When the whole concept came about, there was no doubt it had to be us. The challenge was two radically different looks coming together as one collection,” Valaya said.
“This collection was about maximalism, using any and every technique but in a very controlled manner. We segregated it into three collections. First, in a very royal and antique look, second in metallic and mirror work and third, going into a nomadic look,” he said.
The ensembles consisted of lehengas, cholis, long modern dresses and capes with lot a of zari and Swarovski work on fabrics like velvet.
Talking about the comeback of velvet, Valaya said: “Velvets are back and how. This season velvet is coming back in a big way. Metallics were also a huge trend this week,” Valaya said.
