If the cheering and applause as every model came down the ramp at the Imperial Hotel in New Delhi was anything to go by, Rohit Bal’s presentation for the Amazon India Couture Week was a huge success.
Husn-E-Taa’iraat (Beauty of Flight in Arabic) showcased exquisitely embroidered tropical birds, wildlife and foliage in vivid colours, white on white and gold thread.
With limited seats, the grand ballroom of one of the Indian capital’s oldest hotels seemed overflowing as guests squeezed in the standing space between seating areas to catch a glimpse of one of India’s most-loved designers. Entry was therefore restricted to media, leading to something of a scrum outside. In a corner, a pianist and cellist entertained guests and accompanied the models’ walks.
Models sashayed down the centre of the hall in long, flowing dresses often cinched at the waist or just under the chest. Crinkles, pleats and kalis (asymmetrically cut vertical strips of cloth sewn together) created volume in the skirts, representative of the opening of feathers as birds take flight.
Gorgeous whites came alive with oranges, reds, blues and greens of painstakingly embroidered birds and foliage on dresses or printed on to the cloth, paired with oversized jackets. Shades of white resham (silk thread) gleamed on the ivory and beige of men’s jackets.
From silk, the collection moved to rich velvet creations in midnight blue, red and black, making the birds and animals on them come alive. Men wore matching shoes with the same motifs.
Amazon India Couture Week closes on August 2 with Manav Gangwani and Manish Malhotra presenting their collections. Bollywood stars Kangana Ranaut and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will walk the ramp for them respectively.
