In a country known for duality, it is only fitting that there are two main fashion weeks in India.
The Mumbai mavens have Lakme Fashion Week, which occurred in March, showing Summer/Resort 2011 collections. (Read my Lakme 2011 posts thus far.) Meanwhile, Delhi divas are donning their designer duds for Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week, which started today and runs until April 10th, showcasing Autumn/Winter 2011 collections.
Judging by the first round of shows today, I can see a distinct energy coming from these clothes.
There is a definite ode to the past – and respect for craft and heritage. What is more evident, however, is the search for a new presence, of a revised notion of what Indian fashion is.
Now, the new India is certainly not news – but there are new designers each season – and with them, a crop of fresh ideas and dreams. The event will feature over 75 runway presentations, with 141 designers taking part in the week’s activities.
While some may not yet have the clarity of vision as an Anamika Khanna or the brand heft of a Tarun Tahiliani or the cult following of a JJ Valaya or Rohit Bal, there is a freshness of thought – and mostly – a determination of spirit that I am starting to see in these collections.
There is an emergence of a voice here, and another voice there and yet another in the distance.
And sure enough, these individual voices are starting to sound like a cohesive crowd.
All images courtesy of WLIFW.
