Everyone thinks Fashion Month is over.
That depends on what side of the world you live on.
The Spring/Summer 2012Â collections continue on the Indian subcontinent, with Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week in New Delhi, running until October 12th.
Here’s a preview of what Spring looks like in the Motherland. (Keep in mind that the other India Fashion Week – Lakme – has already taken place in Mumbai earlier this season.)
Like Fashion Weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris – there was a little something for everyone.
There are a plethora of designers new and old each season, but the stars are becoming easier to spot. I’ll have a detailed analysis of my favourites in the coming months, but thought I would give you a taste of each collection shown today.
White is a summer collection fave, no matter where you live. I loved this draped, day dress, from Nandita Das.
Rahul Reddy showed a collection of whites and creams, with Pantone-coloured accessories, that every fashion-forward femme from Haus Khas Village to Village by the Grange will want. Schooled and back we are, on school-girl chic.
I know that when many think of Indian fashion, they think of “ethnic” prints and “exotic” designs – words I abhor, truly. Surely, there is fashion for the masses and the bedazzled classes. However, the voice in which Indian fashion design speaks to me is a brave new one. Individual voices like Rahul Reddy’s and Rimzim Dadu’s are becoming part of a cohesive crowd – one that includes Kallol Dutta, Anamika Khanna, Sabya and a handful of others. There are imitators of these, too, but the originals stand apart. They may not be as influential as the Antwerp Six, but they are dressing the New India – and filling international closets at the same time.
How I’d love a closet filled with Anamika and Sabya, mixed with Dutta and Dries and Demeulemeester – and Dubuc! But….I digress…the state of my mind is in a mode-ified mess.
One collection that really caught my eye this season is Pero by Aneeth Arora. I loved her playful styling and the infinitely wearable pieces.
If I summered in India, the only thing I would want to wear during the day is white. But in the cooler evenings, I would opt for luscious jewel tones.
After looking at photos from Day One, one thing is clear. It’s hard to remain neutral on Indian fashion.
The only one missing from the first day’s shows is Rajesh Pratap Singh – I’ll post those pics, soon. [Update Oct 9: See Singh’s menswear looks for SS12 in Distinguished.]
WLIFW by the numbers looks like this: 131Â designers from across India; 63 designers presenting runway collections during 34 shows; 183 designer stalls in the trade show, covering 100,000 square feet.
It may not be part of Fashion Month as yet, but numbers – well, they count.
Images courtesy of WLIFW.
