India Couture Week 2018 Report

FDCI’s India Couture Week 2018 celebrated design and style like never before, bringing the most exquisite from the world of Indian couture to runways. From traditional lehenga silhouettes getting a modern makeover to ensembles drawing inspiration from all things nature, this season’s bridal trends promise a delectable visual treat in soft hues. Take your front-row seats as we give you the intel on our favourite couturiers and their interpretation of bridal couture for 2018.

Tarun Tahiliani Blog Tarun Tahiliani’s collection was the perfect embodiment of the new voice of tradition. He decided to go the modern route; making sure every garment was light enough for the bride to move around in with ease. ‘In Elysium’ showcased the designer’s signature restraint, with diaphanous lace and filigrees taking centre stage. Iconic European construction came together with classic Indian embroidery. Tahiliani’s love for Swarovski shone bright, with plenty of gems woven in through chikankari, zardozi, ari and shadow-work. Floral and bird motifs, along with a muted colour palette, made this the ideal collection for the elegant and delicate Indian bride. Read our interview with Tarun Tahiliani here.

Shyamal & Bhumika Blog3 Ahmedabad-based designer duo, Shyamal & Bhumika proved that bridal couture doesn’t necessarily mean an overdose of embellishments. They gave the traditional silhouette of voluminous skirts a modern makeover in the form of asymmetrical, tiered skirts, with floral details through laser cut and pearl embroidery. The collection was a bouquet of spring and summer hues, with lavish tulle, trains, ruched sleeves and shimmer. There were options for pre-wedding functions as well as the big day, with lehengas, anarkalis, sarees, and sherwanis in natural, diaphanous fabrics, adorned with ancient embroidery techniques, such as zardozi pita, floral appliqués and colourful details. Read our interview with Shyamal & Bhumika here.

Rahul Mishra Blog2 Rahul Mishra’s collection was an ode to the relationship between what is man-made and nature. His lehengas and anarkalis consisted of everything from animals and birds to lakes and palm trees. He drew inspiration from 17th century Mughal architecture, recreating the tile work and Islamic tessellations from Asif Khan’s dilapidated monument in Lahore on soft organza through silken embroideries. The International Woolmark Prize winner showcased lehengas, saris, floor-grazing jackets, anarkalis and capes in a resplendent palette of corals, greens, whites, golds and blues, embedded with Swarovski crystals and 3D embroideries. India Couture Week 2018 also marked the debut of Mishra’s menswear collection, which predominantly featured shades of ivory with vivid embroidery.

Rohit Bal Blog4 Rohit Bal closed the fashion extravaganza with his brand of glitz and intricate handiwork. His take on florals ran through his collection, ‘Gul-Dastah’ — a mélange of sparkling floral and animal motifs in feminine silhouettes. The palette boasted of lush jewel tones like ruby and red, as well as whites, greys, blacks and golds. The collection was replete with his signature ivory-toned anarkalis and lehengas, splashed with flaming pink flamingoes and majestic pieces that were covered in oversized floral prints and embroideries. His affinity towards symmetry and angular forms was apparent in the black-on-black and white-on-white ensembles. Bal didn’t make the models don any dupattas or stoles, allowing each jacket, cape, gown and lehenga to stand out as an independent piece of art. Shop Rohit Bal here.