Associated Press/Rafiq Maqbool – An Indian model displays a creation by Payal Singhal during the Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai, India, Friday, Aug. 3, 2012. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)NEW DELHI (AP) — India‘s cultural capital of Mumbai is in the thick of the fashion world with Lakme Fashion Week, wrapping up five days of runway presentations on Tuesday.
It began Friday with a show of budding young designers including Asa Kazingmei and his collection inspired by fabrics from India’s northeastern Naga Tribe. Other designers showcased bold cuts and colors, true to what editors, stylists and retailers expect from a place rich in jewel tones and luxe textures.
Krishna Mehta targeted the upcoming wedding season with a mix of traditional and modern bridal wear. While there were a few lehengas and saris in her collection, she also had some modern pieces like a sari kimono with elaborate stitching, and jackets and blouses with lace cutwork.
Shyamal and Bhumika Shodhan dubbed their festive collection Maharaja, paying homage to the grandeur and glory of royalty. The collection harkened back to the Mughal era, which was at its height during the 17th and 18th centuries. The color palette of wine, jade, purple, ivory and gold painted a luxurious story.
Shivan & Narresh offered a swimwear and cruise wear collection inspired by horses, with fabric inspired by the gloss of an equine’s skin. The handmade louvered jersey was molded into bikini, dress, gown, sari and shirts as well as the collection’s signature sari bikini and the new Kafsuit — a kaftan-inspired swimsuit.
