This time, New York, London and Milan runways felt searing jolts of Indian embroidery, colours and imagery. Not that it hasn't happened in the past - Hermes saris, Chanel's Maharaja-inspired line and Marchesa's one-shoulder sari drape come to mind instantly! This time, Narciso Rodriguez at NYFW fixated on India's Maharajas — incorporating Indian embroideries and the silhouettes in their pieces. Burberry sent out models sporting mirror-embroideries on a bodice attached to a fringed skirt and all over a chiffon dress referencing 60s hippie India. Libertine's punk princesses wore sindoor in centre-parted hair. In Milan designer Stella Jean who took a trip to the Himalayas presented pom-pom tassels and kitschy embroideries. To top it all, Indian model Bhumika walked for many designers like Fausto Puglisi and Emilio Pucci,
This time, New York, London and Milan runways felt searing jolts of Indian embroidery, colours and imagery. Not that it hasn't happened in the past - Hermes saris, Chanel's Maharaja-inspired line and Marchesa's one-shoulder sari drape come to mind instantly! This time, Narciso Rodriguez at NYFW fixated on India's Maharajas — incorporating Indian embroideries and the silhouettes in their pieces. Burberry sent out models sporting mirror-embroideries on a bodice attached to a fringed skirt and all over a chiffon dress referencing 60s hippie India. Libertine's punk princesses wore sindoor in centre-parted hair. In Milan designer Stella Jean who took a trip to the Himalayas presented pom-pom tassels and kitschy embroideries. To top it all, Indian model Bhumika walked for many designers like Fausto Puglisi and Emilio Pucci,
What is it about India that's such a turn-on for designers across the board?
Twist on the India story
India has featured on international catwalks for a while now. Fashion columnist Nonita Kalra says, "Whether it is in the collections of Jean Paul Gaultier or Karl Lagerfeld, the excitement around Indian stems from the fact that there is no limit to the inspiration on offer. From colour, to craft, to silhouette the vastness on offer is bound to attract the creative mind. What is interesting is the twist designers are able to put on the India story. I would be surprised if we don't feature more often, and more regularly."
A message for Indian designers
Designer Shruti Sancheti, known for her love for handicrafts, was glad to see the block prints and a clever mishmash of colours. She says, "The pieces looked like they could be from Kutch or Rajasthan. The soul of these garments is very Indian but styling is current - perfect for the global fashionistas. There is a message for the Indian designers who blindly ape the West because there's so much within the country to incorporate in their design."
Beauty lies in mixing it up
Designer Archana Rao of label Frou Frou sees a lot of culturally defining trends all across India. "It is so interesting to see how international designers explore these details. I think as designers, the East will always be inspired by the West and vice versa. I think the beauty lies in how they mix it up, keeping true to their brand ideology."
Presenting exotica
Designer Arpita Mehta who does a lot of mirror work attributes the mash-up to the curiosity factor. "International designers are in awe of our culture and various religions and therefore try to incorporate in their designs. They present it as a unique new exotic idea/collection."
Mehta sees it as a trend catching up not only for the coming fall/winter season, but also for the seasons after.
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