After Hrs gets designers to create a sketch inspired by an exotic locale
Travel and fashion have always stunningly complemented each other. Every season, a slew of designers always end up referencing some exotic locale or the other while creating silhouettes, prints and embroideries. For example, designer Jacquemus has often evoked the sunny South of France vibe in his exuberant aesthetic, in India, a couple of seasons ago, designer Masaba Gupta looked at New York women and inculcated their street cred in her offering. It could be the virgin sandy beaches, the soul-searing hue of the sea or just the infectious energy of the city — it often ends up igniting designers’ mood-boards. One of the hottest names in resort wear, designer Anjali Patel Mehta of label Verandah instantly mentions the island of Mykonos in the Cyclades as her inspirational point this season. “Nammos, the beach bar at Psarou being a staple each season, brings Athenians on a summer break with a fair mix of the international swish or not, kids included. More underplayed beaches like Elia, Kalo Livadi and depending on the direction of the winds, smaller ones with old tavernas are just an ATV ride away,” says she with a smile. We got designers to create a sketch exclusively for us inspired by their favourite travel spot.
1. Mykonos
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Verandah by Anjali — Mykonos: My ode to Mykonos is a mustard yellow tiger printed kimono layered over a bralette and a pair of voluminous palazzos. For an island buzzing from the thumping beats of Super Paradise and Cavo Paradiso for after hours, we end up at Malibu for a midnight Nutella crepe or Jimmys for a late night Gyro snack after a packed 24 hours. The more luxe you go in fashion, the island takes it all.
2. Turkey
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Payal Singhal — Turkey: I would choose our signature silhouette of the churidaar lehenga for a decadent wedding in Turkey, perhaps in Istanbul or Antalya. A go-to destination for larger-than-life weddings, it’s the ideal playground for Indian ensembles with an Eastern influence. This outfit achieves just that with ease. The scalloped off-shoulder blouse gives it contemporary relevance, while the pearl and zardozi work make it dressy enough for the sangeet or reception. Add statement earrings and a maang tika to complete the look.
3. Seychelles
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Aniket Satam — Seychelles: Seychelles evokes the idea of ultimate escapism given its untouched islands, a serene sky and splashing aqua waves. The quaint island life resonates the pure raw energy of simplicity and celebrates the natural reservoir of this tropical paradise. It’s a deconstructed draped look, which easily oscillates from being hit at Beach Bars to something to lounge in. The vibrant combination of aqua blue and sunny yellow instantly reminds you of the much needed tropical sun-downer cocktails on beach.
4. NYC
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Urvashi Joneja — NYC: The sketch features our signature geometric brick print, which illustrates the concrete jungle that New York City seems to be at first glance. The stark monochrome colourway signifies the contrast between New York City’s corporate, Wall Street culture, that co-exists with spaces in which the arts, music, and culture flourish within the city.
5. Kerala
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Salita Nanda — Kerala: This dress is inspired by my recent visit to ‘God’s own Country’ — Kerala. We have created a print inspired by the beautiful backwaters with their swaying palm trees and banana leaves that encapsulates the essence of this paradise state. The silhouette is derived from the state’s natural winds that come from the Arabian sea and therefore we used a silk crepe fabric with its ease and flow.
6. Amsterdam
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Arpita Mehta — Amsterdam: It is one of the coolest stops in Netherlands. This city is inspiring in every way, be it the artists such as Banksy or the amazing music culture. Hence a Maruana camo print knit crop top, along with high-waisted light grey denim crop pants, teamed with a black biker leather jacket, worn with lace up leather white ankle length high tops and a warm cashmere dark grey scarf!
