Lakmé Fashion Week: Neo-festive fusion

The recently concluded Lakmé Fashion Week saw designers mixing Indian and Western silhouettes like a potent cocktail. Be it Tarun Tahiliani's jumpsuit sari or Ritu Kumar's sari pants or the Kedia style top worn with a pair of dhoti pants at Krishna Mehta - everything had an Indian soul intact but had a refreshing contemporary edge.As they say, fashion is about 'now'. One may want to reinvent and revisit the past but it has to be presented with the breath-of-fresh-air modernity. For example, newer ways of draping a sari or interesting techniques of layering an Indo-western fusion ensembles.Designer Swati Vijayvargie showcased a patchwork jacket worn with a sheer asymmetrical skirt, Myoho paired a sari with a sheer collared blouse and AM:PM presented a jacket with a sari. We ask four leading Bollywood stylists on who excelled in Indo-westen fusion techniques.Ami PatelDivya ShethI liked the fact that she's reviving Kalamkari. I feel we shouldn't lose out on our arts and crafts which support the villagers. She showcased revival in a very modern way. She's got it right. I liked the contrasting prints and interesting silhouettes.ROUKA by Sreejith JeevanIt was refreshing. I liked his theme and how infused the Kerala vibe. I personally love gold and white combination which he used.Payal SinghalShe mixed very different colours, which was new and fresh. Particularly, I loved the lehengas paired with kurti tops without any dupatta. I also liked the cape on top and dhoti at the bottom. The combination of flared pants with kurtis worked for me. It was traditional at the same time refreshing.Aastha SharmaArjun SalujaHis fusion was fab. I liked the way he paired kurtas with jackets and saris with cropped blouses. The silhouettes were very western but yet the outfits retained their Indian appeal.Payal SinghalI liked her silhouettes, textures and fall of the fabric was nice. She brought in a newer colour palette.Nikhil ThampiHe presented Indian wear with western silhouette by presenting sari gowns and lehenags. There were jackets with transparent churidars, sari gowns, lehengas with skimpy cholis.Sakshi MehraArpita MehtaI liked her printed fabrics which had borders with mirror work. She presented the clothes in an ethnic way yet it was still contemporary and glam. I liked the motifs highlighted with mirror work.Payal SinghalI liked her anti-fit crop tops and draped silhouettes. All in all, I the structure and flow in her line appealed to me. She did short and long hemlines paired with lehengas in a relaxed and contemporary way.Ridhi MehraI liked the slightly casual capes. She showcased a jumpsuit with long cape sleeves with embroidery which added some romance to the structured silhouette...Sanjana BatraNikashaLoved the easiness of the casual drapes in her pieces. Also, liked her use of fringes and tassels. One-shoulder easy silhouettes provided for modern, breezy yet elegant looks!Arpita MehtaLiked her intricate beaded jackets and waistcoats and interesting use of layering. She had very modern silhouettes yet retained the traditional elements.Monisha JaisingNo one does glamazon goddess better than Monisha so have to include her for some amazing red carpet worthy pieces!