Nandita Mahtani and Vikram Phadnis’ shows go packed!

These shows were packed to capacity with guests, media and celebrities, so much so that there was a seating controversy. Designer Rohit Bal didn’t have a place to sit and was standing while watching the show. But even though there was a lack of seats both shows went off well!

Nandita Mahtani’s Ananya collection opened the show which included songs like Stronger, 4 Minutes, American Boy, Right Now (By Akon). The hair was bouffant and was emphasized with curls. Nandita’s designs were unabashedly feminine and sexy with unapologetically low V shaped and empire necklines.

The colours used were mauve, shiny grey, wine, gold, beige, champagne and rich red. She used a lot of belts, some with tassels to accentuate the waist. She even mixed prints like paisley with checks and used bright colours for them.

Many of the outfits were plain with focus on the beautifully embellished necklines, cuffs and borders

The silhouettes for the tunics, kaftans, ponchos, gowns, little dresses were relaxed and plenty of outfits had drapes. There was also a beachwear collection that comprised of printed silk and chiffon translucent robes to be worn over swimwear.

This was yet another very wearable, classy and feminine collection from the expert designer. The use of colour, borders, belts and prints was beautiful. This is a collection we all want to get our hands on!

Vikram Phadnis

His was essentially a lavish and luxurious bridal wear collection. What set his collection apart from the others was that he didn’t use any bright colours. Turquoise blue, rich red, midnight blue, black and gold were the only colours he used. The collection had a very edgy feel to it because of the use of black. It was the perfect fusion of Indian and Western.

The hair was a bouffant with curls, maang tikkas, with smoky eyes and black pumps for footwear.

There were coats, patialas, leggings, kurtas, bustiers, shrugs, ghaghras, chunnis, cholis, churidaars, Chinese coats, sarees and even gowns.

The collection was well balanced. For example, if the kurta was heavy, then it was teamed plain leggings or partialas. A heavily embellished blue and gold choli was teamed with a black skirt and heavily embroidered velvet dupatta.

The beautiful Waluscha Robinson was the showstopper in a gorgeous beige kurta with gold and red embroidery which was paired a deep red ghaghra.

The necklines comprised Mandarin or Chinese collars while some of them were Empire and daringly low.

Brocade, silk and velvet were among the fabrics used. The black taffeta skirt was reminiscent of his design for the Barbie show and one of his bridal gowns that Priyanka wore last year at the LFW to promote Fashion. His use of velvet reminded us of Manish Malhotra’s velvet designs for Anushka Sharma and Asin.

Overall it was a grand and flamboyant collection from Vikram Phadnis for the bridal season.