haute line
Summer shades

Top designers are having a field day choosing colours to make a splash, writes Vimla Patil

Aaliya and Arshiya Fakih are young, smiling designers who made a beginning just a few years ago, launching their collections of young fashions at a small show. Today, with the Indian fashion industry booming, they have come a long way in their business and are counted among the top designers of the country. Their recent collection, named Matured Sensuality hit the bull’s eye because of their eye for perfection, colour and line. Some of the most popular models— Yana Gupta, Tapur Chatterjee, Alison Kanuga, Viveka Babaji, Candice Pinto, Himani, Tejaswini Kolhapure, Shonal Raut, Sohini, Shamita Shinga, Anjali, Sheetal Mallar and Aanchal Kumar modelled their newest collection.

"Our collection shows the changing personalities of women," says the duo, "There is a certain sense of maturity in our collection. The lines are flowing and the embroidery is delicate and fascinating. We believe that stark combinations like black and blue will be the order of the summer ahead. We have used georgettes, nets, chiffons and knits with embroidery and embellishments for Western-style clothes and Indian ensembles.

The effect of the embroidery with beads and sequins is stunning and black sets off the various shades of blue with absolute thunder. We think Tapur Chatterjee, who has done the photo shoot for the collection, is the most suitable fresh face to show the spirit of the collection."

In a separate show, senior designer Shahab Durazi promotes the pearl look in his summer collection. Designing each of his creations with a perfection that is his hallmark, he used shades of pearly while, off white and pink to such advantage that the effect is stunning. His collection, shot by Rafiq Sayed with Vidisha Pavate as the model, reflects the Pearl Look for Shahab. Shahab is known for his minimalist approach to fashion and uses the space of a female body with such perfection, that each outfit he creates is an exercise in perfection. His lines are clean, his shapes are dignified and his embroidery is subdued. In the Pearl Collection, he offers saris and dainty cholis, trousers and tops, as well as skirts and tops. Hardly any jewellery is added to the ensembles for enhancing their look. The effect is pristine, original and absolutely riveting.

Whites and More Whites is yet another summery collection launched by a group of designers for Melange, the house of design. Twelve young women have mounted a show at Melange to offer their super white designs and accessories for discerning women to choose from. Among these, Gopi Vaid, whose salwar-sets and pantsuits are already popular and Meera Mahadevia, whose evening bags have made an impact in the international fashion market, are outstanding for their expertise in embroidery and their finish.