Couture Films at India Couture Week 2020

The first ever Digital Edition of India Couture Week recently concluded virtually by FDCI in partnership with Hindustan Times. The Couture Week was held from 18^th September to 23^rd September, 2020. It saw the participation of top notch designers of India with their extravagant designs and they showcased their collection in form of fashion films through FDCI social media channels. Fashion films in India are not a very popular concept specially when it comes to fashion weeks. 

On September 18^th, 2020, Designer Gaurav Gupta presented his collection “Name is Love” along with a narrative on love that is for self, for all genders, for all body shapes, ethnicities and sexualities. The garments were in signature style of Gaurav gupta with a colour palette of pinks, emeralds, sunset orange with a fine balance of structured and flowy silhouetes.

Their original sountrack “NAME IS LOVE” has been written and recited by the incredible poetess Navkirat Sodhi.

The second show of the first day was presented by Couturier Suneet Verma. The collection was a representation of modern woman who lives in “today”. It was reminiscent to traditional motifs and artwork. He stated, ” I believe Fashion is the politest way of speaking about sex- But I like the subtle unspoken word, left to the imagination of the wearer. The glamour and sensuality in this collection comes through the use of sheer and lucid fabrics, the delicate placement of embellishments, the drapes and the unexpected details- and what they reveal or conceal.”

Designer Amit Aggarwal showcased his extravagant collection on Day 2 at 8:00pm. The fashion film started with an underwater shot and took the breath away of many. Underwater couture fashion film is hard to believe but he harnessed the power of ocean, sky and earth in the most poetic and intricate way. He also unveiled his digital store www.amitaggarwal.com which will feature his signature style textile in an ultra luxurious pret collection. His craftsmanship excels in sarees, lehengas, dresses and separates.

The Lotus Pond collection by the magnificient couturier Rahul Mishra won many hearts. The collection is an ode to the evolving ecosystem amidst pandemic. The splash of nature in hues and textures were visible. It was an extension to the designer’s “Butterfly People” collection which was showcased in Paris Haute Couture Week. He quoted, “Through this collection as a creative expression we are served a reminder of the quote by Hans Christian Anderson, that indeed “Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower.”

Day 3 digital edition of Couture Week started with poetic and elegant collection by Designer Dolly J. The collection “Gulenaar” was to die for as it had intricate handwork of silver and gold threads weaved with love for Indian brides. The fashion film started with a feminine touch with furs and veils along with a poetic voiceover.

JJ Valaya’s fashion film “bursa” started with his journey and experience of 3 decades as a couturier and how exciting it is to present virtually for the first time. He also talked about the inspiration taken for his collection “Bursa” from ottoman empire and its architecture. The beautiful saris, lehengas, sherwanis in silk and velvet fabric with metallic and gold was surreal. The collection had dominant waist belt with all the silhoutes.

Reynu Tandon show “Surkh” started with a dose of ethnicity and traditional music. It focused on traditional Indian bride colour palette of reds. “My entire collection this time will be a complete hand woven, eco friendly chanderi collection with lots of light zari work, block printing, gota patti work, patch work and the zardozi work.I want my brides to look elegant maintain the old world wedding charm in a contemporary way and thus i have named my collection SURKH” adds Reynu.

The duo designer Shantanu & Nikhil collection was shot beautifully as a fashion film in five episodes at the Roseate Hotel in New Delhi. The collection was an ode to hope, strength and power. The collection was a reflection of their signature style with hints of luxe metallic, goth applique and classic zardosi work.

Day 5 started with a bang on fashion film presented by designer Kunal Rawal. Decoding Couture for Men’s wear in his fashion film “Hide and seek” he focused on lean look and clean silhouettes. Also, the celebrated couturiers of the country Falguni and shane unveiled their film “spectacle privee”. The film depicted the behind the scenes and efforts put in creating each look. The Luxurious Ivory white collection along with some champagne pinks were the highlight of the show.

Sindoori, depicted the innocence, mischief and passion of Indian Bride in a very special way by Couturier and designer Anju Modi. The color palette reminds an Indian bride journey with the wedding ambience depicting haldi and geeli mehedi inspired tones. She worked on her signature textiles such as mashru, brocades, jamdani, dabka and mukaish. The intriguing fashion film is a special and lovingly crafted couture.

The curtains dropped with the majestic collection “Ruhaniyat” by the celebrated Bollywood designer, Manish Malhotra. The film started with a glimpse of actress Jhanvi Kapoor and her veil. The aesthetics of Mughal era were seen along with the beautiful jewellery. The vintage textiles in the colour palette of dusky pinks, maroons, pistachio greens and greys were seen. The voluminous Mughal style outfits were the heart of the show paying tribute to craftsmanship and age old craft techniques.