August 23, 2012
Mumbai's Fashion Week Revels in Cut and Color
Mark Thompson READ TIME: 1 MIN.
NEW DELHI (AP) - India's cultural capital of Mumbai, in the thick of the fashion world with Lakme Fashion Week, wrapped up five days of runway presentations.
A show of budding young designers, including Asa Kazingmei and his collection, was inspired by fabrics from India's northeastern Naga Tribe. Other designers showcased bold cuts and colors, true to what editors, stylists and retailers expect from a place rich in jewel tones and luxe textures.
Krishna Mehta targeted the upcoming wedding season with a mix of traditional and modern bridal wear. While there were a few lehengas and saris in her collection, she also had some modern pieces like a sari kimono with elaborate stitching, and jackets and blouses with lace cutwork.
Shyamal and Bhumika Shodhan dubbed their festive collection Maharaja, paying homage to the grandeur and glory of royalty. The collection harkened back to the Mughal era, which was at its height during the 17th and 18th centuries. The color palette of wine, jade, purple, ivory and gold painted a luxurious story.
Shivan & Narresh offered a swimwear and cruise wear collection inspired by horses, with fabric inspired by the gloss of an equine's skin. The handmade louvered jersey was molded into bikini, dress, gown, sari and shirts as well as the collection's signature sari bikini and the new Kafsuit - a kaftan-inspired swimsuit.
A long-term New Yorker and a member of New York Travel Writers Association, Mark Thompson has also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The author of the novels WOLFCHILD and MY HAWAIIAN PENTHOUSE, he has a PhD in American Studies and is the recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center. His work has appeared in numerous publications.
