Day 5 Lakme Fashion Week 2014: Reality vs illusion

Kareena Kapoor Khan at Lakme Fashion Week 2014 day 5

9 PM > Rajesh Pratap Singh
Drama, glitz, glitter and fireworks - the Lakme Fashion Week 2014's grand finale show was nothing short of a grand affair

Change often brings with it expectations fused with excitement and curiosity. So, when it was revealed that this time around, the grand finale show of LFW would take place amidst the green lawns at the host venue, we were piqued with what might be in store. As expected, the décor and drama left us bedazzled.

Kareena Kapoor was the showstopper for the grand finale show

Mirrors framed with lit diyas ran through the centre of the ramp even as giant trees added up to make for an impressive spectacle. The mood was set, and so were the expectations, when models wearing lit helmets with transparent graphic footwear along with signature white Rajesh Pratap Singh shirts started strutting the ramp for his collection, Illusion.

In Rajesh Pratap Singh's show, models entered with lit helmets and his signature white shirts. Pics/ Satyajit Desai

The line was divided into day and night, so it started with structured ensembles in light gossamer fabrics followed by fluid silhouettes in harder opaque fabrics. Pastels and metallic yarns came in perfect harmony to move into sheer glass weaves and then culminated in black and midnight shades with shimmering silver highlights. The line showcased fabrics created from silver, stainless steel, paper aluminum, along with hand-woven and hand-spun khadi, silk and linen

While the designs included skirts, coats, jackets, glittering dresses and coat-dresses, elements and details created using metal disc inserts were the highlight of the show.

Finally, the show drew to a close as actress Kareena Kapoor sashayed down the ramp (as a burst of fireworks went off) in a long sleeved V-neck, low back glittering black gown, bringing the curtains down to augur another season of style.

A quick chat with the showstopper: Kareena Kapoor

Q. What's your personal style statement?
A. Track pants and T-shirt, also jeans and a ganjee and boots. I'm basically a person who likes all things minimalistic. Casual chic is basically my wardrobe. I like dressing up once in a while but I prefer being slightly more understated. I wear boots around the year, even in Mumbai.

Q. Your favourite colours.
A. My wardrobe is full of greys and browns because I'm a winter baby. Most of my vacations are in the winter. So, I think I have a great winter wardrobe.

Q. Your fitness mantra.
A. Pilates and Yoga is my thing, four times a week.

Hits and misses on LFW Day 5

12 pm > With four labels showcasing in one slot, this show offered quite a lot in terms of variety, but one designer who stood out was Surya Sarkar with his line of gowns, dresses, sarees and jackets. High on appliqué, the collection brought forward a summery feel with hues like blue, gold, skin, pale yellow, dull orange and white.

Payal Khandwala, Little Shilpa, Surya Sarkar, Archana Kochhar

1:30 pm > This show belonged to Payal Khandwala, although Nupur Kanoi's feminine collection using just three colours - black, grey and taupe - did have a lot to offer for summer in terms
of comfortable silhouettes. Staying true to her signature style, Khandwala showcased fluid silhouettes with
geometric draping and pleating. We fell in love with the colour blocking combinations. Our favourite was her shirt blouses with sarees.

3:30 pm > A sure hit for summer weddings, Shyamal and Bhumika's floral collection of lehengas and cocktail gowns lacked innovation and creativity, leaving us asking for better cuts.

5:30 pm > Archana Kochhar's Paris-inspired collection garnered interest with the first two ensembles where models glided down the ramp in skirts with digital prints and fitted crop shirts, but post that the line offered nothing that wowed us. Jyotsna Tiwari's slot was no different. With designs that we've seen being showcased season after season (read: cocktail gowns in macaroon shades), it was a yawn; not even Sunny Leone as showstopper revved things up!

6:30 pm > After London Fashion Week, Shilpa Chavan of accessories label, Little Shilpa, showcased her rather ‘horrifying' show at LFW. With her quirk factor in place, Chavan's models were seen walking in a morbid manner with only light from torches, held by them, in an otherwise dark room. Models with eerie expressions sported hornlike strips, tangled branches, even moth feathers. While the show exhibited drama, we were left wondering about the commercial aspect.

7 pm > Even though Priyanka Chopra looked ravishing in an off-white kaftan with silver booties, Neeta Lulla's collection was a let down. With focus on simplicity and comfort, it seemed that Lulla took the brief too seriously. Apart from a few bold colours like hot pink and orange, the blah factor was high.

Trend Report

The hues and elements that wowed and wooed us through Fashion Week

Sport luxe
While internationally, luxurious sport wear has been trending for a while now, Huemn got it to our shores with their sporty jackets, sequined jerseys and a sporty saree too! Nishka Lulla made sport look pretty with the drawstrings of her sweatpants with golden aglets and sheer sweatshirts. Zipper sweatshirts seem to be must-haves as several designers presented their versions of it. Menswear designer Sanjay Hingu had models wearing sporty jackets.

Zips
Zips made a fashionable entry with Manish Malhotra, Nikhil Thampi, Nishka Lulla, Dhruv Kapur and Huemn placing them in various styles.

Sheer layers
Experiment with layering in summer with breathable sheer fabrics worn over prints and bright colours such that they are seen underneath. Our favourite from all who showcased were the sheer jackets for men by Krishna Mehta.

Blue
While orange is the new black, blue is not far behind as several designers used the colour in their collections teasing us with different shades.