Young guns to fire on fashion front

The established set with emerging talents promise a heady cocktail at the Lakme Fashion Week beginning today

Get ready to sizzle this summer, as the curtains go up on another season at the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Summer/Resort 2011 to be held at the Grand Hyatt, Vakola. While regulars like Sabyasachi, Manish Malhotra and Anand Kabra promise to up the style quotient, a new array of GenNext designers and emerging talents are set to transform the runway into a m ufffdlange of fashion that will spice up the summer.u00a0u00a0


Manish Mal-haute-ra: The designer at a show held earlier

Mineral by Priyadarshini Rao:
Known for her eclectic fusion of Western silhouettes and Indian fabrics, Priyadarshini Rao showcasing her label 'Mineral' will be one to watch out for. High on comfort and design, it will be interesting to see what new styles she brings to the runway.


Tote-ally wild: Anamika Khanna's stunning designs kickstarted the
Lakme Fashion Week's Summer/Resort season at Tote at the Turf Club
yesterday. The collection included an array of layered jackets, skirts
and shirts in monotone and mismatched prints. Actress Sonam Kapoor
was amongst those present for the show. Pics/Satyajit Desai

Tokyoeye:
Straight from Japan Fashion week, this one's definitely a crowd-puller. Known for their structured and elegant silhouettes, renowned names like Somarta by designer Tamae Hirokawa, who is famous for her 'Skin' series, Motonari Ono by designer Motonari Ono and Araisara by designer Sara Arai, who draws inspiration from the Orient, culture and nature, are all set to enthrall Indian audiences.

Little Shilpa:
Just when you think that accessories couldn't get any bolder than what they are, Little Shilpa ups the ante. With every season getting bigger and better than the other, it's no surprise that her shows run to packed audiences. Watch out for Little Shilpa fans seated in front of you during the show. If they happen to be donning any of the designer's headgears, chances are you'll end up missing all the action on the ramp.

1955 by Kallol Dutta:
Ever since his debut as a GenNext designer at the LFW, it is full steam ahead for Kallol Dutta. Gathering a huge fan following, Dutta is known for his signature silhouettes and prints. His creations have been earning him rave reviews across the fashion fraternity and there's no reason why this year should be any different.

Atsu by Atsu Sekhose:
An elegant fashionista's designer, Atsu Sekhose's collection impresses with solid colours and defining cuts. While his Autumn/Winter collection was a huge hit, both in Mumbai and Delhi, we can't wait to see how the designer has interpreted the summer in his couture.

Sabyasachi:
The man behind every bride's dream trousseau never fails to weave a spell around his clothes.
Think Sabyasachi and you are transported into a dreamy state of heady designs, earthy colours and discerning taste. It's no secret that his show is one of the most eagerly awaited this season.

Manish Malhotra:
Summer/Resort with Manish Malhotra can only mean a riot of colours, fabric and gorgeous silhouettes.
The versatile designer extends his genius to create some of the most sought after collections in India and abroad. And with spring in the air, one can only imagine the treat that awaits us on the ramp.

Gauri and Nainika:
Presenting the Grand Finale of the season, designer-sister duo Gauri and Nainika are synonymous with stunning gowns and dazzling silhouettes. Presenting the 'Fantasy Collection', the sisters have drawn inspiration from
the feminine and dreamy influences that drive the many moods of women. With the brand known for its influences from Hollywood and the red carpet, we can only hope their collection puts fashionistas around the country in high spirits.