India Couture Week (ICW), a highly anticipated annual event held by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) is scheduled for later this month – 24-29 August 2021. There was a lot of optimism that India Couture Week 2021 would be the first physical event by FDCI post-pandemic until the second wave of COVID hit us.
The 14th edition of the event will have 19 couturiers showcasing their collections. The designers will be presenting their engaging fashion films, which will be streamed on all the FDCI‘s digital platforms. “Couture is the finest form of expression as it reveals the brand narrative, immaculate construction and design ideology in its truest element”, said Sunil Sethi, the Chairman of FDCI. The 19 designers who will showcase their collections are Amit Aggarwal, Amit GT, Anamika Khanna, Anju Modi, Ashima Leena, Dolly J, Falguni Shane Peacock, Gaurav Gupta, Kunal Rawal, Manish Malhotra, Pankaj & Nidhi, Rahul Mishra, Reynu Taandon, Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna, Shantanu & Nikhil, Siddartha Tytler, Suneet Varma, Tarun Tahiliani and Varun Bahl.
We spoke with some stalwarts of couture to get a glimpse of what they are planning to showcase in their 2021 Couture Collection. Here is a sneak-peek of it:
TARUN TAHILIANI
Designer and Indian bridal couturier, Tarun Tahiliani has planned for four discrete capsule collections – Pakeezagi, Rangrez, Cocktail Goddess and Sheesh Mahal – that make up the larger ICW show. Each capsule embodies unique techniques, story and designs that showcase Tarun Tahiliani’s signature ‘India Modern’ design aesthetic.
As per Tarun, “The film showcases the label’s vision of the 2021 weddings, highlighting the label’s bridal-wear, festive-wear and ready-to-wear lines. The look is contemporary, where Indian techniques, embroideries and textiles are used in modern ways.”
The designer has played with different shapes and cuts of blouses that feature embellishments and textures. Tarun’s signature draped garments, which have become one of the mainstays of the studio because of Tarun’s love for the traditional draping techniques, which have now taken it to new heights, with structured draping that can be worn with ease of a zipper will definitely find a place of pride in the collection.
SUNEET VARMA
Suneet Varma Couture– 2021 will take us on a journey of the magical world of fantasy and dramatic storytelling. Suneet exclaims, “For me, happiness lies in the joy of achievement, and the very force of creative energy.”
Suneet has often been inspired by the fine arts and an artist’s ability to create a fantastical journey as an inspiration board.
“I am drawn to brightly coloured children’s books, stories from other long-forgotten times, dramatic storytelling and this is what my couture always celebrates: Happiness,” says Suneet Varma. So be prepared for a colourful, happy and mystical collection from Suneet that would seem like a journey to fantasy-land.
SHANTANU & NIKHIL
Shantanu & Nikhil’s Fall 2021 haute couture collection captures a spirit of whimsy, nonchalance, and fun with a hint of excess.
“True to our signature, this line-up of ‘Ceremonial Couture’ is the coming together of ‘scintillating glamour’ and hand craftsmanship, with minimalistic details, sartorial asymmetric shapes and a decadent colour palette is ideal for the upcoming wedding season”, says Shantanu Mehra about the collection they will be showcasing at the Couture Week.
Complemented with the signature Shantanu & Nikhil draping style, the collection promises to exude a sense of romanticism that brings a subtle charm and elegance for men and women.
Neo-bandhgalas, sherwanis, draped kurtas, anti-trend gowns and lehengas in avant-garde silhouettes for women will feature dominantly in the Shantanu & Nikhil Couture 2021 collection.
PANKAJ & NIDHI
Pankaj & Nidhi shared the mood-board of their Couture 2021 collection with me and from that it’s evident the collection will be shimmery with a modern take on Indian bridal wear. Lehengas paired with cropped tops and corset-like cholis that give a Victorian edge to the silhouette grabbed my interest. Invested with the time-consuming hand work that the label Pankaj & Nidhi has made their signature, the collection promises to be beautiful.
Text by Jaydeep Ghosh
Image Courtesy: Suneet Varma, Tarun Tahiliani, Shantanu & Nikhil and Pankaj & Nidhi
Find more about ICW and Designers:
https://www.shantanunikhil.com
