HIGHLIGHTS FROM INDIA COUTURE WEEK 2024: PART I

The 18th edition of India Couture Week started on the 24th of July in New Delhi. Over the next week, fourteen couturiers will showcase their collections at an extravagant setting at the Taj Palace Hotel. With each collection seamlessly combining traditional craftsmanship with modern elegance, the Couture Week is all set to showcase an array of rich textiles, intricate embroidery, and avant-garde silhouettes that reflect India’s diverse cultural heritage and contemporary sensibilities.

Here are some of the highlights and standout moments from the India Couture Week 2024:

ASAL & MARD by Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla

The duo, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla are the veterans of Indian Couture and have been dressing the rich and famous for decades. At the India Couture Week 2024, they showcased two of their labels — ASAL and Mard. Known for opulence, the duo had models strutting down in enigmatic ensembles in front of the huge Haveli-inspired backdrop.

ASAL & MARD by Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla at India Couture Week 2024

Photo Courtesy: Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla

Beautiful lehengas with tone-on-tone embroidery of botanical motifs, paired with long coats and bustiers, fabulous anarkalis sparkling with intricate mirror work and bejewelled saris made the bridal sequence beautiful. Plentiful use of Gota work and intricate Zardozi work created a playful mix of modernism with heritage.

ASAL & MARD by Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla at India Couture Week 2024

Photo Courtesy: Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla

The men’s range was equally regal. Kalidaar kurtas, flared pyjamas in brocade, tone-on-tone embroidered sherwanis and showstopper of a sheer olive kurta with crystal birds perched on the shoulders drew huge applause. Abu and Sandeep were exuberant post the show and said, “We aim to celebrate the spirit of love between modern couples, a bride who carries her cultural heritage with ease and pride, and a regal groom who exudes contemporary sophistication in a modern spirit, thus harmonising the old with the new to create the ideal wardrobe for their big day!”

ROSEROOM by Isha Jajodia

Isha Jajodia showcased a contemporary line of couture with extensive use of delicate french laces. Titled, ‘Art of Eternity,’ the collection was inspired by a love story using lace and meticulously crafted fabrics. This blend of heritage design and empowered femininity drew inspiration from French architectural grandeur. Delicate lace patterns and luxurious fabrics evoked the days of the monarchy, while botanical motifs added a modern fairy tale touch. The collection had lots of corsetry work that added sensuality to the look. Metallic breastplates were also a part of the collection and added some drama to the overall look.

ROSEROOM by Isha Jajodia at India Couture Week 2024

Photo Courtesy: Isha Jajodia

Pastel hues dominated the colour palette. Isha showcased voluminous skirts/lehengas and form-fitting gowns too. Intricate appliqué work and embroideries embellished the ensembles. Amidst pastel hues, a sequence of black ensembles stood out and looked really chic. Jacqueline Fernandez, the showstopper, donned a black corseted gown with a sweetheart neckline, paired with an elegant netted cape.

“Nazm” by Suneet Varma

A respected name in the Indian couture circuit, Suneet Varma’s collection had variety in style and silhouettes. “Nazm,” paid homage to India’s intricate vintage beauty. The collection showcased lehengas with stylised off-shoulder blouses, shararas, long skirts with capes and palazzos paired with ruffled shirts. The romantic chiffon sarees with corset blouses were a standout piece.

Suneet used three-dimensional embroidery of abstract floral patterns in gold and silver. Silver and gold metallic foil appliqué work added resplendence to the look. The glitz and glamour evoked the grandeur of the silver screen, celebrating the maximalist trend in fashion and couture.

Suneet Varma’s “Nazm” collection at India Couture Week 2024

Photo Courtesy: Suneet Varma

Art collector and philanthropist, Shalini Passi dazzled the show as a showstopper in a beautiful powder pink sari with exquisite ruffle detailing. A grand end to a grand show!