Kolkata Fashion Week

Some of the worlds most beautiful fashion icons emerged in the 1960s, one of which was Audrey Hepburn. Her most iconic looks have inspired designer Leena Taneja for her SS'10 collection showcased yesterday at KFW. The audience couldn't resist applauding when the show incepted with lovely music from 'My Fair Lady' unveiling beautiful elegant tunics and embellished dresses in acrylics, knitted cottons, metallic foilings of silver, copper and gold; all accompanied with various cloche hats and stilettos perfectly working to mimic Miss Hepburns iconic look.

Actor Paoli Dam in a copper metallic tunic, bouffant hairstyle with the long Hepburn style cigarette just stopped the show. Followed by Zubair Kirmani the next show witnessed his signature line, quite structured and geometric prints with simple cuts and silhouettes. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Banga shacted as shows toppers, carrying off sherwan is with churidaars. The evening came to an end with directional designs by Wendell Rodricksas accustomed. His simple, chic and light collection created out of purely cotton and shear cotton wooed the audience. Knitted cottons in pastels, beige, brown, grey and purple in various combinations were the palette of the season. Leading to a modern chic direction, the designer unveiled the geometric cuts converting into drapes inspired from sarees, and wrap arounds had truly international appeal. Sheath dresses, cowl neck poncho dress and long tunics with side cuts were few predominant silhouettes by Rod ricks this time.

Some French audience members said, "We were really expecting a good show and I am happy after witnessing the collections. From Ritu, Rocky to Wendell, all of them were at par." Except the little lack in management which caused little delay in each show, first day of KFW SS’10went all well with fabulous collections showcases by leading designers of the industry. Log on tomorrow for more in Kolkata Fashion Week. Paying a tribute to Indian crafts, especially those from Kolkata, the legendry designer of Indian textiles 'Ritu Kumar' opened 'Kolkata Fashion Week' (KFW) on 9th of Sep at ITC Sonar Bangla. Ms. Kumar's show commenced with a recital of morning raga, which magically set the mood.

There was not a single colour untouched by the designer for this couture line, including the non-colours, 'white & black'. The assortment consisted of pastels, stark red, emerald green, coral red, maroon, and many more from the palette. Bringing out the exotic essence; gowns, lehengas, sarees, and kalidar suits well teamed up with flared trousers and zouaves set the ramp on fire. Zardozi, kantha, brocade work, mokaish work, precious stones and diamonds embedded in net, georgette, shear cotton and silk were used to achieve the royal Indian look. The surprise element of the show interprets the Indian aesthetic but this time in coats, trench and bomber jackets, all trimmed with leather and worn with tights and boots. You would be surprised to know designer Ritu Kumar has printed motifs from a few of her paintings on the silk that was used to construct these coats. The stream also consisted of peshwaz painstakingly printed in the hand block areas of sanganer, gararas and khara dupattas from the home of Nizams.

On the similar track, designer Rocky Scarried forward the soiree with his contemporary Indian collection. The range started from pastels, baby pinks, red, emerald green, orange, citrus yellow and beige. Fusion bridal wear including lehengas, kalidar suits and sarees in net, georgette and chiffon weaved a beautiful story of elegance and glamour together. Special brocade stole, embroidery, and sequined work added on to the look. Cotton sherwan is with crinkled stoles and embellishments stole everyone's heart. Oozing panache cricketer Virendra Sehwag walked the runway carrying luxurious Sherwani which most likely lead hearts to skip a beat! By and large a good opening to the 2nd season of KFW.