Manish Arora at Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2020 (LFWSR20)

A Manish Arora collection and show is never a run-of-the-mill presentation, so it was of little wonder that at The Atelier during Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2020 it was a mind-blowing extravaganza by the “Master of Magnificent Fashion” that ended Day One. “We Are Family” celebrated ‘Life is Beautiful’ a grand performance that was a fashion presentation with the Parisian Cabaret atmosphere. It was truly a very bold, daring showcase that defied norms and brought the dreamers to centre stage.

  

To the tune of some surreal music, the mood was set for fashion and dramatic excitement. The 8 gracefully moving models on pedestals were dressed in typical extreme creations by Manish. Unbelievably glamorous gowns, leggings, prints, outlandish head gear and makeup along with dramatic footwear, the visual impact on the audience as they moved around was electrifying. The installations were just perfect and revealed the amazing visual drama that only Manish can create.

Unveiling his borderless, gender neutral, inclusive chorus of ensembles that assembled the great energies of the LGBTQAI+ performers, club kids and beauty monsters from around the globe, the visual result was a memorable, arresting show.

  

Commenting on the showcase, designer Manish Arora said "Showcased in a magnanimous setting, my presentation “we are family” was a celebration of a stage called life and genderless love and the LGBTQIA+ community that I’m so proud and passionate about. I’m extremely pleased to see my vision so perfectly executed in a larger than life depiction of color, boldness and of course fashion"

  

Creating drama that was an amazing ever-lasting memory, Manish brought the stark contrast of transparent and opaque fabrics as the basis of his vision. Colours were numerous in variety as they glowed with iridescent beauty that moved seamlessly from the vibrant to the vivid. When it came to silhouettes, Manish is the ultimate adventurer who brought together an amazing mélange and fusion of street wear that was edgy with his characteristic fashion sensibilities but with hints of haute couture in all its sophisticated glory. The traditional crafts and techniques were brought to the forefront with great creative artistry and adapted to the contemporary ethos of fashion.

  

Manish Arora’s “We are Family” brought a perfect end to Day One with glitz, glamour and lots of fashion creativity.

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Vaishali S at Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2020 (LFWSR20)

Vaishali Shadangule for her label ‘Vaishali S’ has mastered the art of innovative weaves, which have made her a star not only on the national fashion circuit but has won her accolades at international fashion events.Her collection “Madanottsava” at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2020, was a strong romantic bridal line offering that had as its signature, the grand weaves from 5 different Indian states. This utterly romantic symphony of tapestry featured the beauty, of the light as air, Chanderi, with white lotus blossoms. The show opened with a spirited performance by 6 talented Indian dancers that set the mood for the collection.

Her Maheshwari silks’ showcase was the perfect base for the Ashoka blooms; while the Khunn featured the lush mango flowers. When it came to the gorgeous Kanchipuram silks, it was fragrant jasmines that offered a serene look. The ever-popular Banarsi brocades, beloved of all brides, had a regal tranquil quality. As Vaishali’s bride dreamt of her true love, her collection like Kamdev’s arrows struck all the right sartorial cords as it pierced the air with its stylish aim. For Vaishali, her collections have always been an intense study of great detailing and fabric manipulation, which was once again evident in her looks.

Cording, was at the centre of attention for all the garments and appeared for cholis, blouses, kurtas, saris and bat wing sleeved tops. Vaishali’s mastery over the art of manipulating the cords was amazing and the 3D texturing appeared on the bodice or as placements in bunches for various creations. Vaishali’s famous ‘accordion’ inspired pin tucked cholis and blouses, which have now become her signature, were seen repeatedly but created with great imagination each time.

When it’s bridal wear with a heart and soul, Vaishali Shadangule’s “Madanottsava” collection had the best of both worlds in large doses along with ample fashion directions.

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Swapnil Shinde at Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2020 (LFWSR20)

Swapnil Shinde unveiled his power packed women’s wear line at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2020

When Swapnil Shinde designs for women, he has always ensured that it is a power packed look that he offers his buyers. For Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2020 Swapnil’s “Not - the Cool Girl” collection was for global women belonging to any religion, region, caste, colour, nationality and sexuality. With such a broad buyer base, Swapnil’s inspirations were derived from the past and present with real and fictional women like Queen Elizabeth, Wonder Woman, Vivian Ward and Swapnil’s favourite Sunny Leone.Working around a colour story comprising yellow, ice blue, nude along with neutrals black and white, Swapnil added a custom designed print inspired by lightening to highlight the fabrics.

Staying perfectly on trend, the designer opted for lush velvet, the latest favourite plumetis, the full-bodied scuba, shimmering satin, sheer organza and slinky silk, as the basis of his many eye-catching silhouettes. Known for his adventurous construction techniques, Swapnil brought in his favoured armour shapes, then moved to contemporary silhouettes and finally added some grunge and oversized looks to balance the fitted versions. Embellishments played a key role with exquisite Swarovski crystals, intricate pearl hand embroidery and some interesting faux leather 3D textures.

Opening the show was a black/white oversized jacket over an asymmetric dress, the collection then moved to a Cinderella print sack with a lattice work back interest. The oversized silhouettes were seen for ballooning power sleeves, and extended shoulders. Jumpsuits were sexy with will-power bodices, micro minis were topped with jackets, bralettes and shorts were teamed with pouchy ballooning covers. Corsets and layered playsuits appeared in quick succession. Pearl and diamond studded pants, minis, harnesses and sheaths looked stunning, while the white asymmetric gown with textured bodice was an eye-catcher. At times the garments sported striking wordplay on various parts of the outfits.

Swapnil’s collection has always created the complete look, so his custom-made bags, shoes, accessories and broaches ensured that the buyer got the head to toes image.

Striding in to close the show was the very dynamic and beautiful Sunny Leone who boldly displayed a giant, boxy, black jacket with sequinned lapels worn over a black mini with the Cinderella print and teamed with calf high black bubble boots.

During this summer, for the buyer who is “Not - the Cool Girl”, Swapnil Shinde offered clothes that will add to her electrifying personality.

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