Gen-Next designers style up the ramp

The INIFD Gen-Next show by six talented designers’ enthralled the audience at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014. Mentored by top designer Anita Dongre, the INIFD Gen-Next show offered the fashion industry bright new talent to look forward to and was a veritable feast for the eyes.

A graduate of Nottingham Trent University, UK in 2010, Chandni Mohan’s label ‘Selvage’ effortlessly combined the concepts of simplicity and power dressing. Inspired by Preston Scott’s architecture; on crisp tailoring with

hints of androgynous touches, Mohan worked around a colour palette of black, white and red; the sharply cut angular boxy dresses, tunics, skirts and covers had asymmetric construction that spelt minimal elegance with maximum impact. Overlapping folds and geometric silhouettes added to the drama to the creations. The accompanying gold jewellery was a perfect match as cuffs, necklaces and earrings added to the look of the very stark but striking collection. The fabrics were Tencel, Satin Crepe polyester, crepe spandex with polyester, sand wash hammer satin and satin chiffons.

Young designers talent to the fore

With a course in styling from Central Saint Martins London, Divya Sheth created a mélange of the East and West for her collection. Presenting a mix of Far East motifs and silhouettes with Indian textiles; the stylish line inspired by Mary Cassatt’s ‘Lady at the Tea Table’ was a delightful blend of traditional ikat, khadi and Jamdani weaves with ample doses of intricate embroidery. Borrowing motifs from Japanese, Moroccan and English tableware and tiles, she went in for totally unconventional silhouettes that were inspired by the very geometric tea bags and saucers. Elegantly styled one-shoulder dress had cascading saucer like motifs down the front. With white as the base, the pottery blue designs were delicately splashed on the slim trousers, asymmetric summer dress, as well as sultry cocktail creations and draped gowns.

With multiple degrees from the London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins UK, Parul Bhargava’s Label ‘Mirage’ presented a collection that was inspired by serenity. Combining a mix of colours, textures and lines; Bhargava’s sleek women’s wear had a marked old world charm of the 1950’s. Slim skirts were topped with boxy jackets, dresses caressed the curves of the models and flowing palazzos added casual chic to the relaxed tops.

From the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad and Ecole Nationale Superieuere Des Arts Decoratifs, Paris, Sreejith Jeevan’s label ‘Rouka’ had a strong creative base that moved from weaver to wearer. Putting an emphasis on the work of handloom weavers, women embroiderers and differently-abled painters who created the artistic button, Sreejith’s collection called ‘Weather Forecast’ was inspired by the romantic rain of picturesque Kerala. Quaintly styled in cloudy grey, dull brown and white with motifs of umbrellas, raindrops, paper boats, engines and cars; the outfits had a perky young appeal.

A graduate of the NIFT, Ujjawal Dubey’s label ‘Antar Agni’ offered the stylish male sartorial options that were an interesting mix of the Middle and Far East along with touches of the West. The collection called ‘No Longer the Hunted’ presented by Dubey revealed the rugged look that moved from woven to knits. The trousers were wide and roomy with a marked Afghan feel. The tunics were comfortably constructed, while the jackets and coats some with asymmetric closures and patched pockets, had a rugged masculine appearance.

A graduate from the School of Fashion Technology, Pune and the London College of Fashion UK, Vilvin Sabu’s label ‘Vilvin’, catered to the stylish woman who effortlessly wants to make a fashion statement. Using traditional crafts for modern chic creations, Vilvin’s collection aptly called ‘Tropical Chic’ was inspired by heritage and art. The sporty Summer/Resort collection of shorts, rompers, body suits, easy blouses with splashes of abstract prints, sensuous ombré dyed minis, cigarette pants and cleverly constructed jackets was a refreshing offering.