Ferreira’s ‘Save the Air’ line

Replacing Manish Arora, renowned designer James Ferreira put up a last minute collection created within five days for the Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2012 (LFW). It featured 48 garments based on the theme: ‘Save the Air’. He was inspired by the city of Mumbai and its life. Choosing dark stormy colors for his jerseys, satins and linens for the major part of the show, he added some bright blue, green, red, fuchsia, moss and ended with pristine white for the very eclectic stylish creations.

Adding tie ‘n’ dye and bandhani on a single fabric, Ferreira brought to life the title of his collection ‘Save the Air’ for the striking skirts, tops, swirling maxis, lean sheaths, blouses, jumpsuits, and stunning gowns. The all western line for women had the interesting construction angles that James is so well known for.
Using the looped hemline technique for trousers, tops, tunics and dresses, he brought in many versions of the geometric cuts. There was the very interesting red batwing sleeve sheath, the yellow gathered shoulder dress, the emerald green/moss toga, the angular tunics, dhoti pants, layered trousers and the addition of curved and unconventional seams which gave shape to the garments. The kerchief draped lungi and the envelope pleated skirt as well as the stark elegant jump suit and the gowns with back, side or front drapes were studies in expert cutting.

Men’s wear bordered on the traditional side with a more contemporary angle. There was linen with tie and dye, viscose with bandhani effects, along with wool/chiffon (an interesting version) for the shirts -some with satin collars and cuffs, or mock waistcoats; while voiles and satins were the choice for kurtas.