At any fashion week, veteran designer Anamika Khanna’s show is often the most anticipated one. Not only because her design sensibility is so uniquely her own, but also because her contemporaries will often sit on the front row excitedly waiting for her models to sashay down the ramp in some beautifully crafted creations. Her bold and feminine garments are the ultimate definitions of modern Indian classics, and you’ll always spot Khanna’s trademark draped silhouettes and exquisitely embroidered capes and jackets in her collections.
At the ongoing India Couture Week 2016, she once again showcased a romantic collection full of powder pastels in rose, yellow, blue, green, and ivory, moving into darker territory as the show progressed. Called When Time Stood Still, the collection started with a live model installation depicting some seriously chic women frozen in time at a party. Traditional weaves and embroideries like kalamkari, dori work, and zardozi were used abundantly through the collection, with pearl work and 3D petals dominating.
The silhouettes were edgy yet subtle via structured coats and embellished lehengas, and the concept of dupattas turned on their heads. Most notable of all were her pant sarees — that are yet another signature creation for the designer. The exquisite clothing perfectly complemented the statement jewellery created by Amrapali Jaipur, with pieces chock full of pearls, diamonds, emeralds and rubies in elaborate designs. Truly breathtaking!