Designers Shantnu and Nikhil closed day one of Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI with their grand “Capella” collection at the Jio World Convention Centre. The couturiers moved onto an adventurous path when they went into nostalgic opulence by revisiting the Baroque Era’s majestic artefact – The Chandelier as their inspiration. With this brilliant object of layered artistic lighting as their guiding beacon, the collection also unveiled layers of designing creativity for each ensemble.
Closing the show with great style and elan, Bollywood’s beautiful star, Kriti Sanon made a grand entry wearing an exquisite, white bridal lehenga with a luxurious tulle trail, edgy bustier and Baroque lace embroidered in Dori Work, edged tulle dupatta. The tonal embellishments were majestic in the technique of craft for the gorgeous trio of ensembles. The ensemble set serious goals for brides of the future who have been wary of wearing white on their D-Day.
The marked intricate beauty of baroque leaf motifs appeared in the embroidery for many of the creations. Since the early 17th century era displayed exaggerated styles and forms; the “Capella” collection stated true to the theme. The designing duo paid colourful homage to neutral off-white then moved to rich mint gold and brought in staid charcoal that was also seen at times in the interiors of Baroque palaces.
To suit the requirements of the Indian bridal season, Shantnu and Nikhil unveiled magnificent lehengas encrusted with crystals and jewel stones. Tiers were accentuated by tulle and veils that brought forth a sensuous lavish quality of that era. An embellishment that was extremely eye-catching came in the form of Baroque lace embroidered in Dori work.
Men’s wear featured all the characteristic design sensibilities of Shantnu and Nikhil, as draped kurtas, salwars, loose pyjamas, narrow pants along with buttonless sherwanis, bundgala jackets and bundies made a quick appearance on the runway. A touch of the western jacket came in the form of a one-button version, at times, worn over a sheer embroidered kurta. Interesting additions were, the wide lapel, dolman sleeve, cropped jacket, as well as some cool embellished sweaters for formal wear.
For designers Shantnu and Nikhil, the “Capella” collection pointed to a new haute couture realm, where their creativity was aimed at being more anti-trend. But it was a collection that buyers will cherish as it will turn into heirloom pieces as time goes by.
Shantnu and Nikhil added, “When designers work on a collection, it’s a process very similar to directors working on a movie. Most of the journey towards making this collection was getting to that point where you feel great and excited about what you are doing and Capella is that space where we wanted to revisit our love for the European fabrics, the chandeliers and the old times but revisiting them with a new interest. We have always said less is more for us but with this collection we decide to go beyond, use of Swarovski jewellery and the whole extravagance it brought along was very exciting to us.”
