By IANS,
New Delhi : At first, the oversized white birdcage was closed. Then, models dressed in designer duo Gauri & Nainika’s Victorian-style gowns and dresses dramatically threw open its doors to signify the freedom of summer and sashayed down the ramp at the inaugural show of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) here Wednesday.
“The birdcage represented the freedom the summer season gives a woman to dress up in beautiful dresses and gowns that flow well,” Nainika told IANS after the show.
The duo’s spring/summer collection was aimed at reprising fashion of the 1930s with effortless drapes and softly constructed dresses.
“We have gone back to the 1930s era when the fashion sense was very demure and not exaggerated. The whole look is vibrant with softly constructed dresses and soft and flowing hemlines,” Nainika explained.
The silhouettes were tall and slim and had a free flowing look. “They are comfortable yet very sensual, giving a completely feminine look,” she added.
Inspired by Isadora Duncan, the 19th century pioneer of American modern dance who was known for her inventive method of draping, the line also had robes and high-waist pencil dresses in lush prints splashed with vivid colours.
“The line has a Greek and Roman feel to it and the styles are very elegant, romantic and provocative. The clothes have a feel good factor,” Nainika said.
The line was divided into three different looks – understated grey, making its way to shocking greens and oranges, and eventually leading to beautiful gowns in chiffon and tulle with heavy use of nets.
The colour palette ranged from sand, grey, cream, olive, black and white to flaming orange, electric aqua, burnt orange, shaded jade and coral leaf green, pink and yellow.
“This line is very relaxed and easy, with the colour palette dominated by bright greens and oranges. A lot of chiffon, tulle and heavy crepe has been used to make beautiful drapes,” Gauri said.
The designers’ outfits were sans any embroidery or embellishments to depict casualness, a free spirit and comfort – which is their signature style.
“Our collection describes our mood, which is very modern and yet very classical and feminine,” Gauri added.
Mozart’s haunting classic music added to the Victorian feel of the show, which was well received.