National, October 10th 2024: Anurag Gupta this season, crossed the ocean and landed in the fashion capital of the world – France, where glamour and styles are a way of life. His theme at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI during Sustainable Fashion Day, moved into French history. The inspiration was Place de la Bastille that reflected the days of the exciting French revolution.
Creating the right visual impact, Anurag transported the audience to 18th century Paris, where the spirit of revolution echoed loud and clear. It is these elements that drove Anurag’s creativity to higher levels, when he merged the past with contemporary solidarity, freedom
and empowerment for his women’s wear that has always had a contemporary feel.
Besides Anurag’s innovative creativity, the collection was a unique study in sustainable practices that were not just restricted to fabrics. The base was recycled PET, along with materials that were either recycled or upcycled. Keeping fabric waste in mind, Anurag ensured that sustainability was observed in every minute detail.
Bringing the essence of the inspiration on the ramp, the colours were a riot of neons, greens and yellows. When it came to the silhouettes Anurag was a master of construction. Drama was the focal point of creations as four legs for an apparel, to huge, impressive shoulders covered faces and hands appeared in the collection. The addition of metallic jackets, along with creative construction turned each garment into an arresting, intriguing entry on the ramp.
Anurag Gupta from the holy city of Ayodhya studied at the National Institute of Fashion
Technology, Mohali in 2012. A GenNext show 2018 participant, Anurag earned a distinctive identity as well as many accolades for his creations.
“Inspired by the Place de la Bastille,the aim was to create a collection that stirs the
revolution, in a creative way playing with colour, fabric and sustainability,” says Anurag Gupta.
The popular label Ek Katha. (A Story in Hindi) by Madhumita Nath brought a memorable, delicate collection called “Moments ‘N Memories”, which had a nostalgic fashion flavour at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI. Ek Katha is a slow fashion wear brand that follows ethical craft practices, with a mix of asymmetry, imperfection and frayed edges. The textile story was rooted in an earthy, tactile format and a pattern that was replete with surfaces.
There was a great merger of solid hues in blues, that calmly played a frolicking game for timeless pieces. There was a happy element of fun and loads of feminine charm that reflected hints of old worldly and new aspects. To match the mood of the collection, Madhumita focused on organic Kala cotton, cotton silk Chanderi, linen, silk organza, Kota doria and pure mulberry silk. All the fabrics stayed true to the sustainable theme and were hand woven at various weaver clusters in India.
Madhumita added more excitement to the ensembles with monotone batik prints in blue, coral, orange as well as raw white. The silhouettes were fluid, free flowing and easy on the eye as well forms that will appeal to a wide cross section of buyers. Madhumita has worked with artisans and craftsmen in India and her vision to revive many crafts like batik, has been a passion.
“Moments and Memories is all about recollecting happy sweet moments and just like them the collection spells organic grace. The only way I can think of giving this shape and form is through my love for hand woven cloth, its unique texture and rawness. Pattern play through our Batik block prints enhances the beauty subtly, understated with feminine grace is my
expression.” says Madhumita.
The “Moments ‘N Memories” collection by Madhumita Nath has the true essence of
sustainability and will appeal to lovers of textiles and crafts.
Ever since Alexander Kaleekal made his debut in March 2015 at Lakmē Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2015 GenNext category, he has acquired a loyal and adoring fan following. Known to create Avant Garde ensembles from traditional Indian fabrics, Kaleekal prefers his clothes to be genderless.
Based in Thiruvananthapuram, Kaleekal’s love for sustainable fashion is deep and lasting. His latest collection “Hymn” has hints of self reflection and introspection. It is based on a journey that could externally be an experience, but inwardly one that will leave the wearer in deep thought.
The garments were created with origami like folds and pleats, with the measured help of colours and embellishments. The silhouettes were beautifully sculpted and functioned as blocks of colours. Kaleekal has loved to work with fluid, hand woven, fabrics and natural fibres in the past. He has always created custom made fabrics in merino wool, cruelty free silk, cashmere and organic cotton as well as banana fibres, recycled merino wool yarns and waste sari silk yarns.
To stay on a sustainable path, Kaleekal followed zero waste pattern cutting methods, ethically sourced fabrics, post-consumer fabric recycling and yarn repurposing.
Alexander Kaleekal’s “Hymn” collection can be considered a melodious fashion offering that will delight design enthusiasts who enjoy experimental fashion that pushes the boundaries of conventional design thinking.
