We’re all for the digital wave that has taken over our lives since the start of the pandemic. It makes exclusive events more accessible, and the experience is aligned with changing times. 

This March, The Fashion Design Council of India, more commonly known as FDCI, joined forces with Lakme Fashion Week for a seasonless, phygital showcase. The collaboration between these fashion powerhouses put forth the best from industry maestros, as well as upcoming Indian labels. As style enthusiasts took to the internet instead of assembling at a luxe venue to know the ins and the outs, we couldn’t help but take notice of a few collections with intriguing stories to tell. 

Read on as we let you in on the ones we loved! 

Masaba Land by Masaba Gupta

What it’s about: The resort-wear collection transported us to Masaba Land – a place synonymous with ‘fun’! The idea was to make us, the audience, escape into an imagined space where every day was a celebration. The styles had the designer’s most-loved signature prints, including exotic animals and fun floral motifs. Every silhouette was as fashion-forward as it was comfortable. Masaba Land brought in a playful spin on classics like kaftans, shirts, fusion-separates and cover-ups.

What we loved: Comfort extends beyond boring basics, and the collection reminded us of the same. Bold and fresh colour palettes gave the most relaxed clothing a holiday makeover, which was both luxurious and lively! The highlight of the collection was most definitely the trackees, introduced before fashion week on International Women’s Day. They’ve been on our wishlist ever since! When it comes to the show itself, the collaboration with boat ensured our feet continued to tap with newfound energy! 

An Ode To Our Mother’s Garden by Gauri & Nainika

What it’s about: Gauri & Nainika collaborated with Marie Claire, a woman’s footwear brand under Bata, for a collection that derives inspiration from their mother’s garden. Oversized floral motifs, Parisienne silhouettes and feminine colours in shades of the earth and the sky beautifully bind each garment of the collection together. The Fall 2021 collection is nothing less than a breath of fresh air, in addition to being timeless. Wispy organza and silk chiffon dresses adorned with delicate textures, shirt collars, romantic bows and the brand’s signature billowing ruffles are what it’s all about. 

What we loved: The lockdown meant different things to all of us. For the siblings, it meant spending a lot of time in their mother’s garden. They witnessed the entire transformation process of the flowers, transitioning from mere buds to flower beds. We can’t help but admire the way they depicted the same through flouncy silhouettes. Delicate yet dramatic, eye-pleasing yet edgy, the garments seemed almost poetic with a hint of romance. They made us want to step into the outdoors, but closer to nature and away from the urban cityscape we have grown used to.

For The Love Of Wild from Oushk by Ussama Shabbir

What it’s about: The collection is a homage to the species that have gone extinct due to human carelessness and interference. For The Love Of Wild features all things ‘nature’- from gorgeous, free-spirited silhouettes to colours that remind us of the wildlife. Effortless silhouettes act as the canvas for stunning embroidery and prints that tell the story of those that aren’t around anymore. From summer-perfect dresses in earthy tones, to festive pieces like jacket sets and kurtas; the collection is perfect for the season.

What we loved: Thought-provoking fashion is the way forward, and the collection was a reminder of the same. By deriving inspiration from species that are no longer here, it pushes us to think about the ones that are on the brink of extinction. Every element of nature plays an important role in the ecosystem. We need to bear this in mind. Even if, it’s a line of clothing that plants the thought and its urgency into our heads! 

Aurora from Limerick by Abirr N’ Nanki

What it’s about: The trans-seasonal collection puts the 400-year old artform ‘Pichwai’ from Rajasthan into focus. Using mixed crepes and organzas as a canvas, and with the interplay of ‘sheer’ and ‘solid’, the label has put forth their vision of a new season through Aurora. It brims with hope and fresh beginnings. Unique silhouettes take centre stage in the collection and have a futuristic appeal.

What we loved: Allowing us to delve deeper into the ancient art of Pichwai, which literally means ‘that which hangs at the back’, the collection is a visual treat! It also strikes the right balance between structure and fluidity. The designs beautifully mimic the very best elements of Pichwai paintings. Right from the peacocks to the lotuses, and the architectural references from Indian mythology; everything makes one stop and stare in awe! 

Here’s where you can shop all these collections and more from the phygital edition of FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week.