Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ India Couture Week 2023 was a splendid celebration that seamlessly intertwined India’s rich cultural heritage with contemporary sensibilities in the world of fashion. Designers showcased a brilliant fusion of grandeur and subtlety, emphasizing that fashion is more than just clothing; it is an art form driven by innovation and progress. The runway witnessed the glamorous presence of Bollywood’s most notable figures as showstoppers, setting the stage for the hottest fashion trends of the upcoming festive season. Here, we highlight some of the most memorable celebrity moments that illuminated the ramp, leaving a lasting impression on fashion enthusiasts.
The allure of Barbiecore, which has already taken the world by storm, made its grand appearance on the runway with Kiara Advani donning a stunning pink ensemble crafted by Falguni Shane Peacock. Gaurav Gupta’s collection electrified the stage, with Janhvi Kapoor as his star muse amidst a stroke of lightning. Ranbir Kapoor exuded unparalleled coolness, striding confidently in his unique skirt-style trousers designed by Kunal Rawal. The scintillating runway looks and walks of Ishaan Khatter and Sobhita Dhulipala for Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna were captivating and should have come with a fair warning for their mesmerizing impact.
Rimzim Dadu’s show dazzled with steel-worthy outfits that shimmered, complemented by Ananya Panday’s glistening presence as the showstopper. Disha Patani graced the ramp in a sequined silver lehenga for Dolly J, epitomizing the season’s trend of the mermaid skirt with a slit. Drawing inspiration from European architecture while remaining true to their Indian roots, Aditya Roy Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan looked ethereal in pastel ethnic ensembles by Shantnu and Nikhil. The runway shows of Bhumi Pednekar, Athiya Shetty, and Vaani Kapoor resonated with a diverse range of fashionistas, catering to every style preference.
India Couture Week’s magic often sets the tone for the forthcoming festive season. One of the prominent fashion trends that emerged was the resurgence of mermaid skirts, frequently paired with side slits and slinky bralette blouses. Leading the way in this fashion comeback were Kiara Advani, Bhumi Pednekar, Sobhita Dhulipala, Disha Patani, and Ananya Panday. Bralettes doubling up as blouses, as seen on Sara Ali Khan and Vaani Kapoor during their runway showcases, are set to become a constant trend for bridal inspiration in the upcoming season.
Fashion designers frequently draw inspiration from their travels, and this was evident in the European influences seamlessly woven into the ethnic grandeur showcased in the collections of Shantanu and Nikhil, Rohit Gandhi and Rohit Khanna, and Roseroom by Isha J. These collections artfully melded European aesthetics with a distinctly Indian essence. The shows of Tarun Tahiliani, Suneet Varma, and JJ Vallaya were nothing short of dramatic, featuring majestic lehengas that stood as showstoppers in their own right. Suneet Varma’s necklace blouses, in particular, presented a convincing case for wearable jewelry as a striking addition to festive wardrobes. Notably, Falguni Shane Peacock’s bejeweled sehras demonstrated how wearable jewelry can add a remarkable touch to men’s couture.
Gender fluidity made its mark on the runway, with Falguni Shane Peacock presenting a male model gracefully donning a lehenga, bringing a delightful twist to conventional norms. Ishaan Khatter and Ranbir Kapoor’s attire showcased gender-fluid styles, demonstrating that skirt-like trousers and tie-shirts can effortlessly become mainstream. Androgynous styles ruled the ramp, with structured blazers paired with lehengas and shararas, beautifully merging classic and contemporary elements at shows by Rajesh Pratap Singh, Rimzim Dadu, Anamika Khanna, and Kunal Rawal.
Ritu Kumar made a regal comeback to couture, staying true to her signature bohemian aesthetic and exquisite zari work. The majestic white lehenga adorned by showstopper Aditi Rao Hydari perfectly encapsulated the essence of her creations, leaving us in awe of the timeless boho dreams that Ritu Kumar’s designs inspire. Once again, the fashion world bore witness to the enchanting blend of tradition and modernity that is uniquely Indian, as showcased in India Couture Week 2023, leaving no doubt that this grand event remains a perennial source of fascination and admiration.
