Flavours of Fall

Fashion designers speak only one language. And it''s called style. Though not the only ones to understand it, they positively bring the idiom alive with sophisticated meaning; introducing some of their own distinct impressions in the process. And stirring in some spice for the fall collection this season are designers Shantanu & Nikhil and Aparna Chandra.In town to showcase their creations at a fashion show, Chandigarh Times checks out the zing in their creations.
The flavour this time is undeniably glamour, introducing a relatively new concept into the Indian fashion palette. "My collection is essentially evening, very club, and goes for all ages," says Aparna while Shantanu of the Shantanu & Nikhil duo concurs.
"This season is all about club, a segment untapped as yet. And the emphasis is going to be on glamour and opulence," he affirms.
With textures and drapes in mind, these designers have given new meaning to open sizes and loose fits. "Our intent is to keep the garment very feminine despite the fluidity.
Hence the asymmetrical hem and necklines," Shantanu explains. They have let colours run riot, with pink, haldi yellow, fuchsia, aquamarine, and gold dominating above others in their collections.
In terms of actually wearing their designs, Aparna sees no trouble. "When we create for the ramp, there is a lot of scope for experimentation since we''re starting out from a point. But by the time the clothes actually hit the markets, they have already been cut according to popular tastes," she maintains. And while they do create for those perfect tens, most prêt clothing is designed for all shapes and sizes. "We have to keep the average Indian female form in mind," Shantanu avers.
With prêt still being in its nascent stages in the Indian fashion industry, the shift from couture is definitely noticeable. "Somehow couture has always been limited to bridal wear in India, but with tastes and preferences changing the way they are, prêt is going to occupy a major chunk of the market," both confirm.