On day five, at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer /Resort 2017 two Hyderabad-based designers, Anushree Reddy and Divya Reddy, showcased their collection on the ramp.
Summer Colours
Anushree Reddy’s pret-line collection ‘The Indian Summer’, was a bit of a departure from her previous collections of Indian wear. This pret-line introduced western wear and fluid fabrics with floral prints. Being a Spring-Summer show, the collection stayed true to the season with breezy, fluid fabrics. “It is a completely new pret-line and also something that a lot more people can wear. A lehenga or something bridal is restricted to an occasion but with this line, we have focused on a larger section of people as it is a little more flexible,” says Anushree. She adds, “All the cuts were absolutely different — something we have never done before. We have explored dresses with structured skirts inside. We have also experimented with slits, trails and scarves.”
Chiffon and a hint of net and organza with subtle embellishments were used as fabrics. Drawing inspiration from the ethereal Great Indian Desert, this season, Anushree’s label explored breathable fabrics using natural fibres such as tender muslin and airy cottons. Traditional and handmade badla weaved magic into these fluid fabrics, which burst into a kaleidoscope of colours on the ramp.
The elegant Shahibzadi
Meanwhile, Divya Reddy’s collection titled ‘Shahibzadi’ was a symphony of regal glamour on the runway. Flowing white lehengas with discreetly embroidered knee-length dresses appeared on the ramp while white floor-skimming gowns were presented with stylish yellow capes. The ensembles created from Konda Patti (wild mountain cotton) were woven by the locals of Adilabad. Divya also used Madhepur Tussar, a favourite of the small town in Telangana (where the designer hails from) which is a summer cooler for the body.
“It’s summer and people like something breathable. I used to do something which was more along the wedding line, so this time, I decided on something summer-friendly. I chose Malaika (Arora Khan) because I don’t think anyone can look younger than her right now,” she said.
Divya Reddy’s collection, ‘Shahibzadi’ included lehengas with embroidered knee-length dresses.
The detailing that appeared regularly in the collection was reserved to pleating that edged tiers of gowns, lehengas, sleeves, hemlines and blouses. The constant appearance of floral embroidery complemented the delicate feminine charm of the ensembles.
The collection’s colour story was muted with white, ecru, and lilacs that moved gracefully to mauve, yellow and then finally bright red for the regal lehengas, kurtas, layered skirts and gowns.
A sensuous Malaika floated down the ramp in a red low-cut choli, with a yellow tiered and pleated lehenga as well as a matching georgette dupatta splashed with glitter to end the show. “I think the outfit is absolutely stunning, I normally favour very neutral palettes and when Divya showed me the outfit, I almost jumped at the opportunity to wear something so colourful for a change. It felt nice to be wearing an Indian after a long time,” Malaika said with a smile.
