I remember being among the first few writers to interview Rocky S, eons ago, when he first opened his boutique. We sat at a Croissants Etc outlet, opposite his store in Juhu (now closed), and we chatted about this young designer’s creations, which were modeled in his catalogue by Akshay Kumar, who was a rising star at the time.
Rocky was reticent, yet earnest, about his ideas, and I think I’ve been one of his biggest critics over the years. But yesterday, when he showed his summer/ resort collection, aptly called Rocky Star, at Lakme Fashion Week, I knew at once, that Rocky, the shy and reticent boy, has now grown into a designer of international standing.
Forget Paris Hilton wearing his dress. Or the Pussycat Dolls in his saris. None of them compared to the Gothic rocker chicks, who stomped down his runway, in one stunning creation after another. With silk-tulle veils billowing behind some of them, while others had black crowns perched on their heads, each outfit the models wore, was beautifully handcrafted, with delicate laser cutwork in net and georgette, and intricate cord work with crystal emphasis. His use of neutral colours, blended with gleaming textures, made each outfit come alive on the ramp.
Rocky has finally come into his own, with a collection that was high on glamour and glitz; a truly international line which was definitely a highlight on the concluding day of Lakme Fashion Week.
Spotted in his front row were Bipasha Basu, Minisha Lamba and Jackky Bhagnani.