It’s been a year since the pandemic changed our lives forever. So that inevitably meant the creative industries had to innovate as well. Last year, FDCI and Lakmé Fashion Week both proved that even in a pandemic, innovation and creation mustn’t stop. Neither should it not be shared. And that’s how they joined the digital fashion week club with a host of other international designers and fashion weeks. But that was last year. This year, it’s not 2020 anymore. So further innovation was due. And what’s better than a massive collaboration between two of India’s fashion giants to swoon a national and an international audience with?
March 16-21st experienced the phygital edition of FDCI x LFW, a collaboration that took place after over a decade and a half. The outcome? Best of fashion films and first-of-its-kind (in the fashion industry) drive-in shows. Ahead, we pick the best looks from the sartorial galore that took place over a span of 6 days. Go!
1. Anamika Khanna
The designer is known for her mastery of prints and textures. This oversized trench coat tastefully mixes the two skills the label is famous for with a soothing palette that’s perfect to take you from day to night and summer to winter. The vibrant yellow co-ord set is just a cherry on this delicious sartorial treat!
2. Raffughar
Simple, minimalistic and clean—these three elements go a long way in making a statement. That’s precisely why this white, fit-and-flare tunic is a wardrobe investment you should make. The minimalistic stripes, the clean cut of the dress and the styling of the entire look come together beautifully in making the tunic and pants such a classic look!
3. Rahul Dasgupta
The shibori tie-dye print mixed with fun textures like the intense ribbing effect on this longline coat is what makes this look such a winner! When you want to elevate a basic look or do fusion-wear with an outré vibe, this jacket by Rahul Dasgupta will serve as the perfect pick! Add to that its unisex appeal making it perfect for all genders.
4. Bloni
Bloni is well-known for its futuristic take on clothes. What makes this look a personal-favourite is that it’s spotlight-stealing but with minimal sartorial elements to focus on, thanks to its highly glossy fabric and the quirky cinched-in details at the neck and the hem of the top.
5. Arpita Mehta
Three reasons why this Arpita Mehta look is the absolute best: a flirty gharara set goes a long way when the occasion in focus is an Indian wedding and this particular look—statement-making but lightweight, is apt for wedding festivities when they’re elaborate in size. The butti print of the outfit further enhances the traditional look and feel of the ensemble. And lastly, all three silhouettes can be worn as separates and styled with other items in your wardrobe making it a highly versatile combo.
6. Geisha Designs By Paras and Shalini
There’s nothing more romantic than a white wedding gown but this one with a plunging neckline, accented with feathers, tonal sequin work, a sheer hemline and a ruffled bodice is romance mixed with sartorial brilliance!
7. Pankaj and Nidhi
An LBD is a wardrobe staple for sure but what if you accompany it with a pretty pink dress like this one? The dual-toned, diagonal racer checks, frilly details and the puffy sleeves of the silhouette are the perfect equation of summer romance, don’t you think?
8. S&N By Shantanu & Nikhil
A solid, neutral-coloured skirt may sound boring but a voluminous number like the one below with an asymmetrical cut will take any look from 0-100 in a jiffy!
9. Lata Sita
An easy-breezy, perfect-for-summer dress like this one with delicate splashes of red doesn’t need much explanation as to why it’s a winning look, does it? The kaftan-esque sleeves and the skin-complementing fabric, which is made from scraps of other fabrics are two reasons why we’re crushing on this look.
10. Cocccon
The amalgamation of geometry with motifs like squares and circles on flowy silhouettes like the wrap-around style blouse and the cascading, slitted pants is such a visual feast. Simplistic yet eye-catching and easy on the body, the look is equal parts stylish and comfortable.
11. Chola
The easy-going silhouette featuring a loosely draped high-neck, peasant sleeves and an asymmetrical hemline all point towards one thing—a summer essential. It’s got a formal vibe to it and a playful one. When worn with formal trousers, will make for a not-your-basic office look. For a night out, ditch the pants. Quite a versatile piece of clothing to stock up on.
12. Huemn
Love the concept of normcore? So do I! That’s precisely why this look is well.. everything! Add to the mix tie-dye and utility pockets and there’s honestly nothing to not love about this outfit. Normal-looking yet statement-making, gender-fluid, functional and soothing are all the elements that have made me fall in love with this look.
13. Khanijo
Remember when I mentioned clean and minimalistic sartorial details go a long way in making a statement? Well, this look by Khanijo is another example of that. The sleeveless trench coat is yet another element I like. Makes it appropriate even for summers as an additional layer to elevate a look.
14. Payal Pratap
Need some modern-with-a-hint-of-old-world charm in your wardrobe? Enter plaids. This classic print is an effortless way to ace that unconventional but retro vibe. The earthy tones of this look, the floral embroidery and the structural appeal come together beautifully to form a feminine but boss-babe look!
15. Ritu Kumar
This outfit is quite a show-stealer without so much of an in-your-face effort. While the eye-catching hues, the floral embroidery and the mini polka dots bring a traditional touch, the interesting cut of the dress makes it an unconventional look, perfect for traditional festivities.
16. Nidhi Yasha
Love the Victorian vibe of this flouncy maxi dress, no? The dainty peasant sleeves and the frilly hemline are perfect summery elements but it’s interesting how the cutout on the bust adds a risqué touch to this playful outfit.
17. House of Masaba
2021 is all about elevated loungewear and House of Masaba‘s line is the perfect representation of that. This look in particular ticks all the right boxes, comfort, style and quirk. While all the three items can be worn as separates—both indoors and outdoors, the coming together of multiple prints makes the entire look visually appealing. The finishing touch that is the bucket hat is just a trendy cherry on the cake!
18. Gauri and Nainika
In unprecedented times like these, a temporary but dreamy escape is much-needed and Gauri and Nainika gave their viewers a taste of just that. While it was hard to pick a single best look, this one’s got to take the trophy home. It oozes summer romance like no other, what with its rosy colours, diaphanous silhouette, and delicate-as-petal floral print!
19. AJIO
Curating wardrobe basics with refreshing colours like the ones in this look makes for such an effortless fashionable outfit. I’m particularly fond of the light layering, pastel colour-blocking and adding a printed bucket hat as the fun finishing touch.
20. Suneet Varma
Said it once and I’ll say it again, there’s never a dull moment with Suneet Varma and this vibrant, ombré look is proof. The 3D embroidery of the blouse and the show-stealing ombré effect are sheer sartorial brilliance; a visual feast at best!
21. Limerick By Abirr n’ Nanki
Not that pantsuits aren’t already acceptable attire for any and all occasions, this one in particular ticks all the right boxes! Boardroom-chic yet party-ready and the metallic fish scale cups are an eccentric add-on to elevate the playfulness of the whole look. Oh and did I mention, love the pastel colours!
22. Nirmooha
An androgynous pantsuit made from velour that’ll feel like a feather against your skin? What’s not to love about that?
23. Payal Singhal
Did we just get introduced to the concept of Indian athleisure? That’s one way to contribute to the whole elevated loungewear trend introduced by you know what. The quirky, traditional motifs and the easy-breezy separates are perfect for festivities in today’s day; to opt for something OTT but not compromise on comfort.
24. Siddartha Tytler
2020 and now 2021 has shed light on the fact that one mustn’t take the opportunity to dress-up for granted. Siddartha Tytler‘s collection inspired by the infamous Studio 54 is all things fun, bold and individualistic. Even with a retro vibe, the separates, like the teal sweater with tassels, the fully-sequinned, animal-print flared trousers or the pink pants with ruffles and the blingy jacket have an unconventional appeal. These two looks have the perfect balance of the past and the present.
25. Nitin Bal Chauhan
We’re always on the lookout for sarees that come with an out-of-the-box twist. This drape by Nitin Bal Chauhan is a prime example of how you can retain that traditional spirit of a six-yard yet give it its unique charm. While a saree-lehenga isn’t a new concept, the ocean-like movement on the skirt and the 3D geometric embroidery on that structured by flowy pallu is a work of art!
26. Samant Chauhan
Something so majestic and charming about this cape-style coat. The heavily-embroidered collars and lapels, the neutral colours and the flared silhouette are an embodiment of freedom packed with style and comfort.
27. Manish Malhotra
Manish Malhotra‘s bridal line is always something to look forward to. The colour of this look and the scintillating embellishments are so mesmerising to gaze at. The sheen of the whole look is quite capturing, don’t you think?
28. Pearl Academy
Pastels for colour-blocking automatically just make any outfit a winner, IMO! But this one takes things to the next level with that iridescent touch.
29. Sanjukta Dutta
An innovative saree look is always a delight to the eyes! Sanjukta Dutta not only aced that but did so with a mix of poppy hues and a variety of prints whilst retaining that Assamese spirit of the look via the fabrics. The cummerbund, the sheer poncho blouse, the pleated neckline; what an intriguing mix of OTT sartorial elements!
30. Varun Chakkilam Label
Mint is such a refreshing colour for bridal ensembles. This Varun Chakkilam number is a surefire way to make one helluva entry—unique and charming!
31. Shaveta & Anuj
An ivory lehenga and choli duo with tonal embellishments? One could never go wrong in this timeless combination. Season-friendly, occasion-friendly and if you’re a fashionista at heart, this set could be worn as separates as well because it’s OTT yet subtle!
32. Gazal Mishra
Pastel pink sarees made with skin-complementing fabrics, minimal but pretty embellishments and a playful peplum blouse like that; it’s got that perfect summer vibe to it and is honestly such a show-stealer for the way all the subtle elements of the look make it such an eye-catching look!
33. Tatwamm Couture By Abhishek & Vinita
The glow of a Kanchipuram saree with an ethnic floral print and a rich zardozi border is a beautiful symphony of handicrafts. That with colours that remind one of a sunset… boy, that look is hard to not make it to the best-dressed!
34. Pawan Sachdeva
We’re always game for styles that amalgamate form and function. That’s exactly why we’re eyeing this flirty pastel pantsuit with utility pockets!
35. Taneira
Black is truly such an elegant colour for Indian-wear and this stunning lehenga and choli is proof. The minimal approach to the ensemble with regard to the decoration using kalamkari work and farad print makes the whole look so irresistible! A sartorial fantasy one would say.
36. Bodice
When geometry and symmetry come together with poppy hues and a clean cut like that, one thing’s guaranteed—the look is going to be a winner and a minimalist’s dream come true. This one outfit, in particular, is an apt representation of that!
Bodice
Safe to say, this season of FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week was as powerful as the actual coming together of two of India’s fashion powerhouses. Which of these looks do you like the best? Tell us in the comments below.
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