Opulent, innovative, awe-inspiring and magnificent are just a few words that describe ace fashion designer Rohit Bal’s latest couture collection titled Shaahaan-e-Khaas. The master couturier ended the first day of the 10th edition of FDCI India Couture Week (ICW) 2017 with a grand show at the revamped Bikaner House in the capital.
An ode to the lost craft and tradition, Bal’s couture collection, inspired by the splendid Mughal costumes, aims to ‘revive and reproduce heritage pieces from collections of royal Mughals costumes, which are now only found in museums’.
The designer’s ethereal creations set forth a perfect example of how one can fuse the rich heritage of India with a tinge of modernness to cater to the modern sensibilities. While Bal’s signature intricate embroidery remained a part of the regalia inspired collection, to everyone’s surprise, this time around, the designer instead of playing along with his signature motifs – lotus and peacock, introduced a new patented motif – cock.
The show began with female models walking down the ramp in ivory, off-white, beige ensembles – diaphanous, voluminous gowns, plain gathered skirts teamed with jackets and capes featuring intricate embroidery, saree – and the male models walking in thereafter, donning the designer’s couture pieces. The colour story gradually shifted from ivories and beiges to more royal ones including luxurious maroon and emerald. The ensembles featured densely woven in gold and silver threads. The collection also featured garments in black.