LA MODE OUTLANDISH
Forget the same old flora and fauna prints, and add some spunk in your Spring\Summer 14 wardrobe by investing in unusual prints that will set you apart
This summer things have taken a quirky turn at the print factory. Can’t call it bizarre but it’s definitely unconventional. As the chorus for the unusual grows louder, designers are letting their imagination fly high. The end result guarantees a fashion fun riot.
Looking at Miu Miu directions, we discover the designer has unleashed some feline charm as prints on the S\S 14 ramp. JeanCharles de Castelbajac has taken to drawings, illustrative portraits and has alphabets scribbled for some smart effect. The written letter has caught the attention of designer Rimi Nayak as well. Speaking about her fondness for all things printed, she says, “Since the S\S’14 trend is all about prints, I have adapted this concept in my silhouettes. Catch them adorned with Bengali typography. Drawing heavy inspiration from some iconic phrases of Bengali literature, the prints have been customised and developed to complement the theme. The letter forms come alive in digital and
block printing techniques along with cutwork and appliques. These are the same alphabets that find a place in the national anthem of two
neighbouring countries of India and Bangladesh. They all find expression in a mix of bright colours in satin, crepe and georgette fabrics.” Designer Masaba Gupta is known for bringing a certain freshness to the fashion fare. And this time, her style sensibility has travelled to an ancient city to borrow some contemporary inspirations.
Masaba’s Postcards from Benaras reckons the idea of beauty in simplicity. There are printed matter of hand palms, old fashioned table fans, bulls, the human form, Durga eyes, Masai tribes, all finding prominent space in a stunner of a collection. Her explanation goes as, “The fabric is reflective of the season with muslin, lycra, net and crepe doing the job for printed jacket, dhoti skirt, cape shirts, overlapping dresses, shirt dresses, maxi skirts and palazzo pants. White is the dominating shade with a strong presence of black, pink, yellow and green.”
Designer Poonam Bajaj has her eyes on aztec prints that originate from South America and is associated with the Native Americans. “The aztec prints including the bold geometric shapes,daring colour combos and a mix of pattern and lines .The colour ranges from neons to bright tones.The fabrics used are cotton, georgette and chiffon with bead work as the embroidery detailing. The striking pattern used sees a combination of lines, diamonds and triangle working in harmony. The effect is psychedelic and eye catching,” points out Poonam.
Different kinds of birds are knocking at designer duo Kapil and Mmonika’s creative cell. “Peacock and swans have flocked our summer line. And they are beautifully perched on satin , viscose lycra jersey, silk georgette and chiffon. The colour card also follows similar path with peacock green and aruba blue dominating the collection along with super lemon, lime punch, mandarin red and lupine.”