August 20,
2011: From vintage ethnicity to
contemporary chic, Neeta Lulla presented a mélange of styles and silhouettes
embellished with the craft of Sri Hastakala Kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh combined
with the influences of the Renaissance period in silhouettes and colours at
Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2011. This Srikalahasti style of Kalamkari was seen
around the temples of the region for several centuries.
The gorgeous
creations dazzled with vintage kundan and metal work on lush brocades of
Banaras and the slinky gorgeous and sensuous nets, chiffon, French Laces and
georgettes in stunning tones of deep red, Persian Green, rust and gold, which
gave the ensembles a heritage touch.
The rich fabrics
formed the basis of the collection with embellishments and prints of Hastakala
Kalamkari given prime importance by Neeta who used velvet cutwork lavishly from
the Renaissance period for the multi coloured and multi fabric collection.
The first model who
started the presentation was the spritely TV and Bollywood actress, Prachi Desai
in an amazing orange panelled Kalidar floor length kurta with a printed bodice
and sleeves.
Soon it was a visual
blitz of the most gorgeous and elaborate bridal wear that was ever seen on the
catwalk; as asymmetric kurtas with panelled gold borders, mermaid tail lehengas
teamed with lace edged long sleeve blouses and velvet bodices for cholis made a
perfect pair for printed skirts, while lace boleros looked elegant with lehenga
sets.
Saris were magnificent
in net worn over brocade or printed petticoats and edged in gold with elaborate
embroidery and the many kurtas were regal and floor skimming in varied lengths.
Brocade godets emerged from multi panelled diaphanous lehengas and two tone shimmering
weaves were used for wide pleated salwars.
Going for various combinations
and experiments, Neeta had anarkalis with tiered godets in multi colours or had
double saris with cropped long sleeved embroidered jackets.
The final line up
of heavily encrusted bridal sets was a feast for the eyes, with the nude lace
long sleeve embroidered choli with a sensational red lehenga being the ‘piece
de resistance’ of the show.
Here was a bridal collection
from Neeta Lulla that could offer heirloom options for women down the ages with
its perfect mix of crafts, colours, ethnic and western blends along with the
dazzle of the most gorgeous embroidery.
Sumitra Puri
