Monapali Recreates the Old-World Magic

Paras & Shalini: As models, Maggie and Nolana, emerged bathed in blue light in a storm violet and pink silk tulle gown and an aubergine crocket dress, the heart skipped a beat.

There was so much serenity in the scene, in the attire and the aura it created. The entire range of gowns, kaftans, drape dresses, corsets and skirts in shades of violet that followed had the same sobering quality. Off-shoulder cutwork, hand embroidery, shift dresses, appliqué were among the highpoint of the collection. We particularly liked the drape silk net top teamed with textured sheath skirt model Michelle wore. With 'The Earth', Paras & Shalini attempted to "explore the myriad territories, mountain ranges, river beds, islands with their infinite panorama".

Shades of mercury grey, Atlantic blue, lava red, sea green and storm violet were used to give the collection an earthy touch, made further dramatic with the use of halter necks, voluminous sleeves, soft shirt dresses, jumpsuits teamed with oversized tops and fitted bodices.

Monapali: The girls looked like warrior princess as they sashayed down the ramp in jumpsuits, kaftans, shrugs, zouaves, tops, bustiers, wraps and sarees with heavy surface texturing, embroidery, hand paint and discharge print. Introduced very subtly, the colour palette progressed from shades of grey, brown, beige and black to wine, pink, rust and blue. The tussar silk sarees in shades of gold with splashes of candy pink looked exquisite, and so did the smattering of beige and golden backless Anarkali kurtas. The second half of the show was most interesting for its range of 'wearable' silk sarees and finely textured Anarkali kurtas. To create the range, the designer used lots of tussar silk and satin by juxtaposing it with chiffon, lycra and net.

Thick with embroidery, mesh work, bead work, thread work, zardosi and gota work marry hand paint, discharge print and bold graphic patterns, the line had an old-world appeal with a hint of the contemporary.

by : ANWESHA MITTRA