Who’s your LFW favourite

With Lakme Fashion Week Spring Summer ‘16 opening up its ramp today, we asked a bunch of city’s fashion students whose collections they were most looking forward to. From designs and display to wearability and popularity, these young turks seem to be looking at everything through a true blue fashionista’s lens...

Faranaz Dalal, MOD’Art International: Nikhil Thampi I have been attending LFW for two years now. It’s difficult to get an entry in the main shows as they are reserved for pass holders and VIPs but I am looking forward to Nihkil Thampi and Sonaakshi Raaj’s collection this time. Over the years, designers at LFW have started focussing on ramp wear so it becomes difficult to analyse if such clothes would be wearable off the ramp. Having said that, I’m looking forward to some beautiful flowy gowns and short skirts.

Ria Shah, Rachana Sansad: Ujjawal Dubey This will be my third season at LFW and I feel I’ve grown as a student just watching the shows. The best part about being there is that you get to meet industry insiders, see the colours and fabrics that you’d otherwise only see on screen. We get to see the work that actually goes behind the stage too. In India, we are yet to come in terms with the notion that Haute Couture can at times be made just for the ramp. I’m really looking forward to Manish Malhotra and Ujjawal Dubey’s show. Manish for his fabrics and traditional wear, Ujjawal because his work is easy going and comfortable. Also, doesn’t define clothes on the basis of gender.

Mitali Choksi, Rachana Sansad: Aiman Agha Fashion weeks for me are a big eye-opener. They give an insight into how established designers perceive different concepts, colours and designs. Not everything is black and white and or as easy as it seems. I’m looking forward to Aiman Agha’s work. Last season I loved the way she presented the affect of eclipse on animals and marvellously used embroidery to depict it. This year for the spring summer collection, I’m expecting more than quintessential flowers and trees.

Ruchika Jain, Pearl Academy Anita Dongre I see fashion shows as a good opportunity to make contacts. It would be very easy for us if as fashion students we got access easily because the whole invitees and pass drill gets a little taxing at times. I always look forward to Anita Dongre’s collection. She has something for everyone in her kitty. Her brand AND is an epitome of great designs that would make one feel confident and comfortable; her designs are not graphical. I have learnt that fashion shows are much more than just what one sees on the ramp.

Ayesha Kotak, NIFT Anita Dongre I definitely look forward to fashion weeks and as a student it is always a thrilling experience. It was in my first year that I got an opportunity to be to be at LFW, but over the years the excitement faded out until recently Anita Dongre’s collection got the frenzy back with her traditional prints and designs. I learnt that no matter how people perceive your design, the display should be grand. I also think that it is necessary for designers to draw a line between aesthetics and wearability, there are some designers who at times come up with the most impractical designs.