Day one of India Couture Week 2017 made way for Rohit Bal’s Shahaan-e-Khaas, a collection that was quite literally fit for royalty. The designer is known for bringing out unique motifs in his collections, and this time around was no different. Who would have known that a rooster would actually steal the show?
The designer’s collection was Mughal inspired and while his favourite white palette played a significant role, there was colour to be celebrated. Accents of dark blue and maroon filigreed with the couturier’s signature gold embroideries created a palette for an absolutely regal collection that included the traditional as well as innovative pieces. Structured silhouettes and closed band collars were prevalent in the ensembles for both men and women, with full-length jackets, crop jackets and velvet capes being the highlight for the women.
Over all the collection was experimental with silhouettes; Bal always manages to bring a crisp modernism to Indian traditional couture.
The dusky makeup with a bold lip was key beauty trend, making a statement yet keeping it simple.
The showstopper was none other than the handsome Arjun Rampal, who adorned a sleek black sherwani with the same embroidered rooster motif. It reminded us of the time, more than a decade ago, when Arjun Rampal came to Karachi for the Carnival de Couture and swept the ladies off their feet. It doesn’t look like he’s changed or aged.
Amongst others who walked the ramp were also Bal’s friends including designer Raghavendra Rathore, film director Mozez Singh, and president of the Fashion Design Council India, Sunil Sethi, who wore his signature jodhpur-esque trousers.
This collection has the tendency to inspire a thousand copy cats but the couturier was two steps ahead in protecting his designs. “Every single design that was put on the ramp during the show was patented and I have a copyright on every design. Now, if anyone tries to copy any design, they will get a legal notice,” he spoke to the media. We’d like to see if it works.
