The interiors of a luxury train with a man reading a book, a couple sipping on wine and a lady engaged in conversation, made for an intriguing backdrop for the showcase of celebrated designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee's Ferozabad collection, which opened the the India Couture Week (ICW) here Tuesday night.
Unlike most fashion ramps, which are placed in the midst of the seating areas on either sides, the experience of watching Sabyasachi's show was like watching a movie - and adding the Bollywood flavour, but in the audience, was actress Rani Mukerji.
Ecstatic about being able to catch on her good friend and favourite designer Sabyasachi, the newly-wed Rani, who herself looked resplendent in one of his sari creations, said: "When you come to watch his show, you always expect something different. And he's so good with everything he does that the expectations soar really very high.
"Each time you come for Sabya's show, it is better than the last time, so it is great. Even today, the set and train made you (us) feel so nostalgic."
Models kept sashaying in onto the elaborate and unique ramp adorned by designer trunks which gave the venue an old world charm, to flaunt as many as 43 of the designer's creations, including bespoke ensembles for women and some creative outfits for the men folk.
The line was subtle, subdued and elegant - much in tune with what the ace designer is known for.
For women, there are saris, kurtas, ghararas, lehengas, coats - embroidered, embellished and encrusted with zardozi, crystals and beads. The look was well accentuated by the use of coats, peplum jackets and sleeved blouses, which were in khadi and velvet. The colour pallete is especially soothing - beige, old rose pink and duck egg blue.
A black velvet lehenga with vintage Muslim zardozi embroidery was a standout.
For the men, Sabyasachi has explored Benarasi bandhgalas, hand-block printed breeches, hand-block printed khadi shirts, patchwork blazers, sleeveless Nehru jackets embellished with 18 carat gold buttons and trousers with 18th century floral patterns.
Fashion Design Council of India's (FDCI) six-day fashion gala, the Shree Raj Mahal Jewellers India Couture Week in association with Logix Group, is being held at the Taj Palace.
