In a mesmerizing showcase of creativity and style, the Council of India (FDCI) presented the Hyundai India Couture Week 2023, spanning nine enchanting nights in July and August. The pinnacle event of India’s sartorial calendar featured 16 of the country’s finest couturiers, each weaving a tapestry of tradition and modernity. As the curtains fell on this spectacular event, a trail of trends emerged, promising to redefine the upcoming fashion season.
Veiled Elegance: A Trend Resurrected
Veils, with their timeless allure, took center stage at the couture week, captivating audiences with their diverse interpretations. From the resplendent red ghoonghats at Tarun Tahiliani and JJ Valaya shows to Varun Bahl’s modern floral ensembles adorned with soft black netting, veils became a canvas for artistic expression. Rajesh Pratap Singh took a unique approach, utilizing jewelry and face masks as avant-garde veils, adding an element of drama to the traditional accessory.
Naked Dressing: Sartorial Hide-and-Seek
International trends found their way onto the Indian couture runway with a bold embrace of fitted, sheer dresses that strategically conceal and reveal. Isha Jajodia brought a playful touch with lace skirts and sheer churidar bottoms peeking beneath short, fitted kurtas. Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna elevated the trend, dressing Shobhita Dhulipala in a high-slit, see-through embellished silver skirt, playing a game of sartorial hide-and-seek.
Corsets for Queens: A Victorian Resurgence
Drawing inspiration from Victoriana, designers incorporated varied types of corsets into their collections. Ritu Kumar impressed with a zari-embroidered corseted one-piece bodysuit, while Shantnu & Nikhil balanced proportions with corsets paired with flowy lungis. Rajesh Pratap Singh introduced printed plastic corsets, creating a truly dramatic juxtaposition with his designs.
Fusion Flair: A Blend of Aesthetics
Designers explored the fusion of Western and traditional aesthetics, with Kunal Rawal’s showstopper, Ranbir Kapoor, donning a lungi-pant hybrid paired with an embroidered bandhgala. Anamika Khanna stood out by recreating works of art and embroidering them onto oversized capes, blouses, achkans, and brocade dresses, showcasing a captivating fusion of kitsch and tradition.
Mermaidcore Magic: Underwater Inspirations
Surprising yet enchanting, the mermaidcore aesthetic made a splash in couture. Rimzim Dadu’s creations mirrored literal tides in the ocean, complemented by modernist jewelry. Gaurav Gupta drew inspiration from the five natural elements, incorporating fishtail skirts into structural gowns. Falguni & Shane Peacock embraced the silhouette for traditional bridal lehengas, while Rahul Mishra mimicked fish scales with petal-like structures in a red dress.
In the aftermath of Hyundai India Couture Week 2023, the Indian fashion landscape is poised for a transformative journey, with these trends set to make waves in the coming season. The runway served not only as a stage for fashion but also as a canvas for dreams and artistic expression, in line with Donatella Versace’s timeless words: “Fashion is about dreaming and making other people dream.”
