India Couture Week may have come to an end but the collections seen on the runway during this bridal extravaganza will have a lasting impact on the season’s trends. And not just in India – we here in Pakistan are known to be very fashion-forward when it comes to following international trends, and with Indian fashion so perfectly suited to our culture and aesthetics it is no wonder that names like Sabyasachi and Tahiliani are part of our fashion lexicon. If you’re looking for inspiration for the upcoming wedding/red-carpet season’s wardrobe, ICW will provide a myriad of ideas. One trend that particularly caught our eye here at Instep was sleeves with elaborate embroidery and embellishment. We saw sari blouses, cholis and kurtas all come with demure full sleeves decked with stunning craft that updated an otherwise average ensemble. Read on for our pick of designers who gave us the best ideas on how to bring this delectable arm candy into our wardrobe…
Gaurav Gupta’s collection was big on lace sleeves that looked feminine and sexy. The designer also played around with interesting ideas such as an asymmetrical look that featured an electric blue one-sleeved gown and embellished arm gloves that added oomph to a gold sari.
If bling is not your thing, look to designers like Varun Bahl whose take on sleeves was non-flashy yet glam. In sheer fabrics such as organza and lace, the peekaboo sleeves came with huge floral motifs that captured the designer’s vision of the modern Indian woman.
B-town favourite Manisha Malhotra presented a collection that left us unmoved but we like how this gold sherwani-top has been updated to make the sleeves, worked in antique zari and ivory threadwork, the focus of the ensemble.
Manish Arora, known for his love of colour and kitsch patterns, sent out an edgy and vibrant collection that received a standing ovation. Sleeves that came with bold tribal motifs, metallic sequins, beads and intricate applique work screamed "look at me!"
In sharp contrast to Arora’s futuristic vision of Indian couture was Sabyasachi’s collection. Regal and vintage-inspired, it showed the acclaimed couturier at his beautiful best. Sleeves were encrusted with crystals, zardozi and intricate threadwork. We particularly loved the cropped tops with three-quarter sleeves that brought a sporty feel to the traditional lehnga.
