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IMAGES: LFW goes fashionably patriotic

Last updated on: March 23, 2013 18:50 IST

Day Two of the Lakme Fashion Week saw designs from Aartivijay Gupta, Anushka Khanna and Sougat Paul. Photographs by Hitesh Harisinghani

Day Two of the Lakme Fashion Week saw designs from Aartivijay Gupta, Anushka Khanna and Sougat Paul.

Designer Aartivijay Gupta opened the Day Two of the Fashion Week in Mumbai.

Her collection titled I Love India combined patriotism to lifestyle in a fashion that became a fitting tribute to the glory of India.

The amazing prints were each inspired by Indian elements like the postal stamps, Indian tiger, the Indian aircraft, coal train, space ship, map of India and even the Father of the Nation- Mahatma Gandhi.

Seen here is a model wearing a long sleeved plunge neck sheath with wide flat collar featuring different elements of the Indian subcontinent.

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IMAGES: LFW goes fashionably patriotic

Last updated on: March 23, 2013 18:50 IST
Candice Pinto walks in an Aartivijay Gupta creation

The garments with Indian motifs were both colourful and trendy as they appeared in quick succession on the ramp.

IMAGES: LFW goes fashionably patriotic

Last updated on: March 23, 2013 18:50 IST
Gupta's showstopper actor Misti Mukherjee walked the ramp in a dual map print sari

The saris with prints of Indian legendary heroes or the telephone looked unusual when teamed with long sleeve blouses.

Indian silhouettes got a cultural twist when blended with textures such as lush raw silk and pure silk khadi.


IMAGES: LFW goes fashionably patriotic

Last updated on: March 23, 2013 18:50 IST

Actor Ronit Roy who was also the showstopper, is seen wearing a white jacket featuring Gandhi motifs.


IMAGES: LFW goes fashionably patriotic

Last updated on: March 23, 2013 18:50 IST

Aartivijay Gupta takes to the ramp with Misti Mukherjee and Ronit Roy.


IMAGES: LFW goes fashionably patriotic

Last updated on: March 23, 2013 18:50 IST

Next up was Anushka Khanna's show.

Aptly called Looking Through the Window, Khanna's collection was a melange of prints, colours and comfortable shapes.


IMAGES: LFW goes fashionably patriotic

Last updated on: March 23, 2013 18:50 IST
Kavita Kharayat in an Anushka Khanna creation

Khanna's exclusive collaboration with London based artist Rewati Shahani, reflects in her designs that experimented with digital prints, appliques, intricate thread work and beading.


IMAGES: LFW goes fashionably patriotic

Last updated on: March 23, 2013 18:50 IST
Reha Sukheja walks tall in an Anushka Khanna outfit

Some of her designs were also inspired from the Art Deco window panes that come in vibrant colours.

The choice of sheer fabrics teamed with organza layering and georgette in tones that moved from dawn to dusk added to the aesthetic aspect of the collection.


IMAGES: LFW goes fashionably patriotic

Last updated on: March 23, 2013 18:50 IST
Sucheta Sharma is seen wearing a deep blue, chequered two-piece ensemble.

In the formal wear, one could see a lot of bright hues like red, orange, fuchsia, deep blue and purple.


IMAGES: LFW goes fashionably patriotic

Last updated on: March 23, 2013 18:50 IST
Anushka Khanna walks the ramp with her leading ladies

Western wear saw a few cocktail saris with large doses of gold and silver that added to the festive quotient.


IMAGES: LFW goes fashionably patriotic

Last updated on: March 23, 2013 18:50 IST

And last, but not the least, Sougat Paul's unique but intricate line had our attention.

Titled Labour of Love, but Love for Labour, his opulent line of garments focused on detailing that included interwoven wires, metal cut-outs, and mesh of cords all skilfully merged to create maximum impact on the ramp.

Seen here, is a model wearing a machined corded corset and printed skirt which pretty much reflected the theme of the show.

IMAGES: LFW goes fashionably patriotic

Last updated on: March 23, 2013 18:50 IST
Kavita Kharayat enters in a Sougat Paul outfit

Strong on texture play, Paul's designs blended well with the choice of summer friendly fabrics -- fluid silks, crepes, chiffons, georgettes and tulle with a touch of embroidery.


IMAGES: LFW goes fashionably patriotic

Last updated on: March 23, 2013 18:50 IST
Shweta Dolly poses in a Sougat Paul creation

Paul experimented with teal, pink, grey and gold with random hints of glitter.

Despite the variety, permanent pleating was a constant in many of the creations -- be it skirts or the gowns.

IMAGES: LFW goes fashionably patriotic

Last updated on: March 23, 2013 18:50 IST

The layered satin gown with pearl and crystal bodice was one of the many beautiful creations from Khanna.

IMAGES: LFW goes fashionably patriotic

Last updated on: March 23, 2013 18:50 IST
Sougat Paul takes a bow at the end of the show

Sougat Paul's garments wove a fashion story which was unique yet feminine with enticing looks that took the audience on a sartorial odyssey.