Designer Anand Kabra used his creations as a canvas for his rich heritage and traditional embroidery of Hyderabad. These embellishments have been the leitmotif of his collections over the years. At the Atelier during Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2020, Anand cleverly married the traditional with the contemporary and presented a timeless smorgasbord of fusion fashion.
A lover of Japanese floral and Pietre Dura art, Anand brought them on his chosen colour palette that moved beautifully from ivory and turmeric to vermillion and black.
The embellishments were derived from the past, which Anand reinvented onto his ensembles. There was the glitter of beaten metallic thread and wire embroidery in the form of Pitta. Also, on the ramp was the shimmer of Sitara – sequins and the intricate Resham thread work. The ever-popular zardosi embroidery was layered perfectly to form 3D surfaces and the traditional Nag or crystals were incorporated to create luxurious jewelled ornamentation.
The colour story also revolved around black and ivory, with occasional pops of red, Haldi and green. The designer’s signature colour palette effortlessly flattered the Indian skin tones. Unveiling an interactive line of separates, Anand presented a range of versatile silhouettes that were intensely ornate like capes, ponchos, multi-purpose jackets and kimonos. Dipped in ivory was a structured waist jacket juxtaposed with paisley motifs and intricate zardosi work, along with a scalloped hemline. Worn with a red, floral bralette, the voluminous, off-white lehenga featured indigenous motifs in zardosi that looked every bit mesmerising.
Adding an edge to the collection, was a black dress with thigh-high, side slits, covered in multi-hued sequins forming sharp floral motifs. Unconventionally draped, was a 6-yard staple covered in minimal sequins that was cinched at the waist with a zardosi belt, styled with an ivory blouse detailed with an ornate neckline.
Anand’s silhouettes have always been easy and linear but with amazing construction techniques incorporated at all times. Anand also offered a great practical, multi-purpose collection that could be layered or worn as separates, resulting in each outfit being of numerous uses for varied environments, lifestyles or occasions
Anand Kabra’s Summer/Resort 2020 line offered immense wearable options along with great style and substance.