When summer is around the corner, it is time for that global holiday that needs a wardrobe that is versatile and trendy. Shahin Mannan’s “Fernweh” (meaning ‘longing for far off places’ in German) was a perfect travel-worthy offering at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2020. Merging the beauty of Indian crafts with western sensibilities, Shahin emphasised the prefect art of great pattern making for the silhouettes.
Keeping the trials and tribulations of global travel in mind, the designer unveiled a line of great anti-fit coatdresses, some regal long, sleeveless jackets, teamed with slinky fitted jersey dresses and then finished off the line with practical denim jackets and versatile pencil skirts. Shahin’s colour story for Summer/Resort 2020 started from the flashy orange and sober navy, which were her favourites then moved to hot mustard, muted sage green, delicate sky blue and ended with pristine white. Fabrics were selected with care keeping maximum wearable options in mind. Jersey was an apt choice, while gabardine was ideal and had a crisp effect for coats.
An eye-catcher was the map motifs, a long, sleeveless, jacket that created the effect with intricate hand embroidery and chains as an additional attraction, so it was apparent, the look offered an interesting take on fashion. A sage and navy, belted, fitted, mini under it, ensured that the layering was done with the intention of some mix and match options. The paper bag waist pants were highlighted with white embellishments and when teamed with a pale blue organza blouse embroidered with an impressive bird motif the combo was refreshing.
Some more interesting entries included a black embroidered double-breasted jacket over a net layered skirt, the very striking wide lapelled coat, denim shorts with an embellished denim shirt and an eye-catching pair of navy pants with a navy/red blouse. The pencil skirt with postal stamp print had a trendy look, while the double-layered red/navy version was unconventional. Men’s wear was restricted to just four entries comprising denim shorts, biker’s jacket, grey embellished suit, red bomber jacket with matching Bermudas and a black overtly ornate suit with the white shirt.
Closing the show was the very petite and stylish, Soha Ali Khan, who strutted down the runway in a navy, flared, skirt and corset both profusely embroidered with travel motifs.
When men and women who long for “Fernweh” that will take them on happy, enjoyable journeys, Shahin Mannan’s collection had everything that will fit perfectly in a travel bag to turn the globe trotter into a trendsetting fashionista.
