AIFW 2018 starts with a bang

The 31st edition of 'Amazon India Fashion Week' finally kicked off in the National Capital, with more than 100 designers showcasing their work. The event, which is scheduled from March 14 to 18, is taking place in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

The show was opened by Samant Chauhan, whose collection featured outfits, mostly in shades of black and grey along with embroidered designs and ruffled detailing.

Designers Ashish N Soni launched the Autumn-winter 2018 range – a menswear collection that focuses on palette extremes of pitch black and pure white. In its pursuit of modern royalty, this is a collection that would aspire to attend the met gala or any other occasion that required an overt display of class and sophistication.

With the collection predominantly in shades of black and white – keeping a largely monochrome look, the designer's minimalistic aesthetic shines through. These colors form the perfect background for the experimental silhouettes that pave the way forward. The collection may be devoid of colour but is certainly not devoid of energy. All pantsuits have textured surfaces andare in a variety of jacquards which create a unique base of otherwise restrained detailing and dimensions.

Also, Gauri and Nainika, who for the first time presented their collection together at the fashion week, focussed on women's wear. Going along with the spirit of the moment, Gauri and Nainika Fall Winter 18 speaks of bold femininity and strong women.

Romantic and grand, the collection has been designed for women who flourish in their femininity. Dramatic textures, full skirts, enormous 3D hand embroidered flowers, delicately pleated tulle are some of the elements seen in this stark black and white collection.

Next in the line, Adarsh Gill X Sofiya Azad, showcased the Autumn Winter collection 2018. Inspired by the 1950's look, the collection bridges the gap between classic influences and modern forms. Adarsh Gill has achieved a perfect balance of old Hollywood elegance along with comfort.

Abraham & Thakore presented a trans-seasonal collection, taking inspiration from the streets of Delhi. Battling with the crowded thoroughfares of the NCR, the multicoloured pageantry of street life lifts the tedium. The incredible array of colours, fabrics, and silhouettes is an uplifting testament to the diversity and the sheer joy of dressing, in the midst of the cacophony and the ever-rising PM levels. From hoodies to ghagras, skinny jeans to salwars, jutis to trainers, a multitude of stylistic influences are mixed and re-mixed.

The colour palette ranges from soft khakis and creams to shades of coral and olive green and is juxtaposed with black and white. Cotton and silk fabrics form the base, and textures and sheers are contrasted with opacity.

Anupama Dayal's collection ranged from dreamy white colored outfits to brighter hues, quirky designs, and asymmetric hems. She has worked with traditional chikankari karigars on white but has also adapted the timeless needlecraft to contemporary looks.

On the occasion of Pearl Academy celebrating 25 years of creative impact, renowned alumni also showcased their collections. Designers presented 'Influence', a showcase that took audiences on a journey of fashion through CRAFT which is the heart of Indian fashion.

This collection was inspired by evolving trends in the fashion industry and how Pearl alumni have contributed the growth of fashion in India over the years. Industry experts, fashion bloggers, and media received each design with a loud applause, every time the model sashayed down the ramp. Pearl Alumni who presented their collections included Nikhil Mehra, Mandira Wirk, Leon Vaz, Rimzim Dadu, Vaishali S, Sumiran Kabir and others.