The Winter/Fall edition of Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) 2017 saw the gorgeous Chitrangada Singh walking the ramp for designer Neha Agarwal on Day 3 of the five-day event last Friday. The designer also unveiled her exquisite collection themed as “MITHILA IN SOHO” during the show.
“I am glad to walk for Neha Agarwal at LFW W|F 2017. I really loved her collection because I feel ‘Mithila’ is every modern Indian girl, she is well travelled, she likes to wear her nations pride on her sleeve. From the bottom of my heart I feel, Neha has done a phenomenal job & I have loved every piece she has designed, its Indian with modern appeal,” the 40-year-old actress said in a statement.
Singh has acted in many Hindil films including Yeh Saali Zindagi, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Desi Boyz, Inkaar, and I, Me Aur Main and will be seen in the upcoming movie Babumoshai Bandoozbaaz.
Agarwal was all praise for the actress and also spoke about her collection of hand-embroidered evening wear that displays “kitschiest” motifs of madhubani art. “…I couldn’t have thought of anyone else who could fit perfect than Chitrangada Singh for being my muse. ‘Mithila in Soho’ is my ingenious attempt to take the splendor of traditional Madhubani art to fashion forward women of 2018,” she said in the statement.
For the first time, embroidery, prints and knits have also been used to create uniquely India garments with this aesthetic. Each piece is versatile enough to go from day to night and style equally well with crop tops, sneakers or shorts. Hand embroidery derived from the ancient weaving called the “URTU” is done on stretch suede, matka silks combining it with studio knitted rayon and silk sari knits, according to her.
Elli Avram showcases Manoj Agarrwal’s collection
Swedish Greek actress Elli Avram was the showstopper for designer Manoj Agarrwal’s “Jodhaa” at the LFW on Day 4. Inspired by the Mughals and Rajput dynasties, each ensemble is a fluent amalgamation that combines the Mughal’s appreciation for the finer things in life and the Rajput’s love of beauty, elegance and fine detailing.
“It was pleasure to walk for Manoj Agarrwal and support him for his debut show at Lakme Fashion Week W|F 2017. He has been a dear friend and I have always loved Manoj’s creations because they are very modern and chic, his style sensibility appeals to me a lot,” Avram said.
Manoj Agarrwal explained how the twin influences define his latest collection. “The inspiration for Jodhaa was so engrained and carefully thought over, that resulted in beautiful Rajasthani weaves with warm tones of saffron, emerald, copper, brown and henna red costumes, with a red veil epitomizing each ensemble of the collection. I was glad for beautiful Elli Avram to walk for me,” he said.
On the last day, Sri Lankan actress Jacqueline Fernandez and Aditya Roy Kapur were showstoppers for designer Manish Malhotra’s collection. His show was attended by top Bollywood celebrities. Sridevi’s daughters Khushi and Jhanvi were the A-list guests on the front row, making the event more special.
