AIFW: Designers bring on wild, military inspired fashion

The fourth day of the ongoing Amazon India Fashion Week here saw a glimpse of two different worlds through the collection of designer Pia Pauro and a range by designer trio Viral, Ashish and Vikrant. While the first one bowed to the free spirit and wilderness of Savannah, the latter captured the romance between steampunk and military.

An elaborate headdress with intricate detailing made of feathers of different colours gave a tribal feel to Pauro's collection 'Riders On The Storm', while spectacles and ear covers led the trio's collection to a war-zone.

Their shows were scheduled back to back on the day four on Saturdayof the five-day fashion gala, which is being held at Pragati Maidan here.

Pauro's collection drew inspiration from the savannah and the 'Burning Man' music festival.

She presented vibrant ensembles ranging from beachwear to autumn winter wear, running high on tunics, jumpsuits, wrap dresses, kaftans, lehengas and saris. The designer also experimented with new form of cuts and slits. Giving sari an interesting twist, she presented new ways to drape the six-yard wonder.

Using fabrics like cotton and silk, there are triangular cuts, embroideries inspired by appliques, in horse motifs and tipis on the clothes. Pauro terms her collection as "easy and breezy".

"The inspiration behind my collection is wild savannah and a music festival Burning Man, which is held in California. The range is easy and breezy. And there is also a touch of bohemian in the collection because my brand identifies with it. It is important to remain true to your identity," Pauro told reporters post her show.

The other collection, by Viral, Ashish and Vikrant tries to give a new dimension to steampunk fashion in Indian aesthetics, with camouflage and military prints.

"The range is a mix of military and steampunk. As terrorism is alive today, they are the ones saving us from the evil. Hence we have used camouflage prints to indicate their life. But we have also ensured that we are not going over board with the military angle," Vikrant said post his show.

The collection is painted in earthy tones of green, yellow and of brown. Just like military is divided into different sections, the collection was also separated through colours. Bold and metallic influence was also visible in long and flowy silhouettes with soft subtle embroideries of zardosi. Mirrors and resham thread is used on satin, georgette and chanderi.

Pauro has blended vibrant hues like yellow, blue, orange with shades that define a dessert like brown, bone white and khaki.

Complimentary music played an important role in both the shows.