AIFW ramp gets into commando mode

Drum rolls, the bugle sound and a drill song -- it wasn't a military parade, but the setting of a fashion show at the ongoing Amazon India Fashion Week here. Designer Aneeth Arora showcased military-inspired couture, through which she is trying to explore how life changes after putting on a uniform.

The first thing that comes to mind after hearing military sounds is command and power. But with her collection, Arora has added more synonyms to it - vibrancy, cheerfulness and playfulness.

"The collection is all about uniforms. I saw a bunch of army men together and thought I will do something around them. I feel when people are in uniform, then they are in their alter egos, and are not themselves. So the range is about that," Arora told reporters post her show.

The range was showcased on Saturday at the five-day fashion week, being held at Pragati Maidan.

Ironically, when Delhi switched of its lights to conserve energy during Earth Hour on Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m, the fashion forum was charged up with lights. They didn't take part in the social initiative as show timings coincided with the Earth Hour.

The ensembles are backed with utilitarian qualities and interspersed with vibrant hues through cheerful buttons, pocket and colourful stitches.

The range under her brand Pero, explores military uniforms in a subjective manner.

Arora has also brought Princess Pea into existence, an alter ego of an Indian contemporary artist, in form of miniature dolls in Pero uniform. Each of her muse had the doll on the ramp.

The collection has been brought together after extensive research using materials from across India. The range sets a dialogue between woolen Scottish checks from the Himalayas and indigo resist block printed khadis from Gujarat and enamel brass buttons from Rajasthan.

The show started on a high note with Madras Regiment getting on the ramp to set the pace. And soon models were seen swaying on the ramp on the musical pitch laid by the band. Arora noted that her collection was shown amidst a "performance" instead of a ramp show.

Beret beanie, back packs, boots, army sleeping bags and caps with peace message written over it summed up the look.

The collection consists of flowy frocks, jackets, trousers, dangris blended with uniform checkers, stripes, heavy motifs, metallic embellishments and embossed appliques.

The colour palette of the collection revolves around navy, splash of red, soft white and black.

Designer Gaurav Gupta also showcased his collection "Prologue:Risk", which was high on style and futuristic vibe.

"The collection is all about exploring my roots. We are celebrating ten years of a brand, and I thought I should go back to my real self. When we started we used to take a lot of risk, so it is getting back to my roots," Gupta told reporters post his show.

With emphasis on architectural lines, there are printed tuxedos, signature frock coats, jumpsuits, asymmetrical jackets, dresses and gowns.

Talking more about his collection, Gupta said: "It is about construction and deconstruction in a very wearable kind of way. There are lines and a marbling effects with the fabric and drapes."

Playing with vintage colours like Victorian wine, navy and cobalt, he has used fabrics like micro suiting, metallic jerseys, neoprene, crapes, nets and suede for his silhouettes.

Meanwhile, the stage is set for a grand finale on Sunday. The bi-annual event marks 25th anniversary of India Fashion Week. Hence, 25 designers have come together to share the stage and showcase two ensemble on 'Crafts of India' theme.