Gauri-Nainika pay ode to nature at IBFW

Designer duo Gauri and Nainika Karan used floral textures and dazzling renditions of zebras and giraffes to pay tribute to nature through their collection that was showcased at the ongoing BMW India Bridal Fashion Week (IBFW) here on Monday.

With white roses delicately placed on the seats of the guests and the moving shots of trees, sky and flowers on the screen, one could make out that the collection would be inspired by nature.

Before the show started, a moving message flashed on the screen read: "For our loving brother Amol. You will inspire us and live in our hearts forever." Asked by IANS about it, Nainika got emotional and she said: "He was my brother."

Soon, with western classical music in the background, models sashayed down the ramp in red one shoulder pencil dress with pink bougainvillea texture and pearls, zebra printed tulle and neoprene cut out flared midi dress, giraffe printed backless halter gown, purple bird printed gown with strapless body and more.

"We wanted this collection to be feminine, fresh and based on nature. It was time consuming. Some of the dresses took us days to complete. The flowers are handmade. Even the pearls stitched on them were placed by us," said Nainika, whose label Gauri & Nainika specialises in eveningwear that ranges from cocktail dresses to elaborate bespoke gowns, with a design philosophy that is distinctly feminine and European.

The sisters collaborated with American artist Travis Bruce Black whose dreamy watercolours have strongly influenced the mood of the collection.

"We found his work online. He made paintings for us and we used them in the collection," said Nainika.

Designers Rohit Gandhi, Rahul Khanna, Varun Bahl and Suneet Varma, who will bring the curtains down on the event on Tuesday, turned up to support Gauri-Nainika.