Merino wool inspires Indian, Pakistani designers' collection

Six renowned fashion designers from India and Pakistan showcased key looks for the upcoming season, inspired by luxurious, lightweight Merino wool fabrics here.

The Woolmark Company brought together designers Nachiket Barve, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Rahul Mishra, Troy Costa, Gaurav Jai Gupta and Pakistani designer Omar Farooq, who presented their works at an event.

Their collections highlighted the versatility of the trans-seasonal fibre and reflected each designer's personal aesthetics.

Farooq unveiled Oriental Opulence, a collection of embroideries, jacquards, knitting, embellishments and printing to create rich textile, bringing traditions to contemporary fashion.

"Taking contradicting forces and realising their complimenting nature; toying with negating dynamics, to create harmonising effects; meshing together the disconnected to breed a connection - Oriental Opulence is an attempt to look for divinity amongst the earthly," said the Pakistani designer, who has styled actor Fawad Khan in the past.

Barve, known for intricate surface details in his clothes, presented a line called Tulipmania, inspired by the delicate flower. Bollywood actress Aditi Rao Hydari was seen as the showstopper.

"Merino wool as a fibre has been inspiring my work over the last few seasons consistently... The versatile cool wool fabric has been reimagined for eveningwear and occasion wear through this collection, in a way that's glamorous yet sensual," Barve said in a statement.

Gupta experimented with Merino wool by using it with an interesting array of blends.

He said: "It all started with American travel and art photographer Trey Ratcliff's images from Tokyo as a reference point. Hand-woven fabrics have been developed in merino wool, monofilament silks, cotton, zari and stainless steel. The collection - Mumuksha consists of separates for both women and men along with saris."

International Woolmark Prize 2014-Womenswear Winner Mishra's collection, which was titled as the Fourth Dimension, was inspired by metamorphosis in life.

Rajesh Pratap Singh, known for his understated designs, presented a simple yet flawless collection highlighting the fluidity, drapability and versatility of Merino wool.

"Oversized silhouettes are predominant in the collection and many garments are reflective of traditional Indian costumes but with a modern twist and relevance for today's man," he said.

Costa, who has styled Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, presented his collection inspired by La Bella Figura, meaning the good impression. It was marked by "structured silhouettes of bespoke tailoring".

The designers' collaboration showcase also focused on the Make in India concept, highlighting the journey of Australian Merino wool to the weavers, manufacturers, brands and designers in India.