Barbiecore to red lip, 5 trends we spotted at India Couture Week 2023
The event commenced on July 25 and ended on August 2. Photo: dailyO
The India Couture Week is over, and this year we saw many trends taking centrestage. The event kicked off with Falguni Shane Peacock's beautiful homage to the Renaissance era, and culminated in Rahul Mishra's touching tribute to Indian artisans. Throughout the seven days of this extravagant showcase, we spotted several trends and commonalities.
But before getting into it, here's what is India Couture Week
The India Couture Week, now in its 16th edition, is an event that seeks to showcase India's rich craftsmanship in a contemporary and modern context, appealing to a global audience (India's own version of Paris Couture Week).
Organised by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), this prestigious fashion event provides a platform for renowned Indian designers to present their latest collections and innovative creations.
Now, let's talk about trends we spotted on the ramp:
1. Barbiecore
Pink, undoubtedly, has become the colour of the month, and during the India Couture Week too, designers embraced and celebrated this hue. Many models and show stoppers were seen in various shades of pink, presenting their unique and desi take on the Barbie aesthetic, blending it with traditional elements and styles.
For instance, during the opening show by Shane and Falguni Peacock, showstopper Kiara Advani graced the runway in all-pink co-ords. Her outfit featured a thigh-slit mermaid skirt paired with a matching blouse, creating an eye-catching look.
2. The Slit Mermaid Skirt
One trend that stood out during the India Couture Week was the prevalence of mermaid skirts with high slits, which made an appearance in almost all of the shows. Bollywood divas took centrestage, bringing the mermaid skirts back in fashion as they closed the shows for various designers.
From Kiara Advani's elegant pink ensemble to Bhumi Pednekar's dazzling golden avatar, Sobhita Dhulipala and Disha Patani's shimmering ensembles, and Ananya Panday's stunning molten-gold slit skirt, most of the showstoppers were in high-slit skirts paired with embroidered and alluring blouses.
3. Hoods and veils
Hoods and veils added a captivating cultural touch to the garments showcased during the India Couture Week and took the fashion game to the next level. Hooded dresses, in particular, became a prominent trend, with many celebrities seen donning these stylish ensembles even at the Paris Fashion Week.
Given the Indian context and showstoppers in bridalwear, veils were also featured in various shows, complementing the overall aesthetic.
For instance, in couturier Rajesh Pratap Singh's show, glamour and hoods were the highlights, contributing to a distinctive and striking runway experience.
[SEE MORE: India Couture Week 2023 Ends On A Starry High]
4. Role Reversal
The India Couture Week showcased the remarkable fluidity and neutrality of fashion, breaking traditional barriers and norms. It was evident in instances like a gay male model confidently walking the ramp in a gown at Falguni Shane's show, while women showcased tailored fits and sherwanis in Kunal Rawal's couture presentation.
Renaissance Of Fashion: A Gay Model's Rise In A Golden Lehenga @ILoveGayIndia - Breaking gender norms & embracing diversity, a gay model stuns @fdciofficial in a golden lehenga. Rabanne Victor's historic walk... #ILoveGay @GraziaIndia @herzindagihttps://t.co/y8gZQAfzLV pic.twitter.com/fwczymqVXQ
— #ILoveGay Style 🎩 (@ILoveGayStyle) July 28, 2023
5. Red Lip
A red lip has made a strong comeback not only on red carpets and global fashion shows, but also on the local scene.
Models and Bollywood divas confidently flaunted fiery-red lips as they walked down the runways of Isha J, Anamika Khanna, Varun Bahl, Rajesh Pratap Singh, and Rahul Mishra.
SEE MORE: Rahul Mishra Wins Paris Over With Cosmos