Come New York Fashion Week, the city transforms into a telescope into the future of fashion. In a city of thousands, a kaleidoscope of people emerge at a central, inspiring hub of succulent self-expression and voyeurism. Be it on the runway or off, the passion for fashion bursts into a boiling point.
I have never quite believed in the little black dress concept. For black isn’t a hue that I feel is mandatory in every woman’s wardrobe, skinnyfying or not. Which is why I designed a series of twists to remix the men’s equivalent version: a black suit. All in all, a streak of color, if not an entire shower of it, always catches my eye more immediately.
With that said, I’m all for the shades of grey, for the embody emotive and evocative traits of mystery. For when embodying silver, metallic, midnight, shadow and noir, my interest stirs up. Especially when sprinkled with Swarovski crystals, layered with trending sheer and net, or glazed with square studs.
One such play on black with blinding shades of grey, courtesy of the speckle of glimmer on every outfit, was courtesy of Indian designer Sushma Patel. Having bowed to fusion fashion before, the grey to black hues in this collection were a mere extension of what I had noticed as a growing trend at Will India Fashion Week in Delhi. And now, the more western set of long gowns were a nod to New York’s luxe culture. Each model was capped with an abstract modern veil, akin to a shard of memory embellished with a glimmer of reality.
Choosing georgette and satin for layering, the encrusted bodice of black roses with silver crystals was one way of paying homage to black, with ample cleavage to make it perfect for a luscious cocktail hour.
Taking inspiration from the Indian ghagra was a simpler, sober black lehnga combo, with the flirtatious sweep of a traditional Anarkali, dazzled in stars, and a petite corset-like shirt.
Having an obvious penchant for glitter, Sushma Patel further played with the hues of grey and silver. Silks and satin were layered with solid plaques of embellishment that outlined the bodice and backless attire. The Cinderella style curvaceous net gown with a sheer back and faux off shoulder was highlighted by cubic squares of silver, a juxtaposition to the fairy tale elegance.
The latter was sliced into two frock like outfits: cutesy dresses that were either entirely Barbie netted, or a fitted derriere enhancing one coated entirely in silver cubes, ready for a retro disco party.
One of my favorite shorter renditions brought back the solitary shoulder in black was a sheer and silk combination, with a miniature Anarkali flair above the knees, and a skirt with enough jeweled embroidery and finer to weigh it down, making each step a waltz.
Priya Saluja from Delhi continued the trend of Indo Western fusion, albeit experimented with more color, staying close to the traditional, punchy roots. Her two pieces that that gelled with the grey and black theme were in fact two ankle length gowns, both black. One was a wedding dress remix with a lace dress sans interior, owing to a momentarily odd but sexy peekaboo at legs. The off shoulder silk gown was more classical, bejeweled with silver threadwork and embellished on the single full length sleeve and waistline. The look seemed like a nod to a yesteryear life of lounge leisure, where one jeweled arm flirted courteously with the other bare arm.
After various shades of grey, viewed in my very own rendition of a silver sequined white shirt, I repurposed my lenses to inhale the air of colors.
For while black and its comrades may be seductive, sensual and suggestive, i personally find solace in playing with color palates and intensity filters. Both in Instagram, and in life.
