Two fashion divas disappoint; Riya provides Bollywood glamour

New Delhi, Oct 15: Bollywood actress Riya Sen added some sizzle on the opening day of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week here tonight, but the country's two fashion divas disappointed the fashionistas with Ritu Kumar's son Amrish taking centrestage using her label and Ranna Gill coming up with a collection sans glamour and innovation.
India's number one fashion designer Ritu Kumar stepped aside once again this year for her son Amrish Kumar who came up with a look reminiscent of European fashion from the 60's and and 70's. However, that is not to discount the son's worth.

His dresses comprised of full length maxis, shifts and spaghettis with impressive pallazzos, ghaghras and wide bottom denims hewn from loud prints and textured wovens.Talking to mediapersons about his collection, Amrish said, ''My inspiration for the collection is East Africa and Bengal sarees.'' So, sindoor and gulal 'thalis' adorned the ramp on which the models showcased tunics, skirts and long dresses with mostly 'A' line shapes using beads, sequences and shells.

The colour scheme was steal blue and brick red and minimal work was added to highlight the prints.The solid lines used checks and stripes woven in Maheshwar and a stretch silk cotton in fitted clean shapes. The second part of the collection had traditional borders and buti motifs woven into a knit with exquisite drape and feel.

However, his prints line was the most impressive comprising of evening wear in darker colours and casual daywear in pink and turquoises. The combination of floral and geometric prints created a very modern yet Indian feel.

When asked whether it was a stepping aside move for her son to take over the world of fashion, Ritu kumar simply dismissed it by saying, ''It's all about promoting the young generation.'' On the other hand, even Riya Sen could not save Ranna Gill's collection, though sexy is the only word to describe her gowns and lingerie. Ranna's clothes were a big let-down owing mainly to the appalling colours and ordinary fabrics. However, the last factor also made her collection very affordable.

The designer, in fact, was quite defensive about her work. ''I love sexy clothes, my collection is very 'nirvanic' and meant for the happy, colourful and contemporary woman.'' How the modern woman would like to wear her off-putting gowns with dull shades, cheap fabrics and, adding to it, mirror work is beyond anyone's comprehension! As if this was not enough, she went on to add, ''My collection is very affordable. It starts at Rs 2500 and goes up from there depending upon the embellishments. No wonder, we have not had overwhelming response from the buyers.'' Some confession this! When asked about the economic recession, she said, ''In recession, you have to wear bling.'' Any takers? [From Internet]