The 16th edition of Hyundai India Couture Week, 2023, an initiative by the Fashion Design Council of India kicked off at Taj Palace, New Delhi from July 25 to August 2, 2023. The splendour nine days event was a reflection of the designer’s vision and finest craftsmanship that took the bridal fashion quotient to new levels of magnificence. The collection was the illustration of the bride’s dreams which was a perfect blend of glitz, glam and drama.
Day 1
The India Couture Week began with the signature couture collection ‘Renaissance Reverie’ by Falguni Shane Peacock. The collection was an ode to the Renaissance period and a seamless mélange of rich Indian culture, techniques and craftsmanship. Kiara Advani turned showstopper and walked the runway in a pink silhouette with sequins slaying the Barbie-core aesthetics. The collection revolved around pastel hues, glistening sequins, fringes, ruffles and statement capes.
Day 2
Ritu Kumar’s collection encapsulated a new feminine aesthetic through heritage textiles. Dresses, jackets, capes and anarkalis in glittering Kasab and floral kashidakari took centre stage for her collection. Aditi Rao Hydari turned showstopper for Ritu Kumar in a sophisticated lehenga and heavily embellished blouse. Couturier Suneet Varma presented his collection ‘Mogra’ which draws inspiration from the incredible traditional motifs and embroideries found in the decorative arts of India. The collection exudes romantic, feminine and flirtatious aesthetics.
Day 3
Bhumi Pednekar turned showstopper for Varun Bahl. The collection showcased the artisanal embroideries with beautiful 3D flowers, silhouettes in vivid shades. The collection was a blend of free-spirited and boho-chic flair. Couturier Gaurav Gupta presented his collection ‘Hiranyagarbha’ a tale of dramatic silhouettes, vibrant colours and luscious sequins. Janhvi Kapoor became a muse to Gaurav Gupta in a cobalt blue lehenga.
Day 4
Taking cues from the past flair and diving deep into future fashion, Kunal Rawal’s collection is a travel across time. The collection included dark shades and neutral hues and ultra-modern styles with a dash of traditional flair. Charismatic Ranbir Kapoor turned showstopper for Kunal Rawal. JJ Valaya presented his collection ‘Baroda’ which was a medley of exquisite craft and elegant statement styles. The collection played around with authentic colours of a bride like red, coral, orange, pink and royal blue.
Day 5
The talented duo, Sobhita Dhulipala and Ishaan Khatter turned showstoppers for Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna. The awe-inspiring collection showcased mesmerising patterns in rich fabric and 3D embroidered techniques. The collection spanned various colours ranging from Milkyway blue to vivid shades with highlights in rosewood and twilight lavender. Couturier Tarun Tahiliani’s collection was a bridal inspiration that involved lehenga, sherwani, sharara and saree in playful hues of red, ivory, off-white and yellow.
Day 6
Ananya Panday walked for Rimzim Dadu in a golden silhouette with a trail of leaf design in the front. The collection pays homage to water, thus incorporating flowy attires, patterns of water in spirals, criss-cross and waves. Showstopper Athiya Shetty walked the runway in off-white attire with colourful segments in between for Anamika Khanna. The collection embraces silver and gold metallics accompanied by the allure of emeralds, pearls and pastel hues.
Day 7
Dolly J’s collection featured soft, flowing silhouettes accompanied by pearly white sequins, metallic tissues, ivory tulle and silver mirrors. Disha Patani turned showstopper for Dolly J. The enigmatic collection was a blend of lehengas and dresses in colours of sophistication. Sara Ali Khan and Aditya Roy Kapur were the showstoppers for the couturiers Shantnu & Nikhil. Bridal silhouettes featuring ornate veils, bejewelled capes and gloves were the highlight of this collection.
Day 8
Showstopper Vaani Kapoor set the stage on fire in a ravishing red silhouette for Isha J. The collection ‘Romantic Reverie’ was a mélange of chikankari details, delicate laces, dreamy organza and fabrics intertwined with pearls and crystals creating a playful exclusivity. Couturier Rajesh Pratap Singh’s collection ‘Desert Rose’ saw the use of woven gold, silver, pastel and jewel tones. The collection was inspired by Indian Weddings, the desert and the Indian Gulab.
Day 9
The splendid India Couture Week came to an end witnessing the magnificent collection by Rahul Mishra. Shraddha Kapoor was the muse for the talented couturier. She wore a grey lehenga with a colourful floral saga on it accompanied by a frilled jacket. The collection witnessed intricate embroidery diving into the world of flora and fauna such as lotus pond, virgin forest and majestic tiger.
