The Lakme Fashion Week Winter Festive saw a trail of talented designers, some of which we absolutely loved. Here are 7 designers who caught our fancy and why:

Portobello – The Indian Chapter by Anushree Reddy

Anushree Reddy's “Portobello – The Indian Chapter” had a vintage spin on age old floral prints but with an innovative fashionable twist for her heavily embroidered garments. We were instantly reminded of Old British charm with those rose and newspaper prints. The sensuous and flirty garments had bridal as well as formal wear. Dull shades mixed with rich fabrics gave a classy, opulent look to the collection. From stately Anarkalis to diaphanous lehengas and grand saris, “Portobello –The Indian Chapter” collection by Anushree Reddy was a fairy-tale offering to the bride and her entourage who want to look resplendent in regal royal ensembles.

Excavations by Payal Singh

Drawing inspiration from India's first fashion export to the world, the 'Chintz" print of the Coromandal, Payal Singh displayed a line full of trendsetting silhouettes. “Excavations” saw the lovely iconic Indian print in deep tones of aqua, navy, cranberry and coral, which were transferred onto luxurious crepe, silk and linen. We loved the racer back choli teamed with crepe churidar-skirt and printed overlap panel, the chiffon dupatta draped sleeve for the kurta, the silk mul lehenga-sari, navy linen embroidered ghagra- sharara pants and the silver ring embroidered cut-out short dress, which offered several options to the stylish buyer.

Mille Fleurs by Neha Agarwal

The debutant designer's collection is a modern reinterpretation of the classic seventeen century French embroidery. Celebrating 'a thousand flowers', the collection is extremely urban with radiant hues and unusual textiles and textures, yet opulent in ornamentation and appeal. Our favourites include the figure flattering western twisters and the Indo-western fusion garments. The authentic Indian organic tussar, ahimsa, gicha and muga silk are presented with the unconventional quilting details creating a splendid evening essential. 

Frozen by Shubhika Davda's Papa Don't Preach

Crystallised, beaded and sheeted mirrors, coins and suede were turned into stunning pieces in this mesmerizing collection. Adding excitement to the show were cute frock jackets, trench coat dresses and tulle capes, which added a touch of elegance. The silhouettes were sexy, seductive and very high octane glamour – something Lady Gaga would just love to wear for her concerts.Acrylic suitcases were given blossoms as décor and finally Shubhika brought in Snow Globes, as shoes with snowflakes swirling in them, which definitely created a fashionable storm.

 Ekru by  Ekta Jaipuria and Ruchika Kandhani

A delightful riot of colours and fabrics, Ekta and Ruchika's collection revolved around the much in vogue Ikat print. The extensive use of Chanderi, handloom cotton, ghicha and silk lent this collection a very festive look. Vibrant hues created a melangé of colours as fuchsia, red, yellow and lime teamed up with darker tones of bottle green, wine and navy. We particularly loved the lavish use of embellishments and intricate embroideries of thread, aari and zardosi. Dual toned saris with beautiful borders and Shararas worn with regal long-sleeved coats and peplum blouse were our favourites.

Chavi  by Purvi Doshi 

Purvi showcased her line of elegant Indo-western silhouettes exclusively made in Khadi. The creations included Indian hand-embroidered mirrors which reflect the traditional work of our very own intricate craftsmanship. The collection consisted of three magnificent major elements - Khadi, African prints and Kuttchi mirror embroidery which gave it a unique look. Accessories like mirror malas and earrings were a definitely the highlights of the show. The collection has beautiful incorporation of hues like orange, blue, red and green. 

Gloss by Manish Malhotra

Raising the curtain on the season’s most awaited fashion showcase, couturier Manish Malhotra presented his Gloss inspired Indian Cocktail collection. Manish reinvented the lehenga as flowing skirts, while adding an extra edge to the festive season with glamorized racer backs. The long kalidars gets a makeover this season and another highlight of the collection is Manish Malhotra’s version of the Gown Sari - the easy silhouette adding to the romance of the ensemble. Bringing in a final touch to these avant-garde ensembles was magnificent jewellery by Anmol Jewelers. Men’s wear had sherwanis, jackets, kurtas and bundgalas in rich silks in matching colours with horizontal velvet stripes.