With athleisure in blinding-bright shimmery hues and denims of the 70s, Falguni Shane Peacock’s collection at LMIFW was all about androgynous-meets-gusto fashion, says Chahak Mittal
Stop saying yes if you want to say no,’ ‘Stop staring at me,’ ‘When something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it,’ ‘Let nobody tell you who are you,’ ‘Female is the revolution, let them know’. These messages flashed on the screen at the background of the runway while the Social Addicts band belted out tunes like Girls Like You and I’ve Got the Moves Like Jagger, during Falguni Shane Peacock’s show at the FDCI’s Lotus make-up India Fashion Week day 2.
The designer duo showcased their 70s fashion and music-inspired pret spring/summer collection. Explaining the idea behind such a theme and messages in the background, Shane said, “We wanted to make people think about what’s happening around them and question it. In this social media-driven age, we have forgotten to be ourselves and seek validation from outside. What we want to convey through this collection is that no one should tell you who you are. The 70s were our inspiration as during those years there was no social media. Today, we have become addicts, who are constantly on our phones, watching and judging people, either putting them down or praising them. And all this is driven by the number of likes.”
Falguni, donning an all-black attire, went on to add that one shouldn’t feel bad for whoever they are or look like. “If people don’t like you or troll you on social media, it shouldn’t matter. Their comments would do no good. If you have a good dress, wear it twice or any number of times that you wish to. Nobody is judging you. It’s you who is judging yourself. Go ahead and live the life you want to. Don’t be an addict of social media.”
She added, “Our collection is a heady amalgamation of the poster period of individualistic fashion and today’s anti-conformist dressing.”
The ramp dazzled with shimmer, fringed silhouettes, androgynous-meets-gusto fashion garments. The rock athleisure in blinding-bright glitter hues and denims of the 70s teleported the audience back in time. In bold hues of poppy red, twilight purple, moss green, turquoise, teal, Kelly green, and softer tones like those of pool blue, ceramic, mint green, yolk yellow, the colour palette brought all shades of boldness under one roof. However, it was the glittery long boots which were the highlight of the show as they were the first to attract attention and second glances. These were denim boots studded with mini glittering stones which created assorted patterns.
In a one-sided off-shoulder, teal-printed dress and a bouffant, the mid-1960s famous hairdo, showstopper Yami Gautam had the audience in gasps.
When a model doesn’t fit into the designer’s outfit properly, even though she is looking pitch-perfect, it can cause some uneasiness. However, Yami felt effortless in her attire and said, “There are times when our outfit might look comfortable but deep down, we are struggling with it. It is sticking and making you feel uneasy. But when you fit in your garment perfectly and move around in it swiftly, it becomes a part of you. You are able to be yourself. You don’t have to choreograph your moves. You just have to walk the ramp, enjoy it and come back.”
Yami said that the designer duo has been on “everyone’s wishlist” and hence, she was glad to have walked the ramp for them. “The attire very well matches with their theme of being oneself,” added Yami. Well, “if you’re being watched constantly, especially on social media,” Shane said, “then better be dressed for it!”
Photo: Pankaj Kumar
