A larger than life theatre set-up, colossal mirrors on the runway, live performances accompanied by live music - this is how designer duo Rohit Gandhi-Rahul Khanna brought the curtains down on latest edition of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) by showcasing their collection "Theatre of Illusion", Wednesday night.

The stage was brought to life with a spectacular contemporary dance performance by the dance guru Shiamak Davar's star protege Aneesha Dayal and melodious background music by Gaurav Raina of musical group Medieval Punditz.

And an opera performance in between raised the oomph factor in the show. The models sashayed down the ramp in striking avant garde designs rooted in elegant silhouettes and intricate designs. The striking amalgamation of futuristic designs left the audience asking for more.

Model Rachael Bayros started the show wearing a black outfit. The collection had a blend of feminity and elegance with a range of short dresses, jackets and skirts for women and skinny trousers, printed blazers for men.

White and black colours dominated the hues. The highlight of the garments were their different cuts and techniques used by the designers. The designer duo used a wide variety of silk yarns, voiles, mesh, organza and tules. While most people were expecting a celebrity showstopper, Rohit and Rahul chose to let their clothes be star in the finale.

Nida Mahmood’s ‘Tamasha’ on the fashion runway was joined by mythical Ravana and some interesting clothing and headgear that spoke of funk and creative wearability. Psychedelic colours, a few sculpted forms, prints, etc were used to reproduce the drama of puppet shows and the result was fascinating garments in various silhouettes and shapes. Add to that what is known as her signature style: vibrant, embroidered saris worn over skinny jeans with blouses.

Raakesh Agarwal made a stylish comeback after a few seasons with a fantastic presentation of western silhouettes. His creations were unique with some very nicely executed latticework on jackets.

Pankaj & Nidhi once again excelled in making their collection more creative this season, while keeping the wearability factor intact. Once again the lattice work on various outfits, folded fabric circles and scallops, cutworks, appliqué, etc were done with precision. The designers also made sure their creations were body-flattering and meant for those who want to make a statement. Best from their stable by far.

Anupama Dayal did what she does best… an amalgamation of catchy colours and flowing silhouettes. A long chanderi dress, turquoise overshirt printed with purple wild flowers and an aubergine cowl dress formed part of the tasteful collection.

Nikasha Tawadey’s Indian-meets-western collection in off-whites had a separate mix of garments that could be worn to a cocktail party, and at a more traditional do. A printed gauze sari with pink silk border, long tunic with attached chiffon stole and halter tunics were done tastefully and stylishly.

At the Fiama di Wills showing, designer Wendell Rodricks, as always, kept his surfaces clean, except towards the end where he brought in a few with embellishments. A beach gown with ruffled silk organza bodice and aqua satin silk trim and a pearl grey satin silk gown with long ruffle running down the front were stylish.

The site, known as the Fashion Gallery, will feature only new items sold at fixed prices, in contrast to eBay’s focus on auctions for second-hand items. According to head of fashion for eBay Australia Jo-Ann Hicks, the development of the Fashion Gallery reflects changes in consumer shopping habits.

“It’s how consumers prefer to shop on eBay. Sixty per cent of all fashion items bought on ebay.com.au are at fixed prices, and 79 per cent of all fashion sales are all for new products,” she said.

A total of 28 brands have already signed to the site, including Herringbone, Seafolly, Mimco and Savile Row Company. British department store House of Fraser will also sell through the Fashion Gallery, meaning labels such as DKNY, Kenneth Cole and Love Moschino will be available.  

“We’ve seen consumers search exactly these brands on these sites, but we weren’t able to get the consistent depth and breadth of inventory people wanted,” said Hicks. “By bringing the brands on, shoppers will be able to find what they want.”In turn, retailers will be able to reach eBay’s consumer database and have access to eBay’s digital infrastructure.  

According to Hicks, items will be sold at a discount from retail price and stock will vary from that sold in stores to sale inventory items. “[The Fashion Gallery]’s been designed for the fashion consumer in mind. It’s very inspirational, very different from eBay.”

Day 3 of Wills India Fashion Week saw quite a few surprises along with a few dampeners, but the presence of Bollywood starlet Kangna Ranaut, pretty much made up for the lack of oomph in the terms the designs showcased during the day.
 
Kangna, who walked the ramp for designer Shantanu Goenka at the ongoing Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week, seemed very appreciative of Shantanu's collection and appeared really kicked about her dress for the evening- a golden-white gown. "The gown is complementing my complexion and I'm loving it," said the actress.

The actress also said that she's been following Shantanu's designs for quite sometime now and thinks his designs have an edge over others. But, the pretty damsel didn't quite end it here, she ensured that she provided enough fodder for people to talk about even post her departure from the venue. Yeah, she touched upon people's favourite topic- Bollywood fashion. Answering a question on the same, the actress said, "I don't want to hurt anyone, but I think that style quotient is seriously missing from Bollywood and guess it's only Priyanka and Sonam, who know how to carry themselves well."

When probed about how much she liked walking on the ramp, Kangna said that she was never uncomfortable while walking the ramp, thanks to her flicks- Fashion and Raaz 2, which gave her a chance to hone her modelling skills.

Shantanu's collection for the evening, was inspired by the French queen Marie Barrios and drew its inspiration from the chateau of Versailles in France. The designer was able to beautifully capture the magnificence of the palaces with his over the top baroque detailing and architecture.

The collection comprised of stunning structured corsets, engineered drape gowns with scooped necklines and feminine frills. The colour rich palette included vintage pinks, creamy whites, teals and jam reds.

An ambiance, complete with a Victorian palace like gate, lush green gardens with cemented stones and British classic music was enough to set the tempo of the show, but Shantanu, in a way concentrated more on couture like garments in his latest collection and there was less of a pret feel to the entire range.

As Delhi celebrates some brilliant designers from across the country showcasing their finest works at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week, the emperor of good times, Kingfisher Ultra, continues its landmark association with the fashion week.

It will be the hottest destination at the fashion extravaganza, where business meets pleasure, fun meets fashion and fashionistas hang out with their pals. The entire fashion fraternity will be seen socializing at the lounge to savour the crisp, refreshing and classy taste of Kingfisher Ultra.

Samar Singh Shekhawat, VP, marketing, Kingfisher Beer Division, says, "Kingfisher has come a long way in celebrating fashion in the country. With Kingfisher Ultra adding to the fashion quotient, it has yet again marked a milestone at WIFW. We aim to bring 'good times' and high spirits to every fashion event, making it more extravagant, sensuous and flavourful".