Beach fashion is picking up pace in India. And the best place to see what’s trending is India Beach Fashion Week 2017. Well-known designers like Vikram Phadnis and Rocky S will be showcasing their collections and alongside young designers like Delhi-based Bani Khurana and designer duo Megha Shikchi and Djey Tanwar will also be exhibiting their creations.
While Khurana will be showcasing her new collection Dainty Romance, the duo will be showcasing their creation titled Paradise Ocean at the fifth edition of India Beach Fashion Week 2017, which is being held in Goa.
Khurana feels happy to be able to share space with designers like Vikram Phadnis and Rocky S. She says, “Slowly, I am getting closer to my dream of sharing space with some of the icons and idols I have been following since I was a young girl.” To which Megha and Djey add, “It does feel great to share space with fashion industry icons. It is a reminder that we are indeed following the right path.”
Here’s more from the designers:
Tell us about your collection
Bani: Dainty Romance is all about the delicate romance in a woman’s life. The collection offers versatile fusion wear with a range of embroidered lehengas with off-shoulder blouses and sheer jackets, printed long tunics, dhoti saris and capes, among others.
Megha and Djey: Paradise Ocean is an amalgamation of the blue skies and green seas, the grey storms and the black rocky shores, the calm oceans and the setting sun.
What is the inspiration behind your collection?
Bani: My inspiration was in creating an intimate moment between the garment and the wearer. An allure that draws you in and makes you crave for more.
Megha and Djey: Nature has always inspired us with its myriad of colours and elements. This time, we captured the different elements from the sky and ocean.
Importance of colour play while designing
Bani: To be honest, I love colours. I just love the way colours and fabric textures work together to make an outfit. That said, deciding a colour to wear for the beach is important. One doesn’t want to look washed out. It should be bright and yet soothing to the eyes. Colours like pinks, shades of blue lilac or white are good for beach wear.
Megha and Djey: One has to be very careful while picking the colour of the dress to be worn at the beach. Shades of red, orange, darker blues and lilac pink look good against the waters during daytime.
Lighter shades tend to wash out the person’s complexion.
Incorporating swim suits or comfortable clothing in your designs
Bani: My collection is about destination weddings, so when I was designing I was thinking of places like Koh Samui, Goa, etc. I tried to incorporate both weddings and vacations together. People these days like to travel in style and look good for any occasion. So I have made a pair of shorts to go with a flowy chiffon embellished dress and bikini top with dhoti and heavily embellished jackets.
Megha and Djey: Beach is also about late-evening parties and comfort wear. So we have designed beautiful fusion dresses and skirts with crop tops which are perfect for beach parties.
Evolution of beach wear
Bani: Beach fashion is no longer just about swim suits and bikinis. It has evolved with time. I get clients who specially get beach clothes designed from me. Beaches are one of the most popular vacation places in the world. And with different sets of people we see different fashion too.
Megha and Djey: Beach fashion is in its nascent stage in India. That said, the customer base for beach fashion has been increasing over time. This awareness of beach fashion comes from Bollywood destination weddings, high-end fashion magazines and celebrities.
Destination weddings and other events adding to the popularity of beach fashion
Bani: Destination weddings are getting really popular and so has beach fashion. I myself had a destination wedding. The whole family and set of close friends travel together and celebrate your ‘D Day’. However, deciding the location is really important.
Megha and Djey: Beach fashion in India is still a relatively new concept. However, this concept has broadened with a lot of Indian families opting for beach weddings. Brides and bridesmaids have their entire look decided with assistance from professional stylists. Every aspect is given attention to and one can spot interesting styles and trends at beach weddings.
