娱乐英语新闻:Fashion week in India: Lacking color, strong in style, catering for masses

NEW DELHI, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Call it the impact of recession or a global change from vibrant moods to the dark and dull, it was the blacks along with some mute colors making statement at five-day Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week that got underway in New Delhi this week.

    Even as most collections showcased during the first three days seemed wearable, what seemed missing this year was hue and color.

    Drawing inspiration from cricket, famous designer Manish Malhotra merged sporty looks into Western and Indian wear, making his collection completely for the masses.

    The most beautiful women models walked the ramp in grey and black sarees. Fusing the east and the west, men's collection had Indian style band galas (closed high-necked) kurtas that they wore with sporty track pants.

    Another hat off to the black was a collection by Rajesh Pratap Singh who fused wool and silk into the autumn spring wear. The collection by Pankaj and Nidhi Ahuja was, however, somewhat different with a strong and unmistakable style in not-so-vibrant oranges and blues, added to greys and silvers.

    Titled Meat, a bold collection, mostly in black, by Prashant Verma, portrayed male aggression and vitality through his digital prints.

    A pleasant surprise was Slum Dog Millionaire kids walking the ramp showcasing Jai Ho! collection by Ashima and Leena. Contrasting reds and blues against black bases stood out in their geometric prints.

    Multilayered chains, ankle boots, armlets scarves, neckties, the show had them all. However, even in absence of vibrance, what stands out in the current collection are neat cuts and fabulous flows in Indian, western and sporty outfits, that you can take to streets and the masses.

    Indian fashion industry has leapt multifold in the last 10 to 15 years and Indian fashion labels are becoming as chic as other global brands. 

A model presents a creation during the Wills India Fashion Week (WIFW) in New Delhi, capital of India, March 18, 2009