Monthly Archives: May 2010
Au revoir Gaultier
After seven years with luxury fashion house Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier is stepping down as artistic director of the women’s ready to wear line. Gaultier’s tenure at Hermès was marked by a revival of the brand’s equestrian roots and an exploration of his love affair with global fashion, especially from India. “In every collection I have done, there is always an Indian inspiration,” Gaultier has said. This was most evident in his Spring/Summer 2008 collection which showcased sari gowns, Nehru jackets, lambskin turbans and jodhpurs made in alligator skin. The brand’s advertising campaign that season called “Hermès Orange, Indian Pink” shot with Indian model Lakshmi Menon was one of the most visually arresting I have ever seen.
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The Sari's Timeless Inspiration
I came across the above images of actress Gemma Arterton and was struck by how closely the draping of her Elie Saab gown resembled a sari. The sari, with its elements of pleating, draping and asymmetry, has served as inspiration to designers all over the world and there seems to have been a resurgence of this timeless style as the red carpet has been full of draped, one- shouldered looks lately.
Delhi Couture Week
The Fashion Design Council of India announced late last week that New Delhi will host an official Couture Week from July 15-18. Couture, in regards to Indian fashion, refers primarily to bridal apparel which are sold as exclusive, made to order pieces.
Although, couture is synonymous with French fashion houses like Chanel, Christian Dior and Givenchy, the tradition of luxurious dressing and haute couture has its roots in royal India where made to order was de rigueur. For instance, the maharanis of the day specially commissioned weavers to create intricately woven saris adorned with precious stones and were often the most lavish patrons of European luxury houses like Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Boucheron. Western designers have displayed the skills of India’s artisans in their couture and prêt-à-porter collections for years, so its nice to see Indian designers be given a platform to showcase beautiful traditional apparel and the fine craftsmanship that India is known for.