Celebrated fashion designer Manav Gangwani, who will be showcasing his couture collection titled India @ 70 at the upcoming FDCI India Couture Week 2017, is hailed by several fashion insiders as one of most innovative and promising designers India has ever produced.
In a free-wheeling chat with News18.com, the designer revealed his thoughts about having celebrity showstoppers at fashion shows - a concept which many designers believe moves the audience's attention from the collection to the celebrity. He said, "I have always opted for a celebrity who I am sure will do justice to my garments. In the past, many bold and independent women have walked the ramp for me. I believe if a collection is curated using the right elements of design it can capture the audience."
Talking about the Bollywood glamour element in the fashion industry, Manav said, "Bollywood is one such platform that allows showcasing the latest trends on a global level and it can influence a greater mass of people. Bollywood is indirectly an integral part of everyday life in India. But, the looks, followed by the audience, is not based entirely on glamour, it is also on a variety of levels since every movie has a different theme and every actor has a different choice. It just gets easier for people to relate to characters and people with different tastes rather than models being showcased in an event."
The couturier designer, who has styled several Bollywood celebrities including Kangana Ranaut, Hrithik Roshan and others, aims to bring together interesting elements from each region of the country in his collection which will feature elaborate designs and intricate embroidery.
"India @ 70 is an amalgamation of the rich heritage of India along with modern edgy elements incorporated in each garment", said Manav Gangwani to News18.com. "Accentuated vintage gold elements adding a touch of royalty to every garment has been thoughtfully crafted to induce the fragrance and grandeur and opulence of India," he added.
"I have used techniques, silhouettes and designs that together create a perfect amalgamation of traditionalism and authenticity," he said.
Inspired by his vivid imagination, the upcoming collection epitomizes the essence of every region in India, with an undertone of drama and mystery. Royal blue, crimson, ivory, orange and green are colors that will be seen in Manav's collection. Enthrallingly feminine luxurious silk brocades, rich velvets, sheer gauzy tissues with gold are the fabrics chosen for this collection.
When asked what all elements have been used to represent India, the designer said, "From God and Goddesses to miniature art of the Mughal empire, meenakari, patolas to panthani, all forms have been used to reflect the country." The designer, who is well-known for his opulent couture line, believes that through his upcoming couture collection, he has showcased the best of what India has to offer (to the world).
Manav's upcoming line draws from various regions in India and incorporates elements of design from those places like Jamawars of Kashmir, Bandhanis of Rajasthan, Kathakali from Kerala and Brocades of Varanasi.
Revealing how important it is to integrate contemporary concepts into traditional crafts, Manav said, "It is important to add western elements to traditional garments to make them more appealing to a larger set of audiences. In fact, incorporation of modern elements makes the garments more relevant and wearable. The amalgamation of western concepts and traditional elements makes each garment unique and one of a kind."
Mentioning different ways in which one can add a modern edge to a traditional outfit, Manav said, "It can be in the form of silhouettes, textures, motifs, colour and design."
Talking about how he would describe a 'Manav Gangwani' bride, the designer said that she has to be someone who can confidently pull off an opulent and grand ensemble.
When asked about the varied colour choices that brides can make in the upcoming wedding season, the designer told News18.com, "While the traditional colours, red and pink, will remain favorites among many brides, the modern day bride would definitely consider bright tones in her wedding ensemble."
Adding that brides have become more experimental with color and outfit choices since they have more than one function to dress up for, he said, "Many to-be brides go for out-of-the-box colour palettes ranging from navy blues, emerald greens to shades of ivories and orange set in ornate mirror work, embroidered textures." "Brides nowadays are expressing their personality through their wedding attire by moving away from the generic styles and choosing different silhouettes for their big day."
He also said that while following fashion trends, choosing the wedding garment is a must, as trends evolve every season, some silhouettes are classic and evergreen. The elements that must be kept in mind are colours, textures and designs based on what looks best on the person. "It’s important that the wedding dress chosen is a perfect combination of classic blended with contemporary fashion elements. A modern bride is all about making a statement by choosing subtle elements with statement accessories."