An exotic paradise filled with feathers, gold sequins, and jewels all rich in color is no longer just a Bollywood dream. India, which has recently inspired Karl Lagerfeld himself, has been the theme of Marchesa’s latest Spring/Summer 2013 collection at the New York Fashion Week.
n the movie ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, when Julia Roberts says she wants to “marvel at something beautiful”, she goes to India. A trip to India may not be in everyone’s plans, which is why Marchesa’s S/S 2013 collection brought India to us. A majestic presence filled the air as the collection unfolded on the runway. Marchesa created an Indian fantasy of Rajasthani sari silks in the vivid colors of garnets, oranges, and blues. Jaipur jewels ornamented beautiful and feminine garments in the style of traditional sari, lehenga, churidars and kurti tunics with leggins. Looking at these one can almost hear the sounds of sitar playing while some pieces of the collection could be worn by enchanting belly dancers. As the gold brocades add charm to the exotic gowns, tales of the mystique tradition invoke the mind of viewers.
With the help of Frederic Fekkai creating the tribal hairdo and Laura Mercier’s “flawless illuminated skin”, the collection was an ode to India circa 1960. As the models batted their golden leafed eyes, tossed their golden tassles, and strutted the exquisite textiles down the runway it was clearly something to marvel at. Marchesa’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection isn’t for the Guru around the corner, it is for the Maharani within.
By CheRima Manayan
