Strap: Falguni Shane Peacock are the first and only designers in the world to mount a show within the precincts of the Taj Mahal…
Internationally celebrated designers Falguni Shane Peacock made history recently, as they unveiled their collection titled — Love is, — at the India Couture Week with a fashion film shot at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Taj Mahal, Agra. This momentous show makes Falguni Shane Peacock the first and only designers in the world to ever mount a show within the precincts of this magnificent monument of love, the Taj Mahal.
The collection Love is, has been crafted completely by hand to showcase the distinct handwriting and talents of a cluster of about 250 craftsmen from the FSP-adopted villages of Malihati, Islampur, Midnapore, Kharagpur and Marhtala in West Bengal with the couture signatures of Falguni Shane Peacock. The intricate detailing juxtaposed against the backdrop of the Taj Mahal presents a mesmerising tableau of Indian craft traditions and couture expertise to the world at a time when the spotlight on travel and conscious support towards artisans is shining brighter than ever before. Heritage jewellery brand ‘Narayan Jewellers’ by Ketan and Jatin Chokshi, is the official jewellery partner for the show.
Shraddha Kapoor is wearing a deep red-based, intricately embroidered light golden Lehenga with floral motifs and geometric details, that is adorned with beads, crystals and sequins. The handcrafted, full-sleeves blouse is replete with foliage and grid work details, and completed with tassels. The ensemble is styled with a scallop-bordered Dupatta encrusted with crystals and beads.
‘Love is,’ is inspired by the monument of love – Taj Mahal. The details of the collection seek to translate the visionary saga of love by borrowing from the beauty of Taj Mahal. From transcribing the innumerable motifs of the architectural gem on ensembles to varnishing them with refined adornments of Swarovski crystals, pearls, mirrors, sequins and beads.
The collection is a medley of colours that scale from mellow muted tones such as baked beige and pearl ivory, to pastels like the rose pink and mint green, even extending to deeper tones like emerald green, royal purple, turquoise and valiant poppy.
A splash to metallic hues viz. silvers and gold elevate the grandeur while adding a dash of glamour. The intricate crafting techniques replicated the structural marvel on the fabric via architectural motifs of domes and minarets, filigree of foliage, and motifs of the century’s fauna and birds.
The line is innovative in terms of method but strongly rooted in terms of approach, a signature aesthetic of the label. The cuts are traditional yet au courant, think trailed Lehenga, fitted-and-flared silhouettes, and ball gown-style Lehengas that make for a befitting wedding day bridal trousseau.
