At Lakme Fashion Week, designers Shantnu and Nikhil presented their lavish “Capella” collection.

The designers took a bold turn when they rediscovered The Chandelier, a magnificent artifact from the Baroque Era, as their source of inspiration. The collection also revealed levels of creating innovation for each ensemble using this magnificent piece of layered artistic lighting as their compass.

The embroidery for many of the designs included the distinctively complex beauty of baroque leaf motifs. The “Capella” collection stayed loyal to the subject since the early 17th-century era showed exaggerated styles and forms. The creative team used vibrant homage to off-white, then transitioned to rich mint gold and added somber charcoal, which was also occasionally used in the interiors of Baroque palaces.

Shantnu and Nikhil exhibited lehengas covered in crystals and precious stones to meet the demands of the Indian bridal season. Tulle and veils were used to highlight the tiers, bringing forth the decadent, opulent nature of the time. Baroque lace that had been stitched in Dori work served as a striking decoration.

Men’s clothing displayed all of Shantnu and Nikhil’s distinctive design sensibility, with draped kurtas, salwars, baggy pajamas, slim slacks, buttonless sherwanis, bundgala jackets, and bundies making an abrupt debut on the runway. A one-button variant of the western jacket, sometimes worn over a sheer embroidered kurta, added a touch of western flair. The wide lapel, dolman sleeves, cropped jacket, as well as some other interesting elements were additions to the formal wear.

In a stunning white bridal lehenga with a lavish tulle trail, an edgy bustier, and Baroque lace embroidered in Dori Work, a fringed tulle dupatta, Bollywood’s stunning star Kriti Sanon made a dramatic entrance to close the event. The magnificent tonal flourishes were a work of art for the stunning trio of ensembles.

The “Capella” collection opened up a new world of haute couture for designers Shantnu and Nikhil, where their artistic vision was more anti-trend oriented. However, it was a collection that buyers will treasure because, over time, the pieces will become heirlooms.

Priyanka Dutta