Models in Rajesh Pratap Singh’s designs

There’s Wendell Rodricks, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Anamika Khanna, Kiran Uttam Ghosh and.... Valentino! So, get set for fashion fireworks ahead of this Diwali at 85 Lansdowne, in association with t2.

From couture to bags, jewellery to shoes, the Diwali Extravaganza is laying out a super spread of style, October 29 to November 7. The most high-profile label is of course Valentino, which is coming to town for the first time with a pret and accessory line. The Valentino trunk show is on October 29 and 30.

The Sarat Bose Road boutique also takes the opportunity to introduce two new designers in its fold: Wendell Rodricks and Pankaj Ahuja. Rodricks brings his latest fall-winter 2007-08 collection, featuring layering of chiffon and organza under heavy coarse cotton or silk. The colour palette packs in ivory to bright scarlet, gold to rich purple.

For Pankaj Ahuja, the keyword is “elegance and grandeur without being outrageously opulent”. Warm tones of wine, deep ruby pinks and emeralds; square sequins in cross-stitch patterns, intricate antique copper embroidery, mother of pearl chord embroidery define Ahuja’s style, “with fits snug at the bust, flaring up then onwards”. The price tag reads Rs 13,000-plus. “The Indianness in Calcutta is strong. The crowd has good taste, not flashy. The expectations are high,” explains Ahuja.

Feast your eyes on collections from guest designers Rajesh Pratap Singh and Amit GT. Rajesh Pratap’s label offers the fall-winter collection 2007-08 for both men and women. Pick up signature jackets, bandhgalas, kurta-churidars, coats and classic knitwear. “We are looking at a niche clientele. The venue, with its old heritage charm, makes for a perfect destination. This is an effort to bring the designer closer to people in the city,” said Sapna Mehra, spokesperson for the Delhi-based top draw. Prices start at Rs 6,500.

Amit GT’s ethnic line draws inspiration from the grandeur of Indian architecture. The garments have been richly embellished with semiprecious stones. The Mediterranean colour palette is predominant in shirts.

A model in an outfit by designer Kiran Uttam Ghosh. Picture by Pabitra Das

Then there are the fresh festive collections by 85 Lansdowne’s 42 resident designers, offering an array of formal, casual and ethnic wear for both men and women.

Kiran Uttam Ghosh is debuting with her men’s wear line. “Men do not want anything very difficult. But there is hardly any men’s wear in the city,” said Kiran. “The collection is definitely not over embellished. It is laid back, chic and relaxed,” adds Kiran, who is “experimenting”, but hopes to continue. The shade card features splashes of deep purple, brick, dusky aquamarine and wine. For women, there are saris and kurtas to choose from. The price tag reads Rs 3,500-plus.

The accessory section comprises bags, shoes and jewellery from Suhani Pittie, Radhika Poddar, Mahek Gupta, Kan, Crimson, Joolz, Malaga, Bea Accessories, Stoffa and Kalpana Mulchandani. Casual or formal, basic or classic, there are bag and shoe options for every occasion.

Mumbai-based Kalpana Mulchandani showcases on October 29. Wood, bone, resin, glass in fusion with diamonds, precious and semiprecious stones have been crafted into earrings, delicate bracelets, bangles and neck pieces.

“They are modern. They are wearable. They make a style statement,” says Kalpana, showcasing in Calcutta for the first time. Kalpana’s collection begins at Rs 15,000.
Finally, to keep the Diwali flame burning bright, there is The Magical Lights by Anu Jalan, a collection of metal containers converted into candles.

So, from October 29 to November 7, you know where to go.