Lounge
Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI: AK-OK gives power dressing a boho-luxe twist
Summary
Designer Anamika Khanna opened the fashion week with a collection that gave a modern touch to traditional silhouettes
On 26 March, designer Anamika Khanna opened the five-day Lakme Fashion Week, organised in collaboration with Fashion Design Council of India, with her brand AK-OK's latest collection, Silver Collar.
From the collection's showstopper look, worn by actor Ananya Panday—a silver bralette with intricate chain detailing matched with heavily embroidered blue high-waisted, flared pants—Khanna's moodboard was clear: a boho-luxe twist on power dressing. And her muse was the working woman, something that also reflected in the make-up—wet, slick hair, and no-fuss clean, glowy skin that looks hydrated from within.
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The show started with lots of black. There were well constructed pleated flared pants, a one-shouldered jumpsuit inspired by the sari drape, dresses and other pieces that could be worn on their own or styled the way your heart desires. Khanna then moved on to shades of whites and ivory, presenting thoughtfully deconstructed boardroom silhouettes. One of the highlights was pant-suits that had a pallu-style trail (Panday's ensemble too had a pallu trail made using silver jewellery).
Besides blacks and whites, there were hints of blue (the blue culottes with sheer top might become a summer trend), olive and yellow as well.
Her signature abstract prints were also present, seen on jackets and skirt-like trousers. Among the best looks was a silver corded top with a white formal collar worn with brown printed drop-crotch dhoti pants.
The biggest takeaway from the collection was how traditional silhouettes can be moulded to fit well inside the wardrobe of today's woman, something Khanna is known for. By making most garments body inclusive, she made the collection stand out more.
Dhara Vora Sabhnani is a Mumbai-based writer.
