Fashion’s ode to inner strength

There was an abundance of innocence and nostalgia when Rina Singh for her label EKA, unveiled her “Post Cards from Summer” collectionat Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2019.The pastels in all their gentle glory were the basis for the sheers, laces and layered visions of beauty as they floated down the ramp. The cleverly created weaves, the monochromatic stripes, fragile feminine negligees and noodle-strap blouses, were what fashionistas will desire during the summer days.

The diaphanous, yoked, smocks layered over lace were delicate to behold; while the sheer printed covers, loose tunics over comfy pants, flowing ‘A’ line dresses and unstructured jackets with transparent blouses and the tiered white midis spoke a language of sheer grace.

Ultimate layering is Rina Singh’s fortè, which she achieved with multiple tops, printed coat with pants or two midis layered over cropped pants. A delicate camisole appeared with a flower motif and strappy summer dresses were covered with sheer coats. Cropped scalloped pants, white frilled midi, textured tent dresses with a hint of tulle at hemline, vertical striped Empire-line ensembles and long drawstring blousons had the EKA sensibilities. Quaint accessories that went ideally with the collection, were the cross-body bags and the colourful floral wedges or brightly coloured moccasin slip-ons.

The Corcal Bone and Beauty, a supplement for women by Lupin Life collaborated with designer, Rina Singh for the show. The women achievers, who walked the ramp for EKA were:Sarah Todd – Chef, Kayaan Contractor – Blogger, Aarifah Rebello – Singer, Ayesha Billimoria– Athlete, Aisha Syed - Theatre artist, Paloma Monnappa – Surfer, Sayani Gupta – Actor, TillotamaShome– Actor, Mariette Valsan - Actor and Model and Aly- Blogger.

The show ended with Geeta Phogat, India’ first ever gold medallist female wrestler at the Commonwealth Games in 2010. She was judged by a panel of health and beauty experts and chosen through an online audition as the ‘woman of inner strength and beautifully strong’.

Designer Rina Singh, EKA said, “As an ongoing campaign, we’ve photographed a few women in Eka, in their homes, capturing a part of their life. These very accomplished women from different walks of life, each has their own interpretation of EKA, they find it easy, charming, timeless, ageless and an essential part of their wardrobes. This show is a salutation to them and their individuality, the comfort and familiarity they find in EKA and in return, enrich the collections.”