A dash of classic elegance

In its tenth edition, Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week got into high gear on day one as designers Rajesh Pratap Singh, Anjana Bhargava, Payal Jain, Manoviraj Khosla and Rina Dhaka showcased their collections.

Singh's collections set the notes for the rest of the evening; themed on survival this was another innovative range from his studio. Using men's wear style to derive a delicate yet detailed collection is a trick only this 'master of cuts' could pull off.

Sporty is the simplest way to refer to this collection of tautly tailored shorts, swing skirts, casual capris gave a casual yet chic touch to the collection set off with slinky tees with large collars — all perfect for Spring Summer's strawberry and lawn tennis season

In shades of cement, steel, teal blue, indigo with accents of leaf, lemon, and red, Singh also sent out a series of elegant blousons, high rise dresses, and tapered pants with intrinsic embellishment and mosaic motifs, teased off with a bit of bling in cottons and linens.

Strong yet sensual is the only way to describe the other collection that closed the day. Rina Dhaka stayed true to her oeuvre yet sent out a streamlined collection. Structure that can flatter any body type as long as the proportions are in sync with the proportions of the wearer was visible through every line of this designer.

Staying true to signature white, the trends were all cast in favour of white heat. The silhouettes are short and saucy. The shapes go from fluid to form fitting and there is a new subtlety to embellishing prêt that tempers it with finesse.

"It is the 10th edition and this makes it a very special one," beamed Rathi Vinay Jha, Director General of the Council.