Day One
The Shahab Durazi collection at the event presented by the FDCI
The name Shahab Durazi has always evoked visions of collections that are perfectly crafted in every minute detail. Affectionately known as the “Armani of India”, Shahab’s construction skills are legendary and admired not only in India but globally.
Making an appearance on the fashion ramp after 12 years, Shahab unleashed a collection that left the audience in breathless awe and admiration. Merging a retrospective of his brand with contemporary haute classics, for women, Shahab visualised beaded trousers, fringe edged dresses with a nostalgic flavour of the 40’s and 50’s. Belts sported dazzling, diamante buckles, while blouses were resplendent with pearl and crystal necklines.
Detailing&Technique
For the capes and coats, Shahab brought in large French motifs from the Renaissance and Rococo art forms. For gala evening splendour, Shahab unveiled gowns with silhouettes that were soft, flowing, voluminous or at times mermaid. Abstract prints appeared on French chiffon gowns that had waists cinched with belts or cummerbunds. Known for his sharply tailored suits, Shahab brought in a softer, slouchier look that was lavishly embellished with pearl or French floral filigree.
Paying intense designing attention to menswear, Shahab offered hints of the English Dandy look when pristine collars, cuffs and bows were embellished with pearls and silk ribbons. Boleros and short bandhgala jackets looked regal with glass beads, pearls, and cord embroidery. Tailored sherwanis had intricate beadwork, while asymmetric kurtas were embroidered with beaded silk thread borders. The stylish woollen coats, shirts with hand embroidered beaded yokes, cummerbunds with 3D flowers, pearl, cord embroidery and quilting completed the luxurious look of the menswear line.
Shahab added hand embroidered clutch bags, lace collars, cuffs, envelope briefcases and pearl encrusted bow clips. Staying true to his partiality to black, the predominantly all-black line was dappled occasionally with white, grey, cream, bone, ecru, dove, slate, and silver. The men’s and women’s collections were a mesmerising vision of silhouettes, embellishments, and expert construction with minute attention to detailing.
Shahab Durazi
“It’s always an exciting feeling to showcase on an esteemed platform like this, and I am happy to be doing this as the FDCI Showcase Designer of the season. The capsule collection will endorse slow fashion and the relevance of timelessness that defies the concept of trends and promotes classic couture with contemporary nuances. As it has always been, the hope with this collection too, is to consciously create a distinctive space for western couture that’s indisputably based on a unique aesthetic.”
Sunil Sethi, Chairman FDCI said, “We at FDCI couldn’t be happier to present a showcase by someone as respected and celebrated as Shahab Durazi. Over the decades, Shahab has created history with his couture, and bold fashion statements, and we are certain that this presentation will be no different. We welcome back Shahab and are proud to present the magic of Shahab Durazi as the FDCI Showcase.”
