The mannequin-and-light installation. Picture by Rashbehari Das

dev r nil

Washed in soft installation lighting, a mannequin dressed in ivory and gold stands dramatically on top of a three-tier stage structure. A coral-printed shirtdress hangs from a clothesline. Cherry Cinnamon tea is served to the guests, who have miniature cakes, shaped like animals, for company. They are “guests” at the party too! Dev R Nil’s own Mad Hatter Tea Party, that is.

After dabbling in pop-arty themes over the last few seasons, Dev and Nil are ready with their coming-of-age collection, inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

“When you start letting go of inhibitions and don’t stress about what people think, that’s when you start designing for yourself. Each collection reflects the state of mind you are in. This season we are feeling elated yet grounded,” chorus the duo. Enter fantasy. Enter Alice. Enter Wonderland. Their A/W 2012-13, titled My Alice in Wonderland, treads the fine line between the real and the surreal. “It’s called ‘my’ Alice... because it’s about the Alice inside each of us who is trying to escape, trying to fly high,” they say.

The print stories reflect the mood.... floating goldfishes and suspended butterflies breaking free. There is also a sequence on chains. Like always, batik will be accompanied by print and a range of in-house weaves. The show will begin with monochromatic and move on to a subdued shade card with some bright splashes of colour.

Nupur Kanoi

Six-year-old label Nupur Kanoi makes its fashion week debut at WIFW this season. A NIFT Calcutta alumnus, Nupur takes inspiration for her collection from heart-throb Brad Pitt in the movie Troy. Why suddenly Troy? “What caught my eye were the luxurious costumes. The silhouettes, the structure, the detailing... it’s all so magnificent,” says she.

Already a hit in both the exhibition (Bridal Asia, Savoir Faire) and store circuits (she retails from Zenon, Aza, Ogaan, Samsaara, Evoluzione and Elahe), Nupur’s strength is her eye for detail. Interesting textures, cords, moulds, geometric cut-outs and “perfect asymmetry” are the high points of her collection. Jackets, shirts, dresses, leggings, trousers and jumpsuits form the silhouette story.

Chandrani Siingh Fllora

Inspired by the sapphire, Chandrani’s A/W collection will reflect the array of hues the gemstone offers. Satin, georgette, jersey and silk, along with a hint of silver, come together to create feminine silhouettes with floral geometric embroidery along the lines of old architecture. Other details include shibori and beading.