As influential front-rowers settled in the Durbar Hall at the Taj Palace, New Delhi, for the closing show of the 17th edition of the Hyundai India Couture Week, it was evident that what was about to unfold would be extravagant. And indeed, it was a spectacle to behold as the celebrated designer brand Falguni Shane Peacock showcased its couture collection, Rang Mahal, in collaboration with Swadesh, a Reliance Foundation initiative aimed at uplifting, promoting and supporting Indian craftsmen and artists.
With the rustic palatial ambience, live fusion music and a contemporary dance piece evolving into classical dance steps, the tone was set for the show. What unfolded next was everything and more everyone expected from Falguni Shane Peacock. The collection showcased their signature style, but in a more majestic fashion. Massive bejewelled veils, feather-laden dresses, cropped blouses, mermaid-cut silhouettes and modern embellishments took centre stage as the bespoke couture collection unravelled on-stage.
But the pinnacle of the show was the notable ensembles created in collaboration with Swadesh. The segment featured five saree sets and five lehenga sets that were put together using luxurious hand-woven fabrics coupled with contemporary silhouettes and embellishments. This collaboration was an ode to the age-old techniques and craftsmanship that have been passed down through generations of artisans.
The coveted segment came as a pleasant surprise, as Falguni Shane Peacock is not a name associated with hand-woven textiles and is rather celebrated for its maximalist designs and over-the-top embellishments. But this collaboration proves that there is no limit to the creative brilliance of Falguni Shane Peacock.
For the first time, the designer duo incorporated lush Kanjeevarams, Banarasi brocades and chikankari work into their designs. The real zari and gold-woven sarees were paired with embellished cropped blouses, feather-lined capes and bordered dupattas to create saree sets that were luxuriously elegant. The weaves were also translated into exquisite lehenga skirts and dupattas, paired with embellished blouses.
Here is a round-up of all the Falguni Shane Peacock ensembles in collaboration with Swadesh.
One of the most stunning creations from the collab, this ivory chikankari saree featured intricate Mukaish work all over with an embellished border adorned with gold sequins, beads, Swarovski crystals and pearl tassel detailing on the drape. The pristine saree was paired with an embellished blouse and a tulle dupatta with similar embroidery detailing.
Showcasing stunning foliage and bird patterns, the luxurious, handwoven silk saree by Swadesh was decked up with tassels for a modern-traditional fusion. The saree was paired with a bordered tulle dupatta with sequins and bead detailing and an embellished blouse with sequins, beads and tassel detailing.
No Falguni Shane Peacock collection is complete without incorporating pink. Showcasing the brand’s love for the colour, this pink silk woven saree showcases an iridescent gold sheen with a prominent gold and pink border. The saree is further decked up with tassel clusters, a bordered tissue dupatta and an embellished blouse with tassel detailing.
The classic combination of beige and gold is unmissable when it comes to woven silk sarees. This silk saree set by Falguni Shane Peacock in collaboration with Swadesh is a timeless creation that will get passed down through generations as a family heirloom. The magnificent saree features Falguni Shane Peacock’s signature tassel detailing and is paired with a bordered tulle dupatta and an embellished dupatta with tassels.
Featuring one of the most beloved colour combinations for traditional wedding silk sarees, this gold and beige saree showcased the beautiful union of conventional weaves and contemporary styling elements. The handwoven silk saree was adorned with pearl tassel detailing and was styled with a sleeveless embellished blouse and a feathered tulle cape with sequins, beads, pearls and tassel detailing.
With intricate swan, elephant and lotus motifs woven into the fabric, this golden lehenga set ticked all the boxes for luxury fusion wear. The stunning lehenga set featured a silk lehenga skirt with a cropped embellished blouse with detailed tassel work. The lehenga set was meticulously styled with a tulle drape and a handwoven, bordered silk dupatta with tassel detailing.
This golden sequin lehenga is the perfect embodiment of what Falguni Shane Peacock stands for, i.e., maximalism, glamour and bling. The couture lehenga skirt was decked up with golden sequins and beads and was paired with a cropped blouse with similar embroidery and tassel detailing. The lehenga set was styled with a sequin embellished tulle dupatta and a handwoven silk dupatta with tassel detailing.
Showcasing the ethereal combination of black and gold, this couture creation featured a silk lehenga skirt with an intricate sitar motif seamlessly incorporated into the weave, along with other distinctive motifs. The lehenga skirt was paired with a bordered tissue dupatta and a black velvet shawl embellished with sequins, beads and crystals.
The iconic saree shirt silhouette by Falguni Shane Peacock made an appearance on the ramp, but this time paired with a gorgeous golden fitted lehenga. The revolutionary saree shirt was tailored using Swadesh’s glimmering woven fabric and was paired with the exquisite lehenga skirt to create a one-of-a-kind blouse ensemble that is fashionably unique.
The detailed ivory lehenga by Falguni Shane Peacock X Swadesh epitomised the effortless craftsmanship of Indian artisans most extravagantly. The elaborate lehenga design featured intricate sequins, beads and crystal detailing, along with pearl tassels. The lehenga skirt was paired with a cropped embellished blouse, a matching tulle dupatta and a luxurious hand-woven silk dupatta.