Neeta Lulla at Lakme Fashion Week winter festival 2011

Neeta Lulla’s creation, inspired by the Kalamkari technique, which originates from coastal Andhra, is gracefully entwined with colours and silhouettes of the Renaissance era. The designs brought out a religious edge, with temple hangings, chariot banners, deities, scenes from the Ramayan and the Mahabharata and the Puranas as her muse. Every woman’s dream came true on the runway of Neeta Lulla’s show on Saturday evening. A collection so rich with creativity and ethnicity is a rare visual treat. The show commenced with an enchanting performance of the kathakali form of art, as a gesture of tribute to the state of Andhra Pradesh- and its culture and heritage. 

The collection came alive in fabrics of light weight silk georgettes, silk chiffons, French laces and nets. The silhouettes boasted of A-lines and flares. The patterns that dominated these traditional kurtas and lehengas were panelling and its variations. Surface ornamentation in the form of cutwork of velvets, motifs, embroidery, kundan and metal work was the crowning glory of every garment! The colour palette included crimson red, rustic rusts, Persian green, vintage gold and nudes.

Actress Prachi Desai opened the show in an anarkali kurta with reddish orange and gold adorning every panel. The dupattas were detailed and had heavily embellished borders. Another creation was a gold sequined jacket in puff sleeves, transcending into flares at the cuffs, teamed with a panelled lehenga. A lot of variations, in terms of the draping of the dupatta were exhibited. The drapes exuded flawless creativity and panache. Patiyala style of pants was another style featured. Long sleeves in net had elbow pads embellished with gold metal and sequined work. Flounced, tiered and draped tulip lehengas, impeccably draped saris with the trailing pallus, the western speck of an embroidered jacket teamed with a sari and blouse. 

The jewellery was as extravagant and detailed as every outfit. Be it the danglers, the studded rings, the striking cuffs, chokers, hair jewellery, cummerbund, intricately embellished gloves; every piece of accessory enhanced the ensembles even more. The hairdo was over the top, and once again, an emulation of the hairstyles of the kathakali dancers. Neeta Lulla’s, was a creation complete in itself.