Shilpa Shetty Kundra is showstopper for Amit Aggarwal's ICW2018 debut

At the 11th edition of India Couture Week 2018 (ICW), Amit Aggarwal showcased his ‘Crystalis’ collection, which is inspired by two natural phenomena, the formation of crystals at a molecular level and the chrysalis (the last state in the life of a larvae before it turns into a butterfly). 

 
The collection reflected experimental textiles created using modern industrial material applied through traditional Zardozi and Ari hand techniques. 

A range of hand crafted three-dimensional embroideries in various crystalline and bio mimicked forms and motifs  gave the fabrics a unique visual and tactile quality were also on display. 

The color palette consisted of metallic shades of rose gold, silver, pewter and light gold along with jewel tones of rose quartz, silver onyx, emerald, amethyst, topaz and sapphire. 

An amalgamation of Indian and western couture was displayed through a range of sophisticated cording, plisse and topstitched fabrications, designed and crafted in-house. 

In keeping with the concept, hair & makeup reflected an angular form of a crystal and the curvilinear form of a cocoon called chrysalis. As a blend, it was a flat and chic swirl on one side and angular on the other. 

As part of his Couture 2018 presentation, Amit Aggarwal collaborated with some of India's leading names in areas of  jewellery, footwear and textiles.

For footwear, collaborator Nidhi Bhandari employed a range of Aggarwal's textile techniques to craft the shoes.
 
Together with Tanira Sethi he created one-of-a kind, engineered and embellished cashmere draped pieces. 

The fabrics were meticulously woven in France using specialized machinery and subsequently embroidered and sculpted at the Amit Aggarwal studio. 

“As a textile designer, exploring pattern making and garment construction with Amit has been a riveting experience. His architectural inspired masterpieces with my cashmere lace textiles with geometric forms are flowy and drape beautifully, said Sethi.
 
Jewellery designers Kaabia Grewal and Sasha Grewal, founders of the brand Outhouse, said, “It was an exciting showcase for us at India Couture Week 2018. All our pieces were inspired by various complex crystalline structures and intricate organic forms such as that of the metallic chrysalis cocoon. The glossy, metallic colours of the collection captured all the viewers’ eye. All our statements were designed to strike a perfect balance with Amit’s creative designs, that created a perfect fusion of sophistication and glamour.”

Showstopper Shilpa Shetty Kundra opted for an outfit that had all the elements from the collection right from colour, silhouette, structure and detail.

The outfit was a very radiant plum which was holographic in its approach to catch the colours of the entire collection.

Shetty Kundra carried the modern and eclectic piece, a drape with a feeling of a flared lehenga.
 
The 3D-based set, designed by Abhhay Narkar and Aparna Nambiar, was inspired by the core concept -- the formation of crystals and chrysalis around the butterfly cocoon.

“I wanted the set to resonate with the collection that we have created and the opulence and grandeur that is presented with it”, says designer, Amit Aggarwal.
 
The set combined with a composition of beautiful ambience sounds composed with live recording of tabla, ghungroo and mridank blended in seamlessly with the collection presentation.

Amit Aggarwal Indian Couture Week 2018 colelction ‘Crystalis’ will subsequently be available at the Amit Aggarwal Flagship store at The Kila Seven Style Mile, Mehrauli, New Delhi and other high-end retail stores nationwide.