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Back to school

Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna are ready with their WIFW collection. ANUJ KUMAR takes a look

PHOTO: SANDEEP SAXENA

A NEW SPRING Models showcasing Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna's schoolgirl-inspired WIFW collection in New Delhi

The countdown for the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Spring Summer-07 has begun, and new trends are making their presence felt. "Sexy is out, it's time for the smart intelligent woman to make her mark on the ramp," declares designer duo Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna, who previewed their collection "Innocence Regained", this past week. The twosome will showcase their collection under their label Cue on August 30, the first day of the Week.

"We went to The Netherlands and were stimulated by the Dutch porcelain dolls to do a collection," shares Rahul. For Rohit, the old porcelain tea sets also turned out to be a stimulus. They combined the forecast for the season with their inspiration and are ready with a collection that reminds one of a school-going girl. "Yes, the collection is an attempt to capture the carefree moments of childhood," concedes Rohit. The result, "Spontaneous silhouettes," says Rahul. "Nothing is preconceived and planned - lots of shirtdresses, frock-like dresses and pleated and balloon skirts. The tops have blouson and puffed sleeves," he explains.

Pleating is big

Getting a little technical, Rohit says, "These days both voluminous and structured silhouettes could be matched together, like a balloon skirt blends well with a structured top. In skirts, box and fine pleating is big this season. We have used silk voiles that take pleating easily. Then we have used chiffon braids, appliqué and ribbons for ornamentation. There is ample use of vegetable and indigo dyes to keep the collection eco-friendly."

Drawn by the purity of childhood, the duo has primarily used shades of white and porcelain blue. "We have also used shades of grey and sand beige, but I feel navy blue is going to replace black this season," foresees Rahul.

Large flowery prints are no longer in demand, says Rohit. "It's time for smaller prints. Similarly, gypsy skirts are on their way out, and A-line skirts are going to stay."

Known for men's clothing as well, the two have also designed a smallish men's line for the Week. "The look for the man is casual and trendy. Colours are porcelain blue, charcoal grey and off-white. Denim jackets, appliqué shirts, short collars and straight-fitted low-rise jeans are some of the highlights," shares Rahul.

One of the first labels to enter the prêt market, the duo agrees, two fashion weeks within four months have rushed most designers. "It is still easy for us, for we are two, there are many who are single-handedly taking care of everything. This had to happen in the first year because from September to October, buyers are booked for different fashion weeks around the world. And November is too late to showcase Spring Summer. The easy way out is to schedule the Fall Winter one in February-end rather than April-May," points out Rohit, who is on the FDCI board.

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