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Lovin’ it

Sampath Kumar G.P.

Not another fibre Fashion designers stretched their imaginations to create innovative designs using Lycra fibre Photo:

It was raining Lycra at Taj Residency. The annual event “Lycra” Rendezvous was put together by Invista , the world’s largest integrated fibres company doing its bit to promote Lycra as the fabric of the future. Invista presented a v ariety of innovations including “X-fit Lycra fabric” and “Lycra Black fiber” with a number of leading mills showcasing fabric innovations in the stalls. And rendering the glamorous touch to the serious business event was the fashion show in which known names like Jatinn Kocchar, Gunjan Arora and Rahul Jain, Arshiya, Neetu Gupta & Raj Shroff presented their collections using the Lycra fibre.

Lycra has come a long way from just being the inner-wear, stockings, swim-wear and aerobic wear. As people, specially the women, the world over are consciously flaunting their well-toned bodies, Lycra is on its way to becoming a mainstream fabric. “We expect X Fit Lycra fabric to change the landscape of denim with its next generation look and feel. It provides a better fit to accommodate more diverse body types, giving the wearer a flattering and alluring shape,” said Marco Lucietti of Invista. Delhi designer Jatinn Kocchar who showcased his spring-summer collection “My Milky Soul” in the show has been romancing the fibre forever.

The designer has been around for last 17 years and has used Lycra in every single collection that he has showcased to date. “Contrary to what people think, Lycra is not nylon. It is a fibre and you can knit or weave it with anything like nylon or viscose. Lycra increases the life of the garment by 10 times. In some countries, it is mandatory for the manufacturers to use Lycra in the neck area of the t-shirts as it doesn’t loose shape. It is so comfortable and gives you a fabulous fit. It moves with the shape of your body,” says Kocchar, wearing a cream embroidered shirt with Lycra in it. Ninety per cent of “My Milky Soul” – an all white collection with strong texturing was based on Lycra. Kocchar had combined Lycra fibre with cotton, polyester, nylon, organza in this collection. Floral prints, figurative drawings on fabrics with blistered surfaces, cracked leather, matte crepe and accessorised with silver coloured belts was impressive.

Bangalore fashion designer duo Raj Shroff and Neetu Gupta showcased their collection inspired by the eternal symbol of omnipotence and immorality and “The Tree of Life”. The designer duo behind the label “Ravage” infused Indian elements in western garments. The colour schemes were borrowed from nature — barks and branches of the tree.

Rich Browns, earthy greens, reds and rusts were dominant. The textures were created through cording, rushing, appliqués and sequins. The collection included skirts, long dresses, short-coats, layered dresses, mid and full-length dresses with elements of the empire line waists. “Bangalore doesn’t have a very strong fashion base so events like these help us keep informed. It also gives us a business opportunity. We usually make our prêt using Lycra,” says Neetu Gupta.

Mumbai-based Arshiya presented very wearable chic dresses in peach, mint and lime and skirts combining neo-classical styles with innovative Lycra fibre.

Under their label “Sirali”, Delhi designer duo Rahul Jain and Gunjan Arora gave Lycra an all-new avatar without weaving or knitting the yarn. The duo presented their dresses, skirts and men’s shirts with Lycra fibre criss-crossing creating a web and rendering strong texture that was very fresh and innovative.

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