BTFW culminated with the most celebrated designer duo Gauri & Nainika’s Fall /Winter 2023 lineup. It was a fashion parade of timeless classics meeting young and modern prints and beautiful dresses that were straight out of a fairy land.
Three days fashion extravaganza in Mumbai proved beyond a doubt that Bombay Times Fashion Week’s newly fetched popularity has swelled to a point that, even from the front row, one is most likely to glimpse the clothes first through a neighbour’s iPhone. All the designers channeled the Springfield Blooms gaiety of light materials such as muslin, cotton, chiffon, georgette and draped jersey, with extras like beadwork, tassels, pearls and silk-based motifs carrying interpretations of macramè.

Some outfits reminiscent of Bollywood’s golden era were embellished with cascades of crystals, tonal embroideries, and feathers, and some pieces notably pleated and draped gowns in Mediterranean blue, like green, tangy yellow and pink were accessorized with boho jewellery handed down through generations. While some rang a bit scanty for real-life occasions, it wouldn't be surprising to see some designs - cotton Barbie gowns, comfy cargos and loungewear, mandarin orange and hot fuchsia sequin numbers- crop up at the summer holidays in a few week’s time. But the biggest wow moment took place when designer duo Gauri & Nainika unpacked their Fall Winter 2023 collection for the BTFW finale.

Gauri & Nainika - Fall Winter 2023 Inspired by the impressionist art movement of the late 19th century Fall/
Winter 2023 collection reflects movement and captures the transient effects of light and shadow. Beautifully printed blooms on silk dresses, big pearls tucked on black net corset pants, and sheer florals with feminine corset fit were every woman’s dream dress wardrobe placed right in front on the ramp.

Gauri & Nainika is known for its pretty feminine floral gowns which are completely inspired by Dior, Valentino and Chanel in recreation to give younger and chic silhouettes. Bursting with colours, the fall collection depicts a powerful representation of flora and fauna using bold brush strokes that almost feel tangible like an oil on canvas painting. Airy fabrics such as lightweight tulle have been used along with sculptural silk faille to create voluminous full-skirted looks reminiscent of Degas’ ballerinas. Some of the dresses looked like they straight walked out of a Dior coffee table book from the 60s, but if we get a younger and Indian version of the same dresses, who are we to complain? Structured fluted bodices and forestry plus the brand's love for larger-than-life ruffles and 3D flowers all come into play in fashion looks that are utterly feminine and impactful. Bell-shaped skirts, carrot fit pants, corseted jumpsuits and empire cut midis along with red carpet-worthy donor sets with flowing diaphanous tops are some of the newer and noteworthy shoes from the line.

The designer-duo did full justice to the finale by dropping this dreamy dress and its glamour. With its dramatic silhouette and artistic prints, Fall/Winter 2023 leans more towards strong, empowered looks depicting powerful femininity, which blends like nothing before into spring summer season.

This collection reminded us of a quote by known legend Giorgio Armani that goes “The difference between style and fashion is quality.” Collection like this is indeed far from being in trend. It didn't let fashion own it, but it created a classic tail for itself. The expression of a dress was clearly speaking out for the elegance of a woman who wears it and lives in it. Bombay Times Fashion Week closed its curtain on a very elegant note, fashion is born when the inside is been spoken out loud through its creative genius. This season was the perfect blend if Ethics

meeting Aesthetics to create a future which one can proudly call it sustainable.