While designer duo Shantanu & Nikhil's outfits had an old world charm, Varun Bahl's collection was inspired by Nature.
Day 1 at the Amazon India Fashion Week 2016 opened with the extremely talented Delhi-based fashion designer Varun Bahl showcasing his jungle-themed collection.
Bahl's extremely wearable collection was a take on modern women. Titled Nocturne, it painted a canvas with Nature as the central theme as owls, flowers and squirrels ruled the runway.
Close on his heels were fashion designers Shantanu & Nikhil, who made a splendid comeback at AIFW after two years. Their collection used fabric to highlight the various moods and emotions of a woman.
Shantanu & Nikhil’s love affair with drapes and dramatic silhouettes continued, and the collection -- which showcased plenty of jackets and capes -- had an ethereal charm.
The Last Walk by Shantanu & Nikhil
![AIFW 2016](//im.rediff.com/getahead/2016/mar/17aifw01.jpg?w=670&h=900)
Image: Indian brides could take inspiration from this stylish ruffled gown designed by Shantanu & Nikhil. Moving away from the traditional red bridal outfits, this white gown seems ideal for the urban, fashion conscious woman.
![AIWF 2016](//im.rediff.com/getahead/2016/mar/17aifw02.jpg?w=670&h=900)
Image: The collection also had evening gowns, but with a twist. The fabrics used added to the fluidity of the drapes.
![AIWF 2016](//im.rediff.com/getahead/2016/mar/17aifw04.jpg?w=670&h=900)
Image: Almost Grecian in style, the dramatic silhouettes revealed the different moods of a woman.
![AIFW 2016](//im.rediff.com/getahead/2016/mar/17aifw05.jpg?w=670&h=900)
Image: Here's another flattering silhouette... a dhoti sari with a jacket.
![AIWF 2016](//im.rediff.com/getahead/2016/mar/17aifw06.jpg?w=670&h=900)
Image: Take a cue on how to wear separates from this outfit, where a jacket and a skirt teamed beautifully with a sari. Don’t miss the leather churidar.
![AIFW 2016](//im.rediff.com/getahead/2016/mar/17aifw07.jpg?w=670&h=900)
Image: An beautiful draped sari-gown paired with a diaphanous cape.
![AIFW 2016](//im.rediff.com/getahead/2016/mar/17aifw08.jpg?w=670&h=900)
Imge: An ideal outfit for a contemporary bride who wants to step away from traditional hues.
![AIWF 2016](//im.rediff.com/getahead/2016/mar/17aifw09.jpg?w=670&h=900)
Image: The duo played with fiery colours too. Take a look at this red sari dhoti.
![AIFW 2016](//im.rediff.com/getahead/2016/mar/17aifw010.jpg?w=670&h=900)
Image: Mostly, though, colours like grey, brown and white ruled the ramp.
![AIWF 2016](//im.rediff.com/getahead/2016/mar/17aifw03.jpg?w=670&h=900)
Image: At the end of the collection, Shantanu & Nikhil were greeted with a loud cheer!
Nocturne by Varun Bahl
![AIFW 2016](//im.rediff.com/getahead/2016/mar/17aifw13.jpg)
Image: An outfit inspired by Nature, where leaf motifs have been used interestingly.
![AIWF 2016](//im.rediff.com/getahead/2016/mar/17aifw12.jpg?w=670&h=900)
Image: The designer created an imaginary jungle where squirrels scurry about on sequined branches.
![AIFW 2016](//im.rediff.com/getahead/2016/mar/17aifw016.jpg?w=670&h=900)
Image: Luscious pomegranates burst with bright, ruby-red kernels!
![AIFW 2016](//im.rediff.com/getahead/2016/mar/17aifw11.jpg?w=670&h=900)
Image: Don’t miss the floral motifs woven on the jacket. Interestingly, all the models wore flats shoes.
![AIFW 2016](//im.rediff.com/getahead/2016/mar/17aifw14.jpg?w=670&h=900)
Image: Yet another floral dress in white and lavender -- it's giant chrysanthemums this time.
![AIFW 2016](//im.rediff.com/getahead/2016/mar/17aifw15.jpg?w=670&h=900)
Image: Varun had played around with simple yet classic cuts and lace and floral motifs. It was a collection which could be worn by every woman. This show marked his return to ready to wear ramp outfits after a gap of five years.
Photograph: Kind courtesy FDCI