Make yourself comfortable

Not that it ever went away, but comfort (mercifully!) makes a comeback. When a few in the front row turn up in trainers and those on the runway in flats, and the Gen-next designers can’t stop harping on the wearability of clothes, it’s time to take some notes with a happy emoticon.

Flats on the runway

The C-word couldn’t be ignored when some of the designer Guarang Shah’s, models walked the ramp barefeet. A sight unseen even at runway dress rehearsals. Moving on, among the designers who opted for flats on the runway were Karishma Shahani Khan, Nimish Shah, Atsu Sekhose, Diming Rubu (gen next designers) Ujjawal Dubey and brand Myoho. Khan’s collection titled Navya was inspired by geometric yet natural objects and hence flat footwear brought out the simplicity of the line. Label Myoho by Kiran & Meghna presented Sandalwood. A collection going retro with the influences of the Raj (desi meets Victorian) and hence according to the designer, the flats were the ideal choice.

Elsewhere and off the ramp

Bollywood actress Kim Sharma, who turned up in white torn denims and white and black trainers, was the undisputed comfort queen at the fashion week. Model Pia Trivedi and singer Manasi Scott too had comfort on their mind when both could be seen in not just relaxed silhouettes but also flats to go with the look.

Fashion philosophy of the younger lot

• Comfort and wearability were the key elements in the creations of six young designers showcasing in the Gen Next category, namely, Abhishek Paatani, Paridhi Jaipuria, Gaurav Khanijo, Anupreet Sidhu, Vaibhav Singh and Diming Rubu. Paridhi, from Jaipur, gave traditional weaves a contemporary touch in her line titled Bunai. The budding designer, whose collection included asymmetrical dresses, ponchos, pants and jackets, said she always prefers to design clothes that are easy to wear.
• Delhi-based designer Gaurav Khanijo said menswear cannot afford to go low on comfort quotient. "Men are finicky about their clothes. They can't live on something which doesn't make them look and feel good," he said.
• Actress Sarah-Jane Dias on the sidelines of the show said, "Since my style statement is comfort so you will always see me wearing flat shoes."
• "Comfort is certainly one of the main concerns of young designers like us. I design clothes which I can wear without thinking twice. It is very important to look at ease in your clothes. Times have changed now, experimenting with designs is not stopping us from making comfortable silhouettes.” — Gen Next designer Paridhi.
• Fashion is not only for the runway now. It has to have the relevance in day-to-day life.” —Gen Next designer Gaurav Khanijo

—Manpriya Singh