Taking us back in time, to the Roman empire, replete with its imposing iconography, Siddartha Tytlers dark, grand line played with asymmetry, sheer and glimmering rhinestones at the ICW 2024.
By Asmita Aggarwal
He is the quintessential Mr Handsome Rahul Khanna, it has a lot to do with his genetics, being the son of Bollywood dreamboat Vinod Khanna, but unlike his father, he is doing fewer films, and is mostly setting Instagram on fire. At 50, if he can sizzle like that it is more to do with just looks!
Mr Khanna was the showstopper at Siddartha Tytler ICW 2024 showcasing, where he told us through his line, Caligulas Feast, how decadence can be translated through extravagant ensembles, bursting with shimmer. Giving us a lesson in history — Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, a Roman emperor, was assassination in 41 AD, but till he lived he courted pageantry like none other. Tytler exclaimed, He lived life large; a bit like me.
The ramp was converted into a debauched feast, with a revolving stage, and a Roman bust at the centre, overflowing with flowers and lit candles, it had all the theatrics of 70 MM entertainment, and in this glamorous mix was also Malaika Arora, dressed as Tytler said, as if she is going to war donning an armour. What I am wearing is stunning, I felt like a fierce goddess, exclaimed Malaika.
For the Roman emperor, known for his debauchery, and ostentation, the show paid homage to how he was also the most amazing host —thus the huge spread. On a lighter note, preparing for a show can be daunting, but Mr Khanna seemed unfazed, he laughed, I only thing I check to see is if my zip is fastened, of course I always take a few deep breaths. Khanna, who is a star amongst his fans, wore a velvet sherwani, with placement embroidery, though Aroras cutwork gown accentuated all the curves, she so diligently worked out without fail!
My shoes should fit right; I should feel comfortable. I always say a prayer every single time before I hit the runway. And this garment is in addition to the many blacks I proudly own, she said, adding, I get FOMO if I dont walk the ramp.
Tytlers draped gowns, complemented the imposing sets, exaggerated sleeves, charcoals, velvet as his sherwanis came with mythical golden birds flying on jackets with their beaks glistening with rhinestones. He thoroughly enjoyed adding asymmetry, played with layering and gave Malaika corsetry in gunmetal embroidery, depicting the strength he admires within her. Interestingly, the kurtas had metamorphosed, got many cousinshigh low hems, draped, pleated et al.
He included faux fur, introduced cropped jackets with pants, asymmetrical dhotis, liquid fabrics that hugged the waists, and created the mood with Roman leaf-shaped emperor headbands. The dupatta draping aped the extravagance of the erstwhile kings.
White and gold remains a winning combination, fabric manipulated into high-waisted skirts, more than lehengas there were options you could choose from. Kaftans as well as abundance of sheer teared through in body hugging gowns, skirts, exaggerated sleeves, exposing washboard abs and endless legs. Heavily jewel-toned jackets, large floral printed pant suits— bold was the mood. As flowers were everywhere, it was if you entered the garden of five senses, Tytler balanced louder pieces with frothier prints, rather than zardosi. Grand, dark are themes which interest me, concludes Tytler.