Thakoon spring 2012 | L.A.M.B. spring 2012 | Chanel pre-fall 2012 | Images via Style.com
The catwalks suggest that India is having a moment. In September 2011 at the New York Spring 2012 shows both Thakoon and L.A.M.B. Gwen Stefani were inspired by India.
Stefani’s girl was a cross of California menswear (circa the 1960′s) and the decadence of a Maharaja. Utilitarian jumpsuits, leather bomber jackets, the sporty graphic brought lent urban cool to gold embroidery, caftans, one shouldered dresses that suggest a modern take on the sari.
Over at Thakoon, Thakoon Panichgul envisions a woman who is the product of two worlds; the American West and India. Theoretically this could easily fall into the avenue of the cliche but impressively instead the designer creates a sheer revelation. Shiny fabric, lame focal points, cowboy hats, there is a full multi-tiered skirt, shirt dresses, metallic trim are all thrown into the tossed salad bowl and triumphantly work!
More recently Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel pre-fall 2012 show was set in decadence fit for a Raj. This Bombay inspired opulence meets the pared back Parisian cool of Coco Chanel.
Although the pairing of elements of the far flung regal majesty of India against other cultures is nothing new, the specific inspiration to be garnered from these specific collections is.
