Friday, April 22 2005 17:02 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna went for a Gothic glam look for their Lakme India Fashion Week (LIFW) collection. Baroque styles was mixed with vintage colours and surface ornamentation was also used strongly. This made a very bold and dramatic statement from the designer duo. PYTs should stay from this collection.

The collection mainly concentrated on women, but there was some men's stuff too. The colour palate for both was strictly dark and velvet was used as a texture on garments. It almost looked like velvet embroidery. Sheen and shine in the form of beads and crystals added dramatic opulence. Brown and blacks were colours preferred for both men and women.

Though there was a line of diva- like beige dresses, these were given a baroque touch as all of Rohit and Rahul's clothes were teamed with a body stocking in a very deep blue/green. It was almost the colour that blood is when it dries up. The idea was to give their design a feeling of dead glamour. Swarovski too helped add a feel of luxury. Rich fabrics such as satin, velvet and faux leather too enhanced the powerful gothic look. Gold and metallic red slashes were used on lycra dresses and tops.

Puffball and layered skirts added a touch of romance. Half way through reds were introduced, but these were very deep dark reds. The reds had a print either of black roses or more obviously of Marilyn Monroe. Reds were mainly used in the evening section. A red baroque chandelier, which was part of inspiration for the duo, was embossed in crystals on a short velvet skirt.

For men it was skinny cut trousers in velvet and red, jersey kurtas, shirts and zipper jackets. This was a collection for those who like to live life on the dark side.