New Delhi: With combination of rose motifs and embellishments as the mainstay, ace designer Rohit Bal’s Kashmir and Russia inspired line, “Kehkashaan” closed India Couture Week 2016.

Bal, 55, made his love for roses more apparent with the line as the outfits featured flower embroidery in almost every outfit on display.

Gold embroidery with mirror-work was another highlight of the show. Perhaps, in an attempt to balance the heavy embellishment on tops, jackets, maxi tops and capes, the designer kept his lehengas, sarees and gowns extremely simple with least to no work on it. The flair of his silhouettes, however, added a regal touch to the clothes. In terms of colour palette, the designer kept himself restricted to bold tones of white, black and burgundy. Bal’s collection began on a ‘white’ note as models sashayed down the ramp in simple traditional wear, which had Kashmiri designs. With similar work on every outfit in the section and lack of innovation, it seemed the designer ran out of ideas while designing the ensembles. Then came the all-in black section, which had interesting combinations like gypsy tops and jackets with lehengas and sarees, and capes with evening gowns. An embellished cold shoulder top worn over a long skirt was a highlight of this section. A few men’s jackets with different gold embroideries drew applause from the audience. Bal went with the ‘save the best for the last’ saying as some of the most wonderful and creative pieces from his collection turned up towards the end of the show. The closing outfit, a burgundy colour lehenga worn with a red choli and a short jacket, also in burgundy, was among the best on the show. Crown-like headgears complemented the overall feel of the collection. The show had other designers like JJ Vallaya and Varun Bahl cheering Bal on from the sidelines. The designer chose not to speak to the media about his collection post the show and instead chose to stay by the side of his close ones. — PTI