Bibhu Gets Happy
Bibhu Mohapatra gets happy with colorful collection featuring gorgeous gowns
With all the doom and gloom in the world, Bibhu Mohapatra decided to concentrate instead on a positive vibe. The New York designer who has earned a reputation for creating gorgeous evening gowns, opted to get happy while unveiling his spring/summer 2017 collection at New York Fashion Week.
The collection, which Mohapatra told reporters is less serious than usual, plays on the theme of La Belle Époque ("The Beautiful Era"), the pre-World War I era characterized by optimism, peace, prosperity and technological, scientific and cultural innovations. Already known for his use of Indian fabrics with bright colors of his native land, Mohapatra incorporated the era's decorative spirit, with pleated wing embellishments, contrasting patterns, dotted pearls, stripes in all directions, and stained-glass prints.
At times, some of the looks seem a little overdecorated, but the collection has a more youthful feeling that some of Mohapatra's previous offerings. While he showed some interesting day looks, the designer's strength is in evening gowns, and he offered some lovely ones in bold shades of red or purple.
Many of the looks were accessorized with pearl and leather chokers or diamond cuffs from his new jewelry line. Mohapatra also collaborated with Christian Louboutin on exclusive footwear for the collection.
In Houston, the collection will be available at Elizabeth Anthony.