Dublin-based Indian fashion designer Shinto Benedict showcased his first haute couture collection in Cabra on 28 August.
The show at Christ the King Hall was part of the celebration of the Onam harvest festival, which originates in Kerala, the southernmost state of India.
The collection, under the leading 'Aspara: the girl, the goddess and the angel' was inspired by Indian mythology ('Aspara' being the Sanskrit for 'angel'). Western twists on traditional Indian styles were the order of the day, with Kerala saris in a new draping style inspired by the baroque era, ravishing three-piece salwar suits, floor-length skirts, butterfly head-dresses and classy accessories.
The colour palette was bold, with bright hues of red, green, blue, pink and orange with a white base. And drama was a key factor, with the designer himself choreographing the entire show, incorporating Indian dance with the usual runway struts.
Menswear added to the grandeur of the show, with designs inspired by Lord Krishna: lots of blue and yellow tones, with peacock feathers used to accentuate the look as per his depiction in Hindu art.
Shinto took the final bow to much applause, flanked by wardrobe assistant Jeeja Sebastian, the wardrobe assistant, make-up director Jessy Thomas and fashion photographer Sachin Vijayan.
Shinto later said his team is planning to launch its own label sometime in the near future.
