The slow and steady win the fashion race

They may not be household names such as Rohit Bal or Ritu Beri, but a tier of designer labels have been strongly and steadily leaving their stamp on the fashion map with each season.

Anamika Khanna is one such name who has been enjoying her moment in the sun for a few years now. And she doesn't seem to be tiring of it anytime soon. Her being physically lifted to be cheered on by FDCI president Suniel Sethi was telling enough of the impact she made.

Joining the same league of steady riders are designers Gaurav Gupta and Atsu. Day 5 belonged totally to these names who have mastered their craft and created their own brand of loyalists in the worlds of both film and fashion.

Atsu showed a fitting formal collection with many sequined and satin classic ensembles. His lace tights and sequinned straight skirts are bound to become huge hits. Considering he is already the favourite of fashion editors and Bollywood residents, it's also time he owned a shelf in every modern fashionista's wardrobe.

Gaurav Gupta had already mastered structure and folding, this time he played with the flow.

Showing a beautiful collection focussing on all things natural and flowing, he showed he can also play with drape and paint just as well, blending his theme and design brilliantly.

One thought the mood of the day might just be a tall order to conquer but designer Anamika Khanna did it with ease. Both collections Spring/ Summer 2011 and Autum/ Winter 2011 were distinct, unique and appropriate for their respective seasons, something very few designers have been able to achieve this year.

The designer is known to transform traditional ensembles with intelligent silhouettes and edgy design and craft. Black printed and fringed pants teamed with bright wrap skirts and layers in bright pink, blue and yellow were both individualistic and feminine.

Embroidered structured jackets along with colourful and floral embellishments and motifs and cut work dresses were integral to the black and white collection that was witty, contemporary and flirtatious.

The designs were in your face, sensual and bold and at the same time elegant and stylish, catering to the contemporary woman who is both strong and confident. Sticking to her trademark black and white colour palette, both the summer and winter collections played with different silhouettes, designs and treatment.

The day ended on a classic note with reputed designers David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore presenting their collection sponsored by Fiama Di Wills. The designer duo borrowed masculine forms and shapes for a quintessentially feminine ready- to- wear line. The collection blends western fabrics with traditional silks, khadis and cotton voiles.

Aligarhi and pyjama trousers, dhotis and pants worn with Nehru jackets, trench coats and achkans blended perfectly to create eclectic and trendy ensembles. Sequined saris and ghagaras teamed with wrapped shirts and kurtas reinterpreted classic and traditional designs.

Structure and flow were juxtaposed in this timeless creation that highlighted both creativity and wearability that the designer duos' collections are known for.