The Lakmé Salon Illuminate Show by Nikhil Thampi brings galaxy of style, fashion to Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort

Sparkly and elegant, the magnificence of space was made to reflect in the 3 themes; Hue, Shimmer and Crystal, in more ways than one.

The sensational hair and makeup looks for Summer/Resort 2016 were unveiled by Lakmé Salon at the much awaited ‘Illuminate Show’ with the stunning collection of ace designer Nikhil Thampi at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2016.

Inspired by the sky, galaxy and space, the very glam ethereal makeup and hair by Lakmé Salon gave women a sensational ultra-glam Red Carpet appearance.

Balancing the stylish looks for the crowning glory and Illuminate makeup was ‘Quantum’ a line of garments by Nikhil that was a surreal spring offering inspired by reality and the infinite Universe. It was a strong no-nonsense range of powerful shapes that gave prét wear a new design dimension.

From earthy tones starting with white, beige and black there was a marked shift in the colour story to bright jewel shades like tangerine, red, blue, deep green and dusty pink. Bringing a certain touch of asymmetry to the hemlines, Nikhil showcased stylish blazers and striking dresses with his characteristic cut outs and embellished with sparkling metal detailing. The innovative use of the metal links that held the slashed designs and materials, recreated the ‘Quantum’ theme perfectly.

Each model entered slowly wheeling-in life-size lit frames that encircled them as they moved regally down the runway. Nikhil’s ingenious metal detailing appeared strategically on different parts of the garments, at times holding them together in a very stylish but sensuous manner.

The ‘Hue’ segment was devoted to striking makeup and wild and wanton hair, which at times spiralled upwards or curved into a dramatic angle. Pants often turned into interesting skirts and were teamed with jackets, halter blouses as well as cropped tops.

For the ‘Shimmer’ line it was arresting makeup and braids for the hair that created a magnificent look for the crowning glory. Ingeniously designed, the sensational braiding technique turned the hair into curved fans, trellised crowns, plaits and geometric designs that defied imagination. Nikhil matched the hair with will-power jumpsuits, slashed skirts, jackets, slim dress with high slits, and long sleeved sheath with plunge neck to add a mind boggling effect.

Finally for the ‘Crystal’ line it was the glittering lips with matching head ornaments atop shaded heavily voluminous hair that was at times side swept or grandly bunched up, that made a grand beauty statement. Dark hues of deep green appeared for multi-slit skirts, blue pant suits and two very seductive long sleeved shoulder-revealing black sheath and gown.

The Lakmé Salon Illuminate Show by Nikhil Thampi was an outstanding presentation that gave the audience a phenomenal experience with dramatic hairstyles, makeup and fashion for Summer/Resort 2016.

When asked about the collection, the designer Nikhil Thampi said, “Bringing together our strengths, Lakmé Salon and I together have conceptualized a theatrical collection, for the power women of today and their celestial form. With sharp, clean silhouettes and an earth inspired colour palette intertwined with jewel tones featuring cut outs and metal chips, my aim is to create ensembles that are modern, classic and timeless. This summer, I feel excited to introduce to you all, Quantum in association with Lakmé Salon.”

When it comes to HAIR, the inspiration was drawn from the vibrant and free-flowing aesthetic of celestial forms. Commenting about the stunning display of Hair showcased at the Lakmé Salon Illuminate Show with Nikhil Thampi, Shailesh Moolya- National Creative Director, Hair at Lakmé Salons said, “This season, we wanted to capture Illuminate through our inspiration; the beauty of the skies above and represent it through hue, shimmer and crystal elements.  The concept of the show in itself was unique, and while creating the avant-garde hairdos we worked with the specific visual in mind.  Edgy yet sophisticated, the Victorian-inspired hairstyles interspersed with a modernistic twist of motion-stop anti-gravity looks and voluminous curled hair with specially designed crystal embellishments – tells our story for Illuminate. Lakmé Salon is the go-to fashionable address for trendy women seeking the latest in professional hair and beauty services.”

For MAKE-UP, the inspiration rested in the radiance of stars. Sushma Khan, National Creative Director, Makeup at Lakmé Salons added, “Fresh, gleaming and glamorous, each look was a blend of lustrous skin complemented with sparkly eyes and lips. To complement Nikhil’s garments we have used bright shades  of blues, purples and reds applying tints and tones techniques, strobing to highlight the best features of the face, graphic glitter lines to add shimmer to the eyes and crystals on the lips , coupled with a radiant and glowing skin for an Illuminate look.”