On Friday 17th February, I went down to the N&S Gaia AW17 show titled 'The Hybrid'. On a perfect day in the capital, the air was cool and the sun shone righteously on the crowds of fashion folk. Attendees were adorned in vivid colour, sequins and even high-gloss PVC, as if they were lifted from the very pages of a glossy magazine. After the spectacle of fashionista's outside of the show, I was excited to get inside and see what N&S Gaia had to offer.

Photography by Marc Atken

Originating from New Delhi, N&S Gaia was founded in 2013 by designer and creative director Sidharth Sinha. This was the second time the brand has appeared at London Fashion Week, an encore to the SS17 collection. Featured on the likes of Vogue, Grazia and Elle – Sidharth Sinha is definitely one to watch.

Photography by Marc Atken

Backstage at the show I got a glimpse of the garments up close, along with the beauty looks. The models' hair was styled by Toni & Guy and the look created was a twist on the classic topknot, with an “Adele at the Grammys” undone kind of appeal. Makeup was by Kryolan and featured statement brows.  If you thought eyebrows were important in 2016, then 2017 will be taking it up a notch. Lets just say wild and bushy brows are here to stay.

Photo by Jennifer Sharma

Without a doubt, this collection is a masterpiece. The fabrics were so intricate with no attention to detail spared. Carrying the essence of the brands signature, exaggerated details were heavily featured such as opulent ruffles, ornate appliqué and embroidery with glitzy embellishments. The collection is inspired by nature photography, which can be seen by the earthy colours and muted green undertones. However, these subtle colours are punctuated by bright pops of colour and winter florals.

Photography by Marc Atken

The silhouettes featured were very fluid. Drapes and sweeping shapes felt romantic and perhaps suggestive of the Greek goddess with which the brand shares its name. Again, these soft and fluid silhouettes were broken up by the occasional column and bold appliqué. For me the standout look was a draped, long length gown with a statement single shoulder strap that created a half-sash floral garland. Perhaps what is most inspiring about this brand and the collection is its dedication to the industry, the environment and longevity (N&S stands for nature and sustainability) through the use of natural dyes and fibres. This is fashion with a conscience at its best.

Twitter: @JenuineStyle
Blog: www.thejenuinearticleblog.com