All photographs by Kris Krug.

One of the shows I was most looking forward to during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was the Ports 1961 show, and I thought it delivered.  Held in the Promenade tent, the show was well attended and ended up having to turn away numerous standees.  I had a great view from a second row aisle seat, and noticed that there were microphones set up for live music.

The Red Baratt Festival!, led by Sunny Jain, is a dhol ‘n’ brass band playing music derived from traditional Punjabi Bhangra and “paying homage to the traditional colonial marching bands found in India.”  Made a great backdrop to the collection, which was inspired by India’s Mughal Dynasty and Persian princess Nur Jahan, who was renowned for her beauty, artistic talents, and political bearing.

Pieces featured ornate detailing, masculine tailoring and a multitude of rich layers and dynamic drapes, resulting in a range of both form fitting and flowing shapes.  The colour palette was positively regal and jewel-inspired, with subdued hues of green, white and grey punctuated by deep reds, oranges, pinks and blues.

Dynamic layering:

This dress was the show’s finale piece, the detailing was so beautiful up close:

Did I mention I also loved the hair? Thick, voluminous and wavy curls loosely braided down the back. The makeup was also very simple and natural.  Kris got this lovely shot backstage: