Nitin Bal Chauhan highlights an important topic with his new collection ‘Dementia’

An ethically sound fashion label, Nitin Bal Chauhan is known for his label ‘Bhootsavar’ and claims its foundations with the wandering tribes of Himachal Pradesh, a northern hill state in India. For him, traditional fabric origins, techniques, and authentic garment choices are a seasonal reality. He expansively worked with craftsmen in order to improve their skill level. Research and development workshops were conducted with artisans both in Chamba and Delhi, working on prototypes, sampling and production. Nitin has documented Craft of Ilhal sarees and Kasuti embroidery done in Karnataka. He also did design developments in Bhagalpur Silk, Raw Silk, and Matka Silk.

Chauhan showcased his SS20 collection “Dementia” at Lotus Make-up India Fashion Week on Thursday. The show apparently fell on October 10th, which also holds the World Mental Health Day.

The designer aimed to put the spotlight on the effects of dementia through his Spring/Summer ‘20 womenswear collection, which was presented on Day 2 of the Fashion Week. He mostly used a monochrome colour palette to create an eerie, nightmarish aesthetic. Faces of the models were painted half white and half black/blue symbolising an encroaching darkness. Wire-like fascinators and face covers evoked constriction and horror.

Despite the highly conceptual nature of the runway show, the collection featured many ultra-chic, trendy wearable garments with separates, cocktail dresses, and even some athleisure pieces. Chauhan managed to balance making a strong statement about a challenging topic with staying true to his elegant use of textiles and modern, feminine aesthetic making a way to the latest fashion trends. Hand embroidery added a couture touch and slogans including “Death”, “Life”, and “Sway” added a graphic element!

"I have tried to express dementia or Alzheimer's through the way of fashion,” Chauhan told the Pressafter his show. “The asymmetrical designs are to paint a picture of what will life be after some time."

Nitin Bal Chauhan launched his name in 2016 in New Delhi. The label retails on a number of multi-brand fashion e-commerce sites such as Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop and in multi-brand boutiques in India.

Apart from Nitin, many other designer showcased their prestigious collections on Day 2 including names like - Dhi&Shruti Sancheti, Falguni and Shane Peacock, Munkee.See.Munkee.Doo amongst many others.

The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) commenced with their Lotus Make-up India Fashion Week, in association with EbixCash, Spring-Summer 2020 from October 9 to 12, 2019. Almost 100 designers are showcasing their path-breaking collections at LMIFW SS'20 on the runway and through stalls catering to the audience interested in following  latest fashion trends . The theme this season, #MyFashionMyTribe, reflects the reality of the fashion world, which is like an extended family.