Yves Saint Laurent first introduced Indian supermodel Kirat Young--in fur stoles and velvet dresses that evoked tsar-era Russia--to the world in his 1976 Ballets Russes collection. "I had the perfect exotic look they needed for such an out-of-the-box collection," said Young. Tall, doe-eyed, and with a dusky complexion, Young was a muse to the late French designer, who kept a photo of her in his favourite room of his Rue de Babylone home. With inclusivity at an all-time high across runways, fashion houses this season also looked to the new East, the Indian subcontinent, for inspiration. From Hindu mythology-inspired beauty looks to Indian models slaying the runways, here comes the East wind.
Emporio Armani Autumn/Winter ’18
Enthralled by the gemstones in North India, Babur, the Muslim founder and first Emperor of the Mughal Empire, was drawn towards this subcontinent. But out of the diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, emeralds were held in the highest esteem. Known as “Tears of the Moon” by the Mughal emperors, this season, emerald eyes reigned the runways. At Emporio Armani, rich hues of green and brown inspired by Vishnu’s conveyance, the Mayura, was at play. Mimicking a peacock’s feathers, this hypnotizing gem shade accentuated the eyes. Mythical, graceful, and filled with beauty, the time for India has arrived, and we’re in for a beautiful adventure.
