By Nivedita
Candolim (Goa), Feb 6 (IANS): Indian fashion designer Nachiket Barve brought designs inspired by the Kalahari and Namib deserts of Africa on sensuous silhouettes like safari shirts, bikinis, skirts and stylish cholis -- at the Gionee Smartphones India Beach Fashion Week (IBFW) ramp here.

Titled Kalahari, the designs played beautifully well with hot rustic palette of sand, sky and sun colours on fabrics such as tussar silk, tulle, kota, chiffon, silk, crepe georgette, organza, chanderi, raw silk, spun silk, washed Dupion and satin.

There were varied options of silhouettes for all the "go-getter" ladies, who love to experiment with their looks without fear of going over the top.

From skirts that were slit from the front, mid-calf length palazzos to safari shirts -- the designer played intelligently well with the zippers and cut-outs, thereby giving an option to all those who are planning to soak in the sun and sand.

Barve's show opened with the showcasing of gold bikinis in various styles, followed by cream textured pants, grey applique jacket, sheer printed skirt with grey choli and a chiffon layered skirt with Chanderi blouse.

Adding the tribal feel to the entire look were finely designed neckpieces, not to forget the revival of raffia woven textiles of the Shoawa and Kuba textiles from Congo in the form of embellishments and beading.

A high point of the show was a sleeveless double breasted jacket teamed up with slit embroidered skirt, while checks and stripes were mixed creatively for a blouse and patchwork skirt.

The final red embroidered cape and chiffon layered gown was a breathtaking showstopper outfit and received accolades from the attendees.

The three-day IBFW, which started Thursday, is taking place at Grand Mercure here.

Conceptualised and owned by UVAR Global, it promises to give new definition to destination wedding wear and resort wear from over 30 of the finest couturiers in India.