Siddartha Tytler’s ‘Caligula’s Feast’ elegantly captures themes of indulgence

My creativity is deeply rooted in an appreciation for the dramatic and the enigmatic. Sensuality, darkness, and the macabre have always fascinated me because they evoke strong emotions and a sense of mystery. These elements allow me to explore themes that are often overlooked or shunned. They reflect in my designs through bold silhouettes, intricate detailing, and a penchant for creating pieces that make a statement and provoke thought.

Caligula’s Feast is inspired by the notorious Roman Emperor Caligula, known for his self-indulgence, extravagance, and debauchery. The collection embodies these themes by reimagining his world with a modern twist. It was conceptualised by envisioning a grand Roman feast, full of opulence and scandal, translated into contemporary fashion through rich fabrics, luxurious embellishments, and dramatic silhouettes.

These themes have been achieved through the use of jewel tones, intricate gold and gunmetal embroideries, and lavish embellishments such as crystals, rhinestones, and fur. The silhouettes are bold and dramatic, featuring drapery, layering, and volume that reflect luxury and decadence. Each piece in the collection is designed to evoke a sense of grandiosity and indulgence.

Fashion can indeed be self-indulgent, and that’s not necessarily a negative aspect. It is a form of self-expression that allows individuals to indulge in their fantasies, desires, and identity. Through fashion, one can embody extravagance and opulence, much like Caligula’s Feast, which celebrates these very themes.

The colour palette includes rich jewel tones like maroon, emerald, navy, and black, with highlights of gold and gunmetal. These colours were chosen to reflect the opulence and grandeur of Caligula’s era. They evoke a sense of luxury and are perfect for creating the dramatic, lavish aesthetic that the collection aims to achieve.

The collection features a diverse range of silhouettes, including lehengas, bandhgalas, sherwanis, kurtas, suits, saris, gowns, dresses, and corsets. These are accompanied by drapes and armour-like pieces that debut in this couture collection, adding a unique and bold touch to the traditional silhouettes.

My favourite piece from the collection is the embellished lehenga paired with the jacket blouse worn by Malaika Arora. It perfectly encapsulates the theme of opulence and grandeur while showcasing intricate craftsmanship. The balance of elegance and boldness in this piece makes it stand out.