Monthly Archives: July 2016

Anamika Khanna Show at India Couture Week 2016

Review 

Time stood still, at Anamika Khanna’s display of her latest couture collection, and then it went back into time – to the time where romance lived and breathed. Her collection, ‘When time stands still’ is her honest attempt to bring back the romance in the fast-paced lives of today’s times.

The ramp was festooned to make it look like a part of a mystical jungle, where a few models posed as statues, clad in pristine white gowns and jade coloured head-gears. The collection saw modern versions of lehenga-cholis, sarees, gowns, annarkallis and her signature capes. Interesting and atypical ways of draping the odhanis was seen.

The designer used a whole lot of ivory, powder-pastels, black and few hints of red and mustard in her entire collection. The most subtle, yet detailed 3d flower petals in organza, thread work, zardozi and the traditional ‘kalamkari’ and dori work were engraved over her garments.

It was pleasing to find that Khanna specifically used silhouettes that flattered the peculiarly beautiful Indian body shape. That included fuller lehengas and skirts, oversized and structured jackets and higher waistlines. The designer ensured there was something for all body types.

A marriage between ‘was’ and what ‘is’, her timeless collection of classics never really fought between being modern or traditional. A treat to the eyes & ears, the audience was spellbound after the display of her collection.

by – Deesha Bondre

Rimple & Harpreet Show at India Couture Week 2016

Review 

The third day of India Couture Week saw a lot of being and a lot understated elegance. Rimple and Harpreet Narula’s lagesges collection added to the bling. Taking inspiration from the late poet and writer, Khalil Gibran, their collection is called Hiraeth. Despite literally meaning the feeling of being departed, Hiraeth is a celebration of the art and beauty of the Wales of the past.

Bollywood starlet, Yami Gautam poser as the showstopper for the collection. Dressed in a midnight blue lehenga choli, the actress stunned the audience as she sashayed on the ramp. Her lehenga had intricately weaved motif of a yesteryear mosque all over it, making it look nothing less than regal.

The collection saw an overwhelming use of French paisley, Arabesque cartouches and geometrical and Afghan patterns on all the garments. Like all other bridal collections, Hiraeth also displayed a lot of rich lehengas and opulent anarkallis. The meticulous attention paid to the latkans and to the variations of the cholis, amplified the grandeur of the collection.

The designer duo mainly played with different hues of ivory and red for theentire collection. Embroidered with heavy needle and zardozi work, the collection looked like a part of the royal trousseau.

by – Deesha Bondre

Tarun Tahiliani Show at India Couture Week 2016

Review 

The second day of India Couture Week saw ace designer Tarun Tahiliani debut at the India Couture Week with is shimmering new collection – ‘The Last Dance of the Courtesan.’ As the name evidently suggests, the collection is deeply inspired by the beauty, fashion and art of the courtesans. Tahiliani endeavoured to depict a dignified perspective of his muse- the courtesan. For the same, the ramp was built like the courts courtesans danced. Carved pillars, big chandelier, and flower garlands looming from the ceiling- Tahiliani went all out. He even invited dance stalwart Manjari Chaturvedi, a leading exponent of classical dance for a performance.

For this collection, Tahiliani seemed to have stepped away from his signature sarees and drapes. Most of his collection saw lehenga cholis and anarkalis- both statement and with light brocade. While sarees were not entirely out of his collection, they made a very small part of his bridal line. His chikan karri saris and brocade lehengas were draped interestingly, keeping the theme in mind. Models were seen sporting voluminous buns with red flowers over it and minimal makeup. The bridal collection saw garments in hues of red, white, gold and jade.

His bespoke menswear collection saw various silhouettes. While colour palette used was beige, blue and taupe, it had intricate embroidery and embellishments on a myriad of fabrics to create a striking contrast.

The entire collection saw a whole lot of crystal embroidery, giving it, its shimmering vibe. On the whole, the collection saw a whole lot of extravagance and wearable lightness.

Anita Dongre Show at India Couture Week 2016

Review 

Anita Dongre’s bridal collection is made for the modern Indian bride. Titled as the ‘Epic Love,’ the collection is deeply inspired by the gypsy princesses of the Mughal era. The designer thinks there is a stark similarity between her muse and the modern Indian bride- both rooted to their cultures and traditions yet are always searching to find their own ground. The modern Indian woman is close to her traditions, but still likes to wear what she want. ‘Epic Love’ is designed keeping her in mind.

With boxer plaits, and a whole lot of blush, the models’ look was apt for the theme. Dongre managed to intertwine her signature boho vibe in her rich bridal collection. Her collection saw lehengas, sarees and anarkallis. The cholis from her collection were made in different styles- often covering the mid-riff, which translated into its versatility. The anarkallis were styled with deep slits from the centre, styled with cigarette pants. The duppattas were often styled as capes, adding the boho elements to it.

The men’s collection was mainly made up of sherwanis, kurtas and chudidars. The colours used for the entire collection were red, pink, beige, and blue. A sense of cohesiveness was present in the entire collection.

The garments were embroidered with tone on tone thread work and gotha patti. Prints used on the garments were inspired by the Mughal era.

Rajdeep Ranawat’s Vacation to Creation

Just back from his Spain tour,designer Rajdeep Ranawat vacations were no exception as you get the opportunity to see and explore god’s amazing creation abound whether it is Pals, Costa Brava, Girona and Barcelona.

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The designer imbibes inspiration from their vacation for his collection from beaches, sea life, resort wear, baroque elements, Dali the artist, Picasso museum, and ceramic art.

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Rajdeep states his recent trip to Spain turned out to be another inspirational trip for a menswear range. We incorporated Spanish elements onto shirts and wore them each day according to the location that we visited. Keeping in mind the epitome of a Rajdeep Ranawat creation, sensibilities and clientele, the capsule collection of menswear was designed before visiting the country.

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From the motifs and elements that were photographed personally by Rajdeep during the holiday, the fabric used for shirts was Cotton silk, alongside special buttons with RR logo used as hand painted enamel in vintage gold and brass as well. He has used grosgrain tapes in quirky stripes for the inner plackets and collar details.

Mickey Contractor creates Persian Look for Manish Malhotra Show

Mickey Contractor, Director of Makeup Artistry, M.A.C India gave models Persian Look using Mac cosmetics, for Manish Malhotra India Couture Week 2016 collection The Persian Story . We bring you step by step into the same:

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i.         Start with Fix+, an aqua-spritz of vitamin and minerals, infused with a calm-the-skin blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber, topped off with the fresh, natural, energizing scent of Sugi. It adds radiance and helps prepare the skin

ii.        Next apply the Studio Moisture Fix SPF 15, a non-greasy formula that plumps, softens and protects from sun and external elements               

iii.       Correct and Conceal using the Pro Conceal and Correct Palette

iv.       Use the Select Sheer Pressed Powder, a lightweight pressed powder with a silky, natural matte finish and a soft-focus effect

v.        Contour and blush the cheeks by using Spirit Lipstick

vi.      Apply Pro Shine Mixing Medium on the eyelids for your base

vii.     For the eyes use Feline Kohl Eye Pencil, Blacktrack Fluidline and Embark Eyeshadow

viii.    Use Lash No. 7 for added drama

x.       Line the lips with Soar Lip Pencil and fill them in with Cosmo Lipstick

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Manish Malhotra Show at India Couture Week 2016

Review 

There were high expectations when FDCI announced the opening night with Manish Malhotra. With Bollywood biggies Deepika Padukone and Fawad Khan as show stoppers and an opulent, glistening couture collection, the night was well worth the hype.

Outside the venue, we saw layered gowns and dresses made out of muslin, giving away a certain theme. The veteran designer weaved ‘The Persian Story’ with aristocratic hues of red, gold, grey and black. His collection was inspired by the Persian architecture, rules and the flora and fauna.

Deepika was wearing a red embroidered lehenga along with an off-shoulder choli. Fawad looked dapper in a stiff black coat. Elements of his inspiration were scene in all aspects of this line – starting from his free, breathable silhouettes, elaborate embroidery and royal colour scheme. Despite the anarchic elements, it was interesting to find that unconventional cuts and a modern-day trend like off-shoulders throughout his collection.

The collection saw a lot embroidered gowns in velvet, mesh and silk. Floor length high-low anarkallis with cigarette pants, lehengas and cholis were also seen. All of them were heavily embroidered. Persian floral patterns, architectural patterns were weaved into the garments. Apart from that sarees, saree gowns also made the list. The sarees were paired with bell-sleeved, ruffled sleeved blouses.

The men’s collection saw a lot of blacks and greys. With stiff Persian collars and flattering silhouettes, the collection looked effortlessly dapper. In addition to the breathable kurtas, we also saw knee-length coats, skirts as bottoms.

The outfits were styled with excessive jewelry, traditional Persian hats and bejeweled clutches.