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Monthly Archives: July 2010
Mumbai Hunt
Van Heusen, the world’s No.1 shirt brand and a cult in itself with a rich heritage of 128 years came with FDCI again to change the dynamics of Indian fashion. After successfully completing the models audition round for the second edition of Van Heusen India Men’s Week in Delhi, it landed in Mumbai to trap some more talent with in this always- bubbling effervescent city. The national models audition for Van Heusen India Men’s Week was held in Mumbai on July 13 at Vie Lounge. Hundereds of models put their best foot forward and competed for tooth and nail to walk the run way for some of the leading fashion lights in industry in the soon to be organized Men’s week from August 27 to 29 at The Grand, New Delhi.
The jury consisted of the biggies of the fashion world like designers Rocky S, Manoviraj Khosla, Rohit Gandhi, actor Rahul Dev, TV anchor Mandira Bedi and model Bhawna Sharma. The esteemed jury members selected the appropriate models on the basis of confidence, attitude and physique. On the occasion every one had something to say but we got Rocky S effusing his soothsaying, “I am really looking forward to some new talent in the fashion industry. It is here where new talent will be discovered, super models and actors will be revealed and hopefully we can do full justice to the participants”.
Similarly elaborating on the auditions and addressing the media, esteemed Sunil Sethi, President, FDCI, said” Van Heusen India Men’s Week aims to provide talented young models an opportunity to prove their mettle. The event will not only showcase top trends that are sweeping the menswear industry but also displaying the best of the modeling industry”
Shoot with Prasad Bidapa
Ritu & Rochana shoot with the renowned Prasad Bidapa sponsored by CK Chetty & Sons
Preparation for the shoot began with Ritu the designer and me going to CK Chetty & Sons Diamond Store, Bangalore in order to select the diamond jewelry which I would be wearing on the shoot. A fairytale like experience of picking jewelry, one piece more stunning than the other. Ritu & Rochana had picked out stunning glamorous cocktail wear, perfect pairing for the diamonds of CK Chetty & Sons.
Make up and hair was rather painless and the results were remarkable.
Prasad was never far, ensuring that everything was just right. Above he is checking my hair is as he wants it for the shoot.
One by one I went through the dresses, each being accessorized by the breathtaking diamonds of CK Chetty & Sons. Whilst wearing the diamonds I was conscious of the guards constant eyes on the jewelry and very rightly so as they were worth crores and crores. It was truly a regal experience just handling the jewels and to wear them was just like a fairytale moment. As a young child I had visited the Tower Of London to see the crown jewels, and as far as my memory can recollect the jewelry exhibited for this shoot wasn’t far off from fitting in with those famous jewels.
Lights were ready, reflectors were positioned, I took my pose, and suddenly a power cut, improvisation was now required… The shoot was taken outside and I took my position as prompted. It was a total pleasure working with the internationally renowned Prasad Bidapa and his team. The photographer was a dream to work with, his experience and professionalism was very apparent. He told me that he had worked with some of the really big names of India such as Aishwarya Rai Bachan, Lara Dutta, Priyanka Chopra, etc… So the pressure was really on, but I tried my very best to comply with all their prompts of working angles, working with the camera, etc so they could get what they were looking for in a shot. Mosquito bites, sweat, aching limbs from working the angles prompted by the team and exhaustion as pretty much most of the day I was working with the camera so the team could get the shot they were looking for, all of this was still not enough to take away from the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed this fab experience.
Above are photographs of me shooting in a ‘Black and White Origami Dress’, part of the ying yang collection. The dress is made of satin taffeta, modelled on the intricate folds of the craft of origami and the fabric is stiffened to create the origami fan like pleats.
Prasad seen in the photograph checking that the shot is what he requires.
Above is a photograph of me shooting in an ‘Ivory Ribbon Pleated Dress’, also part of the ying yang collection, a classic ribbon dress in satin taffeta-inspired by the uptown city girl look in sex and the city. Timeless!
Above are photographs of me shooting in a ‘Green Georgette Gown’, part of the goddess collection. The emerald gown is a confection of intricate fluting embellished with subtle beadwork. Sensuous and flowing it hugs the body lovingly.
Above is a photograph of Prasad and me in a ‘Black and Red One Shoulder Grecian Dress, also part of the goddess collection. This Grecian toga inspired one shoulder dress in black satin and scarlet georgette drapes beautifully concealing a multitude of flaws. Fine pleated border adds glamour.
I truly enjoyed this experience of working with Prasad Bidapa for whom I have immense admiration for and of course I felt like a real princess wearing all the diamonds of CK Chetty & Sons paired with the beautiful Ritu & Rochana Cocktail Wear.
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Posted by : Pollyana Patel at 03:24 AM
Edith Barker & Pollyana Patel quickly became friends after meeting in Bangalore, India. Edith has a dual career in psychotherapy and fashion public relations; Pollyana is an image consultant, model, and the brand ambassador for Ritu & Rochana. They currently have two projects in development under Barker & Patel, and have agreed to join the FashionFad team to share their travels, experiences and musings.
Spain Fashion Meeting
As Fashionfad.in had reported about the legendary designer Ritu Kumar’s participation at the first ever India- Spain Fashion meeting, we bring the exclusive report on the showcase from Spain.
Homage to Ritu Kumar and Spain’s oldest and most respected designer Elyo Berhanyer was paid in recognition of their work in the fashion field in their respective countries. As a part of this fantastic honour, Ritu Kumar was awarded a trophy symbolic of the city of Valladolid presented by the Mayor of Valladolid. Owing to her renowned expertise in the field, Ritu Kumar played a crucial role in the India-Spain Fashion Professionals Meeting in Madrid, which was one of the main highlights of the event.
Ritu Kumar’s contribution to “Valladolid de Moda Fashion Week” was greatly appreciated by all present for the showing. She showcased 10 garments from her highly revered RITU KUMAR COUTURE COLLECTION, which deservedly received a standing ovation and much praise. Also participating in the fashion week was Kavita Bhartia, along with 8 other important Spanish designers.
An added element which made the experience all the more exciting was the India inspired photo shoot for Ritu Kumar’s collection shot by the supremely talented Juanlu Real at the House of la India in Valladolid. The shoot images were the perfect amalgamation of India and Western creativity. The Spanish model sparkled in the Ritu Kumar Couture Saris and lehngas.
“The Indian participation in Spain has opened up the possibility to make India the next invited country for the SIMM (International Catwalk of Spain), receiving the trophy from the mayor along with Spanish veteran designer, Elio Berhanyer, further strengthened India’s presence in Spain. The standing ovation to both the saris and gowns was overwhelming as it was to totally diverse ensembles, in international fashion.” said Ritu Kumar on the occasion.
Manav Gangwani for DCW
An incomparable amalgamation of garments touched by romance and yet with an element of the risque. Designs especially crafted for the Woman who is Confident and yet Sensual, unbound by prudence or propriety. Bold yet Dreamy. An expression of infinite freedom…… it answers an inner call of intense passion, which lies deeply embedded in her heart. Is that defines Manav Gangwani’s collection for the upcoming Pearl Delhi Couture Week.
The silhouettes strung together in this collection range from elegantly innovative saris & stunning blouses, to flowing, artfully draped anarkalis, to Scintillating Gowns, some with fluid voluminous skirts & fitted bodices, others with layers upon layers of fabric making the garment completely feminine & then of course there are the lehengas, utterly divine with fabulous cuts & fascinating styling. As is Manav’s distinctive style, this entire collection is exquisitely embroidered, some with timeless Indian motifs and rich workmanship, while others are with more contemporary work. “Swarovski Elements” have been lavishly used
throughout this glorious collection, adding another sparkling dimension of glamour.
A host of delightfully opulent fabrics have been used to dramatize the garments glimmering sequin sheeted nets, luxurious lush satins, shimmering French lame, sheer laces and many more. Going beyond his signature style, Manav will mesmerize all with the vast spectrum of colors – beginning with subtle & mysterious gunmetal grey, moving onto a rich turquoise followed by a deep, classic royal blue dramatically changing into dazzling gold giving way to magical red and ultimately finishing with stunning fuscia as the Grand Finale. Truly an amazing array of colors which I am sure will captivate every woman’s fantasy.
“Confidence is the sexiest trait that a woman can have” says Manav Gangwani with this fantabulous collection makes it real Easy for any woman to feel Confident! Manav Gangwani with this Collection takes design it to another level of Brilliance. “An Affairé to Remember” promises to be an unforgettable experience of live atmosphere, detail and visual pleasure. An experience on such a grand scale that it can only leave the audience wishing it
The Icon Collection
The Fine Jewelry Icon collection takes its inspiration directly from the most iconic of Gucci motives and features the two interlocking GG on rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets. This range is interpreted across the following collections: Icon, Icon Stardust, Icon Twirl and the newly created Icon Bold and Icon Coin.
Each of these lines is handcrafted in 18kt white, yellow or pink gold, with or without white, brown or black diamonds as well as pink sapphires.
The Horsebit Collection includes 2 high end, unique parures: one is set with 4 of the most exceptional acquamarine gems, surrounded by over 19 carats of white diamonds; the other is made of a necklace and a ring in white gold set with breathtaking cognac colored topaz gems whose preciousness is further enhanced by 22 carats of brilliant round cut diamonds, all certified.
The Chiodo symbol lives in the Chiodo Collection declined in all the product categories, rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets, available in 18kt white gold enriched with diamonds for a more dramatic, precious effect, and for some versions combined with semi precious or hard stones.
Marina Chain collection is built around soft necklaces, bracelets and earrings exclusively offered in 18kt yellow or white gold and diamonds for an even more breathtaking interpretation of the sign.
Bamboo plant across the Gucci fine jewelry line is the inspiration for the bamboo collection. From rings, earrings to bracelets, cufflinks and necklaces, the Bamboo icon is created in 18 kt gold and can be decorated with white or brown diamonds.
The Diamantissima jewelry collection is inspired by the Diamante Canvas, an exclusive fabric design tied to Gucci’s storied legacy.
And The Silver Collection features a number of representative details, such as remarkable mirroring G carved into silver, Heart, butterfly or square shaped motives engraved with Gucci’s trademark, associated with the unmistakable Made in Italy quality guarantee.The purity of the design adds to the absolute elegance and quality characteristics of the collection, asserting Gucci’s thorough know-how in terms of Sterling Silver Jewelry.
fashionfad’s fashion feed on Anita Dongre Gucci Ayesha Depala Tribal Trends and more…
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Mashoom Singha
If you don’t recognize Mashoom Singha, then I must say that you are in dire need of discomfort of your shrink’s couch for apathy of object permanence. The ubiquitous fashion darling of Indian run-fun-ways, in fact international high ways of glamour with cachets like Swarvoski and Moschino in her kitty, Mashoom has that ready-to-clasp feline allure( or may be talons) to arrest your all fantasies.
The Aphrodite personified with bee stung pouts and “come here, sycophant – you are in my trap” looks, she is an innate sadist who leaves the men gasping and sighing tantalizingly. Behind her coquettish charm, lies her savvy brain complimented by her major in IT engineering, which may be another appliqué catalyzing her seductive prowl.
Her father being a pilot, mother a high school teacher and sister being Shamita Singha, she has grown up in a blend of fashion and ethics. Thus, glamour struck to her when she first appeared in Kingfisher calendar in 2006 and thereafter started her visibly cantabile journey.
So here we talked to luminary of magazine covers, queen of ramps and a prominent face of advertising world, Mashoom Singha, effusing the innards and ‘never-scooped’ angles and radius of her life.
Tell us briefly about your journey so far by now?
Journey has been great. I never thought that I would be modeling one day as I was studying to be an IT engineer but in my last year I got a portfolio done on the insistence of my sister Shamita, who is a successful model herself. Started getting many assignments, I felt like a superhero, IT engineer by day and fashion model by night. After successfully completing my engineering course, I didn’t pursue it. I was taken on by a modeling agency and got a chance to be in the Kingfisher calendar after which there was no looking back. I am very happy doing print , ramp and now a TV show on Samay Mumbai called ‘The torque show’.
What is fashion for you?
Your own style statement, make your own rules that work for you and make it a fashion statement.
What about the modeling industry in India and abroad?
India is still blossoming and is coming into its own. Our designers are very talented and need a right platform to be shown internationally as there is a lot of untapped talent strewn around. Well, whether modeling industry abroad may be much more professional and advanced, but undoubtedly India is getting there.
Your take on work pressure leading models to substance abuse and suicides?
Sorry……no comments…..:(
When and what was your first modeling assignment?
My first assignment was for a fashion show for Anita Dongre.
What did you aspire to become as kid?
Different stages in my life where I wanted to be a lawyer, an architect or whatever. Similarly when I took up engineering, I did want to pursue that as my career.
Which shows( designers) and commercials have you graced with your presence?
Over the time I have walked for almost every big designer like Tarun Tahiliani, Manish Malhotra and Rohit Bal. And Internationally I have had done shows for Swarvoski and Moschino. I love to get adorned in chef-de-oeuvres by these aesthetic creative heads. Moreover I have shot commercials for Motorola, Reliance, L’Oreal and Flying Machine Jeans, to name a few.
Have you ever thought of giving bollywood a shot?
Ya, obviously, thoughts do come but vanish in a jiffy as soon as the term ‘acting’ flashes in my mind. I think that bollywood is not for me. I am not cut out for acting.
When not modeling what are you most likely to be found doing?
I am a quite busy person and always remain short of time. Besides modeling you will mostly find me working out, catching up with friends and family and doing endless household chores etc.
Any social cause that you feel strongly for and want to be ( or you are ) associated With?
I am a vegetarian by choice and feel very strongly about animal rights. It is very important to live and let live.
What has been the most touching moment of your life?
Umm….I think when my nephew was born.
Your role model in life?
I don’t have a single role model. I prefer to learn from positive things in different people.
Your beauty regime?
Moisturize you skin, have regular clean ups and drink lots of water and most importantly, be happy, it shows!
Any interesting experience in your career span?
My whole career span has been an interesting experience, you learn new things everyday!
Your greatest achievement…..
There is a lot that I have yet to achieve. Being a good human being is the greatest achievement.
PEEK-A-BOO
CUISINE : Thai food
OLFACTORY: Clinique Happy
LINGERIE BRAND : Victoria’s secret
DESIGNERS YOU DIE FOR : Too many creative minds to just pick one!
VACATIONS IN : Spain as of now, still a whole lot more to see.
THINGS YOU HATE AND LOVE MOST : Hate when people who smoke in public places. Love life
ADDICTED WITH : Coffee, Travel.
YOU ARE SACRED OF : Cockroaches.
MUSIC : Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Train
ANY GUILTY PLEASURE : I feel no guilt when I indulge. The key is moderation
Explosion of Tribal Looks
This summer, jewellery leaves behind the woes of gold weight and diamond prices. The idea transcends into statement designs. Bold and big are the way to go this summer. Financial pressures are wading off and families return to what matters most, roots and culture, in fashion as well. Such a return to ‘essentials’ is triggered by a sense of searching for one’s identity in the labyrinth of a fast-paced life. Also, such a turn is not restricted to teenagers or middle-aged women but rather spans through the wide spectrum of age groups.
The ethnic bohemian trend spans across all accessories. There is penchant to exotic-ness. There are strong influences from Morocco, Africa and India. Materials too have witnessed unusual blends. Wood is extensively used with semi precious stones in silver. This is continues to be the most exploited ensemble of the trend. Everything is bold and big, be it Statement necklaces or stacking of bangles of different shapes and sizes. The colour ways of canary yellow, fuchsia and sunset oranges are the prominent languages of artistic communication.
Ayesha Depala for Aisha
Her design philosophy is to create a product that is exclusive and impeccably finished, yet accessible. Ayesha has also recently been selected to create the costumes for an upcoming Indian remake of ‘Emma’ by Jane Austen, Aisha starring Sonam Kapoor.
She began her design career in 2002, when she launched her signature line AYESHA DEPALA under which she presents both ready-to-wear and couture. Ayesha designs for the modern woman who appreciates style and quality. Great attention is paid to th
e finish of the garment. Her clothes are sexy and feminine, and there is something for everyone in her collections. Her clients range from young ladies to mature women.
Her presence in India has brought a fresh new sensibility to Indian fashion, with elegant gowns and dresses and sharp tailoring and separates. She has dressed some of the most glamorous women in Middle Eastern society and royalty. Fans of Ayesha Depala include the Lebanese superstar, Elissa, Yasmin Le Bon, Shilpa Shetty, Sonam Kapoor, and many others.
