October 2010 - Page 8 of 22

Decadence and indulgence, fantasy and reality, sophistication and seduction, dilapidation and luxury engage the collection titled Mandi of Anand Kabra for Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Spring Summer 2011.

The old city surrounding Charminar becomes the literal translation for the textures and embellishments. Brush strokes and pochampalli weaves lift their interpretations from the peeling walls and fading tiles of the crumbling havelis in and around the ‘phool mandi’. The facade of Charminar and its trellises revisit an earlier era in sepia beaded embroidery and burnt zardozi. Black, white and red, form the main colour story of this collection.

In a play-off between enriched malkhas and matt brush – stroked lurex, embellished raw kora and tie-dyed taffeta, grunged pochampalli cottons and sheer bright georgettes. Languid wide leg pants and shararas, kurti cholis and dresses, sherwanis and jackets, wrap ‘lungi’ skirts and lehengas define an indulgent and sophisticated silhouette. References to the bird cage grill and seduction emerge through the ‘haath ki jali’ seam joints on the garments, and subtle ‘corsetry’, ‘string’ play and transparency

The collection Chromatic Croatia for Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week seeks to embody the essence of the mature woman. She’s confident, cheerful and fearless in her quest for life’s infinite treasures.

She is surrounded by friends and loved ones, discovering and cherishing all the varied

experiences of her everyday life, the poignant small gestures and the richness of interactions with people. She’s truly happy-go-lucky, with a buoyancy of being and a childlike innocence. She is totally content to be living in the moment.

A utopian valley of flowers blooms in a smart city. Oversize and miniscule floral prints meet modern geometrics in Day and cocktail dresses, formal long dresses, tunics. The shades are governed by blue, from ice and robin egg blue, through cerulean shades to electric and cobalt, violets, nudes, tender greens and fluoro pink in fabrics of Silk satins, Chiffons and Poly lycra.

As the season changes, a new idea is dawned upon. For Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Spring Summer 2011 Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna present The WorkShop. The designer duo reinforces a sense of artistic creation through texture, deconstruction and detailing.

The WorkShop is inspired by color and the infinite possibilities to play with it. The garment becomes the canvas as the splashes of ink, splatter of paint along with hints of colour becomes the print. It all began with the thought of mixing colour with another to create yet another. The inkpots in shades of grey vary along with translucent ombres and nude tints. Ivory whites merge in sepia, yellow and tones of icy blue and make way for a gradual colour story.

The collection reflects the changing relationships, from simple to avant-garde as they unravel hidden treasures in new forms of appliqués and lazer cut detailing. The collection enjoys an infusion of new cuts and edifice. Superfluous drapes juxtapose with a sophisticated approach; silhouettes in delicate silk tones are softly draped and the dresses melt into eerie illusions.

The designer duo has carefully constructed a look fit for the contemporary day woman who is not afraid to be subtle yet bold.

The Grand finale collection for Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Spring Summer 2011 is called The New Democracy by none other than the master of couture Tarun Tahiliani.

The collection considers a new democracy a new start, considering the rich democracy of India’s textiles, prints fabric, weaves and colour, this collection is a crazy adventure to explore the myriad ways to combine these resources and create new forms of design.

Tarun got moved and thoroughly thrilled seeing a photo documentary by Rohit Chawla across the expanse of kutch and Rajashtan capturing in frames the colour, taste, flavour and soul. Thus in this range swatches of India, old and new, unflurl with each drape combine the conventional in an unconventional way. There is a focus on textured handloom and daytime silhouettes. Saris, dresses and goddess caftans pin tuck and twine as if they had a mind of their own. Rules get written with ensemble that have gilets thrown over Kutchikediyus. The latticing on tunic leads to an unexpected cache of mother-of-pearl on sheer net. Bandhini appliqué and chikankari find equal footing.

Speaking on the occasion of the preview Tarun said, “I have always been branded as my designs appeal to a very niche market, now being the grand finale designer for WIFW I get opportunity to create a range that is more wearable and affordable. We are also developing a special range from this collection for the Wills Lifestyle stores. And the spring summer is vibrant with lot of cotton and handloom fabrics stylized khadi, mulmul and jersey.”

There were four ensembles that Tarun Tahiliani allowed us to peep through as a prelude to the grand show and all in hues of beige. The first one that ascended down was a simple chikon dress with a distressed stole as the drape of a dhoti. Next was a tunic in bandhini of mulmul and khadi mix. An absolutely breathtaking piece was a kutch cape jacket with drape lungi skirt. And finally that kept us waiting for more was a wide neck goddess drape caftan with a pair of leather paajeeb.

Saaj by Ankita’s Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011 collection is entwined around the ‘Purity of a Woman’s Soul’.

Every woman is empowered by great divinity that pulsates all through her aura, words and actions. Time brings about an evolution of her individual personality and this evolution coupled with experience and wisdom re-introduces to her innate providence.

The silhouettes are engineered to enhance the blooming beauty of a woman. Un-even hemlines are adopted to bedeck the female form of slim curvaceous waist and slender legs. Broad necklines for the collar-bones, deep backs, well-fitted and structured upper body with flow and flair to follow, all compile to honour the woman’s grace.

Shades of off-whites and creams are used to represent purity and accents of hot pink epitomize womanhood. The use of soft fabrics like net, chiffon and mesh are incorporated for elegance in the collection; with strokes of luxurious Khim-Khwab brocades and silk to add a touch of opulence. The radiating hot-pink accents and the use of lotus embroidery motifs in the collection give a tribute to the blossoming poise and benevolence of a woman.

Available in a wide price range starting from Rs. 4,000 onwards, one can pick up these innovative gifting options from Swarovski stores across India.

The best asset of this beauty is her versatility, her exposure and relations to two completely different cultures. Talia, who was born to an Indian mother and a Scandinavian father, has juggled in acting, modeling and singing since the tender age of five. Amidst her busy modeling schedule, this diva always takes out time for her music and has released a CD in the United States. Such is her love for music and food that she danced to Bhangra and ate while the interview was conducted.

Let’s talk to the confident gal who in her own words is “an eclectic person who derives inspiration from everything and everybody”…

Tells us briefly about your family and schooling?

My mother is Punjabi and my dad is Scandinavian. I have been born and brought up in Los Angeles though I kept coming to India often to meet my relatives here. So, India is home for me and I really wanted to move back. I came in January 2009 and will soon shift to Mumbai to focus on my career.

What is your parent’s reaction on you choosing modeling as a career?

They were the ones who initiated me into this field. I have been modeling since the age of 5 and I have done lots of print ads, TV shows etc as a kid. They even got me an agent in Hollywood, so yes they have been extremely supportive.

When and what was your first modeling assignment?

Well that was such a long time ago that I can’t even remember! (laughs) But yes, I started ramp modeling when I was 16, that is about 9 years back. My first assignment in India was a photo shoot for Tarun Tahiliani in 2006.

What all important assignments have u been a part of?

I have participated in four fashion weeks including the Delhi Fashion Week and the Wills India Fashion Week. In addition I participated in Kingfisher Calendar Girls Reality show which is still on air. My movie ‘Sharafat Gayi Tel Lene’ for which I shot last year is yet to be released. I star alongside Zayed Khan and Ranvir Shorey in the flick.

What did you aspire to become as kid?

Well my mom is Indian, so she wanted me to be a doctor! (giggles) But I knew I had to be in a creative field. I started writing poetry when I was 4 and I also loved to draw. I want to be bigger than myself and challenge my limits.

How important do you think is education for a model?

A certain level of education is important for everyone. But I don’t think people should slog through college, university etc if that will not help their career. Nobody should be dumb and stupid but yes, awareness in more important than just hoarding degrees. In the end, what matters is what you want to do in life. If degrees will help you, great otherwise there is no need to bother. I, for one have completed 3.5 years of college with psychology as my major.

What do you think of Bollywood as a career option?

It is simply fantastic! And I am totally going into it. I think this is one field which encompasses all creative aspects.

Your take on Indian Models v/s Western Modeling Industry.

The major and the biggest difference is that in the West, there is more awareness of rights. There is a union in the U.S. which decides how many hours you can work and what kind of payment you will receive. In India, such things lack. The competition is huge there. The biggest advantage India has that there is a lot of interesting work going on here. It is relatively easy to bag good assignments. And for me, this is home and nothing can beat that.

What all do you enjoy apart from Modeling?

I am a very adventurous person. I love rock climbing, bungee jumping, deep sea diving etc. So that takes up my time when I am not shooting. I also like spending time with my family. Actually, I like life to be completely unpredictable and flexible.

Tell us about your fitness regime…

I was very much involved in sports till the time I was 18. I played all sorts of sports. Then I went off to college and sports pretty much took a backseat. Now I go to gym and often do yoga. Though with the kind of schedule I have, it is very difficult to fix a time to workout. I think it is very important to be fit, irrespective of whether of not you are a model. It makes you feel so good about yourself.

What about your beauty regime?

I am not at all fussy as far as my beauty regimen is concerned. I don’t use any particular product or brand of cosmetics. Though I always take care of my hygiene and grooming.

3 Pre-Requisites to become a model…

Be a thorough professional. Always be on time, respect others etc
Take care of yourself because that is what will actually show on the camera.
Remember that modeling is a creative job. You cannot just stick to a particular expression or posture. You need to innovate and experiment to come up with a distinctively unique style.

What do you consider your biggest achievement in life?

I cannot really pinpoint one. Places that I have travelled, music that I make, all of them and more are the best achievements of my life. My philosophical ideas, the fact that I am adventurous and I love to help out people; they are what I have achieved. I am very happy with my life.

Your idea of an ideal date is…

I don’t believe in the concept of dating. I have been in a couple of relationships and I have friends and people I am close to, but I have never actually been on a formal date!

What will you call the turning point of your life?

It happened on my 16th birthday. Before that, I use to be quite and shy. I observed people and did not really interact a lot. But after I turned 16, I suddenly became more conscious and aware of myself and the world around. That was what I would call a turning point in my life.

Quick Q&A:

Favorite Food – I am a big big foodie. I love food more than anything else and I do not discriminate! I love eating all sorts of stuff.

Favorite Innerwear Brand – Victoria’s Secret of course!

You hate – The fact that time goes by so fast and we cannot do anything about it!

You love – Falling from the sky!

You are scared of – I don’t have any fear in particular. It depends on the particular instant.

DOB – March 25

Zodiac – Aries

Hunt for Kingfisher Calendar Girl 2011 announced its association with Talwalkars Better Value Fitness Limited (TBVFL), the country’s largest chain of health clubs.

A special workout regime has been created for the participants that will help them in obtaining the perfect toned body and look, synonymous with the company’s frame perfect formula. This formula is strongly reckoned by the company and is driven by its corporate theory: “A healthy body is the perfect complement to a brilliant mind”.

The participating contestants for the Kingfisher Calendar Girl 2011 are Bruna Correa Rodrigues from Brazil, Reyna Leyva from Mexico, Alina Ray from Orissa, Pallavi Das from Assam, Radhika Sahay and Mumbai girl Poonam Pandey.

Aspiring participants of the hunt will be trained vigorously at Talwalkars state-of-the-art facilities across India. A distinctive team comprising of fitness experts, nutritionists, trainers and physiotherapists will counsel and instruct all participants, ensuring that a perfect regimen of a healthy body, mind and spirit is adhered to.

Fashionfad.in discoursed with the 11.11 CellDSGN designers who are going to showcase on the ramp for the first time at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Spring Summer 2011. They seem highly enthusiastic about unveiling their collection at such a big platform…

How has the journey so far working with Wills India Fashion Week and FDCI?

It has been delightful. Last year we had a stall. We got lot of potential buyers and did good business. The people working here are very professional and easily approachable. We have previously done ramp shows for the Delhi and Lakme Fashion Week but this is our first season when we are going to do a ramp show for Wills India Fashion Week. We are hopeful that even this season everything goes well.

What sort of market are you targeting this time?

Last season we got lot of potential buyers from the Middle- Eastern market. After Wills India Fashion Week we are straight away going to participate in the Dubai Fashion Week. Although India is our main market, we are targeting countries like Europe and Japan and have a store in London.

Do you find any difference of taste between the International and the Indian Market?

11.11 by CellDSGN is a large designer brand with a different line for clothing and accessory. We do around 100 piece lines, which have a distinctive and definitive style. So it’s little impossible to create area specific designs. All buyers and market are equal for us. But we surely try to invent and experiment a lot. In India, Ogaan and Aza have been very helpful and upcoming when it comes to supporting designers and we have been really lucky in this aspect.

Any new collaboration this season?

Yes, last year we met Mia Morikawa at Will Lifestyle India Fashion Week. She is a famous Japanese designer. She came to our stall. Fell in love with our creation. This time we are joining hands and showcasing our accessories line 11.11 by Mia Morikawa. You will find lot of good leather bags and shoes. Hope everyone loves them!

Fashionfad

Fashion Conditioned

Monthly Archives: October 2010

Mandi

Jatin Varma for WIFW SS

Rohit + Rahul for WIFW SS

Tarun for WIFW SS

Ankita for WIFW SS

Swarovski Festive collection-Home Decor

Talia Bentson

Kingfisher Calendar Girl 2011

11.11 Premiere