November 2010 - Page 12 of 17

This season Emporio Armani introduces a range of sophisticated slim watches to its Fall/Winter 2010 watch collection focused on two main design elements: a super slim case shape and metal mesh bracelets. A colour palette focused on silver-grey tones combined with neutrals and metal finishes sets the mood for the collection.

Leading the design trend for slim watches, Emporio Armani borrows from one of its best-selling classic case bodies and applies a contemporary makeover. The result is ergonomically delightful with modern curved case contouring that is slim, sleek and streamlined. Sharp 2-hand dials with stylised Roman-numeral hour markers add modern appeal while beautifully detailed cabochon crowns lend classic elegance.

Produced entirely in stainless steel, Giorgio Armani draws inspiration from his use of 3-dimensional textures and textiles to make a bold statement with meshed metal bracelets.

Steel mesh bracelet styles also include versions developed in yellow gold ion-plated stainless steel as well as black ion-plated stainless steel while more traditional interpretations include models with 3-link stainless steel bracelets, featuring polished outer links and brushed centre links.

The range also includes styles that use buttery smooth calfskin leather to produce strap models with butterfly deployant buckles.

It was all business yesterday at day one of the International Herald Tribune Luxury Conference in London, Suzy Menkes kept the day going swimmingly despite speakers being late (*ahem* Karl Lagerfeld) .Talking the talk was Victoria Beckahm with designer pal Karl Lagerfeld. Guest speaker VB championed her own minimal S/S ’11 Victoria Beckaham collection, wearing a hard to miss sunflower yellow shift dress.

The conference started with a lively talk by Elbar Elbaz, the creative director for Lanvin, and while he did not break any ground in predictions for the future of luxury industry, he did manage to define and sum up well, what ‘Heritage’ meant to him and the house of Lanvin. Tommy Hilfiger, to no surprise, talked only in clichés as if from a Hollywood B movie.

The 3 three generations of Missoni’s – Rossita, Angela, Margherita, had a table chat with Suzy Menkes about family business that looked more like an episode Ricky Lake, then an International Fashion Conference.

To end the day there was a Celebration of 10 Years of IHT Luxury Conferences at One Mayfair in London, which was attended by Nadja Swarovski, Margherita Missoni, Angela Missoni,Tom Ford, Pam Hog, Jessica Michault, Julien Mcdonald, Melissa odabash, Nicky Haslam, Stephen Webster, Ozwald Boateng amongst others.

With the masculinity riding on femininity and vice versa, the ever eccentric fashion is standing for everything androgynous this time. The sexual stereotypes take a backlash when it comes to silhouettes and colors this season. Screaming ease and comfort the silhouettes are getting relaxed. The authority of skinny denims and leggings seems like being revolted by trousers with gathers, falls and pleats letting the legs breathe and play. Knits, khaki, flannel and leather are menacing to kick the boring denims and ruling the roost with willy-nilly carefree look accentuating the minimalism in the mood of 50s as the forerunner as far as look for this subduing chill is concerned.

So this season let your crotches drop and wear a laid back and footloose look with the dhoti pants, the modern version of Indian dhoti and cowl pants as the green shimmering one by Nandita Basu clubbed with a printed tank top and a brown belt with a bow. The dhoti pant in bold checks by Sanchita is shouting for neutral palette this season with the brown as the new black. The equestrian look or the cow boy look is well carved by Dior with its structured jodhpurs and thigh high boots. Cropped jackets, waistcoats and high doses of leather compliment this look. Moreover you can create your own style by inculcating Harem, Samurai and Zouave Pants in your wardrobe but with the loads of attitude.

Bridging sexual barriers while pushing uni-sexuality the fashion runways across the world are persuading that it’s the time to rifle your boyfriend’s wardrobe for his crispy white shirts, riding jackets and coats for that uber cool look. Clean and sharp cut pants with pleats in solid hues and satin finish like the grey one from Emporio Armani bestows that superwoman look with panache. The high waisted cropped up pant sitting just above your navel by Chloe in earthy tone with turtle neck pull over and a sleek belt is perfect for a woman with style. Team it up with a jacket and dual toned brogues and you are all ready to create the fashion ripples. The straight fit trousers are back again with a blast as shown by Marc Jacobs with the greys accenting the women to enter the somber man’s world but with all oozing femininity.

The wide legged trouser paired with polka dot tops by Sanchita is another wardrobe must have this season. The turn up pants in knit by Michael Kors is high on warmth and style quotient this chill. Pair it up with aviator jacket or long jacket for that perfect winter look. Dries Van Noten mingles femininity and style with his patterned trouser clubbed with cropped multi hued jacket. The rustic infusion by Dior is well shown by leather pants and high boots whispering subtly to strangulate the sexual strata and stand for modern unisexual look where women are dictators in their own.

If it is a wedding in Bigg Boss house, it cannot be anything less than outstanding. Vikram has been approached to design the wedding outfit of the biggest and first ever small screen wedding in the much talked about reality show Bigg Boss season 4 on 10th November 2010.

Vikram, who is known for his bridal wear, is right now working on Sara Khan’s wedding outfit for her Nikaah with Ali Merchant in Bigg Boss house. He is busy putting together the best of this thought for this creation just to ensure that she looks the best on her big day.

Talking about the designs, Vikram says ‘Sara’s bridal outfit will be dipped in artistic motifs with embellishments and kundan embroidery on the lehenga making it an exquisite one while for Ali, he has planned a Sherwani embellished with antique gold’. I have also sourced the best of the jewellery in Kundan and Jadao Polki from Jaipur, which is exotic and expensive and would go well with her outfit. My aim is to make her look beautiful for her D-Day, he further added.

Here’s a sneak preview of some of his planned designs…

As a part of its commitment to provide international luxury brands to their patrons in India, TSG International Marketing Pvt. Ltd. headed by Charu Sachdev & Priya Sachdev Chatwal will launch their multi-brand boutique ‘Kitsch’ in Mumbai on 15th November’2010 at Kala Ghoda.

Kitsch derived its name from antitheses of its literal meaning which is brash, usually denoting art that is considered an inferior, tasteless or a worthless imitation of art of recognized value. One needs to step into the Kitsch boutique to understand that it is about all things beautiful, well crafted and exquisitely designed for an elite audience.

Kitsch which follows a multi-brand boutique concept was launched in 2008 in New Delhi and has become a favourite shopping destination for the Delhi’s crème de la crème. The Mumbai store will be home to exclusive ready-to-wear and accessories from renowned international designer labels like Alberta Ferretti, Alexander McQueen, Diane Von Furstenberg, Halston Heritage, Jean Paul Gaultier, Lanvin, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Stella McCartney, and Theory.

The Embassy of Mexico and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations Present Indo

Samant Chauhan showcased his work at an exclusive event organized for Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and The Earl of Wessex at their recent visit to Jodhpur. It was also attended by the Maharajah and Maharani of Jodhpur and invited guests.

His collection The Silk Route traced the anonymous Bhagalpur Silk to its roots infusing in it an international dimension. A colour palette of shades of beige came together in this rich collection. The collection was an ode to ethical fashion that looks beyond commercial parables to a story of nurturing weaves and their origin. Their Royal Highnesses interacted with the selected designers who are part of the British Council’s Young Creative Entrepreneur Award Programme. They were very impressed with their creativity which helped provide an insight into the fashion industry in India, one of the world’s fastest developing and most dynamic economies.

Fashionfad.in captured a few exclusive shots backstage just before the show began.

Situated in city’s shopping paradise in Mumbai, Silver Streak is a store that has everything that any jewellery aficionado with glittering earrings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets and bangles – all in silver. All finely wrought and beautifully finished. While some are pure silver where the design takes limelight others are interwoven with pearls, topaz, emerald, rubies, garnet and other semi-precious stones.

The current collection on display is the ‘Retro Collection’. Reminiscent of the happy era of 70s, chunky beaded necklaces, power rings, bandannas and flower power are making a vivid come back. Complimenting the long, flowing hairstyles with the elaborate bouffant set with polka dotted scarves, happy colors and free flowing garments with big prints, the beaded, enamel flowers, funky, elaborate and colored rings and over the top earrings are perfect way to hit the 70s Action Replay button at silver Streak.

Besides, a huge variety of jewellery with zircon, semi-precious stones, mother of pearl and marcasite; Turkish, Italian, Tibetan jewellery and more are there to entice the jewellery lovers. Catering every mood, style and budget a special edition collection is launched every month to ensure there is something new to look forward for every month.

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Monthly Archives: November 2010

Emporio Armani Orologi

IHT Luxury Conference _ Day 1

WIFW SS 11: Absolute Fashion . Undiluted Business

The Transcending Trousers

Vikram Phadnis in Bigg Boss

Kitsch in Mumbai

Mexican Piano – Dance Performance at Kamani Auditorium

Samant Chauhan

Silver Streak Goes Retro