January 2011 - Page 2 of 16

Fingers express a lot. From disgust to health, the well manicured hands are communicative where words fall short. So reflects the style. The twiddling fingers with the weirdest of the nail art lags fashion quotient if not accessorized by an imposing ring. The plain metal rings ensconced in a finger now appear blasé lacking the novelty and distinctness of Between-the-fingers rings or Double finger rings.

The feminine and unique these rings are available in gold, silver, brass and wood being studded with precious and semi precious stones likes diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires. Available in different patterns and sizes, the double finger rings are worn in two adjacent fingers, mostly on middle and ring fingers. Though various other designs make them stick to thumbs and index fingers too like the sickle shaped double ring by Betony Vernon worn by Christina Augilera.

The double finger rings are varying from classic designs with pearls to street chic style. From brass knuckles, snake rings, reposing parrot rings, vampire two finger rings to skinny curved bar rings, they are available in figurative tableaus, animalistic claws, abstract designs, names and words. Recently, designers like Pamela Love, Unearthen, Elizabeth & James, Deco and Betony Vernon displayed between the fingers rings in their collections running across the hands to popping up from middle of the finger.

The popularity of between the fingers rings is credited to Lauren Conrad who appeared wearing ring of her name quite frequently in the past. It turned to be such a fad that the fashionistas looking for funky and different accessories around the world adopted the trend in a jiffy. Later, celebrities like Rihanna, Anne Hathaway and Miley Cyrus were seen endorsing the style publicly. Recently, Karl Lagerfield showed his fascination for double finger rings by accessorizing his collection with these sexy and edgy rings.

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Jean Paul Gaultier with a heart truly from Paris did the glam game again and this time with a definite applaud for the luxurious cross between punk, cabaret, French Cancan, rock and Parisian glamour at the Spring 2011 couture, Paris. Models donned on the ramp in faux-hawks, sheer materials, fish net stockings, corseted torso and ruching rounding out the hips for a surprising mix of the Androgyny.The invitation for the show materialized in a safety-pinned piece of fishnet to a piece of cardboard, and very well kept the opulence a secret.

Gaultier’s split with Hermès has certainly given him a new magic potion, he has always been a brilliant tailor, and here he applied his genius to an abstract play on leopard patterns in a reddish navy combination comprised some of the pieces. And a lonesome bright Ikat print suit in yellows, reds, purples and greens appeared mid show.Gaultier, of course, couldn’t leave out references to his signature sailor stripes. Be it in a horizontal satin bands arrangement -repeating throughout the collection or the more literal white and navy tiered ruffles gown.

Despite the fact that his Spring 2011 couture show was inspired by the English punk rock movement and the French cancan, Jean Paul Gaultier didn’t play any musical soundtrack. Instead, the models paraded in their mohawks and their individual outfits carrying a number in the old school couture way, with Catherine Deneuve calling out the number and then describing the looks in a voiceover.

Each look was a punk song reference: ‘London Calling’ was a strapless smoking skirt suit with a thigh high split skirt and black fishnets; ‘Anarchy in the U.K.’ was a multicolor smoking suit embroidered with metallic sequins and leather lapels; the last look, a beaded corseted column dress was ‘Too Fast to Live, Too Young to Die.’ a long-sleeved off-the shoulder dress done in strands of white and dark navy,Androgynous male model Andrej Pejic appeared as a couture bride in a semi-sheer gown.

Though all the models were styled with punk hair and cabaret-esque fishnet stockings,but then some of them came seductively holding a cigarette mouthpiece, so typical of the 20′s.Jean Paul Gaultier finally let the music loose, unleashing a Crazy Horse cancan dancerPsykkoTico to do splits and kicks down the runway to Offenbach as the designer took his bow with Farida Khelfa.

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The dynamic designer duo Shantanu & Nikhil opened their fourth store at DLF Emporio, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. The store opening also witnessed the launch Shantanu & Nikhil’s accessories line – S&N Co. Products.

The 900 sq feet state of the art store reflects distinct architecture and fluidity of the different surfaces. The room harbors the feeling of nature meets space, the contrast of natural materials, textures, lighting with contemporary architecture. A perfect ambience indeed to enjoy the stunning couture creations, the beautiful evening gowns, cocktail dresses from the label along with menswear and recently launched line of Shantanu & Nikhil accessories: S&N Products.

Soon the duo will be out with another line, S&N Drape – their next brand extension, a bridge line.

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Etam Lingerie showcases their New Collection for 2011 at a Fashion Show in Paris.

An exuberantly fashion celebratory show that sizzled the sexy quotient mark had performances by artists Andrew Wyatt, Boy George, Joey Starr, Janelle Monae, Alison Mosshart, Spank Rock, Beth Ditto, Karen Elson.

Among the celebrities attending the event were Charlotte Casiraghi, Kate Moss and Stefano Pilati, Alexander Dellal, Emma de Caunes, Riccardo Tisci, Natalia Vodianova, Mario Testino, Eva Herzigova, Alexa Chung, Lou Doillon, Jefferson Hack, Zoe Felix, Aure Atika, Julie Depardieu, Frederic Beigbeder.

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Life as it seems has become simple and complex at the same time with the coming of new technology, better ways and newer & quicker things at hand. World has today come to such a juncture where amid hundred thousand things happening every day, we sometimes feel like skipping all the steps and taking a big leap into the future. Fashion – as a way of life, has also stepped along and has transported itself at a point where new and fiercely ahead, is the only way to go.

Now have you ever imagined or fantasized of customizing your own garments with your own hands, that too in no time and much equipment hassle? If yes then there is news that will most probably bowl you over. Well….it seems like a product from a

sci-fi flick, but it surely has stepped into reality amongst us as the ‘bizarre new thing’. Customized Fashion is now just a whiff of air away.

A Spanish fashion designer and a Professor of Particle Technology have come up with a Fabrican Spray on Fabric through which clothes can be created by merely spraying it on the skin. Seamless fabrics can be sprayed directly into the body using aerosol technology. This magical spray creates novel clothing that can also be washed and re-worn. An aerosol can or a spray gun is used in spraying the liquid. The spray is made from small fibers blended with polymers that join the fibers together. A solvent is also present in the spray that releases the fabric in liquid, and disappears as soon as the spray touches the surface of the body. Fabric is formed by the cross linking of the fibers, creating a non woven clothing. The web of the cloth is thin, but desired thickness can be brought in the garment by using multiple layers. As the fibers are created in a diffused form, other materials such as pigments or perfumes can also be added to it.

The liquid can be used directly over the body using aerosols, or sprays, and gets dehydrated quickly, becoming a new fabric. The texture of the fabric can be altered by adding or changing the blend of the fibers that are used in the spray. Fibers such as linen, acrylic, and wool can be used. The technology is believed to find creative applications in the fashion industry. This spray has other useful applications as well; such as medical dressings, bandages, hygiene wipes, air fresheners, upholstery fabrics for furniture, etc.

And here we find ourselves again with fashion to have established yet another invention to push the level of creativity of its designers, thus giving this world more novelty and innovation every passing day.

Amandeep Kaur is a Fashion Stylist and a blogger.

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Recognized as the next emerging designer to watch in 2011, Suzanne Rae is all set to present her Fall/Winter 2011 collection during New York Fashion Week on February 13, 2011. Suzanne Rae Pelaez lives and designs out of Brooklyn. After a professional career that began in the art gallery scene in New York and eventually led to the design ateliers of Costume National in Milan and Morgane Le Fay in New York, Pelaez is now bringing her dream of a namesake fashion line into fruition.

For the Fall/Winter 2011 collection, Suzanne Rae is inspired by the ideal Gibson Girl gone grunge–re-fractured through the prism of the 90s. Re-imagining her into today’s modern woman, the look is strong and street savvy while still feminine and sophisticated. Her collection has in store 90s inspired spaghetti strap/camisole dress, embellished dress with chunky fringe, layered skirt that most directly pays homage to the ‘Victorian or Gibson Girl gone grunge’ aspect, cape blazer and a harem pant. For accessories she has hats inspired by a head wrap (think Erikah Badu)/90s beanie and also several fingerless gloves.

Suzanne Rae says,“I’m exploring the individual vs. the collective unconsciousness…and how we can liberate ourselves from this…how we can be everything…the strong woman, the appropriate woman (perhaps as opposed to the ‘proper’ woman), the liberated, explorative, alive individual…”

With dark and warm hues of black, brown and grey, textured with herringbone, plaids, and lace, Suzanne layers dead stock fabrics, such as wool gabardines and boucles, with sustainable hemp and natural silks of lighter shades of ivory and nudes. Suzanne will once again work with accessories designer Yestadt Millinery and shoe designers Dieppa Restrepo.

Using traditional garment construction in addition to experimental draping and patterns, the designs are both beautiful and edgy. Fine and natural fabrics are used to enhance both the quality of the garments as well as the softness on the skin. Suzanne Rae produces well-fitting garments that thought provoking expose, conceal or enhance the natural curves of the female figure.

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This season Lakmé announces talented designer duo, Gauri & Nainika as the Grand Finale Designers for Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/ Resort 2011, scheduled from March 11-15, 2011.

The label Gauri & Nainika has become synonymous with feminine glamour and is best known for its timeless elegance, clean cut silhouettes and red carpet styles. With a design philosophy that strongly focuses on cut, colour, fabric and form, the brand often draws inspiration from old Hollywood and fantasy. This season, the designers combine their creative energies to partner with Lakmé to inspire new trends in fashion and beauty.

Speaking about the collection, Gauri & Nainika said, “We are thrilled to be associated with Lakmé. The theme this season, Fantasy Collection, is one that is close to our hearts. Our association began with the creation of this new theme, which starts four to five months prior to the show. It is an exploration into the feminine and almost dreamy influences that drive the many moods of all women. With its fresh, vibrant colors of nature, Lakmé’s summer palette provides that element of richness and a touch of idyllic that every woman craves for. We hope that our collection will unfurl a whole new world of sparkling fantasies for women.”

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Jatin Varma showcased at the prestigious Prêt-a-Porter show in Paris. Widely acknowledged as the “Hub of Fashion”, this 4 day show incited collaborations between fashion and artists, bringing together creative talent from some of the world’s best labels. A veritable ‘movement’ in fashion, the show uncovered new markets and spotlights fresh international talent from across 45 countries.

Majestic Grace, Jatin’s exclusive collection for the show, combined a contemporary look with timeless grace. In the collection, he has captured the essence of femininity using long flowing silhouettes, cinched waists and embellished necklines to highlight the classic hourglass figure. Inspired by his Indian roots, Jatin’s creations portrayed a subtle ethnic influence with the delicate jewel adornments and rich vibrant hues handcrafted from luxurious fabrics.

Speaking of his limited edition collection, Jatin says, “My collection portrays women with magnificent grace, symbolizing abundant elegance and timeless beauty. The bejewelled creations are an ode to royalty and divinity, in flowing long silhouettes and classic drapes. Each of my designs is homage to the goddess inherent within each woman. It is a great honour to represent India on this most prestigious global platform.”