March 2011 - Page 6 of 20

The award winning designer Sangeeta Boochra of Silver Centrre, comes out with her latest jewellery collection blending traditional jewellery with contemporary taste.

The designs which inspire the people who appreciate style, design and uncompromising quality highlights traditional Indian Jewelry with its very own chic language of design , trying to give a new face to Indian Jewelry.

Ushering in a renaissance in the ancient art of jewellery, she used elements of Ethnic Indian Jewelry where each piece of jewellery is designed to complement each other, to present an entire ensemble based upon certain constant design features, so that pieces designed 20 years ago are relevant and can be worn with the designs of today.

About the collection, the designer herself states, “When a woman is wearing my jewellery, I want her to feel as if she is wrapped in one of life’s greatest luxuries.”

Provogue India Limited, the pioneer of fashion brands, recently signed in Bollywood’s latest sensation Sonakshi Sinha as their new female brand ambassador.

With Hrithik Roshan as the their male brand ambassador from the last two years, Provogue identified Sonakshi Sinha as a strong and perfectly suited personality to collaborate for their multihued and vibrant womens wear lineup.

A qualified fashion designer herself, Sonakshi embodies a perfect image to represent the youth consumers which Hrithik has already been successful in reinforcing by establishing a strong connect with the target audience.

Previously, Provogue has collaborated with other bollywood celebrities and youth icons like Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham, Fardeen Khan and women like Katrina Kaif and Esha Deol.

Commenting on the association, Nikhil Chaturvedi, Managing Director of Provogue said, "Provogue has benchmarked itself as a young, aspirational and edgy brand with people who are fearless and love to wear their attitude. And now with Sonakshi Sinha we are confident we have made a superb acquisition in someone who represents the next generation of Indian youth with tremendous substance and who’s attributes are well blended with our brand.”

Lakme Fashion Week Summer/ Resort 2011 was not only a celebration of the latest trends in ensembles but also the make-up and hairstyles that complete the oomph factor. So with every collection presented on the ramp by the host of designers, the beauty quotient kept changing. Some of the latest trends that emerged were as follows:

Getting the make-up right
Since summers are going to be hot and humid, the ‘less is more’ concept is totally sensible. With daywear in bright colours, the idea is to play down the colour palette when choosing the eye shadows and lips sticks or blush-ons for that matter, in order to avoid a jarred look.

For the eyes
Nude eyes are back as the smoky look is out this season. So only an overdose of mascara and a fine line of coloured khol pencil is cool. For the evening, the colourful liquid eyeliner is ‘in’ to add the dash of sparkle in a very subtle manner without going over-the-top. The eye shadows can be of the same colour as the bright pastel outfit, without looking clownish. But thick lines of black kajal pencil, especially under the eyes was consciously kept off the ramp to enhance the clean, youthful, summery look and feel.

On the cheeks
Highlighting the cheek bones can make a huge difference to the entire glamorous appeal. But it has to be done the right way in order to avoid the patchy look. For a change, instead of the rosy cheeks it was interesting to see how the glittering golden bronzer introduced by Lakme as a part of their Fantasy collection, being used to create a super-glam day look. Also, there were cute little temporary tattoos in silver, like stars and hearts drawn just above the cheek bones, near the corner of the eyes. They enhanced the boho-chic styling immensely and can actually be tried out off the ramp, for a cool and funky style statement.

Pout of the lips
There was gloss, gloss and more gloss! Whether the shades were kept to nudes or sweet rosy hues, the finish of the ‘lips stick kissed pouts’ actually reflected light and shone like mirrors. Actually it is a fact that lips tend to dry out more during the summers, than the winters. So this is also an ideal way to keep the lips soft, supple and hydrated in style.

The proud super geek, Elena Fernandes grew up in Central London loving animals, fighting siblings, reading and studying riding her wild creative horses. Born to South American mother and Indian father, Elena is specialized in law which she makes best use of whether it is the cruelty to animals or modeling specifications. Fun, bold and independent Elena Fernandes has her own unadulterated take on everything.

Read further to know more about Elena speaking her heart out.

Tell us something about your home?
Well, I grew up in central London next to Hyde Park and I’m one of six kids so it was always pretty crazy and super noisy. Combine that with three cats, two dogs and a hamster and it’s a mad house, but a fun one.

Tells us briefly about your family and schooling?
My mother is South American, she is from Peru and my Dad is Indian he is from Goa and I was taught French and Spanish from a young age. Unfortunately not Hindi, but I am trying to learn it whilst I am here in India. I have four brothers and one sister, so it was always fun growing up and always a lot of commotion. Birthdays and Christmas’ were always so much fun as there would be so many presents and food, it was jut manic really. I was brought up Catholic so I was sent to Catholic schools. My favourite subjects were always the arts, like English and History. Once I finished sixth form I took a gap year, where I gained experience working in Law firms, and following that I studied for my degree at Kings College, specializing in Law. My favourite modules were tax law and criminal law. I love studying and reading so I am a proud super geek.

What is your parent’s viewpoint on you choosing modeling as a career?
My parents have always been very supportive of my modeling career. This year when I did an exclusive show for London fashion week, I was able to get my parents tickets and all I could hear was my mum screaming ‘Elena, I love you, Elena I love you’, so I guess supportive is an understatement. It was hilarious though. When I got booked for my Vogue editorial my parents were screaming and my mum always gets my editorials out whenever we have guests over, including the priest which can be hilarious and sometimes slightly embarrassing when the swimwear editorials are shown!

When and what was your first modeling assignment?
My first assignment was a jewellery campaign for La Diosa shot in London’s Chinatown. It was quite overwhelming as so many people stopped to take pictures and it was a really hot day, surprising for London weather. But I absolutely loved it and I still love modeling. I love all the drama, the make up, the clothes, the different people you get to meet.

What all assignments have u been a part of?
I do a variety of editorial and runway. My favourite is definitely editorial as I love seeing the end result in print. Also because you get more of a chance to be creative and become a different character.

How important do you think is education for a model?
Education is very important as it is vital to have something to fall back on. Modelling does not last forever so you have to think long term about what you want to do after.

What’s your opinion of the Modeling Industry? Are substance abuse/suicides etc as predominant as depicted by the media?
I think you have to be particularly thick skinned to be in the industry and not take things to heart. There have been issues regarding weight and substance abuse that is frequently depicted in the media but they have been addressed by industry officials over the year. Also, I think we must also remember as well that there are issues in all types of industry such as corporate and even schooling, its just that at times its not brought to light as frequently as it is highlighted in the fashion industry. A lot of good points of the fashion industry are forgotten as one general bad point can overshadow several good points.

How has the industry evolved in all these years?
The industry has evolved in particular to the acceptance of different body shapes. If you look at Crystal Renn and Lara Stone fashion houses are much more embracing of curves and a lot of designers stock up to size 18-22. In London the BFC also introduced a minimum age limit of models to walk the catwalk and a minimum BMI to ensure the healthiness of models.

Tell us about your fitness regime..
I have recently started to do bikram yoga, which really challenges your inner core muscles and is great for strengthening and toning. I have always enjoyed sport from a young age, I love to swim and horse ride. I also love doing spinning classes as results are instant. I think its important to have some form of exercise regime just to keep your organs healthy and that in turn shows on the surface.

Beauty regime?
Exfoliation, moisturizer and lots of water. Also I don’t wear make up, jut a dash of mascara. If I go out at night then just a bit of eyeliner.

What did you aspire to become as kid?
An astronaut and a spy

Quick Q & A

Favorite Food? Mash potato and steak

Favorite Perfume? Body shop white musk

Favorite Lingerie Brand? Victoria Secret

Favorite Designer? Balmain, Chloe, Chanel!!!

Favorite Holiday Destination? Wherever my friends are

You hate: mosquitos

You love: cats and dogs

You are scared of: the dark

Favourite Night Spot: Jalouse in Hanover Square, London

Favourite Magazine: Grazia

Favourite Icon: I don’t have any icons, I just aspire to be the best that I could be and live a life with no regrets.

Zodiac : Leo

DOB : 10th August

Fav Photographer: too many amazing ones to choose from

What sort of music do you listen to?
I like everything – from cheesy pop to hard core rock.

Your greatest achievement?
Working and living abroad in foreign countries and raising my pets.

What do you think of Bollywood as a career option?
I do not think I would ever go into Bollywood as acting is not a path I am passionate about. I would rather write a script or direct a film.

What is your idea of an ideal date?
Dinner, a film and my favourite chocolates…Godiva praline milk chocolates

When not modeling what are you most likely to be found doing?
Either reading, playing with my dogs and cats, watching films with my boyfriend or hanging out with my friends.

Any Social cause that you feel strongly for and want to be (or you are) associated with?
I used to do a lot of volunteer work at the Mayhew Animal Home in London. I am extremely passionate about animal causes and the prevention of cruelty to animals. When I was in Delhi for a little bit, it used to take me an hour to make the five minute journey to the market as I used to feed all the dogs on the way. I believe education is key in making a change. When I studied law I learnt that an individual’s ability to be cruel to an animal made them more inclined to be a criminal in respect of murder. Many serial killers when they were young had been shown to torture small animals like rabbits and kittens. People forget that animals feel pain as well.

Five essentials to be followed by an upcoming model?
Always be yourself 2. Stand up for what you believe in 3. Research your market 4. Ignore the haters 5. Believe in yourself no matter what

Difference between Indian Models and Western Models. Who is a more viable choice internationally and why?
I think culture plays a huge part in respect of the difference in nudity. For example during Lakme fashion week it was pivotal that a girl always had to wear a bra or some form of tape. Whereas in the western world, nudity is embraced and is not shied away from. But this predominately comes down to a difference in culture, so it would be difficult for an Indian model I think to work in the western world. As when you’re backstage at a show you’re expected to just strip and change in front of males and females. Whereas in India, there’s a lot more preservation on nudity. But then if a western model comes to India, she should respect the different culture and respect their views. I think success comes down to compromising and respecting the works of either culture to determine who would be the more viable choice.

What is has been the most touching moment of your life?
When my cat beat cancer. I have had my cats since I was 9years old, so I’ve grown up with them, they’ve gone through my highs and lows. I used to revise by saying it out loud to my cats, so they’re well educated in regards to law, history and languages. For me, I know most people would say ‘oh yeah but it’s a cat’ but to me, my cats are my children. Those few months were probably the worst, as I love him so much and the thought of losing him just broke my heart. I’ve brought them up, they’re part of my life, so when I got the news he had cancer, nothing else in the world mattered to me I just wanted to make him better. It has been now nearly a year and touch wood he is cancer free and so happy and healthy.

On a completely different note, when my bookers told me I was going to shoot a 12page editorial for Vogue in Bali was a particular touching moment. I think they can verify that I was speechless and in total shock.

After a heavy doze on the resort trends, whole fashion industry is all geared up for the much awaited event of the year- Wills Fashion Week. Commencing from 6th April 2011, Wills Fashion Week would be featuring designers who would be bringing to light A/W 2011 trends.

Wills Fashion week being known as a platform for new talent would be a heady mix of emerging designers as well as established legends of Indian fashion industry. Sunil Sethi, president, FDCI who is all excited about the upcoming fashion week says “Many young designers surprise me every time with their work. So the surprise factor this time would entirely depend on their creativity”. As for the grand finale by designer Sabyasachi, who would be showcasing with Fdci after a long period apart from the couture fashion week. “We are looking forward to a ‘brand new Sabyasachi’…” says FDCI president, Sunil Sethi.

There is a great buzz about the opening show by designer Neeru Kumar whose work is acknowledged as a landmark in the evolution of Indian textiles. “Neeru Kumar’s work is astonishing and the best in handloom sector” says FDCI president Sunil Sethi.

According to the designer Neeru Kumar who would be showcasing her work for the first time on the catwalk “Chic and understated fashion is a way to go.” Her collection would comprise of natural fibres, experimentation on weaves and simple silhouettes. Neeru Kumar being a person who believes in comfort fashion says “Classic colours like charcoal, navy, gray are the main focus of fall and would always remain to be.”

With an ever increasing anticipation about coming trends, the excitement is turning manifold for the fashion week. So would it be a rock n roll sequinned trench or a classic cut overcoat that would be raiding our wardrobe coming fall? Or would there be a new colour adding to our wardrobe as ‘new black’? What would be the much awaited buy of the season?

According to the designer Zubair Kirmani, who has tried to experiment with bold colours for the upcoming collection along with keeping the brand sensibilities- classic and simple intact says “ oranges, reds and Indian greens are the colours for the fall 11”.

“Subdued colour palette with highlights of jersey and constructed shapes would be something to look forward to this fall” says the designer Namrata Joshipura.

And according to designer Varun Bahl who would be showcasing his collection after two years “One should look forward to a western collection on the catwalk this fall. It’s time to look back into vintage for inspiration, older things and past era would bounce back, it would be revival of 1950’s and 1960’s”.

Designer Kavita Bhartia’s upcoming collection for Wills Fashion Week is going to be full of Indian ingredients; understated free flowing elegance is what the designer believes in. Kavita Bhartia being a designer whose work comprises a lot of craftsmanship says “the collection would be regarding sustainance and revival of Indian craft. According to her, “Black with zingy colours would be the palette for fall”.

So whether it is an understated chic glamour or revival of the bygone era, there is so much to expect from the Wills fashion week and we all hope that this fashion week creates new standards for years to come!

The ace designer Priyadarshini Rao recently launched her ready to wear label, Mineral bringing postmodernism to fashion.

The collection which caters all seasons is inspired by the colors of minerals. It emphasizes on a play of different fabrics, stylishly recombining prints with checks and extraordinary silhouettes. The versatile collection features a predominance of textures like crush, pleats along with romantic floral prints, stripes, checks which further amalgamated in a crochet with a palette of cottons and linens. The largely used bright fun cottons are styled with bright accessories to give a chic and grunge look.

Mineral is an elegant recombination of predominantly natural fabrics with a western construct, creating clothing that makes a woman look and feel special. The collection transcends seasons and hence their motto is ‘no more seasons’. Mineral envisions itself to be recognized for simply great clothes that you want to live within, every day of your life. Mineral clothes can be styled up or down, transmuting from chic to casual without much effort.

Mineral collections currently include clothing, handbags, fashion jewelry and available at Goregaon Central and Sobo Central.

The new Spring Summer 2011 collection of jewellery and accessories – Wings of Poetry by Swarovski, conceived of by Creative Director Nathalie Colin, is the expression of a truly original and artistic vision – a reinvention of nature.

Inspired of blooming nature on the onset of spring, the collection is laid out in three principal themes: “Impressionist Rainbow,” with a vibrant explosion of color, “Free Butterflies,” where pointillism is interpreted with nature and wildlife in mind, and “Spring Collage,” offering bold and graphic creations. Mint and fuchsia tones infuse this joyful, luminous collection with freshness.

The “Impressionist Rainbow” theme offers a seemingly-infinite explosion of color in shaded tones. Each piece features a fresh and vibrant color palette, a style exemplified by “Noon.” With a pendant, bracelet and matching earrings, the elegant plastron of this design has a kaleidoscopic array of colors.

“Free Butterflies” shows a range, “Noisette” which recreates the wing of a butterfly in epoxy with subtly-shaded tones and miniature crystals set with Swarovski’s Pointiage technique. In “Naturally”, the wing is set with miniature crystals on a gold-plated chain, offering all the refined elegance of fine jewelry. A ravishing ring with an elongated silhouette is the perfect finishing touch to this ultra-feminine line. The captivating “Naïa” range explores the butterfly image with a real touch of majesty. The necklace features Crystal Mesh in the form of a wide, flowing ribbon, finished by hand at each end with crystal beadwork, where clear stones are highlighted in elegant pink.

Whereas,’ Spring Collage’ presents a range of necklaces, ring and bracelets in crystals, beads, silver, Indian sapphire, opal, amethyst, Jonquil in different tones and patterns.

Creative Director Nathalie Colin explains about the collection, “The influence behind the entire collection is a concept of modernized Impressionism. Our muse for this season is an artist, a painter who leaves her studio in the first rays of spring sunshine to seek inspiration as she walks through nature reborn. All of her senses are awakened: the visual magic in lush shades of green, the scent of cut grass, the warmth of the sun on her skin, the flutter of wings, the flavor of the first fruits, the radiant colors of flowers. I wanted a collection in which nature would take its rightful place and become art.”

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Major Brands, a group with international brands such as Mango, Aldo, Promod, Nine West, La Senza, Charles & Keith, Okaidi, Aldo Accessories, Inglot and Queue Up, under its portfolio, organized a fashion show to present the iconic looks of the Spring-Summer 2011 season.

The glitzy show was choreographed by Shakir Shaikh with models such as Amruta Patki, Deepti Gujral, Candice Pinto, Natasha Suri, Neha Ahuja, and many more. The stylish and ultra-glam Kangana Ranaut turned out to be the showstopper for the evening.

The looks had been created in paired sequences; Inglot with Queue Up, Aldo, Promod with Nine West, La Senza with Charles & Keith and last but not the least Mango.

Speaking on the event, Kamal Kotak, spokesperson, said, “Each of our brands is an iconic brand with a clearly carved out identity and global presence. We are delighted with the way our brands have caught on with the well-heeled, well-travelled fashionistas of India and we are presenting our season’s new “must-have” looks today.”

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A pioneer in the world of handcrafted textiles, Neeru Kumar is undoubtedly one of the best and the most creative designers in India today. A brilliant user of traditional techniques and indigenous material with a spectacular amount of innovation and experimentation, Kumar is a textbook in the field of textile design. Attaining a rare yet classy synergy between tradition and contemporary design, her creations are often described as ‘contemporary classic’.

In the field of design for the past 30 years, Neeru graduated from National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad in 1980. Her first commercial breakthrough came in 1989 with a black and tussar weave, ‘First Design’ which was applauded internationally. She then went on to conquer the export market with her participation in major trade fairs including the Prêt a Porter and Maison et Object in Paris and the Hiemtextil in Frankfurt.

The Delhi-based designer showcases her work in 15 museum stores across the world and has a desi presence in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. Besides, her products are sold under her own label ‘Neeru Kumar’ in leading stores worldwide such as Le Bon Marche in France, Liberty & Selfridges in U.K., Bloomingdale in USA in addition to working with designer labels such as Maki Textile Studio in Japan, Jack Larsen in USA, etc. She has been featured in magazines like Vogue, Architectural Digest, and Home Textile.

Interestingly though, despite being a fellow member of the FDCI for almost a decade, Neeru has never presented at any one of the fashion weeks – that is, till now. Kumar is all set to showcase for the first time at the Wills India Fashion Week AW 2011 where she will open the event.

Boasting of an extensive product range including shawls, scarves, ready to wear garments and home furnishings and a number of high-profile patrons including Sonia and Priyanka Gandhi, Mira Nair, Arundhati Roy, Rekha, Sheila Dikshit, Shabana Azmi and Hema Malini, Neeru Kumar is definitely a name of reckon with in the field of textile design.

You can get Neeru Kumar at:

www.neerukumar.com

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Monthly Archives: March 2011

At Silver Centrre

Pro-Vogue Sonakshi

Beauty Report SS’11

Elena Fernandes

Insight to WIFW A/W 2011

Mineral by Priyadarshini Rao

Swarovski Wings of Poetry

Majors in Fashion

Neeru Kumar