Dauphine, a Netherland based label by Anglo-Indian Jayant Kumar unveils its latest Autumn-Winter 2012 collection titled, ‘Gilded Peacocks’.

The collection revolves around the theme where white peacocks with gilded beaks and purple feet define the range. The highly stylized collection with retro glasses, broad belts and a touch of sportswear exudes femininity and elegance. It features dresses and gowns with embellished and textured bustier and flowing skirts in chiffons. The subtle skin show comes in the form of key holes at the back, asymmetrical necklines, one-shouldered draped tops and use of sheer. The color palette of the collection with fitted and flared pieces is comprised of black, burnt orange, blue and ivory predominantly.

The long dresses with accentuated shoulders, jumpsuits with frills, cover up dress worn with sneakers, embroidered cape jackets, wrap jackets, draped skirts, satin gather tops and use of lace, sequins and ruffles on dresses were the few highlights of the collection.

‘Be #1, one with the Universe, is what Barkha n Sonzal wish to convey through the design creativity of their latest collection, Chakshushi. The designers feel that when one is able to perceive and see all three social worlds- divam, prithvi & antariksham, one can realize the divinity within them, as well as see the same in others.

Barkha ‘n’ Sonzal a creative and discerning label focusing on men’s couture, have introduced various drapes for pants, with different styles and cuts in bandhgalas, shirts, contemporary jackets, kurtas, sherwanis in different fabrics from Banarasi weaves to Italian fabrics. They have intricately worked with their theme, through color schemes from the three different realms.

TIA is an annual competition that challenges design students around the globe to create an inspiring lingerie showpiece. This year we saw a tough competition among the best Italian schools IED, NABA and Domus Academy, after each school presented their best 5 students for the National competition.

This years theme was ‘butterfly and dragon’ and we saw various interpretation of the concept; the use of various materials and various way of seeing a lingerie. In the back stage I saw very nervous faces and excitement among the students, all keeping their fingers crossed and await for the final catwalk. It was a complete pack up even no space to breath; some students moved outside for fresh breath. Finally the light went dim and the sensation begun, 15 models wearing unique creations went past a definite use of lycra, swarovski, tapes, laces, feather, leather and draping. After some silence the final result was declared, there was some excited noise and some rumors. The winners design was a very close work to previous years winner, second and third was as expected.

The winner selection lacked contemporary judgment, it seems we are still living in the shadows of great Valentino but even Valentino has evolved over time. We have to wait and watch if the coming year will be different; a new level of excitement will be seen, hopefully with some new ideas. 

Overall, it is a great platform for the upcoming young designer to show their talent and get an excited visibility, and this is possible just because of Triumph and their vision.

The 160-year old renowned British clothing brand, Aquascutum, famous for its trench coats, bears the effect of lean times Europe is going through, and can shut its operations down.

The iconic brand founded in 1851 by John Emary, known to introduce the water repellant clothes for very first time, and currently owned by Harold Tilman sold a majority stakes of its sister company Jaegar in an attempt to protect the later from the likely collapse of the Aquascutum.

The label which has had adorned the likes of Winston Churchill, Sophia Loren, Sean Connery and Queen Mother, also confirmed the cancellation of its upcoming Autumn Winter 2012 collection due to pilling up of the losses.