January 2013 - Page 3 of 17

Lately, designer Ritu Kumar, India’s most recognized Fashion Designer, was honored with the Padma Shri Award, the country’s fourth highest civilian award.

The award was conferred upon her on the occasion of Republic Day by the President of India for her exceptional and distinguished service in the field of fashion, textile and craftsmanship.

On the honor bestowed on her, designer Ritu Kumar said, "I am deeply appreciative by the fact that the government has recognized my efforts in the field of fashion, textile and craftsmanship. India remains a country which has an indigenous and strong fashion handwriting not dictated by Paris or New York but is evolving with the designers of the country. I am grateful for the support I have received from the crafts people of this country.”

“The recognition of this fact is extremely welcome as it underlines the nature of newer areas of culture and the aspirations of the younger population of India who are as design savvy as they are conversant with the computer. Awards of this nature point towards innovative way forward in this country”, she concluded.

Imagine how a Gucci gown in Gujarati Patola will appear, or an iconic Hermes scarf featuring Kantha work. Enchanting for sure and real either as bringing all such wonderful pieces to life is Project Renaissance – the ultimate fusion of exquisite Indian textiles with global luxury labels.

A tribute to the Indian textiles with an exhibit of 21 pieces, the Project Renaissance, showing few of the top luxury houses and designers creating exclusive fusion pieces using Indian fabrics and prints, is on display at DLF Emporio, New Delhi till January 31st, 2013.

The project has Burberry showcasing its iconic trench coat made in Maheshwari silk, Tod’s presenting the Tod’s D bag for Kanchipuram silk and Gucci coming up with a gown in Gujarati patola, in addition to Benarasi brocade shoes by Ferragamo, Hermes Kantha work and Rajasthani bandhini sari inspired outfit by Cavalli in an exquisite among many other creations.

Lately, Aza, the multi-designer fashion store in association with The Gallery on MG, New Delhi unveiled the latest collection titled ‘Summer Sonnet’ by designers Rimple and Harpreet Narula.

The aesthetically done amalgamation of textiles, technique and craftsmanship the collection on display took its inspiration from the rich heritage of textile crafts, as well as traditional embroidery art from all over the Indian sub-continent. A rich and vibrant color palette and an interesting mix of antique and modern fabrics, immaculate detailing and exquisite embroideries were few of the hallmarks of the collection.

The silhouettes included dramatic floor length anarkalis worn with billowing tulle skirts, one piece lehengas and pre-draped sarees adorned with rich Kin Khwab brocades and lustrous silks.

About the collection designer Harpreet Narula said, “The collection draws heavily from a world of cultural influences-lots of drama with a surreal twist. Inspired by the rich heritage of our textile crafts, as well as traditional embroidery arts from all over the Indian sub-continent, the collection is an innovative artistic expression of our aesthetics as a brand.”

The unveiling was attended by the glam brigade of the city including Bela Madan, Kanchan Kapoor, Pooja Bhari, Sharmila Nath, Anju Yadav and Nishi Singh amongst others.

The Biennale College – Cinema, a program organized by Biennale di Venezia in association with Gucci announced the names of three projects proceeding to the second phase of the program.

The 3 projects, chosen at the end of the first workshop among the 15 previously selected projects from all around the world, presented by a team of one director and one producer are Memphis (USA), The Year of June (Thailand) and Yuri Esposito (Italy).

The goal of the program is to present the 3 feature-length films, debut or second works, at the coming 70th Venice International Film Festival (28 August – 7 September 2013), directed by Alberto Barbera and organized by the Biennale chaired by Paolo Baratta.

The workshop of the Biennale College – Cinema for the 3 selected teams will be held from February 18th through March 6th 2013 in Venice, and will be an intensive workshop dedicated to direction and pre-production, which will explore the visual aspects of the 3 projects.

Each team will work with a mentor-director and a certain number of trainers for each different area, to ensure that at the end of the workshop the teams are ready to start, to shoot and to edit the film over the next five months, under the supervision of a team from the Biennale College – Cinema.

It’s not just the Oscar-nominated Life of Pie which is churning curiosity about India of late. It might be the case with the movie fanatics around the world but for fashion enthusiasts the exoticism India offers is being savored for quite some time now. More often than not every season there is a designer in Milan or Paris with show notes reading India-inspired.

And in the recently concluded couture extravaganza in Paris it was Jean Paul Gaultier who seemed smitten by the contours and colors of India. Though the designer often turns to India for inspiration – remember his men’s show last season sending turban-clad Sikh men on ramp – but this time it was quite an Indian couture thing with lehangas, bindis and bangles making appearances along with sexy dresses.

Taking inspiration from Indian gypsies Gaultier belted out a range of flowy tunics, long skirts with patchwork and fringes and off-shouldered tops- all done with typical Gaultier-ness – mixing different materials to cut a sexy picture. Bod-con dresses with conical bras; the mix of sheer and metal; and play of fit-and-flare further lent eclecticism to this collection.

Benetton is a brand which likes to keep its ads tad different, tad thought-provoking, unlike the rest of the glammed up, air brushed campaigns making rounds as soon as the new season dawns.

And this time it’s no different. Though not thought-provoking but different for sure the Benetton’s latest campaign features models from

all over the world wearing Benetton in different colors. The highlight of this campaign is a set of videos featuring short interviews of these models – revolving around the colors they wear.

The campaign stars names like Alek Wek, Lea T, Charlotte Free and Elettra Wiedemann amongst others.

The fast fashion brand H&M known to provide high-end designer pieces to masses in affordable prices is all set to hit the ramp again after a hiatus of 8 years.

The brand will showcase 25 looks from its Fall Winter 2013 collection at Paris Fashion Week under its head designer Ann-Sophie Johansson. Scheduled on February 27, 2013 the show will be held at Musee Rodin, the place known to host shows of YSL and Christian Dior.

It was in 2005 when the brand had its last showcasing, excluding special collaboration shows with Maison Martin and Anna Della Russo of late.

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Monthly Archives: January 2013

Padma Shri for Ritu Kumar

Project Renaissance

Summer Sonnets at Aza

Gucci Biennale College Cinema

Gaultier India-Inspired Couture

Benetton

H&M at Paris Fashion Week

BENETTON End of Season Sale

BENETTON End of Season Sale