A WIFW veteran Sulakshana Monga is all set to debut her riveting collection along with Shree Raj Mahal Jewellers Parinay jewellery show at 7:00 pm on Sunday, July 20, 2014.

For upcoming India Couture week Sulakshana Couture collection travels back in time to the era of royalty as she showcase a contemporary take on traditional Indian ensembles. Our aim is to alter the basic silhouettes by introducing newer cuts and shapes, says the designer.

Fall winter 14/15 –

For CHANEL Fall-Winter 2014/15 Haute Couture collection, Karl Lagerfeld welcomed his guests to the Grand Palais in a décor evoking a 20th century Parisian apartment, thus orchestrating an encounter between Le Corbusier and Versailles.

From laminated lace to neoprene and concrete, Karl Lagerfeld invites new and unexpected materials into his collection, combining them with chiffon, tulle, tweed and organza to create an utterly modern silhouette.
The line is structured with right-angled shoulders, corseted waists and rounded volumes created by cages over which fabrics are draped. Black and white mingles with fiery colours of red, rust and gold, as well as cooler shades of sky blue and concrete.

With very chic flip-flops on their feet, models walk the runway in little dresses with marquise volumes, shortened to the knee and worn with “cycling shorts à la française” or bloomers. The jackets and skirted frock coats are fastened with metal and concrete buttons or by staples. For evening the long empire dresses have trains; others look like clouds, frothing with feathers enclosed in tulle. Karl Lagerfeld shakes up conventions with a “seamless Haute Couture”, where the jackets and coats are made from a single piece, cut on the bias.

Playing with paradox Karl Lagerfeld turns concrete into an actual fabric, uniting it with pearl, crystal and sequin embroideries. For the first time ever concrete is embroidered, sewn, inlaid, perforated like a mesh, metamorphosed into a shirt front, a martingale belt, braiding and even clothing, for day as much as night.  Karl Lagerfeld delivers here a new interpretation of Haute Couture, one that is both modern and visionary.

Asger Juel Larsen from Denmark and Germany’s Augustin Teboul were announced as the menswear and womenswear winners, respectively, of the 2014/15 International Woolmark Prize European regional final, at an awards event held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Paris.

Asger Juel Larsen won for his commercial understanding and application of Merino wool. Augustin Teboul, comprising Odély Teboul and Annelie Augustin, were awarded for the unexpected usage of wool for the evening formal dress in womenswear.

“Asger’s presentation was very structured and well-articulated, his research on fabrics and textures was elaborate and accomplished,” explained Véronique Nichanian, Director of the masculine world of Hermès. “The decision was made as one voice.”

Following Augustin Teboul’s win, Emmanuelle Alt commented: “We have been very touched by the mix of Annelie and Odély’s personalities. They give the wool an unexpected evening touch.”

The National Award for the Development of Fashion (ANDAM), 2014 has been gracefully won by the Dutch designer Iris Van Herpen. The award marks the conformity of the respective winner to commit to working in France, thereby adding fresh excitement in the French Fashion Culture.

Henceforth, founded by Nathalie Dufour, the prestigious ANDAM Award entitles Iris to a whooping prize of $342,000. She also gets the mind-blowing opportunity to associated with, ‘thecorner.com’ and gets sparkling crystals from the elegant Swarovski. Furthermore, she achieves the remarkable one year of mentoring from Kering CEO Francois-Henri Pinault.

Having been around for more than 25 years, the ANDAM award is surely an achievement one works head over heels for.

Fall winter 14/15 –

Day 1, 2 and 3:

The first day of the much awaited Paris Couture Week kick-started with Fred Sathal opening the show with his collection comprising of easy to wear couture wear in a very basic and earthy colour palette. The designer employed some excessive use of embellishments, which included thread work, detailing, stone work, and glitters

Following whom came in Stéphanie Coudert adding more formalism to her collection with some full length gowns and dresses. Drapes were a part of embellishments, along with leather shreds and metallic colours.

Concluding the first day, Donatella Versace came in with an exclusive purple set up on the runway, adding immense oomph and glamour to the evening. As a part of embellishments, the designer employed thread work, stylish belts, furs, gorgeous nets, stunning leather hand gloves and many more. The colour scheme was equally glamorous including the most popular evening wear colours like vine, ivory, black, white and mauve, with an enhanced metallic finish given to the garments. From bulky gowns and skirts, to off-shoulder dresses to furry shrugs and classy jumpsuits, the collection served to be an ideal couture wear for the current season, with the exact amount of style and sophistication.

The onset of the second day began with Marco Zanini’s ‘Schiaparelli’ who set up a unique red background with hazy blue runway, which undeniably highlighted the creations effectively. The collection comprised of some never seen before gowns and dresses with ethnic embroideries, high waist belts, metallic finishes, differentiated prints, 3D floral embroideries and the much appreciated furs.

Raf Simon’s Christian Dior stood among the major highlights of the day with crystal white set up on the runway displaying the epitome of classiness and sophistication. Historically inspired, the collection had reflection of the fashion that has evolved and repeated itself over the years. The collection comprised of traditional couture wear like long tunics, sleek bulky waist dresses, gowns, miniskirts, trousers, and full length furry trench coats to name a few. Besides, the colour palette was a mix and match of the mild and showy, including ivory blue, sky blue, light skin, baby pink, olive, leafy and light green and many more. The most unique feature of the collection was the footwear, replete of some angle pointed in velvet fabrics, with some fluorescent and vibrant colours like navy blue, orange, pink and black among others.

The day progressed with Giambattista Valli’s collection that reminded of the glamorous beach clubs in sunny colours and dresses crawling with spring blooms.

Moving on, the third day of the couture week started with Bouchra Jarrar with a picturesque set up on the runway and a cool-chic couture collection. With garments that weren’t the usual showy and gaudy couture wear, the designer creatively tried to extend the limitations of the genre.

Whereas, Stéphane Rolland showcased her collection of evening gowns which undoubtedly were dramatic and graciously beautiful. With fabrics like velvet and embellishments like wires, 3D block prints and zippers, the garments marked the epitome of glamour and sophistication.

Next up, the very luxurious and opulent Giorgio Armani came up with a glossy red runway setup, the highlight of the show and the entire evening. The collection was very loud, dramatic, glamorous, representing in the true sense the actual meaning of couture wear in today’s fashion arena. With gowns with bulky uppers, net cover with 3D flower embellishments, complete furry knee length dresses, sexy off shoulder tunics and skin fitted skirts-cum dresses, the designer came up with a couple of bridal wear in novel colours like bright red, black, white, mauve and grey. Well, the brides this fall are surely going to have a difficult time making an apt choice for themselves on their wedding day.