LFW, is all set to create a brand new trend statement with this season’s Grand Finale designer Anamika Khanna.  The designer will be working on the fashion interpretation of Lakmé’s statement, with a fresh palette of colours, stunning silhouettes and creative new beauty looks, inspired by Lakmé’s trend forecast.

Alongside some breath-taking ensembles, Anamika Khanna will also work with the Lakmé makeup experts to create looks that promise to redefine summer trends across the country.

“I am thrilled to be part of such a milestone and look forward to present my collection at the grand finale. The Lakmé beauty statement yet again is very unique and I’m excited to begin working on my collection” said Anamika Khanna, Grand Finale, Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2015 designer.

Contributed by – Duhin Ganju & Shefali Jauhar

(DAY-3)

Day 3 of the couture fiesta saw some of the biggest names in fashion that’s showcased collections that were not only light and airy but also extravagantly detailed. From Chanel’s innovative floral collection to Stéphane Rolland’s warm pastel hues, each and every garment had a luxe appeal to it and certainly an ode to the traditional Parisian craftsmanship, reflecting the brand’s heritage.

Chanel: Probably one of the most anticipated shows of the day, Chanel’s extremely detailed version of an airy haute couture presentation was an absolute show stunner. The 160-year old brand under the design genius of Karl Lagerfeld showcased a collection that was elegant and modern, yet in reference to the brand’s heritage value and design aesthetics. A perfect blend of form-fitting silhouettes and flowy dresses, a lot of rich fabrics like tweed, felt, silk, chiffon and mohair were used to design the collection. LBD’s and the iconic suits were pleated to perfection and a lot of intricate embroidery and patchwork could be seen done on the body-conscious garments. Around thousands of appliqué floral decorations could be seen being adorned on A-line skirts and puffed up sleeves. From peter-pan collars to layered Bohemian dresses, garments were perfectly drenched in light and sober pastels of pink, lavender, peach, red, cobalt blue and classics like black and white. For perfectly accessorizing each look, straw hats with extensive lacework were made to match two-toned leather boots that were in accordance to Coco Chanel’s design influences.

Stéphane Rolland: The celebrated French couture designer showcased a collection that was based on a very warm color palette and included rich pastels like burnt amber, chocolate brown, mustard, white and black. As models walked confidently in floor-length gowns, one could not get their eyes off the extreme attention paid to each and every detail. A lot of layering could be seen done on gowns that were elaborately crafted from rich tulle and organza silk. From fishtail hemlines to off-shoulder and body-hugging silhouettes, a lot of silver and gold embellishments could be seen on daring corsets with deep plunge lines. Also, the designer had achieved the concept of an exaggerated hemline by crafting skirts with the help of floor-sweeping farthingales that had intricate lacework done onto them.

Atelier Gustavolins: The French couture house showcased a collection that was light and relaxed yet richly detailed and crafted. Models walked the runway in cropped tops that were heavily embellished, followed by belted pencil skirts. Long overcoats and loose ponchos complimented nearly each and every look as they were luxuriously crafted from super-authentic fabrics like cashmere and soft wool. The garments had certain sharpness to them and some of the standout pieces were the plunging leather dresses crafted from lambskin and perfectly paired with pointed suede pimps. Avery rich color palette ranging from dark colors like black, aqua blue, dusty grey, red and white were used in the entire collection.

Alexandre Vauthier: Inspired by the Goth era of the 70’s, the French couturier’s SS collection left no stones unturned. From sharp silhouetted to daring and body-hugging cuts, a lot of attention was paid in the actual craftsmanship of the garments. Evening gowns with boat necks were heavily embroidered and embellished with silver sequins. Even strapless cocktail dresses were crafted from rich silk fabrics and had high slits, showing the perfect sex appeal of the garment. Hooded capes and ruffled drapes were complimented with perfect accessories like box-clutches and strappy leather sandals, apt for any formal occasion. A very dark color palette was used in the entire collection that ranged from metallic pastels like black, bottle green, silver and olive with hints of white.

Bouchra Jarrar: Forget typically-flowy-and-embellished drapes that pop in your head when you think of ‘haute couture’ and replace it with sleek and sophisticated style. This was exactly what Bouchra Jarrar’s collection was all about. Abundant in hound’s-tooth print and lambskin leather, Bouchra Jarrar combined the elements in a manner to give a sharp look to the ensembles. There were a few bold chest-baring pieces that would have gone along very well with the ‘Free the nipple’ campaign. Feminine fabrics like velvet, lace and animal fox fur were also used to add to the grace and opulence.

JULIEN FOURNIÉ: The collection seemed to have been inspired from a middle-eastern collection in terms of colour, drapes and silhouettes. With bling and metallic on full display, the vibe seemed to have been inspired from the 70s. The colour palate was rust red, cream, light blue, gold, white and silver. With long and flowy drapes in the collection, it possessed a boho or ‘relaxed-couture’ vibe to it. Capes were particularly eye-catching in the collection. There was also heavy embellishment and detail towards the end of the collection which ended with a gold-sequenced Cleopatra-esque gown.

Giorgio Armani Prive: The Italian luxury brand went oriental this couture season as model walked in the designer’s creations amidst a faux bamboos jungle. Bamboo print in black and soft water colours was the flavor of the collection. The colour scheme initially was soft and subdued with shades like green tea, pastel blue, olive green, cream and light grey, gradually merging towards a darker palate like black, cerulean blue and white. Sheer pleated skirts, harem pants and anti-fit pants gave a relaxed silhouette. Highly embellished U-necks, gowns, also feathered definitely defined couture while kimono jackets and wide silk belts added a sense of quirk.It was a brilliant collection that proved couture need not always be ornate and elaborated but can also be ‘relaxed-couture’.

Day 3 of Paris Couture Week S/S’2015 saw versatile themes and aesthetics thrown by desigenrs. From Giorgio Armani Prive’s oriental exploration to Bouchra Jarrar’s sleek and sophisticated ensembles, Couture Week made a

Contributed by – Duhin Ganju & Shefali Jauhar

(DAY-2)

Day2 of Couture Week saw some of the most favored names in fashion as the luxurious journey continued. From Schiaparelli’s surrealist-inspired garments to Giambattista Valli’s blooming bouquets, each collection was light and subtle but definitely a true exemplary of dreamy art created in the magical French ateliers.

Elsa Schiaparelli: One of the most prominent fashion figures and a great rival of Coco Chanel, the Italian designer’s couture house did an amazing job with their current SS collection. With no current Creative Director, the collection was created by the in-house team, who worked cohesively to deliver a very modernized version of the brand’s design aesthetics. From flowy trouser suits to exaggerated shoulders with Salvador Dali’s prints, a lot of embellishments and sheer embroidery could be seen done on expensive fabrics like silk, organza and lambskin leather. Also Persian-inspired hats and strappy velvet sandals made the perfect accessory match for this futuristic, yet dreamy collection. The house played with a very bold color palette as garments mainly consisted of glitzy shades of royal blue, crimson red, bottle green and tangerine with hints of subtle beige and smoky black.

Yiqing Yin: The Chinese-based French designer showcased a collection that was a perfect mix of rich and luxurious fabrics with Venetian as well as Victorian drapes. From deep plunging necklines to Bohemian-inspired floor-length gowns, a lot of fur was used to create off shoulder tube dresses as well as rich elaborate stoles. Also, matte leather was used to create layered dresses that were worn with heavily sequined coats containing built-up necklines. Shimmery and sequined fabrics were seamed on top of each other to give an extravagant layered effect to the stunning garments. A very sober color palette including vivid pastels like turquoise, steel grey, ombrè, black and pale mustard was used to create delicate dresses, signifying the rich essence of Parisian craftsmanship.

Alexis Mabille: The Parisian based fashion designer showcased a jaw-dropping SS couture collection that had a whimsical quality to it. From body-hugging drapes to extensively daring silhouettes, a lot of appliqué embroidery and sequins were used to decorate strapless gowns with a fishtail hemline. Intricate lacework could be seen done on dresses as well as evening gowns, that were perfectly paired with heavily embellished capes that added a sense of royalty to the whole look. Off-shoulder gowns were fitted to the waist with satin belts and accessorized with fur-detailed silk clutches. An interesting mix of solid pastels defined the entire collections and some of the standout colors included shades of ruby red, hot pink, lusty lavender, royal purple, cobalt blue and of course… the classic black and white.

Christian Dior: The French luxury house displayed luxury to the pinnacle with a modern touch as the collection was a journey through the retro ages. Exaggerated hemline skirts reminiscent of the 1950s, bright colorful stripes in yellow, orange, red, blue and green of the 1960s & bright acid-vinyl boots of the modern day era. There was a lot of embroidery and embellishment visible in some of the garments. This particular show was nothing like a traditional couture show, Raf Simons brought about a modern spin on it.

Giambattista Valli: The couturier kept the collection very chic yet minimal in a colour palate of majorly black and white with soft pastel shades in pink. The collection exuded femininity as it consisted of sheer dresses and skirts, elements of whimsicality as seen in the puffed tulle skirts and was also heavily inspired from nature. Motifs borrowed from nature were quite evident, a tree of life jacquard, a floral rose print, silk embroidered flowers were some of the naturesque displays.

Dice Kayek: The collection showcased by the Turkish couture house of the designer-duo sisters radiated ‘couture’ in its truest sense. It imbibed a sense of modernity while still commanding a sense of attention in terms of immaculate construction of garments and the silhouettes defined thereafter. The colour palate was primarily kept neutral to black, white, cream with dashes of colour in between in emerald green, ruby red and cerulean blue. The collection followed structural minimalism with focus not particularly paid on embellishments but rather the silhouette. The look was completed with Mary-janes.

Day 2 of Paris Couture S/S’2015 witnessed a modern take on couture.From Dior’s journey through the retro-ages, Giambattista Valli’s whimsical floral dream to Dice Kayek’s structured minimalism, Paris Couture Week S/S’2015 saw designers that reflected modernity but with a backbone of tradition to lean on.

Contributed by – Duhin Ganju

(DAY-1)

As one of the most expensive and chicest nights in fashion started, fingers were crossed for Atelier Versace’s haute couture show. Held at the iconic building of La Chambre De Commerce et D’Industrie, the Italian brand showcased a collection that was daring, sexy and of course… “Luxurious”. As Donatella Versace continued to vow the audience with her design aesthetics, models walked in clothes that were literally molded to the body. From bomber jackets to skirts with fishtail hems, a lot of embroidery and heavy crystal work adorned each of the garments. Floor-length gowns with deep plunge lines and off-shoulders made every model standout from the crowd as they glided across the runway in embellished thigh-high boots. Also, jumpsuits were accompanied with the brand’s signature flared pants and some of the looks were completed with embellished capes. A lot of intricate lacework could be seen done on garments drenched in loud pastels of cobalt blue, fiery red, black and smoky silver.

Contributed by – Duhin Ganju & Shefali Jauhar

(DAY-5)

As the men’s extravaganza in Paris came to an end, some of the biggest names in the fashion industry showcased strikingly dapper garments that were modern, a true reflection of the brand’s heritage. From Paul Smith’s geometric aesthetics to Tom Browne’s ‘black magic’ mania, the five days of rich glamour ended on a satisfactory note.

Agnès B: The French designer showcased a collection that was relaxed; yet radiating a sense of design aesthetics, which was a true exemplary of the brand’s fine effortless craftsmanship. From woolen duffle coats to leather jackets, the collection was wearable and sharp. A lot of lines and chequered patterns were used on tailored suits, worn under double-breasted cashmere cabans. Also, woolen trenches and tweed suits had been innovatively worn with detailed Ruff-collared shirts and silk bow ties. Perfectly accessorizing each look were the typical French hats and leather gloves worn with Mohair trousers and patent lace-ups. A lot of color had been used in the collection and the palette mainly consisted of solid pastels like black, dusky grey, navy blue and tangerine with hints of peach and bright mustard.

Rynshu: The Japenese-based designer’s AW collection was a perfect mix of cultural Goth and modern fiction. Rich and luxurious, the whole collection was all about embracing the ‘heavy-metal’ style with a twist. From heavily embellished jackets to tailored suits crafted from crocodile leather, a lot of graphics were used on comfortable tees as well was notched-lapel tuxedos. As models walked in form-fitting leather pants, one could not get their eyes off the strikingly mannish shades worn with floral-layered cabans. As a lot of gold and silver could be seen in the collection, the color palette revolved around classic pastels like black and white.

Paul Smith: With high-quality tailoring and a strikingly British attitude, Paul Smith’s AW collection was an absolute show stunner. Big triangles and squares dominated the collection, as models walked in geometrical patterned overcoats and shearling cabans. Cashmere sweaters were worn under bespoke suits and puffed-up bomber jackets. To perfectly accessorize the look, each model carried leather backpacks and walked like true gentlemen in patent loafers. A lot of attention was paid to the tailoring of garments that were drenched in sober pastels of steel grey, black, rust, maroon and olive.

Thom Browne: The American designer showcased a collection that was inspired by the Victorian era and had a Gothic influence to it. Centered only on classic colors like black and white, models walked in slim-fit suits crafted from cashmere and tweed. Long textured leather coats and quilted puffers were worn with low-cut trousers and even woolen shorts. Top hats, leather gloves and exotic briefcases were the perfect accessories designed for the show. Three-piece dapper suits were worn with shearling-lined cabans and chequered overcoats. As models walked the dusty black runway carrying umbrellas, it became very evident that the designer’s aesthetic sense was immensely inspired by the vintage era of the 70’s.

The five day French extravaganza in men’s fashion finally came to an end. Keeping it simple yet sophisticated and modern was the essence of the day. From Cifonelli’s fifty shades of grey tease toLanvin’s fine French sartorial choices, French opulence showed its way throughout the day today.

Lanvin: The French luxury label kept the collection clean and chic, quite French to put it this way. Keeping the colours of winter in mind, the designer, Alber Elbaz opted for sober shades like white, black, camel, deep wine & grey. Simplicity shone through the collection in terms of silhouette and colour as men donned black-on-black, grey-on-grey ensembles. It was also a perfect amalgamation of luxury winter fashion as fur coats, calf-skin jackets with a shearling trim made their appearances on the catwalk.

Cifonelli: The more than a century old tailoring house delivered finesse on the runway. With a range of bespoke suits crafted to perfection in shades of grey, brown and black, there is nothing more masculine in men’s dressing as far as the traditional suit goes. Christian Grey in my head would have been the perfect muse for the garments showcased for this established Roman fashion house’s collection.

UmitBenan: The collection seemed to have paid tribute to the fishermen of the seas for working in inhospitable terrain, something that was truly reflected in Benan’s rugged garments. The garments showcased corduroy overalls, long yellow rain coats, coats, cardigans and leather jackets in shades of sea blue, brown, live, yellow and grey. To also add to the fisherman feel, fishing rods and blue buckets played props to the ensemble.

Saint Laurent: The collection exuded a sense of cool with a rock star vibe with the perfect combination of sharp tailoring and fabrics used. Playing with a range of trends like polka dots, stripes, abstract & geometric prints, the collection was kept chic yet versatile. Smartly dressed men in shades and beretswas very eponymous to French way of dressing. The garments stood for luxurious winter fashion as men wore leather jackets and animal fur. Fitted pants further completed the look.