Monthly Archives: August 2016

Swati Vijaivargie Jain at Lakme Fashion Week W/F ’16

Review 

Swati Vijaivargie always ensures that the beauty of her state Rajasthan is reflected in her collections. Inspired by the Gopashtami Pichwai paintings of Nathdwara Rajasthan, Swati created a magical collection called ‘Raas’.

The motifs, colours, detailing and silhouettes that evolved from the Pichwai paintings had a medley of lotus and florals in soft gentle colours. There was a mélange of patchwork and appliqués using antique Marodi embellishments that were gracefully tiered over the stunning Shibori prints that appeared on all the creations, to give them an exclusive appeal.

The fabrics included a line-up of silk organza, satin, linen, pure and Moonga silks. When it came to the colour story, Swati dipped into the ethereal shade chart and selected beige, onion pink, tangerine, vermilion, crimson, mint, teal, electric blue and ended with the very neutral black.

Allowing her construction options to move into top gear, the designer brought a mix of fusion and ethnic silhouettes to centre stage. Jackets were obviously inspired by floor length Chogas. Peplum tops brought in an Indo-west touch; while bias pyjamas kept the look oriental in nature. Ghagras made a dramatic entry on the catwalk; but odhnas projected a regal look for the ensembles.

Ridhi Mehra at Lakme Fashion Week W/F ’16

Review 

Creating a magical look called ‘Arcadia’ Ridhi Mehra unleashed a fashion fantasy in shades of teal green but balanced with navy, eggplant, aged Cabernet pink, ivory and black .

Feminine, luxurious and gorgeous to behold, the ensembles created an era of days gone by. Elements of floral gardens and vintage fountains came alive for the draped and pleated shapes. Intricate embroidery, mosaic prints, laser cutwork and appliqués were creatively used. The luxe fabric choice of raw silk, crepe, georgette, net and silk flowed around the models as they glided down the catwalk.

Highlights of the collection were the bomber sleeves, seductive Grecian drapes and off-shoulder creations. A cleverly pleated belted maxi skirt was edged with exquisite floral embellishments on the hem. A sexy plunge neck gown with strategically placed gold embroidery created a dramatic impact; while a delicately embellished floral tunic teamed with low crotch cowl pants made a striking fashion statement. Panelled capes were edged with discreet work, while off-shoulder peasant blouses added glamour to fully ornate panelled maxis skirts.

Anushree Reddy at Lakme Fashion Week W/F ’16

Review 

Hailing from the Royal land of the Nawabs, Anushree Reddy showcased “The Wedding Chronicle’, evoking the spirit of a young bride and a myriad of emotions that she experiences, encapsulating the drama and grandeur of an Indian wedding.

The inspiration for “The Wedding Chronicle” was drawn from the new age girl; a girl that redefines and embraces all that is modern and minimalist glamour with a classic twist.
The collection has a lot of colour play with hues of mainly tangerine, fiery reds, rani pinks, and yellow, an emphasis on the placement of the motifs was seen in the use of zardosi embroidery and subtle moody florals.

The fabrics used are all pure forms and extremely luxurious, as pure raw silk and zardosi make an ethereal combination. The collection gives a carefree confident message through strong demi-bridal pieces with a kaleidoscope of colours.

Ashish n Soni at Lakme Fashion Week W/F ’16

Review 

Acclaimed designer Ashish N Soni, collection gave a contemporary spin on volume, it was inspired from iconic women donning voluminous hair across the decades. The show offered an interplay of black and white prints on fitted yet boxy silhouettes as well as oversized, exaggerated cuts.

The showstopper was dressed in a black herringbone patterned silk jacquard, draped knee length dress. It was an exaggerated full embroidered sailor collar worn under a neoprene evening coat with tone on tone embroidered sleeves, and rocked the beehive blow out hair.

We saw avant-garde exaggerated hair to complement the sophisticated and edgy outfit, sculpted tresses to go with structured silhouettes and free flowing voluminous locks for the layered ensembles.

The collection, interpreted iconic styles of the 70s, 80s, 90s and creating contemporary looks that women can relate to in today’s day and age.”

Amrita and Gursi at Lakme Fashion Week W/F ’16

Review 

The ‘Lovebirds X BLOT’ show had feisty dresses, funky shirts and cool pants with the characteristic Lovebirds touch. The label started by Amrita Khanna and Gursi Singh in 2014 had a contemporary take on fashion, which was visible in the pure simple lines that focused on shapes and forms. The colours that gave strong highlights to the looks moved from neutral white, ivory and blue to pretty peach. Hand woven cotton as well as cotton silk along with the popular Japanese rage – Cupro – created the base for the clean silhouettes and architecturally inspired geometric details with classic undertones.

The sartorial lines were visible by the pleats and the fluidity came through the rouching and gathers in the garments. Graphical geometry was highlighted on a trapeze tunic teamed with a pair of loose pants. The layering trend was on point as a loose blue top with prominent white ‘V’ design, which covered the pretty black bishop sleeves dress with gathered details. The all-white looks were a welcomed break in the rhythm, like the high neck tunic with pockets and curved hemline, which was teamed with white pants. The illusion of layering continued with unique monochrome tunic that had a black yoke, sleeves, and attached double flares in white that looked like a cute off-shoulder dress.

The hand embroidery was minimal and the unisex collection added zing to the party atmosphere that rocked the venue. The show concluded on a high note with an amazing surprise as the models entered the arena grooving to the music and invited the audience to join them.

Vineet Rahul at Lakme Fashion Week W/F ’16

Review 

This festive fusion collection for fall 2016 by the designer duo VINEETRAHUL, was rooted in the vivid heritage of traditionally rich India, the collection defines modern Indian luxury for urban goddesses. Visual typography of the Old school paintings of the goddess inspires the festive palette that ranges from vermillion red, emerald green, midnight blue to charcoal, earthy taupe and rustic Gold.

Hand woven Raw silks and luminous Chanderi bases are transformed into Uber chic and easy fluid silhouettes like Kimono jackets, overcoats, blazers to timeless clean cut minimal modern kurtas and tunics. These gleaming separates are embroidered with whimsical fables in delicate thread embroideries, zardosi and various creative textures, depicting the transformation of habitat.

Sonam & Paras Modi at Lakme Fashion Week W/F ’16

Review 

This season SVA by Sonam & paras Modi captures the long gone era, when beauty was about style and elegance, a modernized ancestral art from Montparnasse, a marvelous area in Paris is the perfect embodiment of architecture and creativity.

Inspired by ancient art decor, collection displays clothing for a sophisticated, classy and romantic woman featuring a beautiful array of colors and fabrications including colorful and metallic brocades, silks, and other natural fabrics, as well as ensembles with a great deal of detail and fit.

The silhouettes reflect romance and tastefulness, and a bit of edginess without too much provocativeness using structured and tailored styles such as dramatic drapes and cut-out details.

Santosh Parekh at Lakme Fashion Week W/F ’16

Review 

Tulsi Silks from Chennai creators of the magnificent Kanchivaram saris by Santosh Parekh made a sensational historic ramp debut this season with 36 saris and classic lehenga, choli, dupatta sets created from specially woven Kanchivaram saris.

Called ‘Woven Tales of Kanchipuram’ the collection by Tulsi Silks whose tag line is ‘From Weave to Wow’, showcased mind blowing visions of the 6-yard wonder that made the women in the audience long to own them. Presented in five segments the show was a kaleidoscope of weaves in rainbow colours, patterns and expertise in designs.

The show opened to the gentle strains of live Carnatic music by an expert quartet that performed through the show as the models glided down the ramp.
Weaving in the beauty of the various musical instruments in the luxurious pure white and black silk with silver as the highlight, while the gold animal collection,
blended the glitter of gold with the majesty of animals. His gold bridal and traditional collection were ideal for festivities that required arresting fashion entries.

Monica and karishma at Lakme Fashion Week W/F ’16

Review 

Designers Monica & Karishma of JADE unveiled Amoh – a luxury pret line in an Italian micro modal black singlet with a ballooned floor length Benarasi jacquard skirt and tribal accessories.

Living in a world where we’re shackled by unrealistic expectations, we cling on tight to thoughts about things that we have no control on and ironically we lose out on the real pleasures in life. This persuaded us to introspect the world, where love is seen in it’s purest form- unconditional and free, is the inspiration behind our new collection, Itvara.

The Itvara means a traveller, is all about hand craftsmanship and traditional handloom fabrics. The garments are encapsulated with feminine silhouettes that merge with simple yet sophisticated workmanship which give an aura of soulfulness & classic charm.
The fabrics used are all natural silks, linens and cottons and the garments are adorned with modern elephants hand crafted using age-old traditional techniques burst with fluidity of colors that varies from somber to translucent, and everything in between!