Monthly Archives: March 2017

Kommal and Ratul Sood at AIFW AW’17

March 18, 2017- Kommal and Ratul Sood showcased their fall winter collection’17 at AIFW named “Skylight” which stood for elegance, comfort, edgy styling and tailored fits. The theme ran along the lines of monochromatic and minimalistic with a colour palette of black and white with an element of chrome.

“For our A/W 2017 collection we have drawn our inspiration from the architectural lines of urban modern city. We have applied our Saville Row sartorial sensibility and constructed modern masculine silhouettes for the urban metrosexual man”, quote the designers when asked about the collection.

The label Kommal and Ratul Sood is deep rooted in 45 years of classical sartorial excellence with edgy detailing. Each garment is bespoke , individually designed , handcut and hand tailored. Dedicated craftsmanship is the rock on which the label is built. Being based in Kolkata they have customers coming to them from all over India and surrounding countries.
The designers have applied their saville row sartorial sensibility and constructed modern masculine silhouettes for the modern metrosexual man.The collection is strong and dapper in a minimalistic and monochromatic palette of black white and chrome.

Prateik Babbar, a renowned name in the film industry walked down the ramp for the label looking dapper in a custom made white blazer with black pants, with lapel and cuff detailing all following the minimalistic, monochrome theme. “Even though I am nervous every single time, I love walking on the ramp. What I’m wearing is a bit of mix and match and so comfortable. I feel very royal today and I hope I had a car to match with it. Thanks to the designer duo I look like an absolute dream”, said Prateik post show.

Contributed by – Jasleen Kaur
Pics by- Khushal Agarwal

Shikha Grover and Vinita Adhikari at AIFW AW/17

The military-inspired collection titled ATTN:, for Ilk’s Autumn/Winter 2017 showcase at Amazon Fashion Week, was doused in various shades of green – forest green, mossy green, camo, sea green and teal.

From structured overalls, midi shift dresses, oversized bow hair accessories, coiled knitted scarves, long overcoats, unconventionally draped lightweight embroidered sarees to various other layered looks – the collection, though limited in terms of the colour palette (except for a wine-coloured number that stood out), had a varied mix of styles! The cuts and silhouettes were the perfect blend of powerful and feminine.

The collection’s abstract floral motifs took inspiration from the camouflage pattern and were the line’s most signature element. The looks also saw some interesting layering, pattern and texture play, which is the label’s trademark.

The designer duo, Shikha Grover and Vinita Adhikari, with their latest collection also stay true to the label’s aesthetic of being sharp, youthful and urbane.

Contributed by – Karishma Sehgal
Pics by- Khushal Agarwal

Reby Kumar at AIFW AW/17

When asked about their design inspirations, most designers tend to attach profound meanings to their collections. For Reby Kumar, Guapa’s Autumn/Winter 2017 line for Amazon India Fashion Week found its inspiration in the concept of randomness – very unabashedly so!

The showcase saw a mix of flashy colours ranging from tangerine, pink, purple, green and blue with stripes being the dominant design element in most of the pieces. There were quilted jackets and overcoats, ruffled and cold shoulder maxis, co-ords, pleated metallic skirts with colourful silk, striped panels, and messages of peace, love and happiness on slip dresses, kimono-style tees and crop tops. The collection had a very fun, circus-y vibe to it. While the multicoloured pieces rocked the ramp, the collection even saw hints of whites and beige for those who like to keep it subtle and understated. Beading, foiling and pleating was used extensively in the collection, and seemingly unsynchronised elements (contrasting fabrics and prints) were teamed together to create a unique harmony.

Silk and georgette are the key fabrics used in the collection.

Very young and experimental, Guapa’s autumn/winter collection is an ode to the maxim, “unity in diversity”; the fact that even diverse elements can blend well together and create unified beauty.

Contributed by – Karishma Sehgal
Pics by- Khushal Agarwal

Dhruv Vaish at AIFW AW/17

In his Autumn/Winter 2017 collection for Amazon India Fashion Week, Dhruv Vaish creates magic with a monochromatic colour palette.

The collection titled Noire (French for black) has pieces for both, men and women. There are well-tailored pantsuits, hooded blazers, elongated coats, layered dresses, patterned chokers, gambler hats and more. Varied styles of checkers like gingham and tartan are seen on the garments, along with other abstract and bold geometric patterns. Fabrics used include tweeds and wool flannels along with hints of lightweight cotton and leather (seen as details on the shoulder panels, pockets, chokers, gloves, etc.).

The collection is a blend of edgy-chic and dapper-cool. Though there is a minimal use of texture, the line still has tons of variety owing to the interesting layering and designs. Quilting techniques have also been used in the garments.

Vaish’s winter-inspired collection that has a very high-street vibe to it is for modern and stylish young individuals who like to keep it understated and classy, yet are open to experimenting with fresh and new styles. The pieces are very wearable and relaxed.

Contributed by – Karishma Sehgal
Pics by- Khushal Agarwal

Wendell Rodricks at AIFW AW/17

The Cubist Rose – Wendell Rodricks’ Autumn/Winter 17 showcase for Amazon India Fashion Week designed and creatively spearheaded by his successor, Schulen Fernandes explores the geometric and structural variations of rose.

To keep up with a celebrated designer’s established legacy is a lot of pressure, but two independently-curated collections, including this one are proof enough of Schulen’s brilliance.

The collection saw a profusion of colours like reds, pinks, oranges, and purples with flashes of teal, silver, green and turquoise – very unlike a quintessential autumnal colour palette. Some of the key pieces from the collection include – multi-coloured shift dresses, jacket dresses, flowy, breezy and layered tunics, textured metallic cropped blouses with a light, fluid saree, co-ords (tunic with a sheer cape, teamed with a high slit maxi, skirt cinched at the waist with a metallic leather Obi belt), blazers with embellished shoulder details (for men as well).

The designer has used various ways to interpret the rose – through silver cubist embellishments on the garments, fabric (organza) layering, cut metallic leather, etc. The key fabrics that have been used for the collection include georgette, organza, leather, linen, satin, pashmina, and poly crinkle.

Much in line with Wendell Rodricks’ geometric aesthetic, the collection sees highly structured and angled silhouettes, while still maintaining the element of fluidity through the choice of fabrics.

Contributed by – Karishma Sehgal
Pics by- Khushal Agarwal

Siddartha Tytler at AIFW AW/17

With the backdrop of a grim, night forest began Siddartha Tytler’s Autumn/Winter 17’s showcase for the Amazon India Fashion Week and one knew that the mood for the season’s collection is going to be dark and mysterious. It was indeed that and much more.

Inspired by after-life, the monochromatic collection was restricted to a colour palette of black and grey. The showcase that consisted of statement wardrobe pieces for both the sexes, had a very gothic feel to it. There was a fascinating blend of textures seen in every look – crystals, patchwork, appliqué work and metal embellishments were all used together.

The collection saw a medley of dressy and elegant numbers – a glitzy cocktail dress with tulle details, a cutwork velvety evening gown with an asymmetrical hemline, an evening gown with a high slit, lace yoke and a trailing cape, a velvet blazer with balloon organza sleeves and floral threadwork detailing, and beyond.

For the men, the collection had pieces like a sharp and fitted grey shirt with black floral patchwork detailing, a sheer shirt lacy shirt, a grey bomber jacket with silver metal hardware detailing on the sleeves.

There was a great deal of variety in the use of fabrics as well, that ranged from velvet, georgettes, organza, mesh, tulle to suiting fabrics.

The show also had four models walk the ramp with metal masks that were curated in collaboration with the accessories designer Diego Montoya for the season’s collection.

Contributed by – Karishma Sehgal
Pics by- Khushal Agarwal

Shivan and Narresh at AIFW AW/17

Shivan and Narresh, the designer duo responsible for making swimwear high fashion, bring out their fall winter’17 collection titled “The Egon Series” at Amazon India Fashion Week 2017.

The show is set amidst Egon Schiele’s works and features animation of his celebrated works featuring landscapes, riversides to contorted human gures – the mood sets in with Art. As the mood shifts to the opulence of Skein Work, the setting moves to a lakeside Viennese celebration with a burst of synchronized reworks that spell grandeur & mystique.

The collection carries various details in its different sections – from hand- cut details like the “Schiele edges” on the swimsuits reminiscent of his jagged line work, to the lustrous, gleaming fabrics, innovated exclusively for the collection. To replicate his line work & its variation, forms of drapery, across the body have been experimented with to nally close in on the most indulgent forms to highlight the decorous contours of the body.

Re-introduced as the signature surface technique by the brand, “skein work” celebrates modern Indian opulence & grandeur with it’s exquisite, hand crafted intricacies. Setting the tone for new-age couture, this season witnesses brush metal palettes

This collection is infused with a variety of elements other than skein work, like ivory pearls and Swarovski crystals, to dazzle the collection with festivity & grandeur.

While Skein Work adds a new look to the existing silhouttes within the brand, this season witnesses the introduction of a new silhouette for the new-age bride – the “Flute Lehnga”. Structured, formal and glamorous , the silhouette follows the lines of an exxagerated Bordeaux goblet and involves artful pattern-making and leaving edges to billow with.

Contributed by – Jasleen Kaur
Pics by- Khushal Agarwal

Sahil Kochhar at AIFW AW/17

AIFW kicks off the day 3 of the fashion extravaganza with Sahil Kochhar’s “Kyari”, a collection inspired from wild flowers and meadows of the mountains in Uttrakhand or Bugyals as they are called in Garhwali.

“Kyari”, a hindi word referred to flower beds, is celebrated in this collection using appliqué, emulating beautiful hues and shades of the blooming buds. Mountain peaks are rendered in silk floss chain stitch embroidery and geometric quilling patterns complete with flocks of birds flying across the skies.

Natural beauty has always inspired many collections and depiction of these high altitude wonderlands, complete with raindrops, sunshine , florets, birds and mountains is serene.
The silhouettes bring out the contrast between might of the peaks against the flowers, offering a combination of structured shapes and delicate drapes.

Transluscent organza dresses paired with voluminous quilted jackets, contoured quilted skirts worn with shear blouses ,coupled with fluid drapes all finished with the designer’s signature indented edging pay a commendable tribute to the culture, crafts, artists and festivals of the our beautiful country’s highlands.

The color palette being deep blue and military green has carefully blended into classic combinations with beige. Then embellished with a myriad of colors; mustard, sky grey, deep pink and emerald green to mirror the colors of the wild flowers is innovative.

Contributed by – Jasleen Kaur
Pics by- Khushal Agarwal

Pallavi Singhee at AIFW AW/17

The label Verb by Pallavi Singhee prides in its ideology of embracing all free-spirited souls to join its “tribe”, much in contradiction to the general perception of the world of fashion that is considered too elusive and enigmatic for (and by) most people.

For the label’s Autumn/Winter 2017 collection for the Amazon India Fashion Week titled Foliage, designer Pallavi Singhee blends the spirit of autumn (through the dominant use of colours like mustard, burgundy, brown, black, indigo and red) with muted floral and geometric accents.

The collection showcase saw silken jumpsuits layered with embroidered capes, kaftans with beaded trims, tassel and fringe details on maxis, embroidered piped and striped borders and panels on midis and robes, and sequinned pieces that added the just the right amount of glitz and drama to the collection’s easy-breezy bohemian numbers. Black and red bow chokers were used to accessorise the looks. Colours like silver and blush also made fleeting appearances in the collection. The models were seen wearing interesting gladiator-style barefoot sandals that added the perfect finishing touch to the entire look.

The collection exudes a carefree vibe and the diverse motifs used on the garments while adding variety, blend seamlessly together.

Contributed by – Karishma Sehgal
Pics by- Khushal Agarwal

Nikasha at AIFW AW/17

Nikasha as a brand celebrates womanhood and everything it stands for. Of being a woman with all its complexities, beauty, and natural instincts. It’s with these feminine instincts that the brand slowly but surely carved its niche and stepped into thousands of wardrobes across the globe and has remained a favorite amongst many.

With this season’s fall winter collection titled “Lilly” , it runs on the concept of Lilly being the soul of every woman , free spirited and wild. The collection’s landscape is adorned by the chintz prints. It’s a contextual representation of inspiration picked up from the Victorian era & coromandel prints by the designer.

Silhouettes are a revival of their signature styles like draped skirts, dhoti sarees, ruffled tops, long/short dresses, capes etc. All garments have a play of print on print, hand-woven fabrics & intricate embroideries using silk organza applique, French knots and handcrafted tassels. A surreal mix of colours like ivory, coral & tones of pink.

The contemporary traditionalist- stands for women who integrate modern and simplicity together, with an inherent tribute to changing times, ethnic art and crafts rooted in the landscape of our country, India. This collection is a representation of that snd how we can go back to our roots in this fast-moving world.

Contributed by – Jasleen Kaur
Pics by- Khushal Agarwal