The Embassy of Sweden hosted stylish future of fashion, a show focusing on sustainability and circular economy – a tribute to India and Sweden’s mutual interest in sustainable fashion. The evening also marked 75 years of diplomatic relations between Sweden and India.

The Fashion Forever show at the Embassy of Sweden brought together outfits made from India’s eco-friendly & hand-spun khadi fabric, as well as Swedish sustainable textiles and smart materials. A strong set of innovative textile pieces  showcased were made from forest slag products and from recycled shirts, clothes that dissolve in high-temperature water; even that communicate with the wearer through an integrated camera – especially targeting fashionistas that are hearing and visually impaired.

The evening also featured a special collection of garments reproduced from old clothes such as workwear by the Swedish School of Textiles focusing on bio-based material and smart wearable textiles assisting blind and deaf people.

We will also be showcasing garments made from new, sustainable materials such as paper yarn. In addition, there will be groundbreaking possibilities of smart textiles as textiles and clothing pertinent in medical technology, said Susanne Nejderås, Textile Strategist at Science Park Borås and the Swedish School of Textiles at the University of Borås.

Speaking on the occasion, Jan Thesleff, Sweden’s Ambassador to India said: “The Swedish fashion scene has experienced a remarkable transition thanks to the combined efforts of designers, industry and academics who are dedicated to developing a circular fashion sector. The event “Fashion Forever” at the Embassy of Sweden, demonstrates Sweden’s commitment to sustainable development by showcasing the cutting edge of eco-friendly materials and clothing.”

The show was curated and mentored by Sunil Sethi, Chairman, Fashion Design Council of India, with collections from the Centre of Excellence for Khadi, and a strong set of Swedish fashion brands:H&M, Lindex as well as the Swedish School of Textiles. A special collection named ‘Kajsa’ was designed and created by the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK) with so mark the diamond jubilee of Sweden-India relations. CoEK is set up by KVIC- Ministry of MSME in association with NIFT.

Yanira Ramirez, Country Sales Manager, H&M India said: “Our collection ‘Innovation Stories’ represents a new era of style deeply rooted in sustainability. We strive to reshape the way we create and consume fashion, and this partnership reflects not only a celebration of our shared history but a bold step towards a more sustainable and stylish tomorrow.”

Anna-Karin Dahlberg, Director of Sustainability at Lindex, said: “As a major player in the fashion industry we not only have a lot of responsibility but also have great opportunities to make a difference and contribute to the transformation of the fashion industry. We are happy to see the steps that some of our partners in India are taking within social and environmental sustainability”.

Leaders of Pride at Google and the Indus Google network Employee Resource Groups collaborated with Mayyur Girotra to launch Gender Fluid luxury Pret collection to kick start and celebrate NYC Pride 2023. 

Celebrated couturier Mayyur Girotra launched  his first luxury pret line, AIKYA, debuting at an exclusive showcase to celebrate New York Pride 2023 at Āve – Soho NYC.

AIKYA, meaning unity, is a fusion of western silhouettes with Indian embroidery and techniques. Mayyur’s expert craft blends a vibrant mix of colors and emotions that represent the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide. The collection showcased at Āve – Soho, amidst a backdrop of historic photographs of queer people from India, bringing joy and pride for the South Asian community across the globe.

Creative Director Mayyur Girotra, says that the collection pushed him out of his comfort zone, stating, “I dedicate a love letter to my LGBTQIA+ family through the lens of my craft. From concept to execution, Google team have been strategic partners in building my vision”.

Leaders of Pride at Google and the Indus Google network Employee Resource Groups – collaborated with Mayyur Girotra to stage this landmark event that includes various gender identities and sexual orientations.

“We are excited to partner with Mayyur Girotra showcasing at Ave – W Broadway – NYC to celebrate Pride with the South Asian community to extend the conversation beyond conventional boundaries. We hope this show will leave the audience feeling a sense of connection to the collection.” says Shilpa Maniar Leader of the Indus Google Network in New York.

The designer’s signature style is playful and youthful, featuring custom-made prints and Kutch embroidery, inspired by Gujarat and Rajasthan, blended harmoniously on western silhouettes. Mayyur Girotra has been worn by noted celebrities such as Sara Ali Khan, Sridevi, Deepika Padukone, Jacqueline Fernandaz, Shilpa Shetty, Alia Bhatt, Sonam Kapoor, Virat Kohli, Badshah and many more. Known for his versatile and unique bridal couture, Mayyur Girotra is a designer that has taken center stage in the world of fashion. The designer eloquently incorporates his deep Indian heritage with creative aesthetics that help cultivate outfits with his signature work including gota, mirror, tilla, and resham work.

Stirred by the announcement of India becoming the world’s most populous country, we ponder the relevance of ‘people’ for our brand and its constantly growing community. Our atelier celebrates each life that is touched by Rahul Mishra’s Couture as the finale designer at India Couture Week 2023.

Surfaces from We, The People by Rahul Mishra couture 2023, is an articulation of the fashion worker’s trance interlaced with their immediate reality. An embroiderer, seated in a concrete cube on a cushioned mat as they loop, knot and pull silk thread out of plain fabric through imprints of tiny motifs with a sharp needle hook called the aari. For hours, days and months spent on the same piece of fabric, an individual is painstakingly looping a stitch per second on yards of fabric to make one couture garment. Sometimes we wonder if their meditative state of uninterrupted focus transports their mind to a parallel imaginative universe of the vivid embroidery artworks.

We, The People couture by Rahul Mishra at India Couture Week 2023, is a work of wonderment that assumes if an embroiderer would really envision the adda (embroidery frame) turning to a lotus pond, and if there is an instance when they feel themselves in the Sundarbans amidst its virgin forest, caressing a majestic tiger. In the words of Albert Einstein, ‘Imagination encircles the world’

Made in India for the world, We, The People couture collection by Rahul Mishra articulates itself in a contemporary fashion while highlighting the quintessential, slow handwork of our atelier. Including the embroidery period, each piece is realised over an average of three thousand hours depending on the silhouette. While deeply rooted in tradition, the ‘look’ is modern and cosmopolitan. Our intention remains to create innovative & conscious creations that transcend art, fashion and technology.

Originating from our creative director’s first hand experiences, the collection’s primary inspirations are channeled through our team of designers, embroiderers, tailors and others in-between, as a collective dream . Eventually, the atelier begins to function as a complex organism with each organ working towards a common goal. It is our constant intention to rightfully acknowledge and commend the contribution of our community to the maison’s founding vision of cultural conservation.

With this collection, we observe efforts towards the reverse migration of embroidery artisans from the densely populated sub-factory set ups of large cities to their local communities in the Indian villages. Intended to not create for the sake of producing, but for an existing demand, we find a true purpose in the empowerment and inclusion of our people, says the finale designer Rahul Mishra.

With summers, comes the season of light hues and delightful floral!! Are you ready to embrace the blooming beauty of floral dress? Floral patterns have always been a timeless trend, adding a touch of femininity and charm to any outfit. Whether you’re attending a summer garden party or strolling along the beach, a floral dress is a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe. So, let’s explore five trendy floral dresses that will make you feel like a blossoming beauty.

• The Maxi Wonder

Imagine yourself walking through a field of flowers, feeling like a bohemian princess. That’s the magic of a maxi floral dress! This long, flowy beauty is perfect for those carefree summer days. Its vibrant floral patterns and breezy fabric create a whimsical and romantic look. Pair it with sandals and a wide-brimmed hat, and you’re ready to turn heads wherever you go.

• The Wrap Delight

 For a dress that combines elegance and versatility, look no further than a wrap floral dress. This style cinches at the waist, accentuating your curves and creating a flattering silhouette. The wrap design allows you to adjust the fit to your liking, making it suitable for various body types. Whether you’re heading to a garden brunch or a date night, this dress will make you feel effortlessly chic and feminine.

• The Playful Sundress

When the sun is shining and the weather is sweet, it’s time to bring out the playful sundress. This shorter floral dress is perfect for casual outings and beach days. With its light and breathable fabric, you’ll stay cool and comfortable while exuding a fun and youthful vibe. Complete the look with a pair of strappy sandals and a cute straw tote bag, and you’re ready for a day of adventure under the sun.

• The Statement Midi

 If you’re looking to make a fashion statement, a floral midi dress is your go-to choice. This dress hits below the knee, striking the perfect balance between sophistication and style. Opt for bold floral prints or oversized blossoms to create a visually captivating outfit. Add some heels and statement accessories, and you’ll be the center of attention at any social gathering.

• The Boho Chic

 For those who embrace their inner free spirit, a boho chic floral dress is a must-have. With its loose fit, earthy tones, and intricate floral patterns, this dress embodies a carefree and whimsical vibe. Pair it with ankle boots, layered jewellery, and a floppy hat, and you’ll be ready to channel your inner flower child. Whether you’re attending a music festival or simply want to embrace your bohemian side, this dress is a boho dream come true.

Ladies, it’s time to bloom with confidence in these five trendy floral dresses. From the enchanting maxi to the playful sundress, there’s a style for every occasion and personality. Let these floral patterns ignite your inner fashionista and bring a touch of nature’s beauty into your wardrobe. Remember, fashion is all about expressing yourself, so have fun experimenting with different styles and combinations. Get ready to turn heads and receive compliments as you rock these floral dresses with grace and charm!

Summers are just the right time to flaunt your curves by slipping into mini skirts and shorts that can be paired with sleeveless tops and T-shirts. But for those women who have a couple of events to attend and ethnic wear is the only option they have, summer sarees are a classic choice. 

The best part about wearing sarees during the summer is that it offers you a much-needed respite from the heat. With the short blouses, you can enjoy the breeze, while the saree overall offers you easy movement. 

If you want to avoid looking like a plain Jane at the festivities, it is better to skip sarees in solid colours and opt for printed ones. When in doubt, stick to florals because you can never go wrong with a floral-printed saree. The floral prints are evergreen, meaning you can wear them all year round. 

So this season, enjoy the festivities in floral printed summer sarees styled like celebrities. To make sure you’re choosing the right summer sarees, check out this quick guide.

• Prints should be in sync with your body type: The prints on the sarees can be large, medium and even tiny. But just because the saree is printed doesn’t mean you can pick up any. The prints on the saree should suit your body type too. If you are small and petite, tiny floral prints will look good on you. Choosing bigger prints can become overwhelming and will make you look bigger too. If you want to avoid looking like a bouquet, stick to delicate prints.
• Go for contrasting colors: Colour contrasting or colour blocking is the latest fad in the fashion industry. If you don’t want to FOMO (fear of missing out) over this trend, join the bandwagon and start mixing and matching your saree and blouse. If you are wearing a pink saree, you can ditch the matching blouse and opt for a yellow or grey blouse. Similarly, purple and yellow, red and blue, green and yellow and pink and white are some other colour combinations which you can experiment with.

• Opt for pastels: Outdoor events can be really fun, but if you want to make the most of it with Instagrammable pictures, you can wear a pastel coloured floral saree, which will sync with the background. Pastel shades are soothing to wear and see and just imagine how beautiful they will look against the bright summer backdrop.
  
• Minimize the jewellery: If you think ‘less is more’ you are a perfect minimalist and to keep up with this thought, you can go easy on the jewellery department. Since your summer saree is filled with floral prints, don’t draw attention away from it by accessorizing your look overly. Either opt for earrings and a watch or a bracelet or a necklace to keep the ethnic look well balanced.

Rush to your Instagram and see how your favourite Bollywood divas are rocking summer sarees in the chicest way possible. Paint the town in all sorts of colours this summer with your ethnic style.

Eight designers showcased the beauty of silks from Benaras at the FDCI show, in collaboration with Haryana Tourism…

New Delhi, February 10, 2023: The Fashion Design Council of India curated a show in association with Haryana Tourism, titled Benaras – A tribute to the Senses, it paid homage to the rustling silks of Benaras, which have withstood the test of time and tide.

Bringing alive the glory of the ghats of Benaras, the serenity of the river Ganga and the magnificent ode to the calm it imbues, eight designers showcased their interpretation of this holy city which has been a potent leitmotif. Abhishek Gupta, Amita Gupta Sustainable, Asha Gautam, Hemang Agrawal, Pawan Sachdeva, Shruti Sancheti, Suket Dhir and Tanmaya and Manish, presented six ensembles each. The backdrop transported the onlooker to the magical ethos of the city, replete with intriguing myths and mythology.

Shri M.D Sinha, IFS, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism, Govt of Haryana and Vice Chairman, said, “The city of Benaras is a microcosm of all that defines India. Despite being witness to ancient civilisations come and go over centuries, Kashi is still alive, unabashedly colourful, and wonderfully rich in history and legends. Through our fashion show, we have showcased the vibrancy and the innate love for life of its inhabitants.

Sunil Sethi, FDCI said, Benaras represents diversity and harmony in human existence, which post-covid has become imperative to embrace. Taking this thought forward through the medium of Benaras luscious silks with their inherent radiance, are our designers, who have resuscitated the loom. 

Five Point Five , a direct representation of the usual length of a Sari aims to bring the exquisite weaves of India, directly sourced from the weavers and artisans of various clusters, across the country. Each piece is personally handpicked for those who love to drape and scream ‘pleats please!’

SARI ON WHEELS

We all have heard stories that in the older times, merchants (called “pheriwalas”) used to come home with their huge bundle of sari collection, wrapped in white mulmul. And in case there was a wedding at home, all the ladies in the family used to gather at one place and shop from these sellers. Most of the prized possessions of saris that our parents or grandparents own today, are usually bought from these home-coming karigars.

Don’t you sometimes wish the same,  and ‘Five Point Five’ is here to do the same ,bringing their premium collection directly to your home!

The curated trunk of saris that comes to you, is a collection of exclusive handwoven pieces that the founders of ‘Five Point Five’ themselves have directly hand-picked from the weavers.

Designed by Copreneurs, Radhika & Nitin, design graduates from NIFT Delhi, their hearts have always been connected with the rich textiles of the country. While Radhika has been empowering her fashion knowledge by teaching Research at Pearl Academy, Nitin has worked on various handloom and textile projects with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI).

In between their love to travel and their passion to explore the weaves of India, Five Point Five was born!

“This 5.5 meters of unstitched garment has come a long way, to what it symbolizes today. From several techniques of making it, to the diverse ways of draping, it’s truly incredible. It is one such piece of clothing that can be worn anywhere – from work to a family gathering, or even for a party. And it certainly has no age barrier. You can never go wrong with a Sari. With Five Point Five, we strive to promote the Indian textiles, handlooms and craftsmanship; that our karigars have been preserving for eons,” says Nitin Singla

“Every Five Point Five sari has a story, a sentiment attached to it. It often evokes a memory of your mother’s sari or has a nostalgic emotion of your grandmother. Saris are treasured heirlooms that are passed from generation to generation, sometimes as a part of the wedding trousseau or gifted within the family. Five Point Five pays homage to this iconic staple that will always stay to be a part of every wardrobe.”

FDCI India Men’s Weekend bridged the gap between heritage and modernity, at the show held at the historic Port and Jail Complex, Sinquerim, Goa…

Goa, January 14, 2023: The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) staged a fashion parade to initiate the Menswear Fashion Weekend to be held annually in Goa from this year. The coveted show was titled  FDCI India Men’s Weekend was held at the historic Port and Jail Complex, Sinquerim, Goa.

This event was supported by Aguad Port and Jail Complex, Sinquerim, Goa – which served as the perfect venue, being a heritage structure that pays tribute to its freedom struggle. The event featured some of India’s finest menswear designers – Abhishek Gupta, Abraham and Thakore, Arjun Khanna, Ashish N Soni, J J Valaya, Manoviraj Khosla, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Rohit Bal, Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna, Shantnu and Nikhil and Varun Bahl – each bringing with them innovation combined with artisanal offering, for a new-age customer who likes to straddle both worlds effortlessly. “FDCI is delighted to present this unique showcasing from amongst our top designers, bringing their expertise of cut, tailoring and finish to the fore.

Menswear is growing at an exponential rate and it is the right time to restart the menswear fashion week, to showcase how it has evolved from conventional attire to more refreshing representation of style. We are thankful to our partners and Jail Complex for joining hands with us, to power this memorable event,” said Chairman FDCI, Sunil Sethi.

Special fashion shoot in Israel, celebrating 30 years of Israel-India ties with a capsule collection by Sahil…

To celebrate 30 years of Israel-India diplomatic relations, the Embassy of Israel in India collaborated with Indian designer Sahil Kochhar to showcase a special collection for both men and women inspired by the beautiful landscapes of Israel.

This project is part of a campaign titled Yachad – a Hebrew word meaning ‘together’, where Israeli Embassy diplomats and designer Sahil Kochhar from India came together to share their experiences.  For this campaign, Sahil Kochhar and his team spent several months scouting talents from Israel who are the best at their craft. The models that were selected were not just professional models but also included local talent from all over Israel, says Sahil, including the younger generation from different walks of life, athletes, artists, surfers & the parkour community of the country.

Yachad, which means coming together, is the essence behind my collection. It is a celebration of 30 years of friendship between Israel and India. This collection and campaign we have shot around Dead Sea, Eilat, Gan Hashlosha, Tel Aviv & Jerusalem, is very special to me as it represents two beautiful cultures coming together. The collection is inspired by the diverse landscapes of Israel, incorporating the same as artwork on the clothes.”

Whilst, the Ambassador of Israel to India H.E. Naor Gilon says, “This is a first-of-its-kind project which we hope will open doors for future possibilities and collaborations between the people of Israel and India in the diverse fields of culture, fashion and lifestyle.  Showcasing Indian designs inspired by Israeli landscapes led to this beautiful project called Yachad, which has further strengthened the close friendship and growing partnership between our two nations.”

Designer Punit Balana, known for his aesthetic that celebrates the craft traditions of his home state Rajasthan unveils Lakshmi at the FDCI X Lakmé Fashion Week.
On this creative journey of design, the label in its 7th outing with Lakme Fashion Week continues, with a distinctive handwriting that resonates with the urbane, cosmopolitan conscious individual who is well travelled and has explored the world of fashion, choosing to make a statement of cultured taste with Punit Balana.  The Punit Balana woman or man loves and enjoys Indian textiles, the textures of Indian crafts and a silhouette steeped in tradition and yet a liberal approach to style!
Lakshmi, is an artistic expression that beautifully blends the signatures of Punit Balana i.e. arts that are deeply rooted in Rajasthan with a more contemporary form. The ensembles are replete with bold motifs in natural vegetable dyes with Kalamkari & Ajrak on luscious Chanderi silks rendering a magnificent vision that brings to life Rajasthani heritage like never seen before!

Lakshmi is a canvas painted with bold lotus, birds, enchanted gardens, Mughal era horses hand block printed on the surface of the garment, like an artist’s fantasy come true! Explorative layered metallic embroidery on prints and solid tones, the creative use of antique coins, threads and mirrors breathes magic into the rich palates of neutrals, tones of henna and earthy hues.

Etched in Punit’s signature style, each ensemble is seamlessly crafted: beautiful skirts with pockets, well-fitted corsets and capes; deep shoulder cut and short crop blouses paired, lavishly printed saris, metallic bralettes, printed shararas and peplum jackets to sheer slip dresses. Lakshmi, is edgy, dramatic and yet deeply rooted in tradition with movement and proportion continuing to be at the core of the design philosophy of this collection.