With the refreshing onset of the monsoons, the capital saw a splash of exquisite designs magnificent grandeur at the India Couture Week 2014. A shower of both novel and traditional trends flew over the runway providing the audience with endless options to display exclusive femininity and elegance for their celebratory family occasions and weddings. Following are the most common couture trends on the runway this fall that left every one mesmerised with splendour and glamour.

Eclectic play with basic colours:

For couture wear, the first few things that strike one are the bright and loud colour palette that graces the outfit with the desired oomph and celebration. Contrastingly however, a handful of designers employed basic colours like off white, cream, white and nude for their creations. Full length anarkali jackets, net gowns with 3D embroideries, heavily worked lehanga cholis, traditional net sarees with sparkling heavy embellishments, Indo-western gowns with non-shiny 3D work and webbed designs, multiple layered heavy work gowns with ethnic doris, excessive embroidery on the neck and bottoms, summed up this dainty yet classy trend. Displaying sufficient enchantment and savoir faire of elegant ensembles, these creations reflected sensationalism and luxury. Designers Rohit Bal, Rimple and Harpreet Narula, Manish Malhotra and Anju Modi were the dedicated followers of this trend.

Urban contemporary:

Yet another attempt to sway from the conventional styles in the couture wear genre, a noticeable amount of emphasis was laid on keeping the garments more chic, quirky and dynamic. Intricate patterns, ethnic Rajasthani prints, elegant regional bulky bottom pants with sleak kurtas, dark stripes with overall heavy work embroideries, unique head gear, crop jackets paired with elegant ghagra cholis, classy skin fit webbed gowns, metallic finished jackets with fluffy 3D embellished gowns and very elegant and simplistic evening gowns all made it to look the graceful urban contemporary. Browse through designers like Manish Arora, Rina Dhaka, Gaurav Gupta, Sulakshana Monga and Varun Bahl’s collections for a visual experience.

Floral motifs:

Monisha Jaisingh’s 3D floral embroideries, on surface spectrum of floral prints and multi coloured hues of a full sleeved choli with a nature inspired lehanga gave a majestic spectacle on the runway. Meanwhile, Gaurav Gupta on the other hand came up with a wider continuum of vintage bloomy gowns and Japanese influenced jackets in with a lot of layering. Sabyasachi epitomised the trend with his 3D wine red embellishments and a crop top along with minimalistic use of colours.

High on embellishments:

No matter how dashing, sublime and simplistic one gets, the Indian tradition of heavy works and excessive embellishments for couture wear can never be overlooked. Likewise, designers Tarun Tahiliani and Shantanu Nikhil came up with a number of formal and Indo-western outfits that would exuberantly outshine one’s presence and light up the entire ambience. Besides, from Varun Bahl’s trendy crepe sarees and Rohit Bal’s anarkali jacket gowns to Sabyasachi’s marvellously layered lehangas and Rimple and Hapreet Narula’s white lehanga with a gorgeous net dupatta embellished with full chicken embroidery, the overall collections at the couture week were a modernised take on the otherwise traditional wardrobe staples.

The Wool Lab trend book, a seasonal guide to the most inspiring wool trends is created to inspire and inform fashion professionals regarding the infinite potential of Merino wool after an extensive research undertaken by The Woolmark Company to select the best wool products worldwide and identify the emerging trends emerging from fashion, design, art, pop culture, music and other fields.

For Autumn/Winter 2015/16 the guide proposes seven inspirational themes:

1.  BESPOKE

Inspirations

The glorious and fascinating origin of menswear is now a true contemporary luxury. The charming fabrics of the traditional sartorial culture make each fabric unique.

2. TRAVELLER
Inspirations
The new style for business travellers. Elegance combined with practicality and technology. Traditional fabrics and yarns combined with the most technical, for an unexpected new look.

3. MAILLE CHIC 

Inspirations
The most feminine among the themes. Parisian class and style, as always, for intriguing knitwear. Decorations and applications highlight shapes and yarns.

4. COAT

Inspirations
The return of coat is now a certainty, both for formalwear and for more casual occasions. A traditional garment, never out of fashion. Classic luxury fabrics and new interesting ’50s look.

5. KATACHI
Inspirations
Katachi means shape. The shape, from the history of Japanese designers of the ’80s. Very rich and luxury fabrics and yarns, together with more simple and minimal. Colors are: blue, grey, black, white.

6. MOD

Inspirations
Inspired by the British tribal subculture of the mid-60s. Revolutionary, easy but refined new elegance.

7. ICELAND 

Inspirations
The atmosphere of the Icelander life and landscape. Clothes and fabrics are warm and comfortable, but also technical and performing, to face the harshest climates. Colours are those of its glacial natural shades.

At the recently concluded Lakmé Fashion Week’s Summer/Resort 2014, designers Ken Ferns and Kunal Tanna took pant lengths to new heights this season. With shorts being at unusual unique lengths, designers’ didn’t fail to keep the look casual, unique and comfortable.With street style being this year’s theme printed shorts, using floral and light color palettes along with block print capris trended. This summer, go past your jeans and work with wonderful patterns and colors for your shorts.

Designer Dhruv Kapur is known for his astute fashion philosophy of being modern, astute, utilitarian, luxurious and sometimes severe. The clothes are functional, minimal, architectural and unisex. His collection this year dwelling on two characteristics of the modern human – duplicity and duality. Transposing these traits onto clothes that lie to the onlooker or serve a dual purpose. Giving an Androgynous feel, designers’ blurred lines and played with the space of men’s and women’s fashion. Floral prints, skirts, feminine collars and colors expressed androgyny is an attempt to move past social conventions.

Designers have their own theme and inspiration behind their garments, these inspirations help them with the color palette and texture of the garments they make. However, fashion week seemed to sing the blues as designers eleven eleven, Sanjay Hingu, Nitin Chawla and Shyamal & Bhumika all seemed to work with the color blue magnificently. From baby blue to a deep royal tone, the spectrum of blue for men’s fashion came through this season.

A growing trend that is seen across the fashion world is the sockless effect. When it comes to casuals and semi casual looks, designers opt for a sockless footwear. That trend has been extended to even formal wear. Long gone are men’s suits that cover the length of their leg. A 90 percent length with a visible ankle is highly trendy adding a tad bit of informality to the garment. This accentuates the formal shoes that are either worn sockless or with ankle socks. Designers Nitin Chawla and Narendra Kumarshowcased a wonderful array of men’s suits with this very trend.

AW 2014:

As the one more season passes by, the fashion season of Autumn/Winter too comes to an end with the world’s largest fashion weeks, namely: New York, London, Paris and Milan getting over. The season saw some catchy, metallic, sober, loud, and dark and all other possible adjectives that could describe a designer’s collection for the fashionistas and the stylists to occupy their wardrobes.

To start with, following are the surveyed trend reports of the Paris and the London fashion weeks which ended recently.

Paris Fashion Week

The biggest feature of this year’s Paris Fashion Week was the debut of the luxury-brand-giant Louis Vuitton. Showcasing its collection on the very last day of the nine day fashion week, keeping the curiosity refreshed among the onlookers. Designer Nicolas Ghesquière displayed a collection replete of multiple trends like the animal prints, the embellished pants and the sexy A-line, body-fitted dresses.

Among the other most entertaining shows, Karl Lagerfeld’s exhilarating super-market arrangement over the run way which left the audiences flabbergasted. Chanel’s pop-art inspired collection was much appreciated due to its leaning-towards-comfort factor. Also, the colour range was unique, bright and showy, wearable for the teenagers and adults.

The next trends floating over the fashion week seem to be the use of fur over the fabrics. Designers like Iris Van Herpen, Alexander McQueen, Saint Laurent, Paul&Joe, Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel, Emanuel Ungaro, and Sacai to quote a few, were among the ones who showcased some exclusive furry coats, short jacekets, mini-skirts and sweaters etc. ideal for the chilly freezing weather.

Layered textures, drapes, folds and stripes were other popular trends among the designers this time.  Stella McCartney’s streamlined collection highlighted a few layered dresses in grey and mud-brown. In Kenzo’s show too, a few folds on a high-waisted skirt and a haulter-neck

cardigan could be witnessed. However, the collection outshining in the above feature was Comme Des Garcons’ loud collection of piled up lumps and restricted men’s wear elements.

Moving on, the printed tops, embellished pants and embroidered jackets and gowns were the other hard-hitting trends on the ramp. Where Louis Vuitton grabbed the leading position for its patch-embellished skirts and printed pants, Alexander McQueen and Elie Saab also showcased an ace collection printed gowns and embroidered tunics.

Miu Miu’s show left the unique metallic-finishing clothes as the latest trend-setter on the run-way. The collection presented was shining in the dark, with some graceful body-fit straight dresses embellished with the metallic shimmer. A tinge of the same feature could be reviewed at Iris Ven Herpen, Véronique Branquinho and Giambattista Valli among others.

Summing up, the very popular dispositions include: the extremely trendy animal prints, displayed most efficiently by Givenchy, Balmain and Carven; the comfort oriented over-sized coats, uppers, sweaters, dresses etc. exhibited dominantly by Stella McCartney and Comme Des Garcons; the style oriented structural, focal and decorative detailing wherein Louis Vuitton, Elie Saab stood among the aces.

London Fashion Week

Despite the astonishing weather disturbances in London, its fashion week continued with ample amount of glitz and glamour leaving behind some ever-lasting, ever-green trends for its fans.

To start with, the luxury giant Burberry Prorsum, showcasing a vivacious collection of handbags, chiffon printed dresses and warm and cozy furry coats. The collection was in itself an exclusive and outshining one.

The other popular trend-setters included: the intense colour scheme of Thomas Tait, Giles, Christopher Raeburn, Antipodium, Preen and Burberry were outstanding, ranging from intense hues, to dark oranges and hot reds; the differentiated and fine textured witnessed at the Topshop Unique show, where layered furs and cracky leathers were the key elements; the very unique and one-of-a-kind turtle necks displayed by  Paul Smith, House of Holland, Topshop Unique, Holly Fulton, J.W. Anderson, Pringle and Joseph; the much alike at paris fashion week’s over-sized outer wears by Christopher Kane,Joseph, and  Bora Aksu’s capes, naming a few; and lastly, the imitated feature among all fashion weeks, the collection replete of detailing, embroideries and layering. House of Holland, Topshop Unique, and Peter Pilotto were among the ones who displayed a fabricated amount of quilted detailing in their respective collections.

Hence, the commonality between the two fashion weeks is clearly evident and awesomely inspiring.

Introduction:

It’s Official! This is a real fashion season where designers, models, stylists, make-up experts etc, keep no stone unturned to put their best at either of the fashion ramps. A while back, we had been caught up at two biggie fashion events of the capital. The just concluded India Bridal Week and Delhi Couture Week has been a true challenge to prove the most exceptional couture design innovation ever seen. FashionFad takes pleasure to share with you some of the most up-to-date couture trend. To be fair, couture trend is all about freedom of expression and so let’s filter out trend that spoke ‘Incredible’…

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Blooming Bride – ‘Flower flower every where’, like last season, this one trend still rules the rack. Floral prints and embroideries seem to rule their way in bright colours especially for designer Anamika Khanna, something she call it her forte and her designs can’t just do without floral embroideries. The royal, beautiful and classical trend had been a key thought for numerous designers. Just floral prints and motifs, maybe we don’t need to say anything new for this trend but it seems to be intoxicating! This is our kind of fashion, truly Indian…

Array of Jackets – The best one, it replaced the quintessence of blouse over lehengas and even saris. Playing extensively fashionable, designers had their individual lines to sing on the each style. For designer duo Shantanu and Nikhil it was an Elizabethan and Victorian era whereas for Rohit Bal, it was love at first sight also we saw Shakespearean generation with rich velvet effect. We really loved the way J J Valaya played brilliantly on waistcoats and cropped jackets.

Black Beauty – ‘Black’ is an all new ‘Red’ and who said Black isn’t meant for weddings? The couture fashion has set its own rule with plenty of mysterious darkness brought-in by designers Falguni and Shane Peacock, Rohit Bal and Suneet Varma. Designers Adarsh Gill and Tarun Tahiliani seem to love darker hues and said it out loud especially with blacks and what better than contrasting with romantic gold, royal copper, popping pink, shimmering silver, ivory and lots more. This disco gatsby fashion fever has just come and it is sure to stay here for long. Interestingly, how about a red pout with this one… awesome isn’t it?

Dazzling – With black in–vogue, white doesn’t seem to take a back seat. White and gold come dazzling together to create an all-new concept for designer Suneet Verma and Tarun Tahiliani. Golden is all to jazz up with an embellishment and Rohit Bal did it great with golden border and traditional motifs. It has made a serious style statement and looked classical for Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Inspired by the Indian royalty this trend considers richness and opulence, they seems to have come out from the closets of Indian princess. Truly an avant-garde trend for sure.

Go Videshi – With blacks and whites, joining the couture trend bandwagon is western hues. We see flawless English colours setting the all new trend on couture ramp. Moss greens, purples, sky blues, light browns, ink blues and lots more were spotted in huge by designer Jyotsna Tiwari. It looked like Indo-western fusion designs, making things look very explicit.

Lace-it – This season, the ‘it’ thing in couture was all about laces and we could see them in huge. French lace and its layers was all the rage and what better than such experiments with these trends. Hints of this trend stood common with Rohit Bal, Anamika Khanna and Sabyasachi Mukherjee, where some used it in layering others made jackets out of it also we saw thick lace borders in huge. They really complete an ensemble and make it look all the more fancy.

So, if you love weddings. This season gives you a perfect excuse to dress–up in exceptional outfits and have fun dancing the nights away. Royal, opulent, subtle, rich, gothic, western etc; we have it all for you.

Introduction:

Popping a fashionable collar has always been prevalent. Off late, the classic peter-pan collar excites us in every way. The soft and round cornered collar seem to blossom as a wardrobe staple for fashion savvy women. Perhaps the biggest convenience in regards to this trend is that they are easy to make on your own. You have those detachable collars which could be teamed-up with numerous attires. FashionFad unwinds the uniqueness of so called trendy Peter-Pans.

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We reckon the collar necklace trend started with Peter Pan collars. From ladylike dresses to Victorian and Parisian inspired separates to neat clean shirts, peter-pan collars seem to be the hottest trend of the season. And to get a really fashion-forward unique look, try peter-pan collars in contrasting colours. The neckline trend seems to look preppy in bold colours whereas it gives a soft and feminine effect in softer colours. High on whimsy, this trend evokes schoolgirl charm; it doesn’t have to be pigeonholed so narrowly. After all, Peter Pan collars consistently resurface as a fashion trend, one that has been appropriated by all ages. Though, something old…something new, these collars got their name from the costume worn by the actress who played Peter Pan in 1905 American plays.

We first saw the peter-pan polka dot fur collars in the Marc Jacobs show followed by trendy style at Prada, neat and clean cut at Gucci, classical style at Carven, bold feminine vibe at LV and over-sized ones at Miu Miu. Designers loved playing with layer, colour and proportion; making it easiest and elegant way to add interesting detail to the outfits. Whereas for our very own Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Peter Pan collars are a youthful, girly and fun way to spruce up a boring shirt or a simple printed tunic. Master of Indian couture, Sabyasachi incorporated peter-pan colors into Indian wear and we loved the mid-sleeve and delicate silk black blouse with white peter-pan collar look.

They are adorable and even making their presence felt on the runways, across the world. Experts and designers suggest that this trend can dread that monotonous corporate look by adding a real difference; they do wonders to the work attire. Ideally, there are so many ways to rock them. You can team it up with skinny jeans, long/short skirts, shorts, capris and lots more. Pick a dress with contrasting collars and don’t be afraid to try polka dots, florals or even brightly coloured dresses with bright collars. One can also sport a formal look by wearing a classic black dress with white collars. As a part of evening wear, one can pick a Peter Pan collared lace top and pair it up with a short skirt or shorts.

Well, even if you’re not in love with the look, take it as chance to re–approach how you look at other feminine collar styles. You have so many reasons to fall in love with this trend – dresses, Ti-shirts, shirts, blouses and lots more. And be sure that fashion neck collars are the newest necessity; this accent has the capability to boost any outfit.

Stealing again from men’s wardrobe is this season’s hottest trend, the pantsuits that stands out in a room full of skirts. This combination of fitted trousers paired with a matching jacket when done right takes you straight from the boardroom to the ballroom.

The Spring/Summer runways experienced a heavy dose of both printed and plain power suits, and with good reason. Internationally, Diane Von Furstenberg, Chanel, Mary Katrantzou, Yves Saint Laurent, Derek Lam and Dolce & Gabbana suited up, while closer home it was Ashish N Soni, Dev R Nil, Namrata Joshipura to name a few.

Weaning away from her signature bohemian prints, Diane Von Furstenberg experimented with polka dots and colour blocking, while Chanel, Derek Lam followed the classic solid colour formula. Combining two-trends in one was Balmain with black-white chessboard suits. Going the quirky route were Ashish N Soni with his red blood cell like prints and Alexander McQueen with honeycomb design.

The “Le Smoking”, a 60’s pantsuit that mimicked a man’s tuxedo created by Yves Saint Laurent also experienced a revival. Seen on the Christian Dior runways, the look was highlighted with bright scarfs and exuded a chic, confident vibe.  While, traditionally it may be the mother of the bride who would wear pants, but Carolina Herrera showed us who really wears the pants with their Spring 2013 Bridal Collection with bridal pantsuits.  

While, Hilary Clinton maybe an old faithful, wearing the pantsuits with an edgier and yes, sexier vibe are Beyoncé, Rihanna plus the younger crop of Bollywood actresses. Sonam Kapoor rocked a hot-pink Elie Saab creation, Anushka Sharma looked cute in an indigo Hermés set and Deepika Padukone went classic in a black Dolce & Gabbana pantsuit. And just when we were bored with flowing gowns and eccentric attempts at costumes by pop idols, the pantsuit made an appearance on the red carpet where Julia Roberts, Alexa Chung and Katie Holmes stood the ground.

The timelessness of the pantsuit is enhanced by the fact that you can wear the pieces separately and wear it for multiple occasions making it a versatile buy. These beautifully constructed pantsuits are now finding a spot at high street stores like Zara, Topshop and Mango. From pastel-coloured linen sets to digital tropical prints, Zara has the pulse right on the trend.

Even as the pantsuit continues to be chic and comfortable, the idea for the season is to step-up the game so that it enhances the feminine curves. Step one in embracing androgyny is opting for sharp tailoring and figure-hugging silhouettes. Highlight it with cut-outs, cropped lengths and bold colours to earn sartorial brownie points.

Unlike the 90’s boxy and boring pantsuits, this season their design does more justice to women’s curves. So if you don’t want to look like a boring corporate-type then pair it with a low cut top, sheer top or a lace camisole and make sure you go the skinny route for pants. Keep the accessories minimum because sometimes studs and a clutch are just enough. But do go high on the heels, sky high, as that sure to give you a slimmer, toned effect after all its not every day that you suit up.