Archana Kochhar

We love the present, but we can’t help looking back into the past especially when it comes to fashion. Every fashion lover seems to have a favourite moment from the days gone by. But I’ve looked back into the past to figure out whether the designers’ claims about the era are historically accurate.

Pernia Qureshi

Drop waist dresses from the 1920s. Bead work on luxe fabrics from the Fifties.

Historical accuracy: High

Anita Dongre

Knee and calf-length pencil skirts, dresses with pleats and gathers (1950s)

Historical accuracy: Moderate

Ritu Beri

Glamour, beauty and indulgence. (1950s)

Historical accuracy: Low (Nothing Marilyn Monroe about the collection, as the designer claimed)

Archana Kochhar

Prints from the 1970-80s- like checkerboard, geometric, zig zag.

Historical accuracy: Low (Prints from the 1970s-80s include florals, animal prints and even ink splattered.)

In 2012, LFW W/F 2012

LFW W/F 2012 Trend: Prints, prints and some more prints!

Speaking ChicAugust 12, 2012August 12, 2012Leave a comment

My mind is a blur- I’ve seen abstract, bizarre, kaleidoscopic, psychedelic and many more prints over the past few days at Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012. Here’s my picks of the prints spotted on the ramp.

Kaleidoscopic prints at Pankaj-Nidhi

Eccentric prints at Kallol Datta 1955 (moon faces, snails, safety pins!)

Doodles from Aartivijay Gupta’s book- sketches of faces and figure blocks.

Retro-geometric prints at Archana Kochhar

Rorschach inkblot test-like patterns at Ken Ferns

Geometric abstract prints at Shift by Nimish Shah

Which print do you want to wear in the new season?

In Fashion, LFW W/F 2012, trends

LFW W/F 2012 Preview: Archana Kochhar

Speaking ChicAugust 1, 2012August 1, 2012Leave a comment

Collection theme: Retro

What to expect: Geometric printed cocktail saris, playful tunics, fluid dresses and gowns. I’m liking the idea of a chessboard print on an embellished gown (see below). Maybe gowns will be fun after this.

Key trends:

Geometric shapes
Colour blocking of bright hues like electric blue, bright yellow and shades of green offset against the tints of black, white and grey.
Retro-inspired prints (from the 1970s and 80s)

Watch out for: The Indian alphabet as embellishments- a very desi twist!

In 2012, Fashion, LFW S/R 2012

LFW S/R 2012 Day 5: Shows to watch today

Speaking ChicMarch 6, 2012March 6, 2012Leave a comment

It’s the last day of Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2012! Saving the best for the last, here is what’s on my agenda today:

Malaga by Malini Agarwalla: Malaga—the accessories brand—has made quite a splash in the past few years, and her baubles on bags and shoes are everywhere now. Hoping she can pave the way for different styles!

Rocky Star: Designer Rocky S is making the most of his popularity with new lines and businesses. Today he kickstarts his new celebrity line “Rocky Star” with a collection that’s inspired by chandeliers. I’m expecting all sorts of embellishments, feminine flourishes, and Rocky’s signature colours like ivory, black, grey and nude.

Lakme Grand Finale by Rohit Bal: There’s plenty of buzz around Rohit Bal’s show tonight, and almost everyone I know wants to watch it at the fashion week venue. (Below: Rohit Bal at the off-site show, LFW W/F 2011)

Also looking forward to: Archana Kochhar (for her prints).

In Fashion, trends

Chic Trends: Dressed up ethnic whites to look nice

Speaking ChicMay 16, 2011Leave a comment

There’s a problem with wearing white in India—wear too much of it and you look like you’re off to a funeral; wear too little, and you’re soon facing an overdose of colour.

I don’t have too many white clothes, least of all in my ethnic selection. But after seeing the wonderful whites this season, I think it might soon add them to my wardrobe.

Here are some chic ways to wear white the ethnic way, that you can wear to your cousin’s mehendi or friend’s sangeet without looking morose.

Pair white with brights
Red and black make a deadly combo, but have you ever considered wearing red with white? Choose a flowy white kurta with gold embellishments and pair with a red dupatta. And hey, you can replace red with warm festive colours like orange and yellow and even funky neons.

Below: Kurta-churidar-dupatta from Alpa-Reena; Look from Archana Kochhar’s collection

Beyond borders
From the simple gold and silver gota to embellished pattis, your white and cream saris, kurtas and dupattas can get transformed in just a few stitches. In a variety of colours and widths, let the border be the highlight of your look.

Below: From Timeless by Anita Dongre’s Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2011 collection

Off the white track
True white is pristine, pure and very difficult to maintain. Opt for off-whites, creams and beige with thread, bead and pearl embroidery.

Below: From Ensemble’s Ecru collection.

How are you wearing white this season?

Showing all posts tagged Archana Kochhar

LFW W/F 2012 Trend: History lessons from the fashion ramp- decoded

LFW W/F 2012 Trend: Prints, prints and some more prints!

LFW W/F 2012 Preview: Archana Kochhar

LFW S/R 2012 Day 5: Shows to watch today

Chic Trends: Dressed up ethnic whites to look nice