7 fashionable Diwali inspirations

Come Diwali every year, and I’m usually digging into my wardrobe for a newish Indian ensemble. And it’s usually a safe style, very me, but also very, very typical of me. This Diwali, I’m trying to be a bit different, drawing inspiration from some new looks. So I’ve put together a lookbook of sorts to get me going on the ideas. There’s still a week to Diwali (and this weekend I will be in India, yay!), and all of these ideas are easily doable. 😀

Of course I can’t try all of these ideas, but a girl can dream, can’t she?

Don a jacket

It can be short like a waistcoast or long like an anarkali, it could be embroidered or block printed… “A plain kurta paired with a printed or embroidered short jacket is the perfect alternative to a dupatta,” says Rahuul Jashnani, managing director of Jashn. “Button it or just let it loose, or wear it on your sari for a bold and edgy and daring look.” I agree.

(Looks from Jashn)

Jashn festive ethnic jacket

Jashn festive ethnic jacket

Go long, long, long

If you’re a vertically-challenged like me, then long silhouettes can be quite exciting. Plus longer the length, the grander you look, and the more elegant you feel.

(Kurta set from Anju Modi, long kaftan from Hemant & Nandita)

Anju Modi kurta set

Kaftan hemant Nandita

Or go very traditional

Gota, bandhini, leheriya—our cultural heritage has plenty of fabric, print, texture and embellishment options to choose from.

(Looks featuring gota and shibori techniques from Rangriti)

Rangriti festive collection Diwali gota

Rangriti festive collection Diwali

Wrap a gorgeous dupatta

I’m moving on from mere contrast dupattas. I’d rather wrap a stunning dupatta around me to draw the attention. I’m in love with these ones from Gaurang, or something embellished-border like this one below.

(Look from Sahiba)

Sahiba festive collection

Try a shirt-like blouse with a sari

It may seem that only Sonam Kapoor can pull off a shirt with a sari. Maybe yes, maybe no. Well, we won’t know till we try it, right?

(Sonam Kapoor wearing Anupama Dayal)

Sonam Kapoor in Anupama Dayal

Sport a bindi

I’m not even talking about Gwen Stefani here. It’s Indian, so why not place a cute bindi on the forehead? So feminine!

(Bindis from Bookmybindi.com)

Bindis for diwali

Bindis for diwali

Mix shades in jewellery

Gold and white are a classic combo, but well, it’s a little safe. I love admiring jewellery with coloured stones- blue, pink, green…. “A mix of diamond, polki and jadau jewellery with bright colourful gemstones in innovative ways and eclectic styles add appeal to any outfit,” says Aakas Barmecha of Yoube Jewellery.

(Earrings from Yoube Jewellery, Pendant-earrings set from Swarovski)

Yoube diamond earrings

Sarovski pendant earring set

Which stylish idea or trend inspires you most this Diwali?

LFW WF 2013: The best of festive wear

LFW WF 2013: The best of festive wear

Now that Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013 has ended, it’s time to make some serious fashion choices for the upcoming season (Diwali, weddings and more). Lehengas, anarkalis, saris and more… take your pick from my shortlist. Take inspirations from these designer outfits so you can celebrate looking stylish. 😉

PS — Don’t miss the cool cinemagraphs shot from the Nokia Lumia 820 embedded below.

Debarun
Debarun’s festive, yet non blingy collection mixed beige, ivory and red, with a geometric print forming the “base” of the collection.

Debarun at LFW WF 2013

Manish Malhotra
The two trends to take away from this collection– chic mirror work and desi-inspired colour blocking.

Manish Malhotra at LFW WF 2013

SVA by Sonam & Paras Modi
Peacock motifs and earthy colours dominated Sonam & Paras Modi’s SVA Couture collection. The embellishments were just about right– not too OTT.

Payal Singhal
Black is almost an acceptable colour now for the festive season (if not weddings), and paired with pale blush pink it made quite an impact. Also, the printed dupattas with colour blocked lehengas are a new look to try.

Ritika by Vivek Kumar
Vivek Kumar’s collection is for those who wan an “Indo-western” look. I liked the embroidered yokes and some of the metallic embellishments.

Five reasons I’m excited about Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2013

Lakme Fashion Week Summer/ Resort 2013 kicks off today and I’m super excited! Here’s why.

Naeem Khan

The man who’s dressed FLOTUS Michelle Obama a number of times will be showcasing his work Saturday night. And he will participate in a workshop on Friday, talking about his style and creations. Meeting or seeing this man is reason enough to attend Lakme Fashion Week.

Menswear

The best menswear designers in the country will be on the ramp after a long gap. The list includes veterans like Narendra Kumar and Arjun Khanna, along with young designer Kunal Rawal (he did the men’s costumes for Aisha). Narendra Kumar’s shows are always worth a watch, and this time he’s expected to make a strong statement on the country’s socio-political situation. Hmmm….!

Narendra Kumar SR 2012

One more platform for GenNext designers

Lakme Fashion Week has been supporting new designers for several years now, but this  time they get an additional benefit with support from Zovi.com. The online shopping site will manufacture and retail one garment from each of the debuting designers. So get ready to shop already!

Live webcast

Lakme Fashion Week shows will be broadcast live on YouTube, which means instant fashion! So we can all watch the shows in our PJs over the weekend. They’ve already got a preview of the season online, so check it out:

Jewellery

Very few fashion weeks have accessory designers participating. It’s good to see Suhani Pittie back at LFW, and I’ve always wanted to see Pallavi Foley’s creations up close. This is my chance! 🙂Suhani Pittie LFW

Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2013 is from March 22 to 26, 2013 in Mumbai.

Shopping News: Phoenix Market city opens in Kurla, but will we see new brands?

Shopping News: Phoenix Market city opens in Kurla, but will we see new brands?

The mall Mumbai shopaholics have been waiting for is now open! Phoenix Market City had a quiet inauguration last week, and our fashion radar tells us that a few stores and restaurants are open (no specifics yet, but I’ll update you as soon as I know more).

Here’s an early-stage visualisation of the mall:

Phoenix Markey City Mumbai

Phoenix Market City is technically not located in a “prime” shopping area—it’s in Kurla, but it’s huge. With retail area of over 16 lakh square feet, wonderful atrium for special events, and an Adlabs multiplex, this mini-city is bound to get shoppers from all over Mumbai.

As for the fashion brands that will open at Phoenix Market City, I expect the usual suspects like Zara, Mango, Benetton, and the rest of the gang to open there. After all, there will be plenty of room for everyone. BTW, we have confirmation that Vero Moda and AND  have opened at Phoenix Market City.

Could be a lovely mall, but…

While a new mall is always good news, I really wonder if Mumbai needs another one. Especially if it’s going to be like any other mall.

What would really excite me is if we get some new brands, concept stores or a new whole new look. Things we haven’t seen before, stores we haven’t explored before. And of course, the mall’s layout would play a huge role in deciding whether Phoenix Market City will be a comfortable place to shop and hang around. I don’t want this mall to be yet another giant structure that looks like every other mall, only larger.

What say, shopping lovers and mall rats? Anyone been to Mumbai’s Phoenix Market City yet?

LFW W/F 2011 Day 3: Sabyasachi weaves magic again, one silver thread at a time

There’s always a buzz at Lakme Fashion Week when one of India’s best-known designers Sabyasachi is due to present. Fashionistas, journalists and ordinary folks wear their precious Sabyasachi outfits to the show. Photographers wait in anticipation of Bollywood actors, but there’s a respectful hush as the show starts and the first model walks out.

This season, at Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2011, Dr Mitul Sengupta danced to kathak beats ending with a series of chakkars, then calmly began chanting classical beats as models glided on head ramp.

Models in pairs and groups resembling North-West Frontier Province families (with kids) strolled out in elegant kurtas, tunics, cholis, sherwanis, dupattas, and wide Patiala salwars and palazzos. The monotonous canvas in the initial garments were balanced with colourful printed dupattas and turbans.

Models at Sabyasachi LFW W/F 2011 Models at Sabyasachi LFW W/F 2011

Then came the splashes of colour—first as long coats and cowled pants, then as printed saris with silver borders in zardozi and Kashmiri thread work.

Models at Sabyasachi LFW W/F 2011

Models at Sabyasachi LFW W/F 2011

The silver embroidery was a stark contrast to the gold and bronze detailing that are in vogue these days, so it was a bold move to say the least. 🙂 I particularly enjoyed the embellished bodices and shimmering wide borders with velvet and net.

Models at Sabyasachi LFW W/F 2011

Headgear played an important role with turbans for men, and embellished caps and headbands for women.

Models at Sabyasachi LFW W/F 2011

Models at Sabyasachi LFW W/F 2011

Also noteworthy was the Urdu calligraphy on a couple of blouses. Fashionista Sabina Chopra, wearing the same blouse, later told me it meant “bheegi palkein” or wet eyes.SAbina Chopra at Sabyasachi LFW W/F 2011

Sabyasachi retained his favourite flavours with Sundarbans floral prints, colours like earthen colours and red, orange and white, fabrics like khadi, organza, silk, and his signature immaculate tailoring. The special moments—senior models like Carol Gracias and Nayanika Chatterjee, children in fine Sabyasachi clothing, and creative concept of presentation—were appreciated by the audience as they clapped and cheered throughout the show. Well-deserved applause, to say the least!

Models at Sabyasachi LFW W/F 2011 Models at Sabyasachi LFW W/F 2011

LFW W/F 2011 Day 3: Debarun goes B&W, Shyamal & Bhumika play with rich colours and crafts

The 5.30pm show on Day 3 of Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2011 was easily the most contrasting dual-designer show of the season. While Debarun Mukerjee kicked off the show with a starkly black-and-white collection, bridal wear experts Shyamal and Bhumika Shodhan’s clothes were rich in colour and embellishment.

Debarun Mukerjee
Aptly called Kohl, Debarun’s creations ranged from saris, lehengas, churidar-kurta sets, dresses and gowns for women and sherwanis, kurtas, bundgalas for men.

Model for Debarun at LFW W/F 2011 Model for Debarun at LFW W/F 2011

Using applique throughout the line, Debarun made the most of the two-colour palette with clever use of fabrics (net, Chanderi, raw silk, silk), accessories (scarves, bags, flat chappals) and detail (floral motifs on yokes, dupattas and across the front).

Model for Debarun at LFW W/F 2011 Model for Debarun at LFW W/F 2011

Model for Debarun at LFW W/F 2011 Model for Debarun at LFW W/F 2011

Shyamal & Bhumika
Trust Shyamal & Bhumika Shodhan to sweep the audience away with their luxurious and opulent festive wear, apt for brides and guests at grand weddings alike. The designer duo presented traditional garments like jamas, chogas, peshwaz, achkan, panelled lehengas and cholis in velvet, net, brocade, matka silk, tissue and shot silk georgettes. Jewel tones like wine, honey gold, aurora and beet red, burnt orange, gold, copper, and peacock green, added to the richness.

Model for Shyamal & Bhumika at LFW W/F 2011 Model for Shyamal & Bhumika at LFW W/F 2011

Shyamal & Bhumika re-introduced flared shararas with floor-length anarkalis, and dressed women in slim sherwanis with diaphanous skirts. Sexy cholis were paired with panelled lehengas. As for the embellishments, we could write pages! They played with zardozi motifs and jaals, wire Marodi embroidery, washed gold, copper, peeta and gota work, along with precious jadau stones.

Shyamal & Bhumika 7 Shyamal & Bhumika 5

Shyamal & Bhumika 8 Shyamal & Bhumika 9

The show had two showstoppers, Hema Malini and Esha Deol. Needless to say, Shyamal & Bhumika don’t need Bollywood to wow fashion lovers, their fashion is enough!
Esha Deol for Shyamal & Bhumika at LFW W/F 2011 Hema Malini for Shyamal & Bhumika at LFW W/F 2011

LFW W/F 2011: GenNext designer Urmi Ghosh brings art to fashion

Urmi Ghosh is an artistic young woman from Kolkata, and has just taken her first steps into the Indian fashion scene. A NIFT graduate, Urmi presented her first collection as designer at Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2011’s GenNext show last week  in Mumbai.

Urmi Ghosh GenNext designer at LFW W/F 2011Urmi’s collection, called “Maar and Moumoune”, depicted the tale of Pablo Picasso’s lover, Dora Maar. (Moumoune was Dora Maar’s cat). Using heavy fabrics for cold climes, Urmi fused layers, textures and motifs like a veteran for dresses, jumpsuits, tunics and smocks with asymmetric cuts. Despite the muted colour palette, the imagery of cats, boots, birds, and a little girl was striking.

Even though Speaking Chic sat down for a formal interview with Urmi, it later turned into a freewheeling conversation on art, architecture, travel and photography. 🙂 Here’s some of the things we spoke about:

Urmi, what have you conveyed through your first collection?
I’ve envisioned my first collection specifically for the Delhi clientele. What I wanted to communicate is my design aesthetic to buyers. Every piece in the collection can be toned down into something very wearable in a number of ways, like by using lighter fabrics. Fortunately, I have been able to communicate my aesthetic in just the way I wanted.

So what is your design aesthetic?
Developing a design aesthetic is an evolutionary process. But I’m a more silhouette- than embroidery-centric person, so you can see that it is very minimally used in my garments. I’m quite form-oriented and like I anti-fits. I don’t go for skin show. As for colours, I prefer dull and neutral colours like greys, which I’ve used. Though I do like to break greys with a bit of colour.

Urmi Ghosh - GenNext designer at LFW W/F 2011  Urmi Ghosh - GenNext designer at LFW W/F 2011

Tell us more about Dora Maar and how her story inspired you.
Dora Maar was an extremely talented lady, but Picasso left her for another woman. Through the collection, I’ve tried to portray the transformation of Dora into a schizophrenic and recluse who needed therapy.

And the little girl we see in the imagery on your garments is Dora?
Yes, I imagined the little girl as Dora Maar. These images are by Japanese surreal artist Naomi Kobayashi and her illustrations depict this young girl and her hallucinations, which could well be those of Dora and do justice to Dora’s story.

Urmi Ghosh - GenNext designer at LFW W/F 2011

In your collection you have fused fabrics and textures in a very artistic manner. What inspired you to do that?
I’ve drawn inspiration from Cubism, which is a style Picasso was known for. For instance, in the painting Dora Maar Au Chat, Picasso has painted Dora by putting together different shapes and fabrics, and her attire in the portrait is intricately done.

It seems art has been a great source of inspiration for you. Do you paint? And which artists have influenced you?
Yes, I do paint—I love exploring poster colour and painting on glass. And both Picasso and Salvador Dali have influenced me immensely.

Aki Narula is your mentor at LFW W/F 2011 along with other GenNext designers.  How was your experience working with him?
Aki has been a rockstar! He’s been like a father figure to all of us, guiding us, being patient, and giving us good advice. When I was working on my fourth or fifth garment, I got very sceptical of my designs. He told me to cover the clothes I’d already done with a sheet and continue with my collection. I did that, and it worked! Before I head back to Kolkata I’m gonna hug him and tell him thanks!

Day 1 at LFW W/F 2011: GenNext impresses with creative, out-of-the-box designs

The GenNext show of Lakme Fashion Week throws up some interesting designs every season, and this season (LFW W/F 2011) kept up to its promise. From unconventional men’s wear to grungy women’s ensembles, extreme detailing and a variety of constructions, we saw it all. Here’s a glimpse of what the eight GenNext designers have to offer:

Farah Sanjana
Farah Sanjana’s Collars Galore used origami, metal work and architectural shapes to create mostly blouses and dresses in pristine white. Farah used exaggerated and multiple collars on the neck, shoulders, sleeves and down the front of garments in a stunning start to the GenNext show.

Farah Sanjana at LFW W/F 2011- GenNext designer

Mohammed Javed Khan
This menswear collection (called Ex-pression-ist) made ample use of layers for the quirky men, giving them ample options and tips for layering this winter. The look was put together with an “I-care-a-damn” attitude.

Mohammed Javed Khan at LFW W/F 2011- GenNext designer

Shashank Raja and Prajwal Badwe
The duo sought inspiration from the Elizabethan era and Indian royalty for their collection, teaming Indian embroidery with fabrics like organza and net. Their dresses and gowns had a dash of orange, adding to the charm of their collection.

Shashank Raja and Prajwal Badwe at LFW W/F 2011- GenNext designer

Siddharth Arya
It was 1980s cult punk inspiration all the way with grunge styling, as models at Siddharth Arya walked out with armadillo reptilian shoulders bolero and rag doll micro mini. Taffeta came alive for a layered skirt with metal grunge embroidered coat and the leather appliqué dress with jet sequinned cape and cutout leggings rocked on the ramp. There was even a grunge sari!

Siddharth Arya at LFW W/F 2011- GenNext designer

Theresa James and Roger Prince
This Canadian design team sourced fabrics for their collection Retarded Velvet from across the globe, Ghanaian batik, Native American fabrics, South Indian cotton with Tencel and Lyocell. And these were not the only contrasts, as colours, prints and silhouettes were mixed and matched for a fabulous design story.

Theresa James and Roger Prince at LFW W/F 2011- GenNext designers

Urmi Ghosh
Pablo Picasso’s lover’s (Maar) tragic story provided ample fodder to Urmi Ghosh’s debut collection, with motifs of cats, boots, tight rope walkers, birds and cages. Urmi used a range of techniques on a single garment, ranging from colour blocking and piping, to appliqué and cutwork.

Urmi Ghosh at LFW W/F 2011- GenNext designer

Thinles Chosdup and Niranjana Adhya
This Ladakh-inspired menswear collection combined shades of grey and steel with a few colourful touches, producing garments like asymmetric waistcoats, drop crotch pants, skirt front trousers, breeches and patched jackets.

Thinles Chosdup & Niranjana Adhya at LFW W/F 2011- GenNext designers

Nikhil Thampi
This young designer deconstructed silhouettes with drapes in neutrals for men and women. For women, there were layered gowns and skirts, while the men wore long draped shirts and buttonless waist coats and wool tunics. And oh, the leather inserts added a wonderful finishing touch.

Nikhil Thampi at LFW W/F 2011

Which GenNext designer do you like the most?

Day 1 at LFW W/F 2011: GenNext impresses with creative, out-of-the-box designs

The GenNext show of Lakme Fashion Week throws up some interesting designs every season, and this season (LFW W/F 2011) kept up to its promise. From unconventional men’s wear to grungy women’s ensembles, extreme detailing and a variety of constructions, we saw it all. Here’s a glimpse of what the eight GenNext designers have to offer:

Farah Sanjana
Farah Sanjana’s Collars Galore used origami, metal work and architectural shapes to create mostly blouses and dresses in pristine white. Farah used exaggerated and multiple collars on the neck, shoulders, sleeves and down the front of garments in a stunning start to the GenNext show.

Farah Sanjana at LFW W/F 2011- GenNext designer

Mohammed Javed Khan
This menswear collection (called Ex-pression-ist) made ample use of layers for the quirky men, giving them ample options and tips for layering this winter. The look was put together with an “I-care-a-damn” attitude.

Mohammed Javed Khan at LFW W/F 2011- GenNext designer

Shashank Raja and Prajwal Badwe
The duo sought inspiration from the Elizabethan era and Indian royalty for their collection, teaming Indian embroidery with fabrics like organza and net. Their dresses and gowns had a dash of orange, adding to the charm of their collection.

Shashank Raja and Prajwal Badwe at LFW W/F 2011- GenNext designer

Siddharth Arya
It was 1980s cult punk inspiration all the way with grunge styling, as models at Siddharth Arya walked out with armadillo reptilian shoulders bolero and rag doll micro mini. Taffeta came alive for a layered skirt with metal grunge embroidered coat and the leather appliqué dress with jet sequinned cape and cutout leggings rocked on the ramp. There was even a grunge sari!

Siddharth Arya at LFW W/F 2011- GenNext designer

Theresa James and Roger Prince
This Canadian design team sourced fabrics for their collection Retarded Velvet from across the globe, Ghanaian batik, Native American fabrics, South Indian cotton with Tencel and Lyocell. And these were not the only contrasts, as colours, prints and silhouettes were mixed and matched for a fabulous design story.

Theresa James and Roger Prince at LFW W/F 2011- GenNext designers

Urmi Ghosh
Pablo Picasso’s lover’s (Maar) tragic story provided ample fodder to Urmi Ghosh’s debut collection, with motifs of cats, boots, tight rope walkers, birds and cages. Urmi used a range of techniques on a single garment, ranging from colour blocking and piping, to appliqué and cutwork.

Urmi Ghosh at LFW W/F 2011- GenNext designer

Thinles Chosdup and Niranjana Adhya
This Ladakh-inspired menswear collection combined shades of grey and steel with a few colourful touches, producing garments like asymmetric waistcoats, drop crotch pants, skirt front trousers, breeches and patched jackets.

Thinles Chosdup & Niranjana Adhya at LFW W/F 2011- GenNext designers

Nikhil Thampi
This young designer deconstructed silhouettes with drapes in neutrals for men and women. For women, there were layered gowns and skirts, while the men wore long draped shirts and buttonless waist coats and wool tunics. And oh, the leather inserts added a wonderful finishing touch.

Nikhil Thampi at LFW W/F 2011

Which GenNext designer do you like the most?

Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2011 starts today with off-site Rohit Bal show

With my crazy work sched last week, I completely forgot that it’s almost time for another season of Lakme Fashion Week! And the day is finally here—ace Delhi designer Rohit Bal’s offsite show tonight will be the first collection of LFW Winter/Festive 2011.

Last season, Kolkata-based designer Anamika Khanna showcased her collection at LFW Summer/Resort 2011’s offsite show at Tote. A quick recap in pictures from the show:

Model for Anamika Khanna at LFW S/R 2011   Model for Anamika Khanna at LFW S/R 2011

Models for Anamika Khanna at LFW S/R 2011

Watch out for updates on Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2011 on Speaking Chic over the next few days.

Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2011 runs from Aug 16-21 in Mumbai.