LFW S/R 2012

In 2012, Fashion, LFW S/R 2012

LFW S/R 2012: Day 4 highlights

Speaking ChicMarch 15, 2012March 15, 2012Leave a comment

Most interesting look

Swapnil Shinde mixed robotic, futuristic, tribal, raw, dramatic, spiritual, futuristic and dark celebratory inspirations to almost recreate sci-fi movies and music of the 80s.

Other noteworthy looks

Nupur Kanoi:

The designer used fabric tapes as embellishment, and created geometric patterns as surface decoration. The colour story revolved around white (depicting spirituality) and blue.

Shashank Raj- Prajwal Badwe:

The duo showcased speed and chaos of city life with innovative shapes, and techniques like blotting art and paper cut-outs, 3D felt cut-outs and clever play of sheer with opaque fabrics.

WTFashion moment

Sidhartha Arya.

Crazy prints of the day

Insects crawled on dresses, scarves and embroidery of l khadi, tussar, crepe, georgette and silk Lurex at Rimi Nayak.

Meanwhile, handpainted leaves and dew drop prints were paired with metallic cutwork sequins at Neha Agarwal.

Accessories of the day

Neckpieces at Eina Ahluwalia; multi-leaf brooches at Neha Agarwal.

Most entertaining show of the season

Narendra Kumar played DJ at his show in a Mick Jagger wig, as his models in similar wigs danced a bit on the ramp. And oh, the clothes weren’t too bad.

Makeup of the day

Dark lips at Rimi Nayak—to show your dark side!

Customary Bollywood appearance of the day

Not one, but two- Sonali Bendre for Siddhartha Tytler and Sonakshi Sinha for JJ Valaya at The Karmik Show.

In 2012, Accessories, Fashion, Men

It’s Women’s Day today! So let’s talk about men

Speaking ChicMarch 8, 2012March 8, 2012Leave a comment

It’s International Women’s Day today, but I’m not one to celebrate it. You can read my rant against Women’s Day here.

So to “celebrate” Women’s Day, I’ve decided to focus on men. This is a special post especially for men, based on inputs from girl friends and Speaking Chic readers. They’ve shared their views on what they like best about men (from the fashion POV). In short, they answer the question—when and how do men look their best?

This post is meant for the guys, so I’ve addressed the men, not the ladies.

Guys, here goes:

Start with the jackets: Women love men in dinner jackets, formal jackets and stylish casual jackets. My personal favourite these days is the light linen jacket like the one SRK wore in Don 2. Tres chic! (Below: Jacket from Zara)

Impress with your fragrance: Not one, not two, but three women told me they love fresh, clean, aquatic scents (I do too)! Which means CK’s Eternity for Men Aqua is a hands-down winner.

Dress down once in a while: While women love men dressed formally, they also like the guys to chill out once in a while. So wear casual shirts with sleeves rolled up, geeky tees with reference to popular culture and coloured polo tees. (Below: T-shirt from Guru).

Don’t forget to groom yourself: Well-groomed nails are a must. One reader even recommended manicures for guys. Also on the list are soft hands, shaven face and moisturised lips. (Below: L’Occitane Shea Butter hand cream, The Body Shop lip balm).

Hair is important: Shiny, glossy hair is awesome. So is the neat and clean gelled look. But not too spiked, thank you!

Accessorise: Sport classy belts with brands/ logos, and wrist accessories like bracelets/ kadas. My current favourite is an oblong dial watch with a leather strap. (Below: Watch from Fossil)

Rock those jeans: If a guy can pull off well-fitted jeans (not the skinny ones), the woman will be super happy! That’s because it shows the guy is healthy and fit. And we all like that, don’t we? (Below: Look from Diesel)

Try on new trends: Women like to see men who are “with it”. Think coloured shoes, boots, fresh colours, slim fits, grunge and lots more.

Health is wealth: Toned biceps, flattish abs, muscular legs. A good body and confidence can pull off almost every look. So being healthy and strong will make you look young, haute and happening! Drool… 😉

Ladies, what are your fashion and style tips for men?

PS—Thanks to Florence, Tanveer, Harlein and Kanika for their inputs.

PS 2 —There’s a hidden message in this post. Can anyone find it?

In 2012, Fashion, LFW S/R 2012

LFW S/R 2012 grand finale: Glimpses from the Rohit Bal show

Speaking ChicMarch 7, 2012March 7, 2012Leave a comment

Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2012 drew to a close last night, with Rohit Bal presenting his collection in the lawns of Grand Hyatt, Mumbai. I loved the decor, enjoyed the ambience and was mesmerised by the entire presentation. There were live musicians, pristine white and off-white cut-out trees and a two-level structure!

And here’s a video I shot during the show. Enjoy!

In 2012, Fashion, LFW S/R 2012

LFW S/R 2012 Day 4: Models dance for Narendra Kumar (video)

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

I’m super excited. This is my first video for Speaking Chic, and it’s straight from the ramp! I shot this video at Narendra Kumar’s show at Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2012 (Day 4). The Mick Jagger-inspired show was great fun, with Narendra Kumar as the DJ and the models (mostly hot guys) in Jagger wigs!

Enjoy this glimpse of the show:

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 2012, Fashion, LFW S/R 2012

LFW S/R 2012 Day 4: Shows to watch today

Speaking ChicMarch 5, 2012March 5, 2012Leave a comment

It was a fashion-packed weekend that ended sooner than I wanted. But hey, it’s another day at Lakme Fashion Week Summer/ Resort 2012!

Bodice by Ruchika Sachdeva: The young designer has been tweeting extensively about her upcoming collection for her label ‘Bodice’, and the designs seem to be an interesting amalgamation of vintage influences and menswear tailoring, while being futuristic.

Eina Ahluwalia: Eina’s accessories are bold, in-your-face and don’t hesitate to call a spade a spade. Her collection based on domestic violence last year had made quite a mark, and I spotted some good pieces at her stall yesterday.

Below: Eina Ahluwalia at LFW S/R 2011

Swapnil Shinde: Last season, Swapnil used folds, pleats and drapes in materials like acrylic, PVC and leather to interpret sound waves. The “rolls” and tubes made quite an impact on the ramp.

Narendra Kumar: There’s only one word for Narendra Kumar’s shows—fun! One of the few menswear designers at LFW S/R 2012, I’m expecting a stellar collection from him this time as always. And of course, lots of eye candy and an entertaining show. (Last season, he got models to do little jigs and dance steps on the ramp!).

Below: Narendra Kumar at LFW W/F 2011

In 2012, Fashion, LFW S/R 2012

LFW S/R 2012: Day 2 highlights

Speaking ChicMarch 4, 2012March 4, 2012Leave a comment

Best looks from Day 2 at Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2012:

Bibhu Mohapatra

Edgy and sexy!

Komal Sood

Hand-painted garments that scream “Holi hai!”

Payal Khandwala

Abstractionist art seeped into fashion with deep jewel tones, neutrals and pure whites. What I liked most was the use of flowing silhouettes with strong angles.

Bhairavi Jaikishan

Rainbow of colours with embellishments using resham, sequins, crystals, 3D embroidery, gold and silver zari on nets.

Accessories of the day

It was a day of accessories—they stood out in almost every show. So more space for the accessories today.

Mineral by Priyadarshini Rao

The sling bags were by AKA Bespoke. Wear them everywhere!

Nitya Arora

Bags and jewellery, liked the use of spikes and semi precious stones in eye-popping colours. Wear the neck pieces with a white shirt and jeans.

Suhani Pittie

There’s not much to say about Suhani Pittie, except that I absolutely love her accessories. This time, delicate leaves, entwining vines, roses, and the hint of a graceful swan’s wing, the elegant peacock, the hornbill’s beak and the beauty of the spiral rivet were the motifs.

Hats at Shift

Super cute! And you can wear them the entire season… with everything.

Beauty looks of the day

Blue eyeshadow over the lid and the brow bone at Mineral by Priyadarshini Rao.

On my wishlist

Bibhu Mohapatra dress

Let the picture below say a thousand words!

Suhani Pittie’s accessories

Hair band, belt, necklace—everything!

Nitin Bal Chauhan (at Disney Couture)

I’m ready for treated denim. Bring it on!

Set of the day

The cafe for Nitin Bal Chauhan at Disney Couture.

Special moments

Minnie Mouse walks the ramp at Disney Couture show.

Customary Bollywood appearance of the day

Amy Jackson for Bhairavi Jaikishan.

In 2012, Fashion, LFW S/R 2012

LFW S/R 2012 Day 3: Indian Textile Day (and a sneak preview of Debarun)

Speaking ChicMarch 4, 2012March 4, 2012Leave a comment

The third day of Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2012 has been designated “Indian Textile Day”. Curated by Krishna Mehta, all designers today will showcase Indian weaves and crafts.

One of the designers today is Kolkata-based Debarun, and he’s using pure Indian fabrics like chandari, dupion silk, crushed mal mal and Indian-made pure cotton. The colour palette is predominantly white with some pastel shades. BTW, Shahana Goswami will walk the ramp at Debarun this afternoon.

Take a look:

Paromita Bannerjee

Paromita has always been a fan of Indian fabrics, especially hand-woven fabrics. She has using them in the past to create fusion silhouettes for universal appeal.

Below: Paromita Bannerjee at LFW W/F 2011

Anita Dongre

Anita’s penchant for ethnic style is well-known, and season after season this veteran designer has extensively worked with silk and cotton brocade weaves, tie and dye, and ikats of Andhra Pradesh.

Below: Anita Dongre at LFW W/F 2011

In 2012, Fashion, LFW S/R 2012

LFW S/R 2012 Day 2: Shows to watch today

Speaking ChicMarch 3, 2012March 3, 2012Leave a comment

Day 2 of Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2012 is going to be super fun, because the shows and themes have me intrigued!

Suhani Pittie

I always enjoy her jewellery, because she works with a range of materials from metal to stones, and her treatment and textures are unique.

Below: From Suhani Pittie at LFW S/R 2011

Bhairavi Jaikishan

Bhairavi is among the handful of Indian wear designers who usually tends to not go OTT. All the more reason to catch her show.

Disney Couture with Nitin Bal Chauhan and Little Shilpa

Disney, anarchistic Nitin Bal Chauhan, offbeat Little Shilpa. This will be one very powerful fashion combination!

Bibhu Mohapatra

It’s his first collection being presented in India, and he’s been received rave reviews overseas. Enough said!

In 2012, Fashion, LFW S/R 2012

LFW S/R 2012 Day 1: Shows to watch today

Speaking ChicMarch 2, 2012March 2, 2012Leave a comment

Fashion lovers, Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2012 kicks off today! Here are the shows I’m excited about:

Gen Next show: Every season, LFW kicks off with the Gen Next show. It’s always interesting to watch India’s young fashion talent present their first collections. Looking forward to it! The Gen Next designers are Archana Rao, Shikha Grover & Vinita Adhikare, Manoj Kumar & Vinod Bhardwaj, Tanya Sharma, Megha Garg, Yogesh Chaudhary and Prashant Kumar.

Below: Shashank and Prajwal, Gen Next show at LFW W/F 2011

SoFake by Sapna Bhavnani and Sukriti Grover: Sapna and Sukriti’s first collection for SoFake emphasizes on classic cuts, strong structured shapes and the use of basic colours “black, grey and white” that can be paired with anything. Their inspiration? Kathakali and the British Raj!

Shivan – Narresh: Shivan and Narresh are best known for their resort wear. Since I’m already in the process of getting into shape this summer, I’m looking forward to their swim suits. 😉

Below: Shivan-Narresh at LFW S/R 2011

James Ferreira: He is known as a “master draper and cutter” and returns to the Mumbai fashion scene after a gap of five years. James will present “Save the Air” that is dedicated to Mumbai, and hopes to bring around awareness for the quality of air we breathe.

Which show are you looking forward to today?