Lipsy

In 2012, Accessories, Fashion, Men

Chic 2012: Brands that created buzz

Speaking ChicDecember 31, 2012December 30, 2012Leave a comment

New Movers

Formal wear suddenly became important with the launch of Kenneth Cole and Thomas Pink. I’m especially excited about the Kenneth Cole though the Indian tax-laden prices could stretch anyone’s wallet.

WonderBra lifted Indian women’s hopes (pun intended) by making their debut on Zivame.com, while Furla’s accessories made for a colourful display at their Palladium store.

Superdry got the best launch publicity ever with Shahrukh Khan wearing a Superdry vest in Challa from Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

And Sephora’s first store in India was the best Christmas gift ever! Can’t wait for it to come to Mumbai, even though a friend has promised to bring me some goodies from the Delhi flagship at Select Citywalk this week. Fingers crossed.

Coming soon

Lipsy for party dresses and red carpet gowns; Stuart Weitzman for pricey men’s and women’s accessories; Dune for footwear and accessories that are a bit more affordable.

With Indian law now allowing 100% FDI in single-brand retail, we can expect many more brands like Topshop and H&M to consider setting up shop on Indian soil.

Almost disappeared

Esprit called off their deal with Madura, so the brand’s flagship stores in India are already shutting down. Miss Sixty is nowhere to be seen either—any idea if the Italian brand’s around at all?

This is the second in a series of posts rounding up the Indian fashion scene in 2012.

In 2012, Accessories, Fashion, trends

Chic Lesson: Baroque Fashion for dummies (and where to find it)

Speaking ChicNovember 28, 2012January 14, 2013Leave a comment

What’s baroque?

Baroque is an artistic style that flourished in 17^th century Europe. It’s characterized by exaggerated motion and details that create tension, drama and exuberance. The Baroque style extends to painting, sculpture, architecture, theatre, music and literature.

So what is baroque fashion?

Don’t get confused, baroque fashion is not inspired by what people wore in the 1600s and early 1700s. Rather, it is an extension of the key attributes of the Baroque style- ornamentation, gold and richness in fabric, details and textures.

(Below: Dolce & Gabbana FW 2013 collection)

So how do I identify Baroque fashion?

Look out for:

Gilt/ gold embellishments (refer Dolce & Gabbana FW 2013 below)

Heavy brocades
Gold-centric prints
Embossing
Bright and large floral prints
Velvet with embellishments
Tapestry-inspired embroideries and prints in a range of colours- think spirals and volutes. (Refer Zara Jacquard mini skirt below)

Why is everyone talking about baroque fashion?

Fashion mags are touting it as a hot trend for Fall/ Winter 2012 (I had mentioned this as an upcoming trend at the end of the previous season). That’s because it made an appearance in collections of important designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta, Alexander McQueen and Balmain.

And in India?

Closer home, designers like Rajat K Tangri and Khushboo Agarwal-Prem Kumar (below) got baroque in their winter collection. And it will also stay on as a trend for SS 13.

So where does the baroque trend appear?

On jackets, dresses, blouses, jewellery and accessories like bags and shoes! In India, there will never be dearth of gold embellishments and zardosi, or gold accessories, so you might just find something somewhere! (Lipsy Baroque Mesh Top below)

Where can I buy baroque pieces?

Key fashion brands feature some elements of the baroque trend. Zara and Mango both have some baroque pieces. Some brands like Forever New have elements of baroque as well.

Mango Baroque Velvet Blouse

Motel Coco Baroque Blue dress (available on Rock.in)

Forever New Lily 2 in 1 dress

What about baroque-inspired accessories?

Wavey Clutch from French Connection

Necklace from Toniq

Earrings from Viange

In 2012, Fashion, News

Chic Launches: British fashion invasion with Lipsy, Dune, Hackett London

Speaking ChicSeptember 13, 2012September 12, 2012Leave a comment

This week there have been three big announcements in Indian fashion retail. Three new brands are joining the great Indian retail bandwagon with local partners, and all three are British.

Here’s the dope on all three brands:

Lipsy

Lipsy, a London-based brand for fun-loving young women and part of the Next Group, will enter the country with Brand Marketing India.

In three words: Affordable, eclectic, glamourous.

Save up for: The “VIP” range (for red carpet looks), trendy dresses and cute blouses.

How much: Dresses start from GBP 35 (approximately Rs 3100) and can go up to GBP 175 for VIP dresses (approximately Rs 15,500).

First store expected: By early to mid-2013

Dune

Dune is the flagship brand of the Dune Group, and offers distinctive fashion footwear and accessories for women and men. Dune has joined hands with Reliance Brands for their India foray.

In three words: High on design.

Save up for: Comfy heel sizes (for women), cool brogues (for men) and awesome boots (for both).

How much: Rs 4500 to Rs 12, 000 for a pair of shoes.

First store expected: Spring/ Summer 2013 (February or March 2013)

Hackett London

Hackett London is a true-blue British formal brand for men. In India, Hackett London has entered into a joint venture agreement with Aditya Birla Group’s Madura Fashion & Lifestyle.

In three words: Sophisticated British luxury.

Save up for: Sharp and stylish formal shirts, jackets and suits.

How much: Rs 8,000 for a formal shirt, Rs 50,000 upward for a suit.

First store expected: This month at Emporio Mall, New Delhi and UB City, Bengaluru.