Nachiket Barve

It’s good to know that the tiger population in India has increased by roughly 300 since Aircel first began their “Save the Tiger” campaign. At Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2013, Aircel presented Fashion for a Cause that showcased the works of 40 designers. Each creation was inspired by the tiger and each ensemble was completely different from the rest. Some of the designs were ferocious like the majestic creature, some made a strong statement, and some took the theme very seriously. I liked several of them.

My favourite looks were from Nachiket Barve, Rimi Nayak, Shivan Narresh, Ragini Ahuja, Jatin Varma, Nupur Kanoi and Sidharth Aryan. Some of the best pictures from this list:

Which look do you like?

In 2012, Fashion, LFW S/R 2012

LFW S/R 2012 crystal ball: What to talk about this fashion week

Speaking ChicMarch 1, 2012March 1, 2012Leave a comment

Eighty-three designers will present their collection at Lakme Fashion Week Summer/ Resort 2012, ranging from the well-established Anita Dongre and Sabyasachi Mukherjee to the debutantes Megha Garg and Archana Rao.

But what will the people at fashion week really talk about? Some predictions as I peek into the fashion week crystal ball:

Bibhu Mohapatra’s show: This will be the New York-based designer’s first fashion week showing in India, and with his international fan following, I predict a packed house for his show on Saturday evening and plenty of fawning after that. But will Bibhu buzz be louder than (Rohit) Bal buzz? Can’t say!

Indian textiles: This season the third day of LFW S/R 2012 is dedicated to Indian textiles, with designers showcasing Indian weaves and fabrics. There will also be workshops on the resurgence and importance of Indian weaves and crafts, in which designers like Krishna Mehta, Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Bibhu Mohapatra will participate.

Nina Manuel: Nina Manuel is back in India and has landed the LFW TV gig. The leggy super model will bring a regular dose of behind-the-scenes fashion, interviews and more on LFWTV.in.

Non-designers-turned-designers: From hair stylist Sapna Bhavnani to artist Payal Khandwala, fashion “outsiders” are taking a bold step into the fashion world at LFW S/R 2012. I’m really intrigued to know how their varied experiences translate into fashion. Good luck to them!

Mumbai’s missing: Word on the street is that Manish Malhotra has pulled out from LFW S/R 2012 because he didn’t have time from his Bollywood schedule to put together a collection. But the Mumbai designer I’ll miss most is Nachiket Barve (I always love his clothes!).

Below: Rohit Bal, Narendra Kumar, Swapnil Shinde

“Haven’t I seen that somewhere?”: Every fashion week as new collections roll out on the ramp, there’s a sense of déjà vu. Designers repeat themselves, get inspired by movies, actors, and, of course, Rajasthan. Let’s get over that already. I want to see original fashion, please!

Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2012 runs from March 2 to 6, 2012 in Mumbai.

In 2012, Fashion, WIFW AW 2012

WIFW A/W 2012: Day 2 highlights

Speaking ChicFebruary 17, 2012February 17, 2012Leave a comment

Here is a summary of Day 2 at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Autumn/ WInter 2012, each in 15 words or less. Enjoy!

Myoho by Kiran & Megha: Fluid and structured, Aztec prints and layered embroidery in dusty brights and charcoal hues.

Nupur Kanoi: Dark “armour” for modern women with cording, pleating, kantha and quilting.

The Next Episode by Shantanu Singh: Wear the penguin- streamlined bodice, greys, black and white, with hints of yellow/ orange.

Vaishali S: Her “Khwaja” collection used hand woven organic cotton in unconventional silhouettes in black and white.

Chandrani Singh Fllora: Colours of sapphire with shibori dye techniques for “aqua” effects.

Dozakh by Kartikeya & Isha: Inspired by mystical Prague, they used their signature layering and tone on tone embroidery.

Taurus by Dhruv & Pallavi: Om-inspired headgear, deep contrasting colours with metallic gold embellishment on western silhouettes, drapes and layers.

Akaaro by Gaurav Jai Gupta: Industrial surfaces and men’s fabric create a metal chic look crossed with industrial Goth. Woah!

Anaikka: Dark crystals on constructed silhouettes can turn woman into warrior!

Pero by Aneeth Arora: Patchwork of fabrics from across India- khadis, ikats, pashminas (drawn from the travelling woman?).

Rishta by Arjun: Hybrid of shapes, textures, colours and silhouettes tell the worker’s dreams (burnt sequins) and reality.

Kavita Bhartia: Flowing prints, metallic embellishments (think gold marries black).

Nachiket Barve: Geometrical patterns and delicious colour effects, embellished with everything from mashru appliqué to patchwork.

Rakesh Agarvwal: Sexy evening wear in metallic and jewel tones.

Gaurav Gupta: Clean lines with calculated fluidity, in colours like midnight purple, tangerine and charcoal grey.

Customary Bollywood appearance of the day

Chitrangada Singh for Anaikka. Neckline too low, bust too tight. #Fail.

In Fashion, WLIFW SS 2012

WLIFW SS 2012: Day 1 highlights

Speaking ChicOctober 10, 2011November 5, 2011Leave a comment

Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012 kicked off on October 8, 2011 in New Delhi. Here’s what happened on Day 1 (Saturday):

There were colours… lots of them!

True to the upcoming season, India’s designers showed us colours to brighten the summer of 2012. There were plenty of colours all around, ranging from bright to soft—we spotted orange, hot pink, blue and red.

Below: Gauri & Nainika; Nachiket Barve; Rajesh Pratap Singh

Meanwhile, there was white (and pastels) too!

Who says white is not a colour? Rahul Reddy and Rimzim Dadu proved otherwise, even as some designers played with soft pastels.

Below: Rahul Reddy, My Village by Rimzim Dadu, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Nandita Basu

Meanwhile, Indian styles dominated

Rajesh Pratap Singh showcase ikat tunics, dresses and kurtas. Meanwhile, Aneeth Arora brought out the famous Madras checks and floral prints on dresses, coats and trousers. Nandita Basu combined kantha work with details like pleats and cowls.

Below: Rajesh Pratap Singh, Pero by Aneeth Arora, Nandita Basu

Silhouettes were more structured than fluid

While most of us tend to associate summer with loose silhouettes, flowy garments and easy-going outfits, the designers surprised us with silhouettes that were had cleaner lines, robust shapes and a complexity-in-detail approach. But are they summer-ready? Yep!

Below: Rahul Reddy, My Village by Rimzim Dadu, Nandita Basu

Embellishments were subtle

Malini Ramani used her favourite little mirrors to embellish, while Nachiket Barve used his favourite floral appliqué along with silvery leaves.

Below: Malini Ramani, Nachiket Barve

Look of the day

The cheeky girls wearing uniform-like garments and headgear at Gauri & Nainika.

Accessory of the day

The applique envelope clutch at Nachiket Barve… fabulous! (Close contender: Fluorescent belts and chappals at Rahul Reddy.)

Below: Nachiket Barve, Rahul Reddy

Celeb appearance of the day

The customary Bollywood appearance on Day 1 at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week SS 2012 was by the cast of upcoming movie My Friend Pinto, Prateik and Kalki Koechlin for Rina Dhaka. Do they look good? Sure. As for the clothes—best left unsaid. 😉

What are your favourites from Day 1 of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week SS 2012?

In Fashion, LFW W/F 2011

LFW W/F 2011 Day 2: Nachiket Barve, Little Shilpa, Swapnil Shinde interpret speed

Speaking ChicAugust 27, 2011Leave a comment

On Day 2 of Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2011, DHL presented a trio of designers representing the future of fashion—Nachiket Barve, Little Shilpa and Swapnil Shinde. While all three designers are a few seasons old, their approach was fresh as they interpreted the brand’s theme—speed—in in their own personal ways.

Nachiket Barve
Seeking inspiration from the the fast-changing colours of a breath-taking sunset (The Golden Hour), Nachiket Barve used pink, golden, purple, and red hues in his garments and accessories. Playing on the ombré effect, the designer created saris, tunics, kurtas and dresses in his signature fluid style. Sequins, polki detailing, cutwork and applique were expertly used to create timeless global fashion wear. We also liked the matching neckpieces and clutches.

Little Shilpa
Shilpa Chavan’s interpretation of speed was flight and the urban landscape—birds, wings, aeroplanes and skyscrapers. Her models walked the ramp encased in sky and clouds boxes made from packaging material, while the headgear was made with pleated ikat fabrics and feathers that framed the face. Aviator glasses were used as hair bands and glass pieces symbolised eflection.

Swapnil Shinde
Swapnil Shinde’s LFW W/F 2011 collection was based on sound waves, hence named “Speed of Sound”. Swapnil created ripple-inspired shapes with folds, pleats and drapes in fabrics chiffon, taffeta, organza, and crepe, along with materials like acrylic, PVC and leather. PVC rolls and tubes were the most cleverly-used embellishment (for lack of a better word), seen on the bodice, waist and shoulders of dresses and gowns. The soft drapes falling across the front of the garment in waves added to an elegant, high-fashion look.

In Fashion, WIFW AW 2011

WIFW: 141 fashion designers? We explain!

Speaking ChicMarch 26, 2011Leave a comment

Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Autumn/ Winter 2011 kicks off on April 6, and the designer list has been announced. A whopping 141 designers will showcase their collections at the Delhi event.

Now 141 designers is an amazing number, right? So we poked around a bit and discovered some interesting nuggets, that explain the numbers better:

Out of a total of 141 designers, 77 will have ramp shows. Fifteen of them are Hi 5 designers (upcoming designers making their runway debut).

The remaining (that means 64 designers) will only display their collections in the stalls. That’s an area like an exhibition hall where you can check out the clothes and accessories, and even meet the designers. You can usually find buyers and journalists and other general visitors in this area during fashion week.

What we find most interesting is the list of designers who only have stalls. These include big names by Rohit Bal, Malini Ramani, Gauri & Nainika, Amit GT, Nachiket Barve, Prashant Verma, Ranna Gill, Rina Dhaka, Vineet Bahl and Wendell Rodricks.

We wondered what such big names are doing off the ramp. It’s possible these well-established designers feel they don’t need ramp shows to get attention. Perhaps they’d rather focus on getting their clothes right, rather than dealing with the chaos and costs of a ramp show. Or maybe they feel ramp shows are just not worth the expense?

What do you think?

PS: Some of the recognisable names showcasing their collections on the ramp: Abraham & Thakore, am:pm by Ankur & Priyanka Modi, Gaurav Gupta, Geisha Designs by Paras & Shalini, James Ferreira, Label – Ritu Kumar, My Village by Rimzim Dadu, Namrata Joshipura, Neeru Kumar, Niki Mahajan, Pero by Aneeth Arora, Rahul Mishra, Rahul Reddy, Tarun Tahiliani, Sabyasachi Mukherjee.

In Fashion, WIFW AW 2011

WIFW: 141 fashion designers? We explain!

Speaking ChicMarch 26, 2011Leave a comment

Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Autumn/ Winter 2011 kicks off on April 6, and the designer list has been announced. A whopping 141 designers will showcase their collections at the Delhi event.

Now 141 designers is an amazing number, right? So we poked around a bit and discovered some interesting nuggets, that explain the numbers better:

Out of a total of 141 designers, 77 will have ramp shows. Fifteen of them are Hi 5 designers (upcoming designers making their runway debut).

What do you think?

In Fashion, LFW

Fashion News: 7 new models for upcoming Lakmé Fashion Week

Speaking ChicJanuary 22, 20111 Comment

Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2011 is coming up in March 2011, and the action is already heating up.

An jury of fashion experts yesterday selected seven aspiring models for Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/ Resort 2011. The new models are Angela Jonsson, Bryndis Helgadottir, Keylie Bodeker, Lekha Anatharaman, Rikee Chatterjee, Reha Sukheja and Sophia Dgneid. Here they are:

Ta da!

From left to right: Reha Sukheja, Bryndis Helgadottir, Sophia Dgneid, Lekha Anantharaman, Angela Jonsson, Rikee Chaterjee, Keylie Bodeker.

Some interesting things we noted:

Almost 120 models turned up to audition, a whopping increase of more than 80% since the last season of LFW. Good to know interest is increasing, but quantity doesn’t always mean quality. Fingers crossed on this one.
Foreign models are coming to India in hordes! While the dusky beauties still dominate, are growing foreign imports a sign of things to come? Hmmm… hopefully the Balance of Fashion Payments remains tilted in India’s favour, eh?

FYI, the model selection jury comprised well-known designers Nachiket Barve and Rocky S; fashion show directors Marc Robinson and Lubna Adams; photographer Jatin Kampani, Vogue India editor Priya Tanna, along with Anil Chopra (CEO – Lakmé Lever), and Sujal Shah (Vice-President & Head of Fashion for IMG India).

Related Posts:

Just in: Fantastic foursome at LFW

Fashion News: Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2011 designers announced

In Fashion, LFW W/F 2010

LFW: Nachiket’s mix-and-match dazzles

Speaking ChicSeptember 25, 2010Leave a comment

Nachiket Barve got the idea for his Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2010 Magpie collection from the bird that steals shiny objects to decorate its nest. The designer “stole” inspiration from around the world, drawing inspiration from objects as varied as fabergé eggs, Moroccan star motifs, Marrakech’s tropical sunsets and Ukrainian paintings.

In true Nachiket style, there was plenty of colour (burgundy, turquoise, purple, ink blue and more) with relaxed, yet structured, silhouettes. The designer expertly combined various techniques in a single garment, such as cross stitch beading with silk and glass beads and 3D appliqué on graphic resist origami dyed dress.

Nachiket experimented with churidars, kurtas and saris for the first time, with interesting results. For instance, there were couple of tie-and-dye saris with appliqué borders. Also seen was the use of clever layering in contrasting colours.

Speaking Chic says: A fun, delightful and wearable collection, with several garments worth keeping for several seasons.

Showing all posts tagged Nachiket Barve

LFW SR 2013: Top picks from Aircel’s Save the Tiger show

LFW S/R 2012 crystal ball: What to talk about this fashion week

WIFW A/W 2012: Day 2 highlights

WLIFW SS 2012: Day 1 highlights

LFW W/F 2011 Day 2: Nachiket Barve, Little Shilpa, Swapnil Shinde interpret speed

WIFW: 141 fashion designers? We explain!

WIFW: 141 fashion designers? We explain!

Fashion News: 7 new models for upcoming Lakmé Fashion Week

Just in: Fantastic foursome at LFW

LFW: Nachiket’s mix-and-match dazzles