After figuring out what swimsuit is right for you (from my previous post), it’s time to go shop for one! But if you’re bored of your neighbourhood “department” store, here are our suggestions where you could find swimsuits that are stylish, trendy and fun.
PS- You can buy some of the swimsuits online- just click on the image where the website is mentioned.
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?
Rohan Arora’s “Item” footwear
Rohan Arora’s collection featured slip-ons and sandals with ghungroos for women and men’s lace-up shoes with black embroidery. I tried on the five-inch heels and they were super comfy.
Neha Sharma’s hand-made jewellery
Neha’s statement neck pieces were of unconventional shapes and had mother of pearl, white agate, onyx and other semi precious stones placed on velvet. I especially liked the unusual use of zips in the necklaces.
Sannam Chopra’s leather accessories
Leather is not just for the boys, nor is it just for belts or wallets. Sannam’s coloured leather pieces were embellished with studs and rosettes. I also liked her leather bows and clutches (which she has promised to convert into iPad covers).
Felix Bendish
Felix’s range of accessories were bold in colour and embellishments- sequins, Swarovski crystals and feathers. I liked the cute clutches and brooches- eye catching stuff!
Some shows with noteworthy accessories:
Shivan & Narresh- Their studded neckpieces and belts were stunning, as always.
Pernia Qureshi- Loved the bags and clutches.
Priyadarshini Rao- Bright lace-ups with heels for women.
One: Fashion shows by Pallavi Jaikishan (for the first time at Lakme Fashion Week), Ritu Beri, Shyamal & Bhumika, Shivan & Narresh, Swapnil Shinde!
Below: Swapnil Shinde at LFW S/R 2012
Two: New faces can usher in new fashion (hopefully). Pernia Qureshi of Aisha fame will be presenting her first collection on Saturday. I also enjoyed Nimish Shah and Payal Khandwala last season for their fresh take on design. And GenNext designers are always fun to watch!
Below: Shift by Nimish Shah at LFW S/R 2012
Three: Wendell Rodricks will release his memoirs The Green Room on the last day of fashion week. I can’t wait to read it.
Four: Kallol Dutta may look strange and “scary”, but his fashion is quirky and he’s got a great following. He will present at the grand finale with Pankaj-Nidhi- it will be a must-watch!
Below: Kallol Dutta and Pankaj-Nidhi with Purnima Lamba, Head Innovations, Lakme
What are you excited about this season of Lakme Fashion Week?
Best looks from Day 1 at Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2012:
Archana Rao
“Frou-Frou” was wearable, practical and minimalistic. Loved the menswear inspiration (structured shirt) combined with the feminine touch (polka dots, sheer fabrics). I got inspired by the mix-and-match styling as well.
Megha Garg
Fluid floating drapes, multiple layers, ombre effects and digital prints on jersey and silk organza. When you wear this, keep your makeup all dark, and you would look goth!
Drashta
Cocktail wear taken seriously. Inventive stuff– inverted seams for unconventional detailing, cropped lace jackets, slashed sleeves for tunics, and a grey coat dress in ribbed silver weave. 
James Ferreira
Tie-and-dye and bandhini on a single fabric, for very wearable skirts, tops, swirling maxis and blouses. A drape here, a fold there, a tuck in there- good construction!
Masaba Gupta
Ahh, the prints. Warning: for the quirky fashionistas only!
Accessory of the day
Headgear at Shivan-Narresh.
Beauty look of the day
Sky-high updos at James Ferreira.
Crazy but interesting looks
Prashant Chauhan
An interpretation of Tibetan attire with use of silk, wool, patchwork and floral patterns. Most interesting bits: baubles of wool, exotic head gear and 3D flowers. (Umm… not sure if the model could see through that).
SoFake by Sapna Bhavnani and Sukriti Grover
Take a look at the pic below. Not an easy collection to conceive, design and execute. Hmmmm!!!
Tanya Sharma
Don’t get taken aback by the “Gaga” look. You could wear the garments as separates for a saner look. 🙂
On my wishlist
Jumpsuits: James Ferreira, Drashta
Swimsuit: Shivan-Narresh (when I get into shape)
Special moment of the day
James Ferreira bringing his entire team on the ramp. Not too many designers acknowledge and thank their karigars and creative teams.
Customary Bollywood appearance of the day
There were more than a couple of celebs walking the ramp. My fave: hottie Prateik for Masaba Gupta. But why is he wearing baby pink shoes?
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?
