WIFW

There’s more than one way to wear metal on your clothes, according to Siddharth Tytler and Anaikka at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Autumn Winter 2013. Siddharth loves goth glam looks, so metallic embellishments remained the focus of his collection, but he made it interesting to watch (and wear) with feminine skirts and combining with textures like sequins and leather.

Anaikka innovated with metallic thread patchwork on garments, beads and spikes. Long chains were wrapped around the torso, while heavy metal embellishments covered a body suit all over, creating the illusion of bondage.

Would you wear metal?

In 2012, Fashion, WIFW SS 2013

WIFW S/S 2013: Day 1 Recap

Speaking ChicOctober 17, 2012October 17, 2012Leave a comment

Atsu Sekhose
With crisp whites and vivid prints, Atsu’s collection had immensely wearable separates.

Geisha Designs
The “Edwardian” theme was a tad confusing- the mini capsules ended up being a mixed bag of looks. Though there some gorgeous rich pieces in gold, the theatricality of some gowns tended to be jarring.

Anand Kabra
Lime green with gold is a wonderful summer combination, and the mosaic prints would look great on skirts, pants and kurtas. The Indian wear is ot too festive, but can be a good summer wear for elegant ladies who wear saris casually.

Kiran Uttam Ghosh
Playing with sheer and opaque is not new, but Kiran Uttam Ghosh’s approach to this “trend” is fresh. She used asymmetricality, neat embellishments, layering and multi-cultural influences to create wearable artful garments (plenty of geometric shapes). I spotted a couple of outfits I’d like to own!

Payal Pratap
Payal Pratap’s collection has the usual Indo fusion elements, though it makes up for the theme with the detailing- like cross stitch and minute geometric embroidery. The gypsy gilets are quirky wardrobe updates!

Surily
Aztec prints have been on the international ramps since the past few seasons, so Surily’s Aztec and geometric patterns did not seem edgy or fresh though they are quite wearable. Fringes and flirty elements are part of the Surily brand, along with the pop colour palette (fluorescent yellows, tangerine and pinks).

Wendell Rodricks
I got a feeling of deja vu on seeing Wendell Rodricks’ SS13 collection. Despite the repetitive moments, there were several pieces that made the collection worth a peek- especially from the Malacca-inspired part of the collection. The lungis, long tunics, colours and texture mix (linen + sequins + satin silk) make for very cool summer pieces.

Dutch Fashion Here & Now India
The show was a cross-culture, cross-country fashion collaboration between Indian and Dutch fashion designers (Suneet Varma with couturier Jan Taminiau and Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna of CUE with *DIED* ), along with several fashion and cultural reps from the two countries (for makeup, music, photography) The show was theatrical, dramatic and almost couture-like. I especially loved the “darkness” of *DIED* (by iederik Verbakel and Marieke Holthuis).

Accessories of the day
Jalli bangles at Payal Pratap, hair accessories at Geisha Designs, block heels at Anand Kabra (AKA Bespoke for Anand Kabra).

WTFashion Outfit of the Day:
Geisha Designs– lace strands hang down from certain body parts- not sure if this is a curtain, lamp shade or an outfit. Let’s call it the Mystery of the Hanging Lace?

In 2012, Fashion, WIFW AW 2012

WIFW A/W 2012: Key looks and moments from Day 5

Speaking ChicFebruary 28, 2012February 28, 2012Leave a comment

Look: The confident woman

At Kotwara by Meera Ali, the models wore breeches, skirts and ivory shirts in wool, chiffon, bamberg crepe and suede. The look combined structure and flowing lines, which I adore. I want to be this woman!

Look: The quirky woman

There were bright geeky glasses, printed shorts, skirts and dresses, along with funky motifs (exaggerated lips) at Niharika. You need to be very funky to carry off this look!

Hippie gone upmarket

Tanvi Kedia’s hippie-deluxe look is about non-conformist glamour with mish-mash of prints like sandwiched stripes, tapestry patterns and hazy geometrics.

Sheer in winter, anyone?

You can layer sheer fabrics in wintery colours like purple and dark blue with jackets, trousers and skirts this winter. Raj Shroff showed us how.

For the girl who wants to be a cop

For those dreamt of dressing in a khaki uniform for work, Rehane has the right look for you—caps and all!

For the music-loving geeky gal

Noise-cancelling headphones- check. Geeky glasses- check. Sequins- check. Feminine silhouette, manly shoes- check. It was all happening at Schon by Sakshi Pradhan!

For Gwenyth Paltow fans

If you liked Gwenyth Paltrow’s “cape” at yesterday’s Academy Awards, Tahera Peeran’s wraps are for you.

Accessories of the day:

Sling-bag with old-fashioned lock at Verb by Pallavi Singhee.

Carved bags at Virtues by Viral, Ashish and Vikrant.

Uncut diamonds and polki jewellery at JJ Valaya.

WTFashion moment of the day

Abdul Halder’s strategically-placed birds made me cringe. Which woman would want to wear this?

Fabulous ending

JJ Valaya ended WIFW A/W 2012 with a Turkish flourish. He used unusual art and craft based forms such as mother of pearl inlay, Turkish miniatures, Iznik Ceramics, weaves of the Sultan’s robes, exotic birds and graphic calligraphy in his jackets, dresses, breeches, shirts and blouses.

Customary Bollywood appearances of the day

Irfan Khan looking out of place at Kotwara by Meera Ali.

Kangana Ranaut all pouty and serious at JJ Valaya.

In 2012, Fashion, WIFW AW 2012

WIFW A/W 2012: What happened on Day 3

Speaking ChicFebruary 20, 2012February 20, 2012Leave a comment

Here’s what I learnt on Day 3 of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2012.

The standard Indian inspirations were still on the ramp

Gujarat and Rajasthan have inspired designers across the world, and continue to do so. Abraham & Thakore harked back to their NID, Ahmedabad days with hand-woven and hand-printed textiles. (Below: Abraham & Thakore)

Meanwhile, at Pallavi Jaipur the designer combined Rajasthan’s colour, kitsch and patchwork with an urban flair. The key accessories were hair pieces.

Europe’s varied culture made for interesting fashion elements

Rajdeep Ranawat’s A Bohemian Legend was influenced by the gypsy way of life with rich fabrics and bohemian influences such as paint splatters, and contoured and colour blocked vines with Chantilly motifs. He used embellishments by Swarovski Elements, chains and leather tassels with pearls and filigree. (Below: Rajdeep Ranawat)

At Pankaj & Nidhi, the 200-year-old Polish folk art of Wycinanki (vih-chee-nan-kee) came to life with hand-cut felt fabrics appliquéd on to fabrics. Note the peacock and floral motifs.

I remembered by school days

Dev r Nil’s interpretation of Alice in Wonderland was a bit different from what I imagined when I read it in school, but the play with optics, butterflies, floating gold fishes and surreal flights was just as enchanting. (I now want to read the book again).

If there’s one thing I didn’t mind about “needlework” in school, it was the cross stitch. It was fun, easy, and I could use lots of colours! So I especially liked Pankaj & Nidhi’s cross stitch on leather, using wool yarn and silk tapes. And the cross stitch was done by punching holes in the leather to form a grid. Mesmerising stuff!

Surface textures excite me

Think splashes of blood red, orange and rust on black and grey texturised fabrics with surface ornamentation. Floral art work compliments sexy cut-outs in modern silhouettes—this happened at Bhanuni by Jyoti Sharma and I enjoyed almost every outfit I saw.

And Anand Bhushan created junkyard fashion by reinterpreting industrial steel, copper and other material through texture, form and colour. For instance, the dresses seemed like moulds or casts. The colours came from the effects of industrial methods like rusting, oxidation and tarnishing. Worth a look!

We all enjoy old wine in a new bottle

Manish Malhotra’s been working with Kashmiri embroidery over the last few seasons (even in movies like Bodyguard), and this season was no different. The intricate thread and zari work from Kashmir featured on borders of churidars, pants and saris, along with matching belts and sleeves. Some of the stuff did look familiar, but his fans would love it.

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 2012, Fashion, WIFW AW 2012

WIFW A/W 2012: Day 1 highlights

Speaking ChicFebruary 16, 2012February 16, 2012Leave a comment

Here’s a look at what happened on Day 1 of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Autumn/ Winter 2012.

All kinds of cocktail dresses

There were gorgeous metallic finish dresses at S&N Drape by Shantanu-Nikhil, while slinky satins with drapes and lower doses of bling made up James Ferreira’s collection.

Below: S&N Drape by Shantanu-Nikhil, James Ferreira

Prints of the day

I enjoyed the rippled reed, lotus and lotus leaf print on moss and leaf greens at Anand Kabra, while Anupama Dayal did not surprise with her choice of florals and geometrics (among her faves going by earlier collections).

Below: Anand Kabra, Anupama Dayal

The best prints of the day were the tie-and-dye (Indian and geometric) dresses at James Ferreira.

Below: James Ferreira

White, black and shades of nude

It’s amazing how white, black and nude appear different to each designer. For Vineet Bahl, a black canvas was the starting point, later moving on to earthier hues. (Below: Vineet Bahl)

At S&N Drape by Shantanu-Nikhil, the final set of garments were nude dresses with white embroidery, and they were gorgeous. And Anju Modi began with ivory and cream, and ended with black.

(Below: S&N Drape by Shantanu-Nikhil, Anju Modi)

International influences

Sixteenth century Spanish toreros (matadors) provided inspiration to Preeti Chandra. The toreros wore elaborately decorated ‘Traje de Luces’ or ‘suits of light’. She transformed the toreros’ Trajes de Luces (suits of light) into feminine forms with dabka and intricate embroideries on silks. (Below: Preeti Chandra)

Meanwhile, Vineet Bahl used vintage Romanian shawls and antique Sardinian embroideries on 1960s silhouettes for the world traveller. The Indian touch came with neon accents with kantha work and stone work on brocade. (Below: Vineet Bahl)

Anju Modi explored the diversity of cultures and their similarity with inspiration from Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan touching the Kutch border. The free flowing silhouettes were the hallmark of the collection, with ‘sarabara’ or loose trousers worn by Scythians transformed into cowl trousers. Hand-woven fabrics (raw silk melding with textured cotton) brought an earthy edge to the collection. (Below: Anju Modi)

Accessories of the day

Footwear grabbed the spotlight with sexy stilettos for the glam party girl at S&N by Shantanu-Nikhil and summery, girly shoes at Anupama Dayal. Meanwhile, the dangling earrings at Preeti Chandra reminded me of the 1980s and Spanish country women.

(Below: S&N by Shantanu-Nikhil, Anupama Dayal, Preeti Chandra)

Makeup of the day

There were rosy pink cheeks at Anju Modi and painted lower lashes on Vineet Bahl and Preeti Chandra.

(Below: Anju Modi, Preeti Chandra)

Customary Bollywood appearance of the day:

Dia Mirza and Sameera Reddy at S&N Drape by Shantanu-Nikhil.

In 2012, Fashion, News

Fashion News: Double bumper for kids’ fashion, Rohit Bal to close LFW S/R 2012, WIFW may be early this year

Speaking ChicJanuary 7, 2012January 7, 2012Leave a comment

It’s turning out to be a bumper year for kids’ fashion already. Indian kids are going to be spoilt for choice with a new brand and… a fashion week just for them!

Just for Kids

Just for Kids is a new Indian brand with international fashion for kids at local prices. The stores stock tunics, tops, skirts, capris, jumpsuits, track pants, dresses, shoes and accessories for kids up to the age of 12 years. The look is fresh with plenty of reds, pinks, greens , purple balanced with denim blues, grey , mustard, military green , white, navy and pastels for infants.

Just for Kids is at Phoenix Market City, Kurla and Atria Mall, Worli, Mumbai.

The first fashion week for kids?

Meanwhile, kids and moms have got yet another reason to “celebrate” fashion, because this month Mumbai will host India Kids Fashion Week (IKFW). Well-known children’s brands and designers will participate in IKFW, including Rocky S, Narendra Kumar, Nishka Lulla, Malini Ramani, Barbie, Kidology, Little Kangaroos, Just for Kids, Mineral and Coochie Coo.

As far as I know, this is the first such fashion week in India. While my initial reaction was one of scepticism, I’ve quickly come to realise the event is more for the parents than the kids. 😉

India Kids Fashion Week will run from January 17-19, 2012.

WIFW A/W 2012 to kick off Feb 15

Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week is expected to be held earlier this season, perhaps in line with the international fashion week schedule. WIFW A/W 2012 was announced to be tentatively held February 15 onward, while WIFW A/W 2011 was in April last year.

If this date is confirmed, it will mark a notable departure from the previous years’ schedules. The move to advance the fashion week by almost eight weeks may be to do with the schedules of international buyers. It will be interesting to gauge the impact of this new schedule on the business during fashion week.

Rohit Bal is LFW S/R 2012 grand finale designer

Lakme Fashion Week has pulled off another fashion coup this season, with Delhi designer Rohit Bal closing the event at the grand finale at LFW S/R 2012. Last season, Rohit Bal had showcased his collection in an off-site show at Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2011.

Known for his uninhibited creativity, I’m hoping Rohit Bal will amaze us fashionistas this season as well. And oh, we’re not sure why Rohit Bal moved to the Mumbai-based fashion week, but we like it! 🙂

Lakme Fashion Week Summer/ Resort 2012 will be held March 1-6, 2012.

In 2011, Bollywood Fashion, Fashion, News

Chic News: Manish Malhotra & Shaina NC’s charity fashion show; meet Ford’s new Indian supermodel

Speaking ChicJune 21, 2011Leave a comment

Two of Mumbai’s leading fashion designers Manish Malhotra and Shaina NC joined hands for the sixth annual Caring with Style fashion show for Cancer Patients’ Aid Association (CPAA) hosted by Pidilite.

What made the fashion shows different was that the “models” were not professional ramp scorchers, but women from various walks of life. There were actors, business persons, doctors and even outstanding students.

I loved both the collections and some outfits were especially gorgeous. Take a look at some of our faves.

From Shaina NC’s show:

From Manish Malhotra’s show:

And we couldn’t help thinking when we saw Sheetal Mafatlal, “Here comes the queen of all pouts!” Check her out and decide!

Meanwhile, Kajol attended the event looking resplendent in a beige sari, while Nita Ambani wore a superlong printed kurta. Vivek Oberoi (CPAA brand ambassador) walked the ramp in a Manish Malhotra outfit.

Delhi girl named Ford Supermodel from India

Delhi lass Ninja Singh was named Ford Supermodel of the World—India couple of days ago. The young woman won the contest after she walked the ramp with other finalists. The Indian, evening and swim wear collections for the finalists were designed by Gauri & Nainika, and Shrivan-Narresh.

Here’s Ninja in her winning moment with her father Dr Jagan Singh. Awwwww!

Ninja will now be a part of Ford Supermodel of the World (the prestigious global contest), where she could win a contract of a whopping $250,000. She will also walk the ramp at FDCI’s next Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week.

Among the jury members were Bipasha Basu, Manish Malhotra, photographer Bharat Sikka Leila Alaoui of Ford Models, FDCI’s Sunil Sethi and model Fleur Xavier.

In 2011, Fashion, Shopping, trends

Chic Friday Fun: Prints you never thought you’d see or wear

Speaking ChicApril 22, 20114 Comments

Move over the “Little Miss” tshirt series (Little Miss Chatterbox etc), and Wake Up Sid’s Garfield tshirts. We’ve dug up some prints you never thought you’d ever see, let alone wear. But they’re out there, they’re fun, and you can actually wear some of them!

We picked out some fun prints and object motifs and rated them on wearability on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being not at all wearable, 5 being totally wearable!).

Autorickshaws

Sabah Khan’s Sabashe collection at Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2011 was kitschy chic (tongue twister!) and inspired by Mumbai’s public transport, especially the rickshaws aka ricks. Ricks appeared on tops, pants, skirts and even waist pouches!

Wearability Rating: 3.5/ 5

Shells

Why go to the beach to collect shells when they can come to you? (Playsuit from French Connection).

Wearability Rating: 3/5

Bicycles

With yet another mode of transport, Nida Mahmood’s Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011 collection was about the Indian roadie, with the bicycle representing the common man. Paired with the designer’s signature bags in shocking pink and turmeric yellow, it was a casual Indian summer look.

Wearability Rating: 3/5

Parrots

Mango continues its animal print series this summer with some more exotic creatures, such as this parrot. Check out the the brightly-coloured bird nestling among the leaves on this tshirt.

Wearability Rating: 4/5

Doordarshan!

Only the Tantra guys could have come up with this one. LOL.

Wearability Rating: 2.5/5

Which of these prints would you like to wear?

In 2011, Fashion, trends

Chic trends: The long and short of summer wear (part 2)

Speaking ChicApril 20, 2011Leave a comment

Yesterday we introduced you to long hemlines for summer; today we bring you the short side of the hot season.

You’ve probably already begun seeing images of hot models in bikinis, blink-and-you miss shorts and tiny dresses and skirts in your favourite fashion magazine, on TV and all over the fashion web. The sad truth is that most of those clothes are not wearable (for most women). For instance, even the most well-toned woman couldn’t walk in Mumbai’s Chowpatty beach in a bikini and beach wrap.

But if you’re:

a) Very very bold

b) Going on a holiday away from prying eyes or

c) Own a private beach;

Then feel safe to wear whatever you like!

Fair warning: The short-in-summer trend is not for the thunderous thighs and cavernous calves gals. So if you’re fit and ready for summer, get a dose of our chic picks for you.

Casual shorts

Ideal for daily wear, meeting with friends or a stroll to the neighbourhood cafe.

Below: Shorts from United Colors of Benetton

Formal shorts

Wear it to a formal lunch with the gals, pairing it with killer heels and a loose blouse. A few daring ones in the media and fashion industries would wear shorts to work with a formal shirt.

Below: From Vineet Bahl’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection

Mini dress

A colourful, printed dress with an easy silhouette (skip the body con, please!) is versatile. Wear it with minimal accessories and makeup to keep it casual or dress up a bit with a blingy accessory (a bag or pair of sandals) for the evening.

Below: Dress from Chaitanya Rao’s Summer/Resort 2011 collection

Mini skirt

Mini skirts are almost always in fashion. Make sure your summer mini is in a sunny colour, or team your neutral skirt with a bold top.

Below: Sheath skirt from Zara

What’s the shortest garment you’re wearing this summer?

Showing all posts tagged WIFW

WIFW AW 2013: Hot trend- metal!

WIFW S/S 2013: Day 1 Recap

WIFW A/W 2012: Key looks and moments from Day 5

WIFW A/W 2012: What happened on Day 3

WIFW A/W 2012: Day 2 highlights

WIFW A/W 2012: Day 1 highlights

Fashion News: Double bumper for kids’ fashion, Rohit Bal to close LFW S/R 2012, WIFW may be early this year

Chic News: Manish Malhotra & Shaina NC’s charity fashion show; meet Ford’s new Indian supermodel

Delhi girl named Ford Supermodel from India

Chic Friday Fun: Prints you never thought you’d see or wear

Chic trends: The long and short of summer wear (part 2)