April 2013

Swarovski Elements Design Contest

April 29, 2013

A few days back I was invited to be *bling-struck* by the Swarovski team. Showcasing a very compulsive collection of mixed brainstorming by various artists and jewellery labels, Swarovski organized a competition nation wide called Swarovski Elements Design Contest in association with FDCI and EPCH.  The challenge was to create jewellery with Swarovski elements in the most innovative manner. The choice of jewellery and elements was completely left wide open for the participants. The top shortlisted creations were displayed at Swarovski office in Gurgaon. The celebrated jury consists of Tarun Tahiliani, Sunil Sethi and Gaurav Gupta, who will be declaring the results in the next few weeks. Check out some of the creations I personally loved from the displayed collection.  A lot has been derived from these Swarovski elements, beyond the traditionalism which Indian clients look out for, a dynamic brainstorming and not even one creation had similarities with any other. As per me the tribal style head/ear gear should win the competition OR the cosmo-inspired bangle set. Let’s see who wins.

Continue reading

Review : Aztec *Kazo* Print

April 28, 2013

Aztec print is one trend which switches every alternate season. This year too saw lots of Aztec prints on Indian and international runways. While the Indian ramp saw Malini Ramani showcasing Aztec-print shift dresses and  Surily working up the Neon-Aztec fever to perfection, the international ramps saw Mary Katrantzou doing an impressive Stamp-Aztec tribute to the postal stamps and Balmain rocking the studs, tassels and fringes. I was overwhelmed seeing hints of Aztec in the SS’13 collection of Kazo this time. Not overpowering, but muted basic prints in solid color schemes, and in a variety of garments and accessories. Apart from the solid color blocked trendy collection they have to showcase, one can feel a serious gush of pastel and bright color shades celebrating Aztec in forms of jumpers, tunics, prom dresses (no I ain’t kidding) and shift dresses. A serious note on black & whites can also be seen in the collection. The bold prints do not overshadow the feminine silhouettes of the collection, keeping it sleek yet sophisticated. Apart from apparels, one can find some edgy, pastel and bling accessories to team up against solid fabrics. My personal favorite has to be the Aztec-ear-danglers. Create fusions of aztec with solid shades, or swear by this trend and go print-on-print. Secure a neon belt on top of a black&white cocktail dress and dazzle up some pastel accessories to balance the overall shade card. Other Trends seen in the Collection Inspired by the natural substances and the purest love that comes with it, the SS’13 collection of KAZO is infused with freshness of pastel colors highlighting one of their key trends- ‘Nature & Romance’. Embellishment derived from nature like wooden beads and buttons, floral prints and kimono inspired patterns can be seen as a part of the collection. One can indulge in breathable fabrics of …

Continue reading

French Connection India SS’13

April 18, 2013

As a lot of high street brands and even designers are exaggerating the b&w stripes trend, French Connection India is one label which is focusing on the perfect silhouette and celebrating femininity to the fullest. Following the French Connection India’s last few trends I was actually impressed seeing a whole new lot, with very rare sight of repeats from the last collection. A couple of days back I was invited over to review their SS’13 collection. To make it a whole new experience I came up with 3 different day to night looks from their latest SS’13 collection. Check out the crazy video RashNair shot during my review : DAY to NIGHT  3 looks & 1 collection LOOK 1 – Semi-Formals LOOK 2 – Casuals LOOK 3- Casuals French Connection has always been a one stop solution for various moods of styling. Not just the styling part, but they have various color palettes, prints and cuts to suit every mood. The most eye catchy part were the color blocked garments, crochet and neon. Will I check out French Connection India again? Of course. Every season! 😉 You can now shop online at : FrenchConnection.in

Continue reading

India International Jewellery Week Dairy – Day 2

April 15, 2013

Day 2 of IIJW saw an extravaganza of Bollywood glitter. Starstruck attendees had a lot to talk about by the end of the day. Renowned jewellery houses and designers showcased dazzling adornments, some took inspiration from the rich heritage of North India, while a lot of the shows celebrated womanhood and it’s importance.  Although I personally was a little disappointed when it comes to the collection showcased, we got to see the same old Rani Haar, Polki/Kundan raw-cut designs, temple jewellery and lots of precious and semi-precious stones. However the 2 day affair was executed with perfection, with shows running on time and lots of in-between time for us to relax/write-reports/catch up with fellow journalists.

Continue reading

DLF Promenade Blogger’s Meet

April 6, 2013

A couple of days back DLF Promenade hosted a very interesting and one of it’s kind blogger’s meet. It was more of a *Styling Competition* where prominent fashion bloggers of Delhi were invited over. Venue : DLF Promendae, 3 Nelson Mandela Road, New Delhi, India 110070 The Task : Style your *model friend* (In my case I took my sister along) based on one of the 7 themes provided by them. The sourcing could be done from any store of DLF Promenade. Keeping the entire experience professional, the sourcing was followed by hair and makeup from trained artists, a ramp walk followed by Q&A with Designer Suneet Verma. The Themes : a) Androgynous b) Monochrome c) Resort Wear d) Formal Wear e) Neon & Neutrals: f) Pastels g) Graphical My Style : Being an ardent fan of Mademoiselle Gabrielle Coco Chanel and her works of life, I had to give her a tribute irrespective of the outcome. Keeping the *Formal Wear* theme in mind, I studied the great works of Coco Chanel, took account and united history in the form of a look. The entire outfit was sourced from Zara India The Chanel Look  The Boater hat: Coco Chanel came into being with her “Flat Boater Hats” in the early 1920’s. To add her personal glamour touch to these hats, she introduced the embellished versions of the same. Military/Modern hairstyle: At times when fascinators and long locks were adorned by women, Coco Chanel brought a change about how a woman should comfortably dress, look and feel! Celebrating a modern diva, she herself carried short haircut with long curls to keep the look avant-garde yet sophisticated. Strings of Pearls: One of the remarkable creations of Coco Chanel was the “Costume Jewellery”. She partnered with Duke Fulco di Verdura to launch a House of Chanel jewelry line. …

Continue reading

Cinderella Avant – garde : Adidas Style!

April 1, 2013

Adidas Originals By Jeremy Scott Guest Blogged by Anushri True that eccentricity is not everyone’s thing or rather should I rephrase it as ‘eccentricity cannot be carried by everyone’. Now you won’t have to try too hard as the Jeremy Scott spring/summer 2013 collection by Adidas will automatically lend eccentricity to any attire. In a decade-long association with Adidas, Jeremy continues to design unisex apparel and footwear that is high on energy, bizarre playing with bright and bold prints and unexpected shapes. Drawing inspiration from eagles to billiard balls the new JS collection feature JS chain cage track top with cut-out body and basketball jerseys reinterpreted with uneven hems, fringing and woven fabrics. Jeremy’s signature winged high top shoes will be hit among those who are constantly experimenting! The cute sunglasses-wearing poodle and bear shoes plus the beige winged ballerinas will complete different feminine looks. The all-winged collection can make any ensemble look funkier and I daresay chic. My personal favorites were the black Jeremy Scott Wings 2.0 shoes and the electrifying Jeremy Scott Wedge Hi.      

Continue reading