Fashion Week

Pearl Academy Portfolio 2018

March 26, 2018

Pearl Academy is the harbinger of fashion revolution with a futuristic outlook. The finale of FDCI Amazon India Fashion Week, 2018, became more exuberant with the creations of graduating students of Pearl Academy under the theme of ‘Future of Fashion’, presenting it as a day long ‘Pearl Academy Portfolio 2018’ fashion show series. They put up a set of 5 impressive shows. We enjoyed Show 1 which had highly appealing themes such as Indie – Fused, Azure Fantasy, Soul Fit, Textile Assemblage, Neutral Block, Lavender Mint, Blocks Divided, Prarie Tangerine, Femme Regale, Noir League, L’ Blanche, Dusk Strut and Bijoux by Jewellery Design students of Pearl Academy, Jaipur. Show 2 had an interesting range of themes and concepts such as, Summer Kaleidoscope, Welsh Summer, Yuppy Strut, Sci-Fi Street, Turmeric Tales, Vandalists, Aqua-Rouge, Rusted, Occult Force, Print & Patch and Tourmaline among others. The final year students of Fashion styling and Image Design showcased a highly thought out collection that combined the need for fashion sustainability with preservation of traditional Indian craft without compromising with the ever advancing fashion trends. The students are sensitive to both fashion culture and the power of fashion as a driver of social change. They conceptualized ‘Fashion as a voice for Social Activism’ by pairing it up with an elegant ‘Black Swan’ ballet performance. The young designers showed their prowess by creating exquisite costumes to convey body-positivity movements and gender aesthetics through it. Rajul Goldar brought our attention to environment-friendly fabrics that do not involve shedding of trees. He is spearheading a movement to bring about the face of forests on ramp along with promoting the use of non-cellulosic fabrics. The collection by Pallavi Yadav had a story of deconstructing of the garment and decorating it with zero-water embellishments. A luxrious collection – Tawaif – drew …

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Rimple And Harpreet Couture 2016

August 2, 2016

If we have to describe this collection in a sentence, then that’d be ‘Obsession with Animatic Embroidery’. Because we were head over heels as the models walked the runway for Rimple and Harpreet Couture 2016 collection that they showcased at the FDCI India Couture Week 2016. Their was something about the embroidery designs that spoke volumes about various regions that were incorporated into the theme of this collection. True to its name –Hiraeth by Rimple & Harpreet Narula, puts the audience in a nostalgic trance at the India Couture Week today. Bespoke remnants, drawn out of fond memories, are brought to life on the runway against a warm backdrop created by the lush drapes of antique textiles. The mood slips into somber melancholy with Punjabi poetry of Amrita Pritam fused with music. The travelogue comes to life with a riot of motifs inspired by the visual delights from the flea markets of the world. The audience’s mystical journey moves through quaint locations from Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Samarkand, Bagnoregio, Palampore, Baluchistan with ancient relics of birds, beasts, paisleys, trellises and cartouches expressed through the embroidered motifs. Each ensemble had a story of its own to tell. Uniquely designed in luxurious drape of vintage textile in ethereal hues ranging from ivory, gold, marsala, midnight blue come together to make magic on the runway. Adding grandeur to the outfits, regal cloaks, dramatic jackets and sheer robes enhanced the classic silhouettes. Hiraeth, a collection that spelled couture royalty, found its crowning glory in the Minar lehenga worn by the talented Yami Gautam. The Minar lehenga features stunning hand embroidered motifs derived from a Mughal monument lit up under a star-spangled midnight sky. Inspired by a Mughal monument that Harpreet stumbled upon during his recent visit to Benares, the showstopper lehenga boasts of tall, strong embroidery …

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Tarun Tahiliani FDCI India Couture Week 2016

July 26, 2016

Their are a very few couturiers who have the knack of creating magical moments on the ramp ‘every single time’! Tarun Tahiliani is one of those veterans. He knows the power of glamour, he understands the charisma of crystals and he definitely excels in making bridal trousseau look like a million dollar dream. This reason being that from his show at the FDCI India Couture Week 2016, nothing less could be expected. He, once again, engulfed us on in a dreamy parade to the (this time) Mughal Era with his collection titled ‘The Last Dance of the Courtesan’. The entire show felt like a snippet of Pakeezah, the movie. To heighten the mood of this mesmerising event Tahiliani collaborated with dance stalwart Manjari Chaturvedi, a leading exponent of classical dance in India who has revolutionised kathak. Manjari brought alive the inspiration behind this collection with her ‘Darbari Kathak’ representing ‘The Dance of the Courtesan’, a tribute, to the woman and her art, the music and the dance she performed, a rich legacy, a precious heritage. Tarun Tahiliani’s latest couture collection “The Last Dance of the Courtesan” is a tribute, and acknowledgement to the highest bastions of culture, poetry, dance and finesse. The atelier weaves a story where sensuality meets sensibility, and mystery unravels itself in surreptitious layers with seductive glory. The collection explores the possibility of a wearable lightness of being for the contemporary diva, with inspirations drawn from the finery of the courtesans. “As usual it’s been my privilege to be associated with Swarovski, world leaders in crystal technology. As fashion, even couture becomes more hightech, they add the sparkle of dreams and the aurora borealis to the seduction of contemporary couture. Since couture must adhere to the highest standards of craft and perfection it is only befitting that …

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Anita Dongre FDCI India Couture Week 2016

July 22, 2016

Anita Dongre presents ‘Epic Love’ couture collection at the FDCI India Couture Week 2016. The show opens to a plush garden of a Rajasthan palace, recreated on the runway. Gaurav Raina’s melodious blend of Indian classical and folk with electronic music ‘Indian Electronica’ sets the mood for the evening. The distinct signature scent of all Anita Dongre stores, with notes of jasmine and rose, announces the unveiling of the Epic Love – the bridal couture collection that marks her debut at the India Couture Week. The sheer grandeur of the architectured set with the playfull jhulla, pink bougainvillea, water fountain, the famed hand done thikri craft transport the audience into a luxurious Rajasthan palace garden.Adorned in heirloom-like pieces from Anita Dongre’s jadau jewellery label Pinkcity and antique silver pieces from the Anita Dongre label add to the folkish charm of the show. Stunning maang-tikas, large nose rings, intricate haath phools, chunky chokers and necklaces ornate the outfits. Epic Love opens on a free-spirited, lighter note with chintz-inspired printed lehengas that are teamed with Bohemian blouses. The designer’s signature gotapatti work breathes life onto the prints. The classic Indian styles blend seamlessly with contemporary long, column tabards which give the wearer a beautiful illusion of height. The lean, sleek silhouettes bring modern relevance into bridal couture. The beauty of this collection lies in its versatility – the Bohemian gypsy tops can be paired with a printed lehenga just as beautifully as it would go with a pair of silk pants. Fringe-finished sarees with tie-up tops that wrap around the drape add a contemporary twist to the classic saree. Moving gradually on to a regal palette, jewel-toned solids in rich wine, orange and the classic reds, creams and golds take centre stage. Gotapatti work is seen across the collection – first on …

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Manish Malhotra FDCI India Couture Week 2016

July 21, 2016

Designer Manish Malhotra in association with ‘Hazoorilal by Sandeep Narang’ kickstarts the India Couture Week 2016 with ‘The Persian Story. Manish Malhotra FDCI India Couture Week 2016 design narrative is inspired by the stunning architecture of Persia, blooming paradise of fauna and flora, and fearless royals that ruled their vast kingdoms. Indulgent hand-woven gold embroidery adorn sheer and velvet fabrics, in lehengas with sheer tops, opulent velvet jackets over cigarette trousers, exquisite gowns and regal sherwanis. Intricate motifs meander on 50 limited edition pieces, swathed in deep shades of maroon, emerald green and azure blue. This season, the traditional dupatta is reimagined for the confident, modern woman. Breathtaking jewellery with uncut polki diamonds and pearls by Hazoorilal by Sandeep Narang added to the mystic aura.   Speaking about ‘The Persian Story’ Manish said, “2016 marks an important milestone as the ‘Manish Malhotra’ label celebrates 11 years. The Persian Story is a special collection as it represents a new design story for the label. While the collection is inspired by the stories, sights and poetry of Persia, every outfit has its own unique story told in the language of distinct colours, detailed motifs and rich fabrics. I would like to thank my good friend and sponsor of this show, Mr. Sandeep Narang, for providing the stunning jewellery for this opening act of ICW 2016.   In a contemporary version of a Persian folktale, the scenography took guests back to the time of conquerors like Alexander the Great. The showing culminated with the stunning Deepika Padukone in a resplendent red velvet lehenga that featured a beautiful, seemingly never-ending trail, walking the runway. The lehenga showcased the fine work of craftsmen of yore and was completely embroidered in vintage badla work. Mickey Contractor, Director of Makeup Artistry, M.A.C India for Manish Malhotra at India Couture …

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Pearl Portfolio 2016 – Fashion Show Details

May 31, 2016

Seasoned designers believe in the power of retaining their signature style every run-through of a fashion week. It is the young buds (note : Pearlites) who maintain the zeal to grasp the trend forecasts of a season and adapt the same memo onto their collections and themes likewise. Pearl Academy of India welcoming the kaleidoscope of such creative minds celebrated Pearl Portfolio 2016 a few days back. For those who read Kalapalette regularly will definitely be aware of our event-duty profile of this 3 days affair in Pearl Portfolio 2016 Ft. FDCI article. While we had plans on featuring the entire activity in one single report, the type of creativity and fine designs that the graduating students put forward definitely needed a separate mention. Hence, this article features a visual delight to what the students and shall we say ‘the future of Indian fashion’ showcased on one of their first every runway presence. To summarise the entire fashion show collectively, group of students were given themes based on which they were asked to create their signature designs for the finale. Every student put forward at least 2 unique designs, empowering the theme’s essence in a true sense; putting forward the hard work of Pearl Academy faculty who polished these graduating students over years of nurturing. The fashion show took place on the 2nd and 3rd day of Pearl Portfolio 2016, which was held on the NSIC Grounds, Delhi. The students were assigned themes like Elysium, Brandished Gold, Tailored Wraps, Floral Sublime, Printemps, Knitted Affair, Real People, Dramatic Lengths, Fun & Frolic, Asymmetric Puzzles and Whiter Shade of Pale. Having been covering leading Fashion Shows of Delhi, we were definitely not expecting such sophisticated designs to have been put forward by the final semester students. Each student showcased uniqueness in their designs, with some silhouettes …

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AIFWSS16 Interview with Dhruv Kapoor

October 7, 2015

Everyone is anticipating now that a new season of Amazon India Fashion Week Spring Summer’16 is round the corner. While Delhi is gearing up for the winter season, we Delhiites are still keen on finding out what trend stories have the Indian designers defined for the year 2016. Before we head on to experiencing the runway in person, a little sneak peak into one of Bollywood’s current favourite fashion designer’s collection story can’t be ruled out. Dhruv Kapoor has become a prominent design expert with Bollywood celebrities like Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor favouring his ensembles into their press OOTD collections. While Dhruv has promised us to wait and experience his collection first hand on the ramp, he is happy to share an insight on his professional life right now and his thoughts on AIFWSS16. Check out our chatty yet quick tête-e-tête with him! 1. A night before my show I try to sleep. 2. On the day of my show I wear something new from the collection but also comfortable enough to run in.  3. The most treasured item in my closet is? Things we own should never be so important it hurts to part with them.  4. I am excited about the way I’ve planned my show this season, and the next.  5. My fashion show must-haves include a shot of tequila.  6. My Spring 2016 collection is all about subverting ideas, spirituality, silent power and private luxury.  7. The fabrics I’ve used in this collection include organic denim, organic jersey, cotton poplin, cotton-silk satin, flat chiffon and silk satin. 8. For me, my collection has to have something for everyone.  9. I love when my clients say “I love the way your cuts hide my flaws!”. 10. I wouldn’t survive Fashion Week without friends.  Dhruv Kapoor will be showcasing his collection on 10th October at NSIC Grounds. Don’t forget to …

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