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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Designer Reynu Taandon is known for keeping up with the traditional values of Indian wedding culture. Not only does she balance the heirloom silhouettes of bridal trousseau, but her colour palette too circulates around the hues of Red, Orange and Pink. Reynu Taandon Couture 2016 collection showcased at the FDCI India Couture Week 2016 was no guessing game either. Although, her experimentation with the modern Dhoti pants style and the lehenga with long kurtis did speak about the 2016 approach towards the Indian bridal culture. Reynu Taandon titled her collection ‘KAMANGARI’ in association with SUNAR Jewels. Actress Divya Khosla Kumar walked as the show stopper for the show. ‘KAMANGARI ‘is inspired from the beauty & grandeur of Rajasthan. Fashion changes with every seasonal breeze but traditional clothing has come to a point where it is tagged as vintage. Evoking a spirit of royalty in every seam and stitch,Reynu’s collection is for the ‘new-age’ bride – a girl that redefines the conventional bridal fashion with all that is modern along with an imperial twist! Every silhouette reflects Rajasthan’s ethnic heritage – ranging from meticulously handcrafted foil printing to usage of block prints on vibrant Chanderi fabrics. To put it differently, the cuts, colors, fabric and crafts of this collection recreate Rajasthan on a vivid palette. Swirling lehengas, dramatic backs and extravagant anarkalis, are the pieces de resistance of this collection and each of them bespeaks of royalty. A couture collection that is a perfect fit for the modern bride who not only wishes to retain her originality but also reflect the intensity of emotions through the silhouettes she dons. A breathtaking sight when it comes to interplay of various kinds of embroideries cemented with appliqué detailing.For Reynu Taandon, ‘KAMANGARI ‘is all about redefining the traditional bride while taking a leap into …
Continue readingTheir 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 …
Continue readingAnita 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 …
Continue readingDesigner 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 …
Continue readingThe man who needs no introduction, Sabyasachi Mukherjee recently showcased a fashion week opening couture collection at the Amazon India Couture Week. With much hype on his regular runway showcases, this one too was anticipated to be a Bollywood drama, with regal elements of royalty. However, the anticipation saw a flip-side since this Bengal designer presented a collection that was constructed with deep hues of goth drama and was accompanied with luxury accessories by Christian Louboutin. Theme : BATER Couture 2015 Exaggerating the shades of black, Sabyasachi’s collection saw major hues of neutral tones contrasted with bright hues of cocktail red and ivory pink shades. We absolutely loved the heavy usage of fringe cuts on some of his designs, Karchobi style embroidery and his take on sheer trend. While most his silhouettes were concentrated on longer silhouettes, the compact cigarette silhouette trousers and well-fitted embellished bustier too stole the show away. The Christian Louboutin red sole heels were given an Indian embroidery makeover and the addition of spiked goth-style head-bands turned out to be the top wish-list contender. Not to forget his amalgamation of delicate embroidery with goth spiked embellishments on hand clutches, that totally changed the game. Take a look at our PHOTO DIARY that summarizes it all! Style Spotting While we were at it, thought of capturing some of our favourite fashionistas at the couture week. Take a look! Follow Sanyam Bajaj Photography
Continue readingSabyasachi Mukherjee kick started the India Couture Week 2014 with a mesmerizing grand opening. Named ‘Ferozabad’, the theme of the collection was given a setup of a royal Indian train. Keeping up with his signature style of draping the Indian silhouettes, Sabyasachi showcased a diverse color palette with hand embroidery, appliqued tulle, parsi and zardozi work. From Renaissance-style coats to tulle-khadi blouse & lehenga; this grand opening was a treat to watch! Check out some of the glimpses that I captured of this breathtaking fashion show. Copyright © 2014, Kalapalette.com. All rights reserved.
Continue readingFashion Design Council of India (FDCI)’s much coveted India Couture Week is scheduled to be held in New Delhi from July 15-20, 2014 at the Taj Palace Hotel. The revamped six day event will have new partnerships Shree Raj Mahal Jewellers as title sponsors, and Logix Group as its associate sponsors. The event will showcase India’s finest design talent in exclusive shows by top Indian Couturiers. Announcing this association, Mr. Sunil Sethi, President FDCI said, “It gives me immense pleasure to bring you the 2014 edition of India Couture Week. After the roaring success of the past events, we at the FDCI are delighted to present an extravagant couture week. Our event is synonymous with luxury and we have the finest participation from Indian fashion fraternity.” Anju Modi, Manish Malhotra, Varun Bahl Monisha Jaising (L-R) Anju Modi, Rohit Bal, Manish Malhotra, Sunil Sethi, Varun Bahl, Monisha Jaising Gaurav Gupta Mr. Sunil Sethi, President FDCI Rohit Bal Gaurav Gupta Manish Malhotra List of Designers Anamika Khanna Anju Modi Gaurav Gupta Manish Arora Manish Malhotra Monisha Jaising Rina Dhaka Rohit Bal Sabyasachi Mukherjee Varun Bahl Photographs – Prateek Ahluwalia for Kalapalette Follow me : Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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