India Fashion Week

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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Sabyasachi Mukherjee Couture – India Couture Week, 2014

September 8, 2014

Sabyasachi 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.

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WIFW SS’14 – Pia Pauro | Shivan & Narresh

November 6, 2013

PIA PAURO | AKAARO Press note :  Transpired into aesthetics at the exotic beaches of Zanzibar and inspired by Pia’s travel through Tanzania and her time spent with the Masai’s at their village. ‘Zanzibar’ is a reflection of the vast african landscapes, the wildlife and the people of Africa. The collection has fabrics like crepe, sil georgette and cottons with the perfect match of ease and luxe to it. SHIVAN & NARRESH | FONTANA Press note :  The soft brutality of slashed & stabbed canvases of Lucio Fontana expose an artistic dimension often remembered – the Negative. Embodying the spatial canvases in monochromes coupled with lemon tints in brazen resortwear, the ensembles emphasize the subtle seduction of the skin. The swimwear returns this season, bolder, with lacerated signature maillots, bikinis & trikinis.  Check out the entire ‘Picture Diary‘ for Wills India Fashion Week SS’14.

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WIFW SS’14 – Gaurav J. Gupta | Paromita Banerjee

November 4, 2013

While Gaurav J Gupta played the undertones of blue, brown and black; keeping the silhouettes neat and a subtle approach, Promita Banerjee infused in the pop yet earthy hues of red, green, yellow and neutrals. GAURAV JAI GUPTA | AKAARO Press note :  Spring summer 14 draws visual references from the religious habit (dress) of “Missionary at Charity” order and portrait at an old women by Hans Memling. Clothes being social psychological aspect of appearance; the blue (color of virgin mary) stripe which is an integral part of the cotton saree of the sisters of the order. Washed out Cotton Silks with crushed jacquards in blacks and stainless steel are used in easy separates. Hand woven enirely at akaaro studios in Delhi with natural yarns the collection is a symbolic transition from chaos to calmness. PAROMITA BANERJEE | SAFED RANG Press note :  The collection is all about presenting a rooted India to the audience. An India where the finest of fabrics are cottons and Khadi, handwoven on looms; and they can be shaped into any silhouette of choice. The designer has chosen the ethno-contemporary path; where the fabrics and textiles remind you of India but in a very global context.  Check out the entire ‘Picture Diary‘ for Wills India Fashion Week SS’14.

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WIFW SS’14 – Malini Ramani | Gauri & Nainika

October 17, 2013

The Gatsby fever empowered Gauri & Nainika’s collection, while Malini played the Cleopatra; showcasing a collection entirely dipped in hues of gold, dusted with shimmer. MALINI RAMANI | WANDERLUST WONDERLAND Press note :  This season’s collection is created for the woman with Wanderlust. Malini has designed a line of ultra – luxurious clothing especially for the stylish, globetrotting woman with a multi dimensional personality. The collection includes glamorous silk jersey drapes in pop colors, block printed dresses on sand washed silks and soft cotton and sexy cocktail dresses in sparkly metallic sequins. Jewellery by Outhouse. GAURI & NAINIKA Press note :  The colourful coastal settlements of the Amalfi Coast with its terraced vineyards, stunning landscape and sparkling blue waters would turn out to be a well of inspiration for any visitor. Freer in shape, the styles have been created in a cocktail of prints vibrant solids with a few pieces in bold umbrella stripes. Fabrics such as chiffon, crepe de chine, organza and microcrepe lend a luxurious feel to the line. Check out the entire ‘Picture Diary‘ for Wills India Fashion Week SS’14.

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WIFW SS’14 – Oz Fest- Romance was Born by Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales

October 13, 2013

Just one word for this design, RAINBOW! ROMANCE WAS BORN | ANNA PLUNKETT & LUKE SALES Press note : ROMANCE WAS BORN’s vision of womenswear encompasses both new and classic modes of fashion, resulting fun elegance. Australian designers Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales met whilst studying and their design partnrship began simply from a mutual admiration of ideas and blossomed into production with the official launch of the label in 2005. They see the work of Indian craft as vital to their own ability to be inspired and create costumes outside the trappings of fashino trends. Check out the entire ‘Picture Diary‘ for Wills India Fashion Week SS’14.

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WIFW SS’14 – Geisha Designs by Paras and Shalini

October 12, 2013

This collection blew my mind off! Organza, lace, crochet, delicate silhouettes and romanticism were the key notes of this collection. GEISHA DESIGNS | LAGOON Press note : The Geisha girl is now Younger and Bolder. Her spirit remains rooted in romance but now with a new carefree attitude. Cuts are cooler, silhouettes are younger, with the introduction of more separates. The unpredictability in the flow of the show is its unique factor. Simple ,elegant, pretty ,feminine, romantic are the key words that encapsulate the collection. Check out the entire ‘Picture Diary‘ for Wills India Fashion Week SS’14.

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WIFW SS’14 – Nachiket Bharve | Nida Mahmood

October 11, 2013

Anything Bollywood is a big hit. Period! This is exactly what keeps getting proven from time to time, and this time it was Nida Mahmood’s collection which kept us on the edges of our seats. The hologram effect on accessorization and prints, and those charmingly famous filmy dialogues in the background score was like a Bollywood movie in itself! Whereas Nachiket Bharve’s collection was all about a gloomy dream, which consisted of a lake side picturesque, complete with butterflies, dragonflies and clover leaves. NACHIKET BHARVE | FOSSIL Press note : The contrast between the fragile yet heavy and dense fossils and rocks, and their interpretation in the airy light fabrics is the challenging and exciting part of creating this collection.The key details of tassels, sheerness, sleeve inserts and a strong focus on skirts, outline this collection. The shoes are custom made in the fabrics from the line. The collection has separates that can be mixed and matched to create individualistic looks. NIDA MAHMOOD | BOMBAY BIOSCOPE Press note : Cosmos of Constellations Where Stars join the dots of Destiny and Dreams. In a Parallel Universe of Parallel Reality. This collection attempts to narrate another new visual story. Through a tricam of three distinct styles.Line Art wire-framing Constellations, 3 Dimensional Triangulations and Angular Crystallized Forms come together. As an Ode to the Magic of Moving images. Those are Timeless yet Transient and continuously transforming celebrating 100 Years of Indian Cinema. Check out the entire ‘Picture Diary‘ for Wills India Fashion Week SS’14.

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