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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Their is something about the Indian silhouettes that brings out the beautiful-best in every woman. The grace by which each fabric is sewn to create an ensemble so enchanting, that you expect nothing but a sophisticated royal rendezvous with your inner self. With that, if you amalgamate the decades worth of experience of an artist, the results are no less than a fairytale in itself! So when I got the tickets booked for a week long experiential to Pune, I had to pack something royal for a lookbook shoot on the ruins of once extravagant ‘Shanirwar Wada’. Truth be told, I got intrigued by the whole story of ‘Bajirao Mastani’ and my inner Deepika Padukone screamed for a feature, while I was busy hopping properties and testing wine at Four Seasons Baramati (features coming up). And this is when I was introduced to the world of ‘Nazar’ a fashion label by veteran designer Ms. Indu Abbot; who started her journey in the year 1990. The experience of a designer is well proven by the fact that they know their customer’s requirement and what will compliment them right from the first look itself. So much so, that Ms. Indu was able to hand-pick this beautiful Anarkali from her latest collection, even when I wasn’t able to visit her studio at Patel Nagar (Delhi) since I was having a time crunch and had to take a flight in no more than 12 hours time. The golden gota-patti work, breath-easy fabric, voluminous yet settling silhouette and the oh-so-beautiful Sharara definitely stole my heart away. Not going to deny the fact that quite a few people complimented my look while I was trying to find a spot on a busy Sunday (that place is crowded all week long) to get clicked. What I really liked about this …
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 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 readingNikasha speaks about being dedicate and pretty with this collection, inspired by the landscape of traditional and rare color combination, with interplay of precious embroidery and archived romantic prints including the jasmine bud, cherry blossoms and Siuli. This is a well curated selection of all the elements a soon to be married girl would desire to keep in her coterie, which ranges from lighter to heavier embroidered silhouettes. The collection has an inherent joie de vivre in a vibrant and festive mood for the bride and her trousseau. The collection will be on display for the next one week at Ensemble, DLF Emporio Delhi. Personal opinion : The colors are fresh and girly, making it the right color palette for a young bride. The embroidery is perfectly apt for the occasion and is light on the wearer. The silhouettes and fit (can be customized too) will perfectly compliment your body type. Indo – western looks with Peplum tops, Shararas, Dhotis and Anarkalis steal the limelight. Price range is not too much for the product that we are getting in return. Follow : Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | Pinterest
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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