MRINALINI CHANDRA OPENED DAY FOUR AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2015 WITH HER “MATHEMATICS OF SORTS” COLLECTION

Mumbai, 29 August, 2015: For Mrinalini Chandra Mathematics was a subject that baffled her during her childhood. To pay homage to her “favourite” subject Mrinalini’s collection called “Mathematics of Sorts” opened Day Four at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015. But while the subject may have been the bane of her life, the collection was a stunning amalgamation of creatively designed numerals that was an awe inspiring presentation on the runway. 

Mrinalini Chandra

No woman could have ever imagined that from the binary systems to the abacus, equations and numbers, these inspirations could turn into conversation stopping jewellery for her. 

Mrinalini Chandra

Using expert jewellery making techniques like rawa, navratana, jadai and nakashi, the craftsmanship moved to amazing heights. Elaborate giant shoulder dusters with the Number 5 artistically used were outstanding. Necklaces stretched from neck to navel and featured geometric symbols, while jagged linked triangles worked beautifully for hair-cum-ear ornaments.

Mrinalini Chandra

Chandeliers and chokers were worked with numerals while waist bands and armlets were done with circles. The multiplication sign was a huge “V” collar and back drape. Graduating necklace, bolero and belts with numbers and a neck to waist necklace were stunning. Size made a difference for the jewellery and it was at its extra large limit. The final Pi sign was turned into a gold trail over a sari pallav.

When a woman wants to add glittering stylish numbers to her jewel box then she needs to choose from Mrinalini Chandra’s “Mathematics of Sorts” collection to make a calculated impact. 

Mrinalini Chandra

NITIN CHAWLA PRESENTED A FASHION CONTRADICTION AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2015

Nitin Chawla’s collection called “Opposites Attract” was a fashionable contradiction on the ramp at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015. Nitin’s label ‘Theorem’ started in 2013 has created unconventional apparel for men and women. The “Opposites Attract” collection revolved around an imaginative love story between sporty Geoffrey and gentle Jessica. Their personalities and tastes interchanged and merged to form the basis of the collection. 

Theorem by Nitin Chawla

Having a slight modern androgynous touch, the fabrics selected by Nitin ranged from cottons, knits to mélange knits and leather. Aimed at the New Age man and woman, Nitin designed for Him prints/solids zippered jackets, slouchy Tees, camouflage battle jackets with interesting cargoes all in rugged masculine hues. Leather patches worked well for jacket with contrast black zippers; while camouflage detachable zipper sleeve detailed jacket made a cool fashion statement.

Theorem by Nitin Chawla

For Her, there were sleek printed shirt with glowing stripes, double breast long coat and net detailed shirt waister with front accentuated long coat. Biker jackets were topped with a trench coat and relaxed trousers with printed rugged jackets. The floral pattern thread filled biker jacket, detachable zipper sleeve detail and the camouflage floral embroidered trousers had an interesting “boy friend” inspired look.

Theorem by Nitin Chawla

When the stylish couple wants a wardrobe that has a generous dose of each other’s tastes then “Opposites Attract” will make the perfect dual style statement. 

Theorem by Nitin Chawla

TERESA LAISOM’S AND UTSAV PRADHAN’S MUNKEE.SEE.MUNKEE. DOO LABEL BROUGHT REINTERPRETED FASHION TO LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2015

The Munkee.See.Munkee.Doo label by Teresa Laisom and Utsav Pradhan reinterpreted fashion norms at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015. Their collections have always been adventurous and designed by pushing the creative envelope to its limits. 

Munkee See Munkee Doo

Giving their innovative touches to fabrics, shapes and proportions, the pair opted for a slightly carefree approach to construction. Seams were unfinished and left hanging to create drapes, while grosgrain tapes appeared instead of plackets. 

Munkee See Munkee Doo

When it came to appliqués, the duo was very relaxed allowing them to appear like peeling wall paint but the darts of the garments got the inside out stitched treatment. With various weights of cotton blends and knits as the basics, the collection also included acrylic wool with embroidery to create a hand knitted surface texture.

Munkee See Munkee Doo

The colours stayed with black and white for most of the collection but brought in pale grey and pink with a hint of lilac. Midis had long sleeves with contrast patch pockets. Heavy knitted covers over asymmetric shirt and skirt, drop shoulder coat, crimped blouse/skirt and the layered long sleeved midi had a relaxed languid look. Black Pinafores appeared with blouses and the black pinched detailed dress and pants stayed within the loose silhouette region.

For buyers who are looking for something off the beaten fashion track, the collection by Teresa Laisom and Utsav Pradhan for their Munkee.See.Munkee.Doo label had ample possibilities. 

Munkee See Munkee Doo

Urvashi Kaur

Urvashi Kaur

Urvashi Kaur

Urvashi Kaur

Urvashi Kaur

ARUNIMA MAJHI MYSTIFIED THE AUDIENCE WITH HER LUSTROUS “LAYLA” COLLECTION AT JABONG STAGE DURING LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2015 

Mumbai, 29 August, 2015: What do we know about Goths? Not much, though one can lean on Arunima Majhi for perfectly portraying them. “Layla” was a neo Goth Street Wear collection deriving its roots from the Black Parotia Birds presented at Jabong Stage during Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015. These ‘Birds Of Paradise’ spread their skirts out and danced on the forest floor like Ballerinas. 

Arunima Majhi

Gliding over the catwalk, the models looked divine in deconstructed eveningwear. Androgynous cuts infused with kimonos and shirts gave an edgy and mysterious look, while the twists and skirts swirled around with an almost balletic feel.

Arunima Majhi’s core hue for this line was black, which brought to life the enchanting gothic look, inspired by the feathers of the Parotia bird. Hints of beige, grey, royal blue and amber added to the ethereal feel of the line. Block and screen prints depicting the Parotia bird further, added to the organic soul of this collection, which was a tribute to nature.

Arunima Majhi

Keeping Indian textiles and handlooms in mind, Arunima Majhi used indigenous fabrics like raw silk, Chanderi and cotton silk to bring this vision together. The designer made use of white embroidery in motifs of the Parotia bird on these ingenious fabrics. She also made use of the trending cowl drape in capes, gowns and dresses. 

Arunima Majhi

An asymmetric, flowing black gown with the majestic bird embroidered right in the centre was a complete stand out of her collection. Another garment that the audience awed at was a printed, double layered, frilled skirt teamed with a sheer black frilled top.

The “Layla” collection by Arunima Majhi was dramatic yet simple, sweet, strong perfectly depicting the mysterious ballerina created for today’s Nocturnal Goddess. 

Arunima Majhi

Lakme' Fashion Week Summer Resort 2014 Day 5 Part 1

PREETIKA AND HEERESH ZAGJIVAN’S EGYPTIAN PRINCESS COLLECTION WAS A MEDLEY OF COLOUR AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

Mumbai, 16^th March 2014: Inspired by royalty, Preetika and Heeresh Zagjivan’s collection “Egyptian Princess” for their label “Pretty Stoned” was a medley of colour, glamour and style at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014.

Pretty Stoned

Using a variety of different elements and mediums, the designers had metal, fabrics, beads and semi-precious stones that were dreamt up into the most exquisite jewellery. With Cleopatra as the glamorous reference along with historical subjects like the pyramids, scarabs, tombs, paintings and hieroglyphs, the pair offered a wide range of cuffs, bracelets, rings, imposing necklaces and even head pieces for the lady’s crowning glory.

Pretty Stoned

Featuring a dozen pieces the duo showed unconventional designs like the wrist shields, flat collars with long centre chains, necklace with body chains, double armlets with chains as well as armlet- cum-shoulder ornaments. Matha patties, earrings and even lip ornaments added to the glamour of the collection.

As the howlites, lapis lazulis, onyx and gems glittered on the models, the ladies in the audience looked longingly and admiringly at the exotic pieces and visualised themselves as Egyptian princesses.

KUNAL ANIL TANNA’S COLLECTION WAS INSPIRED BY THE BEAUTY OF THE PINK CITY DURING LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

With blue pottery from the rich cultural Pink City of Jaipur as the inspiration, Kunal Anil Tanna’s collection called “Indigo Summer” at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014 was an interesting mélange of classic construction and awesome silhouettes.

Kunal Anil Tanna

Opting for fabrics like Chanderi cotton, kota and jacquards for the ensembles, the colour palette preferred was obviously blue and white with a dash of yellow and orange to create the perfect mood of the inspiration. Keeping detailing rather discreet to digital prints, sandwiching, laser cutwork and couching, Kunal allowed his colour story as well as prints and textures to take centre stage.

Women’s wear had prints for slim dress, wrap pants and crinkle cover. An interesting off-shoulder blouse with a gypsy inspired gathered printed blue skirt and a luxurious blue panelled slit maxi were ideal summer wear.

Men’s wear was as colourful with the Jaipur prints evident on the woven machined jackets, printed pants, Bermudas, waistcoats, double breasted  or striped bundies some with lapels and patch pockets and a blue jacket with comfortable shirt.

Kunal Anil Tanna

Ending the show was the dapper rising star Saqib Saleem in a printed waist coat, shirt and trousers that reflected the theme.

When it comes to a blend of the rich colours of Jaipur along with stylish ensembles, Kunal Anil Tanna’s collection “Indigo Summer” had the right offering.

NITIN CHAWLA’S “URBAN VOYAGER” COLLECTION WAS A STYLISH MASCULINE JOURNEY AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

Blending work and resort wear in an unconventional manner, Nitin Chawla’s “Urban Voyager” collection for Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014 was practical with attention to meticulous detailing.

Theorem by Nitin Chawla

Designing under his label “Theorem”, Nitin Chawla who was part of last season’s Gen Next group, revealed his expertise in designing men’s wear. Opting for linen, cotton, poplin, light weight and printed denim, cotton silk, printed linen and chambray, Nitin offered the stylish male a line of relaxed shorts, trousers, zippered blousons, cropped biker’s jackets and loose duffle coats. 

Colour blocking in bold hues added to the seasonal look of the ensembles. Zips played a major role for closures or as embellishments; while the silhouettes were wide and comfortable.

Theorem by Nitin Chawla

Interesting entries were the raglan sporty jacket with shorts, denim coat with patch pockets, star printed resort collar shirt, the two way zip pocket bomber and the front zip double-breasted jacket. Introducing the voyager “Shacket” Nitin added a new dimension to the men’s wear. The final four-button short slim suit with contrast printed collar shirt was ideal for formal holiday wear. 

For men’s wear that gave a major fashion direction, Nitin Chawla’s “Urban Voyager” was definitely the right route.

SURYA SARKAR CREATED A MELODIOUS LINE OF ENSEMBLES FOR BOTH SEXES AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

As the lights flashed on the ramp, Surya Sarkar unveiled his very lyrical collection called “Song of the Little Road” at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014.

Inspired by the ethereal beauty of life, which is a wonderful journey, Surya wove his inspirations into stately gowns, dresses, saris, jackets and then added intricate drapes to highlight the garments.

SS Surya

When it came to colours, the palette was a symphony of vibrant hues like blue, gold, skin, pale yellow, dull orange and white which were perfectly blended with Indian motifs and cotton as the favoured fabric

Opening the show with a tonal appliquéd romper, the show moved to sleeveless jacket and pencil skirt, sheer grey gown with strategically placed embroidery, a mini sheath with cutwork bolero and a pink rear wrap dress. A single sari was beautiful with silver border and an ornate choli.

Men’s wear was basic with one-button jackets in shades of blue and white with tonal embroidery to match the collection’s embellishments.

SS Surya

The show stopper was Bollywood star Sonal Chauhan in a beige mini which had lavish embroidery.

For fabulously embroidered garments that put a song in one’s heart, Surya Sarkar’s collection called “Song of the Little Road” was indeed a fashion symphony on the ramp.

NUPUR KANOI PRESENTED A SEDUCTIVE LINE OF WOMEN’S WEAR AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

Mumbai, 16^th March 2014: Moving into the past when seduction in vintage cinemas of Europe, Hollywood and Bollywood played a major role, Nupur Kanoi’s collection called “Noir Jahaan” for her Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014 was inspired by the feminine femme fatales of yesteryears.

Nupur Kanoi

Referring to boudoir elements along with the hourglass figure and inspirations from hints of men’s wear, Nupur created a mélange of contemporary designs. Drawing ideas also from North Indian dancers and courtesans, the collection was enduringly beautiful in style and structure. Opting for sensuous lace, sheer chiffon, satin, crêpe, corsetry, abstract fishnet and scallops prints along with Chikan Kari, the designer worked her magic for separates and wearable ensembles.

Nupur Kanoi

Dividing the collection into three colour stories of black, grey and taupe, Nupur created utterly feminine creations that kept the audience thrilled with the designing touches. Black crushed chiffon and lace embroidered jumpsuit, the egg shaped maxi dress with eyelets, the “U” kurta, printed baby doll top with ultra wide trousers and the sari-shirt dress were impressive. The sari-skirt, kurta-dress, angarkha jacket worn over circular skirt/straight trousers and the final embellished plunge “V” blazer-like kalidaar kurta with georgette churidars were superbly crafted.

Nupur Kanoi

The crisply, carefully edited collection was ideal summer formal wear with its easy comfortable silhouettes, which will add to the practical requirements of fashion conscious women. Adding a slight risqué touch, Nupur ensured that the line of garments had the perfect blend of exotic sex appeal and effortless ease.

When women want to make that femme fatale impression, wherever they go, the “Noir Jahaan” collection by Nupur Kanoi will turn them into irresistible ladies.

PAYAL KHANDWALA’S COLLECTION WAS “A PERFECT FIT” FOR THE LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014 SEASON

Aimed at the bold uninhabited sensuous elegant woman, Payal Khandwala’s collection called “A Perfect Fit” was totally apt for the Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014 season. Drawing inspiration from men’s wear, the creations had feminine elements but keeping them in the neutral category.

Silhouettes were soft and fluid emphasised with perfect proportions. Adding geometric draping and pleating, the focal point was the architecture of the garment. With natural fabrics as the central choice, there was cotton and luxurious silks that swayed easily with the body allowing a relaxed movement.

Payal Khandwala

Creating hand woven textiles and rich saris with master craftsmen of Bengal, Payal ensured that there was exclusivity in her creations. White was the colour that remained in the forefront of the collections, while other shades like deep blue, turquoise, magenta, orange, sun yellow, red and maroon added a colourful medley.

Payal Khandwala

With the white shirt as a constant in the collection, Payal teamed it with saris; super wide pleated palazzos and crinkle wrap skirt. Keeping the silhouettes very Zen-like as always, with samurai pants appearing occasionally; Payal added shirt waister dress, asymmetric tunics, jackets, crinkle wrap skirts, shirts with off-centre openings  and drop-shoulder tops.

Payal Khandwala

Saris although stark in their design and beauty, were offered by Payal in multi-coloured jewel tones of colour blocking, which will appeal to the ethnic dresser.

When women long for “A Perfect Fit”, then Payal Khandwala had all the right requirements and styles.

SHYAMAL AND BHUMIKA PRESENTED A FASHIONABLE FLORAL BRIDAL FANTASY AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

Mumbai, 16^th March 2014: Aimed at bridal wear for spring/summer, Shyamal and Bhumika presented their collection called “A Mystical Garden” which was a floral fantasy at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014.

The Grand Hyatt Ballroom was turned into a fragrant garden with a backdrop of trellised flower bouquets and rows of blossoms that lined either side of the ramp.Inspired by the romantic Edwardian era, there was a marked Gothic influence in the sleeves which were fitted.

Shyamal & Bhumika

The designers chose a variety of lavish fabrics to maintain the bridal look. Raw silks were at the top of the list with net, satin, silk Dupion and sensuous georgette, which completed the look. Colours that blossomed on the runway, created a riot of floral hues as peach, beige, rose, moonlight, dusty aqua, chocolate brown, Beaujolais wine and other tones created magic on the ramp.

A variety of silhouettes were offered to the resort bride by the designing duo. Classic flared tented voluminous skirts swirled with empire lines, while gentle drapes gave the bias flared maxis and gowns, an arresting appeal. For more sultry touches, sexy embellished net bodices and corsets added to the glamour of the collections.

Shyamal & Bhumika

Looking stunning on the ramp were the silk flared gowns, cowled ankle length satin dress, layered net maxi, the luxurious short top over pita embroidered churidar with shimmering sequins/pearls and the awesome corset over panelled net skirt.
The designers brought in just three saris in rose pink, champagne and peach with zardosi and Zari jaal work with glittering borders.

Shyamal & Bhumika

Shyamal & Bhumika

The eight men’s wear outfits were regal with jackets, being in the forefront with Zari embellishments/floral dori work and worn with pleated shirts, trousers or polo pants.

Shyamal & Bhumika

Accessories that caught the eye were the intricately crafted clutch bags, golden flowers to decorate the hair and the detachable slip-on embroidered sleeves that gave a dressy look to the creations. 

Shyamal & Bhumika

Embroidery has always played an important role for Shyamal and Bhumika. This season too, the pair had tonal thread work with dashes of metallic thread, using pita and zardosi. Dainty 3D rosettes with subtle shimmer and flecked with pearls; created a stunning impact on the scintillating garments.

Shyamal & Bhumika

From the beaches of Goa, to the sands of the Riviera, the Shyamal and Bhumika bridal wear collection “A Mystical Garden” will be a stunning offering that will excite couples who want to make the important day in their lives truly memorable! 

Shyamal & Bhumika