CHANDNI MOHAN – MINIMAL ELEGANCE

A graduate of Nottingham Trent University, UK in 2010, Chandni Mohan’s label “Selvage” was a high end luxury line that created waves at the opening Gen Next show at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014. Combining effortlessly the concepts of simplicity and power dressing, Chandni based her collection, which was inspired by Preston Scott’s architecture; on crisp tailoring with hints of androgynous touches.

Chandni Mohan

Working around a colour palette of black, white and red; the sharply cut angular boxy dresses, tunics, skirts and covers had asymmetric construction that spelt minimal elegance with maximum impact. Overlapping folds and geometric silhouettes added to the drama of the creations. The accompanying gold jewellery was a perfect match as cuffs, necklaces and earrings added to the look of the very stark but striking collection. The fabrics were Tencel, Satin Crepe polyester, crepe spandex with polyester, sand wash hammer satin and satin chiffons.

Chandni Mohan

For an innovative style statement that makes an eye-catching entry, Chandni Mohan, offered a variety of options to the modern woman. 

Chandni Mohan

DIVYA SHETH – AN INDO-INTERNATIONAL OFFERING

With a course in styling from Central Saint Martins London, Divya Sheth created a mélange of the East and West for her collection. Presenting a mix of Far East motifs and silhouettes with Indian textiles; the stylish line inspired by Mary Cassatt’s “Lady at the Tea Table” was a delightful blend of traditional ikat, khadi and Jamdani weaves with ample doses of intricate embroidery. Borrowing motifs from Japanese, Moroccan and English tableware and tiles, Divya went in for totally unconventional silhouettes that were inspired by the very geometric tea bags and saucers. 

Divya Seth

Elegantly styled one-shoulder dress had cascading saucer like motifs down the front. With white as the base, the pottery blue designs were delicately splashed on the slim trousers, asymmetric summer dress, as well as sultry cocktail creations and draped gowns. The beautiful thread embroidery was the cynosure of all eyes featuring the Chinese temples and cherry blossoms while the Ajrakh prints with the unusual clamp dyeing was another interesting part of the collection.

Divya Seth

Divya Seth

For a perfect English Tea Party appearance Divya Sheth’s diversely inspired line will have great international appeal

NIKHIL THAMPI UNLEASHED A COLLECTION OF UNTAMED BEAUTY AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

It was a rebellious collection that Nikhil Thampi unleashed on to the ramp at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014. Called “Untamed” it was the designer’s uninhabited offering of unconventional, non-conformist fashion. The highlights of the collection revolved around the intense zipper detailing and the rose gold metallic flowers that were splashed lavishly on the garments which created an eye catching and striking impact.

Nikhil Thampi

Nikhil started with an all-white line of very structured ensembles and then gradually added pink – rose, blush and dusty nude. But the colour story moved further and added red, mango, yellow, purple, teal and tan leather for a collection that revealed many interesting fashion facets. Fitted dresses, tailored trousers, shirts, pencil skirts and blazers gave a cross section of ensembles to the audience. 

Nikhil Thampi

The final glittering 3D rosette covered bustier was a dazzling end to the show which started on a sober note and moved into high octane glamour.

NISHKA LULLA’S IDEAL FASHIONABLE TRAVEL WARDROBE WAS A BREEZY PRESENTATION AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

“Flyaway Flyaway” declared Nishka Lulla as her collection at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014 was presented to an appreciative audience. Dedicated to the globetrotting fashionista who is particular about her sartorial preferences when jetting around the world, Nishka ensured that her wardrobe will win the lady accolades along with her business acumen.

Nishka Lulla

For easy-to-wear, fuss free, clothes that revealed a soft delicate floatiness, Nishka chose feminine fabrics and pretty pastels to add zing to the travel collection. There was a stark timeless quality about the styling that merged effortlessly with a sporty appearance.

Nishka Lulla

It was a wispy almost translucent line when organza ribbed collar tee, windcheaters, jumpsuits with tiny bougainvillea motif print floated down the runway. Cotton drawstring Bermuda shorts, sheer peplum dress, the final crepe jumpsuit and dress with mother-of-pearl embroidery were feminine to the core.

NITYA ARORA OF VALLIYAN PRESENTED A WONDERLAND OF JEWELLERY AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

Mumbai, 12^th March 2014: Presenting an ode to her friends in the LGBT community Nitya Arora’s jewellery collection for her “Valliyan” label called “Juliet loves Juliette” was an unconventional take on the Romeo-Juliet theme. The jewellery was whimsical as the designs moved from reality to fantasy revealing Nitya’s creations as luxury meets fantasy.

Nitya Arora

Nitya Arora’s collection called “Juliet loves Juliette” offered constructed and deconstructed jewelry that will be the talk of the season wherever it retails.  

Nitya Arora

High shine satin and luxurious fabrics created an impact on the ramp, when unisex brooches were turned into medal necklaces, while ear cuffs, head gears and tassels were multi-functional accessories.

Lakme' Fashion Week Summer/ Resort 2014 - Day 1 part 2

DESIGNERS RAGINI AHUJA, RIXI BHATIA AND JAYESH SACHDEV UNVEILED TRENDY FUN COLLECTIONS AT JABONG STAGE DURING LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

Designer duo Rixi Bhatia and Jayesh Sachdev showcased a flashy-trendy collection under their label ‘QUIRKBOX’.

For the modern man who isn’t afraid to stand out and try the eccentric, this range offered shorts, trousers, vests, jackets and shirts which were perfect for any occasion – from clubs to casual, semi formal to edgy old-school. I do love the print on print trend on the ensemble below with Jayesh's graphics below.

A vast colour palette for both sexes included bold tones of sky blue, wall white, pop orange, flamingo pink, bright indigo, rainforest green and purple.

                                                                       

QUIRKBOX

Fun and offbeat, the collection titled ‘Quirk-E-Sultanat’ aimed at being feminine-funky with city-chic elements with a dash of experimental thrown in.

The designers worked with softly structured silhouettes so as to balance out the bold and fun prints and comprised skirts, tunics, rompers, boyfriend jackets, tops, dresses, saris, lehengas and blazers.

                                                                         

 QUIRKBOX

Carefully constructed and detailed, each piece was contoured with gathers, piping, colour blocking, unique prints which ranged from traditional motifs such as elephants to caricatures of Indian couples for a fresh, youthful appeal.

Perfect for an urban chic buyer ‘QUIRKBOX’ by Rixi Bhatia and Jayesh Sachdev is sure to fly off the racks.

                                                                                      

QUIRKBOX

 

Mumbai, 12^th March 2014: Ragini Ahuja under her label ‘Ikai’ showcased an enchanting collection at Jabong Stage during Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014.

The designer worked with contemporary, unconventional silhouettes and blended them with Indian aesthetics and cultural influences.

The colour palette combined earthy tones with bold hues and comprised mesmerising, bold, classic shades of indigo, poster blue, concrete grey, burnt brown, smoke black, peach kissed white, venom red, pale nude, deep plum and muted gold.

             Ragini Ahuja ‘Ikai’

For the more daring, certain pieces made use of sheer fabric and georgette in asymmetric shapes for a funky, playful appeal.

Ragini Ahuja ‘Ikai’

‘Ikai’ by Ragini Ahuja is an intriguing new take on ethnic fashion and is sure to spark the interest of any jet set diva. 

                                                                   

Ragini Ahuja ‘Ikai’

Lakme Fashion Week Summer/ Resort 2014- Day 1- part 1

The Lakme Fashion Week LFW is here guys and Mumbai is buzzing with blushed cheekbones, high heeled beauties and dapper and sensitive men. Designers, models, celebrities,fashionistas, divas,business owners,entrepreneurs, media and a plush venue, what a heady cocktail this is! Your blogger is there to witness, review and bring to you the best from this high octane, champagne drenched event....day after day!

So buckle up to go on the fast lane with me to see what the best in design in the country have to offer for this Summer/resort season of 2014.

DHRUV KAPUR’S MONOCHROMATIC COLLECTION HAD MINIMAL STYLISH ELEGANCE AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

Mumbai, 12^th March: Dhruv Kapur’s label DRVV for his collection reflected duplicity and duality in monochromes at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014.

 To match the theme and mood of the ensembles, the fabrics he opted for, started with double sided crêpe, georgette, cotton sateen, organza, silk flat chiffon and twill but stayed away from dazzling embroidery and bright colours. Dhruv played with black, white, grey, silver-grey and beige for a stylishly simplistic collection which had a great story to tell.

The contrast French cuff and built in bow shirt in poplin seen below is my pick from the womens offerings.

DRVV-by Dhruv Kapur

“2 Faced” garments like the coat back jumpsuit for men added to the fashion quotient for a very Zen like look that created a striking fashion statement for Dhruv Kapur’s collection.

DRVV-by Dhruv Kapur

PRANAV MISHRA AND SHYMA SHETTY BROUGHT NEO LUXE PRÉT ON THE CATWALK AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

It was pure luxury with comfort when Pranav Mishra and Shyma Shetty presented their collection for Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014 under the “Huemn” label.

Influenced heavily by sportswear, the creations had a breezy fresh energetic young upscaled look. Sporty silhouettes were evident along with graphic creative wordplay and luxe shimmering handwork. Colours that created a fun element were, bright yellow and red along with pastel blue, mint, beige, and ended with black. Keeping the theme intact, plush silk, linen, Lurex and Lycra were the apt fabric choices.

Silky sweatshirts were a great complement for sequinned pencil skirts while trendy varsity Tees were given a stylish twist.

                               

 Huemn

I love the sharply cut Jacket glittered with stripes to keep the theme intact. Sporty broad stripes and giant numerical motifs added to the very fun collection which was at the same time quite right for elegant evenings.

For the lover of the great outdoors, Pranav Mishra and Shyma Shetty dreamt up an offering for the latest season that had all the practical as well as elegant stylish touches.  

                                

 Huemn

SNEHA ARORA’S COLLECTION OF IMPERFECTIONS AND STYLE CREATED DRAMA ON THE RAMP AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

 Sneha created a collection of imperfections at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014. Defects in fashion were highlighted while perfection was given a back seat.

Calling her presentation “Leak”, Sneha went from hues like dirty ivory, patchy beige and leaking indigo along with dusty brown to stay true to the title. I love the neckpiece and the colors.

Sneha Arora

Asymmetric prints were once again blotchy, while leaking plackets and collars were in miss dent dobbies and cotton voiles. Summer dresses too revealed leaking details in cotton satins and hand-woven silks. Bottom wear comprised displaced cropped trousers and culottes, which were teamed with deconstructed blazers with dripping lining that gave an unconventional relaxed silhouette to the garments.

Pleating gave the dresses, trousers and jackets a slightly feminine touch; while the clever layering of different garments offered a mix and match option to the wearer.

Sneha Arora

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES INSPIRED SOUGAT PAUL’S VERY UNIQUE COLLECTION AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

The detailing was rather unconventional as embellishments were the zippers that made striking additions. Digital prints played a major role as geometric and floral motifs in multi colours and fabrics were teamed with solids to highlight the garments. While the silhouette was basic, it was the pleating and draping that added drama to the garments. Beaded tassels appeared for colour blocked pre-stitched saris and were easy on the eye.

                             

 SOUP -Saugat Paul

The final three beaded beauties – black chiffon maxi, red jacket with georgette skirt and the dusty green gown with 3D embellishments were ideal Red Carpet entries. For a nostalgic fashion journey Sougat Paul’s “Vintage Sewing Box” collection was the perfect tailored offering from dawn to dusk.

                            

  SOUP -Saugat Paul

Street Style Diaries Mumbai -Chaya Vani

Chaya glows like a movie star in this Indie fusion avatar with the arc lights shining on her, literally. I love how adding a few pieces to your attire lifts the whole look and takes it to another level. In this case, the pleated maxi skirt (with or without the fringed sling) is a complete look in itself and a popular one for this spring has been electrified if I may say, by adding an embroidered waistcoat and a jeweled headpiece in silver.

Chaya wears a short sleeves, longish knitted top in black with a maxi skirt in Navy grey with permanent pleats. She wears an colorful embroidered waistcoat with a contemporary version the Indian mirror-work embroidery from Kutchh, Gujarat and Punjab regions, I love the ornate brooch closure! She wears her soft curls open with a silver headpiece, again a very Indian touch and something royal about it, but hey who said you cant rock it too!

  

How to wear - City Shorts

City shorts, from the last few seasons have almost become a staple for Men to dress up in, and spring is the best time to start. Their soaring popularity has even made them acceptable inside work-spaces, and a topic of many a hot debate on whether Men should be allowed to wear shorts to work?

I say Aye....What do you think?

It might be a bit awkward if you are in the finance or banking sector or a lawyer or even a doctor, but hey! those of you into a cool IT sphere like a Google or Facebook, or design, media or running an enterprise of your own, shorts are the new trousers! The rising temperatures in our cities could be a reason for this preferential shift. Or maybe its the issue of EQUALITY with this wave of Feminism, a desire to match the much acceptable attire for women and welcome in the board room, dresses. Personally I don't mind them provided you have well toned calves and take grooming seriously. Men blessed in the hair department on your pins should stay away from this trend at the workplace.

Below is a classic sportswear look with a beige shorts+black long sleeves flat knit jumper combination, that works perfectly for any age group. A beret in black and black-n-white sneakers complete the look.

If you are the MY BODY IS MY TEMPLE kinda guy, someone who takes his workouts seriously or are simply blessed with a great metabolism and have a body that you are happy with, you can by all means go for the look below. It is much fitted and form flattering T shirt-shorts combo. Here you can experiment as much as you like with color blocking, print-on-print trends. White espadrilles in canvas are a fabulous footwear choice for the season. You can try them in colors and patterns available aplenty.

A monochrome color scheme is a man's best ally. This all black shirt-shorts-shoes combo is a no fuss casual look that works wonderfully. The best thing about this look is that its takes at least a few years off you age, no matter what your age! A reason why is popular right across 18-55 age group and that's the Long and Short of it boys!

Armaan Khan

How to wear - Palazzo Pants

March is here. Winter gets ready to wrap up its business of the Big Chill due to the Polar Vortex, blizzards in New York and most of the US, floods in London and UK, chilly rain in New Delhi and the just about a hint of it all in Mumbai, to make way for the Spring of  2014 in the later half of the month. I look forward to it for so many reasons including my packed travel itinerary for the month, which was on hold for my well known dislike of the freezing weather, and of course the upcoming Lakme' Fashion Week in Mumbai.

So I thought I'll give you a head start onto the upcoming season by introducing a new post called How to wear!

Palazzo trousers are IN, a great style for summer and work best in flowing, breathable materials. They are a great alternative to the Maxi skirt and the best part is you can have fun with them and wear it in so many different ways to create completely different looks.

Below is a very casual-chic summer look in linen/cotton. The Palazzos in linen are paired with a lovely irregular striped top with a lace insert. The accessories are understated creating a very minimal look. very casual-chic summer look

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Palazzos can also come handy to create an evening look, just by choosing the right fabric like the one below in silk in a rich color. Paired with a tube top in black, studded shoes in red, and a studded clutch, open hair and a statement ear-ring, you are good to go to an evening soiree!

You can also add a Sporty twist on the Palazzos by just pairing it right! Here the choice could be a flowing viscose or a poly-blended fabric for the pants. I love the all-over-embroidered cropped top in a royal blue, breathable and airy again! Put your sneakers on and you are ready to sprint and feel the breeze.The hair worn short just adds to the whole look.

Caught my eye - Sandcult : Simon Smith at Phoenix Mills

Sand Sculpting for a Cause - For the aid of Cancer Patients

About Sancult:

Sand Cult, originally the brain child of Jerry Jose who is a keen enthusiast of creations in sand created a platform for a bunch of talented yet unnoticed sand sculptors from India. Sand Cult has teamed up with World Masters People's Champion Simon Smith thus acquiring an International edge. Sand art and sand sculptures are new to India though it’s hugely popular in Europe and North America. In India one rarely gets to see sand sculptures for real, it’s mostly only while browsing the internet. But Sand Cult envisage changing this and bringing sand sculptures live to the naked eyes of all people.

Sand Cult in coalition with High Street Phoenix and CPAA brings you this unique opportunity to see this master piece through your own eyes. It is made entirely out of just sand and water by World Masters People's Champion, Simon Smith- the Sand Wizard. This sand sculpture will be exhibited in Goa until 31st May 2014 for a noble cause to raise funds for Cancer Patients and support this art. While you can enjoy the sculpture for free, we encourage you to donate generously to show your appreciation towards this art and help those inflicted by cancer.

The Sand Castle- Sandwizardsimon

The Sand Wizard: Simon Smith

Street Style Diaries Mumbai- Jagvir Matharoo

Is it the jacket or the hair? 

Is it the jeans or the chain? 

I couldn't put a finger on the one thing that made Jagvir Matharoo stand out in the styling department. What I do know however that everything works together beautifully and this sure is a great representation of how a contemporary man should be turned out at this moment!

Jagvir wears this henley shirt in white over this amazing pair of denims with a great wash and vintage feel. The fit is contemporary, popular as the carrot fit and the hem rolled-up to the ankle and is the way to wear it right. A military inspired longish four pocket jacket in khaki, is a rage right now adds to his look.

He is biased to silver and diamonds in the accessory department and sports diamond studs in his ears, a silver kada, a Diesel watch in silver on either wrists and this amazing silver chain which I believe is an old Indian design, J'adore!

A belt, a sling bag and shoes all in black complete his look.

The X factor however is the way he wears his facial hair and his Manbun! Its the latest way to wear your hair if you like it long,shows a lot of confidence and is every bit masculine. It has been seen on many icons of style like Brad Pitt, David Beckham, Jared Leto and my current heartthrob Bradley Cooper recently.

All you men out there with long tresses, what do you think about the manbun? 

Meanwhile Jagvir, Keep rocking the Manbun like you do!

Jagvir Matharoo

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