Hey Peeps,
I have not been posting since almost a year now, call it a hiatus or pursuing different paths.

Happy to update you all about my maiden costume design project for Parineeti Chopra in Meri Pyaari Bindu.

I have been getting great feedback on how good she is looking and her complete transformation; but also a bit of backlash about how contemprory the styling is instead of it looking era appropriate.

I accept all the criticism and appreciation for the same.

Hope you get to watch it while its still playing on the screens.

Would love to hear your views.

Meanwhile here's a link to the esteemed Pinkvilla Review.

Street Style Diaries Mumbai- Kaveri Sharma

Gone are the days when dressing for work was a mundane job. Kaveri shows us how we can spice it up a-la-blogger style. We are impressed.

Kaveri Sharma is a blogger.

Street Style Diaries Mumbai- Preeti Dhaata

Hola Amigos,... LIFW begins today. Awaiting a fabulous show of fresh talent and stylish pals from all over.

Featuring today one of my old clicks from last summer LIFW of Priti Dhata- Model off duty.

 Agreed lighting could ve been better.

Street Style Diaries Mumbai- Amit Ranjan

Happy Holi peeps! Your diarist was saving water staying indoors and putting her culinary skills to test. It was a great day spend eating home cooked savories and catching up on the bollywood latest releases. How did you spend yours?

Amit Ranjan

Amit Ranjan is a Model.

Street Style Diaries Mumbai - Sujata Reddy

Sujata Reddy

Sujata Reddy

Sujata Reddy

Street Style Diaries Mumbai - Shirin LoveBug

Street Style Diaries Mumbai -Sujala Nevar

Sujala Nevar

Street Style Diaries -Kayaan Contractor

Lakme Fashion Week Winter Festive 2015 Day 5

Arpita Mehta’s “The Golden Hour” Was A Mesmerising Collection At Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015

Creating an enchanting collection for cocktails, wedding and festive events, Arpita Mehta’s “The Golden Hour” was a sensuous offering at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015.

Arpita Mehta

When the events are glamorous, the collection has to match their splendour, so Arpita selected raw silk, tabi silk and chiffon in dramatic hues of gold, Sindoor, emerald and finally stunning black. The embellishments were elaborate and lavish as intricate mirrorwork and cut Dana embroidery along with salli fringes and innovative suede appliqués added to the highlights of the ensembles. 

Arpita Mehta

To further accentuate the glitz and glamour of the creations, Arpita brought in dull gold work. The sexy silhouettes, the fluid flared creations and the dramatic styling heightened the fashion quotient.

It was a veritable feast for the eyes as the first model in a stunning gold gown glided on the ramp. Soon there was a profusion of glamorous Red Carpet entries like the off-shoulder choli with an emerald green raw silk dazzling Lehenga, brown layered kurta with gold bolero and tiered Sharara. The Grecian gown was over sleek pants, while the printed draped pant, cowl salwars with a tiny choli with long trail and the black deep ‘V’ neckline kurta were eye catchers.

Arpita Mehta

Ending the show was ravishing Bollywood beauty Malaika Arora Khan, who sashayed down the ramp in an arresting gold off-shoulder choli with a panelled net trail and fitted slit long embroidered skirt    

For the Winter/Festive 2015 season Arpita Mehta’s “The Golden Hour” will create the perfect glamorous ambience for bridal as well as occasion wear. 

Arpita Mehta

AARTIVIJAY GUPTA STUNNED AGAIN WITH A BRILLIANTLY IDEATED COLLECTION AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2015.

Mumbai, 30 August 2015: Virtuoso designer Aartivijay Gupta brought a never seen before version of the traditional ‘Mandi’ with a high fashion twist at the Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015.

Aativijay Gupta

Roused by one of the most commonly visited market places in the country, Aarti found genius in the form of verdure. The organic produce was photographed with finesse and turned into photo prints as well as painted in-house and translated onto garments. The feature that set off the whole collection was the revival of Indian farmer’s Gamcha checks that were paired together with the prints to create the exuberant compilation that was showcased on the ramp. 

Aativijay Gupta

Textiles used, headlined hand-woven Jamdani, worsted wools, pashminas and mulmul that had been used as the canvas fabric for the art work giving the line a polished look. The colours that virtually appeased and gave the collection it’s chic look, consisted of muted dark biscuit browns, oxblood red, ochre, leaf green and beige. Silhouettes were anti-fitted and aimed at fitting a wide variety of clients. It subsisted of adjustable waist trench coats, big pleated skirts, adjustable wrap around skirts, buttoned work-wear shirts and farm aprons.

Aativijay Gupta

The two male models wore suits, monochromatically checked with photo prints of gourds and other vegetables spread out on the garments. Silhouettes that stood out from the women’s wear were the structured coat blouse paired with a belted sari and a wide legged pair of pants with pegs worn with a crop top and a trench coat.    

The designer Aartivijay Gupta demonstrated the very innovative collection ‘Mandi’, while managing to stay true to her distinctly whimsical point of view and incredible craftsmanship. 

Aativijay Gupta

PIYUSH DEDHIA’S ‘SOL’ PRESENTED A MODERN AGE YOUTHFUL COLLECTION AT JABONG STAGE DURING LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2015

Piyush Dedhia is an ace men’s wear designer and the proprietor of the brand ‘SOL’. He presented an all-round versatile collection, which complemented the rugged personality of Indian men, at Jabong Stage during Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015.

Piyush Dedhia

Piyush Dedhia’s idea of making commercially viable yet trendsetting outfits highly paid off as the models strutted down the catwalk in finely tailored attires. The silhouettes ranged from oxford shirts with complementary colour pocket details to military jackets and colour blocked shirts paired with striped blazers and ankle length trousers.

Piyush Dedhia

A semiformal twist was included by pairing a casual kurta shirt with a blazer and a trouser for a modern-gypsy look. It appeared to be the ideal option for the funky hunks, who willingly experiment with their formals by adding a dash of playfulness to it. The colour palette weighed more on the darker tones such as teal, smoky grey, charcoal black, cobalt blue and a hint of tangerine and white to balance the equation. High quality suitings fabrics were used to create an all seasonal look-book for the working Indian men. 

Piyush Dedhia

Piyush Dedhia with his label ‘SOL’ revolutionized the often bland men’s wear fashion with a rather daring approach by giving the classic apparels a groovy makeover. 

Piyush Dedhia

Reliance Trends Presented Tarun Tahiliani’s Exquisite “Easy Glamour” Prét-A-Porter Collection At Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015

Mumbai, 30 August, 2015: Tarun Tahiliani’s “Easy Glamour” collection was an eclectic line of the perfect prét-a-porter offering presented by Reliance Trends at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015.

The ramp was covered with graphics of “India Modern” visuals, which is the inspiration for most of Tarun’s designs. A full length mirror on stage and a rack with clothes; had as the backdrop, a very stylish video featuring model and Bollywood actress Lisa Haydon modelling Tarun’s collection.

Tarun Tahiliani

International model Ujjwala Raut opened the show with a looped black will-powered midi, which was followed by a great mix of black creations with occasional bursts of colour. Printed dolman sleeve top, sleek sheath, poncho draped skirt and tabs held in place flowing printed scarves on tunics, while patterned gilets added style to shorts.

Going for easier silhouettes that featured a SoHo style, capes, capelets, jumpsuits and saris were the focal interest. Tarun’s women’s wear line had intriguing construction and exotic prints with a marked Russian influence of vibrant stripes and the tribal gypsy elements were contemporised with leheriya prints. The black and white striped cascading top and the asymmetric kurta with leggings, will-power corset dress, the black dhoti sari and choli brought a great fusion story. A maroon jumpsuit with embroidered printed belt and lungi dress were interesting diversions.

Tarun Tahiliani

There was a profusion of carpet weaves and dramatic borders in shining shades of rust, olive and blue. The kaftans, tunics and shift dresses created easy, relaxed dressing options.

The jumpsuit-sari, an innovation by Tarun, had the pleats and draped dupatta, which was a great concept to step into and zip up. Peplum quilted gilets in winter shades of steel grey and black were ideal for cooler climes. Satin draped lungi cowl gowns, saris with velvet obe belts and printed Tees with satin dhotis, were great in construction and style. The kedia style blouses with skirts, woven embroidered pencil skirt, attached cape to blouses and the mini kaftan with a skirt added variety to the collection.

Tarun Tahiliani

For formal wear Tarun picked a rich colour format of yellow, emerald, rust, teal and aubergine, which were just right for festivities. Velvet hemlines added sophistication to body-con saris; while 3D floral visions looked fabulous on kalidaar jackets. Mughal motifs were splashed lavishly on the creations, but black and gold had silk embroidery with golden flecks that moved to darker tones for ultimate drama.

Tarun Tahiliani

Bringing a glamorous end to the show was the lovely Chitrangada Singh in a black draped gown and velvet cape splashed with gold embellishments.

Tarun Tahiliani’s “Easy Glamour” collection presented by Reliance Trends once again emphasised that the “Czar of Couture” can create a magical prét-a-porter collection for women. 

Tarun Tahiliani

 Gaurav Gupta ‘sculpts’ a spectacular grand finale for Lakmé Fashion Week 2015

Sculpted designs, playful makeup looks and Kareena Kapoor Khan take center-stage

Mumbai, 30^thAugust, 2015: Exploring new realms of fantasy with sculpted structures and silhouettes, Gaurav Gupta concluded the Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015 with a beautiful and dramatic Grand Finale at Mehboob Studios. Adding grandeur to the celebration of 15 glorious years was the showstopper and Lakmé Absolute face, Kareena Kapoor Khan who played muse to Gaurav’s creations. 

Gaurav Gupta

Everything about the Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015 Grand Finale was absolutely mind-blowing. A magnificent white giant sculpture of a gorgeous women rose from the centre of a circular stage in the mammoth Studio 1 of the iconic Mehboob Studios. Rows of chairs for the audience spiralled out around the stage. A flight of stairs amongst the white stage décor created the mood for a breath-taking opening of the Lakmé Absolute Grand Finale. 

Gaurav Gupta

Everything about the Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015 Grand Finale was absolutely mind-blowing. A magnificent white giant sculpture of a gorgeous women rose from the centre of a circular stage in the mammoth Studio 1 of the iconic Mehboob Studios. Rows of chairs for the audience spiralled out around the stage. A flight of stairs amongst the white stage décor created the mood for a breath-taking opening of the Lakmé Absolute Grand Finale. 

Gaurav Gupta

Avant-garde couturier, Gaurav Gupta’s designs were a display of utmost craftsmanship using an artistic color palette that was minimal yet vibrant with moondown gray, albatross black, showtime ivory and reminiscent red. The collection was inspired by Lakmé’s Sculpt beauty statement. This season also saw the launch of the Lakmé Absolute Lip Pout range of matte and crème lipcolors which became part of Gaurav’s runway showcase.

Gaurav Gupta

Whether it was the silhouettes, colours, embroidery or fabrics, the “Sculpt” collection by Gaurav Gupta was an intense fashion experience that left a lasting, mesmerizing impression on the audience with the ultra-glamorous beauty of the ensembles. Each look on the runway was completed with Lakmé’s new range of Absolute Lip Pout lipsticks and accentuated through structured hairdos. Gupta’s models strutted down the runway with well-defined matte and crème lips in a stunning palette of rich plums, deep reds and feminine pinks. The playful sculpted looks were crafted by Lakmé makeup expert, Daniel Bauer.

Gaurav Gupta

The stunning Lakmé Brand Ambassador Kareena Kapoor Khan said, “This has been the most outstanding grand finale ever. Gaurav’s vision for Lakmé ‘Sculpt’ has been truly avant-garde just like the theme itself. It feels great to be the muse for such coveted designers who’ve always given me the opportunity to explore a new avatar. For someone like me who loves to pout, this one is even more special because it’s all about the playful pout for Lakmé’s new range of stunning matter lip colors, the Lakmé Absolute Lip Pout. The shades and textures are so vibrant that it’s sure to become the biggest trend of the season.”

Lakme Fashion Week Winter Festive 2015 Day 4

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