DEBASHRI SAMANT HOOKED THE AUDIENCE WITH A SKILFULLY CRAFTED COLLECTION AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2014

Tussar, silk and woollen Jamdani came together for Debashri Samanta who enchanted the audience with her Vietnam inspired collection called “Hooked” at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014. 

Eager to recreate the rustic, rich culture of the Far Eastern country with touches of contemporary appeal, Debashri celebrated the beauty of old and new with creative vigour. The traditional Jamdani fish motifs and loose cotton of the fabric was engineered to suit New Age silhouettes. 

Debashri Samanta

Bringing to centre stage the stylishly torn hand knitted woollens, Debashri told a fashionable tale of craft, culture and hints of poverty from Vietnam’s exotic heritage. Fish and hook motifs were hand woven on the woollen Jamdani, as well as the shredded knit covers. The colour story was sombre with black, white, purple and grey being the base. 

Debashri Samanta

Opening the show with a printed coat over an asymmetric, knotted- at-the-hemline midi; Debashri followed it with a black jumpsuit with long crushed cotton hoodie. Woollen knit choli under a choir boy cape, front tie-up pants, boxy printed coat, over-lapping waist cropped pants, loose square kurta and a draw string gathered pleated skirt, were some of the interesting construction techniques that emerged on stage. To end the show Debashri brought in the knitted one-shoulder cover, a printed poncho and a one-shoulder long sleeve creation.

Debashri Samanta

For fashionistas who long for that exotic touch of the Far East mingled with Indian ethos, they will be “Hooked” on Debashri Samanta’s collection. 

DIVYA SHETH REINVENTED AJRAKH FOR HER STUNNING COLLECTION AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2014

Last season’s Gen Next designer Divya Sheth was inspired by tea tables with Ajrakh prints. For Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014, Divya once again worked with Ajrakh for a collection called “Ajrakh Jo Galicho” (Carpet of Ajrakh). Highlighting health conscious festive wear for spiritual souls, Divya had natural dyed Ajrakh with experimental Kalamkari, which was hand printed/painted and turned these two crafts into couture offerings.

Divya Seth

Indian hues lit up the ramp as haldi and kesari, Mehendi Sindoor, were created with pure turmeric, henna, madder flower and indigo. Adding Uzbek ikat, large doses of gotta, quilling, raffia tassels and safety pins, the winter collection of carpet dresses, scarves and draped garments were a visual delight to behold. 

Divya Seth

Colours were muted shades of khaki, brown; chutney and teal. The military like dress with raffia tassels, the wrap jumpsuit with woven shrug and the column creation with long sleeve tasselled bolero fitted into the theme perfectly.

Divya Seth

The multi fabric draped maxi added a feminine touch to the line, while the trio of indigo satin gowns with intricate embroidery on the sleeves and bodice, offered a more formal option. Dhoti pants were visible under long kameez and jacket, while the final khaki lehenga and printed kurta-coat with pleated 3D fan appliqués was a perfect answer to semi formal wear.

Divya Seth

The jewellery, which highlighted the creations was in copper and once again with raffia tassels and shimmering semi precious stones.

Working around a fluid flowing silhouette and asymmetry for the creations, Divya Sheth showcased a colourful line that will delight women who long for unconventional styling.

PURVI DOSHI MARRIED TWO CULTURES FOR A SUPERB COLLECTION AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2014

Purvi Joshi showcased her creative and innovative side at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014 by bringing in harmony between two cultures for her collection ‘Chavi’.

Purvi Doshi

Inspiration was drawn from the ever famous African ‘AZTEC’ prints which are trendy all over the world.  Purvi converted these prints to turn them into a ‘desi’ offering of glamorous fusion wear.

This change from international to hometown material was created with brilliant merging of the prints into mirror embroidery with subtlety of Kutch and Gujarat beaming through.

The garments looked melodious in sound hues of saffron, blue, chilli red, green and white, that effortlessly flowed into the silhouettes.

Purvi Doshi

The hand-work on the garments was the reflection of a dying art of mirror work by the rural crafts-people who were struggling to keep this tradition afloat.

This eye filling collection had maxis, saris paired with short kurtas along with flared blouses, tie and dye skirts as well as long kurtas with flared pants. This collection had variety of detailing like pleats, layering, gathers and keyholes. It was colourful and eclectic just like its mirror work. 

Purvi Doshi

Other enchanting ensembles were the Anarkalis that were rich in blue and had colourful edging details. Rajasthani bangles were also a major statement making accessory style that was adopted to complete the collection.

Purvi Doshi

Sonal Chauhan, star of the Bollywood hit film ‘Jaanat’ appeared wearing a sleeveless off-white blouse with a flared skirt embodying tons of mirror work. 

Purvi Doshi’s beautiful collection ‘Chavi’ not only brought the intricate Indian craft and culture onto the international fashion stage, but also managed to create awareness amongst the Indians on how important it is to “Wear Indian and be Indian”

SIDHARTH SINHA OF N & S GAIA BROUGHT EARTHY LUXURY AT JABONG STAGE DURING LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2014

Sidharth Sinha under his label ‘N&S Gaia’ showcased a city-chic collection titled ‘Meta Modernism’ at the Jabong Stage during Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014. 

Inspired by the beauty of butterflies this collection stuck to its roots using elements and motifs in nature for their grace, texture and beauty.

N&S GAIA

The colour palette comprised earthy tones such as champagne, pale green and nude, while darker tones of fairy green, earthy brown, stained white, deep violet and woody black added to the fantastical feel of this range.

N&S GAIA

 Luxurious fabrics like Bhagalpur silk, hand-spun wool, khadi silk, cotton blends and chanderi silk made their way onto the runway in the form of dresses, saris, jackets, gowns, capes and tops. 

The silhouettes were carefully constructed, with drapes taking centre stage in each design so as to give the outfits a feminine, free-flowing appeal.

N&S GAIA

The designer’s craftsmanship was displayed brilliantly when an interesting floral embroidered forest green dress with a touch of sparkle made its way onto the catwalk.

N&S GAIA

Keeping the collection simple yet stylish, the embellishments were restricted to Dakmanda hand plucking with more focus on the cuts and the paint-splatter like print on the fabrics. The crumbled finishes and Organic Iridescent textured dyes added to the innovative look.

N&S GAIA

Beautiful and timeless ‘Meta Modernism’ by Sidharth Sinha for his label N&S Gaia was one range that is sure to fly off the racks!

Lakme' Fashion Week Summer Resort 2014 Day 5 Part 2

DEBASHRI SAMANTA’S QUIRKY COLLECTION AT JABONG STAGE DURING LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014 WAS A FUN LINE

Mumbai, 16^th March 2014: Debashri Samanta showcased a quirky, fun collection titled ‘Summer Houses’ at Jabong Stage during Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014. Using handloom fabrics such as Jamdani from West Bengal; the range with its urban cosmopolitan Indian vibe comprised dresses, long tunics, extended rompers, shrugs, shorts, skirts and tops.

Debashree Samanta

Shades such as sky blue, Popsicle orange, pale beige and cloud white gave each piece a playful ardour. The collars of each piece were structured, slim crafted in solid colours and further accentuated by pop coloured piping, minimal layering, sheer accents, soft textures and subtle cut-outs.

Debashree Samanta

Embellishments were kept simple and featured printed houses in bronze, black, grey and orange paired with solid coloured collars for a balanced appeal. A piece which stood out was a gorgeous orange sari, sporting delicate weaves and metal detailing along with a bold bikini top. 

Debashree Samanta

Earthy, minimal yet effortlessly stylish Debashri Samanta’s collection, ‘Summer Houses’ was for any woman who isn’t afraid to be a head turner.

ISHA KEDIA’S UNCONVENTIONAL COLLECTION AT JABONG STAGE DURING LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014 BLENDED NATURE AND GEOMETRY

Isha Kedia under her label ‘Klitché’, showcased a trendy nature-meets-geometry inspired collection at Jabong Stage during Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014. The designer stuck to simple silhouettes like dresses, trousers, tunics, skirts and gowns crafted in light fabrics like chiffon and organza.

Keeping in mind the season, each piece was structured lightly and accentuated with feminine, floral elements that kept the range fresh, versatile and charming.  Extended tapered shoulders were the highlight of the collection and gave off an edgy-chic vibe complemented by a colour palette with tints and shades of white, black and blue kissed grey.

A unique concept which graced each piece was the use of fabric elements - layering, piping, pleats and moulded textures, which were worked to contour each form, to envelop the body in a myriad contrasting lines and curves that made for an intriguing display.

One outfit which stole the show was a gorgeous white dress with circular black work and a fan-like bottom in sheer fabric that oozed sensual sophistication.

Constructed with an ethereal flow, ‘Klitché’ by Isha Kedia was a versatile wardrobe, which is sure to strike a chord with any urban stylish woman. 

“PARIS AMOUR” BY ARCHANA KOCHHAR CREATED ROMANCE AND STYLE AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

Mumbai, 16^th March 2014: Inspired by the romantic city of Paris, Archana Kochhar’s “Paris Amour” collection at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014 had all the iconic French touches.

Archana Kochhar

From the Pop Art Paris map, to the Eiffel Tower and spring blossoms, the images were turned into digital prints and combined with monochromatic black stripes and checks. Giving resort wear an Indo-western twist, there was a line of short umbrella skirts; crisp shirts, kaftans, sexy slit gowns, draped dhoti saris, peplum chemise, lehengas and suspender skirts.

Archana Kochhar

Colours created a riot on the stage with lime green, yellow, red, purple, teal as well as green interspersed with black and white. 3D flowers were the focal point of the garments and sparkled with Swarovski dust.

Archana Kochhar

Playing with the stripes in horizontal and vertical forms, Archana had some interesting entries like small gilets over white shirts worn with short frothy skirts. Kaftans moved from mini to maxi and pre-stitched saris which followed the black and white theme with red floral prints were worn over checked/striped tights and jersey cholis. An eye- catcher was the boldly striped top with a matching maxi skirt. Striped kurtas peeped out from under black net covers and a black/white/red chiffon coat looked dramatic with a kurta.

Archana Kochhar

Men’s wear worked well in black/white with ombré effects for kurtas, horizontal striped bundgalas, bundi with an Eiffel tower print, or asymmetric closures.

Archana Kochhar

Archana’s showstopper was an unusual but handsome choice – Olympic medal winner - boxer, Vijender Singh who rocked down the ramp doing some shadow boxing in a striped jacket, kurta and baggy salwars. 

For stylish summer lunches and after dark romantic evenings, “Paris Amour” by Archana Kochhar will create the right mood.

JYOTSNA TIWARI’S FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA WAS A GLITTERING DEBUT COLLECTION AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

For the Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014 season, Jyotsna Tiwari made her maiden appearance with a fashion extravaganza. From easy-to-wear, pre-draped sari gowns to playful printed creations, Jyotsna offered the fashionably adventurous women many options when holidaying by the sea.

Jyotsna Tiwari

For brides who long for beach weddings that spell glamour on the sand, sea and under the moonlight, the designer created luxuriously embroidered gowns and cocktail dresses.

Jyotsna Tiwari

Jyotsna opened the show with a printed line of gowns teamed with lacy backs, will-power, halter silhouettes and kaftans with one shoulder interest. For the ethnic dresser, the saris in beige or black had printed pleats, borders and blouses.

Jyotsna Tiwari

For midnight glamour, Jyotsna upped the style quotient by unleashing stunning draped sari-gowns worn with gold corsets or bustiers and a gorgeous line of fishtail layered net maxis with ornate bodices, cut-out backs or feminine peplums.

Jyotsna Tiwari

To match the sensuous but sophisticated look of her creations Jyotsna brought on the ramp the very sexy, seductive, Sunny Leone who glided down the catwalk in a figure hugging layered fish-tail net gown covered in glittering crystals.

Here was style and sophistication of a very high order as gorgeous colours and stunning embellishments spelt timeless appeal. When it comes to making a dazzling resort wear fashion statement, Jyotsna Tiwari presented the perfect collection.

LAKMÉ ABSOLUTE PRESENTED A SCINTILLATING COLLECTION BY RAJESH PRATAP SINGH AT THE GRAND FINALE DURING LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

Mumbai, 16^th March 2014: The Grand Finale show by top couturier Rajesh Pratap Singh presented by Lakmé Absolute was a scintillating fashion offering that concluded Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014. Raising the curtain on this season’s style statement, Lakmé along with Rajesh Pratap Singh created a visual treat of fashion and makeup. It was all about high octane fashion and makeup trends that will excite fashion enthusiast during the coming season.

Rajesh Pratap Singh

Inspired by ‘Illusions’ – Lakmé’s statement for the season, the finale was a magnificent interplay of light on colour and was a true depiction of Rajesh’s signature style. Complementing the outfits, the makeup was conceptualized with the new Lakmé Absolute Illusion range, comprising of eight metallic shimmer eye shadows monos and four limited edition nail colors.

Rajesh Pratap Singh

Mirrors framed with lit diyas ran through the centre of the ramp while giant trees made an impressive décor and turned the lawns of the Hotel Grand Hyatt into a magical wonderland. To match the glamour and glitz of the Lakmé Absolute Illusion range, Rajesh Pratap Singh’s collection titled “Illusion” played with contrasts as sheer fabrics moved gracefully from relaxed shapes in pastels to stronger solids. Pastels and metallic yarns came in perfect harmony to move into sheer glass weaves and then culminated in black and midnight shades with shimmering silver highlights.

Rajesh Pratap Singh

The fabric base exclusively created for; the “Illusions” collection had woven experiments in silver, stainless steel, paper, aluminium, hand woven and spun khadi, silk and linen. The “Illusion” story also brought trademark white shirts by Rajesh Pratap Singh as well as bias churi sleeves, the rustic bundi vest, structured jackets and the veil in more contemporary forms. The traditional adda (frames) hand embroidery method was tweaked to include metal.

Rajesh Pratap Singh

The show opened with models wearing lit helmets with transparent graphic footwear in the iconic white Rajesh Pratap Singh shirts. Soon the pastel palette emerged with skirts, coats, jackets, glittering dresses, blousons; pinafores, coat dresses as well as shimmering shifts.

Rajesh Pratap Singh

The black section was dazzling with mirror work on waistcoats, capris, jackets, tunics, tiny boleros, high waist trousers, belted shirt waisters, and gowns with placement mirrors and horizontal metal stripes. Men’s wear was stylish with jackets, Bermudas, kurtas, blousons with interesting colour blocking and detailing.

Rajesh Pratap Singh

The finale was a burst of fireworks around the ramp as Kareena Kapoor Khan, the brand ambassador of Lakme glided in a fabulous long sleeved V-neck, low back glittering black gown.  

Rajesh Pratap Singh

The show also served as the launch of Lakme’s latest collection- Lakmé Absolute Illusion. The collection consists of Absolute Color Illusion Pearl Eyeshadows and Absolute Color Illusion Nail Colors. The makeup in the show brought alive this collection through metallic eye makeup on the models that created an interplay of color and light truly creating an illusion.

Rajesh Pratap Singh