ARCHANA RAO, KARISHMA SHAHANI KHAN AND HUEMN BY PRANAV MISHRA AND SHYAMA SHETTY MADE FASHION MAGIC ON THE RAMP

AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2015

ARCHANA RAO'S NOSTALGIC PARIS INSPIRED COLLECTION LEFT A LASTING IMPACT AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2015

When the inspiration is a 70 years old apartment in Paris with its treasure trove of memories, the collection has to have a nostalgic appeal. Archana Rao's "The Apartment" for her 'Frou-Frou' label at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2015 revived the memories of a bygone Parisian era as she creatively merged colours and fabrics with romantic nuances.

Shades of a soft palette started with nudes, blush pinks, pearly whites and moved to strong hues of military green and ochré. Matching the gentle beauty of the colours was the mélange of fabrics that moved from versatile hosiery and frail nets, to pure cotton and sheer organza. Detailing played a soft symphony, as embroidered cut-work and pearl minutiae added to the ethereal touch but the silhouettes were kept relaxed yet regal.

ARCHANA RAO

 The show opened with an ochré net skirt sprinkled with green tassels and white shirt with pink appliqués on shoulder. Next on the catwalk was a crêpe tulle gown with pink tassels, cutwork white shoulder cape over maxi and a white shirt worn with will-power slit kurta.

Net and solid fabrics worked well together, while patchwork quilted coat matched with shirt and trousers and a shaded pearl edged sari with cutwork cropped top added variety. Net capes appeared over sheaths and the rust pearl fringed toga, voluminous khaki net skirt and body-con dress with patched pockets created the mood.

Some interesting men's wear appeared on the ramp where appliquéd shirts and jackets were teamed with relaxed trousers.

Stopping the show was the very petite Aditi Rao Hydari who glided down in an empire line light maroon layered cutwork gown.

For women who long for that nostalgic Parisian touch in their wardrobe "The Apartment" by Archana Rao is what they will opt for.

KARISHMA SHAHANI KHAN PAID HOMAGE TO INDIGO WITH HER "NEEL" COLLECTION AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2015

Indigo the eternal popular shade of blue loved by all from various walks of life, has been at the centre of fashion for decades. Paying homage to this eternal shade, Karishma Shahani Khan's "Neel" collection at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2015 moved from comfort with functional detailing and then gradually went into traditional Asian mending and repairing techniques.

Boro, Sashika and Kantha gave the ensembles a richness that was timeless. The motifs were inspired by the blossoms that garland the blue skinned Indian deities with hints of vermillion and kumkum. Using fabulous hand woven silks, cottons, medium weight recycled denim and reused remnants of fabrics starting with Malkha cotton, ikats and hand woven silk; Karishma brought in a symphony of colours like white, red and mustard to balance the indigo shade.

KARISHMA SHAHANI KHAN

Layered to perfection, the garments in varying lengths were perfectly balanced for each entry. Tiered dresses were matched with printed skirts and flared jackets; cross-over tie-up kurtas appeared with Capris while bias cut shirt was worn with shaded sari and asymmetrical sleeveless waistcoat. The cute arrow print appeared occasionally to highlight the ensembles along with other motifs. An eye-catcher was the looped flared reversible skirt and layers of soft jackets in varying silhouettes that added to the very folksy fun-filled nature of the collection.

When traditional weaves and colours come seamlessly together, then the result is the stunning "Neel" collection by Karishma Shahani Khan.

PRANAV MISHRA AND SHYAMA SHETTY SHOWCASED A NEO LUXE COLLECTION AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2015

From placement prints on black, white and grey last season, Pranav Mishra and Shyma Shetty for their "Huemn" label showcased a neo luxe collection at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2015. Combining luxury in comfort and vice versa, the designers brought in stark femininity that had a flirtatious fascination for masculine coordinates. Classic silhouettes were revised with 3D futuristic fabrics and New Age print treatments.

Easy-to-wear summer apparel was layered with handmade techniques and finishes for suiting fabrics that enhanced the collection to a premium level. To match the silhouettes and fabrics the luxurious colour story was woven around fuchsia and gold with sheer white for lush silk, cotton and knits.

In a fast paced show, the collection opened with a white double sleeved shirt, followed by a midi shirt splashed with an abstract design. Double breast jackets were in red with one button closure or in black pinstripes. Trousers were cut short above the ankle, while sheer covers made the shorts and shirts look dressy.

PRANAV MISHRA AND SHYAMA SHETTY

Abstract prints in black and white looked great for sheer covers over sheaths, a khaki flared white blotch print skirt, jumpsuit with net trail, red maxi with bold shimmer and the final white  maxi embellished with feather like shredding with a sheer hem was an innovative end to the very practical but trendy collection.

For the Summer/Resort season of 2015 Pranav Mishra and Shyma Shetty's "Huemn" label offered a bouquet of exotic ensembles to the adventurous trendsetters.​

STYLE AND EDGY FASHION TOOK CENTRE STAGE WITH TIMELESS CREATIONS BY KRISHNA MEHTA AND VAISHALI SHADANGULE AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2015

KRISHNA MEHTA'S BOHO CHIC 1970'S INSPIRED COLLECTION AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2015 HAD NEW AGE INFLUENCES.

Mumbai 18 March, 2015: Get set for some happy, festive, fun wear in vibrant colours, breezy silhouettes and relaxed fabrics. Krishna Mehta recreated the boho chic 1970's look for the New Age fashion followers at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2015.

It was a free spirited, vibrant, line that had all the designer touches, which Krishna is well known for. Rugged linen and twill cotton made fashionable music with smooth satin and rich traditional brocades. Florals were prominent in daring hues; while the chromatic alchemy of prints was highlighted by embroidered graphic patterns.

Brocades from Varanasi, jamdanis from Bengal, tussars from Bhagalpur and silk muls from Maheshwar; were the star of the show along with the block prints that were hand carved by artisans in Farukhabad.

KRISHNA MEHTA

The colours were a magnificent line up of fuchsia, orange and red, which moved gradually to relaxing cool tones of indigo, black and purple with bursts of embroidery and hints of ivory. Block prints lots of tie/dye motifs and a riot of prints were part of the multilayered creations.

The bohemian influence was prevalent in the oriental touches and opulent silhouettes. From short sexy asymmetrical creations to floor kissing apparel, high waist fluid trousers and cinched at the waist pleated skirts, the collection offered varied options.

Creating visions of beauty was the Lucknowi multicoloured embroidery on the jackets, tunics, waistcoats and kedios.

Startling visions on the catwalk were the high waist gathered skirt with embroidered waistband, red printed asymmetric tunic, blue cowl skirt and dress and the ecru tulip pants.

KRISHNA MEHTA

The dhoti pants with printed tunic and shaded palazzos along with khadi pyjama gave an Indo-west look to the collection. The three saris were vibrant in print and colour with shibori and teamed with embroidered kedios or vests.

For women who long for extreme luxury in fabrics, prints and colours along with a dollop of contemporary spirit, Krishna Mehta's 1970's inspired fun collection had the right look.

VAISHALI SHADANGULE'S "BEHRUPIA" COLLECTION WAS A FASHIONABLE ODE TO KHAND AND KHADI AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2015

Inspired by the traditional performing art form of India in Maharashtra, Vaishali Shadangule's collection called "Behrupia" (or Songadi) inspired her to use this theme. Like the thread which changes its form on the looms and keeps attracting the buyers like the Behrupia does in public with disguises and hidden identity; the creations reflected this theme.

Like the human Behrupia Vaishali zeroed in on the thread, which turns into Khand, the fabulous textile of Maharashtra, which has an amazing hand weave. Mixing Khand with khadi Vaishali reinvented the textiles and presented them in modern shapes with intricate geometric construction for dual tone creations.

VAISHALI SHADANGULE

The colour palette was muted with white, black, maroon, grey, blue and gold for short and long dresses with hints of drapes.

The show opened with a belted grey dress with maroon collar and cowl back followed by a lean column long dress. Draped angular one- shoulder creation, pleated fuchsia mini skirt or a sheath with the same detailing, a modern version of the cheongsam were blended skilfully for traditional fabrics with contemporary silhouettes. A royal blue toga with intricate drape, the white long sheer trench coat and layered organza Khand choli were innovative constructions from Vaishali.

VAISHALI SHADANGULE

The stylish creation with maroon bodice and white layered shoulder drape was a study in intricate construction. The deep blue lean maxi with side panels, the stunning gown with cut-out back and the halter asymmetric maxi creation in grey/black/white checked/striped were stunners.

The one-shoulder draped blue gown, another in deep green, the stylish white khadi/Khand long sleeved summer coat and the dramatic cowl neck shifts were intricately crafted entries on the ramp.

The final white khadi sari with a grey/white layered choli sporting a front tie-up was a super end.

For lovers of Indian textiles with a creative twist, Vaishali Shadangule's "Behrupia" collections will always add a surprise element to the wardrobe

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE HISTORY OF INDIAN FASHION THE WORLD WATCHED MASABA’S UNIQUE VIBRANTLY COLOURFUL ‘SUGAR PLUM’ SHOW ON INSTAGRAM AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2015

18 March, 2015, Mumbai: A fashion revolution went into cyber world for the first time in India by Lakmé Fashion Week. One of the most popular trendy young designers in the country presented her colourful line on popular social media platform, Instagram.

Colourful, young and kitschy are the adjectives that are used to describe the collections by talented designer Masaba Gupta whenever she has displayed at fashion weeks.

Her latest offering “Sugar Plum” presented on Instagram at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2015 had all the juicy elements and was a vibrant line of easy, comfy creations that will appeal to Indian as well as global followers of fashion.

Masaba Gupta

It was a show with a great difference and totally unconventional. Followers watched Masaba’s colourful summer/resort 2015 line live on Instagram, which has become a favourite platform for fashionistas around the globe.

So in the comfort of their personal spaces – living room, lounge, bedroom etc. - the world watched the show. It was a unique “off-site” presentation for the viewers on their smart phones and computers who also saw changes in the backdrop and lighting, which added to the amazing quality of the collection.

Masaba Gupta

While digital prints have always been Masaba’s forté she went in for bold ones with 3D effects and a lot of rainbow colour blocking for basic shapes like dolman sleeve tunics with fuchsia, emerald and sun yellow patches.

Mini flared skirts in lemony shades were worn with tiny cropped tops, printed piped shirt looked really tasty as candy colours came alive for the fruity sweet line. Wrapped like candies in cellophane was the head gear, while the Popsicle hues were seen in colour blocked off-shoulder loose tents and sleeveless shirt collar column dress. A giant candy print on multi coloured will-power tubes were tempting entries.

Masaba Gupta

When the trend followers want to make some noise with their sartorial choices, Masaba Gupta’s latest line “Sugar Plum” presented on Instagram will be a mouth watering addition that will get loud accolades at any event.

Lakme Fashion Week Winter Festive 2014 Day 4

PRANAV MISHRA AND SHYMA SHETTY EMPOWERED THE FAIRER SEX WITH THEIR STRIKING COLLECTION AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2014

‘HUEMN’ by Pranav Mishra and Shyma Shetty made another powerful statement through their clothing line at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive at 2014. The fascinating duo enticed the crowd and created a line that threw light on the battles of a fearless woman. They based it on the delicacy and softness of the ideal woman that subtly yearned for masculine separates.

The constant change was depicted in the form of androgynous styling. This transformed into a dubious contrast with the character of the fabric, the craftsmanship and the colour that balanced it out. Importance was given to both the trouser and skirt that rendered it equivocal. 

HUEMN

Musings of underground literature were the main highlight was presented in the broken fabric and placement of the eclectic prints. Restructured evergreen silhouettes were fused with the futuristic materials and embellishment detailing that gave it the perfect urbanised demeanour.

HUEMN

Fabrics like vinyl, cotton, silk, hosiery and classic suiting fabrics took centre stage as the chaos was merged to form serene silhouettes like the pants in suit fabrics that were designed to look sporty. A mehendi green pencil skirt with a white stripe and an oversized black jumper was another ensemble that stood out. 

Men’s wear had plain white shirt with a leafy appliqué in the shape of an ‘O’.  Also seen was a classic grey suit sporting white striped patches and ankle grazed pants. This made the collection wearable for both the sexes.

HUEMN

‘Huemn’ by Pranav Mishra and Shyma Shetty set forth a barrier breaking collection of epic clothing that gracefully and effortlessly took the ramp up by a storm. It was not only empowering but also perfect for the fashionista making a statement without a word. 

AMRITA KHANNA AND GURSI SINGH PRESENTED AN URBAN DIGNIFIED COLLECTION AT JABONG STAGE DURING LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2014

Urban, dignified and unique were three words that best described the city slick collection under the label ‘Lovebirds’, inspired by urban issues from designer duo Amrita Khanna and Gursi Singh at Jabong Stage during Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014.

Lovebirds

Trendy, straight cut silhouettes made their way onto the ramp in the form of skirts, tops, shirts, trousers, jackets, tunics and dresses in simple yet stylish fabrics like cottons, satins along with neoprene and mesh.  

Lovebirds

Pastel tones in mint green, pure white, elegant black, denim blue and nude brown worked to give the range a fresh appeal. 

Lovebirds

Although quirky, the outfits were spared of heavy embellishments or layers, to make way for an easy-to-wear style that was practical and stylish. Subtle structure and laser cut pieces made each outfit distinct and unique.

A sassy architectural dress in white, stole the spotlight with its androgynous appeal and intricate cut-outs, which gave off a sporty-fun vibe. 

Lovebirds

Street smart and sophisticated, ‘Lovebirds’ by designer duo Amrita Khanna and Gursi Singh was an avant garde take on functional fashion.

PRATHONI YENGKHOM AND JACKY LAISHRAM ADDED VINTAGE CHARM TO THEIR COLLECTION AT JABONG STAGE DURING LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2014 

Designer duo Prathoni Yengkhom and Jacky Laishram under their label ‘Poco & Jacky’ created a vintage-meets-modern collection for their debut at Jabong Stage during Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014. 

The silhouettes aimed at men and women, ranged from contemporary to classic and comprised skirts, trousers, jackets, blazers, dresses, coats, saris and gowns. 

Poco & Jacky

To add an experimental, edgy undertone, the designers worked with faux leather and silk and stuck to a demure yet daring colour palette consisting of shades like moody moss, tantalising teal and ochre. 

Poco & Jacky

To further reflect the flow between the traditional and the unconventional, embellishments complemented vintage techniques like beading and weaving onto New-Age textiles and almost- androgynous forms.

Poco & Jacky

Two stunning ensembles which caused a fashion stir comprised a gorgeous leaf green woman’s coat accentuated by fabric detailing, which was paired with clean cut trousers and a pair of mint toned see-through pants flaunting fabric flowers.

Poco & Jacky

Bold and beautiful, ‘Poco & Jacky’ by designers Prathoni Yengkhom and Jacky Laishram was one to look out for.

Street Style Diaries - Pranav Mishra

A Timeless Style Statement

Pranav Kirti Mishra has been walking the fashion corridors making quite a statement with his unique modern-Maharishi full grown mo-beard look and his impeccably tailored with a dash of quirk attire for a while. The founder behind the clothing label Huemn along with Shyama Shetty; is a designer, a poet and models when he wishes to.

Full facial hair on men has been gaining unprecedented acceptance as the In look for the modern gent globally....most visible in the United Kingdom, we believe. It does add a lot of depth to your personality and character, whether it suits you or not, a quick opinion poll with your best buds would get you your answer.

Pranav Mishra

Pranav wears a 2BSB suit in navy, the fit of which can only be achieved by custom tailoring. He pairs it up with a grand-dad collar shirt in a pale pastel blue and patent leather dress shoes in black.

Pranav Mishra

With this minimal and modern outfit Pranav definitely adds a lot to the look simply by his emphatic personality......a look that seems seeped in Heritage and flushed with Modernity at the same timeless!

Street Style Diaries Mumbai- Shyama Shetty

This edgy-sporty-casual and I-mean-business gal I spotted turned out to be Shyama Shetty, the designer behind the label Huemn along with Pranav Mishra. The Simplicity and practicality of this look holds the onlookers gaze, a strong trend and gaining popularity with every passing season is the SPORTS LUXE look.

Shyama Shetty

This luxury sports look is being shown on the runways by increasing number of designers and even couturiers across the world. Armani, Prada, Givenchy, Philip Lim, Jeremey Scott and Stella McCartney have done it quite well over the past few seasons.  

Shyama Shetty

Shyama gives a great example for us women to rock Sports-luxe. She keeps the palette predominantly black with the accents of red white a gold yellow(in her sneakers).

She wears a black knee length dress with 3/4 sleeves and a sequined block in black with No.8. The choice of fabric is quite unusual and adds to the Luxe factor. She pairs it with black leggings hi-top sneakers in black and so-hot-now John Lennon or our own Gandhiji inspired sunglasses with a round gold frame. Do you remember the dress Tom Ford did for last fall in his spirit?

PS: The key to rock this Sports Luxe look is to keep the palette and silhouette simple and practical. Stick to neutral colors with much desired accents of a blue, red, white or any other color in limitation.

Shyama Shetty

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