Ayush Presented The Grand Fashion Extravaganza By India’s Top Couturiers Abu Jani And Sandeep Khosla To Open Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015

25 August, Mumbai: The Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla sensational fashion bonanza “Jawani Jaaneman” was the opening highlight of Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015 presented by Ayush. Bringing to centre stage the heady nostalgia of the 70’s and 80’s, with 120 garments, the designers recreated the glam disco era, of spirit, soul and hippy couture with a fast paced retro Bollywood fashion extravaganza.

The world of India’s top couturiers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla revolves around their scintillating collections, which are coveted by the crème de la crème of India and the international elite.

12 shiny mirror disco balls shone from the ceiling; while abstract glass and silver panels along the walls and on stage, created the rocking retro mood. Multi coloured rotating spotlights kept the tempo of the show in top gear with swinging retro numbers like Raat Baki Baat Baki', 'Ramba ho', 'I Will Survive', 'Funky Town', ‘What a Feeling' and many more. 

Repackaging the styles into a future forecast, the show was easy, breezy, filled with fun, frolic and freedom. Aimed at the fashionable global diva who loves to dress glamorously, the duo unleashed nine looks that set the hearts of the women in the audience racing with desire.

Super model and ace dancer, Jessie Randhawa swung on to the ramp to the beat of the foot tapping yesteryear chart buster, “Aaj Ki Raat” wearing a glittering, petalled, layered, ruffled, organza gown and soon it was a quick fashionable flashback of Bollywood glamour and music. The ramp Queen of the 80’s, the gorgeous Anna Bredmeyer swirled on the ramp in majestic floor length ponchos.

Abu JaniSandeep Khosla

“Beetle Wings” featured those flouncy, pleated, ruffled gowns and fluid kaftans with multi coloured stone, and bugle bead embellishments. There was an emphasis on the yoke and lots of silk taffeta layers for skirts to give a feminine luxurious look. An exotic jumpsuit with spiral mulitcoloured stones and beads was the highlight of the look.

When “Resham Reloaded” appeared on the catwalk it was an ode to the draped romantic gowns with intricate resham thread work. The charming long sleeve, shirt-collar, silver gown, the exotic corset creation and the pants with long slit maxi added to the Red Carpet options.

Abu JaniSandeep Khosla

 “Nouveau Lace-Lace” was reserved for cutwork, mirrors, sequins and loads of faux leather/rexine for sensuous gowns, saris and capes that recreated hippy rock star glamour. Here was the ultimate style statement for ruffled asymmetric blouses teamed with luxuriously embellished Lehengas and an assortment of sexy white mini dresses some with long silk skirts. A pristine white wedding gown with silver embellishments came on the ramp to the hit song “I Will Always Love You” by the memorable Whitney Houston.

“Hearts” was dedicated to the sari where appliqués and Swarovski crystals played an artistic medley. Pale blue and pink saris with ruffles and pleats looked utterly divine and cholis were layered with cascading frills for added glamour.

Abu JaniSandeep Khosla

“Jhallar” brought in drapes, devoted to sequins embellishments, which appeared for gowns with butterfly capes and sexy long maxis with tulle covers. Plunging necklines worked for slinky numbers and drapes over skinny pants gave the sari an interesting twist.

“Talk Tartan” was homage to Scottish checks recreated this time in Patti and sequins. Lots of abstract multi coloured strips gave the pleated long skirts, gowns, stunning ruffle appliqué top with a pencil slim skirt a flamboyant appeal. For men it was black sequinned pants teamed with abstract multi-coloured striped jacket with a floor-length net coat.

“The Power of the Flower” emphasised a line of floral embroidery from the enchanted garden that came alive with thread work. The gorgeous rose and florals were seen on figure hugging jumpsuits, swirling poncho kaftans, long sleeved covers and beaded sequined gowns.

Abu JaniSandeep Khosla

“Chamki Chikan”, which the designing duo presented with great style, was chikankari in a shiny new avatar – sparkling with Swarovski crystals and sequins. The craft appeared on the ramp in the form of dazzling white gowns with varying necklines, lehengas, cholis and for men bundgala jacket with regal coat.

Finally “Sona” meant only gold for a collection that shimmered and shone on the ramp to end the show on a truly unforgettable note. 50 models with gold masks strutted down clad in glittering gold capes, saris, gowns, jackets, lehengas, cholis and swung to the beat of the hit number “Jawani Jaaneman”, which Parveen Babi made hypnotising in her sizzling hot gold catsuit.

For a collection so opulent, the fabrics matched its glory as Duchess satin, organza and net created magic on the ramp. The colour card moved from sedate white and neutrals to off-white, cream, beige and ash grey with hints of bright hues. The bling quotient was left to sequins, gold, silver and crystal embroidery to dazzle the audience.

Abu JaniSandeep Khosla

The “Jawani Jaaneman” collection like the song it was named after, was a high octane, lush, fast paced opening by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015 presented by Ayush, that will thrill women around the globe who dream of being the Disco Diva on and off the ramp.  

Abu JaniSandeep Khosla

The 20^th Batch Of Seven Gen Next Designers Presented By Inifd Dazzled On The Ramp With Their Fantastic Collections At Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015

Mumbai, 26^th August 2015: The Gen Next show has been the most eagerly awaited every year. This year, mentored by top fashion expert Sabina Chopra, the 20^th batch of seven Gen Next designers presented by INIFD dazzled the audience with their creativity at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015.

AJAY KUMAR – HIGH ON KALEIDOSCOPIC PRINTS

Ajay Kumar the NIFT Delhi graduate showed his version of men’s wear for the 21^st century male. A perfectionist who believes in details, Ajay’s collection called “Consonance and Dissonance” was a colourful line of kitschy garments, which fell into place perfectly. With black and white and loads of kaleidoscopic patterns, which were unbelievably intricate and geometric with florals, birds and beasts, Ajay unleashed a colour story of lotus pink, cranberry, parrot green with hints of bright red. Khaki and dark tones of chestnut added to the wild colour story. 

Ajay Kumar

Ajay Kumar

Using 100 per cent cotton, linen and silk with digital prints, Ajay had Indo-Persian silhouettes that featured Angarkha jacket, draped cowl printed shirt, kilt trousers, interesting back over lap trousers, long kurta, and embroidered the bib shirt with jewelled crystal beads. The Bhagatri jacket was an interesting eye-catcher for this multi layered men’s wear collection.

Ajay Kumar

Ajay Kumar

SHIVANGI SAHNI – DECONSTRUCTED ELEGANCE

The NIFT Delhi graduate showcased deconstructed elegance with a boho-luxe feel. With easy silhouettes as the centre of attraction Shivangi Mangal brought in luxurious fabrics with thread embroidery and suede detailing to highlight the creations. 

Shivangi Sahni

The black and white checked flared skirt and matching coat was a great fashion statement. From stylish coat dresses to languid palazzos and relaxed tops; the range was replete with sharp tailoring that offered clothes for the free spirited woman.

Shivangi Sahni

Tassels and fringes were the focal point of the layered palazzo, black sleeveless jacket and woollen tasselled coat. 

Shivangi Sahni

The prime colours were navy blue and mustard with hints of burnt orange and earthy tones to complete the effect. 

Shivangi Sahni

KRITI TULA – UPSCALING FASHION

For her label ‘Doodlage’ Delhi based designer Kriti Tula unveiled a remarkable collection of garments that projected how industry waste can be upscaled to create stylish women’s wear. Her collection was inspired by evolution of basics and called “Purge” so she recreated the white shirt and draped scarves for the fashion conscious. Adding patch work, knitting back fabric strips from production waste and block printing; Kriti displayed slouchy silhouettes with discreet detailing.

Kriti Tula

The shapes bordered almost on the androgynous level with the kurtis aimed at the versatile dresser in the age group 14-65 years with easy silhouettes that can fit any shape or size. 

Kriti Tula

White shirts were teamed with striped jacket and cuffed pants. Patchwork looked great on fitted coats, while a grey jumpsuit with a woven coat, patched waistcoat  and the knitted cover with printed pants and shirt looked relaxed for the cooler climes. 

Kriti Tula

Kriti Tula

SIDDHARTHA BANSAL – RUSTIC FASHION IMPACT

Delhi designer Siddhartha Bansal’s collection called “Story Teller” revealed an elegant feminine fashionable tale on the ramp. Revolving around the story of the mythological divine bovine goddess, Kamadhenu, described as mother of all cows, Siddhartha was inspired by the gates and doors of Indian vintage Havelis. 

Sidharth Bansal

But while the inspiration was historic, Siddhartha’s shapes were ultra-modern and ideal for the fashion forward 21^st century woman. 

Sidharth Bansal

The quirky cow and milk bottle prints were matched with embroidery in vibrant colours. With sporty bomber jackets, tank tops, track pants, sweat shirts, minis, cropped jackets, full circle skirts, oversized jackets and figure hugging peplum dresses, Siddhartha added a profusion of prints-on-prints, layering and quirky accessories like sneakers, back packs, clutches, and contrasted them with Indian traditional jewellery. Here was a mixture of cultures, crafts, colours and traditions that came seamlessly together in one great collection. 

Sidharth Bansal

KRISTY DE CUNHA’S “BE’AWARE OF THE RABBIT HOLE” CAPTIVATED THE AUDIENCE WITH HER RAVISHING COLLECTION AT JABONG STAGE DURING LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2015

Mumbai, 26^th August 2015: If fashion weeks were to convey words of social importance, Kristy De Cunha’s “Be’ Aware of the Rabbit Hole” would undoubtedly ace the list.  Kristy’s theatrical portrayal of a free woman left everyone in awe long after the ramp lights were turned off at Jabong Stage during Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015.

It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from or what you do, Kristy De Cunha’s collection honoured women with various facets of life. Her comic congregation highlighted the free rein of high spirited women who live to love and love to live like there is no tomorrow. This State-of-the-Art ensemble was picked up from moments of love beyond oneself, a theatrical phantasmagorical interpretation of love and equality. 

Kristy De Cunha

Kristy’s avant garde designs emerged as a style statement for every woman. The silhouettes are structured yet whimsical in a pompous fashion. The bold and edgy hand crafted digital prints characterized the boisterous woman inside, while the unconventional cuts were amalgamated with vintage silhouettes encompassing dresses, skirts, shorts, blazers and capes.

The designer played with eccentric hues of midnight blue, amber, ivory, cherry, aqua, lime and crimson, meshed together and created a ravishing assortment of garments. 

Kristy De Cunha

Adding merriment to the already fun show was Model and VJ Anusha in a mesmerising flowing skirt and cropped top. Two hep singers,  lit up the catwalk singing live in tune to the bold and edgy garments.     

The Kristy De Cunha Woman, is no Wilting Wallflower, was valiantly conveyed to every woman out there with her quirkily named collection. 

Kristy De Cunha

Grazia Young Fashion Awards Winners Wowed The Audience With Their Designing Prowess At Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015

Mumbai, 26^th August 2015: In its fifth year, the Grazia Young Fashion Awards presented its winners on the ramp for the first time at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015. From apparel to accessories like sunglasses, a new category introduced this year, the winners showed their creative skills on the catwalk with innovative ideas for 2015.

PALLAVI DHYANI

For her label “Three” Pallavi Dhyani’s creations consisted of 6 well constructed ensembles, which took inspiration from clean chaos for linear compositions that were simple and understated. Geometrics and muted colours were turned into quilting, pleating, layering and grid patterns that enabled the designer to win the Label Alert Category.

3 by Pallavi Dhyani

3 by Pallavi Dhyani

3 by Pallavi Dhyani

TINA AND NIKITA SUTRADHAR

The duo won in the Breakthrough Act Category under their label “Miu niku”. The collection compiled of eight garments called “The Birthday Party”, had all the excitement of the theme, where shiny vinyl glittered on coats and tops. Machining appeared on pocket details, while jewellery designed by Laura Wass from ‘WXYZ Jewellery’ created metal tubes for coats and dresses. Luxurious wool and silk appeared in colours that were dark with bursts of brights.

Miu Niku

Miu Niku

Miu Niku

Miu Niku

SALIL KOCHAR

The “Phool Mandi” Collection by Salil Kochar scored in the Traditionalist’s Category with a total of seven garments. Inspired by the flower market there was reverse appliqué with Mukaish work for jackets, shirts, trousers, and kaftan jackets in shades of cobalt, bottle green, beige, black and vibrant colours.

Salil Kochhar

Salil Kochhar

Salil Kochhar

Lakme Fashion Week Winter Festive 2014 Day 1

We know this comes a bit late but we wanted to be thorough as we bring out our favourite collections from this year's winter festive LFW 14 presentations.

ANUJ BHUTANI – REINVENTING MEN’S WEAR

For his label “Reboot” Anuj Bhutani’s collection was a perfect offering of winter dressing for men. Tailored deconstruction was the highlight of the garments with hints of unisex styling for the trendy New Age man.

Anuj Bhutani

Inspired by the 1960’s English sub-culture called “Teddy Boys” the collection; aimed at reconstructing men’s wear with subtle influences and discreet detailing. Men’s wear never looked more interesting with shades of royal blue, smoky grey, urban, olive and sand with interesting geometrical thread work in forms of twisted yarn as well as screen prints, surface texturing and graphic block prints.

Anuj Bhutani

Zippers were the cynosure of attraction but appeared mid centre at the back of garments. Blousons, one-button shawl collar jacket, parka with trousers, unstructured, soft, long coats and kurtas with jackets added to the style and construction of the collection. The final loosely belted trench coat with printed back flap worn with comfy trousers completed the look.

Anuj Bhutani

Stylish, relaxed and reinvented men’s wear from Anuj Bhutani showed a practical wearable line that men will love to sport from dawn to dusk.

DHRUV KAPOOR – THE RAW BOLD LOOK

With a master’s degree in Fashion Design for women’s wear from the Marangoni Institute, Italy, Dhruv Kapoor’s collection was for the raw and bold nature in a fashionable woman. Using technology to develop fabrics, prints and embroidery, Dhruv’s creations had an intelligent aggressiveness that men and women will appreciate in their garments. 

Dhruv Kapoor

Showing a collection of men’s and women’s wear featuring relaxed pea coats, slacks, “A” line skirts and boxy shirts the eight garments were a blend of smudgy prints, sheer and wool with a hint of fur as detailing for a top with loose pants. Bringing in some formal wear there was a flared printed skirt with shimmer and a black mesh cover over white shirt dress again, sparkling with sequins.

Dhruv Kapoor

Zippers were the focal point of the slouchy creations with digital and 3D prints adding to the trendy look for the shades of black, white, grey and pale pink.

Dhruv Kapoor

These were clothes that spoke a language of the raw bold look and Dhruv Kapoor’s collection was a winner that will surely be “Game Set Match” for the buyers.

KRISTY DE CUNHA – HOMAGE TO AN ARTIST

Called “La Casa Azul” (The Blue House) Kristy De Cunha’s collection paid homage to artist Frieda Kahlo and her unborn child. Depicting the raw emotions of the artist, through her garments, Kristy had bold prints with vibrant colours that will enable women to present a striking fashion statement.

Kristy De Cunha

Dramatic garment construction and a raw earthy appeal made the creations eye catching. The blue will-power gown with a peplum waist was splashed with images of the artist and one of the highlights of the show. Neons, lots of shades of blue and intense colourful drama caused a sensation on the ramp with Kristy’s creative garments.

Kristy De Cunha

A blue mini with giant rose appliqué was actually a quilted cape dress. Bell sleeves appeared for wrapped tops and a giant tent with slits for hands was a canvas for Kristy as she paid tribute to Kahlo’s work. A crinoline skirt was worn with lime neon top, empire waist boxy gown looked feminine with bell sleeves, satin printed jacket with white printed skirt and the bell sleeved multi print gown, were a riot of colour and edgy fashion.
For fashion with an artistic palette on garments, “La Casa Azul” by Kristy De Cunha will thrill art lovers as well as fashionistas.

Kristy De Cunha

KARISHMA SAHANI KHAN DISCOVERED THE FASHIONABLE WORLD OF AN EXPLORER AT LAKME FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2014.

Karishma Sahani Khan’s collection ‘Khoj’ at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014 had a literal meaning that was inspired by the archaeological inventions and discoveries made all over the world. The collection is based on the stark contrast of the world that passed and the progressiveness of the technology in the current period.
As if bringing out a point, Karishma marked the change of a forthcoming future and kept her designs green by making the clothing in natural fabrics such as organic cotton, Bamboo and soybean fibres, which are sustainable and bio-degradable.

Ka Sha

Tie-dyed and hand-painted motifs and patterns in natural and toxic free dyes, combined with hand-embroidery techniques were created using discarded materials – fabrics, vegetable sacks, plastic and the traditional ‘mukaish’ strips that brought out the naturalism of the entire collection.

Ka Sha

She effortlessly blended unstitched expressionism with tailored practicality with touches of science, mysticism and traditions.
Overcoats, see-through shirts and the ethnic saris were in shades of denim blue, grey, orange and mint green with pom-pom detailing and layering which gave a fusion look.

Ka Sha

Karishma Sahani Khan’s brand Ka-Sha with her very eco-friendly and glamorous collection ‘Khoj’ brought to light the changing ways of a more nature conscious generation. 

KAABIA AND SASHA GREWAL OF OUTHOUSE DAZZLED THE AUDIENCE WITH THEIR OPULENT JEWELLERY COLLECTION AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2014

Known for their unconventional jewellery designs, Kaabia and Sasha Grewal for their label “Outhouse” presented their stunning collection called “The Column” at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014. Lustrous gold was entwined into magical pieces that were influenced by the regal look of Greece and Rome. Playing imaginatively with gold, the designer duo proved that the precious metal was versatile enough to be draped like liquid silk or moulded firmly.

Outhouse

The pair was inspired by Proto-geometric art and linear meanders to present a more basic but bold collection. Adding to the beauty of the jewellery were semi-precious stones like amber, turquoise, pearls, garnets and lapis lazuli to create glitz and glamour.

Outhouse

The pair gave the Maang Tikka a New Age feel but with  a Mohawk- like design that rose in curves on the heads of the models, while the earrings flared up to reach the hair turning into large lacy covers. Chokers cascaded down the necks of the models with a line of interlinked pendants or were clasped around the necks with multiple layers.  Belt-cum-shoulder or body harnesses, ornate cropped gloves, windmill inspired ear cuffs, leather/tassel shoulder dusters, cross body leather/gold belt, and spikes erupted from neckpieces. Towering looped Maang Tikka, Haath Phool, facial décor garter-cum- harness and finger cuffs turned ordinary jewellery categories into conversation stoppers.

Outhouse

Opulence was the apt word to describe the jewellery as spiked bangles, looped and tasselled necklaces, shoulder ornaments and neckpieces had intricate attachments while armlets as well as enticing danglers for the ears stole the limelight.
The striking ensembles that matched the avant garde look were courtesy JV by Jatin Varma who added his geometric touches to balance the grand ornaments.

For women who dream of looking like mythical goddesses showered in jewels, “The Column” by Kaabia and Sasha Grewal will make it a reality.

RAW EDGY FASHION WAS DISPLAYED BY ASA KAZINGMEI AT JABONG STAGE DURING LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2014

Asa Kazingmei, a designer known for his raw and edgy take on fashion revealed a new collection inspired by the shield used by Naga warriors when at war. Titled ‘Changvei’ at Jabong Stage during Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014, the creations had an innovative style and look.

 ASA KAZINGMEI

The silhouettes were almost armour-like, form fitting at the top so as to ‘protect’ one’s body. Exaggerated necklines and shoulders structured to mirror ‘self-expression through restriction’, was a concept derived from the boundaries and strife witnessed by the Naga warriors. 

 ASA KAZINGMEI

ASA KAZINGMEI

The show stopper piece was a breathtaking white gown with scale-like detailing along the neck and torso with a see-through hemline and sensual cut-out at the back.

Eloquent in expression and deep in thought, Asa Kazingmei’s collection ‘Changvei’ was a beautiful reminder that there may not be any beauty in pain, but rather sometimes one finds pain that’s found its way within beauty.