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

Lakme' Fashion Week Summer Resort 2014 Day 3 Part 1

MRINALINI CHANDRA’S LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014 ACCESSORY COLLECTION WAS A CREATIVE BLEND OF METAL AND SEMI PRECIOUS STONES

Inspired by the humble chair that is present in every home, Mrinalini Chandra’s Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014 collection called “Please Have a Seat” was a visually arresting line of jewellery. The elements of the collection were from the grand Singhansans of the past, the Peacock Throne, the comfortable rocking chair and the Palkis that carried noblemen in India.

Mrinalini Chandra

Cleverly crafting the accessories from customised gold alloy, recycled glass stones and semi-precious gems, like jade, onyx, coated pearls, etc. Mrinalini visualized an interesting movement to adorn the female form.

Mrinalini Chandra

Giant motifs emerged attached with rows of pearls for an imposing necklace, while corals edged the neckpieces. The chair design appeared in varying sizes to firmly re-enforce the theme. Geometric chair designs were turned into flat neck items and the zodiac wheel appeared as a large brooch. Chairs were interlinked for an arm ornament, a gold bolero, a graphic 3D rendition for necklaces, cummerbunds as well as ornaments for the hair. Mrinalini Chandra’s bridal jewellery too followed the chair design for not only the necklace, shoulder dusters and nose ring, but even the huge kaliras for each wrist.

SIDHARTH SINHA PRESENTED THE BEAUTY OF NORTHEAST INDIA THROUGH HIS STUNNING COLLECTION AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

When the ramp lights came on, designer Sidharth Sinha revealed his beautiful collection under his label N & S Gaia featuring the amazing textiles of Meghalaya and crafts of Northeast India at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014. Giving natural fibres his designer touches, Sidharth a graduate of NIFT Delhi along with his partner Nathaniel W Rynjah gave the N & S Gaia collection an awe inspiring appeal.

Meghalaya Handlooms presented the GAIA label in fabulous silhouettes that blended the beauty and traditions of hand-woven fabrics like Dakwanda cotton with unconventional western weaves of beautiful flowers.

N & S GAIA

As creations in shades of ecru, beige, green, brown, grey, indigo, red, maroon and yellow floated down the catwalk; the sharply tailored contemporary cuts with hints of boxy layers and a marked colonial vintage feel came to the forefront.

The show opened with a white draped gown having detailing like an attached coin purse. Minis with cowl sleeves, zippered gown with blossoms on the hem, woven minis with pleating and feminine touches were eye-catching. Asymmetric hems achieved with the help of shawls as well as draping, knee length capris and mix of fabrics, prints and weaves were the highlight of the collection. Deconstruction was taken to a higher level for each entry turning the fabulous textiles into superbly crafted outfits.

N & S GAIA

If the modern fashionista favours a look that will make an imaginative fashion statement then the N & S GAIA label will be the perfect answer.

LALIT SENGAR’S DEBUT COLLECTION SYLVAN SWAIN GAVE FASHIONABLE DIRECTIONS TO BOTH SEXES AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

Lalit Sengar’s debut collection at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014 was called “Sylvan Swain” that was inspired by the Art Nouveau era when ornamental style and architecture was prevalent. Combining form, texture, space and colour, the asymmetric lines were perfect with the right touches of style and creativity. When cutting edge construction and perfect tailoring met, then the result had to be great.

Sengar

Presenting a predominantly men’s wear collection with just three printed layered silk gowns for women, the construction was unconventional and Avant Garde in nature with Lalit allowing his creativity to push the envelope.

Giving an old world charm to the garments, Lalit used Indian textiles like cotton, Chanderi, linen and added his design sensibilities with block prints, hand embroidery and screen prints. Opting for a palette of pastels like beige, ecru, grey and white; the collection had a variety of flowing and constructed pieces. Solids and prints came in subtle unison to present an interesting result.

Sengar

One-button sleeveless double breasted jacket with printed lining, voluminous pants, waistcoats with shoulder detailing, sloppy Tees and geometric patchwork added stylish touches to the ensembles. A printed giant flat collar jacket had solid sleeves, while the trouser silhouette was wide.

Ending the show was VJ and actor Purab Kohli who strutted down the ramp sporting a printed jacket with button detailing, worn with baggy salwar pants.

Putting an emphasis on multiple layers and drapes for separates with mix and match options, Lalit Sengar offered a timeless quality for his collection.

KARISHMA SAHANI KHAN’S “KAAM KAAJ” COLLECTION PRESENTED THE BEAUTY OF AJRAKH AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

Mumbai, 14^th March 2014: Focusing on the craft of Ajrakh, block printing and natural dyeing from Gujarat; Karishma Sahani Khan’s collection called “Kaam Kaaj” was an ode to tradition at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014.

Ka Sha

Inspired by the attire of local vendors, workers and tailors; the collection had touches of gamchas, shirts, lehengas with utility pockets for inners and outers that revealed fashion from cultural India. Keeping the silhouettes feminine with an androgynous influence, the slightly flared waisted dresses had large embroidered patch pockets in pure white or navy that looked classy over white flowing long skirts. Relaxed shapes along with cool natural fabrics gave the collection a laid back image of summer dressing.

 Ka Sha

Embroidery in multi-coloured flowers appeared at strategic points of the garments like the drop cut-out shoulders, collars, sleeves and skirts. Saris were teamed with cropped shirts, knotted front hem skirts were rustic in nature, printed slit flared dress, fake bolero and blouson with a sari were interesting options in the collection.

With mix and match choices provided, there is a lot women can do if there is Karishma Sahani Khan’s “Kaam Kaaj” collection in their wardrobes.

*** More coming soon on KA SHA.

PRATIMA PANDEY’S COLLECTION WAS AN ODE TO TRUE LOVE AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014

Mumbai, 14^th March 2014: Pratima Pandey, a NIFT graduate has been making waves on the fashion scene for some years. Her collection titled “Jack n Jill” was an ode to true love at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014 under her label “Prama”.

PRAMA by Pratime Pandey

The very feminine line of garments in silk Chanderi and pure cotton were ideal for romantic summer evenings when lovers stroll down the garden path.  It was a story of three layers – churidars or loose pants, crinkled cotton midis and white sheer tunics with tonal or multi-coloured embroidery.

PRAMA by Pratime Pandey

Layers of the luxurious fabric predominantly in shades of ecru with tiny hints of green, peach, orange, rust and flecked with gold Khari had a fusion look. The “A” line silhouette was the focal point of the collection while drapes for kurtas added a feminine touch. The intricate embroidery further highlighted the serene beauty of the ensembles as the models glided down the ramp.

PRAMA by Pratime Pandey

Detailing was restricted on the sheer Chanderi covers in the form of cowl necklines, epaulets, appliqués, churi sleeves, empire line shapes; asymmetric openings while most the garments were topped with refreshing off-white scarves.

For a great summer look Pratima Pandey’s “Jack n Jill” collection was a combination of style and feminine elegance, ideal for the trendy dresser.

SWAPNIL SHINDE’S LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2014 UBER GLAM COLLECTION WAS “AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER”

It was glamour from the elegant beautiful era of Hollywood’s 1950’s that inspired Swapnil Shinde to create his collection called “An Affair to Remember” for Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014.

 Swapnil Shinde

Working around a gentle soft colour palette of beige, egg shell, jet black, mustard, berry and slate blue, Swapnil wove a web of glitzy mystery for his signature bold silhouettes. Keeping the heart motif as his key elements, the elaborate ensembles with voluminous silhouettes and tiny cinched waists had that Swapnil Shinde stamp of stunning drama as the models glided down the catwalk.

The fabric base was ethnic as Swapnil played with traditional Maharashtrian Paithani weave with its antique gold and orange borders by adding geometric peacock prints. The embellishments also followed the geometric story with unique glass, PVC, organza and glass nylon to include glitter on the creations.

Swapnil Shinde

Giant multiple bows were the centre of attraction at the back, while solid colours like black, white, purple highlighted the Paithani weaves. Micro pleating was the perfect complement for the skirts accompanying peplum bustiers, white organza blouses and the dolman sleeve tops.

Using Paithani borders for the skirts, Swapnil interspersed them with white to create an interesting palette. Skirts were mini, pencil or with drop waists while a pair of bubble shorts gave the traditional fabric a modern silhouette.

Swapnil Shinde

The final gowns with ornate bodices moulded from Paithani fabric with sheer tiered skirts, black corset gown with rouched bodice and layered skirts were drama at its best.The specially designed footwear added to the ultra-stylish appeal of the collection.

For the lady who wants to make a memorable entry it has to be Swapnil Shinde’s collection “An Affair to Remember” that will turn it into a reality.