New Website – Desi Bride Style

 

After a gap of more than 3 years I am back to writing again. Happy to announce that my new website Desi Bride Style is my recent step towards fashion based writing. So please do visit my website and do mail in the comments.

 

Grand Finale at Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013

Sabyasachi 

People who think that Indian Royals no longer exists, need to see Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s collection every single season. The grandeur and elegance seen in his outfits simply leave me speechless. This year I did get a chance to visit his signature store in Mumbai……….it felt as if I had entered a different era with fabulous outfits around me combined with beautiful architecture.

Vintage is a strength for Sabyasachi which he presents in numerous styles every year. This year too the collection was created out of loads of sequins, prints, lace, velvet, brocade with stunning embroidery. Rich colours like beige, golden, bottle green, peach, red and copper were used to create the outfits. I admire that one can seldom grow bored of Sabyasachi’s creation as they look amazing in any given season.

 

 

Photo Courtesy : lakmefashionweek.co.in, Vogue India

Day 4 at Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013

IFP loved these collection on Day 4 of Lakme Fashion Week.

Photo Courtesy : lakmefashionweek.co.in, Vogue India

Ritu Kumar

Ritu Kumar in collaboration with Reliance Jewels showcased the latest designs for Label & her signature line ‘Ritu Kumar’. The ‘Label’ collection was inspired by the beautiful land of ‘Bhutan’ as the livid colours were a prominent feature. While Ritu’s Bridal collection was done up in softer colours & had abundance of lace work.

Kaftans, Anarkali, Lehenga, knee length dresses, pants, shirts and jackets were the styles in this collection. I do like the colourful outfits but felt the Indianwear required something more creative…….the designs felt too simple. The lace detail work is what we have witnessed in numerous other collection. I am all for the ‘Bhutan’ inspired outfits but unfortunately was looking out for something new in Bridalwear.

Rahul Mishra

How to create an exquisite collection from Indian handloom??? This is what Rahul Mishra does best every year when he introduces his new collection on the runway. This season was no different where Rahul Mishra created an entire collection out of Chanderi & Maheshwari weaves. Sarees, cholis, Palazzo pants, Jackets, Anarkalis were the main highlight of his collection.  Floral Motifs were the beautiful designs weaved into the fabric in golden & silver.

This collection was devoid of any heavy embellishment or embroidery while emphasis was given more on the drapes. The bright colours like rani pink, saffron, haldi yellow were stunning and very ‘Indian’. Love the fact that Rahul can make Indian weaves come to life in such a contemporary way. Love the outfits!!!

Day 3 at Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013

The past 2 days prove that the same designs do not work every single time………..fashionistas only get impressed with something new. Many established designers seem to have forgotten this mantra………with so many talented designers out there, one has to offer new every single show. I was not impressed by the works of many established designers as their designs seemed regular & not even that creative. Hence only the designers who offer fresh designs, get featured in this space.

Here is a look at the collection which IFP loved on Day3

Photo Courtesy : Tandem Communications

 

Amit Aggarwal

Moulding, metallic & magic were the 3 aspects of Amit’s latest collection . There were plenty of futuristic gowns, sarees, jackets & flowy skirts with metal detailing. The colours were dark and the feel was ‘Gothic’……..the models were styled in pulled back hair that sported metallic maang tikka. Butterfly motifs were a prominent feature in some outfits which were presented in a very demure way.

Love the gowns in this collection……..Amit has experimented alot with metal for his latest work which leaves you desiring for more. The designer has stuck to the theme and not gone overboard with mixing other unnecessary patterns.  Very contemporary and different from what I have seen so far this season.

Day 2 at Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013

After a fresh start to LFW, Day 2 looked even more promising. The upcoming talent are ambitious than ever with their new creations and I must say they do impress in a good way. Here is a look at the designers who stood out of the rest on Day 2.

Photo Courtesy : Vogue India

SOUP by Sougat Paul

Sougat offered his latest collection titled ‘Decoding Zellige’ inspired by Moroccan architecture. Unlike other collections inspired by Morocco, this one came across as more subtle & thankfully not loud. The colours were a stunning blend of pastels with black, purple and orchard yellow. The detail-work & embellishments were kept limited to the bodice & hemlines while grand neck pieces completed the look with an elegance.

I loved Sougat’s latest works for the simplicity it had yet looked very contemporary on the runway. The new age sarees get my vote in this collection while the flowy skirts are a must have. The colours, the styling and the clothes were alluring………not much to complain about a neat & clean collection which has a feel good factor to it.

Shantanu Goenka

Though I have never featured Shantanu’s collection earlier on this blog, I just felt different about his latest collection ‘Kruhun’ for the sheer fact that the outfits oozed with richness. Though for some outfits I could just say it was a cross between JJ Valaya & Sabyasachi but I loved the heavy detail-work used in this collection. The regal collection was primarily done up in black & golden……….consisting of traditional menswear, sarees, lehenga, jackets & angrakha.

I loved the variety of menswear in Shantanu’s work………..I find it fits amazing for the upcoming festive season. There were plenty of animal prints. paisley  & floral details……….not a fan of the swimwear & knee length skirts in sheer fabric. The styling was royal, the clothes were rich and bet we would get to see many of these creations off the runway too.

Talent Box featuring Arpita Mehta & Harshita C. Deshpande

Two budding talents Arpita Mehta & Harshita Chatterjee Deshpande did manage to catch IFP’s eye for using ethnic Indian work in their collection.

Arpita’s collection had mirror work on the blouses while prints were used for the sarees & lehengas. The colours were beige, pista green, lavender & powder blue.  Soha Ali Khan took the ramp for Arpita at LFW

 

Harshita took inspiration from Maharashtra as her entire collection revolved around ‘Paithani’ saree. The jackets, Anarkali and drapes were made from ‘Paithani’ & combined with other numerous fabrics. Sonali Bendre & Isha Koppikar were the show-stopper for Harshita.

Day 1 of Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013

Day 1 was a blend of veteran designers & upcoming new breed of designers………..new ideas, new patterns, new silhouette is what we are hungry for every single season. IFP takes a look at the designers whose work stood out from the rest. Surely these designers will lay the ground rules for the upcoming Festive season.

Photo Courtesy : Vogue India

Nikhil Thampi

Nikhil Thampi had impressed us with his summer 2013 collection which had designs in sheer fabric, fish motifs & metallic accessories……that did indeed new trend. But this collection was based on contemporary Indian wear with faces of Kathakali dancers imprinted on the fabric………..there was no denying that Nikhil went back to his roots to draw inspiration for his recent works. And I thought the designer could make only western outfits………..feels good when  fashion-wise you are proved wrong…. 🙂

The collection consisted of Bolero jackets, Achkans, flare pants, sarees, demure gowns, flowy skirts etc. mostly done up in silk & sheer fabric. The colour palette had beige golden, white, black & ash grey.  My only wish would be to see more colours in Nikhil’s collection in future along with the surprise element of motifs which reflect his inspiration beautifully.

For this time, the designer has indeed has a good year as both his summer as well as festive collection have got noticed by the fashion circle. Hope Nikhil continues his fashion saga next year as well with his new ideas.

Payal Singhal

Payal Singhal has become a regular on IFP’s review of every season of Lakme Fashion Week. Her recent creations aptly titled as ‘Char Bagh’ better read as four gardens was Persian inspired was primarily done up in pastels, black, white & burgundy with hint of gotta patti work & embroidery. The motifs were a blend of monochromes & persian prints with a touch of geometry. Asymmetrical hemlines, patiala salwars & heavy detailwork around the neckline were prominent features seen in this collection.

I like the fact that Payal’s Indian wear designs are clean and contemporary. She blends the traditional well with modern and I am sure this collection will find plenty of takers.  Though the western wear is not a strong point in this collection, the Indian line makes up for it.  Payal has new ideas and is willing to experiment……that is a quality which impresses IFP.

Shilpa Reddy 

Shilpa Reddy showcased her collection ‘Suriyothai’ collection……….the name of the warrior queen of Thailand. The bright yellow & tangerine colours took centre stage while the exaggerated shoulder was a prominent Thai feature. The collection had sarees, evening gowns, skirts, lehenga, anarkalis and jackets.

Thai combined with Indians designs was a first for this season………something new is what IFP always like. Need to see more works of Shilpa in future too but this collection is a keeper for the festive season.

Anita Dongre 

There was a colour riot at the recent showcasing of Anita’ Dongre’s Timeless collection which had plenty of choices for the bride-to-be.  ‘The Jaipur Bride’ – title for Anita’s festive collection had loads of Lehengas, anarkali & sarees in bright neons colours which will make any bride stand out from the rest of the crowd.

Though I felt many designs were seen before in Anita’s collection but the heavily embellished Lehenga got my vote for this upcoming festive season. The colours were alluring and the detailing was inspired by Rajasthan.  Overall the collection was beautiful but require something off the usual  from Anita in the next fashion week.

Manish Malhotra opens Lakme Fashion Week Winter Festive 2013

Lakme Fashion Week which is one of the most awaited event in India’s fashion world, kick started with a grand opening show of designer Manish Malhotra in amchi Mumbai.  Unlike Manish’s summer collection which had loads of Phulkari work, this festive collection ‘Reflections’  reflected more of Manish’s signature detailwork. The colours had more of muted shades combined with bright hues…..the beautiful pastel colours like mint, moss, grey, baby pink with touches of maroon, rani pink, burgundy and black were the prime colours around which the entire collection revolved. The collection had lehengas, anarkalis & sarees while plenty of achkans & kurtas in menswear.

I am more in awe of Manish’s earlier collection since this one never really stood out from the rest of his earlier works. Beautiful designs indeed but I wish Manish would draw inspiration  from other parts of our country and blend more traditional fabrics from south & east India.

Here is a look at Manish Malhotra’s Festive/Winter collection.

Bridal Collection IFP loved this season – Rohit Bal

Rohit Bal displayed his recent bridal work at India Bridal Week and the alluring designs won IFP’s vote for the best collection. Kashmiri embroidery work came alive in Rohit Bal’s designs. Here is a look at Rohit Bal’s Bridal collection for 2013.

 

Bridal Collection IFP loved this season – Kotwara by Meera & Muzzafar Ali

‘Indian Fashion Police’ has been reviewing the Bridal Couture weeks held since the past month………IFP picks up it’s favourite designer collection and thinks these designers have set new benchmark for this year’s bridal fashion. First on IFP’s list is the ‘Kotwara’ collection by Meera & Muzzafar Ali which oozed with loads of royalty. They have kept the nawabi tradition alive through their work…………as for me I am in awe of their superb work. Here is a look at their collection displayed at India Bridal Week 2013.

Green Carpet at IIFA 2013

IIFA Awards 2013 started in Macau this past weekend. ‘Indian Fashion Police’ brings you the lowdown of the looks on the green carpet of this event.

Photo Courtesy : Missmalini.com, Indianexpress.com

Deepika Padukone looked uber hot in a coral floral all-over metallic beaded chiffon wrap-front gown from Naeem Khan’s Spring 2013 collection. Have to say that she has found the perfect designer in Naeem……….with his stylish designs, Deepika can seldom go wrong. Love this look on her.

Deepika was also spotted in a Naeem Khan outfit at the IIFA technical awards as well. The beaded top was paired with pants that had a skirt overlay and was a unique choice for the red carpet. What was right that Deepka took a risk which was paid off with the correct styling. Demure choice…….ladies please learn few lessons here. 😉

Madhuri Dixit opted for soft pink & blue ‘Manish Malhotra’ anarkali for the IIFA Technical Awards. The outfit spoke loads about style on the red carpet and did not need much styling….the light colours looked beautfiul on Madhuri. Like this look for sure.

Jade by Monica & Karishma designed Madhuri’s outfit for the main IIFA awards. Though I love the black & golden combination of this lehenga but the drapping part spoilt this look entirely. Wish would have drapped it in a more neater way rather than kust putting the pallu over in a jiffy. The hair & the jewels were glorious with this outfit.

Anushka Sharma was dressed in ‘Roberto Cavalli’ gown in white but the no accessories look felt too plain for a glamorous event. The hair too was lame as was the missing bling. A white pristine gown is a perfect canvas to experiment with matt gold jewellery or colour stone. Add some glam factor to this look Anushka……

Sridevi opted for a sequin studded off shoulder gown for the big nite and boy did she look awesome on the green carpet. The side swept hair, stone embellished clutch, red lips and a pose to match said it all. This is how one should look on the red carpet…….Absolutely Glam!!!

Neha Dhupia always stands out in a stylish manner at any event………….even at IIFA she was no exception as she walked the green carpet in ‘Anamika Khanna’ anarkali paired with black pants. The lace detailing of the outfit was elegant  and Neha kept the jewellery to the minimal. The hair  & the make-up blended well with this look………..Adore it on her.

Jacqueline Fernandes also went all glam in this ‘Roberto Cavalli” outfit in shimmer gold. Love the vintage Hollywood-style hair that gave alot of focus on the décolletage area. For the event this look is definitely one of my favourite.

Amrita Rao in a shimmer gown as well failed to make any impression in this outfit. The hair was messy & not stylish, there was nothing new in her make-up and the look was devoid of any eye-catching accessory. Need Amrita to find her signature look. 

OK we have seen Vidya don Sabyasachi looks on the red carpet but watching similar looks over & over again is not that exciting at all.  Even in Sabyasachi’s recent collection there is so much of beautiful colours & designs………..so why not opt for those Vidya instead of sticking to dull colours. As for IIFA, Vidya is wearing ‘Sabyasachi’  lehenga.

 Huma Qureshi decided to go black in this outfit by designer ‘Nikhil Thampi’ ………..not at all excited about the accessories which Huma opted for with this dress. I do like Huma’s hair & make-up but the nude lips with the chunky cuff & nude peep toes did nothing much to call this look amazing. So much experimentation in terms of shoes & accessories could have been done on this silhouette….sigh!!

Lisa Haydon in ‘Namrata Joshipura’ gown………something in this outfit reminds me of the term ‘Gothic’  but Lisa manages to make this look good on the green carpet. The braided hair compliments the look perfectly………..like it.

Divya Dutta made a pretty picture in red saree at the IIFA awards…….even though this might not be the best look seen till date, Divya does look beautiful in this saree and this one of the good looks seen on Divya in a long time.

Minissha Lamba in ‘Ayesha Depala’ gown which had feather touch, was paired with a metallic belt. The look was not that great and wish Minissha would have opted for another outfit altogether………..this one made her look more like a blanket than glamorous.

What is the most common mistake that Indian actors make when they are dressed on the red carpet………they forget or absolutely ignore to shave off the unnecessary stubble when they are wearing a Tuxedo. Please go all clean when one wants to wear a tuxedo on the red carpet……….cleaner the look the better dressed one looks.

Top 10 Looks of Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra has been a name which is synonym with style in Bollywood. She has not only evolved as an actor but also as a beautiful diva. Over the years we have seen her rock the red carpet with many hits and only few misses. Not only is Priyanka an amazing actor but also a fabulous dresser.

She never repeats the single look on the red carpet no matter how good it was earlier……….she always has something new up her sleeve.  A risk taker at heart, Priyanka is always seen sporting a new hairdo, accessories, shoes & of course designer outfits. She usually opts for a Manish Malhotra or Ritu Kumar design for Indian wear but experiments with infinite designer wear when it comes to western attire.

Though this leading lady is going through a low personal phase since her fathers demise, IFP still admires her attitude & wishes to see her in best element once again. IFP takes a look at Priyanka’s top 10 best looks till date on the red carpet.

Look No. 1

Priyanka Chopra looked her best at the TOIFA Awards 2013 in outfit by designer ‘Arpan Vohra’. What caught my eye was her side swept hairstyle which was absolutely new on Priyanka, fit of the gown was flawless, her make-up was perfect and so were the accessories. Two thumbs up for this alluring look.

Look No. 2

Priyanka Chopra opted for ‘Gauri-Nainika’ dress in fuchsia for the L’oreal Paris Women Achievers Award 2012. The bright colour said loads about Priyanka’s colourful personality which was complemented with a pair of open toe white pumps & diamond earrings.

Look No. 3

Priyanka Chopra was a vision of Greek Goddess in ‘Salvatore Ferragamo’ gown at the Filmfare Awards 2012. The powder blue colour with a metallic clutch & an updo fit the bill perfectly………Priyanka made a simple look turn into a glamorous one.

Look No. 4

At the Marrakech Film Festival, Priyanka looked beautiful in ‘Ritu Kumar’ saree. The lace blouse with a sequin saree was a first for Priyanka but the scarlet red lips put the entire look in a fabulous place. Saree with a contemporary twist is what we like.

Look No. 5

At the IIFA awards 2012 Priyanka posed in this dreamy ‘Dolce & Gabbana’ gown………the floral detailing on the sheer fabric made this desi girl look like a princess. Paired with chandelier earrings & an updo, Priyanka knows how to work it well in any outfit.

Look No. 6

‘The Lady in Red’ was Priyanka’s hot look at the Big Star Entertainment Awards 2012 . Priyanka wore a ‘Ramona Narang’ gown and looked sizzling hot in this colour. Luckily she kept the entire look simple & devoid of heavy jewel while letting the colour take the entire focus in this look.

Look No. 7

For promotions overseas Priyanka went the Indian way in a Manish Malhotra sequin saree & red lips. The golden beige colour complimented Priyanka’s flawless skin while the lips drew attention to her face.  The saree was right for an international event and Priyanka followed the golden rule of keeping accessories to the bare minimum when one wears a heavy embellished outfit.

Look No. 8

‘Dior’ gown is a classic way to look instantly elegant on the red carpet……….Priyanka just did that for the Filmfare nominations event where she wore a white ‘Dior’ gown and looked pretty damn good. Priyanka does wear a lot of pastels & white but she can carry off bright colours with equal ease.

Look No. 9

Screen Awards 2012, Priyanka again went the saree route……….the Manish Malhotra sequin saree was combined with a maroon blouse. The well set hair and diamond earrings complete this look……….Priyanka looked stunning on the red carpet.

Look No. 10

Priyanka Chopra dresses to kill especially at award ceremony………….seen here in a black jumpsuit she looked down right sexy without going overboard. The palazzo pants are a rare sight on the red carpet but Priyanka is a risk taker all the way. On someone else the look might have not worked but PeeCee is an exception.

Bridal Looks in Blush

‘Blush’ or light pink is one dreamy colour to have for your wedding outfit. But this colour is definitely better suited for a daytime wedding rather than night time wedding. Since the decoration lights might be too harsh during night time in which a beautiful baby pink colour might just fade. This colour is perfect if you want to wear it for your engagement. Here are some beautiful designer looks this season in blush.

 

Bridal Looks in Gold

When I say golden as a choice for the wedding outfit, many women seem to cringe at the mere thought of it. Maybe an Oscar statue is the first thing that comes to their mind when they think of golden. Funnily the shades of gold actually allows you to play around with jewellery. Try wearing the heaviest of your jewels with matt gold lehenga or saree and looking like a glamorous bride.

In fact designers in India have a wide range of shades in gold to offer in their bridal collection. From beige gold, matt gold to metallic gold……….your wish is their command. Another best way to wear gold is to combine the shade with pastel colour like having metallic gold detail work on pastel fabric.

IFP picks out some ways of wearing golden this wedding season & looking gorgeous as ever.

 

 

 

 

Bridal looks in Fuchsia

Fuchsia will be ‘hot’ this season in bridal wear but many women might refrain from wearing this colour since this one is bright. The bright shade of pink is one of the best bridal colour you can have in your wedding trousseau whether in form of saree, lehenga or salwar kameez. Fuchsia looks beautiful when combined with golden or silver detailing. Brocade under layering on top of sheer fabric is a subtle way of showing off this colour at weddings.

IFP gives you few looks as seen on the runway this bridal season.

Photo Courtesy : FDCI

 

Know your Saree- Banarasi

Banarasi sarees definitely need no new introduction……..a rich woven fabric has been in existence in our country since the Mughal Era. But IFP does want it’s readers to know more about this glorious saree.

Banarasi sarees as the name suggests did originate in the city of Varanasi or Benaras to the locals. Banarasi sarees are usually woven out of the finest silks and have been the most sought after saree for weddings in the north-east part of India. Till date it is considered to be an integral part of any Indian bride’s trousseau. These rich silks have been passed down from one generation to another in many households.

The motifs range from florals, birds, paisley, buttis to leaves  and a single silk saree can even take upto 6 months to be woven. Silk jamdani, jangla, jamawar tanchoi, and tissue are some of the types of banarasi sarees available today. These days the banarasi motif is also available in chiffon as well as georgettes so that women can wear it in their day-to-day life.

The silk Jamdani, is a variety of brocade woven in Banaras may be considered to be one of the finest products to come out of the Banarasi loom. Here silk fabric is brocaded with cotton and rarely with zari threads. Some of the traditional motifs of Jamdani included Chameli (Jas mine), panna hazar (Thousand emeralds) genda buti (marigold flower)pan buti (leaf form) tircha (diagonally striped) etc.

Jangala is one of the oldest form of a banarasi saree & also the most preferred during weddings. Jal Jangla design have golden or silver creeper motifs spread across the saree with a heavy border & pallu. Meena work can also be used on the Jangla to make it fit for bridal wear.

Jamawar Tanchoi is a form of banarasi brocade where 2 or more coloured silk threads are used to create the multicolour effect in a saree. Tanchoi is also used to create bridal lehengas by Indian designers.

The renowned Zari brocade weavers of Banaras has evolved a technique of weaving tissue material which looked like golden cloth. Tissue saris are most popular as wedding saris among the affluent. Tissue sari has glazed, shining character due to the use of real gold Zari/Silver Zari and are ornamented with the particulars traditional design such as Jangla Butidar, Shikargah menadar etc.

Any Indian designer who makes Bridal wear uses Banarasi silk to create that rich effect in their troussea collection. BAnarasi silk is also widely used to make men’s wedding achkans.  Even our celebrities love to wear this silhouette on the red carpet and here is a look at how they rock in a Banarasi saree……..

Christian Dior V.P. India – Kalyani Chawla

Kirron Kher

Rani Mukherjee

Sonakshi Sinha

Rekha

Saakshi Tanwar

Photo Courtesy : Style&sparkle, Indiatimes