Aamby Valley India Bridal Week – Grand Finale

[L to R] Vivek Kumar- CEO, Hotel Sahara Star, Nethra Raghuraman, Tarun Tahiliani, Vijay Singh – CEO, India Bridal Week

Designer Tarun Tahiliani presented his alluring Bridal Collection at ‘Aamby Valley India Bridal Week’………..I can describe the collection as ‘magnificient’. Tarun has always presented a collection which reflects a lot of ‘opulence’……..a word which is a synonym with out Indian heritage.

Opening the show with soft nude toned pastels, Tarun had a satin gown with side net drapes and soon it was sari gowns, crystal cholis and layered net lehengas, will-power slinky long creations that did justice to Rachel’s beauty while more with flouncy hemlines followed with embroidered godets.

The sequin sheeted sari in beige, the old rose empire line anarkalis, the ivory net sari with a peach petticoat and stringy choli created magic on the ramp. Whites came in with shades of pink and violet for fully encrusted knee length kurtas with belted dupattas covered with silver and crystals.

There was a touch of western chic with magenta satin draped sari gowns, the red ornate lehenga with a sleeveless embellished lace gilet and the gorgeous silver one-button waistcoat over a pre-stitched sari modelled by Binal which was an interesting innovation.

The sequin sheeted sari in beige, the old rose empire line anarkalis, the ivory net sari with a peach petticoat and stringy choli created magic on the ramp. Whites came in with shades of pink and violet for fully encrusted knee length kurtas with belted dupattas covered with silver and crystals

Menswear was very ethnic with heavily embroidered sherwanis, Jodhpuri jackets, low crotch cowl churidars, jackets teamed with flowing skirts or panelled kurtas and embellishments that moved from tonal to multicoloured for the garments as well as the luxurious shawls. The colours however remained muted with white, rust, black and beige being favoured by Tarun.

For the finale Tarun unleashed a line of the most exquisite lehengas and multi kali bridal skirts with velvet detailing and gold motifs. Model Nethra Raghuraman who was the show-stopper, wore magnificent leaf design encrusted lehenga with kurti and glittering dupatta

Courtesy : Tandem Communications

Aamby Vallery India Bridal Week – Collection on Day 4

A look at few outfits from Neeta Lulla & Falguni-Shane Peacock Collection showcased on Day 4

Photo Courtesy : Tandem Communications

 

Aamby Valley India Bridal Week – Day 4

Neeta gave the audience a glamorous double offering with the regal Hema Malini in a floor length white silk panelled kurta with a gorgeous lace dupatta walking down the ramp with her daughter, Eesha looking stunning in a full silver and crystal embroidered bridal creation.

Vintage and zardozi embroidery along with kundan beads and semi-precious stones glittered under the ramp lights. The beautiful collage of fabrics played with each other to create dazzling bridal wear. Luxurious brocades, delicate lace, yards of soft sensuous silk and textured nets were embroidered with amazing designs. Swarovski crystals gleamed under the catwalk lights; while the thread and pearl embellishments, added to the beauty of the pre-stitched saris, lehengas, cholis and ornate dupattas. The colour story was vibrant and festive to match the mood of the collection.

Moving into the pre-stitched creatively draped sari segment, Neeta’s imagination was extreme in its creativity as drapes and moulded net, chiffon, silk and georgette were presented as lehenga/sari combos or as lehenga/gown duos. Yokes hugged the hips of pleated saris and one shoulder blouses made dramatic entries. Sarong style saris were teamed with long sleeve backless cholis and hip high slits on pre-stitched draped lehenga/saris almost resembled costumes worn by Amrapali.

Finally for the bridal lehenga/choli/dupatta offering, Neeta created embroidery that almost looked like prints on fabrics as the craftsmanship was truly amazing.

The designer duo opened the show with the only male in the presentation – it was the handsome hunky Jacky Bhagnani in a sharply cut black and gold embroidered sherwani escorting the radiant and beautiful Rachel in a white net lehenga choli with a feathered edge dupatta with crystals and appliqués to highlight the creation.

Soon it was a veritable feast for the eyes as net saris worn over sexy side slit petticoats or heavily embroidered ones, six tiered anarkalis some with asymmetric hemlines were beautifully crafted. Reds and whites with hints of green and black were a colour story ideal for bridal wear. Halter cholis with tantalising tassels, sheer net flesh coloured floor length kurtas over layered lehengas, moulded silver sexy cholis, empire line tiered floor skimming kurtas and lehengas with heavily embellished bunches of flowers dazzled the audience.

Show stopper Sameera Reddy created a sensation in the gorgeous red ruffled layered net bridal gown with a crystal encrusted bodice, a deep scooped back and luxurious trail as she glided down the catwalk to the strains of the finale music.

Some of the eye-catchers was the feathered tasselled sari and the Chantilly lace appliqué asymmetric kurta; while the dusty grey net sari and embroidered petticoat worn by Parvati was a dream to behold. Long trails on lehengas added that old world charm to the Indian garments while the gleaming long sleeve gilets over flouncy skirts had a European feel.

The gorgeous jewellery worn by the models was by Vijay and Sandeep Golecha whose bridal creations were perfect accessories.

The Peacock Bride collection by Falguni and Shane Peacock was undoubtedly aimed at the New Age couple who longs for glamour combined with drama for the most important day of their life.

Courtesy : Tandem Communications

Aamby Vallery India Bridal Week – Collection on Day 3

Here is your exclusive look at the collection of Jyotsna Tiwari & Pallavi Jaikishan who showcased their collection on Day 3 of Aamby Valley India Bridal Week.

Photo courtesy : Tandem Communications

Aamby Valley India Bridal Week – Day 3

Show stopper Kangana Ranaut and the face of the Aamby Valley India Bridal Week 2011 walked down the ramp in a fully crystal embroidered lehenga and choli with a sheer net dupatta. She did look very graceful in the pink lehenga.

Pink was the centre of attraction as Jyotsna Tiwari unveiled her gorgeous bridal wear collection to open Day Three at the Aamby Valley India Bridal Week 2011.

The white cutwork panels in graduating heights and the filigreed backdrop was the ideal start to the all pink collection, a colour that is loved by every woman in the world.

Using influences from Victorian art and vintage décor, the garments were opulent with the most gorgeous fabrics as the base. Silk, chiffon, Chantilly lace, tulle and velvet along with rich handlooms sparkling with gold and silver came together for the glittering saris, lehengas, floor length ensembles and ankle skimming gowns.

Opening the show with a tiered ruffled gown with a marked Spanish influence worn by, Jyotsna continued the theme with a draped bodice gown with sparkling crystals. Moving into the lehenga section giant Indian motifs were placed creatively over the flouncy lehengas while one of the absolute stunners was the lacy embroidered bridal creation

Jyotsna Tiwari’s collection will be available at her Juhu store ‘Jona’.

One of the pioneers of glamorous fashion in India, the name Pallavi Jaikishan is a “must have” in every bride’s wardrobe.

Divided into four segments the garments catered to the various bridal events. The Gossamer range was in delicate lace, which glittered with French tape, shaded ribbons and sequin. La Russe had inspirations of Russian prints and lush velvets in rich tones were turned into kurtas, jackets, saris, blouses and gilets. Royal Splendour was a line of the most exquisite saris in tulle and georgette in pastels and vibrant tones, matched with seductive cholis. Finally, Adornment was a collection for the wedding day with  multi coloured  lehengas in tulle, lace, Duchess silk and Dupion embellished with resham, French tape and sequins. This was a section that had everything that a bride dreams of and much more. Pallavi ended the show with Rachel in a very regal red fully embroidered panelled lehenga with a gold choli and red net dupatta.

For creations that can turn into family heirlooms which will be handed down generations, Pallavi Jaikishan’s latest collection will provide the most unforgettable garments.

Do check out the collection of these two talented designers in our next post.

Courtesy : Tandem Communications

Aamby Valley India Bridal Week – Exclusive look at Day 2

Here is your exclusive look at Day 2 collection of Bhairavi Jaikishan & Queenie Singh which was displayed on Day 2.

Photo Courtesy : Tandem Communications

Aamby Valley India Bridal Week – Day 2

The Day 2 of the Aamby Valley India Bridal Week 2011 took off with an evening of dazzling bridal couture and jewellery shows by designers Bhairavi Jaikishan ,  jewellery designer Queenie Singh and Adarsh Gill.

Mallika Arora Khan was the stunning show-stopper for Designer Bhairavi Jaikishan in a net Lehenga. Bhairavi Jaikishan’s bridal wear collection brought together two contrasting inspirations – revolution and tradition.

Bhairavi displayed a collection that evoked life and feelings through her creations, which had that touch of ethereal beauty. Opening the show with two gorgeous black net saris which were followed by the swirling lehengas. The grace of the lehengas was in their flowy silhouettes.

Queenie Singh has created jewellery for some of the most well-known global celebrities like Hilary Clinton and Queen of Morocco, while her designs have been desired by women around the country and across the seas.

Queenie Singh presented a glittering collection of exquisite jewellery which was painstakingly hand crafted by the best in the business. Embellished with semi-precious stones, the Jewels by Queenie collection had perfect pieces for the modern Indian bride. Opening the show with a line of white layered skirts and bustiers created by Ramona Narang Rodella, which were the perfect line for the gorgeous jewellery; Queenie had long gold intricately crafted neckpieces with large triangular pendants, strands of emeralds and rubies had off centre pieces to highlight them and diamond chokers with impressive centres glittered on the catwalk. For the all black jersey gown section, Queenie showed diamond hoops for the ears, while broad gold bracelets shimmered with precious stones. The large imposing emerald pendant at the end of diamond chains, long multi strands of precious stones, trellised diamonds with ruby and emerald insets for necklaces, were stunners and will be adored by brides around the globe.

Queenie ended the show with the three Femina Pantaloon Miss India 2011 winners – Kanishka Dhankhar, Hasleen Kaur, and Ankita Shorey modelling beautiful tiaras with gorgeous chokers and necklaces that cascaded down the necks of the beauty queens.

Adarsh Gill is the name that has created a niche not only in India but in New York and Paris where women covet her creations and the international media love her ensembles. From the ever popular sari, which Adarsh had ingeniously embellished to the superb lehengas, the elegant gowns and dresses, the look was sheer beauty. Working with the most exquisite fabrics like taffeta, lace, chiffon and brocades, Adarsh chose a mix of vibrant and pastel tones for her garments.

Giving a 20s look to the creations Adarsh opened the show with the western section, displaying two beaded tasselled shimmering minis in ink blue and brown with lacy work. Some more eye catchers were the various long sleeved numbers that skimmed the floor clinched at the waist with chiffon sashes or one shoulder sexy gowns with flouncy hemlines. Adarsh ended the section with a black long sleeve crystal embellished gown that was a dream like vision for any bride. The ethnic section was a riot of colours and showered with crystals as lehengas, cholis, kurtas and saris dazzled the audience. Dainty handbags and clutches were the perfect accessory, while the stunning jewellery by Diamantina added the right touch to the collection.

Adarsh’s show stoppers were the lovely Bollywood star, Dia Mirza in a flared pink lehenga and crystal encrusted corset and the very handsome Zayed Khan wearing a white brocade sherwani.

Photo Courtesy : Tandem Communications

Collection showcased at Aamby Valley India Bridal Week

Here is your very exclusive look at the collection displayed at Aamby Valley India Bridal Week held in Mumbai. Designer  Vikram Phadnis, Rocky S, Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor, had their collection showcased on the runway.

Click on individual pics to get an enlarged view.

Photo Courtesy : Tandem Communications

Aamby Valley India Bridal Week – Day 1

Anjalee and Arjun Kapoor opened the Aamby Valley India Bridal Week 2011 season with their dazzling “Phantom Couture” Collection that had a mélange of the most stunning creations. For the finale, Anjalee and Arjun had the gorgeous sexy Bollywood star, Mallika Sherawat, wearing one of the most stunning creations as she glided down the ramp. The glam international celeb was the perfect model for the gorgeous jewelled bustier and the innovative panelled lehenga in bright carrot red. There was a truly creative touch of the Victorian and Mughal era in the final creation.

Inspired by the Victorian era and the drama of Mughal times, the designers wove together glamour, grandeur and colour into their opera style ball gowns and ethnic wear.

The colours were as royal as the theme with jewel tones of ruby, sapphire, emerald and topaz playing a melody of hues, for moulded blouses and fluid voluminous skirts. To add that touch of feminine romantic elegance, the delicate lace trimmings edged the creations to highlight the silhouettes.

The setting of the opening show was the exotic Tropical Lagoon at the Sahara Star Hotel where the 90 ft. ramp emerged from the impressive backdrop in the circular giant atrium, which was the perfect arrangement to enable the audience sitting on four split levels to get a good look at the lovely garments.

Bringing in a hint of 17^thcentury Venice to the Victorian/ Mughal mélange, the pair opened the show with Rachel in a splendid layered white gown with shimmering net and chiffon.

Ameesha Patel walked as a show stopper for Designer Rocky S in a lehenga and looked every bit ‘Royal’ in the outfit. The Collection was a rich assortment of soft gold lamé, sheer net, georgette silk, satin and lush brocade. Colours that Rocky S played with moved from black to charcoal grey, then onto delicate ivory and pearl. For luxurious drama, Rocky S added deep old rose, mauve, royal blue, poison green and burnt orange.

Empire line kurtas, saris with embroidery, men’s sherwanis with silver work and sheer net churidars teamed with pleated bodices for kurtas with attached dupattas were a great opening. The all black section had tuxedos for the men while the graceful net saris and the flesh coloured minis with black scalloped embellishments or lean lace kurtas could double up as dresses without the net churidars.

Rocky S added interesting accessories like the ornate belts for the saris, which gave a seductive touch to the traditional garments. The final lehenga choli section with red panelled combo, the shaded red and cream net trio and the wine coloured silk lehenga choli, were almost dream-like in their appearance.  For ultra-bridal glamour for the couple, Rocky S offers some great creations that will be the cynosure of all eyes on that big day

Vikram Phadnis also displayed his Bridal Collection at this event where actor Neil Nitin Mukesh was the show-stopper. The handsome actor looked dapper in a black & maroon ‘Achkan’……….reminded me so much of the Royal Rajputs.

Vikram revealed how beautifully tradition and contemporary styling can be presented for wedding trousseau. Working around a colour palette that started with the famed bright red, which is a favourite of all Indian brides; Vikram moved to orange and mustard and then added large doses of pink, green and royal blue to finally top the hues with a lavish sprinkling of silver and gold embroidery. Tunics were teamed with lehengas, while long floor length kurtas could double up as gowns.

Photo courtesy : Tandem Communications

Naeem Khan at New York Fashion Week

Here is your exclusive look at Naeem Khan’s recent Spring 2012 collection displayed at Mercedez-Benz New York Fashion Week.The collection had gowns, dresses and kaftans with loads of floral prints, detail work and shimmer. Heart those amazing gowns….hope to see loads of them on the red carpet next season.

Photo Courtesy : www.style.com

Designer and their Muse

The word ‘Muse’ has been often used by fashion writers and magazine, but as any other person I used to wonder what it meant?? Over time I have understood that ‘Muse’ means a source of inspiration for artists………..our designers are definitely no less than one. Centuries ago Mona Lisa inspired the greatest word of Leonardo Da’Vinci, in todays world every designer has an ‘inspiration’ behind their collection. I just wanted to list down some of the best ‘Designer-Muse’ pairing so far in India………the muse have not just worn the designer’s creations, but the designer in turn has given their image a glamorous look everytime they needed to stand out of the crowd. Some have been like ‘Fairy Godmother’ to the celebrities, while some designer took loads of inspiration from the celebrity’s style to feed their creativity. Their amazing combination has changed the face of couture in India….here is a write-up of what I have thought to be the best ‘Designer-Muse’ union till date.

Tarun Tahiliani & Shilpa Shetty

Both the ‘Designer’ Tarun Tahiliani and the ‘Muse’ Shilpa Shetty never needed any introduction before they started off working together. Tarun was well-known for his brilliance in designing and Boutique ‘Ensemble’, while had been charming the audience for more than a decade. But once they did get together for the styling part, it was fireworks and tons of it. This has to be the best union in terms of fashion as designer Tarun Tahiliani gave a new lease of life to the Shilpa Shetty’s style. And we were head over heels in love with Shilpa again. The magic of Tarun Tahiliani’s outfits and Shilpa’s grace worked wonders on the red carpet and at fashion weeks. Tarun turned Shilpa in to an Egyptian Queen, a blushing Bride and a beautiful Gypsy as a show-stopper during fashion weeks, each one left an alluring impression on our minds. Tarun even designed Shilpa’s Bridal Trousseau for her high profile wedding. All I can say that we are yet to have our fill of this ‘Designer-Muse’ association.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee & Vidya Balan

Vidya Balan was known as the beautiful & talented actress who had a very girl-next-door sort of an image, but sadly she was never among the stylish ones. She was humiliated and criticized for her disastrous fashion sense and literally written off by many fashionistas. But a chance encounter of Vidya Balan with designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee on the set of ‘Paa’ turned the things around forever. It was Vidya on the magazine cover, on the red carpet, on the billboard………everywhere you went, you were ought to notice the ‘brand’ new Vidya Balan. Sabyasachi understood Vidya looks which spelt ‘old world charm’ and styled her likewise. He never took out the element of ‘Innocence’ & ‘simplicity’ from her looks yet added in a bit of ‘sensuality’. Whenever I see Vidya dressed up in a Sabyasachi outfit, I think vintage, 1950s,  classic, elegant….something that can never be forgotten. The sarees, the kurtis, the dresses…..I love her in any Sabyasachi design as she looks splendid and different from her peers. Today fashionistas line up just to catch a glimpse of Vidya’s red carpet look while Vidya makes it a point to always be in the front row during fashion weeks to cheer for designer Sabyasachi.

Manish Malhotra and Kareena Kapoor

Designer Manish Malhotra gave a make-over to Kareena’s elder sister Karisma during ‘Raja Hindustani’……..so he had to be the one designer Kareena could go to whenever she needed help in the style department. Manish found another beautiful ‘Muse’ while Kareena got listed among ‘India’s Best Dressed’. He has designed for Kareena not just off-screen but also on-screen while keeping in mind the different characters she enacted in the movies. We saw her as the glamorous ‘Poo’ in Kabhi Khushi, Kabhi Gham, the bold woman in ‘Chameli’ the vivacious ‘Geet’ in ‘Jab We Met’ or the sweet girl in recent ‘Bodyguard’………Manish created magic while designing a new look for Kareena and of course the masses followed the trends after watching these movies. I always see a reflection of the ‘Kareena’ in every new collection of Manish….the outfits are sexy, beautiful and chic just like his ‘Muse’. I do hope this fashionable  ‘Designer-Muse’ pair keep giving us alluring looks for years to come.

Gauri-Nainika & Bipasha Basu

All three are young, attractive and brainy women………..that’s a lot to start with the best ‘Designer-Muse’ combination. I think it was just a matter of timing that these three had to come together for creating the best looks till date on the red carpet. Bipasha Basu is someoen who I feel looks her best in a western attire, Gauri & Nainika just dressed her in the best of gowns and dresses. The element of ‘Sexiness’ was intact in their minds whenever they had to dress Bipasha. They gave her a very fashion forward look while making her stand out of the crowd. The designer duo definitely designs the best gowns in India that reflect style in every drape…..designing for Bipasha was perhaps the best thing that ever happened to them. Each one of Bipasha’s best red carpet looks are designed by Gauri & Nainika. The trio have given us one of the most sophisticated looks on the red carpet which I do wish continues for years to come.

Ritu Kumar & Sharmila Tagore

Ritu Kumar’s designs have spelt ‘Royalty’ over the years while Sharmila Tagore is a bonafide royal…….the coming together of both simply meant ‘Magic’. Sharmila & Ritu hve been friends for many decades and still continue to compliment each other like a ‘Designer-Muse’ pair. Ritu Kumar might have dressed a number of well known women, but I feel Sharmila has to be the best amongst all. Shramila has poise, grace & majestic look, the same attributes are present in a Ritu Kumar creation. So it never came as a surprise to me when I saw Sharmila Tagore and her daughter Soha Ali Khan walk the runway in Mughal inspired designs at Ritu Kumar’s ‘Falaknuma’ showcasing……..Sharmila looked every bit like a Queen.

Photo courtesy: www.yahoo.co.in

Falguni & Shane Peacock at New York Fashion Week

Talented Designer duo Falguni & Shane Peacock presented their ‘Spring 2012’ collection at the prestigious Mercedez-Benz New York Fashion Week. The collection had loads of geometric print, fringe detail and loads of sequin work to give a ‘Grunge meets Glamour’ look. Here is your exclusive look of the runway showcasing.

Photo Courtesy : www.mbfashionweek.com

Jatin Varma’s Collection for Pret-A-Porter Paris

Here is your exclusive look at what Designer Jatin Varma will present at Pret-A-Porter in Paris which showcases best in world fashion in one event. PRET-A-PORTER PARIS brings together labels, connects buyers, incites collaborations between fashion and artists from all horizons, and welcomes people from more than 45 countries for each edition.

With a huge waiting list of designers for this event, our country’s very own designer Jatin Varma will be displaying his Spring/Summer 2012 creations. ‘Indian Fashion Police’ has an exclusive preview of this collection……many thanks to the designer himself.

Photo credit : Designer Jatin Varma.

Van Heusen India Men’s Week 2011 – Finale

Day 3 finale had celebs walking the runway at last………..I think it is hard to imagine no celebs at fashion week now. If a celebrity can do justice to the outfits like a model, then a celeb show stopper is a must. Here is your look at the exclusives from the finale.

Karan Johar & Varun Bahl

Katrina Kaif and Imran Khan were a surprise show stopper from Karan & Varun for their finale show at Men’s week……..with their upcoming movie on it’s way in theatres this friday, the actors did look good on the runway.

Coming back to the collection, I was not that impressed with th designer duo’s new collection which had alot of casual, formals and resortwear.  The colour palette varied from dark hues to lighter shades. Cowl necklines which has been so well accepted among the ladies, found it’s way in menswear collection. Different???? Absolutely but only few pieces would look amazing on few well toned bodies.I do love the formal wear that Karan & Varun design, but I would like to take a detour on their recent work. Somehow the casualwear with too much of layering did not fit the fashion bill.

Photo courtesy : www.FDCI.org

Shantanu & Nikhil

Shantanu & Nikhil took my breath away with their print bandhgala that oozed royalty all the way. The festive collection had a range of beautiful colours and loads of prints. The ensemble was also accesorized with shawls which gave the outfit a very elegant look. I have always loved outfit which make a man look like a gentleman……….Shantanu & Nikhil just made them look wonderful too.

Van Heusen India Men’s Week 2011 – Day 2

Day 2 had many designers showcasing their work and we have few favourites from the event.

Krishna Mehta

Krishna Mehta added the element of fun & color in her recent collection which had a range of jackets, achkan, trousers, scarves, bandhgala and distressed denims…………….though distressed denims combined with classy jacket were not my taste, but maybe that is just me. The collection otherwise was smart and thankfully not over the top. It was fashion forward yet trendy enough to be worn everywhere. Love the colours used in the collection which were not too bright yet very masculine. I feel Krishna Mehta has re-invented her designing style……….this one will have many takers.

Photo Courtesy : www.fdci.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ashish N Soni

Last year one got to see a vintage inspired collection by Ashish Soni………..this year was an entirely different story though. Ashish choose to design a range based on resortwear theme and played around with bright summer colors. The jackets & blazers had an amazing fit, the blues were soothing to the eye but I found some colours too bright to be worn especially for men. Maybe I am still in awe of Ashish’s vintage collection which he had showcased last year. But nonethless the collection was smart and the younger generation would definitely love flaunting it.