Jatin Varma – ‘Demure’ combined with ‘Sophistication’

Ileana D’Cruz in a Jatin Varma outfit

There are many things that I would avoid wearing when it comes to western designs like loads of embellishments, animal print, laser cut designs,shiny sequins, voluminous skirt etc…………..but there are only a handful of designers in India who make these look like a dream on the runway.  A creation which makes your imagination run wild is what I describe as fashion. Such was the case when I viewed Jatin Varma’s work for the very first time during fashion week. But then came a thought in my mind…………will this designer ever reply to my request at interviewing him???

Amazingly Jatin did reply and gave me the answers to all of my fashion questions……….despite his busy schedule, the man did take out sometime for ‘Indian Fashion Police’ ……….all I can say is that I was blessed by the ‘Dark Angel’ ……. pun intended since this is the name of his recent collection as well;-)

Starting his very own label in 2001, Jatin Varma showcased his very first collection at Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week in 2006…….since then the outfits that he has created have been up for grabs by celebrities and their stylists. To future add to his laurels, He has also showcased his designs in London Fashion Week in 2009. His signature line is currently showcased in many stores like Debenhams, Lifestyle, Shopper’s Stop across India. His creations are also available in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Germany, Norway, USA, Singapore, Kuwait, Egypt, United Kingdom. He was also nominated this year by International Apparel Federation for the International Designer Awards 2012.

Jatin Varma Designs on Magazine Covers

Jatin Varma creations are popular on the magazine covers as well as on the red carpet. ‘Indian Fashion Police’ gets behind the designer and his thoughts on fashion in our ‘Interview with the Designer’.

1. You started your career in 1997 and today have built a well-known label in the past 15 years. IFP would love to know about your journey till now?

Designing is something I have always wanted to pursue. In those days there was no clarity on the profession, what it entailed or what was expected of you. We are the second lot of experienced designers and I am sure our journey is very different from the founders and veterans of the industry today! My journey has been fascinating, and I have no regrets but I must say it has taken me a lot of hard work to get to where I am today.

2.   What inspired you to become a designer?

What inspires me to be a designer is the female form and how as a silhouette is there are so many different ways to achieve different looks. The grace and elegance that a woman withholds is what galvanizes me to form ideas. My collection vary greatly from season to season, from gothic to feminine, to edgy to bold!

3. Your recent collections ‘Glisten – Shine by Reflection’ & ‘Dark Angels’ are poles apart. Glisten has  structured silhouettes and laser cutwork …. A very futuristic collection while Dark Angels is very ‘Gothic’ inspired. How would you define it in your own words?

‘Glisten-Shine by Reflection’ is a collection, which brings out the exquisiteness of silhouettes and at the same time the cutwork gives the designs a tad bit of an edge. I have used very light colours, which helps in maintaining a balance. It started with a small swatch I saw, along with the idea of expanding my design aesthetics by doing something that was both feminine as well as futuristic! I chose to create an entire collection from fabrics that one would ideally never pick as first choice! Both the laser cutting technique along with the felt was concept that could have gone either way, having said that I feel the only way to evolve as designer is to continuously experiment , evolve and take risks!

‘Dark Angel’ is very ‘Gothic’ but with a modern twist where the colour palettes is kept in darker colours with touches of glitter and embellishments. ‘Boldness’ is the key element which has been featured through exaggerated shoulders, sheer fabrics and figure hugging silhouettes. In short this edgy line is for the strong, confident ‘diva’ who makes a statement with the bold Gothic undertones blended with uber sexy, feminine forms

4.You have worked for big fashion houses in India & abroad, any designer whose work you admire the most?

Working with fashion houses has stimulated my career in abundance and hence to just pick one of them would be very extremely difficult, as they have all taught me so much! I have learnt about the importance of the commercials viability of a collection, just being a hit on the ramp is not important, people may be in awe of your clothes but it fails to connect if the garments are not wearable. Another learning experience was to work on large volumes, but at the same time maintain the label aesthetics – the cuts, the fit, the finishing as well as the design aesthetics that come with it.

5.  Western-wear – from outfits to jewelry has been your ‘forte’, but will we ever get to see JV’s Indian inspired looks in the near future?

I have already worked on some Indian inspired attire. Hopefully, I will be able to showcase in the near future. Currently I do Indian wear on an order only basis, like I mentioned before I design aesthetics are highly focused around getting the right fit and silhouette. Having said that I work on collaborative labels in the Middle east and have found a way to combine gorgeous ethnic embroideries with a westernized floor length abaya or kaftan.

6. Your designs have graced the celebs on leading magazine covers and red carpet events. Anyone particular celeb you would love to design for?

I have had a very exciting experience dressing up celebs. I won’t lie; it’s a pleasure to see my designs on cover pages of magazines.

7.  ‘JV Couture’ is for the woman who is…….

JV couture is for a woman who is strong, independent and likes to make a statement wherever she goes and such women have always influenced my work.

8. Suggestion for upcoming designers………

A suggestion to upcoming designers would be to work with what inspires them as it always works wonders. And as Coco Chanel said, “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” This has been the cutting edge of my work and I’m sure it will achieve volumes!

Photo Courtesy : http://www.jatinvarma.com

Jatin Varma designs on the red carpet

Genelia D’souza

Parineeti Chopra

Brittany Snow

Sonal Chauhan

Queenie Singh

Ankita Shorey

Top 10 Looks of Sridevi

Sridevi has got us drooling over her style these days hence ‘Indian Fashion Police’ thought of listing few of her looks  on the red carpet and page 3 events in the past one year which have wowed us. IFP counts the 10 best looks of Sridevi where Look no. 1 would be our favourite till date.

Look No. 10

 Red hot gown at IIFA 2011. Red outfit combined with a diamond necklace and a silver clutch gets IFP’s vote. Our guess for this fabulous gown would be ‘Donna Karan’.

Look No. 9

 In a strapless Elie Saab printed gown at Apsara Awards 2012. Sridevi lets the gown do all the talking while keeping the accessories to the minimum.

Look No. 8

In Zara outfit at the unveiling of  Society Interiors Issue. The colour, the fit and the styling made her look ‘oh-so-alluring’

Look No. 7

In grey ‘Herve Leger’ at Filmfare Awards 2012. ‘Divalicious’  is how IFP defines this look.

Look No. 6

Sridevi in a beautiful saree in pastel color at launch of Meheka Mirpuri’s collection. On someone else that saree would have not looked so good but Sridevi makes this outfit work  in a sexy way.

Look No. 5

In a ‘Manish Malhotra’ saree at NDTV Greenathon 2012. A lighter shade of blue with yellow floral detailing is graceful all the way.

Look No. 4

In a pink Anarkali by ‘Manish Malhotra’ at ‘Jhalak Dikhla Jaa’. This outfit is thankfully not over the top. It has the right amount of glitter and the pink colour is so fabulous.

Look No. 3

In Sabyasachi at Delhi Couture Week 2012. Elegance personified on the runway is how IFP can describe this look.

Look No. 2

In ‘Manish Malhotra’ at IIFA 2012. This outfit got us on the colour and the sex appeal of this design.

Look No. 1

In Sabyasachi at ‘Toronto International Film Festival’. This dual tone saree makes us hail this lady who is not only beautiful but extremely talented as well.

Photo courtesy : Rediff India, Zimbio and Yahoo India.

Celebrity show-stoppers at India Bridal Week 2012

Aamby Valley India Bridal Week had many ace designer showcase their latest in Bridal collection. Of course celebrities had to be a part of this event to add glitz and glamour. Here is a look at who all walked the ramp for their favorite designers.

Nargis Fakhri in JJ Valaya

Malaika Arora Khan in Mandira Wirk

Zarine Khan in Falguni & Shane Peacock design

Sarah Jane Dias in a Falguni & Shane Peacock outfit

Soha Ali Khan in a Vikram Phadnis design

Siddharth Mallya in Shantanu & Nikhil design

Esha Deol & Bharat Takhtani walk for ‘AZVA’ Jewels

Bipasha Basu in Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor creation

Chitrangada Singh in Tarun Tahiliani Lehenga

Sonakshi Sinha in Jyotsna Tiwari Lehenga

Photo courtesy : Rediff India, Bollywood Hungama

Vikram Phadnis at India Bridal Week 2012

Designer Vikram Phadnis had so many colours infused in his latest bridal collection presented at Aamby Valley India Bridal Week. Take a look at what the designer has in store for you this festive season.

Photo Courtesy : Vikram Phadnis FB page

Pallavi Jaikishan at India Bridal Week

ASHRAFIYAN by PALLAVI JAIKISHAN

The show started with an eclectic collection in mustard Gold the colours of gold nuggets studded with chartruse green French sequence – makes a totally glamorous statement – Yards and yards of gossamer tulle – studded with sequences adorned with flowers worked in French tape, – silk tape – and shaded resham flowers – in shaded of dusty pinks and dove blues – there are sarees with sensuous blouses – lehengas and coats. All this while soul stirring classic Bollywood songs added to the romantic mood of the show.

 A stunning line of sarees in happy colours as vermilion – pinks – reds – the fabrics used are – flattering georgettes – tulles.  A line of upada sarees specially commissioned in unusual and soft colours – adorned with crystals – sequence French tape. A collection of Lehenga’s for the Bride and her family – adorned with rich embroidery.

Courtesy : Tandem PR

Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor at India Bridal Week

 Creators of luxe couture, ace designers Anjalee and Arjun Kapoor opened Day Three with a brilliant luxurious collection at Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week 2012.

“Mogul Opera” the collection had the traditional touches of the designers as opera style ball gowns and ethnic bridal wear was presented to an appreciative audience. Blending cleverly the 17^th century Victorian era styles with the grandeur of the Mogul era; the creations comprised seductive gowns, lavishly ornate lehengas, remarkable corsets and sexy cholis. The collection was also a beautiful dedication to the country’s rich Jamevaar heritage which was recreated in the amazing embroidery.

The collection came  to life with bejeweled Lehengas replete with hand-picked Swarovski crystal embellishments and Zardozi against a burnt red velvet background draped over numerous layers of lush satin lining and Banarasi brocade borders, anarkalis with delicate French lace arms and specks of crystal highlighting the weave of the ephemeral patterns, Saris contemporarily slung in contrasting colors successfully reforming a dying art, ‘bandhgalas’ & ‘sherwani’s’ which are as stunning as they are original bedecked with tasteful replications of ‘sarpeches’; a mere sampling of the brilliance one would come to expect from their collections.

The gorgeous jadau Jewellery by Falguni Mehta was the perfect accessory for the luxurious exquisite bridal collection.

Actress Bipasha Basu walked the runway for this designer duo in a maroon and gold paneled Jamevaar embroidered glittering corset blouse and lehenga with a seductive ornate neckline.

Courtesy : Tandem Communications

‘JONA’ by Jyotsna Tiwari at India Bridal Week

Designer Jyotsna Tiwari showcased yet another one of her bridal collections at Aamby Valley India Bridal Week. Actress Sonakshi Sinha walked the ramp for her as show-stopper for Jyotsna. I do like the Indian bridal collection but still feel there is a long way for Jyotsna to go when it comes to western bridal couture.

Photo Courtesy : Rediff India, Indiatimes

Narendra Kumar at India Bridal Week 2012

India’s leading fashion designer Narendra Kumar marked  his foray onto the Indian Bridal world with the launch his first ever bridal collection on 13th September, 2012 at the India Bridal Fashion Week.

This premier collection has its roots in the classical ballet traditions and is inspired by the compositions from, one of the last great representatives of romanticism in Russian classical music, Sergei Rachmaninoff. The aesthetic is romantic and classic with a youthful, modern twist. These modern heirloom pieces play with fabrics such as silks, velvets, georgettes,soft satins and rich organza.Voluminous lehengas,embellished Sarees,tailored jackets, elegant kurtas, and opulent ball gowns make up the collection.

The colour pallette ranging from muted champagnes to vibrant turquoise and fiery red had all the trademark signatures of the designer : immaculate, sharp cuts, elegant embellishments annd an “Oh So Chic” appeal that made each ensemble a blend of European royalty meets Indian Bride.

Novel colours with sophisticated details such as, applique embroidery, quilting, colour-blocking, layering and panelling, tailored finesse are added in true Narendra Kumar style. An exemplification of the Indian bridal finery and traditional embellishments is reflected in the rich, elaborate embroideries and beautiful feminine silhouettes. Elegant detail are added to give the outfits a contemporary yet timeless twist. Having witnessed brides struggle with the restrictions of choosing from standard heavily embroidered wedding dresses, Nari believes the collection will provide a fresh and new creative option that will appeal to a discerning clientele as an individual identity to reflect emotion and commitment.

The collection will have designs befitting a wedding in Mumbai, Mauritius or Milan.

Courtesy : Tandem Communications

Tarun Tahiliani at India Bridal Week 2012

Brides……..here comes the country’s best designers to show you what’s in store for you this wedding season. Kicking off the Aamby Valley India Bridal Week was designer Tarun Tahiliani who showcased his elaborate bridal collection. Chitrangada Singh was the show-stopper for Tarun Tahiliani. It is a delight to see Tarun’s collection on the runway every single year.

Photo Courtesy : The Purple Window

Bibhu Mohapatra at New York Fashion Week

Designer Bibhu Mohapatra showcased his collection at Mercedez Benz New York Fashion Week yesterday. Bibhu’s signature style of using fluid prints took a new high in this collection where the prints included designs of a butterfly’s metamorphosis in vivid colors. The lines of the silhouette were sharp and edgy. This collection had me on the use of cobalt blues, olive green and silver grey plus the alluring prints. Loved the red knee length dress which was showcased on the runway. This is definitely one of the alluring collection from designer Bibhu Mohapatra which I very much liked.

Courtesy : http://www.style.com

Falguni & Shane Peacock at New York Fashion Week

Designer Falguni & Shane Peacock also showcased their collection at the prestigious Mercedez Benz New York Fashion Week. The collection was done up in primarily cold colours like blue, grey and black consisted of body suits, dresses, skirts, pants and tops. But unfortunately the collection did not offer anything new or worth grabbing attention. The cut and fit was also seen in their earlier works as well as the patterns like mixing colours, adding fringe & feathers.  Wishing that this designer duo to give a new look in their future fashion week shows.

Photo courtesy : http://www.mbfashionweek.com

Sachin + Babi at New York Fashion Week

IFP always wants to be first to get you the update on Indian Designers not just in our country, but also who live abroad. Mercedez Benz New York Fashion Week has seen the number of Indian origin designers grow over the years. They are finally getting recognized for their creativity & work. One such designer duo who are carving a niche for themselves are Sachin & Babi Ahluwalia.

Based in New York, this designer duo featured their Spring 2013 collection at Mercedez Benz New York Fashion Week which had plenty of pastels  & khakhi colors with splashes of reds & blue. The collection consisted of shirts, tops, pants, skirts, dresses and jackets. Denims in various colors was seen on the runway but it was presented in a very ‘chic’ manner. The collection had a lot of  ‘Style’ quotient to it and loved the way the designers had played around with colors. The dresses in bright color won my vote hands down. Looking forward to see more from this designer duo in future fashion weeks.

Photo Courtesy : http://www.style.com

 

Naeem Khan showcases at New York Fashion Week

Designer Naeem Khan showcased his Spring 2013 collection at the Mercedez Benz New York Fashion Week which had a range of knee length dresses, pants, jackets and gowns. Unlike Naeem’s earlier works, shimmer detailing was limited to the bodice part of an outfit. The ‘fit’ was given main emphasis with a fair amount of floral prints, leaf motifs and lace cutwork used in this collection. The collection also included few pieces of Naeem Khan’s signature work – The Kaftan dress in yellow, peach and powder blue shades.

I personally wanted to see more bright colors in Naeem’s collection since this time around the designer went for less detail work. Loved the jackets and the pants in this collection as they oozed ‘sophistication’ which I am sure many fashionista’s will be ready to lay their hands on. This collection was very different from Naeem’s previous collection as prints and monochromes took centre-stage.  The fabric was rich, the ‘Fit’ was perfect and the styling was kept neat. Although keeping in mind the spring season, I hoped Naeem would have surprised with alluring hues…………but maybe that’s just me. A designer who is so creatively gifted, I am too small to judge his work.

IFP gets you an exclusive look at his latest works showcased at Mercedez Benz New York Fashion Week.

 

Photo Courtesy : http://www.mbfashionweek.com, http://www.style.com

‘India Fantastique’ debuts at Sotheby’s

‘INDIA FANTASTIQUE’ MAKES ITS INTERNATIONAL DEBUT AT SOTHEBY’S, LONDON

The book ‘India Fantastique’ premiered at an exclusive, by invitation only, event at Sotheby’s, London. Dame Judi Dench and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan were the ‘Guests of Honours’ who released the book at this much anticipated evening.

Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla have dressed Hollywood stars of the calibre of Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Freida Pinto and Sophie Marceau. The designer duo is known for their their creation and interior designing in India as well as internationally.

The two met by chance in 1986. Abu was born in Mumbai and started out as a costume designer in the film industry. Sandeep was born in Kapurthala, Punjab and started out in the family leather business. The decision to work together was taken instantly and their first collection, ‘Mata Hari’, arrived just four months later. Their mission………to create the finest. A seemingly impossible dream. Neither possessed any formal qualifications, neither had money to invest. What they did have in abundance was raw talent and an unswerving belief in their own creativity.

Classical Elegance is their signature style. The finest fabrics, impossibly fine hand-embroidery, delicate embellishments and flawless finishing are their hallmarks. They are known as the Masters of Revival and Reinvention, taking ancient techniques and craftsmanship and elevating it to standards never seen before. Chikankari, Zardozi, Tharad, Mirrorwork are just some of the old that they have now made new.

The first volume of India Fantastique displays dozens of the duo’s impossibly elegant designs created over the past 25 years, including close- ups of exquisitely crafted details. The second volume focuses on their extensive work in interior design. Their hallmark maximalism runs riot in privately commissioned interiors, which incorporate art, artifacts, antiques and vintage textiles.

Dame Judi Dench spoke about the designer duo, “I first noticed Sophie Marceau wearing an Abu Sandeep creation on the sets of the Bond movie  ‘The World is Not Enough’. When i asked Lindy Hemming  who was the costume designer for the movie, she put me in touch with the boys and the association has continued to date I am happy to say.”

“They walked into my house one morning, years ago,a shy smile on their faces and a world of expectation in their eyes. Jaya introduced them to me as Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, young men stepping into the world of couture, in the city of opportunity – Mumbai. They were very talented, my wife Jaya had gushed, an opinion that often takes ample time over before passing. I  recognized immediately that they were destined to be our favourites, and I was not wrong.” said Amitabh Bachchan .

Prior to this, an exhibition of the designers’ work was held at Sotheby’s, 34-35 New Bond Street, London W1, from 3rd to 5th September, to coincide with the launch of India Fantastique. (pix attached)

Designed to literally bring the volumes to life, the exhibition was a 3-D showcase of their 25-year careers, featuring masterworks of couture, craft, textiles and art, juxtaposed with sumptuous photographic highlights from the books.

The spectacular evening had a guest list naturally comprising of A-listers such as Lakshmi and Usha Mittal, Anil and Kiran Agarwal, Gurinder Chadha, Tony Morgan, Robin Woodhead etc.

India Fantastique is a beautiful insight into the world of Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, India’s most celebrated couturiers, showcasing their creativity in all its myriad forms, from fashion to furniture, and celebrates their twenty-fifth anniversary year.

Together, they have built a 25-year partnership that has included designing for leading actors and actresses, working with directors on costumes for epic Bollywood films, and building a brand that exudes luxury, artistry and Indian tradition. Their world unites India’s ancient cultural heritage with original contemporary design.

Twenty-five years in design has seen them achieve many a dream. And as they bask in this moment, there is no greater tribute they can pay to their journey than dreaming anew. Always bigger, always better…

Abu Jani – Sandeep Khosla design installations at Sotheby’s

Courtesy : Tandem Communications 

Photo Credits : Phillip J Scott

Star Style : Kareena Kapoor

With Kareena giving such good looks on the red carpet while promoting her upcoming movie ‘Heroine’, IFP had to do a post in her style. For the Indian wear Kareena has been loyal to her favourite designer ‘Manish Malhotra’ but I an happy that she has been experimenting a lot in western wear opting for numerous designers. She looked amazing as a show-stopper for Pankaj-Nidhi & Kallol Dutta at LFW and even more awesome in the ads of Lakme Absolute Monochrome make-up. Kareena is all set to release her book on style which I am sure will be up for grabs. Here is a look at her recent adventures with fashion.

The book’s cover page where Kareena has worn a Falguni & Shane Peacock Outfit.

Kareena Kapoor was promoting her movie along with sister Karisma in Dubai. Kareena opted for a one-shoulder ‘Mara Hoffman’ outfit. She sizzled in this awesome look of hers at the promotion after party at the Palace – Dubai.

My favourite look has to be her in a ‘Halston Heritage’ outfit that she paired with black strappy heels, ‘Aquamarine’ earring in black and vintage style sunglasses. LOVE this look for the vibrant hue and the fact that the dress gets our attention.

Kareena was also promoting her movie on various television shows like ‘Indian Idol’ and ‘Punar Vivah’ where she was in her Indian avatar. ‘Manish Malhotra’ saree in bright colors with chandelier earrings completed her look for the Indian Idol Finale.

While she opted for a ‘Manish Malhotra’ white anarkali while promoting on ‘Punar Vivah’ . Though I did like the outfit, I just feel the dupatta is too much of shimmer………….but hey that’s just me.

Other Looks of Kareena while promoting  ‘Heroine’ included…….

Green ‘Manish Malhotra’ anarkali at ‘Jhalak Dikhla Jaa’

In gold sequin dress by ‘ATSU’ for ‘Heroine’ Promotion in Dance India Dance

In Emanuel Ungaro’s Summer 2012 collection

Falguni & Shane Peacock animal print dress

‘OSMAN’ by designer Osman Yousefzada and beautiful neckpiece by Mehak Gupta

Celeste blue color dress by designer Pernia Qureshi.

Courtesy : Zimbio.com