Day 1 at WLIFW Autumn/Winter 2013

Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2013 started in New Delhi yesterday. And looking at the list of designers who will showcase their work simply makes me even more eager to look forward to new fashion in store for us. IFP takes you through the Day 1 at WLIFW and reviews the collections which we adored & few IFP felt failed to create an impression.

Photo Courtesy : FDCI.org

Collections IFP loved on Day 1 were………..

Masaba Gupta for ‘Satya Paul’

I was excitingly looking forward to see Masaba’s new designs for the fashion house ‘Satya Paul’ and boy I am glad that the show was fashionably so fabulous. The colours as predicted earlier for this year by IFP were Sorbet & Neons combined with metallic grey, black & white. There was a range of prints in form of lipstick, abstract art, ink blot stain, phone booth door & even city map blueprints……imagine these on a saree. Now that was something new seen on the Indian ramp & new is what we absolutely love.

The collection had a range of sarees combined with contemporary blouse, sheath dresses, long skirts, short dresses all had been styled with a jacket or cape. The printed suitcase, vanity case as well as handbags served the purpose of accessories on the ramp. Neon suspenders with a saree…….. that had me surprised for sure. The looks of the models had dark eyes & neutral lips with hair pulled back in a pony. Overall IFP likes the new look of Satya Paul sarees this season and the contemporary designs by designer Masaba were commendable.

Vineet Bahl

The show started with soft pastels making their way on the runway…….Chikankari kameez combined with wide leg Pakistani salwars which I admit had not been seen at fashion weeks for quite some time. Short Anarkalis, hemlines with black velvet & gotta, floral print dupattas, printed sarees with shimmer blouse, velvet cholis with pastel lehenga………all of these looked very beautiful and I was left admiring this collection. It reflected the pre-independence era where elegance stood out in a women’s dressing style. The embroidery details were very alluring and thankfully not over the top. Vineet Bahl has impressed me with the beauty of this collection.

Pankaj & Nidhi

Designer duo Pankaj & Nidhi’s new collection ‘The Music Box’ inspired by the musical instruments had bright colours infused with black. The collection consisted of dresses, cape style tops, jumpsuits, pencil skirts, sheath dresses, wide leg pants. Most of these I loved the sheath dresses that were so ‘red carpet’…..would love to see celebrities don these outfits. The dresses were combined with ‘Mary Jane’ shoes, a belt & slick back neat hairdo. Detailling was limited to peplum and asymmetrical trail. The designs stood out, the colours were fascinating and the look spelt ‘sophistication’. IFP gives a thumbs up to this creative collection by Pankaj & Nidhi………..I am sure we would get to see many outfits from this collection at future celebrity events.

IFP liked these collection……….

‘Indian Fashion Police’ also liked the collection of these designers. The collection were beautiful but few pieces missed the element of ‘surprise’. So these collection were just near to perfection but looked like an extension of their earlier collection.

Other designers who have not featured in this reviews is because their collection left me desiring for more in terms of new designs & patterns. I found their work very repetitive and could not find anything ‘out of the box’ in their creative works.

Nikasha Tawadey

Nikasha’s vintage inspired ‘Raat ki Rani’ was divided in 2 sections w.r.t colours. The first one had ample of pastel hues while the second edition had loads of bright colours. Shimmer, sequin details & brocade were highlighted in this collection. Really liked the dhoti salwars which were combined with short kurtis. Overall the outfits in this collection were fabulous but the ‘fit’ in few needed a relook especially the kurtis. Also was not crazy about the velvet salwar.

Namrata Joshipura

Metallic and sequins were the highlight of Namrata’s collection ‘Wings of Desire’. The collection done up primarily in black had colour in form of sequin details. The look was very gothic in this collection which had a range of pants, dresses, skirts, tops and gowns. I do like this collection but few pieces were seen in Namrata’s previous collection as well.

Trend #7 : Flaunt your ‘Animal Instinct’

I have personally seen people creating style collage with western designs but seldom have come across a collage that is made displays design by our very own Indian designers. IFP wanted to display it’s love for Indian styles via these recent collage trends by portraying outfits, accessories by designers from India.

Another trend which will do amazingly well this year are pieces & prints which are inspired by animals. IFP detest wearing fur or clothing made by slaughtering these beautiful living beings. Instead we urge our readers to opt for animal prints, motifs and patterns in your style.

IFP shows how you can flaunt your love for animals in a stylish way by wearing an animal print saree, kurti or top. This trend is for women & men of all ages, but avoid wearing animal print from head to toe. If you are just getting started with this trend, opt for animal prints in minimal quantity like wearing an animal print belt, clutch or just a top. Sunglasses with animal print frames are very fashionable and the right amount to flaunt this trend. Indian jewellery too has many animal motifs in form of elephants, leopard, peacock, snake, birds and butterfly displayed in the intricate designs. One of IFP’s favorite is Farfalla collection by Indian origin UK based designer Aruna Seth which are effortlessly classy.

Combine leopard, tiger & zebra print tops with pastels or black bottoms and vice-versa.  For a ‘pop of colour’ you can choose neon colour accessories with animal prints. Sarees in zebra & leopard prints are perfect for the evening cocktail parties and kitty lunch.

For casual outings, how about picking up a stole with cool flamingo print on it or a T-shirt with beautiful bird motif. The options are infinite and you can search for a unique piece that is close to your heart. Through this article, IFP requests it’s readers not to try products made out of animal skin, tried or tested on animals.

Brand Courtesy : Saree by Satya Paul, Shoes & Clutch by Aruna Seth, earrings by Manish Arora for Amrapali, Bracelet by ‘Amrapali’, ring by Farah Khan Ali & stole by Janavi

Celebrities who look their best in Saree

A Saree is something not all women can carry off……… as it requires a lot of attention to details when i come to selecting the saree material, type of drape and how to wear it.  Only few women in the fashion scene have done justice to a Saree. This is perhaps one of IFP’s most read articles, so had to add a couple of names more and present the write-up in a new look.

Vidya Balan

Vidya Balan is the epitome of old time charm when dressed in a saree. The only designer who does justice to her looks is Sabhyasachi Mukherjee whose designs are not over the edge yet feminity is at it’s classic best. In the initial days Vidya Balan did mess up a lot with her looks………………remember the hideous Orange Salwar Kameez she wore while hosting Filmfare Awards……………long are those days gone and I am glad that the lady knows what looks good on her. She does make heads turn at red carpet events with her beautifully crafted sarees. Loved her look in movies like ‘Bhool Bholaiya’ & ‘Paa’ but off-screen she is the one responsible to bring the 3/4th sleeve blouses and handloom sarees back in fashion. In a saree, Vidya could do no wrong and is today regarded as one of India’s Best Dressed.

Shilpa Shetty

No one on the Indian Fashion Scene could have looked so hot and sexy in a Saree as Shilpa Shetty did. She has simply re-defined the trend of wearing a ‘Saree’. Thanks to her Designer Tarun Tahiliani, Shilpa has never looked better. The world actually stopped to take a look at her as she walked down the red carpet looking dazzling in a Saree during Big Brother in UK. We loved her red and green saree with ethnic Kundan and Emerald jewellery. I love Shilpa for her originality and the fact that she has been a trend setter all along. She has styled her sarees with halter and off-shoulder blouses for red carpet events.  She has graced the ramp as shop stopper for Tarun Tahiliani’s collection for the consecutive 3 years.

 

  

 

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

I still remember Aishwarya as an upcoming model in advertisement of ‘Garden’ Sarees. No one before her and after her could do justice to the Saree brand. Since then she has graced numerous fashion shows and magazine covers.  I simply love her colour selection in pastels and pinks. From Traditional South Indian Kanjeevarams to Crepes to Chiffons to Silks give her any type Saree to wear and she carries it off with utter ease. Women just drooled over her two toned and heavily embroidered Sarees which she wore in ‘Devdas’. Aishwarys gives credit to her designer Neeta Lulla for giving her that look as she portrayed the role of ‘Paro’. In recent times, Aishwarya has worn Sabyasachi and Abu Jani- Sandeep Kholsa sarees to red carpet events.

 

 

Kajol

Her smile simply lights up any room that she enters but when she combines it with a beautiful saree the end result is ‘AWESOME’.  Manish Malhotra transformed her into a Style diva when he designed for her in ‘Kuch Kuch hota hai’ . We have seen her in designer Salwar Kameez but I feel she looks stunning in a Saree. The best part about her choice is that she has never worn anything which is has too much of detail work.  She keeps the Jewellery to the minimum emphasizing on earrings only. People love the fact that she is always herself in any silhouette and does not have to pretend that she is a celebrity. No wonder how style comes easily to Kajol.

Sridevi

Sridevi has been an example for all Designers in India for the way she carries herself in a Saree. She oozes grace and elegance for which I call her ‘Timeless Beauty’.  As a child I remember seeing her in sizzling blue saree in Mr. India or in pastel colour sarees in ‘Chandni’. Even when she is not in her on-screen glamorous avatar I love her simple look in a Kanjeevaram Saree.  These days Sridevi has started experimenting with western wear  but i still feel she should wear more of Indian Outfits as it suits her tall frame. Designers like Queenie Dhodhy, Manish Malhotra and Neeta Lulla design their creations for her and she has graced many fashion week shows as a Show stopper.

Sonia Gandhi

Sonia Gandhi wears a crisp Khadi and silk sarees with such a refinement I have ever seen. She might be of Italian origin but Indian women can learn a thing or two about how to carry a saree in whatever situation you might be in. I love how she combines her saree with a winter coat and uses her saree pallu as a scarf around the collar making it quite a style statement. Even as she is maintaining her style she never loses her dignity and focus that she belongs to the most affluent ‘Gandhi’ family. While other celebrities go in for glamorous looks in saree Sonia has always opted for simple clean look making a unique style statement. Sonia Gandhi has made a mark for herself in the Indian Politics and was third in the Forbes ‘Most powerful woman in the world’  list.

Hema Malini

This ‘Dream Girl’ has been on the Bollywood scene for more than 40 years but she seems to grow more elegant with the passing years. She might be above 60 years but she can give today’s young actress a run for their money with her style. She was the reigning queen of Bollywood in the 60s and 70s. She made a comeback in bollywood again after a long break of more than 10 years.People loved her look created by Neeta Lulla in recent movies like ‘Baghban’ and ‘Baabul’. She played her age in the movie and has redefined the image of a ‘screen mother’ in Bollywood cinema. A trained Odissi dancer Hema Malini still performs on stage along with her two daughters. The fact I love about her is that she dresses up according to her age and never once worn anything revealing or shabby.  Give her a Saree made out of any fabric and she carries it magnificently. She is the ‘Original Diva’ which the Indian audience love, still remember and cannot get enough of.  I have seen her personally several times and asked for her autograph and was always awestruck by her beauty. If I were to ever age, I would love to be as dignified and graceful as Hema Malini.

Kirron Kher

Kirron Kher who is a very versatile actress is well-known in the Indian Social circle for her Saree Collection. She has said in one of her interviews “I love to wear only woven handloom silk and cotton sarees. While I buy my tusshars from the Weaver’s Studio in Kolkata and tangails from Kanishka, I buy silks and Kanjeevarams from L’Affaire in Delhi, India as the collections are larger, more beautiful and embroidered. In Chennai, I pick up my Kanjeevarams from Usha Ranganathan and from Sundari Silks owned by Rajaram who has good taste.” No wonder she gets that amazing look by going out-of-the-way to find the perfect Saree. I like the way Kirron is at ease when she is wearing a Saree and the Potli/Batua bags she wears matching with her Saree. She says that she has inherited her taste in Sarees and jewellery from her mother Late Diljit Thakar Singh. Well I must give the credit to her mother, for even at this age Kirron Kher rules the Saree collection among Indian Celebrities.

Rekha

Whenever I think of the beautiful ‘Kanjeevaram’, Rekha is the only celebrity that comes to my mind. This silk silhouette is carried with utmost grace by Rekha since I am seeing her on the red carpet. She adorns herself with classic, traditional jewellery along with beautiful clutch bags on a Kanjeevaram saree. It would be a fashionista’s dream come true if they ever get to go inside her wardrobe and check out her amazing saree collection………….that is one think I would give my tooth and nail for. One of our readers reminded us that Rekha should be included in this list and IFP couldn’t agree anymore.

Photo courtesy : Rediff India

Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2011 – Day 5

On the last day, I do say that I am much more satisfied looking at the awesome outfits displayed by the designer. Must say that Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2011 was definitely a ‘Hit’ in terms of designs. But it does make me a wee bit sad when a good fashion week comes to an end. Nonetheless I will still look forward to their next event.

Photo courtesy : www.lakmefashionweek.co.in, http://www.daylife.com

Gauri & Nainika

 

‘Midsummer’s Night Dream’ is the title I give to the talented Duo Gauri & Nainika’s recent collection……….they have once again proved that when I comes to designing evening gowns  suitable for International red carpet as well, no one does a better job than them.They were the LFW finale designers and had plenty of drama to offer us. The drapes, the colours, the designs in silk & lace were magnificient……………..their collaboration with Lakme Cosmetics for the new range of colour make-up is definitely gonna be a ‘Hit’. The presentation of their collaboration with Lakme Cosmetics – “Over the Rainbow” had models Amrit Maghera in a white rose gown, Shraddha Kapoor in a net and silk dress, Lisa Haydon dressed in a white  mini, Vipasha Agarwal in a white gown, Indrani Dasgupta in a mini and the new face of Lakmé, Liza Golden in a net and silk version. All of them looked fabulous. The styling with the head gear was very innovative yet looked classic. The only question here is of wearability which I doubt that our celebrities will be able to wear here……………Internationally I think Gauri & Nainika have set a new standard for themselves. I do hope I get to see their creations of International red carpet in near future. My verdict : Love the collection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Satya Paul

The collection titled as ‘The Jewels of Sea’ was the latest presentation of design house Satya Paul. The glorious printed sarees with detail work have somewhere lost their charm. On display were the Satya Paul signature style sarees & dresses in an array of colours, but the collection felt totally repetitive. There was not a hint of fresh designs in it…………….seen it too many times now. They did start a rage with beautiful saree prints but the question is  whether they will be able to sustain their label with the same concept???? Model Actress Sarah Jane Dias in a red lehenga complete with crystal detailing walked as show stopper for Satya Paul. My verdict : Beauty is totally understood, but repeating the same collection all over again will kill the beauty of it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rinaldi By Rina Shah

As far as I can recall, Rina Shah’s shoe label ‘Rinaldi’ was the first to introduce us Indian to designer footwear. I remember seeing her bridal shoe designs in leading magazines of our country & just being in awe of it. This is probably the first time that I got to see the shoes on the runway in the fashion week…………I am delighted to see her what she does best……..design splendid creations for us. The theme was inspired by horses & polo matches, ‘Rinaldi Polo’ was an alluring creation which not only had knee high & strappy shoes but designer bags also. I never thought that polo shoes could come in such variety of shades……………thought they were available in black & browns only. But what literally took my breath away were the carved heel of the sandals displayed on the ramp……….lust at first sight for me.  The knee high boots were colourfully different…………top Polo players of our country Angad Kalan, Kamran Ahmed and Shrinivas Bobade walked as show stopper………………handsome choice for show stopper, totally in accordance to the theme. My verdict : Welcome back Rinadli, once again you have proven that you are one of the leading Pioneers of Designer shoes in India.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abdul Halder

Peach, Green, pinks, yellow dominated the colour choice for Abdul Halder’s recent collection ‘Ode to Leisure’ had a range of dresses, pants, top, jackets for both genders. The jewel tone colours were lovely with minimum detailing. It was way too simple from the earlier works of Abdul Halder, some of the outfits failed to impress me. The tailoring is very comnedable but it lacked the element of ‘surprise’. My Verdict : Could have put in more detail work rather than leaving the collection devoid of it. Needed a lot of jazzing up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lina Tipnis

 

‘Fantastical Land’ was the theme of Lina’s latest collection which had shades of black, blues, browns, purple. The collection mainly had cocktail dresses with jodhpuri pants & party tops. Loved the one shoulder outfits & the detail work on few dresses. Styling was very party appropriate butit was ‘Glamour’ that I missed most in this collection. I expected something over the top or dazzling………….nonetheless the collection was good especially the outfits where the detail work appeared like jewelry which I think is a first in this fashion week. My verdict : Chic party wear with one shoulder outfits as my favourite.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harangad Singh

‘Madame Pavone’ which means peacock in French was true to it’s form. The peacock blues were indeed breath taking………….Harangad did include colours like pinks & pastels but I am preferring the darker hues more. Stylewise I have no complaints but the pastels range could have worked well if the ‘fit’ was better…………….in few outfits it was draped a wee bit carelessly.  My verdict : Way better than his previous collection………..he has included sequins & detail work. From all girly dresses, Harangad has gone on to designing for women……………Like it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vijay Balhara

The model turned designer Vijay Balhara was back with his recent collection ‘Rustic Sophistication’ which was inspired by North India.Fabrics like mul, chanderi, linen, cotton were flowing on the runway in colours like pinks, blues, lavender, pastels. The collection had kurtis, short dresses, shorts, shift dresses, churidhar, anarkali, flowy summer dresses………….but in some outfits I missed the ‘Fit’. Liked the short dresses & kurtis alot, not afan of churidhars with kurtis & anarkalis………………his range was quite a fusion of Indo-western. My verdict : The dresses are perfect for the hot summer, though the Indian-wear needs more definition.

Lakme India Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2010 – Day 3

Since the past 2 days I am quite satisfied that this time around I do get to see a lot of new designs and wearable clothes. Let’s have a look at what Day 3 has in store for us.

Masaba Gupta

Masaba Gupta presented a very colourful collection which reminded me of the beauty of handloom fabrics from Rajasthan and central India. I am all for colours which Masaba used for her collection………..the bright yellows, tangy orange, aquamarine blues, fucshia, greys………..this was the desired pop of colour which I was looking out in this fashion week. The layered sarees with detail work at the border was very, very unique. The fusion of Indian outfits with western clothes worked out well here…………..though some pieces will look better if worn separately.  The creations were very unconventional but very, very fashion forward. My Verdict : Better than her previous collection but I am still looking forward to see her design more western attire which I feel she can do justice very well.

Purvi Doshi

Purvi Doshi’s Collection titled aptly as ‘Bheed Bhaad’ which means crowd and in this case means hotchpotch [god I have started using that word like anything]. Why do I say so???? Because I feel there are too many designs clashing against one another in every outfit. Leheriya designs mixed with prints and brocades, chikankari, polka dots………..though I am more for Purvi’s western wear which had beautiful chikankari tops combined with colourful shorts and pants. But the Indian wear somehow left me high and dry……………needed emphasis on particular pattern or design since the sarees honestly looked like a mess. My verdict :  Clean up and remember that Indian fabrics are rich in colour as well as texture so blend well. The trick is to keep focus on one piece and work around it.

Satya Paul

Satya Paul’s new collection which had many Bridal wear outfits, was presented in Lakme Fashion Week with alot of panache…………Shruti Hasan walked the ramp with designer Puneet Nanda as show stopper wearing an alluring blue and green tone saree with sequin work at the border and sheer net blouse.  The collection was pleasantly different from the usual Satya Paul sarees…………….I am digging the bridal wear and the detail work is a must for the upcoming festive season. The western wear though needed better work since there was nothing new in it. My verdict : The Indian wear will do well, the western attire needs to be more contemporary.

Vijay Balhara

VJB is back and this time he presents ‘Bridal Renaissance’ collection which has a range of Indian ethnic wear, I also happen to discover that embroidery and detail work might just be the strong point of Vijay’s designs. This very wearable bridal wear had loads of juicy colours which are fit for a bridal trousseau and the silks were ‘oh so fabulous’. I am all for his new collection which is better than his previous Resort 2010 collection. Though I am not a fan of the sarees that Vijay had created but the Anarkalis make up for it. My verdict :  Very wearable yet fashionable. I am sure there will be many takers for this collection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nachiket Barve

flower prints are ‘ in’ or so it looks after seeing Nachiket Barve’s new collection which had floral motifs……………but what left me a bit disappointed was the fit of the garments……….long gone are the days when women wanted to hide their curves, not anymore. Nachiket’s collection had an array of bright colours which is a positive aspect but the loose fits was a downer. I liked the short dresses but the Indian infused with western was not upto the mark. My verdict : Shorts dresses will sell, I am doubtful about the other stuff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arpan Vohra

Arpan Vohra’s glittery new collection was a dedication to old Bollywood Glamour………collection of flared pants, lehengas, fitted skirts, sarees, evening gowns, cocktail dresses……….the outfits had loads of crystal & sequin work. I liked the shimmer on the nude colours but some  outfits in red and pinks were too much over the top for my taste. few outfits lacked the element of wearability due to the fit and shimmer level. a little subtle shimmer looks great but too much will make the wearer look like a Christmas tree. My verdict : The nudes will do well so will the darker shades with minimal detail work.

 

Anupama Dayal

Anupama Dayal whose collection is already making waves in the international fashion scene, presented her very ethnic bridal wear this season. I am happy to see the colourful Indian Bridal couture which was classic and smart. The collection titled as ‘Bronze Begum’ had sarees, lehengas, sharara gharara, skirts, singlet top all made in rich fabrics like brocade, velvet, crepe, net, silks and georgettes in luscious colours complete with zardosi and gotta work……………….I am in love with her collection. The sarees & lehegas were fabulous and can be worn with separate pieces as well. My Verdict: Anupama has a ‘Hit’ collection in her hands. Kudos to her for this vibrant creation.

Debarun Mukherjee

Debarun Mukherjee latest collection ‘Dear Imagination’ reminded me of the 1970s era due to the styling and the flower power but I prefer his earlier collection which he had presented in LFW Resort 2010 & Wills Lifestyle 2010 both held in march this year. The reason is simple, there is nothing unique in this collection and I find some pieces a bit incomplete. I wish a talented designer like Debarun would have got something new for us which I was lookng forward to. The flower on flower designs are not working for me…………the butterfly sleeves, the evening gowns, the sarees, the bandghgala for men……………..the collection had a lot to choose from. My verdict : All outfits needed to be glamed up a bit since the retro look is too plain, wearability of all outfits is still maintained by the designer I am sure Debarun will not disappoint me next time around and give us an impressive collection.

Photo Courtesy : www.lakmefashionweek.co.in

Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2010 Day 4

Day 4 was a bit disappointing since could not find anything that appealing or new. I felt the emerging designers were giving more emphasis on the fabric and not on design. Got to see a lot of oversized outfits which truly does not enhance much in a woman’s curve but hides the best features. For menswear there was absolutely no one who could do justice in creating a fabulous look. However ‘Sarees ruled the day where one got to see mesmerizing colourful creations.

 

Purvi Doshi

I saw a ‘pop of colour’ in every outfit of this collection which was pleasing to the eye but the fit of the clothes were an eye sore. Purvi’s creative line titled ‘Kahchindo’ which means a chameleon in Gujarati language had an array of colours which looked very soothing. The geometric designs in greens and turquiose blue were nice, still the mixing up of designs was not as elegant as it was intended to be. Like the Saree displayed below is beautiful but the entire look is marred by the pallu which looks more like a separate shawl and does not blend in that well. I would have prefered the piece to be left as a single pattern rather than having more add-ons. The drawstrings used in the outfits were creative but too much of them were unecessary. My verdict is that Purvi has talent and a lot creativeness but I wish to see her garments with a better cut and fit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shashikant Naidu

Goddess Parvati was the inspiration for this collection of Shashikant Naidu…………….well I must say it was different from the rest that I have seen in the past 3 days. I loved the sarees in this collection which also had dresses both long and short, fabrics were khadi, muslin and tussar………………..but what was striking were the prints with flower motifs and the colours even though they were dull in nature but ?I worked really well with the type of fabric used. The dresses however seemed too indianised to my taste but the plus point here was that each and every outfit was wearble. The styling of the attire was very much old time south indian, still it went well with the clothes. I would love to see more of Shashikant Naidu’s creations in future…………….but of course with some pants added in the collection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Masaba Gupta

Masaba Gupta’s creation titled as ‘Chhalni’ somehow felt incomplete…………………….the outfit starts well from the shoulder part but as one gazes towards the hemline you get a feeling ‘What went missing here??’  I think she was the only one to use polka dots in her collection which blends oh so well with the colourful jackets. The beach wear is smart…….but the dresses are too loose.I do understand that there was a lot of inspiration from the ‘Banjara’ era but the outfits could have been better in terms of fit. The mens wear was kept way too simple making me think why should I buy a designer wear when I can just ‘D-I-Y’ for my man…………………….secondly the ‘Anarkali’ kurta with a bikini top was another outfit which left me thinking ‘It is incomplete’ even though the embroidery work near the hemline was beautiful…………..Masaba you should try more to concentrate on women’s western wear since I feel that would be your ‘Strong point’ after seeing the beach wear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Neha Agarwal

‘Game that people play’ as this collection was titled was full prints of trees and kites…………….the attire was casual and sporty. To me it seemed more like a collection made out of recycled and leftover fabrics. There is nothing new in it only the casual dresses have been given a sporty look by adding a jacket or shorts to them……………….Neha is you are creating a line make it either casual or sporty………………………fusion of both did not go well here……………plus these days women irrespective of their size like to wear well fitted clothes……………..baggy pants with many pockets makes a women look bulky not fahionable and are very 80s……………….My advice is that Neha should g back to the designing board and work out something much, much much more creative.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paromita Banerjee

‘The Laal Paar and other stories’ was a tribute to Bengal and it’s textile industry. Fabric consisted of khadi, mul, silk, tussar, cotton and many more…………….but was it wearable…………i definitely do not think so……………I fail to understand why is there more emphasis on the fabric than design. A designer is known for what he or she creates with that said fabric. Bengal definitely has beautiful handlooms available in such rich colours but just draping them does not make a design. There is nothing new in the design…………………seen it already……….need something new. If as a designer one is getting inspired from a part of India that is commendable but you have to make a good work out of that creation. Only then it will be remembered for ages………………

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rimzim Dadu

‘Gothic’ is the very word I would use to describe the collection and fit for a rockstar…………….but why so much of black??? This collection looked very early 90s to me and was not at all for the summers. Messed up hair, ankle length flat boots which reminded me of Urmila Matondkar’s ‘Rangeela re’ song and metalic touches to the outfit all oh so 90s……….but again there was nothing soothing to the eye and have already seen such erre looking clothes on the amp before also. So what made this collection special……………….in my opinion ‘nothing’ would be the answer. This outfits could have been styled in a much better way by adding high heels and having hairstyled well in a party look. On the whole notvery impressed by this collection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anand Kabra

‘She was so dark that she was blue’ left me wondering did someone get left out in snow…………………the clothes were simply drapes and more drapes which even I could do sitting at home. Then why should I look at this gothic collection in which some pieces are not at all wearable. First of all the fabric was just cut in a asymetrical way and stitched up together with lack of refinement………………the colour as the title suggests was dominated by black and blue with spalshes of grey, yellow and orange. I am unimpressed by this creation and feel if the designer has to emphasize on the splash of colour than cut then shouldn’t i buy an abstract painting instead of a designer wear. My apologises to Anand Kabra but I feel he should work out a better creation next time rather than something with dark elements only.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vikram Phadnis

Creme and black colour with touch of metallic hues ruled the scene in Vikram Phadnis collection. The collection was wearable unlike other creations seen on Day 4 and I liked the way Vikram used golden and copper shades with cream colour. There was layering, ruffles, embroidery and symetrical prints which made the look stylish………………however there were few pieces which I felt were just off the rack and had not creative input of the designer. The black and cream colour fusion looked well only in few outfits and who wants to wear the all feather look gown after it has been written off by fashionistas as a ‘Fashion disaster’. My pick in this collection will have to be the short summer dresses which I feel are well fitted and look beautiful. By the way the head thing that the models wore made them look more like an alien. People might say I don’t understand fashion but I do understand when it is overboard……………….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Satya Paul

Satya Paul’s key designer Puneet Nanda presented ‘Zen, Zest, Zip Zap and Zing’  collection which not only have sarees but also dresses both short and long flowy ones. There were splashes of colour on fabrics like organza, voile, georgette, crepe, satin, net and chiffon with loads of detailing and embroidery work. The colour palette included both feiry and watery tones. The dresses were dreamy but the sarees with a touch of metallic were very impressive. I love the fact that Satya Paul has always given new look to the saree over the years making it more of a fashion statement rather than just regular wear for Indian women. They have continued this trend this season also thanks to Puneet Nanda for his creativeness.  Mandira Bedi, Ex- Miss India Amrtua Patki and Sarah Jane Dias along with  Jacqueline Fernandes graced the ramp in Satya Paul creations.