Day 2 at WLIFW Autumn/Winter 2013

On Day 1, one got to see so much of creativity on the runway. New designs, themes and lovely outfits of course………….let us browse through how creatively satisfying was Day 2.

Photo Courtesy : http://www.FDCI.org

IFP loved these designer collection………

Shantanu & Nikhil

Designer duo Shantanu-Nikhil named their recent collection ‘Sand Dunes’ showcased at WIFW. The desert was their inspiration in which they added hints of colour to create this beautiful collection. I thought the designers could belt out fine western attires, but was delightfully proven wrong when I saw this collection. The soft pastels with touches of dark brown, navy blue & orange were the primary colours used to define their work. The collection had a ranhe of tops, flowy lehengas, anarkali, jumpsuit, skirts, jackets for women while menswear consisted of bandhgala, formal jackets, shirts & pants. The look was completed with handbags, laptop bags, clutch from S&N label.

IFP loved this collection as it was different from the designer duo’s earlier works. The monochrome designs, the use of sheer fabric, cut-work patterns with pop of colour here & there. The collection had the elements of beauty, class and imagination……..IFP admires the fact that Shantanu-Nikhil strive to create & present something new every single season. Seeing theirs modern touches to Indianwear was an absolute delight…..two thumbs up for their fabulous work.

Anju Modi

‘Steel Magnolia’ a collection by designer Anju Modi who is making waves in the celebrity world as well, presented her latest works at WIFW. Anju has tried to portray a serene image of a woman who might appear fragile from the outside but is definitely made of steel from the inside. The strength of a woman was projected fabulously in Anju’s recent collection. As defined by her, she has tried to combine dark colours with softer hues & pashmina combined with zari work. Many animal motifs like parrot & elephants along with floral details were seen in the embroidery as well in print. Angrakha style jackets, voluminous lehengas, army style jackets with exaggerated shoulders, printed sarees, long sleeve blouses & bandhgala were a part of her collection.

I liked the styling of models who donned army style hats……even the designer herself could not resist walking the runway in the same get up as the models. This collection was very different from her earlier works seen at the Bridal Couture Week. /one got to see many shades of Khaki highlighted with bright colours while detailing was kept limited to the hemlines only. ‘Rich’ is how I can describe Anju’s latest offering and it will be amazing to see these outfits on the red carpet & big screen soon.

Tarun Tahiliani

The sarees in this collection named as  ‘The Kumbhback Collection’  were splendid, true to his art Tarun experimented with a lot of drapes in this collection also. Tarun’s latest works were inspired by his recent visit to Kumbh Mela.   The asymmetrical tops & skirts felt rather incomplete, the menswear on the other hand was better than Tarun’s previous collection. Churidhar sleeves, velvet jackets, use of stole, detailing at the hemlines were few features of this collection. I was not in much awe of the western attire in this collection.

Overall I loved this collection for the warm colours and wished to see more Indian attire. The saree draping were absolutely unique……..a la ‘Tarun Tahiliani’ style. Also liked the neck pieces used in this collection.

IFP liked these designer collection too……

Few pieces seen on the runway did look beautiful but I was not a fan of the entire collection. The collection which I liked were

‘Not so Serious’ by Pallavi Mohan

Samant Chauhan

Urvashi Kaur

Shantanu & Nikhil at Delhi Couture Week

‘Drama’ and ‘Volume’ are the words that come to my mind after seeing designer Shantanu & Nikhil’s creations. ‘Oh-La-La’ is how I can appreciate their works.

Photo Courtesy : FDCI

Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week 2012 – Day 1

Sneak Peek at the first day of WLIFW where actress Dia Mirza & Sameera Reddy walked the runway as show stopper for designers Shantanu-Nikhil. The collection had bold colors will alot of metallic elements. Drapes took centre stage in this collection while shimmer added that much needed bling for the glam quotient.

A glimpse into Shantanu-Nikhil’s Fall 2012 Collection

 

Designers whose Collection we loved at WLIFW 2012

Anand Kabra

Designer Anand Kabra incorporated more detail work in this recent collection which is perfect for the wedding season. The collection was a mix of western as well as Indian wear consisting of skirts, sarees, gowns, lehengas and much more. Silks, chiffon, velvet were used to create designs in cool colors like blue & green. IFP loved this collection for the colors & the detail work & we definitely do recommend ‘Anand Kabra’ creation in your next season ‘must-have’.

James Ferreira

Designer James Ferreira definitely knows how to make a woman look good in western attire. I was enthralled to see so much of bright colors in this collection since many designers have just been limiting to black, greys & whites for western wear. James put in alot of prints and concentrated more on drapes than on detail work. IFP is absolutely impressed by this collection and would love to see celebs wear it on red carpet events.

Photo courtesy : India Today, Firstpost & FDCI

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.

Synergy One Delhi Couture Week 2011 – Day 3

The collections are getting brighter and more amazing as the days are passing by at Delhi Couture Week……..Day 3 was equally eventful with designers like Ashima-Leena, Shantanu-Nikhil and Manish Malhotra. Here is your sneak peek…….the entire collection will be soon uploaded on IFP.

Manish Malhotra

Sonam Kapoor was a show-stopper for Manish Malhotra…………..thankfully she did not take the limelight away from the outfits and blended with sheer ease as one of the models. She is not just a pretty actress but can double up as a model also given her tall height and alluring features. I think that is what was perfect to Manish Malhotra’s new bridal creations which was showcased…………it did have the signature ‘MM’ look with loads of layers, gotta and detail works……perfect for the upcoming festive season. As for me the clothes were kind of ‘I have seen this before’ moment for me. I desired more drama in the outfits instead of styling…………….nonetheless the clothes were beautiful.

Photo Courtesy : Prokerala.com &Vogue India

Ashima Leena

The Royalty will definitely love Ashima Leena’s amazing new collection which spelt ‘Classic’ as well as ‘Traditional’………..no wonder they had a ‘Royal’ walking as a show-stopper for them. Sharmila Tagore wore a Kurti combined with Lehenga in subtle shades………..the collection was thankfully not ‘over the top’ and amazed by the simplicity of the creations……..I feel that it will suit women of all ages. Simply loved the pleasant colours which the designer duo had incorporated in their creations…………purple,peach, rani pink, beige, green…..one word for their collection ‘Fabulous’.

Shantanu & Nikhil

Shantanu & Nikhil created a fusion of Western with India which they do with such ease……….the layers of fabric molded to form lehengas, skirts, gowns……..the colour palette were more of dreamy shades like sky blues, whites, yellows………and of course the highlight had to be actress Sonakshi Sinha walking in a white ensemble which consisted of a fitted jacket with a layered Lehenga…………she reminded me of a bride walking down the aisle…….sigh. I think she has never looked better on the ramp before this appearance. To the designer duo, kudos for making Sonakshi look glamorous, while the rest of creation very alluring………….browny point for wearability.
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Anju Modi

 

I had liked Anju’s earlier collection displayed in WLIFW,  this seemed like an extension of her earlier work only it was much better. The fit,the cut, the use of drapes and layers was beautiful. The outfits were elegant yet sensuous………..I am sure they would make any woman feel like a ‘Queen’. The net lehengas, velvet jackets, chiffon sarees, satin corsets……..sheer elegance. I love the detail work in silver which Anju has used in certain outfits……………I have not seen much of detail work of that sort this season. Shraddha Kapoor was the show stopper for Anju Modi…………..she looked magnificient in a golden corset combined with net lehenga.

Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2011 – Day 3

After an exciting Day 2, I looked forward to Day 3 where the accessories shows were gone be held at LFW. I am enamored by the display of the jewellery, bags, shoes and so many accessories made by Indian Designers. Of course clothes are also what I look forward to nonetheless. Let’s take a look at what we had in store for us on the third day of this fashion week.

Photo Courtesy : www.lakmefashionweek.co.in

 

 

MALAGA BY MALINI AGARWALLA

I seriously want those shoes and the neck pieces…………Malini has done it again with her beautiful collection, I am in love instantly with these alluring pieces. Love the styling which kept the focus totally on the accessories and not else. The hair was sleek with the pulled back look………the stone work on the shoes are very pretty. On my next visit to India, I am headed to her store. My Verdict : I want to try all of these………..Contemporary yet fabulous.

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Eina Ahluwalia

‘Wedding Vows’ stunned the audience with the sharp eye-catching pieces made from shaped like a Trishul, bows & arrows, knives set with semi- precious stones. The styling of the collection was very classic in sarees made from silk in black, vermilion & white………….very ethnic. I like that her creation presented the Indian women as strong yet very feminine, The golds stood out magnificently with the gliitery gemstones…………If you wanna make a statement, Eina Ahluwalia should be your choice. Though I am not digging the skulls since it kinda took away from the ethnic designs which were displayed……..but hey that’s just me. My verdict :  Very Contemporary yet elegant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUHANI PITTIE

‘Drama’ and loads of it is what I got to see in Suhani’s latest creations titled ‘Urban Folk’. The bold pendants & neckpieces were indeed very fashion forward, but again a question lingers on in my mind……….are all of them wearable???? Few pieces I found wearable for a photo shoot only, whereas I do admit, many neck pieces were very wearable this time around. The cuffs were ‘to die for’  in amazing colours & designs. I am amazed with the circular copper necklace which was inspired by the ‘Adivasi’  – a Hindi word meaning ‘tribe’. Modernizing the piece to suit the urban belle was commendable. My verdict :  If you want to jazz up your look, just add one of Suhani’s creation & you will be ready to rock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANITA DONGRE

‘Love & Life’ the title of Anita Dongre’s ‘Timeless’ recent collection did take my breath away because of the simplicity yet beautiful creations. I am once more in awe of this lady who has been able to expand her label ‘Anita Dongre’ like no other designer. She understands very well what a women wants every new season, hence has been successful in creating the alluring silhouettes every single time. Though I must admit the gotta work was also seen on her outfits last season, this time I am more attracted towards the sarees & the lehengas than the Anarkalis. Anita has used Mul in pale colours like yellow, pink, beige & blues…………the fit & the flow of fabrics is no doubt flawless. Though by now you must be knowing that I am no more fond of floor length Anarkalis in summer, good to see Anita go for shorter version of the same. For summertime festivities, this collection is a must have since the fabrics used are light to carry in the heat plus the detail work is very subtle. My verdict : Never disappointed with Anita’s creations, her outfits are a class in itself. She is one designer to make designer wear actually reachable for normal people like you & me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHANTANU & NIKHIL

‘Divonics’ was presented by designer duo Shantanu && Nikhil, who no doubt are favourite among our desi celebrities for red carpet ensemble. This time around they had their focus on outfits for occasion like a cocktail or party. They have to some extent given the little black dress an edge of it’s own with detailing which of course I found unique & seen for the first time on the runway of this fashion week. I am equally surprised that they created wonderful designs with fabrics like silks, brocade, tussar which is never preferred when one is creating a line of western wear.  My verdict : Very Chic with the drapes & the fit blending in beautifully. I guess the designer duo have a ‘Hit’ in their hands for the celebrities are gonna get hold of their creations for the red carpet in future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BABITA M

Rural designs fused with urban culture was the essence of Babita Malkani’s recent collection which had Indian block prints and drapes. The collection titled as ‘Iktar’ had very earthy tones with beige, browns, reds & maroons used to design flowy dresses, skirts, tops, dhoti & lycra churidhars . But somehow this collection did not excite me that much since somewhere I felt the ‘fit’ was not perfect. I feel individual piece might work well but the whole look was not what a women living in urban city like Mumbai might usually opt for. My verdict : Needs to spice up the outfit with better ‘fit’.

 

 

 

DEBARUN

I am truly happy to see that designer Debarun Mukherjee go this groove back with his latest offering. What struck me the most was the way the gold & floral bronze appliqué stood out in the outfits which were designed on sheer off -white backgrounds. As predicted earlier, this summer season called for short kurtis…………….Debarun delivered the look. Young actor Aditya Roy Kapoor walked in as show stopper in white & beige creation. My verdict : The appliqué detail work was unique for this season. Menswear was a good fusion of East & west………………Like it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIDDARTHA TYTLER

Fashionable collection that reminded so much of  ‘Sex & the City’…………..the collection titled ‘Metalosophy’ metal detailing took center stage. The ‘Fit’ & the ‘Cut’ was the feature that stood out but in a beautiful way. There were floral prints which were suitable for the day, while the sequin dresses will rock in the night. I don’t get that swayed away by western wear so soon especially with our designers, but Siddhartha did manage to make a positive impression. The dresses were extremely stylish, the flared bottom pants looked excellent, the evening wear made me wanna party right away……….Need I say anymore.  My verdict : Definitely my favourite for the day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviews Coming Soon

RAJAT K TANGRI/RIMI NAYAK INDIA

APARNA & NORDAN WANGDI

 

Van Heusen Men’s Week 2010 – Day 1

The stage is set, the whose who of the fashion world take their respective seats in the audience, the music starts, the spotlight gets fixed and in walks the model…………………only this time it is a male model who starts the show. Welcome to Van Heusen’s second edition of fashion week exclusively for ‘MEN’. And I am in a blissful state of mind now that fashion world is taking a look at men’s attire with seriousness. Let’s take a look at the designers who showcased their designs on the very first day.

P.S. : Will update the photos of other designers ASAP.

Shantanu & Nikhil

The duo Shantanu & Nikhil are back with their new collection ‘Death of a Tree’ which had dark hues like grey, ash, black, maroon, blue with hints of bright colours………………..very suitable for Fall/Winter. The jackets were very impressive so were the scarfs and the full sleeve shirts/T-shirts. But what looked out-of-place were the bandhgalas, the long flowy kurta and the skin fitted hosiery pants. Now I am sure we don’t wanna see our men wear those and give us competition in any way. Their appeal against deforestation is a good effort by all means but I still believe their earlier collection displayed in Lakme India Fashion Week – Resort 2010 was way better. Maybe that’s just me………………….fashionistas can judge it themselves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Troy Costa

The debutante Troy Costa presented his collection ‘KU DE TA’ which is the name of a famous party place in Seminyak, Bali which is definitely the most inspiring place on this earth. This resort wear collection was very ‘in vogue’ and must say tha Troy was able to make an impression at least on my mind. The collection is neat, original and the jackets are a ‘must have’ next time you wanna party in Goa, Maldives or place which inspired this collection ‘Bali’. Most importantly the collection showed off the ‘Male’ element in the cut and designs of the ensemble………………….the colours were mostly black, white, chocolate browns and blues. Thumbs up to Troy for this collection……………I do look forward to see this talented designer’s creations in future red carpet events and fashion weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Samant Chauhan

Samant Chauhan’s collection ideally seemed like ‘Hannibal lector becomes a hippy’……………………why is that???? The male models walked down the runway looking ready for a kill………………a lot props were used to give an eerie feeling. Funnily the props worked well since they took the centre stage rather than the clothes………….pity!! The collection consisted of jackets, blazers, shirts, achkans, shorts, pants, skinfits, sweaters…………..but the beauty was what I was searching for in the clothes. Apologies to Mr. Chauhan but his collection was not upto the mark of being fashionable. When the props get more attention than the clothes, that is exactly where things go wrong in the show…………..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ashish Soni

 The entire venue was buzzing with the rumour that Ashish Soni’s good friend Robert Vadera was the inspiration behind the collection……………..but who so ever was the inspiration, the end result was classic. I must say that Ashish Soni has won half the battle with the styling and presentation of his collection. The collection does take you back in time…………………I believe the 1960s where the big, bold checks were the fashion expression for men, so were the bow ties, fitted pants, the vest……………so very 60s. The collection had very earthy tones, beautiful finishes were given to every garment. It included pants, hats, blazers, coat, bandhgala, shirts and shorts.  My verdict : By far this was my favourite collection for Day 1 in VHIMW 2010.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Courtesy : www.prokerala.com, www.fdci.org