Voiix – Redefining Indian Couture

Voiix by Saiba and Maneet

Voiix, a woman’s clothing label by Saiba and Maneet is bending genres and redefining the stereotypes of Indian dressing sensibilities. Their brand aesthetics lies in the fact that traditional Indian clothing has countless facets to it; the designer duo are thriving to create awareness in the society through their beautiful outfits that speak volumes about being bold and expressive through casting remarkable fashion statements. We speak to Saiba about her beloved label:

Voiix by Saiba and Maneet

What does Voiix mean?

Voiix means voice in French. We have been in the fashion industry for seven years now; earlier we were retailing under a different brand name. However, we have re-launched our label, wherein themed collection will be showcased on a regular basis interpreting the core mantra of Indian couture. Our clothes reflect tastes of contemporary, independent Indian women; be it the colour palette or the luxurious fabrics, cuts and silhouettes, or perhaps the almost delicious embroidery work and flowy drapes, our collection talks about feminism in the most au courant ways. Nonetheless, even feminism has a slight touches of masculinity to it; women today are no more delicate damsels, and neither do they like to dress up in such manner—panel dressing, sharp cuts and structured silhouettes are today’s go-to options.

Voiix by Saiba and Maneet

Tell us about one fashion trend that you absolutely love…

Monochrome is huge this season; it works with two extreme colours- black and white. However, we have tried being a little experimental here and worked on a collection that has reds and whites, instead of the regular colour shade. Monochrome trend depicts illuminati; it casts a very powerful fashion statement; we have just tried to give this trend a refreshing makeover.

Voiix by Saiba and Maneet

What colour will be ruling the fashion dais this summer?

It has to be white. White capes and summer jackets will be the ruling fashion element this summer. Also, white saris with subtle pops of colour, and white crop tops paired with high-waisted palazzos will be the trending look for the coming months. In short, white will be beautifully blended in Indo-fusion ensembles with touch of western influences. As far as fabrics are concerned, jersey, khadi, raw silk and other Indian handlooms will do the rounds.

Voiix by Saiba and Maneet

What are you working on next?

We are focusing on our winter collection wherein Indian weaves will be the pivotal factor. We have tied up with local weavers of Banaras for developing our very own weaves, brocades and more… The collection will flaunt gorgeous paisleys with baroque touch, lots of gold and red interplay on bridal canvasses and of course oxblood red and jade will be surfacing on many outfits.

Amrit Kaur’s Fascination with Retro

Amrit Kaur’s Collection

Speaking of retro trends of the season…

This season is all about return of the retro in modern style. Swooping bellbottoms, tightly-fit tops, and psychedelic prints—everywhere we look, the 1970s style is back in heavy rotation with touches of contemporary style. For instance, flared pants are given a modern look by teaming it up with crisp white shirts or a crop tops; also, take note of oversized sunglasses, polka-dotted hair accessories, bright floral prints and more.

Tale of fabrics, color palette, prints and silhouettes…

For this summer, I have played with cotton silk, chiffon, chanderi and blend of cotton and raw silk. The fabrics portray a palette of bright colours and prints. With vibrant pop colours such as yellow, orange, green, purple, blue and red taking the center stage, I have played very strategically with bold prints and floral prints to make my garments look more fun and lively. I used floral-roses to cast hints of feminineness, and tropical prints, wild flowers along with long leafs with subtle colors and geometric prints to recall disco elements in crop tops, blouses, sheer capes, mid-cuff skirts, pencil-cut skirts, short dress and pantsuits for woman.

Amrit Kaur’s Collection

What went behind making of your latest collection?

Love of retro and love of summer went behind conceptualizing this collection. Movies like American hustle and TV shows like the 70’s show got me really inspired.

Tell us about your fascination with the good-old 70s fashion…

70’s fashion is a statement to be bold, fun and joy. Pop colors, bold prints, high-waisted flared trousers, symmetry and hints of disco gold on jumpsuits, capes, and dresses often bring out the hippie in you. I am in love with this unpretentious and fearless style statement. Rugged hairdos, statement headgears, Bohemian scarfs, oversized hats and big sunnies always arrest my attention.

Amrit Kaur’s Collection

The muse…

The whole look and energy of 70’s era inspired me; the era reminds me of times that were hassle-free, fun, optimistic and unpretentious in terms of fashion. The pop culture, disco trends and hippies really stood out amidst two oil crisis movements, the end of the Vietnam War and suffering economy. The 70’s were a time of beauty and freedom, when femininity was pushed forward. Bold prints and vibrant colors has always been my favorite but 70’s also give us bold flashy gold look—think of big loops, jewelry and belts.

Future plans?

Right now I am working on my new collection for autumn/winter 2015-16 in which I am taking further my retro theme in winter style making more of coats, jackets and sheer dresses. Rest all is a surprise (she smiles).

An Early Frost by Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna

Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna

Seasons come and fade; and with each season come the greatness of beauty and joy. Yet, winter always presents a harsh beauty—cold and icy, yet spectacular in its own chosen ways. Sometimes, the frost tends to creep in our lives on early notes and existence seems to be fragile and cruel.

Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna

Even last winter, came in early and took away smiles and glee of the milder seasons but reminded us of the fragility of life. This collection titled ‘An Early Frost’ is the tangible reality of mixed emotions of the designers at this moment of their lives. Thus, the collection embodies the colours of a cold forest—ash grey, dark oak, and whitish mist.

Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna

Prints and textures have been inspired from fur textures and infused with signature linear patterns in monotones; the scaling and handcrafted appliqué has been inspired from the intriguing animal skins. Cold metallic aesthetics can be seen in the collection by the use of riveting techniques.

Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna

The silhouettes for the season have a lot of layering and exaggerated sleeves. The capes, high-waisted skirts, embossed neoprene dresses, laser-cut jackets are the key styles of this collection. This special collection together is a lament and celebration of a life.

Boho Caravan by Hemant & Nandita

Boho Caravan by Hemant & Nandita

How inspiring is Kashmir! Timeless architecture, undying techniques, delicate embroideries, scenic beauty and extravagant handicrafts and clothing that are all spotted under one big roof. The duo’s long visited expedition has yet again given them a chance to paint their next canvas with the flashing memories of this picturesque destination.

Boho Caravan by Hemant & Nandita

For Autumn/Winter 2015, Hemant & Nandita project their love for ethnicity through the art of storytelling. While folk and regional tapestry outlines this collection, Boho Caravan entwines ancestral tradition with bohemian glamour.

Boho Caravan by Hemant & Nandita

Clustering floral thread embroideries, swirling ethnic prints, rich earthy tones with an intricate texture treatments, this collection echoes sheer wilderness. Cozy blanket overcoats and capes are tied on to dainty maxi dresses and pants, assorted with detailing of swaying fringes and tassels.

Boho Caravan by Hemant & Nandita

This collection is deeply rooted into muted tones of dusky brown, smoke grey, olive green, mustard, and dull reds. With comfortable tweeds, plaids, velvet and felt highlights, Boho Caravan reflects true sense of a nomadic woman who is a free-spirited leader with effortless elegance.

Ogaan Gets Digital

Applique Flower & Bird Jacket by Studio Petticoat. Pink Moon Jhumkis by Neelum Narang.

After completing 25 years of retail operations, this year Ogaan is excited to announce the launch of its online store, Ogaan.com. Ogaan’s highly curated collections promoting crafts, textiles and made in Indian luxury are now just a click away.

Gold & Black Sharara Dress by Kavita Bhartia. Kundan Cuff by Vasundhara Mantri.
Carbon Lace Triple Ring by Atelier Mon.Earrings by Eesha Zaveri.

The ‘New Indian Wear’ section, a selection of Ogaan’s favourite trends in Indian dressing includes crop tops & flouncy skirts from Sonal Kalra Ahuja, beautiful shararas from Kavita Bhartia, and simple, fluid hand-woven linen saris from Anavila Mishra to name a few.

Gold Hanging Ear Cuffs by Payal Pratap.

‘Urban Essentials’, a selection of work and weekend contemporary wardrobe essentials, comprises of oversized shirts from Bodice, black Spring capes from Akaaro, shirt dresses from Translate and well-cut minimal kurtas from Vivek Narang.

Dress by BODICE. Nirvana Gold Drop Earrings by The Fableist.

Other highlights of the online edition are Bits & Pieces, beautifully crafted jewellery for the day and evening – a collection of Payal Pratap’s earrings, gold & druzies from young jewellery designer Eesha Zaveri, back and front earrings from The Fableist, and Vasundhra Mantri’s delicate, traditional gold and pearls.

Sahil Kochhar playing with the quintessence of light and shadow

Sahil Kochhar with Carol Gracias and fellow model at Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

At Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015, designer Sahil Kochhar celebrated dhoop and chaon (light and shadow) by bringing forth a lovely line of clothes.

Sahil Kochhar for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Kochhar impressed the crowd with convoluted detailing and beautiful garments. Heavy stitching on silk fabrics marked the essence of the collection.

Sahil Kochhar for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Through his work, Kochhar celebrated the Sholapith craft, native to West Bengal. The silhouettes ranged from flowy jackets to capes in lurid shades. And the colour palette was bright—orange, lime yellow, reds and white ruled the dais.

Atsu Sekhose’s dairy of Oriental trails

Atsu for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer2015

For the forthcoming Spring/Summer2015 season at Wills India Fashion Week, designer Atsu Sekhose’s collection brought forth an array of dresses and skirts in shades of grey and pink.

Atsu for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer2015

His collection revolved around structured pastel silhouettes; this was blended with sharp cuts and minimal accessories to accentuate looks in entirety. The satin-finish dresses with embellishments and flares lingered in my mind for a couple of days! The bow detailing, ruffled sleeves, well-fitted, linear trousers, and perfect inculcation of sheer invited cheer for the designer.

Atsu for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer2015

Atsu Sekhose’s outfits projected a marked oriental influence, which resulted in surfacing a brand new rear of silhouettes and architectural shapes. Gowns, trousers, cropped tops and capes comprised of this season’s choice for the designer.

Atsu for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer2015

Controlled embellishments, detailed embroidery work and intricate surface techniques exuded an overall elegance. The Samurai armour was emulated in many of the garments, with strong shoulders, sashes and sleeves that fluttered out from the elbow. Feather-like corsage units featured on some of the garments, swaying with the wearer’s movement, resembling frail underwater coral.

Luxurious Fabrics at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014

Pramita Pandey

‘Midway Gardens’ by Pratima Pandey- Putting an emphasis on Eco-friendly fashion that highlights craftsmanship and sustainability; Pratima Pandey’s label ‘Prama’, presented ‘Midway Gardens’ at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014.

Pramita Pandey

Giving importance to only natural fabrics, the collection was inspired by the life of the 1920’s, which was an era of women empowerment and emancipation. Working with beautiful silk chanderi and cotton Madras checks for basic simple layered silhouettes, the ensembles were splashed with floral embroidery. The sheer over solid theme worked really well for the elegant feminine collection that will appeal to the classic dresser.

Pramita Pandey

Once again Pratima worked with ecru chanderi for over-shirts, which were part of every entry. But this time there were variations, featuring beautiful delicate floral and rose embroidery that cascaded down the front or sides of the tunics. The designer used crinkling as a prominent treatment for solid cotton and checks. Shades of blue, amethyst, green and red were for the kurtas, flared dresses and trousers, while churi sleeves gave a stylish angle to the garments. An interesting innovation was the palm tie-up that held the sleeves firmly in place. Other options included turn-ups for short sleeves and dolman cuts; while the jumpsuits were often teamed with checked jackets.

Shruti Sancheti

‘Strands of Silk’ by Shruti Sancheti– Celebrating the festive season, Shruti Sancheti’s label ‘Pinnacle’, presented the vibrant collection ‘Strands of Silk’ at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014.

Shruti Sancheti

Silk, the most favoured fabric was woven exclusively by Shruti in Benaras with zari as well as pochampalli, an intricate weave. In addition, the designer had raw and cotton silk along with makhmaal to highlight the beauty of the garments. Rich opulent hand embroidery like zardosi, cutwork, resham and kasab gave dramatic touches to the creations.

Shruti Sancheti

The shade card was filled with warm hues ranging from crimson, vermillion, cherry, wine, burnt orange, to saffron, Alphonso, fuchsia and indigo blue. Giving a wide choice of silhouettes, Shruti had voluminous sharara jumpsuits, pleated anarkalis, palazzos, cropped choga jackets and elegant blouses. The show opened with a wrap skirt followed by a long shirt-kurta with cigarette pants, asymmetrical pleated smock and a maxi with checked bodice. Pleated pants and tailcoat blouse, shift with checked yoke, asymmetrical layered tunic, striking sari with long sleeved trench coat and the black/gold sheath with side cut-outs added to the drama of the collection. Shruti ended the show with a black gown having a woven inset, red pleated long skirt with brocade bodice, a dazzling angarkha and gold lehenga.

Sreejith Jeevan

‘Strung Together’ by Sreejith Jeevan- Sreejith Jeevan under his label ‘Rouka’ showcased a traditional collection called ‘Strung Together’ inspired by the beauty of hand-strung Indian garlands at the Jabong Stage during Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014.

Sreejith Jeevan

The range comprised of western silhouettes like dresses, skirts, crop tops, pants, tunics, jackets, and kurtis in rich fabrics such as pure silks, handmade cottons and linens. Bright, bold hues of red, amber, emerald and white gave the pieces a fun, quirky vibe, while darker tones of wood and classic black added a sophisticated edge.

Sreejith Jeevan

Keeping embellishments to a minimal, the designer used illustrative embroidery in geometric shapes along with gathers at the arms so as to envelope and contour each piece. The outfits were simple with intriguing necklines, which ranged from cowl necks to garland-like floral embroidery work. Floral frills balanced out the careful construction of the range and added a feminine appeal.