How to Write a Fairy Tale by Anju Modi

Anju Modi

When you tread in reality everyday of your life; when the world is dull and filled with routine; when your spirit needs reviving and your soul is sick and screaming –let’s escape together to a world where anything is possible, let’s escape together and enter our Fairytale.

Anju Modi

As we unravel our imagination, the Cosmo goes wild, the woods turn dark, the wolves get greedy, and the moon is blue and as snow consumes everything, a woman in red stands tall. Her head held high against the elements, she is everything that is good.  She is love, she is hope, and she is beauty: the beauty of creation that makes every moment in our lives meaningful.

Anju Modi

It is from this meaning that Anju Modi presented her Autumn/Winter 2015 collection this year. Every fabric draped, every line sketched, and every muse revered is an ode to this fairytale that takes us away from the mundane and breathes life back in our souls.

Kavita Bhartia in retrospection @ 25

Kavita Bhartia’s Autumn/Winter 2015

Since the launch of her label in 1989, Kavita Bhartia retrospect’s 25 years of her journey in the Indian Fashion industry and her multi-designer store Ogaan, through her Autumn/Winter 2015 collection essentially inspired by the 18^th century Tapestries from the Victoria and Albert Museum. Encompassing her chic and minimalistic silhouettes, she retains her signature style for the globetrotting woman.

Kavita Bhartia’s Autumn/Winter 2015

The mood board comprises of tapestries and damasks from the Victoria and Albert Museum, and 18^th century inspired European floral patterns. Her silhouettes are sculpted—full circle voluminous pleated skirts with worked-on jackets, textured yarn crop tops, and draped skirts and dresses.

Kavita Bhartia’s Autumn/Winter 2015

The fabrics flaunt exclusively fashionable weaves propagating a novelty of untwisted threads of silk into sheer styles, exclusive prints bestowing an explicit look. And the textiles are all about sheer looks in silk, organza and tulle, with hints of printed scuba fabric, and silk crepe.

Kavita Bhartia’s Autumn/Winter 2015

The detailing bit celebrates indigenous Indian hand techniques blended in a contemporised styling in resham dori, florals, tapestry prints and paisleys using shaded tones. Lastly, the colour palette comprises of rouge pink, deep navy, ivory, pale blues and blacks, accented with mustard, pale green and electric blue.

The Inner Shift by Amy Billimoria

Amy Billimoria

A contemporary line of Spring Summer 2015, this collection draws inspiration from the evolution of higher levels of consciousness and is a strong portrayal of the self within.

Amy Billimoria

An eclectic array of exaggerated shoulder details, draped rose textures on linen palazzos and intricate texture details on sheer shirts, this line by fashion designer, Amy Billimoria portrays strong clean cuts, emphasizing the various moods of the contemporary woman of today.

Amy Billimoria

Cool fabrics in linen and viscose blends are used for various styles in palazzos, jumpsuits, knee-length dresses in a subtle colour palette of whites, pale blues, peaches and mints. Princess prints and floral depictions in textures and prints are predominant.

Miniature-styled paintings translated on clothes—Tarun Tahiliani

Tarun Tahiliani at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Master couturier Tarun Tahiliani showcased his latest collection at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015. For the first time ever, his show didn’t have a show stopper; nonetheless, the pomp and glory of the sets and his outfits left the audience spellbound.

Tarun Tahiliani at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

The collection was unveiled at DLF Emporio Mall, instead of the customary Pragati Maidan venue. The set was bright, colourful and magnificent with the London-based Singh Twins’ paintings, neatly hung around to create a magical ambience. In fact, Tahiliani’s collection was inspired by the Twin’s paintings.

Tarun Tahiliani at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

“I went into a trance when I first saw their work. In a way, I suppose I responded in entirety to their Past Modern work—a series of vivacious, detailed paintings with Asian and Western influence and global iconography using traditional techniques from Indian miniature paintings. It was a breathtaking, fresh, and scholarly take on patterns and layering; with such wit and flair, I could not wait to put together a ready-to-wear collection,” avers Tahiliani.

Tarun Tahiliani at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

The collection portrayed Tahiliani’s signature drapes and cuts—easy, flowy and very chic. Silhouettes like tunics, shirts, saris and draped lehengas were reinterpreted in a sudden outburst of colours that ranged from peaches to bright limes and indigo blues to orange ocher.

 

Sonaakshi Raaj for Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014

Known as the ‘Sari-gown Specialist’, Sonaakshi Raaj presented her opulent line of Red Carpet creations called ‘Rebel with a Cause’ at the fashion week. The show stopping entry was made by Malaika Arora Khan in a post-box red lacy embroidered gown with a layered luxurious tulle flounce.

Malaika Arora Khan

Her finely crafted couture gowns reflected a luxurious style with some edgy detailing. Selecting colours that will glow in the dark as the wearer glides down the celebrity carpet, Sonaakshi had oxblood red, nude, charcoal and metallics on her fabrics.

Sonaakshi Raaj

Interesting drapes were an experimental move that Sonaakshi loves to undertake. The fluid fabrics added to the charm of the flirty sensuous silhouettes of the garments and detailing was meticulously added to highlight the construction.

Sonaakshi Raaj

Making a dramatic entry was the peach sari-gown with drop-shoulder glittering blouse, followed by a halter gold mesh creation. Jumpsuits in gold had beaded tassels, while the sharply cut, white embroidered one-button jacket worn with side slit pants was ideal cocktail wear.

Sonaakshi Raaj with showstopper Malaika Arora Khan

An interesting innovation was the red pant-cum-sari, the churidar draped sari, beaded body suit teamed with a dhoti-sari, poncho over corset and draped skirt and the textured top with a blue tulip skirt. Embellished boleros added variety to the collection, Jodhpur pants had body-con blouses and the black Grecian sari gown with dazzling gold work was stunning.

Shantanu and Nikhil for Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014

Showstopper Jesse Randhawa with Shantanu and Nikhil

The show was a grand amalgamation of fashion and art when Himalayan presented the ‘Himalayan Couture Collection’ by Shantanu and Nikhil and artwork by artist Brinda Miller at the fashion week. Super model and dancer, Jesse Randhawa floated in a white will-power textured gown with tantalizing 3D embellishments to end the superb show.

Showstopper Jesse Randhawa

Four giant columns on the stage set the mood of the show and 39 beautiful creations enthralled the audience. The collection inspired by the colours and charm of the Himalayan waters, known for its rare beauty. Visualised by the majesty and serenity of the Himalayas, the free-spirited couture line had timeless beauty and elegance.

Shantanu and Nikhil

Layering was contemporary with head gears making a striking addition. Offering couture wear, the silhouettes incorporated creative construction and intriguing fabric cutouts on a colour story that had dramatic grey, white, deep red, blue and black for luxurious fabrics like chiffon, georgette, tulle and organza.

Shantanu and Nikhil

Moulded silhouettes were seen in New Age lehengas and Anarkalis, while tone-on-tone draped sari-gowns were regal in form and structure, but cocktail gowns were voluminous as they sailed down the ramp. Opening the show with a tiered tulle will-power gown with antique gold work, the display moved to dramatic creations that were just ideal for cocktail bridal wear.

Shantanu and Nikhil

Bronze beaded asymmetric jacket over ruffled ecru skirt, the sensational halter sari-gown, the grey fishtail net gown, and the navy sheath creation were sensational. Moulded and draped cleverly to the curves of the models, the textured rust choli-cum-sari creation, the lehenga with long sleeved choli and the black draped jersey choli gave new options to wedding wear.

Shantanu and Nikhil

Men’s wear had sharp distinct cuts with an interesting pairing of round skirts for sherwanis, bundgalas, kurtas with bundies, an interesting printed sherwani and a set of side-draped kurtas worn with fluid skirts, added a new dimension to men’s wear.

Payal Singhal for Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014

Payal Singhal and Showstopper Vani Kapoor

Payal Singhal has always researched in depth for her collections and this season, she was inspired by India’s first fashion export to the world, the ‘Chintz’ print, which came from the Coromandal Coast.

Payal Singhal

Aptly naming her collection ‘Excavations’ for the fashion week, Payal’s display of the lovely iconic Indian print was translated into deep tones of aqua, navy, teal, sienna, cranberry and coral, which she transferred onto luxurious crepes, silks and linens.

Payal Singhal

Known for her trendsetting silhouettes, Payal brought in deconstructed Indian shapes to highlight the beauty of her ensembles. Interesting entries were the racer-back choli teamed with crepe churidar-skirt and printed overlap panel, the chiffon dupatta draped sleeve for the kurta, the silk mul lehenga-sari, and navy linen embroidered ghagra-sharara pants and the silver ring embroidered cutout short dress, which offered several options to the stylish buyer.

Payal Singhal

For the showstopper Vani Kapoor, it was a cranberry red, gold and silver ring embroidered choli with matching churidar-lehenga and dupatta. Women who love practical, stylish creations will adore this collection by Payal Singhal.

Style Parade at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014

Teresa Laisom and Utsav Pradhan

Designer duo Teresa Laisom and Utsav Pradhan under their label ‘Munkee see Munkee doo’ showcased an uber chic collection titled ‘An Asian living in Europe’ at the fashion week. The imaginative range inspired by Japanese modern art and culture incorporated contemporary European aesthetics onto silhouettes, which ranged from skirts, dresses, coats, jackets, tops to trousers.

Teresa Laisom and Utsav Pradhan

Structured with a charming, natural flow, each piece was a beautiful fusion of oriental-meets-modern. Layers dominated the outfits in unique blends such as wool-felt, viscose twill and poly-satin, while embroideries with chords and shaded threads helped add a touch of bold sophistication.

Teresa Laisom and Utsav Pradhan

Mesh work along with zippers, pleats and an innovative use of suspenders to connect pieces infused a sporty-fun vibe, balancing out the range’s diverse appeal. The colour palette comprised of bold tones of white, red, grey, black, dusky cream and blue, while also offering paler, pastel tones for a more playful edge.

Chandni Mohan

‘Selvage’ an elegant and unique collection inspired by memories and their part in human life by designer Chandni Mohan was a raging success at the fashion week. Classic, quirky silhouettes of the late 1980’s, graced the ramp with emphasised cuts and forms and were balanced by seams with anchor and nylon threads, for a wearable yet stylish appeal.

Chandni Mohan

Separates and ensembles comprised of box fit jackets, shirt dresses, shorts, skirts, cape jackets and draped dresses in versatile shades of night black, bronze brown, mulberry wine, and ethereal white. Fabrics ranged from woolen fur, felt, heavy cotton twill to micro crepes matched to stretch wool, foil jersey and Napa leather.

Chandni Mohan

Combining aesthetics from Frank Gehry’s movement in architecture, the designer focused on extreme detailing and skillfully used zipper accents, metal studs and antique gold buttons for a simple yet sassy edge. Nifty, nostalgic and out of this world, ‘Selvage’ by Chandni Mohan will have any fashionista reminiscing and ready to take on the world- fashionably.

Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson

Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson made a debut with their label ‘Easton Pearson’ at the fashion week with an Indo-Australian fashion fantasy. No strangers to India, this 25-year-old label, which started in 1989 in Australia has become one of the top sellers in Sydney and Brisbane.

 

Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson

Working with Indian artisans for the past 20 years, this label caused excitement on the fashion ramp with the ‘BeBop’ collection. Inspired by the 1940’s BeBop Jazz era, it was a line replete with colour and exciting patterns. A line up of models sporting white wigs edged in pink, green, blue or orange set the mood for the show.

Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson

Opting for only natural fabrics like high quality silks and cottons, the pair used embellishments, which were varied with glass, raffia, cotton tape, beads, cut and mirror work as well as hand embroidery, which added to the beauty of the garments. Contrasts were rampant in hues as blue, orange, green, brown and white combined with modern shapes and extraordinary details. Beaded slip dresses had flirty raffia fringing, while there was wildly striped multi-coloured tussar silk with opulent embroidery executed by Shrujan in Kutch.

Pakistani Designers, Sania Maskatiya, Riawan Beyg and Zara Shahjahan presented fashion flavours of Pakistan at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter Festive 2014

The ramp came alive with glitz and glamour of three top Pakistani designers presented by POPxo.com in association with HELLO.

Rizwan Beyg

‘Digitruck’ by Rizwan Beyg– Working with rural communities that empower women, Rizwan Beyg’s collection incorporated soft, feminine, romantic feel that will appeal to women who long for aesthetically designed ensembles. Inspiration for Rizwan was the very colourful truck art, which Pakistan is known for.

Rizwan Beyg

Using the many designs and colours of this very quirky form for a variety of garments like jackets, pants, tops, waistcoats, skirts and accessories; Rizwan offered a characteristic style statement of his country. Presenting a funky line called ‘Digitruck’, which also included jewellery, shoes and bags, the collection was a riot of colours on the ramp. Tiered miniskirts, white bustier, asymmetric dress, off-shoulder dhoti jumpsuit, orange flared top with satin printed sharara, and printed corset with blue flapper pants were all fun filled offerings for the young at heart. The empire line georgette cover off- shoulder blouse, tiered maxi drop waist printed corset dress and the will-power asymmetric gown with a long trail looked striking on the catwalk.

Sania Maskatiya

‘Sakura’ by Sania Maskatiya– After launching her label in 2007, Sania Maskatiya is one of the fastest selling brands in Pakistan. Short listed for the 2014 Woolmark Award, Sania’s fashion statement was a remarkable balance between elegance, aesthetics, comfort and above all practicality.

Sania Maskatiya

Inspired by nature and her surroundings, the collection called ‘Sakura’ was an ode to the Cherry Blossoms of Japan. The embellishments recreated Japanese flavour with landscapes and culture and had hints of treasure chest motifs. The blend of geometric embroidery and great textures added to the opulent look of the garments. Sania’s creations were divided into prét-a-porter, luxury and haute couture for women and had the interplay of colours and intricate detailing, which was the basis of her collection. The beauty of Japanese motifs came alive in the printed tunics, sheer flared beige top, one-shoulder satin tunic and pleated printed organza waistcoats. White pants were topped with a variety of cropped tops and blouses; while overlapped tunics, a gorgeous reversible asymmetric cover, angular two-tone tunic and draped printed column gown, over pants completed the look of the ensembles.

Zara Shahjahan

‘The City of Gardens’ by Zara Shahjahan– Zara Shahjahan’s creations were aimed at making women look beautiful and confident. Her decade old label has been a hot favourite in Pakistan and beyond. Creating a variety of categories that ranged from luxury prét to western wear and couture, Zara’s designing skills were amply evident in the extravagant detailing. The gara embroidery, Swarovski crystals and the amazing handcrafted embellishments were selectively used.

Zara Shahjahan

‘The City of Gardens’ was the title for Zara’s vintage collection, where old Lahore and floral vintage prints were the highlight. Merging traditional designs from her country with modern high fashion quotients, Zara offered a fusion look to the buyer. Shimmer and shine was the basis of this ethereal collection, which opened with a delicate sari followed by an organza-sequined attached cape for a feminine top. Printed, pleated maxi skirt, net covers with tilla work, sequined sheeting for skirt with lace cover and the one sleeve waistcoat-cum-cape were gorgeous in appearance. Glittering rhinestone, scalloped kurti cutwork top with printed embroidered drop waist skirt and the cut-out sleeve net kurta matched to a flowing sharara created magic on the ramp.