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.

Western Influences on Indian Fabrics

Soltee AW15

What happens when the European art meets Indian vibrancy? Well, it creates something that is soothing to your eyes and worthy of everyone’s attention. The incredible vases inspire our latest collection. No matter what form they are, they are artful and each one has a story to tell. Inspired by the delicacy, art and class of vases, the House of Soltee by couturier Sulakshana Monga presents its new Autumn/Winter 2015 collection.

Soltee AW15

Abiding by our philosophy of ‘beauty is in details’, our brand new collection has pieces flaunting detailed embroidery and pattern. Expect breezy dresses to strong silhouettes, and backless gowns to drapes this season; AW15 collection is anything but narrow. The beautiful natural floral prints are blended with Indian sensibilities, casting an exotic look to the collection.

Soltee AW15

We have played around with International watercolors from genres of rose pink, champagne, beige, subtle peaches, olives and hues of oranges. Giving shape to the outfit are fluid fabrics like net, rayon crepes and cotton. The collection is perfect amalgamation of Indo-Western classic fusions intricately embroidered with unique classic methods of asymmetric detailing on gowns, lehengas and dresses.

Kylin Premier—an exclusive appetizing travelogue

Kylin Premier

Ambience- As I stepped into Kylin Premier at Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, warm hospitality and pompous ambience blanketed me with much love—a perfect ending to a rather hectic Friday! Me and my partner were guided to the rooftop of the restaurant, wherein small cabana-sort setups, placed neatly in sync with the layout of the floor awaited us. We chose a corner for us—lit by a candle and enveloped by pristine white drapes. The area was well lit, with balmy breeze adding on to the romance quotient. Music was varied; genres like, house, lounge, soft trance and techno were floating in the backdrop in subtle tones.

Kylin Premier

What I loved the most about this place is the copious presence of greenery. Small pots, nestling plants of varied kinds were settled affectionately at every nook and corner of the space; thus, enhancing its prana. Overall, it was a visual delight for me. As I waited for my steward to arrive with the menu, delectably delicious aromas of sundry cuisines filled me up with layers of gastronomical expectations.

Kylin Premier

Hospitality- Special mention has to be given to the hospitality department at Kylin Premier. Not only were they warm and spontaneous, they always wore a comforting smile on their faces, ready to be at your disposal at the drop of a hat. Not overtly persistent, they knew the thin line between being there for you and giving you your space to have a fine dining experience. My experience was memorable.

Crystal Dim Sums at Kylin Premier

Food- This place serves Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Thai cuisines. I love Sushi; so the first thing I ordered was a couple of Crabstick California Rolls, made to perfection. This was followed by Chicken Crystal Dim sums. Now, this was a first for me. The name ‘crystal’ intrigued me to order this dish and what can I say—I reached to gastro heaven and back. The dim sums were super soft; the coating was almost feather-like light in texture, the filling had the right amount of spices and it just melted in my mouth. Sigh.

Clay Pot at Kylin Premier

Further to this, we laid hands on the Yakitori and Robata Grill’s section. After much thought given to the rather sumptuous menu, we zeroed down upon Chicken and Leek Yakitori and Chicken Wings. Double thumbs up to the Chicken and Leek Yakitori. Now, for the main course we opted for a bowl meal, called Bang Bang Angry Chicken that comprised of piping hot spicy chicken with peanuts, spring onions and lots of hot chilies served on a bed of sticky rice. This was simply delicious. The chicken was soft and the gravy was slightly spicy—apt for a Bengali palette. Thereafter, we indulged in a Lamb Clay Pot. This is an ancient Oriental cooking style, wherein the lamb is cooked with radish, root vegetables, lotus stem, mushrooms and potatoes. The cooking process is slow and ginger, garlic, sesame oil, hoisin, star anise and rice wine are the key ingredients that make the dish so gratifying. This was accompanied by rice.

Hong Kong Style Mushroom Bay at Kylin Premier

Finally, dessert comprised of chocolate fondue that had hot molten chocolate sauce coupled with fresh fruits, marshmallows, warm and spongy chocolate brownies and some ice cream, placed adroitly in a platter. I loved every bit of the interesting mélange.

Kylin Premier

Recommendations- Do try out the bowl meals and the clay pot range for main course. And, don’t forget Sushi and Crystal Dim sums.

Menu @ Kylin Premier

Kylin Premier, T-302, 3rd Floor, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.
For reservations, call- 011-33105340
Meal for two costs about Rs 2000 for two people (approx.) with alcohol

Geisha Designs by Paras and Shalini for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Geisha Designs by Paras and Shalini for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Designer duo Paras and Shalini, presented an evening wear collection that takes inspiration from the idea of fossilized flowers preserved in time. The silhouettes were diverse—drapes and pleats, and maxis and separates, contrasted with romantic 50s baby doll skirts.

Geisha Designs by Paras and Shalini for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Their choice of colours coupled with breathtaking embellishments and luxurious fabrics, created magic on the runway. Tea-dipped ivories, morning sunshine yellows, apple greens and fossilized blues spoke the loudest against prints of pressed flowers on parchment base.

Geisha Designs by Paras and Shalini for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Play of transparencies and opacities, lace like patterns, botanical floral appliqué work and embroidery took the collection to a whole new level. Fabrics were rich and soft—silky taffetas and heavy jerseys punctuated by intricate laser cuts.

Geisha Designs by Paras and Shalini for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Lastly, accessories gave the whole look, a somewhat gothic feel. Bold earrings, black ribbons, sprayed flower wreaths, ballerina shoes, knots, lace cuffs and halo-like head pieces added to the rather somber mood.

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.

Power to Women at Lakmé fashion week winter/festive 2014

Druv Kapur

Druv Kapur’s label ‘DRVV’ showcased stunning garments that depicted after-effects of a battleground, wherein the fighting woman emerged stronger and bolder. The garments were primal and eclectic, which depicted resurrected soldier. Untamed and unstructured in construction with textures handcrafted from silk, it was minimal.

Druv Kapur

The colours that so rightly gave essence to the collection were wolf grays and bloody reds. These hues were hinted at in the linings or on the garment as a whole, along with fur and button detailing. The bloodthirsty compilation consisted of modest yet fierce silhouettes like plain collared shirts with dramatic back floor touching drapes paired with pants that were lined with zip detailing. Another focal point of the designs was the fur like dress, stitched on blood red cape that further went on and draped around the arms.

Pranav Mishra & Shyma Shetty

‘HUEMN’ by Pranav Mishra and Shyma Shetty made another powerful statement through their clothing line at the fashion week. The fascinating duo enticed the crowd and created a line that threw light on the battles of a fearless woman. They based it on the delicacy and softness of ideal woman that subtly yearned for masculine separates. The constant change was depicted in the form of androgynous styling. This transformed into a dubious contrast with the character of the fabric, the craftsmanship and the colour that balanced it out. Importance was given to both the trouser and skirt that rendered it equivocal. Restructured evergreen silhouettes were fused with futuristic materials and embellishment detailing that gave it the perfect urbanised demeanour.

Pranav Mishra & Shyma Shetty

Fabrics like vinyl, cotton, silk, hosiery and classic suiting fabrics took centre stage as the chaos was merged to form serene silhouettes like the pants in suit fabrics that were designed to look sporty. A mehendi green pencil skirt with a white stripe and an oversized black jumper was another ensemble that stood out. Men’s wear had plain white shirt with a leafy appliqué in the shape of an ‘O’. Also seen was a classic grey suit sporting white striped patches and ankle grazed pants. This made the collection wearable for both the sexes.

Monica Shah and Karishma Swali

Proud owners of ‘JADE’, Monica Shah and Karishma Swali once again showcased a collection that one could be proud of. India’s heritage and culture were revealed in their new collection, ‘In The Temples Of Hoysala’ at the fashion week. The show opened with internationally renowned contemporary dancer Astaad Deboo who also closed the presentation with his graceful dance movements. The effort put into the collection by the pair was to draw attention to work of the artisans who, at that time had no idea how magnificently it would be admired.

Monica Shah and Karishma Swali

This dynamic duo rendered the beautiful painstaking hand carvings from around the temples of Hoysala in Karnataka, South India onto fabric to give the collection the grace and beauty that the temples emit. The exquisite ensembles were further enhanced in elegance with the moulded motifs that were discovered around the temples. The duo infused colours drawn from Kathakali dancers, which were subtle muted shades like beige and gold that matched with contrasting colours like pinks, oxblood and antique gold to highlight the contours of the temples. The silhouettes were clean cut and gave prominence to the colossal grace.

Nupur Kanoi

Nupur Kanoi celebrated bridal wear in an unconventional style at the fashion week. Marrying traditional with contemporary touches, the line offered loose distressed knits with cable knit patterns, slipped rows in hand knits, along with wool, herringbone and argyle patterns. ‘Close Knit’ is the unconventional title given to the collection, which was divided into three distinct colours – bronze, silver and gold, along with heavy metal revealed marked fusions touch and were ideal for the bridal season.

Nupur Kanoi

This interesting avant-garde blend of winter wear with bridal embellishments was used creatively for sweaters, coats, blazers, kimonos, ponchos and parkas, which were merged with lehengas, gherdaars, sherwanis, kurtas and angarkhas to form a new-age offering in silks and crushed tissues. The silver segment worked around cable knit/slipped row embroidery for the crushed tissue cropped jackets, angarkhas, trousers and the bundhgala suits. An innovative silver poncho T-shirt maxi and long poncho waistcoat gave a new look to western wear.

Aarti Vijay Gupta for Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014

Aarti Vijay Gupta

History of World Costumes and Fashion –titled ‘who wore when what’ by Aarti Vijay Gupta.

Aarti Vijay Gupta

The collection is based on history of world costumes and fashion, like first corset, the-corset-and-the-crinoline, the ‘big 20’ women hats of different centuries, the hair styles and accessories, the big ball gowns, the famous roman drapes to French medieval costumes to Italian fashion plate of 17^th century.

Aarti Vijay Gupta

The look is very vintage with old world charm.

Aarti Vijay Gupta

Silhouettes are inspired by past golden centuries but transformed into contemporary functional clothing.

Aarti Vijay Gupta

It is nostalgic and amusing at the same time for the fashion statements of different centuries as they are quiet over the top.

Aarti Vijay Gupta

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.