Blurring Fashion Borders

Meher and Riddhima

Meher and Riddhima, an evening-wear brand launched in 2002 caters to fashion that reflects delicately influenced rich heritage and tradition of a region. They produce gorgeous evening gowns, cocktail dresses, formal jumpsuits, accessories and children’s wear. Based out of Dubai, the label also has offices in New York and India. This venture is a creative alliance between Meher Mirchandani and Riddhima Whabi.

Meher and Riddhima

The designer duo’s design philosophy revolves around combining contemporary shapes with traditional influences. It is an evening wear brand with couture attention to detail. The brand has a balance of western sensibilities with eastern influences in the design. The inspiration for the collections is derived from art, architecture, music, travel, interiors and prominent women in history.

Meher and Riddhima

Define your label and forecast some upcoming trends…

Our label is made to make the wearer feel special, happy and beautiful. For the upcoming season, we would recommend fashionistas to look out for bright floral prints, crop tops, flowy skirts and pop-colored dresses.

Meher and Riddhima

Who has been your role model during your formative years and why?

I would say my mother as she is perfect in everything she does; she is a successful entrepreneur, loving mom and dedicated wife and great human being. She inspired me to express my fashion sensibilities through my designs and reach out to many…

Meher and Riddhima

How different is Indian fashion industry in comparison to its western counterparts?

Indian fashion industry focuses more on ethnic Indian wear, which again reflects a lot of Indian influences on fabrics, colors and embellishments; whereas, the western industry is all about minimalistic styling and contemporary, luxe fabrics.

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).

Global Patterns on Ethnic Fabrics

Neha Agarwal

Known for her vibrant and gutsy designs, Neha Agarwal is back with another inspiring collection— ‘From Russia, with Love’ that narrates a tale of two cultures. Russian-inspired silhouettes and motifs fused with Indian fabrics and techniques are the crux of Neha’s work this year. Usage of intricate hand-embroidered appliqués on georgette, ahimsa, dupion, pure mal, tussar and pattu silk on Russian-inspired artwork makes this array of designs one-of-a-kind.

Neha Agarwal

The collection reminisce form-fitting fashion of early 1900s, Russia. Eye-catching dresses and bamboo denim jackets with cape collars, adorned with cross-stitch detailing and floral embroidery; circular dresses with hand block printed motifs and denim crop tops with printed Russian dolls and flared jumpsuits in pure silk with a denim bodice and embroidered scalloped sleeves, complete this resplendent collection.

Neha Agarwal

Overall, it is an innovative fusion of global patterns into ethnic fabrics and techniques that awaits to take the fashion orb by storm.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dorothy Perkins presents Spring/Summer 2015

Dorothy Perkins

UK’s most famous high street brand Dorothy Perkins announces the launch of its Spring/Summer 2015 collection, available exclusively on India’s leading fashion destination, Jabong.com. The spring summer collection of Dorothy Perkins embraces the key trends for the coming season with a return to the seventies and Sports Luxe.

Dorothy Perkins

The collection will be available on Jabong.com for its discerning customers from March. Jabong.com believes in bringing the latest and best trends forward for the customers. The latest summer collection from Dorothy Perkins is inspired by the 1970’s.

Dorothy Perkins

The dresses are longer, the skirts are A-lined and the trousers are cropped. Materials are a mixture of textures with knits and crochet, leather and suede – the chocolate brown suede shorts and jacket are key drifts. These rich textures are combined with denim – one of the star fabrics for spring summer.

Dorothy Perkins

Colours are a combination of muted pastel shades with pops of coral and indigo. Soft ruffle detailing and feminine prints, which take inspiration from the orient, create a seventies romantic bohemian look. Oversized peasant blouses are teamed with button front denim skirts and bell bottom jeans, matched with high platforms and felt hats creating a classic seventies silhouette.

Dorothy Perkins

For SS15 culottes are in pink leather and trousers are loose and wide – creating a new elegant shape. A fresh and modern feel updates this season’s Sports Luxe trend. Clean, simple lines create the look for the utility nineties inspired collection. Minimal boxy, cropped jackets in a variety of fabrics and textures – from neoprene to sheer and mesh – mixed with the cigarette trouser creates a sleek look.

Dorothy Perkins

Asymmetric tops and tunics add to the new season silhouette. Colour for this collection is exciting with poster paint shades of blue and green. Colour blocking leads the way – whilst the all-over whites we’ve seen in past seasons have returned. Florals are big and bold and are on full looks – on dresses and across short suits.

Like Quirky? Check out Lemon Trunk!

Ashutosh Maheshwari is the proud owner of Lemon Trunk—as the name resonates, this label celebrates the best of quirk and pop art, printed innovatively on bags. Their designs are vibrant and refreshing, and their colour palettes are spunky. From floral patterns in shocking hues to Aztec prints in a brand new avatar, this label has struck a chord with the young and peppy! Ashutosh talks to us about LT’s fun designs, pocket-friendly rates, and their range of products.

Lemon Trunk

 How did Lemon Trunk come into being?

Lemon Trunk came into being on a simple idea—‘We want to see India using beautiful, designer products’. The quickest way to achieve that was by creating a product that was mass-market and affordable, but without comprising on quality. Tote bags haven’t really evolved in terms of design and style and therefore, seemed like the best place to add our spunky, young and visually appealing designs.

Lemon Trunk

Why did you choose this name for your brand?

I wanted a name that was fluous…a word that isn’t restricted to a particular style or product, and is young and fun. ‘Lemon Trunk’ had the perfect ring to it and seemed like the right name that would appeal to my target audience.

Lemon Trunk

Tell us about your products

At Lemon Trunk, we design fun products. We use the finest quality materials and printing processes to make our prints look alive. Right now, we’ve launched our College Tote Bag in close to 30 prints. In the next couple of months, we will have added slings, satchels, messenger bags, laptop bags, tablet sleeves and shopping totes to our range, along with more prints. We want to have something for everyone!

Lemon Trunk

Tell us about the upcoming summer trends in tote bags…

We feel, the summer trend this year is going to be easy going—big bags, which are easy to carry, with smart prints in bright colours. Apart from this, of course, the one thing that will always be in demand is innovation in designs.

You may check out the latest Lemon Trunk designs and bags at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, from February 7 to17 in Mumbai or shop for their products on Flipkart http://www.flipkart.com/search?q=lemon+trunk&as=off&as-show=off&otracker=start or Myntra http://www.myntra.com/lemon-trunk?userQuery=true&s=acl

CaratLane.com reveals Fleur collection

Fleur Collection by CaratLane.com

Floral Designs have always been in fashion for their timeless appeal and their alluring designs have often captivated hearts of women. Discovering the epitome of enchantment, CaratLane.com has revealed its luxurious assortment of floral jewellery this season.

Fleur Collection by CaratLane.com

Known as Fleur, the collection draws inspiration from a variety of buds. Through this collection, CaratLane.com offers its customers the most enchanting pieces of floral jewellery. The collection has been crafted to blend contemporary styles and modern designs to create magnificent pieces that will make you look like a true fashionista. The bold and chic patterns come in variety of shapes and sizes, from simple floral to elaborate array of pendants, earrings, rings and hand harness.

Fleur Collection by CaratLane.com

Each piece of the Fleur collection induces a treasure of ornamental image where inspirations are drawn from various flowers like Orchids, Plumeria, Pansy, Gerbera, Roses, Daffodils, Marigold and Tulips. The collection is a combination of all three gold where various colors of flowers are brought out through the yellow, white and rose gold giving them a dull finish to make them look subtle pieces of art. The collection is also studded with diamonds to give it an extremely classy look.