The Magic of Shibori

109°F Fusion Beats- Shibori Collection

With temperature soaring high, a simple yet classy outfit that keeps the heat at bay, is something that we are always on a hunt for! 109°F, the women retail apparel brand’s Shibori Collection from their Spring/Summer’15 line, is a perfect pick for this season.

109°F Fusion Beats- Shibori Collection

Fusion Beats’, Shibori Collection from their SS’15 line celebrates free spirited, bohemian women of today. It is not just fashion, but an expression of who you are. The collection also takes inspiration from the traditional Japanese Shibori blended with rhythmical baroque that presents a fresh take on this SS’15 Line. Rather than treating the fabric as a two-dimensional surface, it is given a three-dimensional form by folding, crumpling, stitching, plaiting, or plucking and twisting. The collection includes flowing sleeveless dresses with abstract prints, fun jumpsuits and kitsch tops. Bright indigos highlighted with hints of yellow form the colour palette which is perfect to bask on sunny beaches.

109°F Fusion Beats- Shibori Collection

A 109° F woman has multiple facets; she is sharp yet carefree, powerful yet fun and likes to experiment with the exquisite and special characteristic of soft or blurry-edged pattern imprinted in the Shibori Collection. The effect is quite different from the sharp-edged resist obtained with stencil, paste, and wax. With Shibori, the dye works in concert with the materials, not in an effort to overcome their limitations but to allow them to attain full expression; and an element of the unexpected is always present. The rich sensuous colours of blue and white and the pliability of the material respond well to the movement and flow of the body. Keeping in mind funky, ferocious and cosmopolitan women of today, this brand has adapted the Shibori technique in crisp shorts, casual pants and free-flowing tops. The collection is priced between INR 1200-1800 and is available across 109°F outlets and online shopping partners.

Velvetcase Unveils Payal Pratap’s Collection Inspired by Japanese Aesthetics

Layered Japanese diamond pendant by Payal Pratap at Velvetcase.com

Velvetcase.com, a marketplace for global jewellery designers offering consumers a platform to discover and buy fine jewellery is proud to launch their new assemblage with the charismatic designer Payal Pratap.

Dainty Floral Motif Ear Cuffs by Payal Pratap at Velvetcase.com

The renowned fashion designer takes her designing abilities to a whole new level by creating and showcasing jewellery designs inspired by Japanese aesthetics for the first time ever on Velvetcase.com.

Japanese Fan-Style Diamond Ring by Payal Pratap at Velvetcase.com

The collection is a jugglery of colours, patterns and styles derived from elements of Japanese culture.

Japanese Floral Motif Diamond Chand Balis by Payal Pratap at Velvetcase.com

Her collection showcases an interesting combination of contemporary Ear cuffs, Rings, Earrings and Pendants. Each piece in the collection is crafted to perfection and is meant for modern women who are willing to experiment and have a bold and confident look.

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

Of eccentric cuts and asymmetrical silhouettes – Alpana & Neeraj

Alpana & Neeraj at the Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Alpana & Neeraj took the audience by surprise at the Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015, with their quirky take on Japanese culture. Their collection brought forth a rather unusual amalgamation of eccentric cuts and asymmetrical silhouettes. What stood out the most was the atypical yet bold usage of the bow motif.

Alpana & Neeraj at the Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

The designer duo seemed to be obsessed with everything cute or Kawaii (in the context of Japanese tradition). Their chosen colour palette was bold and vibrant—electric blue, scarlet, black with hints of beige, golden and whites. The subtle interplay of fabrics made the outfits stand out. Sheer, raw silk and satin interplayed well to surface patterns, and multiple layers of frills with undertones of minimalism and clean lines.

Alpana & Neeraj at the Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Sharp linear structures are softened with bows and scallops. Harajuku-styled aprons skirts are worn over sharply-cut pants, large floral patches are sewn on to long linear dresses, and black gets special attention with obe add-ons and structured tie ups. Roundness of compositions, childlike proportions and interesting choice of colours make the collection look like little dolls’ clothes.

The Ferryman’s Tale by Rahul Mishra

Rahul Mishra’s Spring Summer 2015 collection at Paris Fashion Week

Right between Miu Miu and Hermès, Rahul Mishra pulled off a great show at Paris Fashion Week. He happens to be the second designer after Manish Arora to have been featured on the Mode a Paris schedule.

Rahul Mishra’s Spring Summer 2015 collection at Paris Fashion Week

This February, Mishra was awarded the prestigious International Woolmark Prize and since then the Delhi-based designer has been under the spectrum of international limelight.

Rahul Mishra’s Spring Summer 2015 collection at Paris Fashion Week

For his Spring/Summer 2015 collection at Paris, the designer speaks about the unfamed stories and secret tales of the ferryman who carries travelers across water bodies. His collection was inspired by traditional Japanese art and three centuries old Chintz.

Rahul Mishra’s Spring Summer 2015 collection at Paris Fashion Week

Textile and surface development techniques have been Mishra’s strong suit, hence his choice of inspiration is not unexpected; but the designer’s implementation of the simple nonfigurative thought of a ferryman’s memoirs speaks of his profound understanding of his strengths.

Rahul Mishra’s Spring Summer 2015 collection at Paris Fashion Week

“The Ferryman’s Tale epitomises my personal journey and growth as a designer. Every destination I have reached has always increased my quest to a greater design sensibility and cause to uphold the richness of India’s textiles and craft,” avers Mishra.

Rahul Mishra’s Spring Summer 2015 collection at Paris Fashion Week

The collection of 33 pieces features looks in neutral colour palettes of blush, whites and charcoal grays. The styles swerve towards sports luxe, but the collection is noticeably Indian in its cuts.

 

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.

Archana Rao for the Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014

Archana Rao

Archana Rao’s label ‘Frou Frou’ collectively brought out the tradition behind the most common Japanese beverage— tea. She called this collection ‘Teaism’.

Frou Frou by Archana Rao

Archana brilliantly managed to add the slightest of details from the tea experience like, the doilies and the vintage china sets in majority of her garments. She kept the colour palette subtle with hues like, dull yellow, blush pink, hints of teal, dark blue and the classic black and white stripes.

Frou Frou by Archana Rao

Newspaper print detailing was an added highlight that brought out materials like, transparent capes, barely opaque shirts and floral appliqués. Nonetheless, her label brings forth a beautiful nuptial of the past and the present, with under currents of vintage charm.