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).

Celebration of Florals and Whites

Vasavi Shah’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection

The spring-summer collection of 2015 has marked a return to basics. From highlighting uncomplicated colour schemes and providing a taste of past decades, to bringing forth femininity and exploring the classic, this collection, Flora Flora SS’15, by designer Vasavi Shah is all about celebrating newness.

Vasavi Shah’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection

Florals have always been gifted with a timeless appeal, representing a perennial style that is constantly invading the fashion radar. This collection effortlessly blends two of the ruling trends for this season – florals and white.

Vasavi Shah’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection

Flora Flora is bold by keeping things classy yet basic at the same time, comprising of oversized and light-weight silhouettes, unconventional fabrics, fresh colour schemes and super-clean lines.

Vasavi Shah’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection

This collection mainly showcases a feminine range of ready-to-wear garments. From hand painted flowers on box pleated midi skirts to intricately embroidered cascades of flowers on white organza jackets and appliquéd gathered sheer skirts—this collection is fresh, energetic, optimistic and modern like a breath of fresh air.

Steal The Spotlight This Party Season With Swarovski

Babylon Necklace by Swarovski

Swarovski brings the swing to your party gear with their exciting new trend collection for the festive season. Add some much needed sparkle to your winter wardrobe with an offering of delicate as well as bold neckpieces, earrings and bracelets.

Brazil pierced earrings by Swarovski

Feel like a star on the red carpet with this glamorous pair of Brazil Pierced Earrings. Very refined, they combine emerald green-colored crystals with delicate clear crystal pavé and rhodium-plated metal.

Blacklight Choker by Swarovski

The Blacklight Chocker is inspired by dark romance. This versatile design can be worn as a choker or a headband.

Brancusi Bracelet by Swarovski

In line with the trend for graphic shapes, the Brancussi Bangle boasts a clean, sleek silhouette. A clear crystal in an exclusive Swarovski cut sparkles on the front.

Grasim’s menswear collection for the ‘Wedding Season’

John Abraham in a Jute bandi by Grasim

With the wedding season just around the corner, India’s homegrown and men’s lifestyle brand Grasim from Grasim Bhiwani Textiles Ltd., a subsidiary of Grasim Industries Ltd. and a part of the Aditya Birla Group, has launched their exclusive collection for the wedding season. From the traditional and classic off white to glamorous and elegant purple and metallic blue, this collection will surely add that extra charm to your colourful evenings.

John Abraham in a traditional off-white sherwani

Seven Wonders- This traditional off-white sherwani fabric is ideal for that perfect outfit for the groom’s best man. This basic yet statement piece will add elegance and charm to your entire look.

Ashish Chawla in a classic brown check blazer by Grasim

Classic Blazer- Get up and get going this season with this classic brown check blazer by Grasim. With the ongoing ‘trend of checks, this blazer is a mandatory staple for your wardrobe and is sure to draw everyone’s attention. Grab your pick now!

Creation of unique jewels by Bvlgari

High Jewellery necklace in white gold with emeralds (141,97 ct), sapphires (149,31 ct), rubies (95,42 ct), round brilliant cut diamonds (34,13 ct), baguette diamonds (4,78 ct) and pavé diamonds (14,99 ct).

The Bulgari High Jewellery Collection is a collection of exquisitely crafted jewels, created on the basis of drawings especially developed for gemstones of extraordinary quality. The essential element for a piece of high jewellery is the stone, or set of stones, around which it is composed. A profound knowledge of gems and cuts is therefore an indispensable skill for developing a collection of high jewellery, and in this area Bulgari boasts a tradition of excellence that goes back more than a century. Searching the world market for gems of the right cut and colour requires time and great expertise from Bulgari’s gemologists. And then there is the talent and taste required from Bulgari’s designers to compose these magnificent stones and finalise the design. At last, the master goldsmiths create perfectly crafted gold settings, links and clasps giving every Bulgari jewel their exceptional suppleness.

Serpenti bracelet in 18K Pink Gold 57,5 grs with 1 Rubellite and 221 Mounted Pave Setting 7,85 cts

Each type of gemstone has its geographical origins: the most prized emeralds, for example, come mostly from Colombia, though by now they are rare even there. The finest sapphires are found in Kashmir, while the main producer is Sri Lanka, source of the majority of the sapphires bought by Bulgari, which has become one of the world’s largest buyers in terms of overall carats. The best rubies come from Myanmar, and though Bulgari has never acquired them directly from that country but rather on the international market, it nonetheless requires that suppliers can guarantee the provenance of its rubies. As for diamonds, Bulgari purchases cut stones only and collaborate continually with selected suppliers in countries that comply with the Kimberly Process.

Necklace in yellow gold with 7 emeralds 129,48 cts, garnets 95,15 cts ,1 drop of emerald 3,90 cts, round brilliant cut diamonds 36,85 cts ,pear shaped diamonds 9,12 cts ,diamond baguettes 1,20 cts and round brilliant cut diamonds 1,45 cts

The signature feature of Bulgari style, immediately recognizable all over the world, lies in its use of coloured stones. Since the 1960s – the decade in which Bulgari definitively broke with the French school to establish its own style – Bulgari jewels have distinguished themselves for their surprising, unprecedented combinations of precious and semi-precious coloured stones.

High Jewellery Serpenti bracelet in pink gold with 2 pear brilliant cut diamonds (0.83 ct) and pavé diamonds (50.49 ct ).

The use of semi-precious stones like tourmaline, amethyst, citrine, coral, pearls and garnets, often juxtaposed with rubies, emeralds and sapphires, enabled Bulgari to draw from a much broader palette of colours than usual, including new and unexpected hues like purple, pink and orange and a whole range of deep reds, greens and yellows. The result is a practically infinite number of possible chromatic combinations, from the most vividly contrasting to the most delicately nuanced.

Costume jewellery takes a refreshing turn

Tulsi Zaveri

Mumbai-based jewellery designer, Tulsi Zaveri brings forth a perfect mélange of traditional jewellery with undertones of quirk and modernity through her label, Ira. Her collection ranges from jewellery for everyday use to bridal adornments in refreshing designs.

Turquoise Kundan earrings by Ira

The colour palette she uses is speckled—from acid bright shades of tangerine and turquoise, to warm colours like powder blue and beiges, I love all her products. Her strength is kundan jewellery and she imparts modern twist to each of her pieces. The best part about her is that—she can customise the designs according to your whims and fancies. Excited? Well, I am.

Laxmi neck piece by Ira

Ira has jewellery for women from all paths of life; be it a college student or a housewife, a working corporate or a bride-to-be—you will find your piece here for sure. From necklaces in lilac shades to chandbalis in hues of reds and greens, payals in beaded textures to haathphools in jewel tones of emerald and sapphire—options are galore.

Neck piece by Ira

Love pearls? The above neck piece has many long strands of pearls that create a light-weight yet heavy look. The fresh colours of the natural stones and the meenakari beads give the necklace a new, hot feel! The neutral colours are perfect for any of your saris, lehenga cholis or anarkalis!

Purple natural stone necklace

Place your order at sales@irabytulsizaveri.com and find the products on Zaveri’s Facebook page- Ira by Tulsi Zaveri. You could also check out her products on her Instagram page- Irabytulsizaveri.

Timepieces from GUESS and Gc Watches

GUESS Dazzler W0335L3 – 13,900 INR

With the onset of celebratory season, rejoice with your loved ones and gift them something classy that could turn into an heirloom piece. Yes, I am taking about the lust worthy watches by GUESS and Gc.

GIUESS Wildcat W0333L1 – 13,800 INR

GUESS watches keeps up to its design aesthetic of statement dials, energetic colour combinations and chic designs. Keeping in mind the festive fervor, women can choose from gold and rose gold watches, while men can adorn GUESS’ bestselling timepieces from the RIGOR collection.

Gc Rainbow Python – 27,000 INR

For those who prefer classic over contemporary, Gc watches presents a wide selection of subtle and demure designs in rose gold and duo tones of sliver and rose gold. The Gc Rainbow Python makes up for the perfect Christmas gift with its luscious shades of green and blue, softly melting with purple and pink of the rainbow palette.

Gaurang Shah for Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014

Gaurang Shah with Taapsee Pannu

Blending folklore and fables of 16th century temple art with 21st century forms, Gaurang Shah’s ‘Chitr-Sena’ collection was poetry in motion at the fashion week. The show opened to the melodious voice of Shubha Mudgal who sang the theme song of ‘Chitr-Sena’ as models gracefully glided down the ramp.

Gaurang Shah

For contemporary fashion lovers, Gaurang’s collection had irresistible heritage, and artistry. The kalidaars, kurtas, lehengas, dhotis and sherwanis were glamour personified, while the silhouettes revealed to the audience that the inspirations were from Afghani history but tailored with Indian fabrics.

Gaurang Shah

The wide range of motifs started with Garuda, Rudraksh, Hamsa, Shikarga, Sher, Bhagha, Haathi, Morni and Shikari to create a mélange of flora and fauna. Embellishments were restricted to zardosi and badla to add glitter to the garments.

Gaurang Shah

The rich weaves of the fabrics and saris projected tradition for the modern dresser. Bringing in a hint of variety, there were embroidered cigarette pants, slim kurtas with animal embroidery, a graceful purple maxi, tiered empire line angarkha and a pink asymmetric floor skimming creation.

Gaurang Shah

The four men’s wear entries were restrained to dhotis, kurta with embroidered sleeves, angarkha and sherwani—all draped with ornate dupattas. Taapsee Pannu was the showstopper for the designer; she looked beautiful in an orange/yellow sari with lush border.

Celebration of Indian handlooms and textiles at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014

Debashri Samanta

‘Hooked’ by Debashri Samanta- Tussar, silk and woolen jamdani came together for Debashri Samanta who enchanted the audience with her Vietnam-inspired collection called ‘Hooked’ at the fashion week.

Debashri Samanta

Eager to recreate the rustic, rich culture of the far eastern country with touches of contemporary appeal, Debashri celebrated the beauty of old and new with creative vigour. The traditional jamdani fish motifs and loose cotton was engineered to suit new age silhouettes. Bringing to centre stage the stylishly torn hand-knitted woolens, Debashri told a fashionable tale of craft, culture and hints of poverty from Vietnam’s exotic heritage. Fish and hook motifs were hand-woven on the woolen jamdani, as well as the shredded knit covers. The colour story was sombre with black, white, purple and grey being the base.

Debashri Samanta

Opening the show with a printed coat over an asymmetric, knotted- at-the-hemline midi, Debashri followed it with a black jumpsuit with long crushed cotton hoodie. Woolen knit choli under a choir boy cape, front tie-up pants, boxy printed coat, over-lapping waist cropped pants, loose square kurta and a draw string gathered pleated skirt, were some of the interesting construction techniques that emerged on stage. To end the show Debashri brought in the knitted one-shoulder cover, a printed poncho and a one-shoulder long sleeve creation.

Divya Sheth

‘Ajrakh Jo Galicho’ by Divya Sheth- Divya Sheth was inspired by tea tables with Ajrakh prints. For the fashion week, Divya once again worked with Ajrakh for a collection called ‘Ajrakh Jo Galicho’ (Carpet of Ajrakh). Highlighting health conscious festive wear for spiritual souls, Divya had natural dyed Ajrakh with experimental Kalamkari, which was hand printed/painted and turned these two crafts into couture offerings.

Divya Sheth

Indian hues lit up the ramp as haldi and kesari, and mehendi sindoor, were created with pure turmeric, henna, madder flower and indigo. Adding Uzbek ikat, large doses of gotta, quilling, raffia tassels and safety pins, the winter collection of carpet dresses, scarves and draped garments were a visual delight to behold.

Divya Sheth

Colours were muted shades of khaki, brown, chutney and teal. The military like dress with raffia tassels, the wrap jumpsuit with woven shrug and the column creation with long sleeve tasseled bolero fitted into the theme perfectly. The multi fabric draped maxi added a feminine touch to the line, while the trio of indigo satin gowns with intricate embroidery on the sleeves and bodice, offered a more formal option. Dhoti pants were visible under long kameez and jacket, while the final khaki lehenga and printed kurta-coat with pleated 3D fan appliqués was a perfect answer to semi formal wear.

Sayantan Sarkar

‘Live and Let Live’ by Sayantan Sarkar– The Kokeshi dolls of Northern Japan set Sayantan Sarkar on a fashionable journey for his collection aimed at men and women at the fashion week. Merging cultures with traditional techniques, Sayantan called the collection ‘Live and Let Live’ and revived the popular doll motifs with shibori dyeing and added it to jamdani weaves and Indian block prints. These he cleverly highlighted with zardosi embroidery adding an Indian touch to the cotton mul, linen and jamdani that gave form and structure to the garments.

Sayantan Sarkar

The layered silhouettes had a trendy appeal as wide pants, asymmetric tops, and long skirts with cropped jackets or gilets, fitted trousers, fluid tunics and dresses created a colourful mélange of garments on the ramp with a hint of Samurai inspiration. Intricate construction was the hallmark of the men and women’s creations with the doll print appearing regularly in varying sizes. Knee-length jacket over a printed dress had striking appliqués on the shoulders, while kurtas had the addition of prints and colour blocking.

Sayantan Sarkar

Pleated long skirt looked good when teamed with jacket and tiny shrug. The asymmetric skirt, blouse and crossover waistcoat, and a four piece layered entry of skirt/tunic/shirt/waistcoat offered a multiple wardrobe option. Men’s wear had fitted short jackets, a colourful paneled shirt and a boldly printed layered jacket, which kept the theme intact. Shades of indigo, charcoal grey, tangerine orange and ecru along with sunflower yellow gave a fresh angle to the ensembles.