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.

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).

‘Kalahari’ by Nachiket Barve—Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Nachiket Barve for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

‘Kalahari’ by Nachiket Barve is inspired by the austere, enormous, uninviting yet absolutely beautiful Kalahari and Namib deserts of Africa. His Spring/Summer 2015 collection at Wills India Fashion Week showcased checked fabrics of the Maasai tribe and beaded corsets of Dinka men in colour palettes replicating hues of the sand, sky and desert sun.

Nachiket Barve for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

The line of clothes scrounged streaks of influences from Africa but not in a ‘typical’ tribal manner. In fact, the silver jewellery of the Tuareg people has been reinterpreted in frail beading; the beaded corsets of the Dinka men have been deciphered to wooden beaded embroidery on dresses and the neck pieces and checked fabrics of the Maasai also instilled stark influences on part of the collection.

Nachiket Barve for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

The fabrics incorporated were shiny satin, jute, heavy silk crêpe, kota, tulle, chiffon, georgette, organza, chanderi, washed dupion, raw silk and tussar silk. Neutral backdrop often gave way to tonal embroidery and unusual motif placements took charge of the runway.

Nachiket Barve for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

The silhouettes presented were front slit skirts, slashing, mid-calf length, palazzos, zippers, cutouts, safari shirts, transparency and draping.

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.

Anushree Reddy for Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014

Anushree Reddy with Showstopper Nargis Fakhri

Since her debut at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2013, Anushree Reddy has made great strides in the fashion world. Her collection ‘Portobello – The Indian Chapter’ at the Winter/Festive fashion week had a vintage spin on age-old floral prints but with an innovative fashionable twist for her heavily embroidered garments.

Anushree Reddy

Inspired by Portobello Road, the collection had the elements reminiscent of old British charm with an emphasis on rose and vintage newspaper prints. It was a flirty, sensuous, collection with ornate handwork that had a touch of ‘je ne sais quoi’.

Anushree Reddy

Adding shades of dull and rose pink, sea green, beige and lavender, the rich fabrics like satin, tulle, chiffon, raw silk and organza added to the grandeur of the opulent wedding wear. Prints were part of the very glittering formal line as newsprints, flowers, flying birds and measure tape borders for dupattas and saris added an unconventional touch.

Nargis Fakhri in Anushree Reddy

The glittering silver embellishments appeared as splashes on the lehengas, gowns, cholis and dupattas, while broad borders added grace to the creations. Beautiful Bollywood star Nargis Fakhri looked stunning in a pink printed net lehenga, silver choli and pale green tulle dupatta as she ended the show.