The Surrealistic Designer

Chhaya Mehrotra

There is something very strikingly beautiful about Chhaya Mehrotra’s simplicity in designs. Modern silhouettes, subtle color palette and almost-bewildered cuts make her clothes perfect for Indian women. She shares a slice of her beautiful journey with The Lifestyle Potpourri…

How do you start your day?

The first thing I do is switch off the alarm and get that extra 15 minutes of sleep! After waking up, I glance through the newspaper with a morning cuppa of green tea and spend some time with the kids before we finish breakfast and pack for the day at factory. Breakfast is the time where, me and my husband plan out the entire day.

What shaped your outlook as a designer during your formative days?

My origins are rooted in Banaras and the variety of exposure I had across all platforms in the domestic textile industry right after NIFT molded my creative realm as a designer—from hand block printing to digital printing, hand embroidery to computerized embroidery, and designing for ethnic wedding wear to designing furnishing fabrics for Heimtextil, or high-end fashion fabrics for Texworld Paris; I knew my biggest strength lies in versatility. I take my education and experiences as the alphabet…what I write with it depends on my mood and requirement!

Chhaya Mehrotra

What inspires you to create newer designs?

Inspiration could be from almost anything. It could be a faint memory of childhood or a poem that I wrote. Sometimes it’s a place or a craft, and sometimes it could be a conversation with a kid or a friend. But inspiration isn’t enough to keep you going; it’s the instant mood lift you get when you see a sketch perfectly turned out into a garment—that excites me to create newer designs more than anything else.

Tell us an anecdote that has been consequential in your journey as a designer…

We had shifted to Noida from Banaras mainly because of family business. I just started with three tailors for my label and did exhibitions often; I was doing decent business. However, one day a long-lost family friend walks into our factory for some work and instead looks at my collection and threw a barrage of questions at me—“Why don’t you participate in fashion weeks?” and etc… On that guest’s insistence we applied and got the required membership; this was 2011. Looking at how our label is positioned now, you bet this anecdote was consequential!

Chhaya Mehrotra

Who is your favourite designer and why?

How can you pick one when it’s a sea of stunning work out there!
Amongst international designers I like Stella McCartney and Ted Baker’s creations—their sense of colour palette is very intense. Amongst Indian designers, A&T and Rajesh Pratap Singh are my favorites for their perfect approach to minimalism; Ritu Kumar inspires me for her timeless appeal to every piece of clothing; whereas Sabyasachi has touched my heart with the grandeur of detailing in his work; I also admire Rahul Mishra for the magic he created with wool, and Rajdeep Ranawat for the perfection he can bring to any cloth with a riot of colours. Lastly, I am very fond of Raw Mango and Anavila because their simple work can exude a whole lot of beauty!

Five must-haves in a woman’s wardrobe…

A handloom saree, crisp white shirt, pair of blue denims, nice perfume and an all-purpose shift dress

Shimmer and Shine this New Year

Schon by Sakshee Pradhan

New Year parties are some of the most stylish events of the year. And this season, I’d say, redefine your style mantra with a dash of glitter in your wardrobe. Golden and shimmer is the order of the day and designer Sakshee Pradhan has nailed the trend right.

Schon by Sakshee Pradhan

Starting from dresses, shoes and accessories, to makeup—the whole idea is to flaunt the glitter code this season. Sakshee Pradhan’s label, Schon brings forth glitzy outfits to take care of your wardrobe woos. Her collection includes sequin dresses, shorts and skirts, which will make heads turn at any party.

Schon by Sakshee Pradhan

Commenting on the same, Sakshee says “I’ve designed few sequins outfits to look our best during the celebrations. Sequins can easily draw all attention on you as there is something about sequins that magically creates a New Year full of glamour and happiness.”

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.

Wedding Fashion Guide by Monika Pal Sood, Co-founder, Youshine

White and Gold Look by Youshine

Look #1: White and Gold Look

Pearl Paradise Head Band: The girl of today is sporting femininity like the bygone Grecian and Indian mythological era. Back to the roots, this gold head chain is made of faux pearls joint to each other with gold links to cover the entire head in three strings.

Bunch Of Bling Ring: A multi-chain dual ring to let you strike bling at its par! A unique jewel adornment is meant for your fingers to give them optimum fullness and fancy. Two engraved rings in gold finish are connected with a bunch of chain strings to make you stand out in the crowd.

Textures and Trinkets Gold Envelope Clutch: Sport it, hang it around your wrist and be the trendsetter. This textured finish peach envelope clutch is made of finely embossed faux leather and is further enhanced with gold frame edging and trinket enhancements.

Traditional Red and Gold Look by Youshine

Look #2: Traditional Red n Gold Look

Wishful Wine Drop Earrings: The deadly charm of oxblood red is here to drag you in its pool of fantasy. These drop earrings in high-gloss gold finish are encrusted with bold wine emerald cut stones stung over delicate gold shackles studded with clear diamante.

Strings Of Surprise Peach Chain Necklace: Revive classic trends with new twists! This multi-string long necklace with peach and gold metallic chains adds subtle charm to your vibrant winter wardrobe.

Blue Wedding Tales by Youshine

Look #3: Blue Wedding Tales

Linked To Pride Blue Dangler Earrings: Opaque stones are ruling this accessory season and when added with a hint of bling, they spell sheer charm. These dangler earrings in junk finish are studded with stones in various cuts, shade and finishes of blue along with marquise shape prominent indigo beads.

Black and Gold Look by Youshine

Look #4: Black n Gold Look

Angelic Aura Black Drop Earrings: Play drop-dead-gorgeous with these drop earrings in the shape of textured fairy wings with high-gloss gold finish and black enameling.

Sheer Nostalgia Black Box Clutch: Let your prized possession whisper through this see-through gold frame box clutch in mocha brown made of translucent brown PVC and a gold snap fastener closure. With an added gold sling chain, you can either clutch it or sling it but surely going to flaunt it.

Lord Of Rings Gold Cuff: Lead the style fiesta with this broad cuff in glossy gold finish made up of rings and stripes pattern.

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!

Bedroom guide for a newlywed couple by H5 Design

Brain Thompson (H5 Design)

Space solutions:

The most common problem faced is: ‘There is not enough space!’ Multiple requirements such as bed, lounge, study, storage, dressing and bathroom have to be accommodated in the same space. With proper planning, maximizing space utilization, dedicated function allotment and using modular fittings to your advantage, one can create enough space. For instance, use a queen size bed instead of a king size. Opt for wider side tables for better storage and circulation space. Accommodate a chest of drawers in the room. It can go a long way on saving storage space for shoes and bed linens. Take advantage of wall height and accommodate shelving systems. They can take load of books, decorative artworks and trinkets. Combine the wardrobe and bathroom. Excessive walls take on space and create more hassle than utility in small spaces. Use sliding shutters for wardrobes as they reduce circulation space required and provide more spacious wardrobes that can be wider than usual. Glass shower enclosures are more practical, space and water saving than bath tubs. They can be as small as 30 square inches in size. Large mirrors in the bathroom can give the illusion of space and be highly utilitarian.

Jan Showers (H5 Design)

Colour therapy:

Often, new couples find it hard to agree on a colour as women naturally tend to opt for warmer, earthen colours and men prefer cool colours on a palette of grey-black. Choose a neutral base palette to later add colour with accessories of your choice. Use light pastel shades of any colour. They are not too dominating yet add warmth and cool feeling at the same time. Avoid blaring loud colours like red or shocking pink. These can be added in moderation with accessories or furnishings on a neutral colour palette as well. Beiges, browns and wood shade teamed with white or cream is the most popular and subtle colour combination for master bedrooms of all ages. Pale blue, aqua, peach, lavender, ocean green, corn yellow can be a few good colours for a newlywed’s room.

Kelly Wearstler (H5 Design)

Lighting affair:

Lighting is the most crucial yet often a neglected aspect of design. With the right layers, function and mood lighting can be achieved easily. Nothing beats natural light. Sunlight helps refresh the room and is also good for mental well being of the individuals. Invest in a dimmer for setting light at the right intensity for every mood. It also helps with energy saving. Decorative lighting in the form of lamps, wall lights and chandeliers can add an unexpected texture in the ambience.

Being Human Clothing Brings Sexy Back

Being Human Clothing Autumn/Winter 2014 collection

Being Human Clothing has made its mark in the retail fashion industry with its unbeatable collection and styles that caters to both men and women. Taking a step further, the brand has launched its premier collection of trendy and chic dresses for women in their Autumn/Winter 2014 collection.

Being Human Clothing Autumn/Winter 2014 collection

The collection showcases casual to formal dresses made using vibrant colours, comfortable fabrics and various prints that add the much needed spice to the wardrobe.

Being Human Clothing Autumn/Winter 2014 collection

One can enjoy the freedom of choosing dresses for various occasions. Whether you are a collegian or a working professional, the collection will only add oomph to your style. Being Human Clothing has incorporated different fabrics ranging from cotton, denims, polyester, and viscose.

Being Human Clothing Autumn/Winter 2014 collection

Pair up these dresses with contrasting scarves, metallic belts, knitted sweaters, cardigans, tights or boots and you are ready to enjoy winter with fashionable dresses. From casual cotton dresses to rugged denim dresses – Being Human has it all. Being Human has a vast portfolio for women ranging from denims, chinos, shirts, t-shirts, polos, skirts, hot shorts, hoodies and tracks.

Floral prints with a twist—Sneha Arora

Sneha Arora for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Designer, Sneha Arora showcased a beautiful line of clothes, perfect for a formal/semi-formal Spring/Summer work wardrobe. A modish and brazen alternative to a rather plain, black blazer/skirt or pant ensemble, this collection speaks volumes about her design sensibilities.

Sneha Arora for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Her collection brings forth a stunning portrayal of androgyny. But, in the true spirit of Spring/Summer, she infused elements of femininity perfectly. Silhouettes ranged from solid linen blazers to cotton printed dresses, and airy silk dresses in linen to organza shirts.

Sneha Arora for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

The colour palette flaunted dreary creams, dirty pinks, dull mints, mellow yellows and forest greens. And the tale of prints took the collection to a whole new level; think of coke bottle with a floral stick, bulb with plants and trees with falling petals.

Shehla Khan for Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014

Shehla Khan with Showstopper Shruti Hassan

There was romance, glamour and ethereal creations on the ramp when Shehla Khan presented her ‘Nouveau Victorian’ fashion symphony under her label ‘Shehlaa’ at the fashion week. Bollywood actor, Shruti Hasan walked with great style down the ramp, modeling an angelic pink lehenga with a micro choli.

Shehla Khan

Showcasing her concept of new Victorian fashion with inspirations from the Edwardian period, Shehla portrayed the great romance, passion and emotion of that regal era in her creations. Soft delicate hues had strong floral overtones. Lush fabrics like, tulle, silk and lace were splashed with ornate embroidery and adornments.

Shehla Khan

The silhouettes were a stylish mix of lehengas and dresses, which have been Shehla’s forté, while intricate detailing had turned her ensembles into timeless outfits. Opening the show with an amethyst net intricately embroidered mini, the show progressed to an off-shoulder net sequined mini-cum-gown. Soon a variety of sexy blouses in pretty pastels were teamed with long graceful lehengas.

Shehla Khan

A will-power drop-waist gown and another in old rose with a pale pink skirt, a mini with a maxi skirt around it were perfect evening glamour wear. The lattice work bolero and the various gypsy-style blouses with shimmering long skirts were ideal bridal trousseau options. For a wardrobe collection that is a great mix of romance from the Victorian times, mingled cleverly with contemporary touches, Shehla Khan’s line was a stunning offering.

Organic fashion takes centre-stage at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014

Anavila with Showsopper Konkona Sen Sharma

‘Mohenjo Daro’ by Anavila Sindhu Mishra– Anavila Sindhu Mishra’s collection ‘Mohenjo Daro’ took the spectators back to an era of sheer magnificence at the fashion week. She brought back the various strands of life from a beautiful bygone time. Taking direction from various objects found at the excavation such as the culture, regional artifacts and the art remains, Anavila painted a beautiful visual picture for the collection. She was also inspired by her muse Konkona Sen Sharma, who portrayed this era gracefully.

Anavila

The major highlight of this compilation was the handiwork of treatments done on hand-woven textiles. The fabrics used were linen, cotton and silk, which were dominant at that time. Stitching techniques like extra weft weaving, block printing and ikat gave prominence to the Indus motifs. Over-dyeing and printing had also been used to create an aged, rustic look. Ajrak printing, featured at Mohenjo Daro, was an important aspect of the collection. The becoming creations had gorgeous colours like mehendi green, gold metallic sheens, off white, navy blues and rust reds.

Anavila

Other garments that stood out were the cutout sari with the rust/red blouse and garment detailing, which included line texturing in the form of embroidery and elephant prints along with a tan-belted sari that really brought out the visual appeal of the textile. To add to the ethnicity of the entire collection the accessories were made of beaten metal, terracotta and leather.

Purvi Doshi with Showstopper Sonal Chauhan

‘Chavi’ By Purvi Doshi- Purvi Joshi showcased her creative side at the fashion week by bringing in harmony between two cultures for her collection ‘Chavi’. Inspiration was drawn from the ever-famous African Aztec prints, which are trendy all over the world. Purvi converted these prints to turn them into a desi offering of glamorous fusion wear. This change from international to hometown material was created with brilliant merging of the prints into mirror embroidery with subtlety of Kutch and Gujarat beaming through.

Purvi Doshi

The garments looked melodious in sound hues of saffron, blue, chili red, green and white that effortlessly flowed into the silhouettes. The handwork on the garments was the reflection of a dying art of mirror work by the rural crafts-people who were struggling to keep this tradition afloat.

Purvi Doshi

This collection had maxis, saris paired with short kurtas along with flared blouses, tie and dye skirts as well as long kurtas with flared pants. This collection had variety of detailing like pleats, layering, gather and keyholes. It was colourful and eclectic just like its mirror work. Other enchanting ensembles were the anarkalis that were rich in blue and had colourful edging details. Rajasthani bangles were also a major statement making accessory style that was adopted to complete the collection. Sonal Chauhan was the showstopper for her collection.

Sashikant Naidu and Showstopper Shreya Saran

‘Separe’ by Sashikant Naidu– Sashikant Naidu brought the limelight onto 21st century women with his collection ‘Separe’, which is French for ‘Separates’ at the fashion week. The underlying idea was to create separate pieces that would look divine with already possessed items in every lady’s wardrobe.

Sashikant Naidu

A wide range of dresses, jackets, skirts, scarves, stoles to dupattas, lehengas, saris and blouses was the essence of the collection. The brilliance of a collection such as this would only stand out by using silks, Dupion, fletcher, ikat and khadi along with crepes. The look commenced with light, layered and textured outfits, all made in khadi with embellishments such as handmade accessories and tribal jewellery to bring out the rawness of idea.

Sashikant Naidu

Hues like metallic grey, flower prints, lime green, emerald green and rust reds had exquisite detailing like pom-poms and pleats. Majority of the colours of this compilation were in shades of red, green and blue dawned on silhouettes like body-fitted maxi dress, sleeveless high low cardigan, sequined edged kurtas and asymmetrical handkerchief maxi skirts. Another ensemble that stood out was the midi dress, which was layered with box pleats and had long flared sleeves. A technique of hand painting was used with only eco-friendly paints and was contemporary for the style and silhouettes of the collection. Adding just a hint of shimmer in the embroidery, Sashikant ensured that the artisans incorporated the temples of South India and embodied nature in the designs. Bollywood star Shriya Saran was in a polished emerald green blouse with a red sari along with exaggerated nose jewellery, which was a perfect ending to the radiant collection.