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

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).

Karlito Limited Edition Capsule Collection

Karlito Capsule Collection

With his fun, coloured fur crest, Karlito lands now for the first time on FENDI ready-to-wear and accessories, after making his debut on Fall/Winter 2014-2015 fashion show catwalk of the Roman Maison. Now he’s back with an exclusive limited edition, eye-catching capsule collection which is both ironic and sophisticated, fusing fur with denim and sportswear in a playful yet luxurious way.

Karlito Capsule Collection

The range of products features black and white sweatshirts, cool jeans, a shawl, sneakers, a fur hat, a shopping bag, a studded backpack, a fun I-phone covers, and lastly, Karlito and mini Karlito. Each piece features an iconic flourish of fur across both the body and crest in vibrant colours ranging from fuchsia to turquoise.

Karlito Capsule Collection

Karlito is the popular Karl Lagerfeld fur FENDI charm, creating an upbeat homage from FENDI to its Ready-to-Wear and Fur Creative Director. The ultimate representation of FENDI’s creativity, Karlito and mini Karlito charms are dressed in Karl Lagerfeld’s iconic outfit with black mink sunglasses, a black tie in leather and white shirt, with silver fox body. The crest is a fun touch in kiddasia fur, with stunning variations of fuchsia, orange, turquoise and green, for every taste.

Entice’s stint at Baselworld 2015

Entice Yellow & white diamond Y-shape necklace

For the tenth year in a row, Entice (Hong Kong), fine jewellery brand by the century old KGK group, participated in Baselworld 2015 with their exclusive booth at B 23 in Hall no. 3.1. Entice showcased its mesmerizing range of trendsetting diamond jewellery from its latest collections. Breathtaking necklaces exuding grandeur, flexible white and yellow gold bracelets studded with white and yellow diamonds in beautiful geometrical patterns, long diamond earrings with intricate detailing, spectacular emerald ring, exquisite combinations of different unique shapes of diamonds like pear, round, rose cut, baguette and more, set in white and yellow gold complimenting unique designs.

Entice cocktail ring with oval emerald center and surrounding marquise diamonds

The Jewellery displayed is now available at Entice Hong Kong exclusively and would come to India later this year. Each piece at Entice has been handcrafted to precision by an expert team of international designers at Entice’s state-of-the-art -manufacturing unit in Hong Kong. Each bauble is unique in its own and exudes opulence, making it a prized possession for the possessor. The uniqueness of Entice jewellery lies in its unprecedented grace and trendsetting flair, which is synonymous with the brand’s commitment to create the best!

Entice Yellow & white diamond drop earrings

Present at the Baselworld 2015, Mr. Sanjay Kothari, Vice Chairman – KGK Group of Companies said, “It’s an honour for the brand to be associated with Baselworld, the biggest jewellery fair in the world. For many years we have been showcasing our finest of the work at this platform and maintain the legacy, this year as well, we have showcased the most premium and best of designs from Entice’s pandora of excellence.”

Creatively, Sensually and Visually Satisfying

Rajesh Pratap Singh for Amazon India Fashion Week, Autumn/Winter 2015

Veteran fashion designer and my favourite, Rajesh Pratap Singh commenced the Amazon India Fashion Week, Autumn/Winter 2015 on a rather unpredictable yet jaw-dropping note. The ramp saw a whole bunch of creative mélange—hospital-like setup, wherein beds with crisp white sheets were lined up neatly, along with saline stands on each side. As the lights dimmed, the saline bottles sparkled with small bulbs and Indi-rock music with hints of grunge genre played aloud as models walked flaunting theatrical gestures in black and white outfits.

Rajesh Pratap Singh for Amazon India Fashion Week, Autumn/Winter 2015

Structured and clinical, Rajesh Pratap Singh’s Autumn/Winter 2015 collection celebrates life’s true stage and its characters.   In this space, life is black and white with some indigo thrown in. Life is graphic here and it has its own beauty.

Rajesh Pratap Singh for Amazon India Fashion Week, Autumn/Winter 2015

Dissected and reconstructed surfaces using the brand’s signature hand-seam detailing have been extensively used in the collection. Hand-sewn garments in leather and wool using suture seam and its derivatives are utilised for the first time in garmenting.

Rajesh Pratap Singh for Amazon India Fashion Week, Autumn/Winter 2015

Stark surface textures and colour blocking are coordinated with footwear, where architecture is not your Achilles heel. Fabric experimentation takes the form of structured wool weaves in natural indigo and not so natural black. The romance with Ikkat still continues. This collection can be perceived as a bitter sweet pill—as we all know, the best medicine is laughter.

Anita Dongre’s Contemporary Man!

Anita Dongre Man – The Summer of Linen 2015

Men, it’s time to push your sartorial boundaries as Anita Dongre is all set to bring in an evolved fusion of fashionable elements and classic couture, with her Summer 2015 Man collection. This summer is a summer like no other. Anita Dongre spotlights linen like never before in a summer festival that will make discerning men shed their collars and carry cool prints as they make hot fashion statements.

Anita Dongre Man – The Summer of Linen 2015

Delivering a sharp impact this season is the effortlessly versatile collarless shirt. Men now don’t need to carry their success on their sleeve anymore. This concept shirt crafted from the finest linen 60 Li refuses to knot up men who are too raw to be blue collar workers and too good to be white collar. It smoothly transforms and confidently empowers men of today to be natural leaders without mirroring their western counterparts.

Anita Dongre Man – The Summer of Linen 2015

Continuing the spree of inimitable wear are linen shirts and trousers in vintage postcard prints. Men never had it so good because menswear in India has been traditionally safe and monotonous. Anita Dongre, with her distinctive styles dictates fashion notes, freeing men from being slave to restricted old fashioned looks. Perfectly crafted jackets in dusty colours and weathered tones of orange, red, light copper, storm blue and saffron are a breeze. Be it a brunch, a stroll on the deck or an afternoon at the derby, linen flows in pure comfort in a canvas of colours and textures this summer; carrying the signature stamp of Anita Dongre’s sartorial style.

Anita Dongre Man – The Summer of Linen 2015

Ride the cool wave this season as you breathe a new life into both your formal and off-duty looks with the Anita Dongre ‘Summer of Linen’ collection!

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.

Three Graces Spa: A Rejuvenation Haven

photo courtesy: flickr.com

Just before my D-Day, I finally got one Sunday afternoon just for myself. And thus, I decided to set the self-pampering mode on. I visited the Three Graces Spa at Vasant Kunj, New Delhi for a pre-bridal session; to be precise I opted for a gold SPA package, wherein I experienced a body massage and wrap with sparkling gold-dust based body cream.

Three Graces SPA

Whenever, I visit a SPA, the first thing I notice is the hygiene bit; this SPA surprised me pleasantly, when I noticed, even the hair combs were sterilized. Every room had a shower space with inbuilt sauna. Body lotion, shower gel, conditioner were kept nicely in order. Towels and bathrobe were pristine white and freshly laundry-picked. Also, the entire aura of the therapy room had something very soothing about it.

Three Graces SPA

My masseur, Shiny Malhotra, escorted me to my therapy room; she started with a foot ritual wherein I dipped my feet in lukewarm water placed in a vintage-looking copper vessel. I was asked to close my eyes and relax, as she chanted a Sanskrit mantra as part of their rejuvenation journey. Two minutes of humming and I could already feel the stress drifting apart from my body. Before the procedure started, I was asked to take shower followed by 10 minutes of sauna—this will open up the pores of my body so that the cream penetrates in the deepest layers of my skin.

Three Graces SPA

The message and wrap comprised of almost 75 minutes. My masseur had magical hands; I felt like she was responding to my body and trust me, I hadn’t uttered a word. She somehow, knew that I had stiff shoulders and a lower back problem and she took care of all that in silence. I was relaxed and content from the bottom of my heart. Post my session, I realized, I must have dozed off in-between—Shiny was that good! The best part about this therapy was that she explained to me step-by-step, how beneficial this will be for me, especially for my wedding day. It’s been 10 days since then and I still have a golden-hued glow all over me. I would recommend this SPA to every bride-to-be. I can vouch for the fact that in the end, you will be all smiles!

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.