Kavita’s potpourri of colours and textures

Kavita Bhartia:  Driven by her fondness for craft, designer Kavita Bhartia brought on the fashion runway a collection that embraced delicate fabric, traditional embroideries, along with some attention-grabbing prints, on Day 2 of WIFW Autumn/Winter 2011.

The show that opened with an enthralling dance sequence, offered a wide variety on the colour palette – from black to shades of brown teamed with flamboyant hues like yellow, green and pink, to the subdued beige with a vintage feel.

"This collection is very much wearable, and it's for all seasons. The colour palette will appeal to everyone and the outfits are both Indian and Western for buyers across borders. You see a lot of elegant creations, tribal-inspired work, and also Indian elements like saris and lehengas," said Bhartia talking about her range.

The creations comprised fabrics like silk, net, chiffon and cotton. The garments predominantly included harem pants, cocktail dresses, saris, salwar kameez and dhoti pants that were artistically accessorised with embroidered clutches, chunky bangles and hooped earrings.

The lycra-based sheer leggings with interesting digital prints on them remained the most noticeable element through the show.

am:pm by Ankur & Priyanka Modi: Designer duo Ankur and Priyanka Modi set out to redefine sensuality as they presented a collection that was a pleasant episode of colours. "Our collection is named the Portebello Affair. It's a street in London which sells vintage stuff," said Priyanka after the show.

The creations mainly included silk, velvet and other luxurious fabrics with minimal embroidery. Orange overlap dresses embroidered on one side and well-crafted boleros with circular lapel collars made a bold statement. Also, the inclusion of see-through layers made for one of the most sensuous aspects of the range.

Save And Share :

Toe rings, a fashion must-have!

 Time was when only married Indian women would wear them. But now 'bichchiyas' or traditional toe rings have become a fashion accessory for city girls. Available in plastic as well as metal, they are being flaunted on feet clad in sandals and flip-flops.

"Toe rings were a traditional ornament for married women. But gradually, their visibility started decreasing. Now they are booming back and the demand has doubled in the past five years," said Mayank Goyal, owner of a silver shop at Janpath in central Delhi.

As the social sentiment attached with toe rings seems to be fading in cities, the designs too are undergoing a sea change. The market is flooded with imprinted designs and multi-coloured stonework toe rings.

Single coloured and thin bands in plastic and metal are also available. Even the traditional silver toe rings are a major craze among young girls.

"The young generation has a mixed style of dressing; so the designs of the product are also made in a way that it gels with their taste," Goyal added.

Brajesh Kumar, a roadside accessory vendor in a popular south Delhi market, said: "The tradition of wearing toe rings still carries tremendous social significance in India. In many traditional families these are very much a part of the bride's trousseau. But with time, designs and patterns of toe rings have changed."

Kanika Mehta, 22, says when she flaunted a colourful toe ring, her aunt taunted: "Only married women are supposed to wear these".

But Mehta doesn't care. "I was honestly irritated with the comment. I wear it because it is very popular in college and it looks very cool with open sandals and flip flops. My mother has no objections, so I wear them and like to match them with my clothes or footwear."

Like her, many girls are spending generously to have a good collection of toe rings.

Poorvi Aswani, a first year student of Delhi University, feels these are an extension of one's personality.

"Toe rings are funky and cool. They are add-ons to your attitude and personality. The best part is they are available in many varieties that I can sport them with different kinds of clothes - be it Western or Indian. And moreover they are easily affordable," she said.

From what used to be sold by a local vendor for Rs.30 a few years ago, toe rings could now cost as much as Rs.250.

"Our starting range is Rs.100 for a single toe ring and the price goes up to Rs.225 for a pair or above for the fancier range," said Girish Malik, an owner of an accessory shop at Janpath.

In case you want to indulge in gold and diamond toe rings, it can burn a hole in your pocket.

Foreigners too are lapping them up.

"Toe rings are a big hit among youngsters as the maximum number of customers that we receive are the young college going girls. But even the foreigners are crazy about them," said Goyal.

It is said that toe rings were introduced in the US by Marjorie Borell, who, after returning from India, began manufacturing and selling them in New York in 1973. She sold toe rings in silver, gold and diamond through retail chains like Bloomingdale's, but moved on to a different profession thereafter.

However, the craze for the accessory has continued.

"We attend 8-10 customers in a week. Foreigners have a very strong liking for 'bichchiyas'. They buy them in bulk and are not very choosy while picking them up. For them, it is a very ethnic Indian thing," Malik added.

Save And Share :

Hems and haws at royal wedding

 Finally! The Gown and other guests to the British Royal wedding dissected

It's Sarah Burton!
Just in time for Catherine Middleton to step out of Queen Elizabeth's Rolls Royce, her best kept secret was out - the designer of her wedding dress. It was Sarah Burton who recently took over the reins of British design house Alexander McQueen. She was tipped to be one of the most favoured designers and was responsible for the Grace Kellyesque lace and silk creation. While classic and demure, it was a bit of let-down after all the hype and secrecy.

While fashion watchers expected the gown to be fluid and flowing, in keeping with Kate's personal style, the now Duchess of Cambridge went for flounce with a pleated trail. Keeping her shoulders covered demurely with lace, which extended to the bodice and then appeared on the base of the dress. Tiny silk buttons clasped the sleeves at the wrist. The soft veil was short and pinned in place with the 1936 Cartier Halo tiara, which Queen Elizabeth received as gift from her mother on her 18th birthday. The matching diamond earrings were a gift from her parents and held at the centre the acorn motif from their newly acquired coat of arms. In keeping with British royal tradition, her wedding band is crafted out of rare Welsh gold.

Eager to avoid oft-repeated wedding disaster, Kate insisted on doing her own make-up and did not veer away from her tried-andtested day look - a bit of blush, coral lips and slightly smoky eyes. She did go slightly overboard with the eye-brows.

Porkie sisters
Princess Beatrice's unfortunately maverick hat played a joke on her. Call it our Indian sensibilities, but frock after frock of indistinguishable wall paint colours had us yawning. The young royals had a chance to break the parade but instead Princess Beatrice wore fawn from head to toe, while Princess Eugenia's multicoloured lace, curiously stuffed hat (feathers, flower, a Gandhitopi and a bejewelled dragonfly) was eccentrically frumpy.

Someone tell her it's a wedding
With the freedom of owning her own label, you'd think Victoria would wear something less funereal. The navy sheath may have hidden her bump, but it was far too stark for a joyous occasion. Black Louboutins and black hat, and no smile. Victoria should have stayed at home and sulked.

Sister act
Steering away from tradition, Kate's sister and the maid of honour, Philippa Middleton, also wore a white Sarah Burton gown. The cowl-neck-column was accentuated with tiny buttons down the back, cap sleeves and lace trim at the neck. And that's where the good taste ended.

Save And Share :

Know the style jockeys

 Fashion that TV stars don enamours everyone. What they wear, from where they shop, how much they splurge on are some of the questions that cross our mind when we see VJs giving style a new connotation. So what exactly do they love as far as fashion goes?

VJ Rhea from MTV says, "I'm a very short dress person. I don't like anything close to the knee. I also love loads of hand accessories and like something long around the neck. On a regular basis I like wearing shorts, ganjis and jumpers. My colours are pinks, yellows, greens and purples. A frilly short pink skirt should do the best for me."

VJ Bani is known for avant garde accessories, hair styles and whatever she wears tends to make statements amongst the youth. She puts her style this way. "I hate sleeves. I'm a very shorts and sneakers person. I also love a lot of hair bands with bows and flowers. Fashion depends on what an individual can pull off well. I have these rings which I can't do without."

Some create trends, and some run away from them and VJ Jose definitely belongs to the latter group. Shocked at being quizzed about his style statement he says, "I get a lot of complaints from my friends and family and ex girlfriends who by the way have become ex for the same reason, that I have no style. I can wear the same thing for ages at a stretch. I think the oldest thing I had was a 3 years old tee shirt which my mom recently threw away."

VJ Manish from channel V says his style is simple and something that's comfortable. "I hate excessively tight clothes. Recently I splurged on Diesel Jeans worth Rs. 45000 and everyone screamed on me."

So what's the kind of style that's doing rounds amongst Channel V VJs? Andy is very stylish and particular about the way he looks. I also love his hair style. Juhi had this bubbly next door girl look. But in the last one year she has become very experimental with shorter hair and stylised dresses and that's going great with her. Lola has this fabulous Indian character. Her style is amazing and effortless.

VJ Andy says, "I draw my inspiration from big designers like Alexander McQueen. Whatever they project, I try to get that in what I wear. Even if it's a basic shirt, I like to give it a spin. My spin includes accessorizing it with hats, shoes, ties, earrings and neck chains."

So what's his shopping style? "I recently splurged on a pair of Jeremy Scott multi coloured holographic, limited edition shoe. The store had just one piece and fortunately that was my size. But I would have bought it even if it wasn't my size. To be stylish, you need to have the guts to endure the pain."

On the fashion front, Zoom boasts of many stylish anchors too and Urvashi Yadav is one of them. She says, "I think my stylish is very stylist because it's she who decides what I have to wear. My personal style is very comfortable and lounge stuff. I also like dresses but on a regular basis, I can't really wear the ones I wear in my show. For me watches are a must have."

Anchor Supreet Bedi says, "my personal style is an effortless mix and match that blends well yet stands as a whole. A little black skirt goes a long way for me. I would say, team it up with leggings and booths for that casual look or a fancy top and stilettos for the glam avatar. I recently splurged on a black Diesel wrap pants worth € 200 and I have no regrets."

That's the fashion that's grooving in the music channels; what's your pick?

Save And Share :

Want a sexy cleavage?

Before you launch a lobby and cry blue murder, pause to think. Maybe your assets don't get highlighted as you wear ill-fitting lingerie and clothes, or the style is all wrong. Your assets are just that therefore, here is the lowdown on what you should be doing:

Problem: The neckline of your top is an inverted 'U' and the wide straps press down on your breasts to make them appear uneven.
Solution: Wear a dress or top which has an underwired bra to boost your boobs.

Problem: Your breasts get lost in a loose, ill-fitting dress.
Solution: Go for halter-necks with pleating at the bust to add volume. Choose contrasting colours on the chest to create depth.

Problem: A tight corset dress or top makes it look as if your chest is about to burst right out.
Solution: Go for a slim strap dress with a V-neck as it is likely to support your full breasts better. This style will also show the right amount of cleavage.

Problem: In a low, off-the-shoulder neckline with stiff boning, your boobs will look squashed and saggy.
Solution: Wear an off-shoulder dress with a gathered neckline, as it will sit comfortably on your assets. This will make your twins appear more firm and voluptuous.

Problem: Those with full breasts should avoid strappy tight tops and dresses as the look will scream 'confined'.
Solution: Wear form-fitting clothes with structured cups to provide definition. And let the others say 'too much oomph!'

Problem: A tiny top may flatten your breasts and cause unsightly side spillage.
Solution: Wow with a strapless style dress that dips into the middle and cradles your boobs to lend the illusion of having a bigger size.

Save And Share :

Wear the same dress in 3 different ways

Designer duo Kapil and Monica share a few tips on how you can wear the same dress to a day event, a casual brunch or a formal evening.
Day Look
This outfit is a very versatile one as we can transform it from day to evening wear with complete ease and comfort. For the day wear, we suggest you keep it simple, and wear it with a well-cut jacket, giving you a very formal yet chic look. You could choose your jacket in earthy tones like beige or off whites for the same. Team it up with some pointed close toes and a formal bag, and keep your makeup light to get the perfect day look.

Brunch look
Since brunch is a more informal get together, you can add a little more fun to the outfit, even if you don't make any major changes to the color palette, and keep it the same. Wear some nice flats like tie-ups or moujaris. Also, you could wear a trendy sling bag and a pair of big glasses. Keep the makeup minimum, by giving your cheeks the nice winter pink blush and your lips a nude pink color to make yourself look natural with a touch of glam.

Evening look
You surely can play well with the garment for an evening look. Drop the jacket and show off those beautiful shoulders. Put on some strappy stilettoes and let your feet show. Along with this, put on a bling waist belt in a bright blue or fuchsia pink, and carry a clutch of similar shade. Keep the makeup minimum, by applying a lot of black mascara and give your lips the perfect pout, dorn a bright color to go well with your combination and you shall easily be the headturner for the evening.

Save And Share :

Back to future with digital, classic leggings

 Heavy digital patterns, ethnic and futuristic styles, flower motifs and shiny crystals -- designers at the just

Save And Share :

Vidya supported Sabyasachi at WIFW finale

It was a splendid tribute to contemporary and classic fashion at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week

Save And Share :

How Japan, Libya impact Delhi fashion

Even as Japan grapples with the combined impact of the tsunami and a nuclear disaster, Indian designers are worried about the consequences of the current global situation on their businesses.

Save And Share :

Get a piece of Bollywood!

Care for some Bollywood kitsch? Wear it on watches, t-shirts, or pep up your living room, says Anuradha Varma

Save And Share :

Ways to enhance your work wardrobe

 Fashion may not be your forte, but a single faux pas can really pull your work personality down. Here's how to steamroll over them...

Save And Share :

Try some feisty blouses!

It's wedding season and you've unearthed your mother's silks and chiffons. Re-vamp them with feisty blouses!

Save And Share :

What? Jamakkalam in fashion?

The humble jamakkalam plays a stellar role in Rehane's “Summer State of Mind” to be showcased at the

Save And Share :

Fashion forward

Four students of National Institute of Fashion Technology impressed many fashionistas with their unique

Save And Share :

The final countdown

 

The first batch of the Bachelor of Fashion Technology, St. Teresa's College, gets ready for its final show

Save And Share :

Manish redefines the classic Indian evening wear

The swelling crowd of spectators, the hushed wispers about a supposed showstopper and the media frenzy

Save And Share :

Shantanu & Nikhil turn on the pop glam

With an exquisite lineup of short numbers, hot pants, tube tops and drape sarees, designer duo Shantanu

Save And Share :

Day 2: From time travel to construction designs

Ritu Kumar:  A leaf out of a time traveller's diary, designer Ritu Kumar's collection on Day 2 of Wills

Save And Share :

Kavita’s potpourri of colours and textures

 Kavita Bhartia:  Driven by her fondness for craft, designer Kavita Bhartia brought on the fashion runway a

Save And Share :

A riot of pinks and greens for Charu Parashar

Charu Parashar:  Charu brought a lot of freshness to the ramp with her collection 'The Modernist' that mainly

Save And Share :