Fashion

No matter how intimidating it is to style print on print, it definitely sparks your inner Carrie Bradshaw! As designers venture into the space of unconventional prints on the runway, it eventually trickles down and is widely experimented by all fashion enthusiasts alike.   We take the liberty of narrowing down some of the most sought after #PrintOnPrint trends by taking cues from ensembles by popular designer labels Gulabo Jaipur, Kunal Anil Tanna, Ridhi Mehra, Sukriti & Aakriti, Vedika M and Zwaan.  Each of them is known for creating unique and timeless ensembles, where simplicity meets style.   PAIR WITH NEUTRAL TONES If your personal style leans more towards subtle and minimal, you can start by pairing your prints with neutral tones like whites or nudes. Whether it is a bright blue texture like Kunal Anil Tanna’s play on stripes or a mix of pastel block prints, like Vedika M’s spin on hand painted drapes, you’re sure to make a memorable style statement with these stunning visual textures!     LAYER IT UP! Amp up the dimension and vivacity of your ensemble by mixing conspicuous prints with layering. A zebra textured cape on a colour blocked ensemble, like Zwaan’s or a solid bandi on a densely textured co-ord set, by Kunal Anil Tanna, these can help add depth to an otherwise simple attire. And if you’re looking to go one step further, opt for a single print through all layers like Gulabo Jaipur or use contrast colours and prints like Vedika M.     TRUE TO TRADITION As long as you keep your accessories to a bare minimum, you can get extremely creative with your prints in traditional silhouettes. A prairie printed sari or a blend of pastel stripes on bell sleeves can redefine demure elegance like no other as seen in ensembles by Ridhi Mehra, Gulabo Jaipur and Vedika M.     COOL CO-ORDS While mixing prints is purely instinctive, there is also a different fascination around wearing the same print from head to toe. If you choose to go indie, you can go crazy mixing different textures. From big and bold to floral and dainty, experiment with prints in different silhouettes like angarakha kurtas, peplum tops, bishop sleeves and flare pants, as seen above by designers Sukriti & Aakriti and Ridhi Mehra.     SEXY SINGLETONS There’s nothing more sophisticated than donning a singleton with a striking print throughout the ensemble. Ideally, opt for flowy silhouettes that flatter your body while looking absolutely chic like Zwaan colour-blocked or striped textures or Ridhi Mehra’s Persian play on the classic anarkali.

“Our love affair with museums and art continues to inspire us. This time, it was a walk through the galleries of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Among several inspiring works, one made a deep impression, Dutch artist Jan Davidz de Heem’s Still Life with Flowers in a Glass Vase( 1650-1683 ). The detail and realism in this rather small painting is breath-taking. It made its way recently into our home on a magnified customized wallpaper and it’s the first thing we look at every morning with our first cup of coffee, our best part of the day.   It’s no coincidence then that it became the starting point of our design process for Autumn-Winter. We’ve worked our graphic sensibilities to make a collection cascading from florals to origami like geometric patterns on rich taffeta, silk velvets and organza. At the heart of every collection lies the texturization we like to give our textiles. We revived our intricate trapunto quilting and an army of scissor wielding hands have cut petals and discs, squares and trellises in fabric and metallic faux leather to create the surfaces that embellish the pieces.   The shapes are luxe-modern – off shoulder jumpsuits, voluminous winter coats, sportswear inspired sweatshirt dresses and tops, layered with transparent trenches and ruffled evening blouses – dark muted glam separates that can be styled uniquely.   We love our clothes to tell a story and for our collections to be universally wearable, and we hope to have done the same this season. From art, to heart, with soul. “     About Pankaj and Nidhi:   Pankaj graduated with top honors from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (N.I.F.T.). He won the Uma Nath Gold Medal for topping academics and the Ritu Kumar; Award for Best Graduating Collection 1995. He also won the first Smirnoff International Fashion Award in 1994.   After that, he worked with one of India’a leading designers as Head of Design for 10 years. During his tenure there, he met and married his colleague Nidhi, who is a bright and creative alumnus of N.I.F.T. She worked with one of India’s leading Export Firms, The Creative Group which designs & produces for some of the biggest labels in Europe.   In October 2010 they won the Grand First Prize at the International Apparel Federation’s International Fashion Award at the World Apparel Convention in Hong Kong. They were the winners of the iconic International Woolmark Prize, 2012, India.   In August 2012 the husband and wife duo was chosen as Grand Finale designers, a first for one of India’s younger talents, for Lakme Fashion Week where their collection was received with a standing ovation. They have been honored with several Elle Style Awards, the most recent and most prestigious of which was Elle Designer of the Year 2012. The others have been Elle Shape Shifters for 2011, Elle Best Women’s Prêt-a-porter in 2009 and Elle Best Debutant Designer in 2008.     Address: Shop No. 1, Turning Point Building, 16th Road,, Khar West, Mumbai 33, Altamount Rd, Tardeo, Mumbai, DLF Emporio, Delhi   Kila, Seven Style Mile, Mehrauli, New Delhi,   Instagram: @pankajandnidhi Facebook: Pankaj and Nidhi   For More Information: Varun Pratap varun@quirkindia.com 9999405770   Rushil Kapoor rushil@quirkindia.com 9958670413

Welcome to Elianna Bridal – Seattle Bridal Hair and Makeup   An award-winning formal hair design and versatile makeup artistry team for special events and Seattle bridal hair and makeup.   Elianna Bridal created by an exceptionally talented duo Arianna (Makeup Artist) & Elisha (Hair Stylist), based in Seattle, USA, offers makeup and hair design services for brides and bridal parties, engagements, receptions, photo shoots, pre-wedding events and more.   On your wedding day, Arianna and Elisha will arrive at your chosen location, allowing plenty of time to doll you up and ensure you look picture perfect.  They will also give professional advice on how to maintain your wedding look so you feel confident and look beautiful all day long! Their focus is to provide outstanding services paired with exceptional customer service, making you feel well pampered.   Although they are based in Seattle, they do love to travel! They are available for destination weddings, They have serviced clients in Georgia, Connecticut, Tennessee, New Delhi, Oregon, Mexico and look forward to adding your destination to their list!   They can be reached at www.eliannabridal.com   Instagram.com/eliannabridal   Here’s the glimpse of outstanding work by the team for the forthcoming wedding season

Charu Parashar is pleased to announce the launch of its new collection AW 19 “AVANTA GARDISTE”,  she derived  her collection inspiration from the “Chintz” floral Calico textiles of 19th Century, taken this concept cleverly and transformed it totally on a deep luxurious background  of colours and created a stunning AW’ 19 look. The collection features age old techniques of hand embroideries and Indian handlooms fabrics to create s stunning prêt and diffusion look, with this print of Floral and Chintz she is re-inventing the old silhouettes to create a new look has been the endeavour behind this collection. The main colours in the overall theme are navy blue, red and sea green.   Brand is known for its nature inspired designs collections and brand stands for high quality of craftsmanship and innovation of Indian ethnic luxury. She is a prolific fashion creator extending her influences and aesthetics into Pret and couture clothing, her team work tirelessly to create trend setting collection keeping the Indian sensibility in mind yet giving a global feel. Brand label has been well accepted globally presence in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and internationally London, Hong Kong, Dubai, Los Angeles, Dallas, New York   With this collection this brand is continuing their work towards a more sustainable fashion future and closing a loop of fashion through which Charu wants to keep the old art and techniques of block printing alive. The collection are all made with more sustainable fabric such as Khadi Silk, Raw Silk, Satin Silk, Silk Velvet, Georgettes, Organza, brand offering covers a range of clothes including Indian Waistcoats, Drape Dhoti’s, Jackets, Skirts, Capes, the collection offers a fine balance between the simple styles with few details, in which the colours like navy blue, red and sea green alone create the expression and other well- known styles that are rich details.   This year she is also showcasing her first ever menswear looks, where street wear & street couture for men will be showcased.  

Diverse in design and eclectic in taste. Sukriti&Aakriti, the label is an endeavor undertaken by Creative Heads, Sukriti Grover and Aakriti Grover. The label from the start has adopted sustainability and eco-consciousness in their collections. While there is still a common notion that luxury is about extravagance, we started off creating festive wear in sustainable fabric to bring about the practice that conscious fashion is more luxurious. We stick to relaxed silhouettes thus these styles are a true depiction of runway to reality, the point is to bring comfort to the runway which people can wear in their daily lives.   sketch 1.jpg This season we are inspired by. Phulkari, which literally translates to ‘flower work’, it is a unique style or technique of embroidery particular to Punjab. However, more than just a handicraft, the threads of Phulkari are inextricably tied to the history of Punjab. Phulkari has a traditional significance and is worn to celebrate a wedding or a joyous occasion. This vivid style undergoes a revival in our latest collection. This textile art, so vibrant and playful and sets perfectly in our contemporary modern Indian wear silhouettes. While phulkari is deeply entrenched in the cultural fabric of Punjab, it can be translated into a contemporary wardrobe with ease.   sketch 2.jpg sketch 3.jpg “While luxury is admired with the idea of extravagance, we believe that conscious fashion is more luxurious and have strived to translate this notion of sustainability into our collection. Neo-Phulkari is a unique spin on the vibrant handicraft and encapsulates regality in the form of relaxed silhouettes that can be taken from runway to reality and are more wearable.”   sketch 4.jpgsketch 7.jpg Reviving, restoring, and celebrating the craft in a contemporary way is needed to push phulkari out of Punjab for a wider appeal. We revive Phulkari in a contemporary way this season using organic gota and naturally dyed gota !

LOOK DROP DEAD GORGEOUS IN APSARA!   As the wedding season is around the corner, ‘Affordly’ gives women a new collection to flaunt as they launch the ‘Apsara’ collection. Women who love to shop for traditional wear, this range is a delight.   Look drop dead gorgeous in the stylish silhouettes; The soft, lightweight organza fabric runs smoothly on your skin making you feel and look like a mystic being. Apsara has got an array of suits with exclusive designs, subtle colours and cozy fabric, at affordable prices. They are available in unique prints and embroideries in various shades.   If you want to rock the Indian Style – Be it any occasion – a celebration or a festival – Apsara collection provides you the right piece of elegant clothing of your taste. The classic and trendy collection of ethnic wear designed for all ages and events, is sure to give the festive vibes, to you and your tribe.   Price:Rs 1999 onwards   Available at: www.affordly.co.in  

NAME IS LOVE Gaurav Gupta Studio is proud to open the first-ever-digital show in India in association with FDCI’s ICW 2020 (India Couture Week) on 18th September at 8 pm. The pandemic and the lockdown; that followed shortly after, gave us a moment to hit pause on our lives. It was a moment to reflect on our actions, relationships, beliefs, the power of art, fashion and creativity. We discovered a narrative that stirs the existing dialogue, with love where boundaries are patched. Where narrow corridors of division, cults and definitions are pushed far and wide to make space for love—the only name that matters. The story is not shy, it’s not angry. It aims to rise above the storm and focus all its light on love. GLAMOUR & SENSUALITY The collection is a modern and Theatrical representation of the modern Indian Woman who lives in the “today” – yet embraces the romance of traditional Indian couture – which is like a sixth sense of seduction. It has its own vocabulary and language, like an elaborate braid entwined with history, myth and tradition. It may be modern, Whimsical or demure but always magnificent and carefully crafted. The Mix of Traditional Motifs with Abstract artworks enhanced by the age old Crafts of India make for a Perfect – Feminine , Romantic and Modern Woman. Says Suneet “ I believe Fashion is the politest way of speaking about sex- But i like the subtle unspoken word, left to the imagination of the wearer. The glamour and sensuality in this collection comes through the use of sheer and lucid fabrics, the delicate placement of embellishments, the drapes and the unexpected details- and what they reveal or conceal.” GULENAAR Nothing can dim the light that shines from within; nothing is more impressive than a “Gulenaar” who does not seek validation as she is confident in the extraordinary way Universe has created her. Our ICW 2020 collection “Gulenaar” is suspended between dream and reality. Keeping the current scenario in mind the ensemble are elaborate yet, “functional bridal wear”. Intricate handwork of silver and gold threads has taken prominence in the show. The collection has been specially designed keeping the Indian weddings in mind.

The young and dynamic Qazmi Mirza, founder &owner of the brand ‘Qazmi’is a self made woman. A true example of a self-reliant Indian, she decided to take her brand to the next level during this pandemic. She started online selling of women apparels especially kurtas & kurtis in Aari work on leading platforms like Amazon and Flipkart.   Says Qazmi, “It’s all started three and a half years ago with small capital investment. Initially, we were selling multiple lifestyle products as footwear, apparel and handicrafts but recently we realized there is huge potential in women apparels.   Women like to explore more in outfits and we also wanted to bring Kashmiri Art’ Aari’ to the national platform hence we pivoted only to Women Apparels.”   As she adds further,” Realizing the importance of online channels during Pandemic and Aatmnirbhar Bharat, we set up our own manufacturing unit and worked on Aari designs on the finest fabrics.   Aari is not so well recognised globally. This embroidery can also be replicated through machines.   Hence, the people who practice this skill tend to earn less. So, we are trying to reconceptualise this art form and soon we shall be taking this embroidery to the pan-India and international level through amazon.com.”   Designs By Qazmi Availability: Amazon & Flipkart Instagram: Qazmi3 Email: qazmimirza7@gmail.com

Jewellery is the bride’s best friend as it makes her looks bedazzling. Kusum Jain is the entrepreneurial brain behind the K Jewels & More that makes the bridal dream come true. The designer is very vocal for local and designs intricate pieces that marry the traditional with modern ethos. Brides look for pieces that are wearable and affordable at the same time.   Her new collection is imminent in September and focuses on Indian tradition. The use of fresh flowers and motifs make her designs stand out in the crowd. Her love for everything Indian and her commitment to the government’s clarion call for Atmanirbhar Bharat has fuelled her muse.   Kusum senses that the modern woman is independent and strong and will not settle for less. She likes wearable jewellery and not locker jewellery. Polki and diamonds are to rule the roost in design terms this season. Polki is more affordable and versatile designs can be crafted. The modernity of design with a haunting traditional bent is the hallmark of Kusum’s jewellery.   The Covid 19 pandemic and high gold prices have dulled the market, but the wedding season will rekindle the demand she believes. Jewellery is not only a part of the bride’s attire but also a sensible investment that reaps rich dividends in value addition.   Kusum has adapted like a true entrepreneur to social distancing norms. Most of her work is virtual today. Her craftspeople work in sanitized workplaces and she is committed to keep them healthy and comfortable. The true philanthropist at heart, Kusum, is the exemplary mix of creativity, humanitarian values and business sense. BNB