Fashion

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

Celebrated couturier Abhinav Mishra launches his much awaited Bridal Couture collection titled Love Stories. The new campaign is a tale of 3 cities set across three scenarios, where the designer envisions pure and unconditional love beyond boundaries. He revisits history, culture and blends old world love with the new, when love has progressed beyond communal boundaries. Abhinav Mishra imagines elements of a bygone era where love transcends beyond the closed doors of society. Love Stories by Abhinav Mishra was inspired by these figments of his imagination across various eras and cultures and is his message that love is the real religion and a connection between two souls is God. The theme of the campaign is a perfect amalgamation of a dream world, coming together to create another worldly exquisite moment in time. It is a world that every individual experiences differently and a tapestry that showcases lifelong dreams. The Bridal Couture collection unfolds in three layers, a dreamy collection that blends together a fictional tale of 3 cities. The couturier’s vision redefines the rules of love in a utopian society where love is the religion. The sub collections cover different cultures and are known as Seerat, Roshanara and Banarasiya. The 3 sub campaigns cover different cultures and the way they celebrate love The new collection features a stunning and wide colour palette across lehengas, anarkalis and shararas strewn with Abhinav’s classic mirror work. The 3 sub collections showcase colours across mustard yellow, rani pink, powder blue, ivory as well deep tones of maroon, red, emerald green, sapphire blue and more. Abhinav Mishra’s mission is to create clothes for young globally inclined Indian women, women who are in tune with the international sensibilities of fashion and style while being honest to their own ethnic aesthetic. Speaking about his new collection Abhinav Mishra said, “I’m delighted to showcase my newest labour that took me 4 months to create. I visualized a perfect world where love unites all and weddings are a time when everyone comes together in the purest form. The new collection goes beyond pastel shades into deeper jewel tones and warmer colours for the season. We’ve incorporated our signature mirror-work but with a stronger focus on craftsmanship, we have added Gota Patti work as well as Marori work on the silhouettes for this special collection. There is something for everyone and the outfits cover not just the wedding but also special functions before and after.” Love Stories by Abhinav Mishra is now available at Abhinav Mishra’s flagship store in New Delhi. The collection will soon be launched across multi designers store worldwide. More info on Abhinav Mishra: Website: AbhinavMishraOfficial.com  Instagram: @abhinavmishra  Store: Leela, 116-A, Ground Floor, Shahpur Jat, Siri Fort, New Delhi, Delhi 110049

Label Vanshika Gupta, a Delhi based start-up designer brand is designing the hand knitted cotton mask with the help of craftsman from “Run Of Kutch”. Each mask is hand knitted in different colours and pattern. The art is such that each mask takes at least 2-3 days to get completed. These masks are sustaining craft and preserving them, artisan has been working from home at this time.   The promising designer Vanshika  is working to revive the old craft of Kutch called ‘SUF’ and also supporting the craftsman in their livelihood in this period of pandemic. The Label_Vanshika are making eco-friendly and sustainable masks and making it a new fashion statement.   Here’s the excerpt from an interview- Tell us more about SUF embroidery? ‘Suf’ embroidery is a form of counted thread embroidery practiced nowadays in the Kutch region of Gujarat, western India, and beyond. It is characterized by a type of economy stitch worked from the back. The patterns are generally based on a triangle or ‘suf’, and are geometric, symmetrical and very detailed. The coveted motifs of Suf embroidery aren’t ordinarily drawn onto the base fabric; instead, they are developed around a progression of triangles and diamonds. Frequently, little bits of glass or mirror (shisha) are incorporated into the patterns. What do you think about fashion forecast in COVID era? I think it’s going to be again about slow fashion and more about sustainability. The resources and nature will be in thought during this era. How local Indian fashion will evolve in the time of COVID? I presume that every designer should approach sustainability in some way or the other. Any new design innovation you have done keeping COVID period in mind? – We didn’t innovate keeping this pandemic in mind, we were in the process of making our summer collection which has loose and comfortable silhouettes and made entirely out of pure cotton in a reasonable range. But in the middle of this pandemic, we went sustainable with the waste from that collection to make Cotton masks for our consumers. Take on sustainable #vocal for local fashion will it rule the world in the years to come? I think the pandemic will be kept in mind of the consumer before shopping, the consumer will be more into crafts and textiles, there are young and old designers who have crafts as their USPs also there are young designers who practice new techniques and forms for our society.  

In a nationwide address Hon’ble PM Modi threw light on the relevance of locally produced products in emerging out of the Covid hit economy. It is incumbent upon all of us to not only help local producers get past this economic crisis but also to uplift them with the right support to anchor us towards a strong and resilient economy. According to the last census, it was predicted that India of 2020 will have 34.33% share of youth in total population and that makes odds in our favor. A country with the size of population and talent has a huge untapped potential for reshaping the economy post-COVID-19. Says Gautam Gupta, “We are sitting on a goldmine of young manpower which can not only make us self sufficient but also launch us into a sustainable growth phase with the right kind of infrastructure, policies, support systems, incubation, training and direction.   We are witnessing a crucial point in history where many flawed systems are being uncovered as the world sits under this giant lockdown and one of them is the underutilization of our craft capacity. We have got once in a lifetime opportunity to bring to the center stage what is our identity. This is the time to rebrand and promote handmade crafts locally and globally. And as they say, ‘every global brand was once local’, hopefully, we will put our homegrown brands on the map down the line.”   As he adds the further, “At Asha Gautam, we have believed in this potential from the beginning of our days. Asha Gupta’s love for refurbishing and playing with textiles was the starting point of our label. She mixed different textiles and created eclectic designs from what was available. Her love for Indian crafts has only grown over the years and has found expression in all the designs from her design house.” Gautam took the brand to the next level by delving deeper into the traditional crafts and textiles. The mother-son duo traveled to a dozen of clusters in the pursuit of authentic crafts. They worked with artisans and weavers at the grass-root level to bring to their audience, pieces that resonate with the clients of the 21st century while being rooted in heritage crafts.   ”There is a gap between what consumers need today and what artisans make and a lot of research and creativity is required to bridge the gap. Indian handmade textiles are not as drape friendly as many imported fabrics and that is one of the biggest reasons behind their low demand. Thanks to the design innovation by textile designers in the industry we see more versatile indigenous fabrics” says Asha Gupta   “I think our local crafts are much understated in global fashion despite being our biggest assets. We have been hearing so much about eco-friendly, sustainable and handmade fashion lately but all these characteristics have been innate to our brand since the conception and we have been committed to these models for over 22 years of our existence now. These practices are synonymous with our culture and evolution here in India. Unfortunately, the traditional Indian apparel and textile industry as a whole got eclipsed for a few years after globalization but it is reemerging. It comes as an encouragement now that everyone is thinking of using these old models with a hint of newness when we have been sticking to them all this while at Asha Gautam. We are also thinking of new ways to use our expertise for the benefit of clients, environment and community “says Gautam Gupta. BNB