Kolkata Fashion Week - Ritu Kumar

The Czarina of Indian Haute Couture, Ritu Kumar, presented her collection on the first day of the Kolkata Fashion Week. Featuring her characteristic designs with exquisite blending of the Indian handicrafts with contemporary mediums, Kumar’s collection opened in black and gold, with varied silhouettes to suit the modern Indian woman. The collection comprised of evening gowns, long tunics, chogas, kutchi gathered coats worn over loose pants, all incorporating the exquisite skills of a hugely skilled designer. The theme was taken further by marrying the Indian aesthetic with coats, trench and bomber jackets, all trimmed with leather and worn with tights and boots. The color palette was rich and vivid, in the true Ritu Kumar style. The designer called her collection a tribute to the craftsmen of West Bengal, as she marked it as a celebration of forty years of the Ritu Kumar label.

Remembering The Flowers - Phulkari From Punjab

Growing up in the Northern part of India, colour was an integral part of my life. Yellow draped mustard fields swayed in early summer winds; spring brought in trees laden heavily with flowers of colors so vibrant, we could spend hours looking at them, as we rode our bicycles through verdant gardens that were such a common part of our small town life. Those were simple times, when recession and lay-offs were unheard of, and women sang as they sat together, embroidering rich dreams into simple fabrics. And no embroidery was as colourful as Phulkari, a Punjabi embroidery technique, which literally means flower working. Using darn stitch on the wrong side of coarse cotton cloth with colored silken thread, Punjabi women sat creating intricate, alluring patterns inspired by nature and daily life.


Over a decade later, Phulkari has not only stood the test of time, but seems to be thriving. Especially in the ‘Darjiya Wali Gali’ (Tailors’ Lane) in old Patiala, Phulkari has found its connoisseurs as buyers from across the world flock to own a piece of this coveted Indian Art. My last visit to Punjab saw me walk through a colour-filled wonderland, where beautiful shawls, scarves, tunics, and shoes brought back fond memories of a time when all was right with the world. The original hand-made Phulkari is now rare, and comes for a price. But with colours that last for years, and exotic patterns that appeal to Indian and off-shore buyers alike, it’s an investment worth making. A well-made Phulkari scarf or a tunic keeps the compliments flowing in after several repeat outings. The patterns have now been modernized, but I prefer the old, classic designs. For those who find the traditional colours too bright, there are now softer pastels available.


If a visit to India is not on the cards anytime soon, online shops are a good option. Many online suppliers offer a variety of colour and pattern options suited for Western tastes. With its warm colours, and striking patterns, Phulkari makes a lasting impression. Much like the country of its origin – rooted in tradition, but with modern sensibilities.

Image: Indiamart.com

Gitanjali Luxury Style Fest 09 - Day One

Last night, Gitanjali Group Chairman, Mehul Choksi and Massimo Carraro joined Priety Zinta and Neil Nitin Mukesh in hitting the gong to announce the launch of the Gitanjali Luxury Style Fest 09. Other faces spotted were Rituparna Sengupta, Narendra Kumar with Kadambari Lakhani, Nisha Jamwal, Bobby Kishan, Nikasha Tawadey, Rahul Sharma, Gayatri Khanna, Shatrujit Tikka singh, Parvez Damania, Krutika Desai, Vikram Raizada and Shaina NC. GLSF 09 is a three-day fest and Day 1 saw Rohit Bal, Ritu Beri and Wendell Rodriguez showcase their collections on the ramp.

Rohit Bal is known for incorporating an edgy attitude in his every collection. All his collections have a strong Couture element that many have tried to emulate, and failed. The highlight of his collection, as usual, was the use of fabric and textures to create sheer drama. See for yourself.









Photo courtsey: Filmicafe.com and oneindia.com

Shotcouture Anniversary Giveaway! (Extended to 20th January)

It came a bit late, but it's here! Shotcouture has completed a year, and it's time for a celebration. It's been a wonderful journey, and could not think of a better way to thank you all. I am not going to reveal all the gifts at once, though. Only the two beautiful Fabindia silk scarves, to begin with. The rest are equally, if not more exciting gifts. Wait and you shall be rewarded. To win one of these goodies, you have to answer a simple question.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT INDIAN FASHION?

There are SIX fabulous gifts to be won. Post your answer in the comments section of the blog-post. My decision on the prizes will be final. The Giveaway is open only to US, Canada, Europe and Asia.

The last date for sending in your comments has been extended to 20 January.

After the final names have been selected, I will send out individual mails informing the winners about their gifts.











EDIT
Alright... revealing the rest of the gifts. Fabindia silver pendants, Ritu Kumar Leather Clutch, and a Ritu Kumar Scraf; all up for grabs. I have received some lovely comments, but there is still time. Spread the word!

A Slice Of India In Australia

Last week, our office took us to Sydney for a small trip. A good time was had by all. And much shopping was done. I was particulalry delighted to see this shop in Sydney, with all the lovely, colorful stuff one would usually find in India. I loved the Rajasthani patterns on the cushions, and the tiny ring boxes, among other things. After a long, tiring walk, looking for something to buy, we almost ended up buying some Indian things, all the way down under. Fortunately, good sense prevailed and we walked out, still tempted by the lovely display.

WLIFW - Ritu Kumar

Another collection that I just loved from the Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week was the Ritu Kumar Collection. Ritu Kumar has long been a favorite and I have several pieces from her collection in my own closet. In India, every bride must have at least a few clothes from her bridal collection. Of late, Ritu Kumar has become brighter and bolder in her color palette and designs. Designing for decades, Ritu Kumar is largely considered a revivalist in Indian fashion Industry. Her designs have been known to reflect the ancient traditions of Indian craftsmanship with a modern twist. Her new collection was a welcome change from her affinity for muted tones and earthy colors.

Here Ritu went all out with opulent floral motifs on brightly colored backgrounds. The accessories were an all too visible part of the collection, be it the massive handbags, or the very in-your face bangles! The lengths varied… as did the style and seeming inspiration. What remained common, however, was color, color and more color!








Mirror work made an appearance from pieces as varied as this sari with a captivating print and interesting fabric and this lovely poncho with a muted grey background.





The very Indian color, Indigo, found a new expression. My personal favorites were the very Western cuts blended seamlessly with distinctly ethnic motifs! Awesome!





Shiny, shimmery, sequined skirts made their presence felt, through different sections of the collections. Whether with the vibrant florals, or with the fiery Indigo, they made a chic statement.





The fabrics included jersey, silk, satin and indigo Khadi. And the color palette was, well, limitless. Crimson, however, seemed to be the designer’s real muse, appearing on the models’ lips, in the flowers in their hair, in the accessories and the shoes! All in all, a very satisfying collection from one of India’s foremost designers. I am waiting for it to hit the stores.


All images courtesy yahoo.com

WLIFW --- Priyadarshini Rao

Wednesday marked the start of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week. The autumn-winter edition of the fashion week saw 82 designers showcasing their work over five days. Buyers from London, Paris, Tokyo and Europe lined up to pick and choose from among the best Indian fashion has to offer.

I have been following up the collections over the past few days and only a few really stood out for me. I look for designs that truly say “Indian” and not appear to be inspiration-starved interpretations of “Western” trends. One designer who hit a home run as far as my aesthetic sensibilities are concerned, is Priyadarshini Rao.

This year, the designer presented a very contemporary ethnic collection, with perfectly blended western influences. The highlights of the collection were a range of Kurtas and tops worn with churidars, saris worn with trendy bubble-tops, full length skirts with long jackets and empire line kurtas.





Priyadarshini is not a designer to shy away from color and colors were aplenty in her collection with ochres, olive greens, rusty reds, mud browns, orange, pink and turquoise blue making an appearance.





What I loved about the uber trendy bubble tops were the seamless way they can transition from a blouse to a perfect match for a pair of skinny jeans.





Pleated cuffs on the kurtas were another charming feature of the collection. In fact, the pleats were an integral part of her designs this year. They were there, on the sleeves, on the kurtas , and on the tops worn as blouses with long skirts or saris.





She gave the puffed sleeves a sleeker avatar, adding yet more character to the kurta dresses. I say kurta dresses, because some of them really could be worn as dresses. Priyadarshini has played with fabrics, getting playful now and then with motifs. Like in the kurta below, where a summery motif balances the warm colors of the dress.





Priyadarshini’s designs work on the wearability and minimalism principles. And this collection too was a reflection of her style that has made her one of the better selling designers in India. Her silhouettes are flattering and uncomplicated. And she works well with natural fabrics, creating collections that are a reflection of international trends, but with very Indian sensibilities.

I find her collection complete, with her designs transcending day and night wearability. I can see myself wearing her clothes for just about any occasion, such is her versatility.


# All photographs, courtesy yahoo.com

Great Minds Think Alike?

I love Deepika Padukone's smile. I think she is among the prettiest faces in Bollywood. Jennifer Garner too is a gorgeous woman, albeit from the other side of the world. But it seems that the distance has nothing to do with their sartorial preferences. Because when it came to dressing up for the biggest night of the year (Filmfare Awards and The Academy Awards, respectively), the ladies were pretty much in sync.

Check out Deepika's form fitting gown, designed by Gauri and Nainika. And then see Jennifer sparkling in an Oscar de la Renta fishtail. Amusing, ain't it? Well, all I can say is that they both looked awesome.









Images via indiatimes photogallery and celebutopia

Culture Khichdi - 4

I love shoes with coloured laces. They have this real sweet playfulness to them that reminds me of the sports field from my school days.
They both had a very casual, about-town look. Dressed down appropriately enough for a street festival, they both looked really comfortable with their styles. I think that along with the shoes, the red scarf really made her stand out.

Culture Khichdi at the Kala Ghoda Festival - 1

Each year, the Kala Ghoda Festival gets bigger and better. At this time of the year, this heritage rich area in Mumbai comes alive with colors and a rich potpourri of gallery and pavement art shows, literary events, film screenings, music concerts, dance performances, exhibitions, workshops, heritage walks, a food fiesta, and a street festival that brings in people from across the city, and yes, sometimes from a different part of the world. For me, it was, above everything else, an opportunity to profile fashion individuality at its diverse best. Foreigners in Indian clothes, Indians in western designer labels, and many folks dressed uniquely enough to be featured on shotcouture.

Beginning today, I will be posting pictures from the festival that concluded last week, on the 11th February. I have called this series Culture Khichdi for a simple reason. Khichdi is an Indian dish made from a combination of rice and lentils. In colloquial terms, khichdi is also used to imply a mixture of sorts (think hodge-podge in English).

This lady’s short kurta was breathtaking. A delicate green embroidery on white… and with that hair and impish smile, she reminded me of a slightly younger version of Dame Judi Dench. Those shoes, though overtly casual, make sense when you know just how much walking around is required at the festival.

Couture Shots Off The Street

I have been a follower of the indigenous sartorial style for quite some time now. It is in our country that many newly-weds show off a red and white bridal chudaa teamed with a well-fitted pair of jeans and a flattering tee. Tribal accessories complement western attires, and I once saw a bride, lehenga and all, with a Fifty Cent locket on a gold chain around her neck! I have come across Satya Paul saris teamed with a silver vest from fashion street, and a Versace blouse adding style to a patchwork skirt from Janpath.

I am not necessarily addicted to fashion. In fact, anything but. What I do love is observing it, especially on the streets. I love the influence fashion has on our daily lives. I love the way a well-worn chiffon kurti and the right perfume can wipe away the Monday morning blues. I like men and women dressed beautifully for the runway of life. I love the unique form fashion takes off the ramp. I love individual interpretations of designer lines which in turn are quixotic enough to end up as inspirations for a new design.

So I have decided to capture this face of fashion. This distinctive style of our fashionista on the street. This style that gives our fashion color, energy and an inimitable vitality that can only come from an everyday individual’s version of high fashion.

Shotcouture will take you on a journey through the streets of different cities across India. It will capture individual sense of style in all its quirky glory. It will bring a smile to your face, and will make you look around a little more to see what the people around you are wearing. It will, I hope, help you rediscover fashion as a personal statement of individuality and creativity.