Tag: Fashion

All about Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2014 Gurgaon!

The Gurgaon leg of Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2014 was a fusion of all things glam; style, Bollywood, music and technology. The Leela Ambience, Gurgaon was brimming with fashion and music enthusiasts from across the country and we get you the download.

Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2014 began in Hyderabad on November 15 and reached Gurgaon on November 22. Actor Boman Irani graced the event as the style blender on the first day of the two-day extravaganza.

Designers Rocky S and Neeta Lulla showcased their collections at the first day of the event with actress Esha Gupta walking the ramp as showstopper for Neeta Lulla in a gold and black ensemble. The show was powered by beats from the Boom Bay Central.

Second day of the glam-packed event saw designer Little Shilpa display her art and disco inspired collection. Designer Gaurav Gupta’s line-up borrowed inspiration from Greek goddesses with actress Shraddha Kapoor walking as the showstopper for his collection. Artists Grain, Karsh Kale and Ankur Tiwari had the crowd spellbound with their music performances.

November 25, 2014
New in the city – Fashion label ‘I.AM.ME’ by Akanksha Gupta

Meet Akanksha Gupta, an architect-turned-designer who is set to launch her fashion label, I.AM.ME. The collection takes inspiration from the fact that every individual has a unique take on style. The label promises to enable every woman to embrace her innate flair for dressing with confidence and panache. Launching in December this year, I.AM.ME merchandise will be available at South Court Mall, Saket, New Delhi. Here are some excerpts from our conversation with the designer.

Former architect turned fashion designer Akanksha Gupta talks about her label ‘I.AM.ME’ and how it’s a confluence of her love for design, be it in architectural spaces or in fashion.

Akanksha Gupta: I’ve always been keen on designing, on designing everything that comes in my way and designing basically is a way of life for me. So I always wanted to combine different paradigms of design and see what all one field of design can offer to the other and how all of them can marry and how all of them can go together hand in hand.

Catering to a market that’s confident yet comfortable in its own skin, the designer believes that her collection cannot be stereotyped. It is simply an everyday celebration of a woman’s identity and personal style.

Akanksha Gupta: Each piece is unique by itself. Like every individual is unique by itself, like the attitude is so unique and the inherent style of everybody is unique; similarly each outfit from I.AM.ME is unique and we do not want to do copies of any of the styles.

I.AM.ME takes pride in offering an exceptional and inimitable way of turning a day dress into nightwear in less than a minute.

The Reversible Dress

Akanksha Gupta: Right now the collection we will launch with will have a few ranges of sub collections if I could say, one of them being a reversible dress which is for those women who work hard and party harder. For those who go to office and then they go to party directly after office. So it’s a simple dress where in you go to office wearing a nice color which is soothing and when you are working it will put you in the frame there and when you want to go to a party right after that you just unzip it, reverse it and you are ready to go.

Launching in December this year, the brand promises to be a one stop destination that will capture the exuberance of a woman’s everyday life.

Akanksha Gupta: We will be launching through our first flagship store in South court mall, Saket. So around New Year we’ll launch our first flagship store with our first collection as well.

November 24, 2014
Fashion trends for men – Autumn/Winter 2014
Every season comes with a list of trends that makes the transition into different weather more exciting. Here’s a curated list of winter fashion trends for men that must be followed to stay ahead in the dressing game.
1. Patterned jackets
Jackets have always been an indispensable part of a man’s winter wardrobe and this season is like any other. However, a little experimental twist in terms of patterns and prints on jackets can really add that something extra to your ensemble, creating a look that promises to grab eye-balls wherever you go.
1. Movember moustache and beard
Who says that the Movember moustache and beard cannot continue in December? Or even January for that matter! That scruffy look goes perfectly with the winter attire, plus all that facial hair is the most natural shelter to brave the cold wintery winds. How about growing a beard this winter if you haven’t already?
1. Quilted/Bomber jackets
These jackets look cool and make for one of the safest fashion trends for men. And they keep you warm. Also, they never go out of style. Those are reasons enough to strut quilted/bomber jackets around the winter.
1. Corduroy Suits/Shirts
Ah! The classic look! Winters are all about subtle shades and these colours when paired with a fabric like corduroy, the look stands apart. Suits, shirts and trousers in corduroy are meant for the cold weather. Wear them.
1. Layering
Layering different types of clothes to get a whole new look is the best thing about winters. A few pieces clubbed together in different combinations can result in multiple looks for a man’s attire. Scarves, mufflers, sweaters, jackets, shirts etc. can all be layered in various ways for getting that dapper look!
1. Wintery bag
Sling bags, messenger bags, duffle bags etc. in colours of tan and grey would make for a perfect accessory to go with a man’s winter ensemble. Completing the look, these bags are not just an aesthetic addition but they also provide great utility for keeping your belongings safe.
1. Shearling
For those who don’t know what a shearling is, it is fluffy animal wool derived from sheep or lambs mostly used in jackets. Most commonly found around the inner linings and collars in a man’s jacket, shearling is going to be one of the biggest recurring trend for this season.
1. Monochromes
Well, that’s just a winter thing! Experiment with the blacks and whites or just add a touch of a bright shade with your monochromes and voila you’re the perfect winter guy!

All product images sourced from – Jabong.com, Myntra.com, Zara, Koovs.com, Forever21, Snapdeal.com and Elitify.com
November 21, 2014
Designer Pankaj from the label ‘Pankaj & Nidhi’ on their collection ‘House of Cards’

Designers Pankaj and Nidhi launched their label in 2006 and have been a part the Indian fashion industry for almost two decades. They have many international accolades to their credit like the iconic International Woolmark Prize, Elle Style Awards and much more. The designer duo showcased their breath-taking collection ‘House of Cards’ for the A/W’14 edition of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week. Designer Pankaj Ahuja talks all about the collection that took its inspiration from Spanish elements. Here are the excerpts.

Pankaj Ahuja: Fashion weeks in India have really come of age now from the time they were when they first started out; fewer designers, much smaller scale but it was an idea that had finally arrived. Thanks to sponsorship umbrellas, I think we’ve been able to put fashion week under one roof. Buyers get to come and see all designers in one location which doesn’t generally happen in London or Paris so it’s obviously a great place to be in right now.

Pankaj Ahuja: The collection is called ‘House of Cards’. These are two parallel things actually, the cards obviously are from playing cards, deck of cards, 52 cards, hearts, spades, clubs, diamonds, we love the motifs, we love what they represent.

Pankaj Ahuja: So we’ve done the collection by way of prints, we’ve done it by way of embroidered motifs which have been formed by the four suits of cards. And there is also a very strong Spanish inspiration which is running through this which has inspired the silhouettes, bolero jackets, capes, very strong colours, very Spanish vibes, and matador actually. There’s lots of gold which we’ve used in our collection for the first time. So it’s an interesting combination of two unusual ideas.

November 20, 2014
5 Reasons why you should be a Movember man!
To qualify as a part of the Movember movement here are some commandments that you must follow:

Step 1: Be clean shaven on November 1^st.

Step2: Must not touch a razor till December 1^st.

Step 3: Must click before/after pictures to compare.

And here’s a list of amazing reasons why one must say goodbye to shaving for the entire month.
1. Your beard is a cool new accessory!
People will have their opinions. Some will like it on you, some won’t. But hey! Who cares? At the end of the day you’re the one who has to carry it off right?
1. You support a cause!
For those who don’t know. ‘Movember’ aka ‘No-Shave-November’ involves growing a moustache in order to highlight men’s health issues, primarily prostate cancer. There isn’t a better reason for you to avoid the hassle of shaving every morning for thirty days! (And your boss can’t even stop you!)
1. It’s the most natural shelter to brave the cold November winds.
Yes, it might get itchy after a while but wait! It also provides warmth like no woolens ever can!
1. The women dig it!
We say this out of experience – The chicas love it. Yes! Enough said. Period #okbye
1. All the cool celebrities are doing it!
From Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper to Ranbir Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor and John Abraham – They’re all doing it, year after year… even Miley Cyrus.

Image Source: All Images sourced from Giphy.com
November 11, 2014
Urvashi Kaur’s SS’15 collection ‘Ziran’ at Neel Sutra by Deepika Govind

Designer Urvashi Kaur, known for redefining prêt wear in India through her bohemian interpretation, recently launched her new collection titled ‘Ziran’. This Spring Summer 2015 line had an exclusive launch at the Neel Sutra store at The Oberoi, Gurgaon. Here’s what Deepika and Urvashi had to say about the collection.

Deepika: I met Urvashi a year ago and from the day I met her I always knew we would do this one day so it was just a matter of time and I think this is the first time Neel Sutra has done that given a whole space to a solo designer, it’s usually a muti-designer store.

Urvashi: I think there’s such a natural synergy between what Neel Sutra stands for and what Deepika herself stands for and I think my label and my aesthetic is just the same language, it’s the same emotion and that translates into everything from the space.

L-R: Designers Deepika Govind and Uravshi Kaur

Urvashi Kaur’s Spring Summer 2015 collection titled ‘Ziran’ stands for everything modern and contemporary while keeping its base in the cultural roots of India.

Urvashi: For me what was really fantastic is this great amalgamation of what India in my terms what we stand for and how we want to take this forward in fashion. The new collection, it’s called Ziran and Ziran means to exist in its natural state without intent, without any intention.

Pieces from Urvashi Kaur’s SS’15 collection titled Ziran

Strutting through the event donning outfits from Urvashi’s latest collection was actress Tisca Chopra and models Sonalika Sahay and Lakshmi Rana. The models were styled with accessories from Urvashi’s collections that were especially handcrafted by Risa.

Urvashi: That’s Sonalika and of course she is beautiful in everything she wears but I think this outfit is tremendously beautiful. I’ve tried to translate everything I do in clothes on to accessories everything from shoes to clutches and they’re super comfortable so the idea is to go modern, chic and use the India techniques.

L-R: Lakshmi Rana, Tisca Chopra, Sonalika Sahay

November 7, 2014
From the runway to your doorstep only with www.exclusively.in

Meet Sanjay Guleria and Mohini Boparai who together run the online portal www.exclusively.in. Bringing the best of Indian fashion together, the portal delivers products from over a 100 designers not just in India but to places the world over. The dynamic duo also encourages designers to launch their own website and manage their web operations.

Sanjay and Mohini: Hi I am Sanjay Guleria and I am Mohini Boparai and together we run a website called exclusively in.

Exclusively.in curates collections from over a 100 designers providing the best of Indian fashion and luxury to the world. That’s not it, they also manage online and ecommerce operations for some of the top Indian designers.

Sanjay: Exclusively.in is an online fashion portal bringing Indian fashion to the world we ship in over a hundred countries including India, the US and all over the world. We’ve actually helped Rohit Bal E-commerce enable his website, so he can now sell his products directly from his own website.

Mohini: So we’ve launched Tarun Tahiliani, Manish Malhotra, Manish Arora, AMPM and now Rohit Bal.

Bridging the gap between runway and reality, quite literally, their own website www.exclusively.in launched most of the collections from the recently held Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Spring Summer 2015 within 24 hours of their respective runway shows at the event.

Mohini: So we launched (yesterday) Kavita Bhartia, Samant Chauhan, Urvashi Kaur, Dev R Nil, Malini Ramani, Payal Singhal a whole bunch of them. So the designers I just mentioned will be straight off the runway. The show happens today, and within 24 hours you can shop it off our website.

Sanjay: It’s exciting because thanks to E-commerce the whole world can shop Indian fashion so together with social media and our E-commerce website there’s a lot of exposure and awareness that these platforms can create that really makes it easy for people to buy.

October 30, 2014
Celebrities spotted at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week S/S’15

The recently-concluded Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015 witnessed an assemblage of known faces from across the country. Trendspotters TV presents to you the highlights of the ‘not-to-be-missed’ celebrities who graced the 5-day extravaganza with their presence, setting trends in their own right.

The Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week S/S’15 witnessed a number of known faces apart from just those associated with the Fashion industry. Here’s a list of celebrities who graced the occasion with their presence.

The first celebrity face spotted at the runway was the famous tennis player Sania Mirza as the show stopper for designer Ritu Pande. Talking about Show stoppers, actress Aditi Rao Hydari looked gorgeous in designer Payal Singhal’s outfit stealing the show on the day 3 of the event.

Day 5 of the fashion week also witnessed actress Monica Dogra walking the runway for Kanika Saluja’s label ‘Anaikka’ and the very dapper Arjun Rampal making heads turn at Rohit Bal’s grand finale.

The event got an instant shot in the arm with a surprise visit by actor Rahul Bose looking every inch dapper at Rajesh Pratap Singh’s show. Likewise, actress Huma Qureshi upped the glam quotient looking stunning in designer Masaba Gupta’s outfit from her new collection. Qureshi marked her presence at Masaba’s show along with the designer’s mother, Neena Gupta.

Just like last season, actress Neha Dhupia was the Twitter face of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week. She was also a part of the Wills Fashion Academy along with Anchor-VJ Gaurav Kapur. The dazzling duo together helped people with their fashion IQ in fun and quirky ways!

October 28, 2014
Street Style spotted at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week SS’15

Our team of fashion lovers at Trendspotters TV takes you through the best of street wear flaunted by fashionistas at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion week Spring/Summer’15. Here’s a quick recap of what people wore at the event that simply couldn’t go un-noticed! Take a look.

Fashion weeks are no longer just about the designers showcasing their upcoming collections. There are numerous other elements that contribute to the ‘glam-factor’ when it comes to making the event charismatic and worth remembering.And street–style fashion is one of those extremely important aspects in this list that can never go unnoticed. Here’sour pick of the best of street style we spotted at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week SS’15.

Headgears, hair accessories and impeccable hair-dos were the favourite as spotted at the Fashion week. From simple straight-untied hair to chunky hair accessories, the fashionistas from across the country certainly put a lot of attention into dressing up their manes.

Contemporary Ethnic Wear certainly retained its charm as the stylish attendees carried it off with oodles of panache. Some went ahead and gave their earthy attire a twist to give an experimental edge and a whole new look to Indian clothing.

That’s not it; a blend of traditional and western paired with just the perfect accessories stole the limelight making heads turn.

October 25, 2014
7 Beauty Lessons from Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week

From barely- there makeup to a pop of ‘bright on the lips’, the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Spring Summer 2015 had it all. Playing it safe is not the only make-up option next spring! We get you a roundup of the make-up essentials you need as seen at #WIFW.

Barely-there makeup is always a spring favourite and the runway took to this trend. Most designers preferred their models walking down the ramp with almost no makeup on, keeping things perfect for summer.

Go bare with the makeup but keep in mind that spring is all about colours. Designers Nida Mahmood and Payal Pratap added a bright pop of colours on the lips. Come spring and you will have to reconsider coral and red for the lips. Add a touch of smokiness to your eyes to brave the spring look. You can add a subtle nuance of black like Designer Rajesh Pratap Singh’s lineup of models or go smokey all the way like Rabani and Rakha’s models.

L-R Collections – Nida Mahmood, Payal Pratap, Rajesh Pratap Singh and Rabani & Rakha

If you’re not a fan of heavy eye make-up then go graphic by adding a lower water line. Apply the colour of your outfit only to you lower eyelid like Designers Wendell Rodricks and Masaba Gupta. The flushed summer skin with minimal lip colour should be your beauty baseline come summer. Designers Shivan and Narresh had their models walk the catwalk with the fresh-out-of-the-water look and designers Hemant and Nandita went for the fresh summer face.

L-R – Wendell Rodricks, Masaba Gupta, Shivan & Narresh & Hemant & Nandita

Go traditional and add a bindi to your outfit and red lip colour when you dress ethnic. Designer Chhaya Mehrotra’s line complemented this look perfectly. The best summer accessory is eye-wear. If you need inspiration for the kind of eyewear to go for, turn to line ups by designers Hemant and Nandita, Shivan and Narresh and Saaj by Ankita.

L-R – Chhaya Mehrotra & Saaj by Ankita

October 20, 2014
7 trends from the runway that we hope make a mark next spring!

No fashion week is complete without trend predictions for the upcoming season. Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Spring Summer 2015 was a riot of colours, designs, silhouettes with a whiff of spring. Here are the top 7 trends from the runway that are sure to make your spring wardrobe more colourful.

Designers Hemant and Nandita brought retro and Aztec back and blended them flawlessly. The duo also borrowed a page from their Indian roots and presented garments with ikat weaves. Their looks were completed with sky high wedges, round vintage sunglasses and handbags. Designer duo Shivan and Narresh’s resort wear consisted of cut-out monokinis and trikinis with sharp lines breaking away from the usual spring pastels. Their line inspired by Calder’s work used shades of brown, white and black complete with strappy heels. Designer Rajesh Pratap Singh’s line titled blue-blood displayed organic denims made out of woven khadi for men and women. The collection celebrated the versatility of denims complete with prints, metals, stripes, checks and polka dots. The label ‘Ashish N Soni’ by Ashish Soni displayed a line inspired by feathers. Crisp white rompers, dresses and separates for women made quite the statement for spring. Suits, jackets and pants with feather print made the cut for menswear.

Festivities took to the runway when designer Masaba Gupta’s models walked the catwalk donning firecrackers and jasmine flowers in place of a parandi. The line had a piece for every woman saris, dresses and suits with firecracker and zodiac prints along with statement neck pieces and sparkly embellishments. The queen of kitsch, Nida Mahmood’s collection ‘Good Luck Irani Cafe’ was fashionable, entertaining and comprehensive. The designer displayed dresses, shorts, saris in quirky summer prints paired with headgears made from flowers, ribbons, scarves and ballerinas made out of socks. Sporty chic got a metallic makeover with designer Shweta Kapur’s label 431-88. LBDs, crop tops, skirts and maxi dresses with black sequined panel detailing teamed with sport shoes and slippers made for the perfect evening statement.

October 17, 2014
Minimal Make-up, elaborate hair styles and head gears ruled the runway on Day 5 of WIFW

Day 5 of the WIFW witnessed a variety of hair styles from sleek low pony tails to graphically woven princess braids. Take a look;

Pigtails rolled into tight buns accessorized with jhumkas, tightly twisted knots and multi-strand braids made for the hair styling highlights of the final day of the event.

Designer Nida Mahmood’s collection was styled to perfection with models donning big glasses, ribbons, cups and saucers, flowers and scarves as headgear with nude makeup and a pop of red on the lips.

October 13, 2014
Things we loved at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week SS’15 Day 1

The biggest fashion extravaganza in the country, WIFW kicked off with a burst of flowers on the runway. Day 1 witnessed a fresh whiff of spring in terms of colours, designs, patterns and fashion. Here’s a list of things we absolutely loved from day 1 of the event.

The day started with Pero by Aneeth Arora showcasing white flowy cottons, lace, chanderi and silk on a set that was inspired by flowers, seeds and garden greens.

Not so serious by Pallavi Mohan also presented an amalgamation of whites with sheer fabrics and embellishments.

Summers have always favoured prints and so was seen on the runway. Designer duo Hemant and Nandita brought Aztec back with a retro twist – the 70s fringe.

Geisha designs by designer duo Paras and Shalini displayed the usual florals for spring with a unique spin. Models decked in halo like head pieces donning maxis, pleats and separates presented a dreamy collection inspired by nostalgia.

Structures made for our favourite highlight of the day. Designer Atsu displayed an architectural representation of flowers for spring with meticulously structured garments in shades of pastels, gold and just the right pop of red.

The dynamic designer duo Alpana Neeraj put forth a collection inspired by Japanese flowers, Anime and Manga. Intricately structured pieces in shades of white, red and blush dominated their collection.

October 9, 2014
What to wear to Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week!

Deciding your outfits for Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week is the ultimate wardrobe dilemma. But this time, we have got you help. Take inspiration from Wills Lifestyle’s A/W’14 collection and look drop dead gorgeous at the most coveted fashion event in the country.

1)
Get that military jacket out and pair it with a printed top and a pair of fitted jeggings or denims. Try teaming different shades of the same colour to make a statement. Add gold accessories, nude footwear and a bag, finish the look with vintage sunglasses and you’re good to go.

2)
Add a sporty touch to your otherwise feminine look. Pair a dress with high-top sneakers and carry a sling bag, add a chunk of accessories to your wrist and complete your outfit with a beanie or a scarf.

3)
Wear a bright jacket with your plain jumpsuit and add a touch of gold with the accessories. Mix up different colours through added accessories like a side bag, a clutch, footwear and a matching phone cover. Be sure to balance out the colours by adding some nude elements and you’re done.

4)
Reverse the classic suit look by wearing the brighter colour on the outside and the darker colour on the inside. Swap the shirt for a swing cami top, add a pop of colour on your nails and the lips, wear matching accessories, pointed toe pumps and be ready to make heads turn.

5)
Pair structured silhouettes together like a peplum top with a pencil fit skirt and flaunt your curves. Keep the accessories minimal with this one and carry a structured bag (structure structure structure!). Finish your look with stilettos.

October 7, 2014
5 Things one should remember while at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week SS’15

Excited about the upcoming #WIFW Spring/Summer 2015? Before you step out here’s something you need to know! Trendspotters TV and #WillsFashionAcademy present to you a list of things one should always remember while attending the 5-day extravaganza. Take a look.

Heels: We agree that heels are the most important element of any fashionable outfit, but fashion weeks can make it rough. That’s right, High heels (no matter how comfortable they are) are never a good option if you’re at an event that requires you being on your toes all day long. Avoid them and go in for wedges or a rather shorter pair of heels and thank us later!

Image Source: Bestofpeublo.com

Camera: Imagine an event filled with Glamour, Models, Designers, Celebrities etc. and no cameras!! Keep your Smartphone’s camera handy if you don’t believe in carrying a professional/digital camera as you never know what you may witness next that’s worth capturing.

ImageSource: Weheartit.com

Business Cards: On your way to an event full of the who’s who of the fashion fraternity, don’t forget to carry your business cards! These little pieces of paper mean a lot if you’re looking forward to some networking. Carry a bunch full and keep them handy because you never know how a random ‘Hello’ might turn into the biggest business opportunity for you.

Image Source: Acfblog.com

A power bank: A portable charger for your phone is indispensable, especially if you are a blogger or are going to be tweeting constantly about the incredible designs you are witnessing. Even posting pictures on Instagram or checking in on Facebook require battery on your phone. Running out of charge will be a total bummer and you don’t want to be scampering around looking for charging points at an event where you are meant to flaunt your most poised self!

Image Source: Extendedbatteryreview.com

Stay fashionable and have fun! : In the end, that’s all one looks forward to! Be comfortable and make it an event worth remembering. Dressing up, looking good and having loads of fun is what fashion weeks are all about.

Image Source: Thestyleinsider.co.nz

October 7, 2014