Exotic Collections of Shivan & Narresh and Swapnil Shinde at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012

Mumbai, Monday, August 06, 2012: DHL presented an exciting show with ‘Speed’ as its theme which is the brand’s distinct quality. The black acrylic ramp, the high-tech laser show and the opening with waves of Technicolor strobes set the mood for the first collection by designers Shivan & Narresh.

Shivan & Narresh Created a Collection Inspired by DHL’s Speed Theme at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012 

With the legendary stallion, Equus as an inspiration, Shivan & Narresh created a luxurious collection to match the theme from DHL which was Speed. The beautiful collection reflected the shimmer of metallic sheen and the grace of the inspiration for creations that dazzled on the runway. 

Anita Dongre Ended Day Three at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012

Mumbai, Sunday, August 5, 2012: It was glamour at its elegant best when Anita Dongre presented her collection called “Urban Goddess” to end the Indian Textile Day celebrations at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012. Blending the traditional with the contemporary, Anita’s fashion story was aimed at the jet setting Indian women.

Krishna Mehta Collection at Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012

Crafts, Arts and Textiles Came Together

Mumbai, Sunday, August 5, 2012: Krishna Mehta’s stunning collection called “Encore” had large doses of expert craftsmanship, arts, and textiles at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012 and was a breathtaking study of extreme visual celebration.

Specially hand woven fabrics, were cleverly textured with dyeing or Shibori and stitching details. At the same time, Krishna kept the silhouettes simple, lean and elegant and allowed them to dazzle with exquisite embellishments.

Shades of the softest feminine colours like peach, ecru and salmon with touches of purple, red, black and royal blue added to the beauty of the garments.

Fabrics that created magic on the ramp were Kota doria, Chanderi, georgette, tulle, velvet, lace, brocade and even cotton, which were all turned into splendid festive and bridal creations.

It was a collection that spelt opulence all the way, right from the first entry of the one-shoulder all over embroidered georgette dress with peach rosette tulle dupatta worn with fluid swirling palazzo pants. Tunics were lavished with pearls; dupattas shimmered with ombré touches and delicate glitter while the lehengas were given intricate embellishments.

Gaurang Shah and Shruti Sancheti Opened Indian Textile Day at Lakmé Fashion Week

It was Return of the 1950’s and 1960’s Glamour for Gaurang Shah’s Collection at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012 Season

Mumbai, Sunday, August 5, 2012: Bringing together a clever mix of beautiful saris, anarkalis and ghagras, Gaurang Shah dazzled the audience with ethnic wear at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012.

Calling his collection “Ardhagini” Gaurang presented garments that will appeal to the modern bride. The colours were the ever popular yellow, orange, red and pink - all very auspicious for that important day in a girl’s life. Working around the beauty of Kanjeevarams, Kalamkari and zardozi, the designer highlighted the intricate weaving known as Korvai for the magnificent South Indian saris.

It was the return of the glamorous 1950’s and 1960’s retro look, that Gaurang recreated with the beauty of Kanjeevaram silks and splashed them with animal motifs in bright hues that will be a dream come true for any bride.

The permutations and combinations of the Kalamkari prints with the beautiful brocades, were extremely creative and experimental. Gaurang brought the different prints in hot colours like saffron, gold, red, vermillion, green, black, blue for the salwars, cholis, saris, luxurious lehengas, and dupattas. The varied textures of the fabrics were beautifully brought together in each entry and the discreet zardozi embroidery appeared on sleeve edges and dupattas. Kurtas were regal and varied from floor to ankle length, at times panelled or pleated but at the same time allowed the gorgeous Indian textiles to remain the cynosure of all eyes.

TRESemmé Presented the Trendy Very Urban Collection by Priyadarshini Rao at Lakmé Fashion Week

Mumbai, Saturday, August 4, 2012: It was a show with trendy and fashionable style directions for a woman’s crowning glory as well as her sartorial preferences. TRESemmé, the global hair care brand presented the luxury prét “Chair-Worthy Collection” by Priyadarshini Rao at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012 to a delighted audience.

Featuring seven glamorous hairdos by Dharmesh (Dodo) Hingorani, the audience was taken on an interesting journey of fashion and style as lustrous shiny hair, sleek up-dos, vibrant curls, elaborate creations, gorgeous plaits and intricate braids, some interspersed with ribbons were teamed with Priyadarshini’s creative fashion stories.

Six giant mirrors were suspended dramatically at an angle from the ceiling. The mirror covered backdrop and the black acrylic ramp were the perfect setting for the show, which opened with Avantika Akerkar of the Vagina Monologue fame. She recited the Chair-Worthy Manifesto by Mahda Del Valle on how gorgeous hair days can spark fire in a woman’s life.

Seven creative looks gave the urban fashionista many options. Colours were a vibrant fuchsia, aubergine and turquoise for sheer chiffons, cottons, silks that were cleverly turned into hand embroidered pinafores, maxis and skirts.

For a segment, Priyadarshini matched the looks of the crowning glory with stylish peplum jackets in deep hues of black, tarnished charcoal; brocades with intricately worked long lean tunics and quirky pants along with taffeta trenches and hep minis.

Net skirts swished down the catwalk, bias belted jackets, black chiffon tiered covers, angarkha mini tops, drop crotch salwars, horizontal panelled brocade maxis and crinkle pants with kimono top, were a perfect match for the clever hair styling.

Pinafores were richly embroidered, and long dresses swirled with seamed panels. Trapeze embroidered smocks - some with bubble hemlines, printed tiered long covers, 3D floral appliqués and tiered blouson gowns, gave colourful variety to the collection. Prints came in Indian motifs, multi colours and interesting fabric options.

Many of the rich brocades for the vegetable printed trapeze jackets and maxis held the attention of the audience. For the final look of the dramatic evening entry, Priyadarshini brought in bits of ecru with gold for layered shapes and lots of sheen for fluid pants, blouses and flowing tops.

For the trendy urban woman, who loves experimenting with her hair styles, as well as her wardrobe options; Priyadarshini Rao’s collection presented by TRESemmé had the right head to toe choices.

Sonaakshi Raaj, Neha Sharma, Sapna Bhavnani and Sukriti Grover at Lakme Fashion Week

Sonaakshi Raaj Created the Glamour of Style at Usha Talent Box

Mumbai, Saturday, August 4, 2012: Sonaakshi Raaj teased and tantalised all, with her collection titled “Old Cinema Glamour” inspired from old Hollywood films.

The collection showcased regal formal wear comprising glamorous gowns and cocktail dresses with the silhouettes being a ravishing blend of feminine flow with sleek structure.

With a colour palette boasting nude shades such as blush, ivory, and charcoal, in luxurious materials such as organza, tulle, as well as other sheer fabrics, the designer infused free flowing forms with tight bodices sporting rich, elegant floral work; while cut out backs added a dash of oomph.

Some pieces also ranged from crisp collared tops to flouncy, flirty skirts; thus further elevating the soft, sensuous appeal of this range.

Keeping it simple, the pieces did not flaunt any hard embellishments, focusing on the beautiful paradox of simplicity within careful construction.

Not afraid to add an experimental touch, Sonaakshi Raaj stirred things up with a refreshing red hot dress with graceful sleeves.

Ethereal and timeless, this collection is sure to have you smitten.

Neha Sharma Showed Her Creativity for a Wearable Collection at Usha Talent Box

Neha Sharma showcased an enticing collection titled “Jambalaya on the Bayou” under her label, ‘The Jade Tree’.

The range showcased regal, rich pieces most of which were stand alone statement pieces that included an array of necklaces, bejewelled sleek belts, earrings and brooches.

A range of stones cut in different patterns and colours, ranged from shades of orange, blue and white were artistically placed on rich velvet, all tied up at the back with a vibrant coloured bow.

Most of the pieces were asymmetrically cut, allowing for the casual and gradual ‘branching out’ of the embellishments to give each a surreal, naturalistic appeal.

Two of the most notable design features were black gold outlined 3D flowers, as well as a statement piece comprising long gold tentacle-like protrusions.

With her enigmatic and bold collection, Neha Sharma truly showed us that sometimes it’s not just your outfit that does all the talking but these wonderful crown jewels!

Sapna Bhavnani and Sukriti Grover Displayed Unconventional Fashion Directions at Usha Talent Box

Sofake intrigues and shocks all with its new collection titled, ‘Black Velvet’. A take on a controversial topic –that of fairness creams, the designers Sapna Bhavani and Sukriti Grover made a strong and bold statement, ‘Black is beautiful so embrace it’.

The all black collection comprised intriguing black on black prints incorporated on structured forms. Power shoulder jumpsuits and vixen dresses were some of the pieces which helped project the mood of the collection - mysterious, daring, beautiful and dangerous.

Fabrics such as silk, velvet and jacquard helped build the sleek and structured bodies, accentuated by simple metal detailing such as eyelets and cut outs.

Use of see-through fabric helped to add a feminine touch to the range while a cape-like top injected an experimental spark.

One of the most striking features of the collection was its distinct blend of Victorian prints with Asian concepts such as the Obe-belt.

Edgy, feisty and yet sophisticated this collection by Sapna Bhavnani and Sukriti Grover is for a diva who likes to make a statement.

Sannam Chopra and Sandhya Garg Gave Fashion Diverse Directions at Usha Talent Box

Press Note: Sannam Chopra & Sandhya Gard at Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012

Mumbai, Saturday, August 4, 2012: Chopra plays with a unique concept for her collection titled ‘Medieval Pop’ which focused on the unusual concept involving a story and set in the medieval times, when men would joust as a way to garner honour.

Amidst the crowd, there lies a beautiful woman, somewhat amused and intrigued she envisions herself in their attire with an added feminine touch.

The range showcased a number of accessories such as bags, necklaces, cuffs and hair accessories.

Set in regal Swarovski crystals along with imposing large stones the pieces were tastefully bold and large, accentuated by gold chords as well as silver tassels.

Another notable feature of the collection was the extensive use of coloured leather pieces reminiscent of protection gear, unlike her previous collections which relied heavily on metal work.

The range was feminine, sparkly as well as structured with geometrical shapes, adding a controlled edge in colours such as pink, green, turquoise, black and flesh tones.

Adding a hint of variation some pieces even sported butterflies, bows and leaves. All about strong forms, accentuated by feminine concepts this collection by Sannam Chopra is sure to be a favourite for any cocktail party goer.

Sandhya Garg Presented a Timeless Collection at Usha Talent Box

Inspired by the 1920’s art deco movement, Sandhya Garg’s debut collection was simply electrifying.

Using fabrics such as georgette, chiffon, lace and other easy and feminine materials, the designer worked more on the fine detailing of each piece, treating them like a work of art in their own right.

Youthful, Sandhya Garg’s collection stuck to ongoing trends such as colour blocking and making use of solid pops of colour such as blue, orange, yellow, purple as well as black and grey, which made this range bordering on experimental and yet commercially viable.

The collection comprised blouses, pants, shirts, skirts as well as dresses with the silhouettes being soft yet structured, crisp and clean.

With a concept of 3D embroidery, sequins, feathers, studs as well as specially created metal embellishments in gold and silver, were coupled with leather cutwork detailing, which added a unique trendy touch.

Preppy-chic with a glam industrial look this collection is sure to fly off the racks.

About Lakmé Fashion Week:

Lakmé Fashion Week (LFW) is jointly organized by Lakmé, the No.1 cosmetics and beauty services brand in India and IMG Reliance, the global leader in fashion weeks and event production. LFW has been conceived and created with a vision to “Redefine the future of fashion and Integrate India into the global fashion world”. LFW is organized twice every year. LFW Winter/Festive 2012 will be held from August 3 to August 7 2012 at Grand Hyatt Hotel, Mumbai. For further information log on to http://www.lakmefashionweek.co.in

About Lakmé:

Contemporary Indian beauty expert Lakmé continuously innovates to offer a wide range of, high performance and world class color cosmetics, skincare products, and beauty salons. In addition to leveraging Unilever’s worldwide expertise, Lakmé also partners with the leading cosmetic house Milan-based Intercos Italia, Schwann Stabilo Germany and Paris-based Fiabila. Combining international cosmetic technology with an in-depth understanding of the Indian woman’s needs, Lakmé also offers its consumers a comprehensive beauty experience through its products and services at the Lakmé Salons and Studios. For further information log on towww.lakméindia.com