Varun Bahl: What sets him apart is his continuous search for newness
Varun Bahl may be occupying prime space in newspapers for his association with Bollywoods hit director Karan Johar for his menswear line, but what sets him apart is his continuous search for newness. It is this frantic need for something unique that has led to the birth of his couture line, India, Nouveau, which he believes is as commercially viable as it was creatively challenging. Karan understands fashion, and is amazing to work with. He wont be coming for my show, but is flying down for Manish (Malhotras) fashion extravaganza, he says.
There are still miles to go before I make it – Anamika Khanna
Certain events not only make you think and evolve, but are life altering, more like a paradigm shift. And thats just what happened when Kolkatas treasure Anamika Khanna, visited the Tata Medical Center and interacted with kids some as young as 9, battling cancer.
Master of Indian crafts – JJ Valaya
Future of the past seems to be the perfect tagline for couturier JJ Valaya, after all he is a master of Indian crafts. Undoubtedly, no one understands the hidden nuances of luxury and the opulence of royalty better than him, after more than two decades in the world of razzmatazz and blinding arc lights.
Pallavi Jaipur @ WIFW AW 12
Georgettes, chiffons and textured fabrics Pallavi Jaipur plays it colourful this time with ensembles that give Indian craft a new makeover. Modern sensibilities are paired with traditional crafts an art Pallavi so beautifully showcases this season with shifts, maxi dresses and anarkalis that make every Indian womans dream come true.
Nikhita @ WIFW AW 12
Winter moods a palette of bright colours like yellow, red, blue and green went into the colour palette at Nikhitas show this season. The brightness of the ensembles was meant to oust the winter blues and so the collection showcased easy silhouettes and interesting textures that are meant to flatter every womans body.
Dolly J @ WIFW AW 12
The collection named Oya looks towards change and transition a trait that Dolly J truly embraced this season. The fiery change is represented in all of her new fall ensembles from the chunky necklaces in stained glass to the palazzo pants worn lovingly over kurtas.
Nimrita @ WIFW AW 12
Nimritas collection played with easy flowing silhouettes in satin and georgette in a burst of delicate and feminine colours such as lilac, mint, greys and off whites. Asymmetrical hems, one shoulders styles, palazzo pants and layering of fabrics were key features of the collection. Sequins were blended with satin to create a wearable yet glamorous ensemble and fur gillets added a unique touch to Nimritas effeminate collections. Our personal favourite was Nimritas take on a flapper dress inspired fringe maxi that came with a modern twist.
Bhanuni by Jyoti Sharma @ WIFW AW 12
This season Bhanuni by Jyoti Sharma gave us graphically and visually stimulating detailing with a feminine twist. Surface texturing was an integral part of the collection and translucent and opaque fabrics were blended beautifully into the garments. Greys, blacks, reds and maroons made for perfect choices for the autumn-winter range and winter floral motifs were the principle features from the collection. Power shoulders, shift dresses and modern age prom dresses on textured and printed fabrics featured extensively in Sharmas collection.
Akaaro by Gaurav Jai Gupta @ WIFW AW 12
Handmade and party wear is there such a combination? This season, Akaaro by Gaurav Jai Gupta takes us through the journey into the making of the modern mix lets just say that it is a healthy mix of tradition, beauty, power, wholesome weaves and playful Swarovskis.
Anaikka by Kanika Saluja @ WIFW AW 12
Strong, simple yet alluring – Anaikka by Kanika Saluja depicts the strong, independent and opinionated woman for whom creating a distinct style statement through her ensembles is significant in her fashionable journey. Strong structural silhouettes achieved the equilibrium between architectural shapes and wearability and that earned her the silent nomination of new designer one must definitely follow this season.