Top four saree moments: WIFW Day 3

This nine yards of absolute elegance saw quite a few headlining moments at Day 3 of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week. Spring-Summer predictions include the eternal silk, hints of glamour and beautiful surface texturing and prints. Here are our top five saree moments of Day Two:

The queen of graphic prints brings to us a ‘patakha’ print saree for the upcoming season. Quirk it up.

Anupama Dayal with her large floral psychedelic prints does a saree number with a jacket blouse. Colour blocked summer ahead.

Classy and elegant, this ivory with black saree by Payal Singhal with its interesting pine cone print and the embroidered blouse belong in our closet.

Designer Poonam Dubey displayed this red saree with multicoloured Indian artefact print and an embroidered blouse utilising the sholapith technique. This one is a winner.

Authored by Shreya Kalra (www.ftlofaot.com) For The Love Of Fashion and Other Things

Top five ready-to-wear garments: Day 2 WIFW

The Spring-Summer edition of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week shows a lot of promise as far as ready-to-wear lines or pret go. Designers put their best foot forward in order to not only create garments fit for the runway but also keeping in mind the viability of the same in the market. The second day at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week saw many a designers showcase their ingenious designs for their pret lines on the ramp. Here are our top five picks from the same.

This dress by Payal Pratap cinched at the waist with the beautiful folk patterns made for a complete delight

This bohemian spirited shift by Payal Pratap in a royal blue with its folk and mosaic print is a perfect fit for the summer ahead.

Be it the pastel colours, scalloped edges, cool layering or the organic fabric, this dress by Eka is a great pick.

The easy breezy bohemian vibe of this maxi dress with side slits by Malini Ramani makes it a favourite with us. Who said black is for winters?

The dusty rose colour of the dress, coupled with the complete set of vintage objects from Pankaj and Nidhi’s closet make this little number one of our favourite ready-to-wear pieces this season.

Authored by Shreya Kalra (www.ftlofaot.com) For The Love of Fashion and Other Things

Pankaj & Nidhi: Vintage Closet

With music that took us back to an era gone by, ‘The Vintage Closet’ by Pankaj & Nidhi opened with a skirt and top duo with beautiful vintage objects printed across. The delicate beadwork on the crop tops and skirts was one of its kind and gave the illusion of cross stitch. The lace cape and dress combinations in a variety of pastel hues were beautiful and as per a very spring-summer palette. The models sported an exaggerated top bun with bangs across their forehead which added to the vintage old world charm of the collection. Some pieces were reminiscent of their best done multi-pastel appliqués and you definitely will not hear us complain. A show worthy of the day’s finale, truly.

Authored by Shreya Kalra (www.ftlofaot.com) For The Love of Fashion and Other Things

Top five gowns: Day 2 WIFW

Gowns are the new go-to evening wear choice of apparel and quite a few Indian designers are making valiant efforts at taking it to the next level. Our top five gown and full length gown anarkali picks of the day are as follows along with the reasons for the same.

This larger than life white gown with origami hand appliquéd was a walking bouquet down the Samanth Chauhan runway

This beige and gold emblazoned number by Kavita Bhartia is perfect for the upcoming wedding season.

In a show that carried the message of dispelling myths about AIDS, this stunning burnt orange-red layered anarkali by Virtues: Viral, Ashish and Vikrant, with interesting cuts stood apart.

This tiered gown by Gauri & Nainika with hints of folded green created just the right drama.

The white high-low hemmed gown in neoprene with the red appliquéd detail on the side spells elegance.

Authored by Shreya Kalra (www.ftlofaot.com) For The Love of Fashion and Other Things

Gauri & Nainika: Save the Planet

After a short clip on the crisis that befall planet Earth at different times, the Gauri & Nainika show began with body con silhouettes in gowns and dresses depicting an ode to our planet. From splotch prints that looked like melting glaciers to digital prints of saplings emerging out of the Earth, the Gauri & Nainika gowns with all their grandeur made our hearts skip a beat. One of the most beautiful and impactful shows of the day, the designer duo best known for their red carpet worthy gowns outdid themselves yet again. The technique of floral appliqué and pattern making made each piece in the colours of the Earth stand out.

Authored by Shreya Kalra of http://www.ftlofaot.com (For The Love of Fashion and Other Things)

Tarun Tahiliani with The Singh twins

A collection based on the art created by the sister duo operating out of UK, popularly known as ‘The Singh Twins’, Tarun Tahiliani closed Day 1 with a ready-to-wear collection bereft of a showstopper but full of art influences. The Singh Twins’ art is insured by Asian and Western iconography and takes inspiration from Indian style of miniature paintings. Tarun Tahiliani transferred his understanding of the same onto tunic, skirts, saris, draped pants and lehengas in bright pops of colours like reds, yellows, blues and peaches. The level of detail to the print is excruciatingly minute and beautiful and has been described as ‘Past Modern’. This was a complete package as the show set was created with tapestries formed by the art of the Singh Twins. The men’s wear competed with the women’s wear as far as the fun and vibrance of the garments were concerned. A beautiful collection in all.

Authored by Shreya Kalra of http://www.ftlofaot.com (For the Love of Fashion and Other Things)

Top five looks of Day 1: WIFW

The first best look of the day was a cute skater dress from Pero by Aneeth Arora. Linen made for a perfect summery fabric especially with this brightly hand embroidered top. The pop coloured Nike shoes were the icing on top.

The second best look of the day was a maxi dress in jersey with fringed multi coloured detailing and ikat print on the top as was the theme of the Hemant & Nandita show, ‘The Knot’. ’70s inspired and fun, this look is perfect for the summer.

The third best look of the day was a ‘kawaii’ inspired gown with clean cuts and minimal design that highlighted the cute bows incorporated a lot in Japanese design. This creation came from the house of Alpana & Neeraj.

The fourth best look of the day was a tennis dress in mesh and a surface print by Pallavi Mohan (Not So Serious). Sporty luxe is a trend to watch out for this season too.

The fifth best look of the day was a full circle dress with an embellished kimono in shades of pretty pastels as seen on the Atsu girl of the season.

Authored by Shreya Kalra of http://www.ftlofaot.com (For The Love of Fashion and Other Things)

Péro’s Garden of magic

Aneeth Arora of Péro knows exactly how to create a set that will mesmerise the audience. This year, with her theme of ‘Go Green’, the set comprised of a lush green garden that extended between the seating rows with potted plants and watering can accessories et al. The excitement was palpable and she did not disappoint.

Frumpy chic gets a perfectly easy breezy summer make over as she plays with pure cottons, chanderi and khadi this season. Smock dresses and jackets hand embroidered with little flowers paired with hand embroidered pop Nike sneakers and over the top floral headgear made Péro’s garden of magic, truly magical.

We also saw hints of cute Péro style checks and crochet.

Authored by: Shreya Kalra of http://www.ftlofaot.com (For The Love of Fashion and Other Things)

9 Colours of Navaratri

Navaratri is the largest and most widely celebrated festival of India. During the 9 days of Navaratri, 9 different aspects of the Goddess Durga is worshipped which is known as Navadurga. 9 colours are attributed to the 9 different days and women of many Indian states like Gujarat and Maharashtra wear only those 9 colours on these specific days. The festivals begin with Shailputri Mata Puja and end with Siddhidhatri Mata Puja.

This year, glamorize your festive look with the 9 colours of Navaratri.

Yellow for Navaratri Pratipada: Shailputri Puja

Kick start your Navaratri celebrations with this vibrant yellow Anarkali suit. The intricate resham and zari work on the bright yellow fabric is sure to lift your heart all day long.

Green for Navaratri Dwitiya: Brahmacharini Puja

On the second day of Navaratri, be in sync with nature by going green. This gorgeous Georgette Anarkali with velvet jacket worn by Preity Zinta will complete your Navaratri look.

Grey for Navaratri Tritiya: Chandraghanta Puja

Devi Chandraghanta represents peace and serenity. This enthralling grey Salwar Kameez with intricate Resham embroidery creates a serene and peaceful look. Match it with silver or white gold to complete the effect.

Orange for Navaratri Chaturthi: Kushmanda Puja
Orange is the colour for the 4th day of Navaratri. This bright orange net and georgette Lehenga Saree with glamorous blue velvet border is perfect for the occasion. It is unique item from Triveni’s Navaratri Collection.

White for Navaratri Panchami: Skandamata Puja
The mandate for the 5th day of Navaratri is to wear pure white to please Devi Skandamata. This white georgette chiffon Anarkali exudes purity and sanctity. The intricate chikankari and stone work embroidery gives it an aura of elegance.

Red for Navaratri Shashthi: Katyayani Puja
Red is the colour for the 6th day of Navaratri. This beautiful red georgette lehenga choli with heavy embroidery brings out a festive image. Match it with heavy bangles to complete your Shashthi look.

Blue for Navaratri Shaptami: Kalratri Puja
On the 7th day, one must wear blue. Look as fabulous as Mugdha Godse in this navy blue georgette Anarkali with heavy multicoloured embroidery. This suit is the product of a wonderful blend of ethnicity and modernity unique to Triveni Fashions.

Pink for Navaratri Ashtami: Mahagauri Puja
On the 8th day, deck up in pretty pink. This simple but elegant georgette pink saree with bright border work will complete your look for the Maha Gauri puja. Intricate embroidery on the border and the blouse brings out the festive mood this season.

Purple for Navaratri Navami: Siddhidhatri Puja
Celebrate the 9th and last day of Navaratri in bright purple. This charming glossy Bhagalpuri silk saree is the perfect attire for the last day of Navaratri celebrations. The heavy embroidered border on the smooth silk makes it a beautiful and dynamic way to end the festive season.

 

Authored by Oindrila Mandal

Navaratri in an all Indian Style!

In India, a country with a myriad of religions, customs and beliefs, blended expertly in colours of democracy, there is one festival that stands out above others. Spread over a period of 9 days, this festival is a celebration of the vibrancy and diversity of India where the whole country unites to worship the Goddes Shakti or Durga in different forms.

The festival is celebrated all over India but in different ways but the most flamboyant and renowned Navratri celebrations can be seen in western India, throughout the State of Gujarat and Mumbai.
GUJARAT:
In Gujarat, Navratri is a community event, where people perform devotional songs and dances that are popular by the names of ‘Dandiya Raas’ and ‘Garbha Raas’, and observe Jaagran (waking through the night), to please the Goddess. While dancing, the dancers move around in a circle, with different steps around a lamp, which represent the Eternal Light of the Durga Mata.

A clay pot symbolizes the Garbha or the womb which is the source of life on earth. It is a prominent feature during Navratri celebrations in Gujarat. Women in vibrant and grand costumes dance around the pot which is filled with water, a betel nut and a silver coin The folk dance form of Garbha derives its name from the iconic clay pot around which women whirl and dance. Even men play Garbha along with women.

Dandiya Raas is another important attraction in Gujarat during the festive season. Colourful sticks of equal length are used for the dance. During the Dance, these stick are used instead of hands for clapping.

MAHARASHTRA:
In Maharashtra, Goddess Durga is worshipped continuously for nine days of Navratri. Puja is performed on each day of Navratri and devotees offer the flower garland to the idol or image of the goddess Durga. Here also Dandiya and Garba dances are predominant.

Well, the world has always been keen about Indian culture,and hence a foreigner lady trying to learn dandiya.

In Maharashtra the 9 days of Navratri are dedicated to Goddess Durga while the Vijayadashami is dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. This day is considered auspicious to begin education, buy new homes, start new ventures, and weddings.

9 different forms of the goddess are worshiped on each day of Navaratri and 9 different colours are associated with each day. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, women wear clothes of only these 9 Navaratri colours.

Stay tuned for more on the 9 Navaratri Colours.

Authored by Oindrila Mandal