Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013: Day Two Highlights

Bring on the accessories!!! As an avid lover of everything that is chunky, I looked forward to day two of Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013 with Little Shilpa, and Valliyan by Nitya showcasing on the ramps. And you guys should have seen how distressed I was seeing the state of things at LFW and I bitched with Hanadi for a good measure of time. I only like snippets of every collection and haven't come across anything that has left me going wow -- that has left me with shivers and brought me down to my knees in praise. Funny as I might sound, I consider fashion my religion. And those who think otherwise, I state the story of 'the sock and the salesman' (mail me if you would like to hear it too) to change their minds. Having said that, and looking at it all from a very non-biased point of view even though my professional work is related to a lot of international brands, where is the finesse at LFW? Little Shilpa has always been one of my favourite quirky accessory designers but her attempt at confluencing unconventional materials vs 'shabby-chic' falls flat on the ramp. It is one thing being whimsical, it is another being chaotic. Head gear overload indeed; one of course expects nothing short of exaggeration from the creator -- yet these left a lot to be desired. And saris were paired with men's shirts and the katori-choli was layered with bow-ties -- I do not even wish to comment anymore.

Little Shilpa, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

Nitya Arora's pieces brought in influences of Art Deco crafted out of mixed media -- I liked the statement necklaces. Another accessory that caught my eye was this chain-mall kind of an all over body piece shown here on the third picture with the blue parasol -- would have loved some intricacy incorporated into the same.

Valliyan by Nitya Arora, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

As for the clothing, Karishma Shahani's collection combined vibes of 'Mona Darling-style Bollywood glamour' where multiple fabrics, textures and prints came into play.

Karishma Shahani, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

Ken Fern's collection titled Moon Rise played the peplum and corset to the hilt. Also on the ensembles were night-sky inspired prints. Aren't we a little done with the 'futuristic meets architectural splendour' bit already?

Ken Ferns, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

Sneha Arora's collection called A Soldier Story brought together vintage silhouettes and reinterpreted funky camo prints. Simple as it might seem, this is one of my favourites so far, me being a huge fan of war-inspired fashions of WW I era. How funky it was to turn traditional camo into cute little motifs?

Sneha Arora, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

Label Soup by Sougat Paul ensembles had a largely rustic, earth palette, interspersed with bright accents of mandarin and purple. From jackets to draped saris, Paul presented varied styles.

Soup by Sougat Paul, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

I totally need to own of 'em' Anushka Khanna jersey dresses. Simple, chic and perfectly pret -- sophisticated Boheme ahem! Although nothing special you may say, simplicity always calls out to me.

Anushka Khanna, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

I don't know; in Komal Sood's collection called Phoenix in Paradise, the flow seemed very detached to me. Could it be like casual style gives way to a glamour goddess (ashes to glory)? Zero finesse again. Outfits such as these deserve brilliant tailoring, which I don't think has been nailed here at all.

Komal Sood, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

Rajat K Tangri's satin overload seemed ghastly to me. Silhouettes and cuts such as these are being done to death by everybody don't you think? 

Rajat K Tangri, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

A gentle reprise and relief was Sailex's collection. The astute cuts with hints of sexiness, such as a peek-a-boo neckline or thigh-high slits were all created in monotone fabrics with a dose of florals.

Sailex, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

Neither did label Shehlaa by Shehla Khan's feminine wispy numbers disappoint. Called Tale of the Unexpected bringing forth the designer's love for fairy tales, I think Khan has a knack for creating uber-delicate girlie silhouettes. I love the skirt on showstopper Jacqueline Fernandez (even though I could totally diss that neck-piece and bodice)

Shehlaa by Shehla Khan, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

Another collection crafted entirely in black and gold, Shantanu Goenka's show titled Kruhun means black in Kashmiri. Inspired by India and the Middle-East, and with abundance of Kashmiri Tilla work, the ensembles were heavy on embellishments and texturing.

Shantanu Goenka, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

Imma skip out on Troy Costa since ya'all know I don't do menswear and move straight onto the finale show of the day from Rocky Star by Rocky S. Metallics were a huge international trend this year trickling into 2014 shows as well and this is why I appreciated this collection. From textures to fabrics, metal sheen shone right and bright (nothing else to add lol).

Rocky S, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

Top Picks At The Maison Closing Sale!

Guys, as I was window shopping online again, I thought I should urgently inform you that the luxury designer boutique, Maison, in Bangalore is shutting down in two days and pretty much everything is at 75% off. If you have been low on funds but your shopping list is never ending like mine, I suggest that you order ASAP. Sizes are limited, so hurry before whatever’s left also goes away! The sale ends tomorrow at 9pm India time tomorrow. Here are my top picks.

1. Carven Full Sleeve Jersey Satin Dress - A twist dress from Carven is a necessity in anyone's wardrobe and what better than this gorgeous Baroque -esque stained glass printed dress! If you haven't ordered it yet, I'm so going to beat you to it! Click here to purchase.

2. 3.1 Philip Lim Trompe L'Oeil Fitted Dress - Off the FW 2012 runway and into your closet! This gorgeous cotton linen dress with a detachable PVC belt has a classic yet sleek silhouette and means you can wear it for a few seasons at least without it going out of style oh and the price tag will NOT leave you broke. In fact for a runway piece I say it's a steal. Click here to purchase.

3.1 Philip Lim FW 2012

3. TIBI Sleeveless Geneva Print Draped Dress - This beautiful silk dress with an eccentric blotted print on it is perfect for the never ending Indian summer. It features slouchy pockets and is crisscrossed at the back. Just right for a social butterfly with a hectic social calender. Click here to purchase.

4. Issa Silk Jersey V-Neck Dress - If you've been one of the unfortunate one's who couldn't get their hands on the blue Issa dress Kate Middleton wore on her engagement well then you're in luck. Okay I wouldn't say you got 100% lucky but close enough with the pink one on sale at Maison and that too at a fraction of what you would have paid for it otherwise. BTW the duchess isn't the only celebrity seen in a similar Issa dress, you can add Elizabeth Hurley to the list too. Need I say more? Click here to purchase.

Kate Middleton in Issa

Elizabeth Hurley in Issa

5. Giuseppe Zanotti Gladiator Heels - Gladiator heels are back in style thus all the more reason to pick this super HOT pair. Click here to purchase.

6. Giuseppe Zanotti Patent Leather Pumps With Gold Heels - A pair of black stiletto pumps is a must have in everyone's closet and if they have a gold heel, even better! Classic with a dash of funky, you cant go wrong with this pair. What I can't get over is the price, it's really a steal deal as Guiseppe shoes are so expensive otherwise, it'll be a crime not to order them. Click here to purchase.

7. Cacharel Skinny Belt With a Gold Clasp - Skinny belts are perfect to cinch a boyfriend shirt, dress or even a jacket and are a must have in your accessory closet. I love the color on this belt and the gold clasp. Click here to purchase. 

Top Picks From Pernia's Pop Up Shop

As I open our twitter page, I am flooded with tweets  about Pernia’s Pop Up Shop selling the current Lakme Fashion Week  collections on her e-commerce site, and I instantly start checking out what’s cooking (my cousin’s getting married in January and my BFF the coming October so naturally I’ve got a big shopping list).

Of course at some point in time I got distracted and started checking out other stuff on the website and came across some awesome items that I plan on adding to my cart. I love Pernia’s own designs too, she uses top notch fabric, the clothes are extremely stylish and don’t pinch your pocket too much which is an added bonus. So here’s what I’m eyeing at Pernia’s Pop Up Shop. 

1. Pernia Qureshi Neon Pink Maxi Dress - Neons have been in mode for a while now and this bold neon maxi dress is just fabulous. Yes it's a very modest silhouette but the thigh high slit on the side is perfect to reveal just the right about of skin. Pair it with a gold necklace or chunky dull gold earrings and sky high stilettos to complete the look. Click here to purchase.

2. Pernia Qureshi Black Sequinned Dress With Chiffon Overlay - Little black dress, WHAAAT? No, its a long black dress in this case. I am absolutely in love with this gorgeous maxi. Made out of silk chiffon with a georgette lining, the fabrics are luxurious. I love the sequinned sweetheart neckline under the chiffon. This black dress is perfect for a cocktail, a night of heavy partying with the girls or a formal dinner. Throw in a statement necklace (and I mean STATEMENT) with a chic clutch (click here to check out some of the hottest clutches) and you're good to go. The dress is currently sold out, however you can click here to contact them for availability. I suggest you do it ASAP because this dress is a MUST have!

3. Satya Paul Grey and Pink Lipstick Print Sari - Who says saris have to be traditional? Surely not this one! Do we care that Sonam Kapoor was seen in it? OF COURSE we do! I know she was seen in it a while ago but who cares, we still love her and the sari. Moving on, what can I say, this sari in georgette and crepe is so sexy! It comes with a metallic sequin embellished blouse with a peter pan collar and I adore the whimsical print on the sari and the happy colors. Again this piece is sold out, but click here to show interest. 

4. Nachiket Barve Silk and Lurex Appliqued Bolero - I think my search for the perfect bolero just ended. The squiggle applique on this bolero is so fun! A friend of mine once teamed up a bolero with her sari and she looked AAHH-MAZING! Maybe you can try it out? Click here to purchase.

5. Pernia Qureshi Floral And Lace Printed Blazer - EEEEEEEE another blazer Ive fallen in love with! You all know I have a blazer obsession right? I've got 10 in my closet and before the year ends there will be a few more. This gorgeous silk floral printed blazer is eye-catching without having to try too hard and can be worn during the day or night. I usually team my blazers with my favorite 7 For All Mankind skinnys and a pair of stilettos at night or a pair of ballerinas during the day. Click here to purchase.

6. Manish Arora for Amrapali Gold Plated Gazelle Hand Harness - How cool is this hand harness?! I would pair it with a low key silhouette for maximal impact. Sadly out of stock (Why Pernia, Why?!!) but click here to contact them for availability.

7. Eina Ahluwalia Respect - Protect Earrings - I love accessories that stand out and these 22 karat gold plated earrings do just that. Hey, maybe you can pair these with the above featured pink maxi?! Click here to purchase.

Sonam Kapoor in Satya Paul

Lakme Fashion Week Winter Festive 2013: Day One Round Up

This year's chapter of this annual event kicked off with Manish Malhotra's show called Reflections that comprised of pre-bridal and festive ensembles at Grand Hyatt, Mumbai. Surprisingly demure, the ensembles were non-fussy and stylishly classy in a palette ranging from champagnes to tans to pruces and wines. 

Manish Malhotra, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

Rajasthani and Kutchi inspirations were imbibed through mirror-work, colour blocking and native fabrics in silhouettes ranging from Indo-Westerns to the newly derived 'ghagra-pants'. And I sort of feel, this collection is truly an extension of his PCJ ensembles, presented within a more subtle aura -- especially through combining absolutely astute upper garments with full skirted bottoms.

Manish Malhotra, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

Then we had Ranna Gill present a resort-oriented collection in a palette of white and brights. Always been a fan of sheer skirts and I loved the two ensembles shown below.

Ranna Gill, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

Jatin Varma presented an array of sculptural gowns in monotones of red, blue and purple.

Jatin Varma, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

Payal Singhal played with opposites to create an abject, contrasting balance.

Payal Singhal, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

I am totally lusting after these super elegant Anita Dongre lehengas. Love the geometric influence on the embellishment motifs!

Anita Dongre, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

Nikhil Thampi also played with black and gold contrasts in saris, backless gowns, and key-piece pairings.

Nikhil Thampi, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

Nishka Lulla presented a collection that was almost bling free, bringing in a range of metallic fabrics paired against muted ones, and a selection of floral prints.

Nishka Lulla, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

Priyadarshini Rao incorporated multiple fabrics into her collection to create ensembles with a very layered demeanor. What do you guys think?

Priyadarshini Rao, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

The exaggerated shoulder was presented in full glory by Shilpa Reddy, that too in ethnic wear!

Shilpa Reddy, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

Vijay Balhara's ensembles did not deviate even a tad from simple chic!

Vijay Balhara, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

And finally, here's some new sari lovin' courtesy Debarun!

Debarun, Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013

Lady Gaga's Looks From Her Latest Video APPLAUSE!!

I Live For The Applause Applause Applause; I can't stop singing this song! Being a huge Lady Gaga fan, I was just dying for her new video for her single Applause to release. And when it was finally released I sure as hell wasn't disappointed. In fact, I think it's one of the best videos I've seen (Bad Romance now is second best!). Lady Gaga is such an enfant terrible and can pull that attitude off in a way very few can. Even with regards to her crazy dress sense, GAGA can look fabulous wearing anything, that includes the meat dress. Her videos are so theatrical and ALWAYS include avant-garde clothing which is a treat for anyone who LOVES fashion. I almost always go online and check out fashion credits to find out who she wore! Lets face it guys, no one can wear those Lee McQueen armadillo heels or a crazy Garteh Pugh outfit better than her.

Anyways back to her latest video for her single Applause, well it’s no surprises that it included OTT make up, couture clothes, an element of DIY in some of the outfits and a crazy GAGA writhing away on the floor! You can watch the video below and then scroll down to see each look deconstructed.

Here are some the looks and the designers behind these creations in no particular order.

Here she's seen wearing a Mila Schon Fall 2013 Catsuit with bell sleeves paired with wings made out of broken umbrella spokes by Junker Designs.

Mila Schon Fall 2013

For the next look, she's wearing a bra from Pretty Wild Lingerie,Valentino Fall 2013 Couture lace shorts paired with Azzedine Alaia ankle boots.

Lady Gaga Applause

Valentino Fall 2013 Couture

In the following image, she's wearing a Mila Schon catsuit with a custom  made Gareth Pugh silk gown billowing around her.

This mad hatter look is my absolute favorite with her in a Maison Martin Margiela Fall 2013 couture jacket. This particular jacket was an abstract reinterpretation of The Bust Of Frederick Chopin by the couture house and was embellished with marble cabochons in black, white and green and took 93 hours to create.  The look was complete with a mirror and safety-pin bodysuit; a creation by her sister Natali Germanotta.

Maison Martin Margiela Fall 2013 Couture

No one can pull off surrealist and avantgarde clothing better than Lady Gaga. The following image consists of Lady Gaga in a bra, undies and a choker in the shape of a glove by Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. 

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac Fall 2011

This custom made skeleton like Olivier Theyskens corset and skirt is just so cool! (Boots are by Pleaser)

For the DIY element, Perry Meek from Haus of Gaga creates a clam-shell bikini and uses glue and fresh flowers as embellishments. This look was inspired by Botticelli's painting, The Birth of Venus.

The final dress included digging into the archives of John Galliano. This gorgeous gown was was from his Fall 2009 collection inspired by Russian-Balkan folklore. Of course they didn't just use the dress alone, designer Mathieu Mirano created a harness made out of burnt duct tape, safety-pins and crystals. This extremely unique piece was inspired by World War I courtesan Mata Hari. P.S he's the genius behind the paper dress Lady Gaga wore at Good Morning America to promote the video. Also seen in this look is the Damien necklace by Halaby worn as a headpiece from the brand's FW 13 collection.

John Galliano Fall 2009

The harness which was originally created to be worn as bras

The Halaby Damien necklace

The closing of the video featured Gaga in a bejeweled mask by House of Lavande.

Tassel Earrings Fancy with Desi Houses

I have always been a huge fan of anything to do with tassels and fringes -- whether they be on accessories or those darling flapper era dresses. And while I was browsing through Pernia's Pop Up shop I was pleasantly surprised to see some desi pieces that I actually liked! I only wish all of them had been long enough to be shoulder-dusters, a.k.a Edie Sedgwick style.

Trending -- Tassel earrings at Pernia's Pop Up Shop

My first pick is this pair by Manish Arora for Amrapali. Crafted in 18-k gold and accentuated by a non-traditional enamel detailing, these earrings indeed do shimmy on your shoulders.

This  pair by Zariin is plated in 18-k gold and has pyramid motifs highlighted with citrines. These too caress your shoulders very stylishly.

Called Sky Diva, the pair in the centre by Isharya would look gorgeous paired with plain Indo-Westerns. Gold-plated and crafted out of fresh-water pearls and turquoise beads, I am loving the heavy fringe on these.

These Parker tassel earrings from the Outhouse feature a fabric lace detailing and coral beads giving way to an industrial fringe. Very Mawi do you think? I love them still!

Silken thread tassel earrings from Valliyan by Nitya feature Swarovski accents. I love the popping bubble gum pink shade and can totally imagine pairing them with sexy contrasts!

PCJ Couture Week: The Indian Peplum Brigade

As passe as one might consider peplums, the recently concluded PCJ Couture Week in New Delhi was replete with major style variations of this element. Redefined with the usual extravagance associated with what one might call couture in the country, designers incorporated it into Indian wear even.

Ritu Beri exaggerated the peplum silhouettes and how in a collection called Punjabi Rock' and Roll. In times when master crafters are moving away from excesses on to more structured and astute high fashion, do you think this collection that seems like a menagerie of too many things sits well? Then again, ain't Punjab always about a bit of extravagance :D? Christian Dior 2008 anyone?

Ritu Beri peplum styles, PCJ Couture Week, New Delhi 2013

In a collection worked around the headiness of opium in tones of champagne and gold, the Sabyasachi peplums were kept plain complimenting the beauty of the rest.

Sabyasachi peplum styles, PCJ Couture Week 2013, New Delhi

Then we had Varun Bahl who did a classy version, Anamika Khanna who brought out a rustic ivory demeanour, and Manish Arora who funked it up!

Peplums, PCJ Couture Week 2013, New Delhi