Paris Fashion Week - My Two Favorite Shows

Whilst trends were plenty in Paris, I've noticed that the clothes presented there are always ahead in terms of techniques. Not to say that Milan, London and New York weren't any better but I have always felt Paris has the upper hand in that area. So for example, the signature Chanel tweed was reinvented through the use of some other fabric (I don't think anyone knows that top secret fabric!) that was woven with tulle. Same goes for Kenzo with that high tech shiny fabric. Whilst we're talking about technique, what I loved best about the Paris shows was the spectacular display of craftsmanship in a lot of them, especially at Alexander McQueen. I was completely blown away by the collection, which is nothing new because I'm always left with my jaw open every time I finish seeing the show. Don't worry I'm getting to the Louis Vuitton show too in case you're about to hurdle some curses at me! Besides the laser cut leather skirts and the crocodile leather bra tops at McQueen, the checkerboard and ostrich feather silhouettes were just marvelous. Endless hours of workmanship by craftsmen who are nothing short of artists resulted in a collection that was couture like in every possible way.

Alexander McQueen

Moving on to Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs's final collection for the house was glorious to say the least. There's something extremely sexy about darkness. And that's what his show was, all black. And it was genius. First up, those theatrical Stephen Jones hats, then it was Edie Campbell in overly long jeweled handcuffs and a g-string with the Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton logo all over her body, then there was the all black carousel, elevators, escalator and the fountain. The embellishments, oh the sparkly embellishments on everything from biker jackets to dresses to leggings and of course lets not forget all those gorgeous feathers we saw. Honestly, this show was truly one of the best shows I've ever seen. Boy I feel sorry for whoever replaces Marc.

Louis Vuitton

Paris Fashion Week SS 14 - Trends We Love

Hello everyone, I'm finally done going through all the Paris shows and am reporting back with my trend report. Oy Vay that took long enough!. The Jewish expression stems from me watching too many reruns of The Nanny in the last couple of weeks hence Sylvia Fine is rubbing on to me.

Okay back to the trends. Here goes.

1. Fringes. Aah, The Great Gatsby trend is really catching on. I thought it would stop by the end of this year but apparently not. A LOT of designers did fringes. Some reminded us of the 1920's and some of the wild wild west and in the case of Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu, the fringes came with embellishments. How will you wear it next year, Gatsby chic or bohemian chic?

L-R: Jean Paul Gaultier, Junya Watanabe, Louis Vuitton, Chanel

L-R: Maxime Simoens, Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu, Moncler Gamme Rouge

L-R: Dior, Sacai, Valentino, Zadig & Voltaire

2. Pretty Pleats. Don't knife pleats remind you of high school? I used to wear a pleated skirt to school and I remember loving it. In fact, just this summer i bought a gorgeous red crepe dress from Joseph which has these lovely pleats from the waist down to the knees. It moves so gracefully when i walk. I feel all girly in it. I love these pleats on dresses too, it's so much more comfortable to wear a pleated maxi as opposed to  free flowing one which you end up stepping on again and again. So please don't start discarding your pleats just yet as they're going strong all the way till next year.

L-R: Chloe, Dior, Dries Van Noten, Givenchy, Celine

L-R: Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen, Rochas, Vionnet

3. Prints. We may have covered this trend previously, but I really cannot not mention it again, simply because I love the inspirations behind these amazing prints. I loved the way the Kenzo prints sent out a message against over fishing and Celine's giant paint brush strokes were pretty awesome and of course the very artsy face print at Jean-Charles De Castelbajac. I absolutely adored the Henri Rousseau inspired jungle prints at Hermes. So ladies, don't shy away from wearing bold prints next year. They're so fun! 

L-R: Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, Celine, Hermes

L-R: Jean-Charles De Castelbajac, Jean Paul Gaultier, Kenzo, Miu Miu, Vivienne Westwood

4. Metallic. So there was this whole metallic theme going on in Paris, especially at Lanvin where Alber Elbaz showcased a parade of models in head to toe metallic silhouettes.  Personally I am not a huge fan of the metallic trend. It somehow reminds me of a Quality Street candy wrapper. But hey, that's just my opinion. If worn correctly, it can look stunning like the dress by Valentin Yudashkin.

L-R: Jean-Charles De Castelbajac, Dior, Dries Van Noten, Lanvin

Rochas, Saint Laurent, Dior, Valentin Yudashkin

5. Longer Hemlines. Nothing says summer more than mini dresses and mini skirts, but this time around I noticed that hemlines are dropping to midis and maxis for SS 14. 

L-R: Balenciaga, Celine, Chanel, Giambattista Valli

L-R: Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Hermes, Jean-Charles De Castelbajac

L-R: Stella McCartney, Valentino, Veronique Leroy, Paul & Joe

6. Shirtdresses. This was my absolute favorite trend. The first time I fell in love with a shirtdress was when Sarah Jessica Parker wore it in Sex & The City season 3 episode 18. After she fell into the lake she goes to dry up at Mr Big's apartment and leaves wearing an over-sized white shirt cinched at the waist with a simple Hermes belt. I remember being amazed at how a simple white shirt can look so fabulous so you know how happy I am to see these trending big time. I'm going to get my hands on a shirt dress ASAP. Or better yet, try my luck at wearing one of my husband's Thomas Pink shirts with a belt (he's 6"3 so I'm pretty sure it won't be too short). I'm attaching a picture of SJP in that white shirt. Please ignore the picture quality as I couldn't find one online so I made a shoddy attempt at taking it with my phone whilst pausing the scene on my laptop.

L-R: Balenciaga, Dior, Sacai, Viktor & Rolf, Veronique Branquinho

Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex & The City

7. Stripes. Horizontal, vertical or embellished like at Givenchy and McQueen, stripes will be pretty hot next year too.

L-R: Emanuel Ungaro, Givenchy, Hermes, Dior

L-R: Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Sacai

We LOVE Sweatshirts!

As I wait for Paris Fashion Week to finish in order to complete my trend report from the city of lights, I thought I'd give myself a break and do a product page on statement sweatshirts. Since Kenzo started the statement sweatshirt rage with their tiger last year and the super cool EYE this year (both of which I am a proud owner of), it has become one of the hottest trends and will continue to do so.

Of course now Kenzo isn't the only brand to do so, the Givenchy Bambi sweater is pretty much sold out everywhere and Brian Lichtenberg's sweatshirts have also started creating a storm. So for the coming Delhi winter, I think it's time you fabulous ladies make space in your closet for one too. Pair it with skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans or skirts and shorts, these sweatshirts are not only a wardrobe must have but have become a wardrobe staple. Isn't it amazing how comfort is making it's way into high fashion? 

When shopping for a sweatshirt (to wear out and about and not to laze at home in!) make sure you pick one which is eye catching. So for example, look for the ones with embroidery on them or color blocked or even something with some fun writing on them. Here are my top picks in both luxe and high street. 

Luxe Sweatshirts

1. Brian Lichtenberg Homies Sweatshirt - I love these iconic fashion houses inspired logos on Lichtenberg's sweatshirts, they're so fun. Homies for Hermes, Feline for Celine, Ballin for Balmain; how tongue in cheek! I was never a fan of the logomania, but I have to say, this time around, I'm loving it. The black one is currently sold out on net-a-porter but click here to put yourself on the wishlist to be notified when its back in stock. Or simply pick up the pink Feline one!

2. Kenzo Lotus Eye Embroidered Sweater - First the tiger, then the clouds and now the eye;these sweatshirts have achieved a cult status. By the way, I waited 20 minutes in line to pay at the Kenzo boutique in London because all the staff were so busy fetching these for every single person who was in the store. IMAGINE. There were women even buying the sweatshirts for their babies! Click here to purchase.

3. NO. 21 Floral Print Embellished Sweater - If logomania or a larger than life eye isn't your thing, then this very feminine yet sporty sweatshirt might be. Isn't the crystal embellished collar just so pretty? Click here to purchase.

4. Moschino Cheap & Chic Cashmere Catwalk Sweater - Whilst this isn't really the sporty types, I still had to feature it because I love the brand's whimsical approach to fashion season after season. Besides, cashmere sweaters are so boring sometimes, so if you love cashmere I suggest you get this one with this playful cat on it. Click here to purchase.

5. Opening Ceremony Elvis TCB Embellished Sweater - If you've been a die hard Elis Presley fan, then this "Taking Care of Business" sweater is just for you. Opening Ceremony, in collaboration with the Elvis Presely Foundation have created a capsule collection for Fall 2013 to pay homage to the legendary rock star. Click here to purchase.

6. Givenchy Fab Sweater- I know, I know how devastated you are that you can't get a hold of that damn Bambi sweatshirt.Is is quite the tragedy. Although you can try checking Barney's, you might find it there. Moving on, this one isn't any less fabulous! Love the rose print on one side and the flames on the other. Click here to purchase.

Now that we're done with the one's that will max out your credit card, lets move to the pocket friendly clothes. God knows, I could really use some stuff that doesn't pinch my pocket. My recent trip to London involved spending a whole lot of money on home decor items I brought back (Jenny Worrall lamp, feather cushions and expensive upholstery for two chairs, bla bla), therefore, I'm pretty broke! 

Pocket-Friendly Sweatshirts

1. Mango Landscape Print Cotton Sweatshirt - I really really like this sweater from Mango. The landscape print looks very watercolor esque and the colors are perfect for a night out. Click here to purchase or simply head to the store at DLF Promenade or Select City Walk to check it out personally.

2. Zara Jacquard Safety Pin Sweater - Oooh, doesn't this remind you of the Moschino Cheap & Chic one I featured above. Even though it isn't cashmere, its still a fun print and for 2500 INR it's fabulous. Click here to check it out online and I'm sure it will be available in one of the Delhi stores.

3. House Of Holland Viva La Vibe Sweatshirt - Okay so this doesn't really fall into the whole pocket friendly category all the way, but for 95 pounds and free worldwide shipping from ASOS I think its almost pocket friendly. Whaaaat.... Shipping does get expensive, ask me, I once ordered a Diane Von Furstenberg dress to Dubai and paid like 60 dollars on shipping! Anyways, click here to purchase.

4. H&M Embellished Sweatshirt - I am totally digging the adorable jeweled crown on this! And the price doesn't hurt either. Unfortunately we don't have H&M in India, but if you happen to be travelling anytime soon or even have someone coming in from Dubai, London, etc, I say you ask them to pick it up for you! Click here to check it out. 

In case you're wondering how to pair your gorgeous new sweatshirts, here's two photos of how I paired it. Never mind how weird I look as I wasn't really planning a photography session. My husband just took these for me because I wanted to see how I looked. But you can see just to get an idea. I paired the black Kenzo eye sweater with a part leather skirt and high heels for a fabulous night out and once I paired the grey Kenzo Tiger sweater with skinny pants for an off duty look for a day out and about.

Sweatshirt: Kenzo
Skirt & Shoes: Zara
Clutch: Saint Laurent Paris Chyc Clutch

Sweatshirt: Kenzo
Pants: Zara
Bag: Lanvin Les 10 Ans Grosgrain Tote
Spectacles: Tiffany & Co.

Anamika Khanna @ PCJ Couture Week 2013: The Creative Details

I have been a huge fan of Anamika Khanna's fusion of ethnic influences within Goddess-like cuts and styles. I also love how she uses muted tones to her advantage and harmonises them together for some dainty spectacular impact. Here's my favourite ensemble from Anamika's PCJ Couture Week 2013 collection -- up, close and personal. The first picture is the bodice ornamented in looped silken yarn stitched in a row and dull-gold threadwork:

The yoke at the back gave way to this zardosi embroidered motif:

The hemline had similar looping work alongside a tad bit of bling:

And it all, paired with dhoti-style dull gold pants, led to a fabulous number on the ramp:

Milan Fashion Week SS 14 - Trends We Love

Milan runways showcased a kaleidoscope of trends, some were new and some were already seen in New York and London like floral prints and the sporty aesthetic, meanwhile some trends like the black & white continued from last spring summer. Here goes..

1. Sporty and relaxed silhouettes. Just when you thought the Italians didn't do sporty, along comes Milan fashion week and what do you see? You got it! I think it is safe to call this aesthetic a movement. Since it started a few seasons ago, it has been far from a fad. In fact it's just getting stronger as we have witnessed in the last few weeks.

Another important trend that has stemmed out this whole sportswear theme is that of the more relaxed silhouettes. Most designers featured boxy tops and dresses and clothes that were generally slouchy and also a little masculine. One would think that Italians would have steered clear of anything that didn't cling! Take Versace for example, hell even they did a few relaxed looks. Going back to New York, Victoria Beckham, famous for her signature sheath dresses featured relaxed looks in her show too.

L-R: Antonio Marras, Emilio Pucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Iceberg, Jil Sander

L-R: Marni, Max Mara, Philipp Plein, Sportmax, Tod's, Versace

2. Prints. Whilst floral prints have been floating on all the runways, some designers opted for those that were inspired by art, their hometown (who else but Dolce & Gabbana), or in the case of Moschino, the house's archives served as inspiration (I totally loved that cow print on the dress!). Whatever the case, there's nothing better than some super cool prints to break the whole floral monotony. Don't get me wrong, personally, I love flowery stuff, but after the last ten days or so of looking at back to back shows, each filled with blooms, my eyes are a tad bit weary.

L-R: Missoni, Moschino, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana

L-R: Aquilano Rimondi, Etro, Jil Sander, Antonio Marras

3. Cropped Pants. I loved how this season we had the more chilled out version of the cropped trousers as opposed to the usual tighter fit. We saw them to be on the looser side all the way from the top to bottom but the best part was its versatility; it can be made to look casual or formal depending on what you pair it with. I particularly loved the Tod's trousers and the Giorgio Armani ones with the gingham/check pattern.

L-R: Emporio Armani, Etro, Salvatore Ferragamo, Giorgio Armani, Jil Sander, Missoni, Tod's

4. Black & White. I think there's such sartorial splendor in the black and white combination. I was floored with Marc Jacobs's use of black & white in his SS 13 collections;and I'm ecstatic to see a bunch of designers use it in Milan this year. Wear it head to toe or accent it with a colorful accessory, this color combination is the ultimate and is here to stay (well for a while at least).

L-R: Fendi, Jil Sander, No.21, Philipp Plein, Sportmax

5. Embellishments and 3 dimensional blooms. We may have covered this trend during London fashion week, but it's been quite prominent in Milan too and OPULENT. Dolce & Gabbana, Alberta Feretti and Aquilano Rimondi did 3 dimensional blooms whereas Marni and Prada showcased some heavy embellishments and so did Dolce & Gabbana on that gorgeous gold dress. Then there was Emilio Pucci that did some pure bling.

L-R: Aquilano Rimondi, Dolce & Gabbana, Moschino, Alberta Feretti

L-R: Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana, Marni, Prada, Emilio Pucci

6. Slits. Its time to start those damn squats and lunges like never before because next Spring get ready to show some of those sexy legs. Designers showcased a lot of skirts and dresses, some with smaller slits and some with thigh high slits. My favorite was a teal Jil Sander skirt with a side slit.

Hmm, I wonder if Angelina Jolie's weird leg thrust thing at last year's academy awards inspired designers to start doing more slits? Whatever the case, I think they're extremely sexy and can't wait to show my legs off.

L-R: Gucci, Jil Sander, Just Cavalli, Max Mara, Philipp Plein, Versace

7. Briefs/shorts under sheer dresses and skirts. I'm not sure if this really qualifies as a trend but I saw this happening at a lot of shows. I don't think everyone can just be walking around with ease wearing a completely sheer skirt and their briefs showing so its a little low on the wearability factor. But since it was quite prevalent throughout the week and in London too, I thought I should cover it as an observation if not a trend. Although it can definitely work if worn with shorts like they showcased in the No.21 show. 

L-R: Just Cavalli, Antonio Marras, Gucci, No.21

8. Tiered dresses. Tiered dresses are flirty, feminine and are very flattering. I love how the fabric moves so gracefully when you walk. Perfect for the day or at night for a cocktail, they're a chic addition to your closet. I especially loved the Fendi dress in organza.

L-R: Alberta Feretti, Emporio Armani, Fendi, Luisa Beccaria

Milan Fashion Week SS 14 - My Three Favorite Shows

Aah, finally finished going through the shows at Milan fashion week and am ready to present to you our little trend report. Before I go ahead and post it, I want to write about 3 of my favorite shows. Not to say the other shows weren't equally fabulous, but these 3 shows genuinely left me heart broken. I say heart broken in the sense that I wanted all the clothes and cant have any, well not just yet at least!

First up was Dolce & Gabbana, with their once again Sicilian inspired collection. From start to finish, I thought the show was simply beautiful. Those ancient pillars and ruins printed on the clothes, the gold coin belts cinching the silhouettes on the waist, the polka dots and the 3D almond blossoms embroidered on the clothes; it was a flawless collection. And the finale, oh the finale, the models strutting on the runway head to toe in gold; MAGNIFICO!

Then there was Tod's. If  I were saving up to buy a piece from a luxury brand's runway collection Tod's would be it. Fuss free, high on craftsmanship and wearability, this collection really outdid itself. The clothes look extremely simple but they werent that simple to create. The shirt dresses were just fantastic and were so versatile (worn during the day or night, they really make a powerful statement). My favorite was the white shirt dress with a pastel ish hem featuring with laser cut holes in cinched at the waist with a big leather belt. I can totally see myself wearing it during the day with gorgeous flat sandals or at night with a pair of sky high heels. My next favorite was a white shirt paired with a black skirt again with laser cut holes which left me drooling. And how stunning was that perforated leather skirt? Most of the looks minus the leather tank top (or whatever you call it) were so wearable without compromising on design and workmanship which is crucial for any collection. I mean if you're dishing out thousands of dollars on an outfit it better stand out. All in all, one of the best collections I've seen in all three fashion weeks (we still have Paris to cover!).

The Fendi clothes took me to the moon and back. As you go through the collection, you will notice that it wasn't only about the clothes, technique was key here (the leather jackets speak for themselves).

Those tiered dresses crafted out of organza (especially the one Cara Delevingne opened the show with in reducing shades of coral) were mind blowing and looked as light as air. As you can see, I am a lover of the more subtle silhouettes as opposed to dramatic ones as I can actually see myself wearing them (not that I am going to be buying a Fendi dress anytime soon but hey, if you're looking to wear a dress for your wedding cocktail next year, I suggest it should be Fendi SS 14). Whilst fur being the essence of the Fendi house was present at most times, it was the leather that really hit the spot. Masterfully crafted into panels seen on the jackets and into geometric motifs on other clothes, I wish upon a star I could buy one of those.

Manish Arora Bridal @ PCJ Couture Week 2013: The Creative Details

Got my hands on some dainty-meets-uber funky wedding ensembles from Manish Arora's collection at the PCJ Couture Week 2013. Not much to say -- I would rather show!

Multi-layered applique in PVC and silk in large motifs on a lehenga:

Funky matt and shiny sequins and beading against silk:

Graphic patterns with pop colours, crystals and sequins:

Maang tikkas made out of PVC hearts, and laser-cute eye enhancers which I decided to club with a Dior AW 13 necklace and cuff:

The bib-style ornate collars that were metallic, laser cut and embellished, paired with plain monotone jersey cholis:

And the final result -- insanely quirky Indian bride:

Toodles, until tomorrow!