Akanksha Redhu

Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week – Autumn Winter 2012 Schedule

Akanksha — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 07:45:03 +0000

Unveiling the year’s first event of the fashion calendar, Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) proudly presents the 19th edition of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) – Autumn Winter 2012.
With an objective to encourage and endorse designers to grow their brands nationally and internationally and also to widen their customer base every year, WIFW allows fashion designers to showcase their collection to domestic and international buyers, media and the fashion industry.

WIFW is instrumental in promoting the best of fashion design talent in the country and in cultivating an atmosphere conducive to young designers. The event provides a perfect networking opportunity for the likeminded – from models to designers to make-up artists and choreographers. The focus though is strictly on producing tangible results by way of encouraging trade opportunities.
With an objective of making Indian fashion global, FDCI has embarked on various path-breaking initiatives to cultivate and nurture designers and their business. The fashion week provides a perfect platform for free flowing of creativity.

SCHEDULE:

For those of us who are not really clear about what The FDCI is:
The Fashion Design Council of India
A not for profit organization, Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), is the apex body of fashion design in India, represented by over 350 members. Founded on the premise of promoting, nurturing and representing the best of fashion design talent in the country; its prime objective is to propagate the Business of Fashion.

FDCI as part of its initiatives produces a calendar of fashion events that includes the bi-annual prêt weeks for womenswear -Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week, a dedicated week for men’s fashion-Van Heusen India Men’s Week, and the annual platform for couture-Synergy 1 Delhi Couture Week. Over the years, FDCI has embarked on various path-breaking initiatives to cultivate and nurture designers and their businesses, and make Indian fashion global.

As an apex body for the fashion industry, FDCI is the nodal point for activities with the government and works closely with various Ministries. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is supporting FDCI initiatives and facilitates international trade at the fashion weeks.

It has also played an important role in developing marketing strategies, setting standards and providing tangible value for its members over the last decade. A pan-Indian fashion body, FDCI weaves designers from various states, cities and towns of India into one cohesive body. Representing both established and emerging designers, it plays an important role in guiding the industry towards its goal of sustainable growth.

In the process of taking Indian Fashion to Global level, FDCI advises and assists fashion designers, retailers, models, make-up artists, hair stylists, choreographers and manufacturers in raising professional standards and improving business practices while creating domestic and international opportunities. It works at creating mutually beneficial tie-ups with similar councils in international fashion destinations and also with business worldwide.

FDCI is instrumental in facilitating designer corporate tie-ups, aimed at expanding the fashion market in the country and continues to make earnest endeavors to accelerate its efforts to ensure that Indian fashion creates a larger global imprint. With the undying support of the members, patrons and well wishers, including the national and international media, FDCI beckons brighter future.

Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Autumn-Winter 2012

Akanksha — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:47:47 +0000

The energy surrounding the coming WIFW A/W – 2012 is almost tangible as designers are racing towards giving finishing touches to their collections and choreographers, make-up artists, models, buyers and everyone at FDCI gear up for kicking off the 5 day event from Wednesday, February 15th-19th, 2012 at Hall no. 18 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
The 19th edition of WIFW will bring you 138 designers showcasing their very best at Asia’s biggest fashion event, with 60 designers who will have runway-shows as well. Each season, the list gets bigger and better showing how far the Indian Fashion Industry has come.

A quick look at all the participating designers this season:
Solo Shows: Abraham & Thakore, Anand Kabra, Anju Modi, Gaurav Gupta, Kavita Bhartia, Kotwara by Meera Ali, Manish Malhotra, Mynah’s Reynu Tandon, Pankaj & Nidhi, Rahul Mishra, Rocky S, Rohit Bal, Tarun Tahiliani & S & N Drape by Shantanu & Nikhil
Shantanu & Nikhil, a label synonymous with luxury and known for elegance and sophistication will take centre stage as the curtains go up for Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Autum-Winter 2012. Opening the show on Day 1, the designer duo will showcase their impressive bridge line (S&N Drape) for the coming season.

2 Designer Shows: Akaaro by Gaurav Jai Gupta, Anaikka by Kanika Saluja Chaudhary, Anand Bhushan, Anupamaa by Anupama Dayal, Abdul Halder, Charu Parashar, Dev r Nil, James Ferreira, Kallol Datta 1955, Monapali by Mona Lamba and Pali Sachdeva, my village’ by Rimzim Dadu, Nachiket Barve, Péro by Aneeth Arora, Preeti Chandra, Priyadarshini Rao, Raakesh Agarvwal, Raj Shroff, Rehane, Rishta by Arjun, Sanskar by Sonam Dubal, Soltee by Sulakshana, Tanvi Kedia, Vineet Bahl & Virtues by Viral, Ashish & Vikrant

3 Designer Shows: Bhanuni by Jyoti Sharma, Chandrani Siingh Fllora, Dhruv & Pallavi, Dolly J, Dozakh by Kartikeya & Isha, Jenjum Gadi, Nikhita, Nimirta, Pallavi Jaipur, Rajdeep Ranawat, Ritesh Kumar & Vijay Balhara

Hi -5 Shows: Myoho by Kiran & Meghna, Mrinalini, Niharika, Nupur Kanoi, Ritu Pande, Schön by Sakshee Pradhan, Tahera Peeran, The Next Episode by Shantanu Singh, Vaishali.S & Verb by Pallavi Singhee

The following Designers will only be having stalls at the venue:
11:11 by CellDsgn, 5X by Ajit Kumar, Smallshop Jason Anshu, Aafreen by Rakesh & Vandana, Abhijeet Khanna, Aditya Dugar, Alpana & Neeraj, AM:PM by Ankur & Priyanka Modi, ANKY by Ankita & Anjana Bhargav, Chhaya Mehrotra, Cloud by Ruchi Mehta, Divyam Mehta, Ekru by Ekta & Ruchira, Elisha W, Gauri & Nainika, Geisha Designs by Paras & Shalini, Bian by Gurpreet Pia Fleming, Hemant & Nandita, Indian by Manish Arora, Jatin Varma, Jaya Rathore, JJ Valaya, Joy Mitra, Komal Sood, Krishna Mehta, Madhu Jain, Malini Ramani, Manish Gupta, Manoviraj Khosla, Nakul Sen, Nalandda Bhandari, Namrata Joshipura, Neeru Kumar, Neeta Bhargava, Nikasha, Niket & Jainee, Niki Mahajan, Not So Serious by Pallavi Mohan, Payal Jain, Payal Pratap, Payal Singhal, Prashantt, Preeti Jhawar, Preeti S Kapoor, Priyanka Kakkar, Pujaarya, Rahul Reddy, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Ranna Gill, Rina Dhaka, Rinku Sobti, Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna, Rohit Mittal, Roma Narsinghani, Saaj by Ankita, Samant Chauhan, Samor by Pragya & Megha Samor, Sanchita, Shrea by Shreya Shrama, Shyam Narayan Prasad, Sonali Mansingka, Sonia Jetleey, Sonia Sarin, Taika by Poonam Bhagat, Varija Bajaj, Varun Bahl, Wendell Rodricks & Zubair Kirmani

Accessory Designers: 5 Elements by Radhika Gupta, Art Apparel & Accessories by Shelina & Camelia, Fluke Design by Rashmi Dogra, Janavi by Jyotika Jhalani, Malaga by Malini Agarwalla, Meera Mahadevia, Nitin Vijay, Pallavi Foley Boutique Jewels, Pinky Saraf & Shalini Arts

Announcing the names of participating designers, Mr. Sunil Sethi, President, FDCI, said, “This year we have a list of outstanding designers with representation across geographies who will display their creative excellence on the runway. With combined elements of innovation, creativity and tradition of the WIFW, these designers will give a fresh perspective to the Autumn-Winter collection. With so many talented designers in India’s fashion industry; we are hopeful that this edition will also break all records like the past season. I wish all of them, the very best as they gear up to participate at the WIFW Autumn-Winter 2012.”

There is lots more to come so stay updated by following our twitter feed at Akanksha Redhu

TrendGazer – Orange Bar

Akanksha — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:07:28 +0000

Remember the ice-cream ‘Orange Bar’ that we use to obsess over as kids (I know I did)? I may not be crazy about the orange stick anymore but somewhere somehow, I suppose it left a subconcious stimulus in my brain that makes me happy whenever I see a bright pop of the color! Which would explain this very post of mine.

I know it can be slightly intimidating to wear a color that stands out as much as it does but fret not, there are ways it can still be incorporated into the look without you looking like an actual orange bar if you prefer.

Here is your very own starter kit if you may for blasting off into a happy orange look!

Clockwise from Top Left corner:
Roberto Cavalli Printed silk-chiffon kaftan, $695 – It doesnt just have to be orange, mix it with another electric hue and you are bound to stand out.
Jil Sander Daniel wool-blend pants, $670 - Pair these with a neutral colored sweater for a casual-meets-chic look
Faith Connexion Silk-satin shirt, $520 - This shot of intense colored satin will speak volumes of your confidence. Make sure you wear it with sleek strong black pants for a powerful look.
Miu Miu Cotton-twill pleated mini skirt, $720 - A Retro-looking skirt but so lively!
Diane von Furstenberg Color-block silk dress, $375 – In a chic balance of neon and neutral, Diane von Furstenberg’s color-blocked silk dress is an effortless way to work citrus brights. Punctuate the relaxed cut with sculptural heels and an edgy studded clutch.
Stella McCartney Sequined cotton-blend sweater dress, $1,245 – This is a complete statement dress in itself, bright and bling loaded. Work it with a chunky bracelet and shoes that match its confidence.
Lanvin Draped crepe-jersey dress , $3,095 – This artfully draped piece is a great cocktail dress. Combine it with another strong colored clutch and heels.

And for your accesories fix of Orange:

All products courtesy net-a-porter.com

Here are some further ways to use orange in your advantage:

All images courtesy lookbook.nu

Final Quick Snips From Fashion Week!

Akanksha — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:37:49 +0000

Yes I said there would be one final blog post about the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week SS 2012 and here it is. A final collection of the remaining snips from the fabulous 5 day event!

Sardar on a Scarf!
What an adorable scarf with heads of Sardars printed on it! I want one!

Traditional or Tribal? or just plain electric?! Gorgeous wedges.

A turban does somehow depict power, the great kind, not the Voldemort kind, though he could definitely use one!

So clean, so prim!

Pink soled socks! So much excitement in your soles!

Fake Eyelashes left next to some creamy roses.

Rachel Bayros and an interesting hairstyle!

Ms. Proper in Printed Pants

Akanksha — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:56:38 +0000

Its a new year and we must at all costs strive to try new things! At the risk of not being so dramatic, it does happen to sorta be my resolution. Thats where comes in my secret desire to work printed pants.
There are no fixed parameters as to what prints, just trust your heart and a few more tips that I will be dropping in the post and you’ll be looking at a whole new you!
If you’ve noticed, the prints are endless, ranging from small floral to large floral, tribal, geometric, animal and plain whacko. Choose from the wide-leg pants to skinny pants or cropped ones. Go ahead and pick out whatever fancies you but please make sure if your pants are printed, keep everything else, and I mean EVERYTHING else, solid colored. It can either be a simple black or white or you can venture into trying the fabulous solid neons available pretty much everywhere with your printed pants. Your tops, bags and shoes – all solids, which is actually great because then you can also throw on your biggest accessories without a second thought! It all works out so so well.

Some key pieces to start you off with and an idea of what you an coordinate with them.

(L-R)Top: Sonia Rykiel Star pants, Hot Pink Preen Blazer
(L-R)Middle: Vanessa Bruno Athé’s pants, Theyskens’ Theory top, Jason Wu Sling Bag, Gucci Shoes
(L-R):Bottom: Elizabeth and James’ wide-leg pants, Elizabeth and James top, Marni bag
Courtesy net-a-porter.com

Trendspotting the printed pants:
Wide-leg pants with a tiny floral print

Big Floral Print

Ethnic Print

Tribal Print Slouchy Pants

Snake Print Pants

Photographs courtesy lookbook.nu

Its a Pastel Party!

Akanksha — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:36:03 +0000

Heres how you can work the pastel trend into your look this season. I know it seems washed and not the kind of thing that inspires at first glance but pastels really have a way about them. Very versatile since they can be coordinated with stronger or lighter shades, dressed up or down. Perfect for day wear and if you add some statement accessories, very suitable for nightwear as well.

Here is a start for those who have hesitated to include pastels in their wardrobe. Key pieces that will be chic and versatile:

Versus heart print skinny jeans, Miu Miu crepe cropped jacket, Anya Hindmarch heart studded card-holder, Paul & Joe Sister cotton shirt and Jil Sander pleated stretch skirt

Missoni crochet knit gown and Jil Sander double breasted coat

Hussein Chalayan draped silk satin dress and asymmetric silk satin top
Available at net-a-porter.com

Some looks to get you into the paste mood:
Minty Pastel Dress

Coral Vintage

Pastel Accessories

Chalky

Winter Pastels

Floral Pastels

A rapidly picking up trend, pastels seem to be slowly and steadily inspiring people to be bold and go less loud!
Photographs courtesy lookbook.nu