CULTURE

GLITZ & GLAMOUR
Now, Valaya designs set to wow men
Smriti Kak

AFTER a bit of experimentation at the Lakme India Fashion Week, designer J. J. Valaya is ready to showcase his latest collection in the Capital on Friday.

The designer who believes in grandiloquence has put together 180 garments, which apart from bearing the Valaya’s usual impression will showcase the designer’s experiment as also his attempt to woo the men apart from the women.

“The focus this time will be on men as much as women. The look has been evolved a bit, without losing the look of the year. Couture is our grandest label and similar sentiments will be echoed in the line,” said Valaya.

He adds, “The trousseau collection again will have equal focus on men. This is our signature collection and we have made sure that the clothes have a contemporary feel.”

The show, which will have 26 models walking down the ramp, has been planned with care.

“There will novel choreography, set designs have been worked on and this time the models will wear real jewellery, which is of a considerable amount,” says Valaya.

The designer also asserts that the sensuality (plunging necklines and bolder cuts) in clothes has a motive.

“The country is shifting to the fusion mode, we are opening up and fashion is evolving, sensuality is an essential part of the clothes and therefore the cuts.”

Friday night’s show is designer informs us, “Then travelling to St Petersburg in Russia in five days.”

Giving an antique look to saris

A model sporting a sari from the house of Ravissant

Tales of Awadh’ is the latest from the house of Ravissant. These tales, though have been translated onto textures. The collection, ‘Tales from Awadh’, seeks to bring alive the sheer magnificence of design that thrived in the royal courts.

The collection of saris consists of woven ikats and silks that have been adorned with Chikankari. Owner of the store, Mini Chawla, claims to have been working on the collection with her team of designers for almost a year. Mater weavers from Deccan, Varanasi and Tamil Nadu were engaged to weave intricate ikats and patolas. Some of the patterns, it was pointed out, have been chosen from original Mughal miniature paintings from the 16th century.

Apart from the glorious Awadhi work, there is an impressive line with Shibori work. The Japanese art of tie and dye has been used tone on tone with fine hand embroidery furthering highlighting the inherent flow of the technique.

Fine embroideries, old borders, delicate block printing and embellishments have been used dextrously to create an antique look for the saris.

An ensemble of trendy wears for women

A customer at Natalia's new store in the Capital.

Natalia, a women’s wear brand, has opened shop in the Capital offering a collection of contemporary wear. A range of clothes in a variety of sizes is what the manufacturers are banking on to woo the fashionists in the national Capital.

Skirts, trousers, jackets, capris, camisoles in cottons, polyester, silk and linen for women between 18 to 35 will be Natalia’s line available at Raghujee Sareewale in Lajpat Nagar.

Commenting on the launch of the line, G. Shankaranarayan, vice-president, Natalia, said: “Women’s wear in western style is making a mark in the Indian apparel market specially in the semi-formal and smart casual substituting salwar kameez or saris both in the segments for women in their early 20 to late 30s.”

Elucidating on the designs on offer, he adds: “The design team at Natalia does not believe in outlandish designs. We try and incorporate stylish detailing into functional garments. Co-existence of fashion and function is our USP. There is a constant emphasis on how to make the garments look classy, rich and expensive by adapting key trends of the market in a manner that justifies the price.”

The latest on the block form Natalia features - Egyptian, Chinese, Japanese and Gothic motifs. Natalia has also introduced a pure Irish linen collection in delicate pastels.

What’s more Natalia also has tips for a style quotient. The clothing etiquette offers: Arrange your closet in capsules of five to 12 pieces that work in combination with each other. Solids mix more easily than prints. Also, prints can bridge two completely different solids. Simple, untrimmed styles are more versatile and become less dated it points out.

Making sure each piece of clothing is in the most flattering colour palette and fits the body type and personality, avoiding fads, which fade faster than cheap colour and quality are the other pointers.

K3 serial launched in Capital

Stars of the soap Ehsaas - Kahani Ek Ghar ki.

Soaps and more soaps. Accolades and bashing sustained; the idiot box is flooded with froth and fluff from the unaccountable soaps. The latest to go on air will be Ehsaas – Kahani Ek Ghar ki.

The launch of the tele serial was organised in the Capital and the stars of the show came calling. Amita Nangia, Vani Tripathi and writer Vinita Nanda, were among those present.

The serial incidentally is directed by Raman Kumar, who is awaiting the release of his flick Raja Bhaiya, starring Govinda.

Yet another slapstick comedy

Govinda and director Raman Kumar at a press conference to promote his latest film, Raja Bhaiya, in the Capital.

Making people laugh is still his forte. After a series of slapstick comedies and then a sudden hiatus, Govinda is back in the news. The actor who came calling last month was basking in the warmth of the Dilliwallas.

In town to promote his latest flick, Raja Bhaiya, Govinda said: “The expectations are high, people expect me to make them laugh and I am confident that I do that expected in a very unexpected way.”

Amid talking about his movie and the role he essays, Govinda kept the audience entertained with his doses of humour. Present on the occasion was the director of the film, Raman Kumar. Addressing the audience, Raman said the film is a mix of comedy and emotions and is guaranteed to make people laugh.

Good news for gold lovers

Discounts for gold lovers are few and far in between. If various jewellery shows and expos in the city have had the appetite craving for more, Lalsons Jewellers have good news.

They have announced a ‘Gold Rate Freeze’, which provides the customers to buy more for less.

The reason for the magnanimity is the fourth anniversary celebration. The offer, which is on till the end of this month, entails that if the market gold rates are 5,500 per 10 gms, Lalsons will offer the same amount of gold for 5060.

There are also freebies for those celebrating their fourth birthday, anniversary and for those with the number four in their credit card.