CULTURE

GLITZ & GLAMOUR
Complementing seven hues of a woman's disposition
Smriti Kak

Unravelling image of a simple yet sophisticated woman.

Designer Mandira Wirk’s Fall Winter Collection 2003 at Taj Palace showcased her foray into western wear. The collection comprised seven collections, which were aimed at “complementing seven hues of a woman’s disposition”. The designer categorised her themes as Absolute Black, Leather Collection, Mirror Collection, Sparkling Silver, Drape Collection, Indian Ethnic Collection and the Finale Bridal Collection.

For Mandira, the collection strikes a balance between the creative, the wearable and the commercial. Therefore, she has unravelled, “the image of a simple yet sophisticated woman, who likes soft reassuring fabrics, which is decorated with embroideries”.

The collection featured a wide spectrum of colours, fabrics, textures and crafts lending it a distinct form at the same time focusing on the twin purpose of wearability and style. Mandira, a product of the Pearl Academy of Fashion and the London School of Fashion, relied on Swarovski components to enhance the appeal of her clothes.

The ‘Absolute Black’ had an entire range dedicated to western attire. The range, characterised by sharp-engineered structured cuts was classy focusing on sensual cuts combined with Swarovski components adding to its elegance.

The ‘Leather Collection’ was the smart, bold and dynamic collection. It featured long jackets with short skirts, hats, bags, boots, corset with fitted trousers with fringes and quilting. Patchwork jackets, long trail jacket with cutwork was included so were ‘Shells’ as embellishments on jackets and caps.

The collection also had skirts with asymmetrical hemline, low-waisted trousers, zips that have been used as decorative design elements.

The ‘Mirror Collection’ was a synergy of bright hues, created for a very festive mood. The fabric for this collection had been dyed in five colours with geometric patterns in the tie and dye methods to make it appear like a print. Saffron was the dominant colour.

‘Sparkling Silver’ was about the glitter of silver colour captured in short kurtas with broad and deep necklines and asymmetric cuts and finished with cutwork, with capris, flared trousers and fitted churidars.

The ‘Drape Collection’ was a combination of tradition and modernity, the collection featured interminable strings of beads and semi-precious stones for a vintage chic look. The collection is embellished with semiprecious stones like peridot, citrine, topaz, sapphire that have been sophisticatedly studded with zardosi embroidery.

In the category of Indian Ethnic, Mandira’s creations were again a blend of traditional symbolism, transformed in modern styles. The collection is ethnic and traditional with opulent embroidery and the classic elegance of couture tradition.

The ‘Bridal Collection’, which was the finale collection had saris, lenghas, shararas in bright golds, maroons, oranges, blues and greens, inspired by the rich handicrafts of the country.

Talking of her collection, Mandira said: “The collection for the year 2003 is both contemporary and stylish. Blending with the changing consumer preferences, the collection provides an exquisite combination of Indian and western silhouettes complementing each other.”

She adds: “My focus as always has been to provide ready to wear attire, which is in sync with the latest trends in fashion.

This year, I have collaborated with Swarovski, the world leaders in the manufacture of full cut crystal to add a distinct charm to this alluringly feminine collection.”

Reviving a dying art

Models sashaying down the ramp on the occasion of Nazneen's special preview.

Established as a treasure house of dying craft forms, Nazneen, since its inception in 1993, has been trying to revive the dying art forms of Rampur and Aligarh.

Apart from their crafted clothes, Nazneen also takes pride in the clientele, which includes Dilip Kumar, Shabana Azmi, Saira Banu, Juhi Chawla, Rani Mukherjee, Sridevi and Anupum Kher to name a few.

Jewels by Anu

Jewels for the festive season.

Having showcased her collection at various bridal fairs, jewellery designer Anuradha Chhabra is back with her collection for the festive season. Under her brand name, ‘Jewels by Anu’, she has crafted a set of jewels, which include pendants of Lakshmi and Ganesha in Kundan and coloured stones. The Divali collection also includes photo frames in Thewa and other knick-knacks. The deity pendants in precious and semi-precious stones are apart from the usual traditional jewellery according to the designer are ideal gifts for the festive season, since they fuse the conventional with the current trends.

Joy of six yards for festive season

A model in Dimple silk.

Deepam Silk in association with Andaz organised an exhibition of saris for the festive occasions. The three-day exhibition was held in Maurya Sheraton from October 10 to 12.

An ensemble for juniors

Monte Cralo has launched a collection for the juniors. The unisex collection has trendy wear for teenagers made from fancy yarn and woolen blends. The colours are bright in the hues of reds, blues and greens. New styles with innovative concepts like enzyme wash and wash out denims have also been included. The jackets are also available in styles like camouflage cargo, multi pockets, cargo and with detachable hoods.

Gaining a healthy look without pain

Staying young and looking beautiful is a dream that millions of women cherish all their life. And to help them realise this dream, there are a number of beauty parlours in the Capital.

Nalini Ranjan