GLITZ & GLAMOUR

LIFW unveils vision of emerging global aesthetic
Smriti Kak Ramachandran

SHOWING at the Lakme India Fashion Week (LIFW) for the first time, Namrata Joshipura says her design aesthetic draws on two primary inspirations, “First, is a belief in minimalism that is organic yet infused with colour and detail, where the fabric functions as an important design element and not merely a canvas upon which embellishment is placed. And second, is a vision of an emerging global aesthetic”.

Her line, she claims, fuses the craftsmanship of skilled artisans with the needs of modern women around the world. Selling to over 80 speciality stores in the United States, including Neiman Marcus, Henri Bendel and Takashimaya, Namrata, an NIFT graduate, launched her clothing line in 1996 under the “Namrata Joshipura” label.

Having won the second prize at the Asia Pacific Young Designer’s Show, held during Hong Kong Fashion Week In 1999, Namarata is the first Indian designer to have participated in the World Young Designers’ Award Ceremony at the London Fashion Week.

Also debuting at the LIFW duo Vandana and Divya, under their label Dabiri, which means golden thread in Arabic, will present their designs, which combine the “traditional, intricate craftwork with modern sensibilities in cut, colour and fabric”.

“Chic and sophisticated, yet romantic, would be the look for the LIFW 2004”, put forth designers Falguni and Shane Peacock. The duo, who “are known for colours and work,” will present a collection with “ the look that would be more structured and modern. The line would consists of slip dresses, embroidered trousers, short skirts, asymmetrical tops”.

As for the cuts, “they will be asymmetrical and flowing and mix of fusion”. Their colours are green, yellow and blue. Selling under their label Peacock Pret, Falguni and Shane specialise in corsets, ponchos, embroidered garments and jackets.

NIFT alumnus Varun Bahl will use silk georgette, silk velvet and wool gauze in colours of chocolate brown, burnt orange, dirty yellow and dirty royal blue to showcase his imagination at the mega show.

We were told a “lot of focus” has been paid to the surfacing and embroidery, “not only in terms of techniques, but quality and placement as well. The silhouettes are neat and simple and in coherence with the surfacing”.

Varun’s showing at the LIFW will later travel to Milan, Madrid, Paris and London.

An ode to womanhood

Rooted in traditions, Nazneen claims to be the address for those who believe in “sporting something beautiful, exclusive and unique”. With their new Traditional and Indo Western clothes, they have thrown open designs in exclusive embroidery known as ‘Patti–ka–kaam’.

Their Spring Summer Line is a collection of outfits that “pay ode to womanhood in its purest form”. The outfits have been an embellishment with exquisite and intricate motifs in Patti-ka-kaam, Zari and Haat-ke-kaamdani.

An exhibition of the line will be held in the Capital from April eight to 10 at the Agha Khan Hall. Says Mukhtar Khan of Nazneen, “We are putting up an exhibition-cum sale with our all-new collection for summer. Our New Collection Desire is very Indian and very ethnic, yet something unique”.

The collection comprises of Salwar Kameez, Saris, Lehangas, Ghagra-Choli, short kurtas, long dupattas, churidars and Kurtis that can be worn with skirts and trousers and also have a choice of straight pants, parallels, patiala salwars and kaftans. The colours are white, lime green, soothing pinks, sunny yellows, creamy creams and shades of beige.

Cotton, crepe, chiffon, georgette, silk, crushed tissue, brocade, Organdi, Jute, Kota, Organza, Silk, Georgette, Mul and khadi have all been used. On offer are Kurtas and Aligarhi Pajamas for men, too.

Farah Khan, who heads the designing department adds, “We have successfully introduced Patti-Ka-Kaam on new fabrics, taking a break from the traditionally used organdi and teamed them up with contemporary cuts”.

New fashion statement

TNG has recently unveiled its linen line of trousers. The range lends both comfort and style with a totally revolutionary look in business, casual and semi formals. It features easy cut, high fashion styles to suit the tastes of men seeking the best.

The range comes in veritable hues of summer tones as well as options of black, natural and grey colours at a competitive price range. The fabric is richly textured 100 per cent imported linen, which has two to three more strength than cotton. Is elegant and exceptionally comfortable for weekdays, weekends and travel.

Parx has unveiled its ‘Shadow Line Collection’ of shirts in “offbeat stripes and vibrant colours that reflect the illusionary interplay of light and shadow”.

The shirts in the collection have “extra fashion elements” like a contrast buttonhole or contrast button attachment thread. Shirts have been provided side vents to allow both tuck in and worn out looks. Marks and Spencer’s collection for men, the Blue Harbour, offers polos, chinos and checked shirts. The range includes fresh coastal colours, including bright coral and dark sand.

Blue Harbour Vintage offers polos and washed down cargos. For the ladies, the Modern Sport line offers pieces inspired by sports. Plantation is a feminine collection for an urban look and Art Deco features the 1920s look updated for the modern woman. The accent here is on exquisite detailing. 

Sun care products

Keune Hair Cosmetics have introduced a sun care line, which consists of a Sun care shampoo and Sun care protection oil.

The product, it is claimed, nourishes hair from within by regulating the secretion of oil, keeping it moisturised during the heat. The products Kuene offers are protection against the harmful UV rays.

Lakme has introduced its Sun expert range of products comprising sunscreen lotion, skin brightening, and sun block. The new formulations contain, claims Lakme, “an improved blend of UVA/UVB filters and Tan Protection Index 70, which together with the SPF, offers comprehensive protection against sun damage, helping skin retain its natural colour and prevent premature wrinkling”.