Lakme Fashion Week - Winter/Festive 2012 - Gen Next Preview

The Lakme Fashion Week Winter Festive 2012 is back! Scheduled from 3rd August to 7th August, the fashion extravaganza is definitely a first ranker on every fashion high flyer’s To-Do List for the year. One key aspect of this Fashion Week is the consistent focus on scouting for and promoting fresh and upcoming talent. This year too, Winter/ Festive 2012 will see 7 Gen Next, 15 Emerging and 3 Accessory designers showcasing their collections.

And the budding designers who will be exhibiting theIr collections at the much awaited extravaganza have their task cut out for them. For in the past, the Gen Next Collection has thrown up some massive talent. Quirky sensibilities have flirted with practical aesthetics in collections and designs that have made the critics sit up and take notice of the young designers who have given this opportunity their very best shot. It’s no mean guess then, that the entire lot of Gen Next Designers for this season are currently busy getting ready for their Big Day. Two of the uber-talented designers, Tanya Sharma and Prashant Chauhan took a quick, brief breather from their back-breaking schedule to give Shotcouture a quick update on their upcoming collections. Tanya’s collection for GaGa, her own fashion label, will be a unique streetwear interpretation of the classic achkan and the tuxedo. Her silhouettes are a mix of menswear, clubbed with the traditional Indian wear. Designs like the tuxedo sari, the achkan kaftan seek to redefine the conservative achkan and tuxedo look into a transcendental space more reminiscent of contemporary aesthetics. She has highlighted the Indian aspect of her designs through the use of Indian fabrics and embroideries like silk ikat, net chikankari embroidery, georgette with vintage kasab and sequins embroidery. The colors palette for this very intense and modern collection includes mustard, royal blue, peach and a generous streak of fluorescent pink. Prashant’s collection takes its inspirations from the verdant and picturesque Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand, India. His inspiration comes from a celebration of the air of silent mystery that surrounds the valley. He seeks to capture the essence of Nature through details, prints and decorations inspired by the Valley’s stunning fauna. Upbeat, modern signature pieces celebrate a woman, who like the valley, embodies a formidable Force Of Nature. Prashant’s collection uses the vast canvas of valley’s flowers for color inspiration. He has experimented with bold, vibrant and playful combinations that enhance the glamorous appeal of the designs, and at the same time infuse them with an untouched innocence. The collection uses natural fibres like hemp, soya, ramie and flex, and seeks to turn these natural fibres into timeless pieces of art.

If these two young designers are anything to go by, this season too, the Gen Next Show promises to be an event to look forward too. It is always a treat and a delight to see a new generation of designers reinterpret the existing trends and give them new dimensions.

For The Love Of Food And Mankind

This weekend was an extra special one. I went on a Food Sojourn unlike any other. Within one weekend, I travelled along with a group of Mumbai's avid foodies "Pet Pujaris" (Food worshipers) to Pune, on a trip to sample different cuisines. We ate at six different places, and came back both tired and delighted. I met some very interesting people, and made some new friends. From Spanish Fritattas, to creamy Strawberry Mousse, it was one awesome journey for the taste buds! The lovely rain drenched roads, and green hillsides welcomed us on our way back to Mumbai. Monday is almost over, and I am still living with the food hangover. Fun, food, friends... What more can one ask for on a weekend!

What a fabulous weekend! Rains, hot cups of tea, good food, great music, and peaceful quality time with husband. Saw a wonderful movie, "Gangs Of Wasseypur" on Friday. My brother-in-law has a key role in the film, so it was bonus happiness for the family that it's promising to be a huge hit, and is massively critically acclaimed. Can't believe it's Sunday evening already. How was your weekend?

Check out the trailer here. Warning: It's a gritty, grimy story about the real Gangs of Wasseypur in India. Will post a review soon. 

Monsoon Secrets...

Monsoons are hitting Mumbai shores and I can relate to the woes of many Mumbai Shoe addicts who are forced to reduce the usage of their beautiful towering heels in order to protect them from the weather. I myself cannot wear high heels any more because of a permanent knee injury, but that does not stop me from giving in to a cute pair every now and then. Though the only place I can truly wear them Is my home. Well, to each their guilty little secret!

Speaking of secrets… I am, these days, addicted to a delightful sin… reading other people’s confessions on the super fun Facebook App, by Steve Madden India. It’s not enough that Steve Madden is finally available to India's Shoe crazy women, the App is bringing out the yummy secrets of women bursting to let out a secret or two. If your secret is particularly dark, you have the option of making an ‘Anonymous” confession. Trust me, it’s super fun reading through what some of our fellow women have been up to. You can check out the confessions at www.redshoesoiree.com

Some of my favorites are a combination of passion, secrets and a bit of tongue in cheek humor.

“I think I'm a little Shoesbian.”

“I have made out with both my best friends and they both don't know about it! And coincidentally they both are my fashion stylists! Most of what footwear i own, has been selected by them!”

My only grouse is that the posted secrets stay on the page for only a short while. So you have to keep going back to read the new ones. Not that I am complaining though. Apart from my daily visit to the Soiree Lounge, I am indulging in some great Me-Time with my breakfast project taking off and doing rather well. In fact, it was featured in Hindustan Times this Sunday!

Guest Post - Rachel of Capturing Italy- Season Trends

Rachel is no stranger to most of the bloggers. Lithe and beautiful, this lissom model and designer has been an inspiration to so many of us. After having quit her day job, Rachel travelled to Rome, and made the city her home while she learned how to make custom clothing. Now, having returned to San Diego, CA, Rachel is now adding a dash to beauty with her line of bespoke clothing. She continues to travel and explore new places, making friends and touching lives. In the following Guest post, she has been kind enough to share some of her favourite trends from this season and this year. Neon - I'm actually surprised that I ended up loving the neon trend so much. My first inclination was more toward pastels, but the "fierceness" of the bold colors overtook me! I love how it is borderline edgy to wear happy colors due to the bright hue of neon. I think my favorite way however to wear neon, is in tiny pops of accent on a more muted or neutral outfit. You can see examples of this in both outfits here, both coincidentally photos at the beach. (http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/04/neon-by-beach.html and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/03/surfers-wear-neon.html)

Stripes - Stripes are a year-round staple in my mind, and are probably my favorite print to mix with and be a bit fun and crazy with. I like how they can be preppy or edge depending on how the outfit is styled. (http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/03/yellow-pink.html andhttp://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/04/candy-stripes.html and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2011/12/ladylike.html andhttp://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/01/stripes-spikes-and-chevron.html and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/05/florals-stripes-on-dock.html

Black and White - I've always been a fan of this combination, so naturally I'm happy to see it is a trend. It will always have a classic vibe. (http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/04/chicago-trip-1.html and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/03/pleats-stripes.htmland http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2011/12/downtown-seattle-day-2.html)

Bra Tops, Bustiers, and Crochet - I figure while I'm still young enough to pull it off, why not go for the midriff-exposing trends? Certainly I firmly believe that some major judgement of location needs to be assessed before exposing skin in this way, but you will notice I live in Southern California near the beach, therefore that is where I'm usually wearing it. I don't see myself going to a black-tie dinner or church in it... so wise judgement in location is advised! (http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/03/pastels-for-clouds.html, http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/04/neon-by-beach.html and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2011/12/white-wonderland.html and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/01/cashmere-crochet-featured.html and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2011/06/pink-posh-on-boardwalk.html - actually posted last spring!)

Platforms and Wooden Wedge - I've been in love with these Steve Madden wedges since I purchased them months ago. Can I just say, they are the hardest thing to walk in ever?! Since they are so flat on the bottom with the wood, there is no give. So one bump in the road or any rock and I'm toast! I've tripped in them probably 400 times....but of course I keep wearing them. They truly are comfortable, since they are so flat, it feels like I'm just standing on level ground. Not 5 inches from the ground. (http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2011/06/pink-posh-on-boardwalk.html - actually posted last spring!)

Floral - I think floral tends to come around every spring, doesn't it? I love it each and every year. (http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2011/02/la-dolce-vita.html - over a year ago and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2011/07/creme-nude-scalloped-platforms.html and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/03/pastels-for-clouds.html and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2011/03/primavera.html - in Rome and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/05/florals-stripes-on-dock.html

Gingham - This is a favorite Springtime classic trend of mine. I love the vintage country chic feel to gingham. http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/02/marionette.html

Wearing Fruit - I think this is a fun alternative to florals! http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/05/wearing-fruit-for-spring.html

Tail Hem Trend - This is a new one for me... wasn't sure I was going to give it a go, but I loved the elegance of this dress. http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/05/mint-at-beach.html

Mint & Seafoam - These are two of my favorite colors, regardless of any trends. So naturally I'm all about this one! http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/05/mint-at-beach.html and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/03/melancholy-blues.html and http://capturingitaly.blogspot.com/2012/02/goodnight-macaroon.html

Twin Pleasures...

Twin Pleasures... by pratishtha featuring sleeved dresses

22nd May is my birthday. May born people are special fun, even though I say so myself. The sign of Gemini is a perfect reflection of my own personality. I can be two people at the same time, I can be serious and flirty, artistic and practical, loving and aloof... My style is all things summer. It's all about breezy silhouettes, bright colors, floppy hats and tall cool drinks. For my Birthday this year, I am not really planning a party. I do, however, intend to check myself into a spa, and indulge. How do you like to spend your birthday?

A bit like my mother...

My mother was truly stylish. Here was one woman who never knew the names of any big designers, wore flowers in her hair, and made them into earrings. Her skin glistened with freshness and innocence, even when she became a mother of two. The first colored lipstick she bought for herself was when my brother got married. But the saris she wore! Beautiful silks, chiffons, georgettes, and of course, cotton sari. She was so delicate and feminine and embodied elegance. I so wanted to be like her when I grew up. When my wedding was coming closer, like every bride, my biggest worry was, “What will I wear?”. Ours was a civil wedding, followed by two wedding receptions, almost a week apart, so I knew I could wear something fancy and elaborate to the wedding receptions. To the civil wedding, I wanted to wear something special. If you have been a reader of this blog for a while, you would have read about how my mother has been a major influence in my life, and obviously, I missed her presence more and more as my big day came closer. I had to have her with me, somehow. So I decided to wear one of Ma’s saris to the wedding day. My initial choice was a bottle green and dull gold sari that she had worn for her own wedding. But that sari is too delicate and very worn out from use for over 40 years, so I settled upon this gorgeous georgette sari that Ma liked a lot. Also, I wanted to wear no make-up or any noticeable accessories, as that’s how my mother dressed up all her life. I chose a very simple set of pearl earrings, and just a touch of kohl completed my look. There was no base, no foundation, and no lipstick. And that’s how I wanted to look as a bride. My brother was pleasantly surprised when he saw me wear our mother’s sari on the D-Day. We lost both our parents not so long ago, and it was an emotional moment for both of us. That sari just made all the difference. As I drove to the court with my family; my brother, his wife, and my niece, I felt so much at peace. I look at these pictures from that day and feel so good. Wedding clothes need not be about designers and drop-dead stunning accessories. Sometimes, as in my case, wedding clothes are all about emotions, tradition. I could have gone for a heavily embroidered designer sari, but this lovely georgette made my wedding’s memories even more special.