Monday, April 23, 2007

RAFW - Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, Sydney - RAHUL & FIRDOS.



RAFW - Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, Sydney

Rahul Mishra & Samar Firdos


DESIGNS
In the process of design we have to provide answers for a rather pressing concern – how to create contemporary forms of expression that reinforce rather than destroy links with the past – to preserve the traditional idiom and maintain its relevance with a fresh design aesthetic. To enhance, integrate and strengthen traditional textiles with the contemporary design keeping the aesthetics of the traditional fabric of Bhagalpur and bandhini of Bhuj. The main focus is on value addition and augmenting the demand of handloom products and bandhini. Also this collection represents the responsibility to save our Indian Textile Heritage along with giving employment to the craft persons and weavers of our country.

PRODUCT INNOVATION
Value addition in the fabric as required for functionality, in terms of surface embellishments or printing. Suitable designs in fabric and garment, keeping the clients in mind.
The vision of this project is to promote hand looms in domestic and international markets where the machines are threats, in terms of efficiency, capacity and Quality.
For the bandhini garments the craft used was elasticity of the garment so that one size could fit different sizes.

QUALITY OF THE PRODUCT
Emphasis has been put on durability of every product. High quality of finishing and lasting color dyes, plus weaves that make the fabric stronger. The silk has been woven in such a way that it can be used in summer. The tactile feel is luxurious. Color combinations are sophisticated and elegant.

THE CUTS
The whole collection is based on the user demand. The silhouettes are basic, but the emphasis has been given on the method of construction through use of unconventional techniques. The garments are dresses, evening gowns, tunics etc.

We have tried to engineer the garment by eliminating the darts from the garment and made it in a way that can fit to various sizes. The garments designed are for the Spring Summer, 07’. Basically we have used dresses that are comfortable and fit well with the aesthetic value.

Friday, April 20, 2007

SMIRNOFF BLACK EXPRESSIONS BY ARJUN KHANNA, DELHI




























Smirnoff Black Couture Pour Homme by Arjun Khanna

The Character
- Smiroff Black, Born in a copper pot-still that is over a hundred years old, Smirnoff Black is a unique vodka with unique character. It harkens back to the time of the Czars, when all vodka was created in small batches. Smirnoff Black No. 55 is a tribute by Smirnoff to the traditional copper-pot distillation so enjoyed by Russia's aristocracy and Tzars, yet combining with modern methods of production.

Arjun Khanna's Smirnoff Black Couture Pour Homme captures the essence of Russian passion through a blockbuster all-male collection held at The Grand on Thursday evening 19 April, design and fabric being the highlights. Smirnoff Black No. 55, using the Russian tradition of small batch, copper pot distillation to create vodka with a distinct character. This high end luxury couture evolves from Smirnoff Black's partnership with veteran Menswear Designer Arjun Khanna to give expression to the Smirnoff Black brand and reflect its Russian passion.
Arjun Khanna's unabashed liking for men. As a market. Arjun is one of the few designers in India who actually make clothes for the male population. Since census statistics claim that there are more of us in this country than there are women, you'd thing there'd be more choice for us. Hell, no. For every men's wear collection at Fashion Week, there are fifteen for the female form. At Arjun's show, there are a few women on the ramp, but they are incidental. It's the men in jackets and boots who call the shots. Well, almost.

Collection - The Collection is inspired by Russia's Cossack and Siberian looks. The detailing, embellishments and trimming reflect the Russian theme. Since there's a Russian theme to the evening, it's a troupe of Cossack dancers in their jackboots who have the crowd clapping. Evening's sponsored by Smirnoff Black, giving a twist to the term Black Russian.

Delhi, April 19: After-Party rocked till 3 a.m.
Smirnoff Black Couture Pour Homme bash at The Grand.
Guests
were Asif Adil, Santosh Kanekar ,Vijay Arora ,Divya Gurware ,Grasim Mr. India runners-up Umar Sharif, Amrita Arora ,Isha Kopikar ,Rohit Sakhuja ,Gaurav Gupta, Designers Varun Bahl ,Suneet Varma ,Sushma Bharadwaj ,Hans Sachdev , Samarth ,Akshaya Chauhan ,Models Ajay Balhara, Sahil Shroff, Gautam Bhirani, Siddharth Malhotra, Rajat Chanderilal, and Tarun Arora .
Event Timings: 8.30 pm - The Perfect Serve, 10.00 pm - Unveiling of the Collection, 10.30 pm - Black Release Party.
With his new Menswear Collection, Arjun managed to bring a similar sense of irresistibility back home to the runway. "Smirnoff Black Couture Pour Homme," the title of his latest collection, suggested a dialogue between Smirnoff Black vodka and Russia's Cossack-Siberian heritage. Silhouettes. Narrow trousers, sherwanis and bandhgalas had his signature flair. The infusion of evening details—fine crushed velvets, wools, silks, and leather texturized with suede cutwork and embroidery.

Rajneesh Duggal wearing midnight black bandhgala with a tasseled embroidered shawl had opulent connotations. Post-Dinner : heightened with DJ Pearl .On Serve were: Russian Passion and Siberian Frost. Talking about Smirnoff Black's association with Arjun Khanna, Asif Adil, Managing Director, Diageo India, said, "Smirnoff Black has been crafted to offer an original taste experience that can be enjoyed neat, frozen or in cocktails. Similarly, the overall styling and surface treatment of the Smirnoff Black Pour Homme collection are reminiscent of Cossack glory while superb tailoring and bold cuts brings one back to modern styling."
The overall styling and surface treatment of the collection are reminiscent of the Cossack glory while superb tailoring and bold cuts bring one back to modern day trends.

Taking the garments into another level of sublime yet avant-garde, there is an element of bold fun in the design that runs through the entire line. Arjun delivers a winning collection once again with unconventional twists given to timeless silhouettes. Variations on interestingly cut trousers complete the look of flamboyance for the man who has a passion for classic yet "new age" fashion!

Arjun Khanna's forte has always been impeccable, high end tailored looks for luxury couture garments.
Crushed velvets, wools, silks, leather, and suede cutwork, Arjun's models intend to set out on a Russian Odyssey. Expect luxury couture garments in his signature style comes forth in the varied silhouettes. i.e. the trademark "Arjun Khanna Bundgala", single and double breasted jackets, suits, sherwanis, and flamboyant trousers. Arjun's powers of translation transform even the cheesiest souvenirs into covetable pieces; there will be nothing folksy about the detailing, embellishments and trimming, heightened by the play with 'black' , black aubergine, black blue, black teal, with the linings in 'shot black'.

Like his last superhit collection "The New Indian Maharaja", Arjun has successfully brought together the domain of creativity and formal attire design by merging them into new dynamic styles to once again present new fashion statements and versatile style attitudes for men.

In keeping with his signature looks, the collection has a structured, tailored look but with a touch of cool funk where the realm of passion and skill for design intersect. The accent on Black makes a bold new statement this season.
According to Arjun Khanna, "Today men are more adventurous with their wardrobe and dress with remarkable intelligence and awareness. Fashion and comfort are emphasized not only at the physical level but also in the emotional acceptance of good looks and taste, reflecting a feeling of self confidence."


Mumbai
The SMIRNOFF BLACK COUTURE POUR HOMME by Arjun Khanna unveiled on 3rd February 2007 in Mumbai at Hilton Towers at a Fashion Extravaganza to launch Smirnoff Black. Minissha Lamba looked lovely in a polka-dotted creation, and Mahima Chaudhary too came out of self-imposed hibernation for the do. Also present were the beauteous Simone Singh and hubby Fahad Samar, Queenie Dhody and other society butterflies.


Arjun Khanna

From textbooks filled with doodles of collars, cuffs women's faces later translate into stylish 'fashion illustrations' creating collections. The romance gave birth to the ARJUN KHANNA label - a passionate love affair with Fashion. A London graduate, Arjun established his label in Bombay, in 1990. With a belief that clothes should be beautiful, classic and wearable, Flatter the human form, not detract from it, and enhance the wearer's personality. The Label maintains a trademark of exquisite embroidery, fine finish & clean styling that is contemporary, ensuring that his garments become classics. Clothes breather that very Reminiscent of Indian Antiquity. Retaining contemporary style; his usage of colors & decorative detailing combined to form the unmistakable Arjun Khanna signature style. Label dresses both women and men with equal finesse. Being the first to start men's wear in the country, Always considered very avant-garde in his vision, Arjun truly has the essence of style, The Arjun Khanna label has become a name to reckon with today.

Perfect Relations

Perfect Relations is South Asia's top image management and communications consulting firm having over 13 years' experience in providing image solutions to the most diverse clientele. A full service agency with media and industry specialists.with offices in major cities. A founder partner of Perfect Relations, Dilip Cherian is widely regarded as Indias Image guru. A columnist , Former editor of Business India , Member of Board of Governors in Advertising Standard Council of India, The Governing Council of the National Institute of Design & member of the National Board of Film Censors. Bobby Kewalramani Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Perfect Relations, Bobby is responsible for managing all operations of the company globally and is the interface of the Agency - Client relationship. Valerie Pinto joined Perfect Relations in 1997 as an Image Executive ,Meera Krishnan with over 10 years' experience in communication field. Her strengths in this business derive from her extensive experience in developing marketing & communication strategies, Risha Dhingra with a rich experience of over five years in Perfect Relations, Risha has managed public relations campaigns for a diverse portfolio of clients , Devdarshan Chakrabortyy has close to 15 years of experience in the communications industry, working with leading advertising and public relations firms of the country. He has been a strategy advisor and consultant for Advertising, PR and Marketing Communications

Smirnoff

For over a century, SMIRNOFF(r) has produced premium quality, triple-distilled vodka. Today, SMIRNOFF(r) is the world's number one premium distilled spirit, with distribution in 130 countries and a number of popular products, including SMIRNOFF ICE , the world's leading ready-to-drink alcohol beverage, SMIRNOFF BLACK ICE and the SMIRNOFF TWIST(tm) flavored vodkas.
SmirnOff Black No.55
Diageo India launched Smirnoff Black No 55 vodka in the Indian market on February 3 this year, giving it a brand in the super-premium segment of the white spirits market. Smirnoff Black is imported from Russia, as it is one of the few premium vodkas to be made and bottled in Russia using traditional methods. For the launch, Diageo has roped in fashion designer Arjun Khanna, who launches a luxury couture collection using rich fabrics, wool, fur and velvet. The brand will be first introduced in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, followed by Uttar Pradesh. Asif Adil, MD, Diageo said, "With Smirnoff Black, we are launching an authentic Russian brand using fashion as a platform and Captain Morgan will help revolutionise the Indian rum market." Smirnoff Black is being positioned as the super-premium vodka (priced at Rs 1,450 for a 70 cl bottle) and in India will compete with Moet Henessey's Belvedere and V&S's Absolut. Diageo has an array of activities lined up to promote the product and intends to do shows with Khanna in Hyderabad, Delhi, Lucknow and Amritsar apart from Mumbai.

Diageo launched a stylish new bottle for Smirnoff Black No. 55 vodka; the premium vodka from the Smirnoff portfolio, which is made using a centuries-old method of copper pot distillation*.
As a result of the authentic copper pot distillation used to make Smirnoff Black, the vodka has a distinctive mellow character with a lasting, rounded smoothness and is often enjoyed neat or frozen in martinis. Due to the intensity of its character, it is also well suited to shorter cocktails.

Editorial Coverage & Information Compiled and Revised by Gaurav Kapoor (Publicist, Editor) EDM Magazine / TFW -The Fashion Weekend (Public Relations ), Media Publicist. Email. Varuag_design@yahoo.com Cel.. 9811996129

Check above for Delhi & for Mumbai Event Pics with SmirnOff Black No.55 Bottle, and Advertisement Campaign by JWT for SmirnOff (print campaign) India for Smirnoff Green Apple Twist shows it's the same old story but with a new twist. Ads and credits inside.) - Credits:Agency: JWT INDIA Creative Director: Senthil Kumar & Debu PurkayashtaArt Director: Debu Purkayashta & Hital Pandya , Copywriter: Senthil Kumar & Arkadyuti Basu

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Fashion Evening titled "Sumptuous Streets" on Friday-13th April 07 at Pegs N Pints, Forte Grand, New Delhi






Fashion Evening titled "Sumptuous Streets" on Friday-13th April 07 at Pegs N Pints, Forte Grand, New Delhi
Pegs N Pints - the split-level bar in Chanakya Puri - was all set to host the fashion and fun filled evening which had three sequences with three different themes Where the fashion runway met the dance floor as club goers dance to high-energy music and watched city models strut the latest look and style
We were happy to be a part of the Show and Fun. As Media Publicist's we were invited at the Show. Much pleased with the whole idea of Show and Drinks at a PNP. I gathered my video and camera and rolled down to the venue where consumed lot of drinks, Since (The drinks and food were on the house.) and danced the floor of with one of my buddies. Next to me was Rohit Bal in his full mood swing dancing and sharing much talks with everyone on the floor.
Intimate talks and Professional discussions, with eyes wandering everywhere Good for everyone I guess.
This Show was held by young NIFT Fashion student Designer's Rashmi and Mayank. at Pegs and Pints, as the couturier styled their look for the paparazzi and gave them invaluable advice.
Seen at the Event were Rohit Bal and Nikhil Khanna ,City models Nazneen and Vikram Sahaiwere. Couturier Rohit Bal was present to judge the show and award the most creative acts.

After a Belly dancing act by Meher Malik, the Runaway show kicked off; There was everyone on the dance floor holding on to their drinks, shaking their booty on the music spun by DJ Vaibhav. While designers presented their showcase collection.

"This should make the pub more fashion-friendly"- with cool music and lighting effects, Pegs N Pints sure has a great deal to offer to the fashion community!

Our Belly Dancer Meher Malik, who is presently learning salsa at the Salsa India Dance Company (SIDC), also teaches belly dancing . Says Meher, "People have a lot of pre-conceived notions about this dance, that they need to get rid of. There are women, who come to me wanting to learn this art form simply to impress their hubbies with some 'enticing' moves," says she. This exotic dance not only makes you feel confidant but also ultra-feminine, adds Meher. Unlike other dance forms where you need to have a partner, the fluidity of this sensual dance, gives you the freedom to do your own thing.

Paparazzi mingled with guests. City's party pack perched on their heels to get a glimpse of funky apparel, leggy models and the requisite ogling dudes. The bare-chested male models in shorts and linen trousers elicited wolf whistles while miniskirt-clad babes sent the men into overdrive! & Not to Miss the Belly Dancer. Ooh la la. (Awesome Dance)
It was the Celebration of a Fashion Evening
Gaurav Kapoor Publicist Cel..9811996129 Email. the_edimag@yahoo.com

Leonard St : Amanda McCarthy RAWF Rosemount Australian Fashion Week 1008

Leonard St : Amanda McCarthy RAWF Rosemount Australian Fashion Week 1008

Designer Amanda McCarthy is trained in sculpture, has a background in fashion, and began her label Leonard St in late 2004. Leonard St is inspired by its name sake, a hotchpotch street in London’s east end where wealth and poverty collide.It is lined with galleries and has pubs on every corner, street art abounds and individual style is free to evolve.Leonard St offers clean lines, sharp shapes and elegant silhouettes, a metropolitan survival fashion kit.The collections are a blend of the highly feminine and street smart style. Spring Summer 2008 balances urban khakis with retro floral and a touch of picnic at hanging rock feminine ivory voiles.

Stockists: NSW Dragonfly, McLean & Page, Klimt & Me, Anaki, Glamourpuss, Frolic, Cuiuli, Bamboostik, Enhance U, Pinc VIC Cactus Jam, Fat, Tienda, Lulu, The Dressing Room Emporium, Shuba, Swank WA Atlas, Saints, Soul Sisters, SA CHilli Mint, Moloko QQ, Eve Boutique Tas Retail Therapy, QLD Bessie Head, Lotus 76, I hate My Skirt

Media Publicist ; Gaurav Kapoor, TFW / EDM / Studio Varuag, New Delhi - 110027, India Cel..9811996129 Email. varuag_design@yahoo.com