Lakme Fashion Week,Mumbai 18-22 Sep 2009 "SS 2010"

Button Masala
Arjun Sharma's Lakme SS '10 Collection
This modular garment is made by using Noel Khadi. Buttons are attached in a grid pattern on the base fabric and the button holes are on independent straps. This system allows the wearer to transform the garment in many possible ways by simply buttoning or unbuttoning.


Anuj Sharma - Lakme SS '10 @Grand Hyatt. Mumbai (above)
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Krishna Mehta - Kumb Mela

A Kaleidoscope of realities and illusions - mixing textures with colors , playing upon her strengths ,to change the course of imagination and logic, seeking the exceptional,, without compromise.
"There’s more than just a stylish, elegant, timeless, garment, its a garment with a soul "says KM of her menswear , which meet the mad challenge of achieving the world's finest hand textures in silks , ushering from its freshness to its fullness , defining their respiration, their pulsation, their interaction and their unpredictability through their perpetual inner movement.

"FANTASIES OF INDIAN MAGIC"
" This collection is a Kaleidoscope of realities and illusions woven by the magical threads , with a profusion of colors by my artisan's precious hands to achieve that moment of perfect harmony which marks the culmination of all endeavours, freeing the imagination, seeking out the exceptional,, without compromise" KM

The garments are as light as air, revealing its timeless feel in sensual fabrics,ushering from its freshness to its fullness plunging into a world of legendary beauty as evoked by KM, the loving dreamer, who mixes textures with colours , playing upon her strengths ,to change the course of imagination and logic.

The lush silks unveiling a tranquil,glimmering mist through extraordinary craftsmanship to meet the mad challenge of achieving the world's finest hand textures in silks , defining their respiration, their pulsation, their interaction and their unpredictability through their perpetual inner movement culminating in the best sung lyrics of a love poem.

"Nothing is left to chance,only perfection acceptable , with extreme precision in sizing, printing, dyeing and drying with ruthless elimination being the rule, "I am not obsessed with marketing, its all about quality, preciousness, and subtle & sensual pleasure and the beauty of the thing " .

"Theres more than just a stylish, elegant, timeless, garment, its a garment with a soul "says KM

Story of Weaves@ Kolkata Fashion Week II

Story of Weaves

Van Heusen India Men Fashion Week - Designers

Van Heusen India Mens Fashion Week Delhi (11-12-13,Sep 2009)

Meera & Muzzafar Ali, KOTWARA - "City of Awadh"


This time the influence of the city of Awadh in Collection can be witnessed.with traditional Sherwanis, Achkan, Daglas, Choghas, Kurtas, and Angharkha along with modern derivatives of the Bandgala and variations of the waistcoat. A special version of shirts which will give that chic look to the models.Textures always play a vital role when it comes to traditional and ethnic wear.In this collection, the Awadhi techniques of Aari are applied, which highlight and create subtle textures reminiscent of Art Deco, Central Asian and Persian motifs which have carved out their place in the Indian grammar of design since a long time. Colour palette includes Ivory, Black, Grey and Metallic shades, The treatments given to collection like machine textures, hand embroidered with aari, zardosi and chikan work, quilting and appliqué. Collection created of woven fabrics in silk, wool and mulmul. The collection is aimed at a discerning man who prefers a Classic Timeless Look.Expect to see models styled with sleek hair and an over all Retro look.

Ravi Bajaj - "Dandy March"
With his debut at India Men’s Week Ravi Bajaj will be showcasing his menswear line.The mood is all set, the first ever fashion week solely dedicated to men with his collection titled – Dandy March.“It’s a tailor made for the self-indulgent man, irrespective of his age. This collection targets the young executive to the business head of CEO of a company.”
Collection features jackets & trousers in luxurious fabricsmainly highlighting the hard-edged eighties executive style to the much casual and trendy look that is so in today. The colour palette has plethora of shades like blue, cobalt blue, black, grey and other hues which are mainly known as the masculine colours.

Zubair Kirmani
Modern, sophisticated, clean and minimal, applying to the design aesthetic. Visions of nominal designs & wearable urban style is what is all his collection is about.Focus on inimitable signature style that fuses together both contemporary minimalism and classic heritage from his roots. The importance of crafted detailing is
rediscovered in this avant-garde collection,improving every season rather making rash changes. Nehru collar achkans, contemporary jackets, t-shirts, shorts, satin/silk trousers, graphic trousers( satin silk) been deeply influenced by fine detailing reminiscent of royalty and utmost luxury. Crisp cotton, lots of textured fabrics, a subtle muted colour card with a sharply constructed line consist everything in his designs. The palest of black, grey ,blue and purple along with white tones for jackets with one or two vents (closely cut to the body & teamed with skinny pants). The jacket opening variations from 1,2 & 3 buttons closure. Pleated silk jacket,a cobalt blue Tee teamed with shorts and a grey/white/black shaded jacket with slim trousers, sherwani's bandgala's with intrinsic embroidery giving that elegant look. Translucent sheet with glam & understated tone Look. Mmodern & classic for people who want to add glamour in their look without much over do’s.

Abshishek Gupta & Nandita Basu, Fightercock - "Elemts * Icons from Past Era's & The Poster Look"
A fusion of the formal with the informal.The ensembles will be a blend of western silhouettes with India inspired prints. Entire collection revolving around T- shirt prints-inspired by 60’s posters, along with formal jackets, shirts & jeans , animated films and vintage emblems. Showcasing stylistic elements found in the posters of the 1960’s, seamlessly combined with various vintage emblems that accentuates Indian icons and references. Rich plum, luxurious chocolate brown, a deep black, a special bottle green and Prussian blue highlights the colour story of the menswear collection. Textures and techniques like graphical prints, quilting, threadwork, appliqué work and embroidery. The marriage of diverse elements from past eras come together to present the Spring-Summer 2010 collection. Minimal and edgy.

Ashish N Soni - "The Classy Contemporary & Chic"
Ashish Soni as one of the finale designer with the duo Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna (CUE). Final Collection which is not over the top but will maintain to retain its elegant simplicity.Tight, short and smart look,The collection seeks to emphasize on pure monochromatic silhouettes, structured cuts, graphical prints which will add that chic look. Immaculate tailoring and attention to intricate detailing in his 35-40 ensenmbles (including western formals, both casual & formal eveningwear, emphasizing more on shirts, jackets and trousers.) being showcased. Shades like black, grey, charcoal and white on fabrics of cotton, with blended yarns that offers a modern feel to the garments and targets classy and contemporary men who fall in the age bracket of 30-35 years. Short jackets with thin and stylish lapels to add the classy appearance. Narrow and fitted trousers for SS’10 offering that structured look.

JJ Valaya - "Gloom to Joy - A Transition"
Designer JJ Valaya showcases a ready to wear and couture lines which will showcase the transition from gloom to joy, Clean, nomadic chic & uber cool royal look Collection that is wearable & makes complete fashion sense in a practical way.Expressed in chnage in colors as the collection evolves. His style ignores gimmicks & chooses instead to innovate on a quality that defines elegance - timelessness; a quality that conveys permanence in a world infatuated with the temporary. Different hues & fabrics like blacks and ivories. Linens, viscose, wools and Lycra which will blend together to bring on the best of garments. Silhottes defining the collection with lots of jackets, structured shirts, jodhpurs & slim pants and of course the Indian collection. Seam details, printing details, appliqué, embossed embroideries along with paisley motifs with a right mix of modern elements. The collection targets the high end stores & Domestic and international buyers.

Nikhil & Shantanu - The Macedonian King’
Collection ‘The Macedonian King’ illustrating the classical era of the world history which marks the emergence of the revered conqueror – Alexander The Great - & weaves the spiritual journey of world conquest. Power, rule, gentleness and placidity describes the collection the best & portraying the emotion that expresses the ruler’s supremacy, his gentle sensitivity & love for rich cultural influences.Draped structures - Hand draped silhouettes with a deep sense & need for utility, the collection presents this era in a strong mix of chenille yarns & threads turned into the luxurious range of fabrics presenting the mix of contemporary designs & vintage Indian sensibilities, targeting young & trendy men who are ready to experiment with their look.Colour palette in sync with the theme. while red accentuates his victories over the world that celebrates his power, the other garments presented in whites and off-whites will showcase the need of purity in his life after the blood-spattered conquests. On the other hand, to offer a touch of luxury & glory to their collection, designers have highlighted that era of extravaganza with a tint of gold that strongly defines his personality as a king and an emperor.

Rocky S - "A Traveller'a Spirit -& Spritual Belief"
An Effortlessly stylish SS 2010 collection by Rocky S screams attitude.Inspired from the traveller who is free spirited, easy going, calm in attitude and goes by his spiritual beliefs.Through these visits,he gets allured and motivated to imbibe the striking & vital elements of each place. The line created in an array of interesting fabrics including crushed voiles, mulmuls, linens, silks, emphasized with various kinds of knits, textured fabrics (treated with different chemicals & gone through crushing,industrial machine washing, heat & chemical treatments to offer that washed out and worn out effect. ), leather, brocades, jacquard blends, and other cotton blends.Accentuating the bohemian look,garments have been given an easy-going feel with a washed out, aged &distressed look. The colours are black, ivory, burnt orange, ochre, deep red and many such brighter shades.The look is relaxed with easy to wear and aged styled garments accentuated with printed scarves and textured bags.

Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna - "Hyper Nature"
A contemporary & chic style offering comfort & ease. Fabric detailing & prominence on sharp with well-defined cuts.A eeflection of eflect our changing relationship with nature & exploring our connection with the industrial environment in the form of masculine dresses with the theme called ‘Hyper nature’ “Nature today is not green. Today we live in a complex & uncontrollable world & the cities has become a nature of its own. The already fading boundaries between nature & culture have long disappeared & given birth to what is 'Hypernature'”.The collection enjoys an infusion of new age cuts & constructions. Bottoms in knit with dropped crotches,small collars with thin ties, overalls in canvas and denim suits represent the new silhouettes effortlessly blending from structured to relax. Modern & experimental with a twist, the collection through its various details like deconstruction, color blocking, textures & strong graphic prints reinforce the Hyper natured phenomena.Colour palette includes black, white and grey with sharp accents of forest green, apple red and mist blues, their models will don a Tall, lean, trendy &
confident look with loads of attitude.

Gaurav Gupta - "Retro Math checks/Objects & Objectivity"

While last year, his collection was inspired from human anatomy which was perfect for winter wear. The line of constructed shirts with a play of neon green piping and geometric detailing of pin tucks on a colour palette of white, pale pink and powder blue which is in contrast with what was showcased by him last season. This season…the designer has borrowed inspiration for his collection from Retro Math checks, used as all over, as prints for summer suits. The designer claims that the use of checks will bring about an eclectic edge to this Collection. From printed shirts and t-shirts to draped trousers. The collection had all that suits a spring-summer wardrobe. Draped trousers with metal zippers and paneled details appear both in exaggerated and simpler versions. 'Objects and objectivity’ is the theme highlighted in sharp prints on shirts and t-shirts that add a younger appeal to almost all formal street wear. With most of the garments crafted in cotton, jerseys and draping techniques, the collection which is summer lighter and playful.

Rajvi Mohan - 'Royals of Surf
Perhaps the only female designer in the first ever Van Heusen India Men’s Week who is going to showcase her collection individually,Her collection focuses extensively on lightweight and relaxed silhouettes to keep with her summer theme 'Presenting the Royals of Surf'. Forget a boring three-piece black suit! Enter cool and relaxed jackets and shirts that you can wear through the summer whether it is a wedding, a beach party or in a nightclub.Mixed fabrics, shocking block printing, imaginative buttons, interesting collars and necklines are what collection is all about. The colours are reflective of a faded summer dream of the sun kissed 'royals of surf' from their fantasy
filled land of relaxed and charming days and nights! As the theme is Inspired by 'Royal Summer', the favourite colours of the collection are navy blue and purple.

Vijay Arora - "Indo-China"

Vijay Arora's collection titled as Indo-China, from the design house of Vijay Arora.Highlighting the indo western cuts amalgamated with Indian sensibility, the menswear line will have a strong oriental influence. Offering a fresh and innovative look, the designer claims that it will be able to create a strong style statement.Silhouettes have been inspired by the east, and features mandarin collars, overlap buttons, cheongsam cuts, Mao jackets, martial art pants and brocade linings. To emphasize on the oriental influence, the designer has tried his hands in converting kurtas, bandhgalas and sherwanis in that structured frame. Shalwar-pants, loose wide pajamas along with Thai pants will be seen ruling the ramp and will be seen teamed up with the upper garments.Collection presents clean and streamlined silhouettes that will give a sophisticated look with lot on texturing and embellishments, which can be seen in unique forms of quilting, patchwork, embroidery, stitching details, buttoning, Shibori dyeing and other techniques which accentuates the look of the garment. In synchronization with the theme of the collection, this Collection borrows borders and motifs from Chinese art and craft. The colour story evocates the oriental style with hues of ebony, ivory, ecru, aubergine, olive, emerald, burgundy, rust, ocher, midnight and cobalt blue. The fabrics used are predominately fluid like spun silk, with satin, brocades and some cotton-silk. Collection is targeted to the contemporary urban man.

Siddharth Tytler - "Love & War"
His collection would show a fashion compilation inspired by the Second World War (1935-1945) and the years prior to it .The designer will present a dual collection fusing A rich contrasting projection of vibrant compositions, depicting the love and bonhomie prevalent across Europe, prior to World War II; representing the ‘Spring - Summer 010’ collection followed by the decidedly structured and more sombre feel that held steady through the years of the war that represents the ‘Autumn – Winter 2009’ collection.The ‘Spring – Summer20 10’, titled ‘Love’ draws its inspirations from the pre-war era of the early 20th Century which will be an enthusiastic and creative burst of floral prints, pastel colours and earth tones like olive and a touch of powder blues. The silhouettes are semi structured and special emphasis has been laid on the comfort of the wearer. The collection comprises of linens, cottons, jerseys used to create an array of summer jackets, structured pants, pyjamas, t-shirts & shirts. The line is highlighted by minimal embroidery and a touch of texturing. The ‘Autumn - Winter 2009’ collection, titled ‘War!’, follows with a hint of the darkness and gloom that prevailed in World War II, translated masterfully into a gorgeous melange of silhouettes in a colour palette that ranges from blacks, sombre greys, chocolates and a very small hint of the white. The line makes use of Irish and wool crepes, wool, silks, jersey, twill and houndstooth. The use of embroidery like in the S/S collection is minimal and accented with texturing. The line up comprises of fitted overcoats with faux fur trims, jackets, bomber jackets, structured woollen pants, zipper cargoes, combats, t-shirts and fitted shirts.Novel silhouettes, innovative structural elements, new fangled patterns, ‘wearability’ and originality are the essential elements.The collection is not restricted to any group, making it wearable at any age for any one who wants to look trendy.

Nitin Bal Chauhan - “Gothic Brief”
The new character inspired collection will be displayed by real people on the ramp representing society in various shades. Youth and its traits like energy, extremes and rebellion is what the latest menswear line is directed towards. nspired from the alternative subculture, including gothic design, the collection presents extreme cutting edge alternative style for the urbane crowd. A timeless yet modern collection, a stimulating and promising sign of strong direction for the new couture designers.It is a casual wear brand targeting young people who want to make a statement through what they wear. The look of the brand is inspired by "Goth" combined with influences of grunge, pop and rock n' roll. The wide color palette ranges from powder shades to bright youthful hues to dark gothic colors. Neon accents have been combined with greys, blacks and whites to contemporize the look. Music inspired prints in contrasting psychedelic colors combined with worn out washes, badges and chains help in rendering the "rockstar" element to the collection. Accessorized with bags, scarves, ties, wrist bands and cravats. The aim of the brand would be to make the wearer feel a part of a sub-culture that he identifies with. Collection is targeted at 13- to 25-year-old boys.

Manoviraj Khosla - ‘A Mid Summer Dream’
The collection titled ‘A mid summer dream’ where one is going to see fitted & short jackets with slim fitted trousers. Nehru and zipper jackets with white linen suits are going to be the highpoint of the collection. Predominantly linens, along with some knits and some blended fabrics have been used. As far as colors are concerned, they vary from white, to pastel shades of mint green, chambray blue, orange and lilac, to beiges, browns, grey and finally black with a display of Surface texturisation with pleating, rougeing, and tucks. Different types of screen & foil printing, kantha, couching, hand stitches, and batik have been used to bring the sophistication factor in each garment. The look is lean and narrow with models seen in clean look and gelled hair. The collection is meant for all those who want to look trendy.

Samant Chauhan - "Travellor/Sailor"
Line inspired by an adventure sailor. A traveler, who knows not of his destiny or direction but keeps on sailing.Designer follows his pattern of using raw Bhagalpur fabrics, handloom denims and tussar ( to give that sumer feel & look). Collection in shades of white and beige and comprising jackets, trousers and long shirts. The unique feature - jackets can be worn on both sides. Tone embroidery as embellishments. Subtlety is the focal point of this collection, Offering the chic look to the jackets, minimalistic kind of piping on the back of the jackets. Garments created based on the look and functional needs of 7th century travelers. Reinventing this vintage era for the 21st Century, Accessorizing with binoculars and satchels. Intended look - Justified.

Himmat Singh
His collection features an array of ethnic and traditional wear line starting from the extravagant sherwani, bandhgala suits, and jackets to coats, Italian cut pants, trousers, shirts and kurtas. The assortment of men’s wear range aims at showcasing the ethnic and spectacular presentation of glory and grace but with a blend of modern styling.Colour palette includes hues of dark blue, black and white will paint a story on fabrics like denim, corduroy, cotton, twills and synthetic blends. The designer has envisaged a royal look for the models, hence he will accessorize them with turbans, large belts, jutis and the famous royal sword.

Kolkatta Fashion Week II - Day 5 - Designers

Abhishek Dutta

Time: 12 noon at MSA / (Pala)
Winner of Smirnoff International Fashion Award and an award winning student of Wigan & Leign College, Abhishek Dutta believes in creating garments with a difference. He specializes in various ancient embroideries with futurists cuts. His label AD Normal gives immense choice to people for casual clothing whilst his other label Abhishek D creates exclusive couture ensembles. Apart from formal wear his casual wear comprises of tops, trousers, jackets, skirts, etc. at a very affordable price. The inspiration for AD Normal line of clothes comes from the very sporty attitude of youth.

Collection
A futuristic collection is rolled out on the ramp from the Abhishek Dutta stable. Cuts and not surface embellishment dominates the ‘creative patterns’. Off-white, orange and khaki are his chosen colours for this structured western collection.

Aditi Jaggi



Time: 1:30 pm at MSA // (Sundarbans)

Magnum Opus- ADI)
ADI- the Authentic, Desirable and Ingenious clothing for the modern day woman who knows to speak her mind, She is what she is. The label infuses a fresh breath to the Indian fashion scenario making apt use of the traditional embellishment techniques in an experimental way. This collection is an attempt to add to the grace n persona of a bride who considers comfort and value for money as her priorities, yet she wants to indulge in a bright colorful collection for her trousseau, picking a mix of ensembles for all occasions The designer Aditi Jaggi Rastogi is an alumnus of S.O.F.T, Pune, and has won the sobriquet of the ‘most commercially viable designer. A thorough experience under designer Rina Dhaka, a stint @ SSL, and designing for Mallika Sherawat etc. are the laurels that prove the strong foundation of the label.

Collection
This collection is an attempt to add to the grace n persona of a bride who considers comfort and value for money as her priorities, yet she wants to indulge in a bright colorful collection for her trousseau, picking a mix of ensembles for all occasions. There is ample use of brocade from grandmas’ closet in the form of appliqué delicately highlighted with tiny beads and colorful stones. There are lehengas, saris, anarkalis, churidars and also a wide range of tunics. In short there is a mix of all that a newly wed bride needs in her wardrobe. Being spring summer 2010, the fabrics used are very easy chiffons and cotton blend silks. Therez something for Poo and therez something for Parvati too….

Aarti Vijaygupta

Time: 1:30 pm at MSA // (Sundarbans)

Her work is all about ‘breaking the compromise’. Merging old with the modern, creativity with practically. Her design philosophy is based on originality, not reproduction although she is comfortable drawing on many design styles (Primitive, Georgian, Shaker, Art Deco, Modernism etc.), She aims to produce clothes that are unique and contemporary yet grounded in the arts and crafts and the contemporary designer/craftsman movements philosophies. She is also very interested in the craft of the making. She is constantly looking for new ways of blending and extending the traditions of the early craftsmen with exciting uses for materials, techniques and the best of contemporary innovations. Key drivers of my aesthetics lie in a strong belief in responding to the human spirit, the concept of yin and yang, playing with the proportions of the golden section, a wish for elegance in both visual and conceptual interpretation. There has to be pleasure in use, enjoyment of details that can be taken for granted but can provide the observer with an ‘ah ha’ moment. Good design ensures that the object functions as it should, has a level of meaning, is aesthetically pleasing to the client, is structurally sound, has perfect fit and flawless finish.
She is Aarti Vijaygupta, an alumnus of NIFT Mumbai, her identity are her designs for these are just not patterns, they are a reflection of my thoughts and ideas, of herself and her beliefs. Her Line is Prêt-o-porter & her labels idiosyncratic style is the fusion of handmade realizations with futuristic cuts. She believes in an enhanced body freedom, comfort and function. USP: Box Pleats, pyramid cones, quilted yokes yet feminine to the contours- classy, wearable and realistic yet affordable, this sums up her USP.

Collection
The Spring Summer 10 collection alternates the signature austerity of the label with more creative inputs. Her collection into the fold ’, inspired by Japanese art of Origami she feels is self explanatory of her collection. Her main objective was to fuse the traditional with the more topical. This she has tried to do so by blending of linen fabric in earthy colours with sophisticated cuts, which she believes, will certainly enchant the modern feminine world. The design development with a new desire for informal look donned with a relaxed temperament on the basic of infinite genre mixes. The look is not about an age group but about a mind set, willing to have some fun with clothes. She opts for precious, matte eco-friendly fabrics like linen and terry voile that express my respect towards earthy resources.
Silhouettes ;The designs for this collection have clean lines with structural details: feminine but strong, lots of opposites, and strength in diversity. Also, everything has balance so that the delicate and the strong can work together. Her idea of clothing as an art form is in cleanness of line and balance Minimalism shows purity of details. Her details contain structure, texture, and fabrication, tailoring and finishing. Her sensibility is organic through feminine, modern, and fluid but cut for comfort. Since the simplicity and purity are my focus, choosing appropriate material becomes an important issue to create an ideal garment. The art is in seeing fabric as a graphic element, translating practical details into interesting forms, and then taking away anything that is not useful.
The silhouettes enhancing chic cuts with ideal aplomb pooled with ensembles where fabrics are molded with original sartorial touches. The silhouettes enhance the temperament of women with an incisive mode, where casual blends with the irrefutable indispensable elegance. Dresses designed for casual wear has pleats (usually inverted box pleats) to allow for freedom of movement while dresses have double-ended inverted box pleats at the chest and back. The focus is on the sleeves, with an inverted box pleat with quilting in it that provides shoulder volume without the pads. With an eye for detail, new frontiers are filtered through classic pieces while adhering to traditional techniques. Standalone distinctively constructed tailoring that plays with dimension and drape. She has tried to transform the body with exhilaratingly contemporary future-classic silhouettes with a reflective approach to design and have produced an original, intellectual tailoring with a wearable relaxed periphery.
Colors; The color palette evokes metropolitan shades of grey, offset against purple softened by the matte of linen, broken by beige, brown and sand tones, and greens have a dry, olivey patina.

Anita Dongre


Time: 3 pm at MSA / (Pala)

From runways and award shows to premieres and movies, Anita’s designs have graced the country’s most elite and celebrated personalities from all walks of life. Her innate flair for style and design enables her to create collection after collection that flows from her intuitive awareness of the au courant of having a taste for the next hot trends. But more importantly, her designs voice the taste of the new age 21st century Indian woman. Known as the designer who embodies empathy in her creations, it is her understanding of the uniqueness of each woman’s own beauty, grace, body and the pulse of a woman’s desires, ambitions, dreams and sensuality that inspired her to create her fashion house AND Designs India Ltd, which ensures that every Indian woman finds her complimentary fashion statement. AND, her inimitable label is today one of the most recognized and well-loved wardrobe staple of the modern, go-getter woman. This label has come to represent high street fashion at a sensible price. It meets the fashion needs of celebrities, teenagers, young mothers, the career woman and the socialite. One success followed the next – quick on AND’s success trail came the launch of her signature, premium label that carries with it, her reputation and name, ANITA DONGRE IINTER PRET– a high-impact, globetrotting, mix and match western wear, fashion brand. This show - stopper collection combines fashionable elegance with strong detailing. Her designs are always in perfect sync with the eco-conscious. In today’s organic age, Anita Dongre adds environmental glam with GRASSROOT – her latest line of Organic clothing that works sustainable fabrics with traditional crafts into a versatile range of stylish wardrobe essentials.Her creative energy takes wings from her love for life, nature, wellness, art, movies and people. While the glitz and glamour of her designs have found their way into the silver screen blockbuster movies like My Brother Nikhil, Bas Ek Pal, and lately, Sorry Bhai, her stylish power suits and uniforms have changed the face of blue chip corporate houses, airlines, hospitality industry and educational enterprises. From Dhirubhai Ambani’s pre-school to the luxuries of the Taj Group of Hotels, you’ll find Anita’s smart dress code notching up great results. Today her brands sell from more than 120 retail points throughout the length and breadth of the country. The legend in trendsetting has only just begun… all set to take the world by storm, with continuously expanding while defining trends, Anita’s enthusiasm, creativity and boundless talent have kept her at the forefront of fashion.

Collection
With her love for Luxury and Lifestyle, Anita launched her one of a kind couture line, ANITA DONGRE TIMELESS. The label caters to custom made occasion wear, where Anita meets clients personally and creates gorgeous outfits to the tastes of the user. Be it a bridal trousseau or a red carpet stunner, ANITA DONGRE TIMELESS is the luxury outfit you’ll desire to own and have forever. The Timeless collection is a body of work that delves into the rich heritage of Indian textiles to draw inspiration for its designs that brilliantly represent the au courant. The collection makes ingenious use of traditional weaves and silks all over the country to create styles that are classis, feminine and eternal. Each ensemble, delicately handcrafted by adept craftsmen, is precious, luxurious and opulent enough to be considered as rare pieces for heirloom that can be passed on from one generation to the next.


Pallavi Singhvi

Time: 4:30 pm at MSA // (Sundarbans)

A fashion graduate of NIFT Delhi, Pallavi began her career under the guidance of Sabyasachi Mukherjee. She launched her own eponymous label "Verb" in 2006. Verb, woman’s wear brand is best known for its avant-garde spirit in clothing. It is retailed from premier stores across India and abroad with its design studio based in Kolkata.
Verb has been showcasing at Bridal Asia for last two years and has received rave reviews for its design. After a splashing sell out bridal Asia 2007 and 2008 it was rated as one of the most promising new brands by Dubai, African and Indian magazines.

Collection
The collection ‘videsh me desh’, is a about a little India in everyone. It’s a story of the firangi desi. The collection showcases an eclectic cocktail of powerful streamlined clothing with street folk art. The characters of the story are women who come from over the world to discover and experience Indian traditions, culture, music and costumes. It is about India influencing the west and being influenced in return. Mixed fused clothing that take birth of these interactions, like patiala pants, wrap kurtas , scrunched up skirt saris , kaftans dresses , high waisted pants with wrap sari blouses , kali skirts with formal fitted jackets ,short kutchi dance kurtas with fitted pencil skirts. The collections symbolizes globalization, Indian prints on western silhouettes, fused Indian separates with very western mixes. Ensembles have oversized Indian prints, like old birds, peacocks and elephant designs with floral motifs, on very trendy channel, satin and muls and chiffons. The prints are digital mixed with some antique hand block printing .Colours range from Indian reds and haldi yellows to old rose pinks, Prussian blues, crimsons and black.
It is a compilation of twisted classical traditions, outlandish colour combinations, quirky details, textures, unusual embroidery motifs and sharp tailoring.

Swati Srivastava

Time: 4:30 pm at MSA // (Sundarbans)

In over half a decade Swati Srivastava has come to belong to the echelons of high fashion in India. A design graduate from the prestigious NIFT Kolkata, she was awarded the best design collection award for FDIT’03. After working in close quarters with many industry masters, Swati finally launched her own brand, ‘KAHWA Fashion’ in 2006.
The ‘Swati Srivastava’ label, incepted in the year 2007, has already been making weaves in the industry. A swirling mix of urban contemporary influences in heady creative style, ‘Swati Srivastava’ is a tour de force in Indian fashion. ‘Swati Srivastava’ the label is available at locations across India at stores in New Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Chennai.

Collection
The Delhi-based designer is showcasing an Indo-western line. The collection includes lehengas, saris, draped tops, tunics and short jackets brought alive by textures, bamboo work, terracotta and cane work on net, khadi silk and Dhakai silk.

Narendra Kumar

Time: 6 pm at MSA / (Pala)

Narendra Kumar was part of the first ever graduating class from NIFT in 1990, when it was still being run in conjunction with FIT, New York and Trent Polytechnic, UK. The NK line for both men and women is based on modern cuts and silhouettes but integrates the luxurious aspects of specially woven Indian fabrics and hand-crafted detailing to maintain a couture feel to the line. In addition, his company Arenah Design Studio, undertakes various corporate identity clothing project for international companies such as Marriot Group of Hotels, Taj Group of Hotels, HSBC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Uniliver, etc. the company works with some of India’s leading textile manufacturers in creating fashion brands and imaging the brands for relevance to the Indian market.

Radhika & Sayantan

Time: 7:30 pm at MSA // (Sundarbans)

Defined by sophistication with a traditional twist, Radhika Singhi - Sayantan Sarkar is a label combining Western silhouettes with Indian sensibilities that is a fusion of ideologies, crafts and methods. Inspired by and created for the global citizen, the label was born of diverse thought processes and design styles. While designer Radhika Singhi epitomizes instinctive creative genius painted in Indian ethos, NIFT graduate Sayantan Sarkar brings in technical expertise and international concepts. Sayantan’s understanding of structures, silhouettes, patterns and textures complemented by Radhika’s innovative use of traditional textiles and surface ornamentation create the distinctive Radhika Singhi - Sayantan Sarkar label. The Radhika- Sayantan collection are retailed from their own flagship store Threads in Kolkata, Amara & Fuel in Mumbai, Also in Hyderabad, Collage in Bangalore and Elan in Ahmedabad.

Collection
With their Kolkata Fashion week collection, Radhika and Sayantan step back into their comfort zone to marry new age elegance with old world charm. English grandeur meets Manhattan’s madness as romance and economy fuse together to create drama on the ramp. Lace plays with plaid, while satin flirts with polynosic fabrics. Browns and greys allow for a peak of pink here and there. The collection symbolizes life, where romance and economics are constantly intertwined. The use of lace, ruffles, satin and pinks symbolize romance whereas suiting, checks and rich colors give us hope & optimism.


Aarjun Agarwal

Time: 7:30 pm at MSA // (Sundarbans)

Aarjun, the fashion label was born in the Ballygunge residence of the designer Aarjun Agarwal in January 2006 after the completion of his graduation from the Canberra Institute of Technology (2005), Canberra, Australia.
Participation in the Canberra Fashion Week and Rosemount Australian Fashion Week in April-May 2006 and 2007 took the label to new heights. In August 2007 and 2008 Aarjun took part in "Yatra", held at The Taj Krishna Hotel in Hyderabad. The label showcased its first ever fashion show in India in October 2007 at the prestigious Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai in the Gen-Next category. This was a very proud moment and the event greatly helped in establishing the name nationally and internationally. After this, Aarjun visited Singapore to take part in a trade fare from August 13th- 17th 2008, working towards the dream of becoming an international label. Then the label exhibited at "TT Weddings" organised by The Telegraph in Kolkata from the 11th- 14th September 2008 and made killer sales with its postmodern western ensembles. Leading Indian designers like Manish Malhotra, Ritu Kumar and Kiran Uttam Ghosh (to name a few) had also taken part in this mega event. 27th March 2009 Barbie’s 50th birthday party came to Mumbai at the Lakme Fashion Week. Designers from across the country applied to the contest, organised by the Mattel group, to have the chance to design a dress for Barbie on her 50th birthday. It was an honour for Aarjun to be showcased amongst the top designers from India, including Wendell Rodricks, Manish Malhotra, Vikram Phadnis, Neeta Lull, and dress Barbie looking models in his ensembles.

Collection
At the Kolkata fashion Week, Aarjun will be presenting a line which is very close to his essence, his existence in fashion. He spent a year in New Zealand learning and perfecting his pattern drafting skills. He was greatly influenced by the native ‘Maori’ art, the inspirations of which have been incorporated in his collection. The silhouettes are for the confident and independent women, dressed in his signature blacks and whites. The element of intrigue is added to the ensemble with hints of red. The collection depicts the strength of women who evolve and adapt with poise and grace.

Manish Malhotra

Time: 9 pm at MSA / (Pala)

Manish Malhotra is a true style icon. Not only do women the world over swear by his collection, but also innumerable men who would blindly wear anything he created for them. His label ‘Manish Malhotra’ is the country’s first dedicated diffusion and haute couture label. Currently retailing across Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Dubai and Canada, its uniqueness lies in its adaptability to occasions and its unique pricing strategy. The label plays strongly on colour, texture and fabrics. It strikes the perfect balance between diffusion and haute couture, which combined with his uncanny ability to forecast trends, is one of the main reasons for the label’s success.

Collection
The king of Bollywood closes the curtains on the second edition of Emami KFW with a grander than grand finale. The opulent collection will be high on red, the traditional bridal colour for a not-so-traditional bridal collection, with Manish’s signature nudes, skin and beige offset by splashes of salmon and moss green.