Indian fashion and Indian-born designers have come a long way, from Naeem Khan and Manish Malhotra to Ritu Kumar. More Indian- and South Asian-born designers and professionals are breaking into the fashion industry here in the U.S. and around the world. While top fashion books and runways from Bryant Park to Paris have sported decidedly “Indian” looks in recent seasons, we ask if Indian fashion and Indian designers are here to stay… or, if it just a fleeting love affair? What will it take for Indian designer brands and fashion to penetrate the global mainstream, and racks of a Bergdorf or Saks for more than one season? What does it take to be successful in the fashion industry – as a designer or a professional.
Come meet and hear from Fern Mallis, SVP of IMG Fashion, the widely recognized originator of the New York Fashion Week, long time advocate of India’s Fashion Week, Indian designers and the Indian fashion industry, and former Executive Director of CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America). An instrumental player at India’s Lakme’s Fashion Week each year for over the past 8 years – and having just returned from India’s 2010 Lakme Fashion Week – hear Fern’s point-of-view on the future of Indian and South Asian-fashion; opportunities, challenges and advice for South Asian and Indian designers; industry trends; and an assessment of whether India can walk the Global Runway.
Fern Mallis (born March 26, 1948) in Brooklyn, New York, is the Executive Director of 7th on Sixth productions, the Vice President of marketing for International Management Group models, as well as the Vice President of IMG fashion. She is best recognized for organizing Fashion Week, an event which IMG currently produces.
She began her career in fashion by working at several retail establishments including a brief stint at Mademoiselle. Afterwards, Mallis signed on as the executive director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CDFA). Designers then often showed at disparate locations throughout New York City. When a ceiling started to disintegrate during a show in 1991 at Michael Kors, the press complained about safety and the locations fashion shows were using. Since Mallis had just been hired at CDFA, she saw her new role as addressing that. She then organized what's now known as the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.
In her decades long career in fashion, Mallis has become one of its most tireless and visible champions. In 1993, as the executive director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, she organized the industry's first "Fashion Week" -- then called 7th on Sixth -- and took on the unenviable task of getting notoriously prickly designers to play nice and produce their runway shows in one central location. Today, she presides over Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York twice a year when the industry's biggest names pitch their tents in Bryant Park with her characteristic good-natured calm while making sure the hissy fits are kept to a minimum and Jessica, Demi, and Beyoncé get to their front row seats without too much hassle from the paparazzi. Mallis has also proven there's plenty of substance behind all that style. According to industry sources, the event generates over $235 million for the city each season. Perhaps that's why Mallis is logging plenty of frequent flyer miles traveling as far as India to help foreign fashionistas stage their own headline-grabbing shows.
For the Brooklyn-born girl who graduated from James Madison High School having won both the "fashion design" award and kudos from her classmates as "best dressed," it's a dream come true. "I still get goose bumps when the lights go down, the music starts and those first shows start," says Mallis. "It's thrilling."
Moderated by Hitha Prabhakar, CNBC Fashion Contributor, leading retail industry expert, and former style writer for Forbes magazine and Forbes.com. Hitha has written for Time magazine, People magazine, People.com, and ELLE India. Hitha has lent her fashion and retail industry expertise to some of the top media outlets in the US and abroad, including NPR, FOX News, CNN, and Bravo.
Hitha Prabhakar is a retail industry expert and principal of The Style Group, a retail consulting firm based in New York City. As the former style writer for Forbes magazine and Forbes.com, Hitha covered the luxury industry as well as men’s fashion. She has written for Time magazine, People magazine, People.com, ELLE India, Metro Newspapers, Nirvana Women, Inked magazine and Zink magazine. She is also a contributor on CNBC.
She has had numerous television appearances as a retail analyst for Fox Business News, Fox News, Skye News, Fox Radio Network, foxnews.com, Bravo, CNN, CBS, Univision, E! Entertainment television, Reuters and as the host of Emmy winning New York based show Cool in Your Code, which airs on WNBC and WNYC TV. In 2009, she was a coach for the MTV hit series, “MADE.”
Hitha has been featured in Glamour magazine, Marie Claire, Oprah magazine, Lucky magazine, Gotham, Albuquerque Living, The Daily News, Metro, The Daily Mail, Style.com, CNN.com, Huffington Post and has been a guest on NPR lending her style and retail knowledge on everything from the state of the retail industry to which diamonds will be on the red carpet during the Oscars. Most recently she was photographed and profiled for the Burberry “Art of the Trench” campaign.
After graduating from Smith College in 1998 (including a year stint at the London School of Economics) with degrees in Philosophy and Economics, she joined Bear Stearns as an analyst. Her corporate experience has given her an edge in the fashion arena, where she was able to closely observe the fashion mistakes corporate men and women perpetually make. Her plans for corporate domination were put on hold when she was asked to be a fashion correspondent for the radio station 102.7 FM in New York City in September of 2003. After she spent a fun filled week backstage with Frederic Fekkai reporting on fashion and beauty trends, she decided to go to pursue her masters degree at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and graduated in 2006. During graduate school Hitha rose through the ranks to be the first national style editor of Metro newspapers.
She continued to build her style knowledge as a stylist and market editor at MTV where she styled numerous vee jays, reality show starlets and celebrities like Samuel L. Jackson, Brooke Shields and musicians such as MIA, Britney Spears, Charice Pempengco, Ashley Tisdale, Chris Cornell, Death Cab for Cutie, Sean Kingston, Weezer and the Pussycat Dolls for Vogue Magazine’s Fashion Rocks. Hitha continues to act as a personal style consultant for executives and associates at Sony BMG, and Hearst as well as artists on Universal, Columbia and Vanguard Records. She has also served as a judge for the prestigious Swiss Textile Awards in Zurich Switzerland as well as the Supima Cotton Design Contest in New York City.
In addition to all things fashion and retail, Hitha’s favorite pastimes are running, biking, yoga hanging out in the beauty section of Duane Reade and walking to the corner deli.
The latest addition to Global Runway’s Night Out on April 15th is, Babita Malkani, a Bombay-based designer who has her own label called Babita M. Fresh off Lakme Fashion Week and London Fashion Week; she will present her unique Spring-Summer 2010 collection called ‘Boh–Aum’.
Babita Malkani
Perfection, Panache and Distinction is what defines Babita Malkani who is truly one of India's leading designers and is a master of her craft. Being synonymous with high end fashion globally and locally she has made her mark in the fashion industry. Fashion is something Babita Malkani has literally grown up with, hailing from a family that has successfully been involved in the fashion business. Babita’s keen involvement and interests in fashion & style took flight from a rented garage in Santa Cruz - Mumbai, way back in 1988, where she set up her first business under the label “Whispers”
Given her distinctively urban sense of styling that was evident from her early works, her launch label whispers grew manifold, and going forward she set up her office under the label Studio Spa under the Whispers Inc. Company on Broadway in NYC, where her collections were retailed across highly profiled outlets. Being always more inclined towards high fashion and haute couture, and yearning to bring her international exposure into her designs, Babita launched her new label Babita M, in 2006. Babita M is now a well-established label based out of India that currently retails to cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Dubai, London, New York, Atlanta and Johannesburg.
Extending her immensely remarkable fashion creations and elegance Babita has successfully styled renowned celebrities like Asin, Farah Khan, Amrita Rao, Eeshaa Kopikar, Tabu, Sonal Chauhan, Geeta Basra, Diana Hayden, Shreya Saran, Celina Jaitely to name a few, for their personal and professional assignments. Babita was also assigned to design the outfits and styling for the Miss India contestants including Miss India- World Pooja Chopra. As a designer her work has also gained mass and critical appeal and in recognition of her talent she has also been involved with various renowned fashionable events viz. Lakme Fashion Week, MTV Style Diva, D’Damas, International Boat show- Mumbai to name a few. Her versatility was also displayed on the ramp for Salman Khan’s Being human show, for which she was highly appreciated. Babita’s primary collection of SS 2010 has been launched at the Bangalore Fashion Week. The silhouettes were free flowing and the colors were bright and vibrant. The theme being ‘Glassica,’ was a tribute to the artisans of stained glass. Koena Mitra and the endearing Pankaj Advani who
associated with her brand were also the show stoppers for her show.
On a global level Babita was the designer chosen to exclusively design jackets for the winning team for the ICC champion’s trophy 2009 in South Africa, and has etched the footprint of Indian designers globally. Her most recent showing was a splendid collection titled“LES COULEURS D ‘ AGATE “ inspired from the colors of the AGATE stone, which was launched at The Dubai Fashion Week 2009, and was received with a standing ovation the collection was sold off the shelves in Dubai, South Africa and Europe.
Post Dubai Fashion Week and Bangalore Fashion week, her Latest collection ‘Boh –Aum’ was then showed at Lakme Fashion Week – Summer Resort 2010. The applause continued with Harman Baweja as her Show stopper accompanying Pankaj Advani this time round, along with receiving amazing reviews for the Collection.
Excellence being her attitude and designs being her forte Babita has evolved as a designer with dignity and fortitude over the years and as a woman she has set the standards for being independent, successful and has set an example to the rest of the women in our country by her skills, her intelligence and her creativity.
BOH- AUM ; The design philosophy that is the undertone at Studio- Babita M is driven by one fact that fashion needs to be enjoyed, and therefore needs to have a “Happy” disposition.
It took some introspection during recessive times, by the designer to maintain this strong undertone of “being happy” and in order to pursue deeper into the secret behind this she chose to seek a land, a nation which treasures this emotion.
The Kingdom of Bhutan was chosen where progress is measured by GNH (Gross National Happiness) not GDP as they believe that happiness is a derivation of what you do, and choose to do. During her visit there she was inspired by the culture, the architecture, the people of the country and there began her journey towards the design inspiration for Spring Summer 2010. Drawing on references from the near perfect yet ornate geometry of the architecture to the vivid colors of the paintings, and the stunning use of metal art works, the idea of fusing this palette of art, culture and design with her signature design philosophy which exhibits a strong attitude with sophistication and class formed the perfect platform for her unique SS2010 collection aptly named ‘BOH–AUM’. The name is representative of styling based on a Bohemian palette with renderings and inspiration from the Kingdom of Bhutan– with its vibrant and simple culture.
Spring summer has too long been dominated by prêt lines which may be Bo Ho or otherwise, the intent was to create an evolved styling that could be either be used as prêt or high fashion, and establish a cross over genre for SS2010.
BOH– AUM by Babita M is an expression of this very philosophy, the collection is a blend of the rich and imperial fabrics, that are mostly geometric and motif based with modern fabrics and silhouettes. The collection also uses metallic art work brought back from the kingdom that is interestingly uses as embellishments. At times the collection very innovatively uses such metal art pieces as grips and fasteners that hold in place the drapes and weaves.
Like the Bhutanese Dzong architecture, the chunky accessories are elegant with a rare blend of harmony and proportion. Enlightening awareness the designs are based on “ Dhungs” (long horn), and “Double Dorjes”. The garments are inspired by the dragon bird which symbolizes purity; a lotus for luck and enlightenment, and popular endless symbol which signifies eternity, longevity and infinity. Their highly decorative design has a unique charm that balances traditional Bhutanese design with contemporary elegance.
The collection is clean, simple and exquisite. The geometrics in the print juxtaposed with the vibrant colors and drapes actually create a genre that is a cross over from prêt to high fashion and that gives options for its use as prêt or high fashion.
There are three spectacular looks and with color pallets ranging from white rendered with checks to green/black/purple presented in a geometrical pattern to ink blue/ coral highlights and a multi color traditional Bhutanese weave interspersed with geometrical bands .
Payal Singhal
Payal Singhal established her label in India in 2000 to fill a niche for eclectic Indian clothing for girls her age. Now thanks to a global design sensibility Payal is more than able to satisfy the consumer demands of the contemporary woman and the label stocks in various countries and travels with its unique mobile trunk shows all over the world.
British Vogue Editor Dolly Jones summed up a recent collection saying “Gorgeous dresses for dressing up in downtown New York with just enough of the genuine Indian magic that designers all over the world try to recreate.”
Payal madw a comeback to Lakme Fashion week after a gap of three years. Payal moves back to Mumbai from new York after six years and is also a new mum!! Known for her feminine soft silhouettes and unusual embellishments, Payal all excited about being back at LFW presented her Spring Summer 2010 Resortwear Collection at Lakme Fashion Week, Mumbai, India
Her Collection at LFW - a mixed bag of current cutting edge silhouettes that every woman needs in her wardrobe. Separates that can go from day to night and beach to wedding make the collection whimsical yet surprisingly practical. Simple crisp crepes and tulles embellished with crystal embroidery bring together a clean and sparkly collection for the girl who wants to dress up but doesn’t want to try too hard. The collection has easy clothes for a jet setting life style with inter changeable pieces so your wardrobe always looks fresh. Muted colors like ecru, sand and shimmer make the collection timeless and classic. The crystal-encrusted pieces add the touch of fantasy we all love.
Cowl skirts, jeweled tanks and maxi dresses come together in a collection that resonates the designer’s mantra of “easy comfortable and effortless clothes”
Padma Lakshmi
Padma Lakshmi's vision as a jewelry designer is as eclectic as her life and her work. Born in India, but raised between both India and the US, Lakshmi has lived in France, Spain, and spent much of her 20's in Italy. All of these places have influenced her work; her designs are most notable for bridging the gap between East and West. "I love the rich heritage and beauty of traditional Indian jewelry, but I wanted something more modern and delicate. I also wanted to create something that women would love to wear everyday; pieces that work with jeans and cocktail dresses, jewelry that highlights the myriad sides of a woman's personality without upstaging her."
Padma takes inspiration from shapes found in nature. "In hunting for the most precious spices, I found the shapes of seeds and pods exquisite, a purity of proportion and form that had an inherent sensuality to them." Lakshmi has borrowed from her native culture by introducing a hand piece that is unique yet remarkably wearable. She also introduces a micro collection entitled 'the Nav'. This line is based on the ancient Hindu philosophy of balancing a person's life force (prana or chi) by wearing a collection of 9 specific stones (the navaratna) that represent and harness the energies of 9 planets to the greatest benefit. Lakshmi has made wearing this energetically protective talisman modern, sleek and elegant.
In May 2009, Lakshmi launched her namesake line of fine jewelry, "PADMA" at Bergdorf Goodman in New York. The collection of over 40 pieces consists of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings retailing approximately between $300 and $6,000, in both 10 and 14 carat gold with precious and semi-precious stones. "All the pieces have some form of movement, designed to dance on the skin and enhance the femininity of the female form." For example, her 'front to back' necklace adorns a woman's back as much as her décolleté, cascading down the neck on both sides.
Padma Lakshmi has had a successful career in fashion as a model for over a decade. She has appeared in film and television projects in the US, Italy and India, utilizing her global sense of taste in the food world. She is an award winning author of two books as well as a presenter and documentarian, hosting Padma's Passport and Planet Food, for the Food Network and Discovery channels. Most recently, she is the host of Bravo's Emmy nominated Top Chef. Lakshmi has contributed to magazines such as Gourmet, and Food and Wine, and has written extensively on fashion for The New York Times syndicate, Vogue, and Harper's Bazaar. "For me, whether its food or fashion, it's about taste; about curating the best of what I've hunted and gathered from around the world to create something beautiful for the senses." Available at Bergdorf Goodman, BergdorfGoodman.com, Neiman Marcus Tysons Corner, Neiman Marcus San Francisco, NeimanMarcus.com, Mitchells of Westport, Richards in Greenwich and Marshs of Huntington.
Amrita Singh
Though jewelry making began as an “accidental love,” it grew into a unique and compelling “passion” according to Amrita. Her design interests are global, reflecting the city that she inhabits and works in: urban, culturally diverse, and infused with artistic inspiration. Her Designer Jewelryfuses Old World aesthetics with New World fashion, resulting in breathtakingly unique, wearable works of art.
Studying the intricacies of Indian art through travel and extensive independent work, Amrita draws upon the designs of India and the Mughal dynasty to create artisanal Indian Jewelry and accessories. The success of her Bangle, Bollywood, and other designer jewelry has proved that her blend of influences and craft are distinctive and timeless. Amrita is devoted to the development of both her fashion lines: her contemporary jewelry which includes innovative collections such as Bangle Bangle, and her fine jewelry collection.
Trained by the best in the field, Amrita Singh graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology and also completed the prestigious two year executive training program at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City. She has worked with world-renowned designers such as Oscar de la Renta and Christian Lacroix in the pursuit of fashion. Recognized by her fellow designers for her achievements, Amrita was nominated by FGI (Fashion Group International) for the Rising Star Award in the Fine Jewelry Category in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Through her collaboration with innovators in fashion and her devotion to the beauty of fine classical design, Amrita continues to design intriguing and complex jewelry for the modern woman.
Naeem Khan
Many of the world’s most stylish women are devotees to a new name in fashion: Naeem Khan. Committed to adorning elegant women in clothes befitting their refinement, his glittering fan base of starlets and socialites includes Beyonce, Eva Longoria, Debra Messing, Carrie Underwood, Katherine Heigl, Kim Cattrall, First Lady Michelle Obama and Queen Noor of Jordan, and his designs have graced the silver screen in fashion film classics like Dreamgirls and Sex and the City.
His luxurious collection consists of impeccably cut dresses, sophisticated gowns and chic cashmere separates – all embroidered by hand. Khan was born in India and grew up surrounded by design. He cultivated his vast knowledge of textiles under the watchful eyes of his grandfather and father, both well known in India for designing intricate clothing worn by the royal families. As a child, he was mesmerized by the handwork produced in their workshops, and always knew he wanted to be part of their intensely visual culture. As a teenager, Khan moved to the United States and apprenticed for Halston, where he absorbed the ethos of modern restraint, and the secrets of draping and cutting fabric to create a clean, elegant, timeless silhouette. Between the equally opulent but aesthetically opposite worlds of his father and Halston, Khan’s style was nurtured and his aesthetic was born.
He launched his eponymous collection, Naeem Khan, in 2003 and began selling at Bergdorf Goodman, Harrods, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Since then the collection has grown to be sold at more than 100 specialty stores across the world. His presentations are among the most anticipated events of New York fashion week.
Naeem launched a line for HSN, TIMELESS by Naeem Khan, in October 2009. The collection, sold exclusively via HSN, consists of cocktail dresses and separates from $49 - $499.
Ports 1961 by Tia Cibani
Sisters Tia and Fiona Cibani, who grew up in Vancouver, moved to China in 1994 to relaunch the Canadian sportswear label Ports International, targeting affluent Chinese women. Fiona remains at the helm of that line, while Tia branched off in 2004to create the successful New York City-based designer label Ports 1961.
Tia’s unique vision and modern sensibility have influenced all aspects of Ports 1961. Born in North Africa, Tia was raised in the multi-cultural mosaic of Vancouver, Canada. Her interest in fashion began as a child watching her father’s retail business grow. From a very young age, she developed an appreciation for fine fabrics, shapes and details.
1961 marks the founding year of parent company Ports International, a Canadian brand that inspired a generation of independent women during the fashion revolution of the sixties. After decades of success throughout Europe and North America, Ports International made its way across the Pacific, establishing itself as one of China’s premier luxury brands.
Tia began her tenure at Ports International after attending Parsons School of Design, under the direction of then head design team Dean and Dan Caten of Dsquared2. Tia immersed herself in design and fabrication, eventually leaving for China, where she co-designed the global brand with sister, Fiona. In the brand’s tradition, Tia and Fiona found themselves addressing a new generation of independent women, defining their own styles in a blossoming new world.
Experience in China and abroad exposed Tia to artistic communities whose cultures and styles inspired her deeply. After a decade of creative growth and discovery, Tia was ready to develop a new collection based on the cultural experiences that had taken shape within her.
In 2004 Tia returned to New York City and launched Ports 1961 in Chelsea. Driven by a whole new generation of global minded women living without borders, it was designed to meet the ever accelerating needs of the modern woman with a bohemian spirit. Ports 1961 soon caught the attention of luxury retailers around the world.
In 2005 Ports 1961’s seasonal ad campaign was highlighted throughout the movie “The Devil Wears Prada”.
In 2006 Tia presented her collection for the first time during New York Fashion Week in Bryant Park. The collection is still shown there today.
For Hollywood’s award season in 2007, Tia introduced Ports Fait Main at the Chateau Marmont. This one of a kind collection of red carpet dresses immediately gained the attention of Hollywood stylists, dressing Sandra Bullock, Angelina Jolie, China Chow, Julia Armond, Alit Larter, Portia di Rossi, Perry Reeves, Marge Helgenberger and other notable personalities. Later that year Ports 1961 entered the European market, opening a show room in Milan.
In 2008 Tia returned to the Chateau Marmont with Musician/Photographer Bryan Adams to photograph her second Fait Main Collection. That same year Ports 1961 was introduced to Paris during fashion week at the Luxury Vendome Collective. That spring marked the opening of the first Ports 1961 boutique on Melrose Place in Los Angeles. The boutique features the entire ready-to-wear collection including accessories, shoes and unique wooden handbags that are also at the MoMA stores in New York City.
2009 marks the opening of the US flagship store in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. As Creative Director, Tia continues to build and direct the brand from the New York headquarters, influencing it on a multitude of levels, from stores design concepts to leading the global trail of Ports 1961’s advertising campaign locations.
Port 1961 chronicles the journey past, present and future.
Collection ; Exploring the relationship between discovery and invention, Tia Cibani ventures into a realm that is rooted in the past yet reaches for the future. Ports 1961’s Fall 2010 collection simultaneously celebrates our history and our imminent tomorrow. In a world where the technological co-exists with the natural, there is a marked tension between the two that surfaces in this collection. Wary of the machines that we have created, and taken aback by their power, we walk a fine line between mastery and self destruction. Tia reflects on this central dichotomy of our era by crafting a collection that is as classic as it is futuristic. Hers is an organic and time-honored world rendered in themes that embrace the future.
Acknowledging the human body as her muse, and deploying technology as a tool, the collection draws upon traditional skills to fashion pioneering materials. Using vintage construction techniques, it hones in on an aesthetic that is artisanal in spirit,but thoroughly modern in its approach.
A rich color palette in shades of Mulberry, Tobacco, Iris and Rosemary are juxtaposed against the lighter neutrals of Freesia, Chicory, Clover and Pepper. A rubberized Sage and Ginger run through the entire story in surprising accents that are playful and fresh.
Expanding upon Victorian techniques of sewing and pattern making, Tia positions an aged expertise against current silhouettes. While thoroughly neoteric in her use of high-tech fabrics, she judiciously applies bespoke menswear detailing to the interior of the garments to combine modern shapes with traditional luxury. Printed silk facings and linings paired with rubberized finishings create a mood that is androgynous and sportive. An ultra feminized corseting detail is added as boning to shape the back waist, cinching an otherwise linear and clean form. Ergonomic detailing from racing gear infiltrates an evening wear aesthetic in a way at once strong and enchanting. Continuing with the play between such contrasts, the silhouettes gather and swell around the female form in unique ways, and emerge with unexpected hints of soft volume from under more rigorous outerwear essentials. Adding Smart Clothing details to couture shapes, the collection achieves a symbiosis between the old and the new, the classic and the experimental.
Pixilated vibrations are suggested by the vivid geometry of intarsia knits. Holographic shine is imparted by silk lame and metalized fibers woven into wools. Innovative textiles with aluminum, fused neoprene, heat sensitive laminates and bionic fabrics are used alongside and in contrast to canvases, tweeds and plaids. Micro cell structures of flora and fauna are interpreted in painterly digital prints on silk twill and cut velvet. Fine grained leathers are draped over structured basics and applied as accents to highlight them. French lace is reinterpreted in laser-cut patterns with rubberized embellishments.
Glazed ceramic and blown glass jewelry adorn the neck with shapes that are vegetal and organic. Wood and wool combine to evoke forms from nature that add a touch of warmth to the colder palettes. Parti-colored playfulness in ballet flats and oxfords complement the feminine shapes of the heeled boots and court shoes.
Reflecting the past, while embracing the future, Tia Cibani references some central concerns of our times. She remembers without nostalgia, and imagines with anticipation of change. An exhilarating future, in which invention and nature coexist harmoniously, is a vision she nurtures.
Ports 1961 invites you to plant the seeds gifted with this collection, as recognition of the opportunities that lie ahead.
Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia
Co-founders and Presidents of "Sachin and Babi" a one year old fashion collection, borne of their existing companies, ANK Embroideries, (under which they design and manufacture designer and couture embroideries for some of the biggest fashion houses) and ANKASA (the 4 year old luxury home furnishings brand). "My wife and partner, Babi, and I decided to launch our own RTW brand to bring couture products to the contemporary girl. "
Growing up in India, Sachin's mother owned design factories that featured Indian ethnic wear and Sachin, on his way to the U.S. to pursue his MBA, convinced his father to let him stay back one year to further explore the field of fashion and design in his families factories. In one short year, he and his mother were able to grow the business to new heights. Sachin ended up going to the U.S., but instead of business school, he opted to attend FIT in New York, where he majored in Textile Design and met Babi, his future wife and business partner. "Through our experiences from India and New York, we are able to translate embroideries and surface texture in a very different way. It is a fusion of old world techniques and modern sensibility." It is with this combined background that ANKASA, and now SACHIN AND BABI, has flourished.
The designers enjoy working with the wide range of materials and production capabilities in their Bombay factory. The Ahluwalia's have directed their focus to surface textures and fabric manipulations. They combine what is chic and classic with what is edgy and trend driven. They are always experimenting with the not-so-obvious textures and combinations of fabrics to accent a classic silhouette. Sachin has recently become even more interested in the "finer details," and has started working on jewelry pieces. They are very unique pieces that combine textiles with rare beads and semi precious stones.
"SACHIN AND BABI" is a unique blend of classic silhouettes and hip and cool colorways and textures. The collection translates as a designer collection, with the same fine fabrics and finishing that you would see in a luxury collection. One of the big draws of the line is that it is priced within the contemporary price point, making the collection very accessible to the mainstream.
The couples have a design studio in Midtown Manhattan and reside with their two young daughters in Sutton Place.
Shekhar Rahate
Being a popular name in fashion designing / shows & directing beauty pageants in U.S. and around the globe.
Shekhar studied fashion designing in Dubai Beams International fashion school .
Shekhar is being in this profession almost last 15 years working with national & international celebrities including past MISS WORLD / MISS UNIVERSE / MISS ASIA PASIFIC & many other title winners , presenting fashion shows & pageants in Paris / Germany/ Switzerland / South Africa, Dubai, India & United States.
Shekhar is the only designer in the world, was invited by UNITED NATIONS to present his collection in the prestigious General Assembly Hall at UN Headquarters , New York and this show was highly appreciated by around 450 delegates from 192 countries .
Exotic fabric, intricate detail, ornate colors: these are the elements of a haute couture gown, and designer Shekhar Rahate’s collection of high-class evening dresses more than encompass the beauty and elegance of a high-fashion frock creation. Applying more than 15 years of experience in the fashion industry, Shekhar has created a haute couture line that is both culturally inspired and inspiring. While browsing through his collection of posh evening gowns, it is evident that each dress is a mode masterpiece all its own. And with the variety in styles and fabrics – from form fitting, glistening satin evening gowns that accentuate a woman’s silhouette to flowy multi-pattern fabrics that allow a woman to move with comfort and grace – Shekhar’s gowns not only epitomize couture perfection but are worthy of red carpet attention.
Shekhar was recently honored by Madison who’s who & Cambridge who’s who of America .
His collection is available at – SEQUELS – 9899 south Santa Monica blvd , Beverly Hills , ca – 90212 .
His Fall / Winter 2010 collection is inspired by "COLORS" ... The collection hopes to find new and interesting ways of putting colors and prints together. Since he was making a collection for FALL , he had to choose materials and colors that were fitting to that time of year. When thinking about the colors he should use, he wanted to go with darker shades instead of lighter ones that may be more appropriate for a spring or summer collection. The color palette, also called a "color lookup table," "lookup table," "index map," "color table" or "color map,"is a commonly used method for saving file space when creating 8-bit color images and is very important when you are trying to represent a season. Fortunately the palette worked & he has received many assignments for this collection.
Collection consists of chiffon / silk & satin with intricate hand beadwork & crystals. Exotic fabric, intricate detail, ornate colors are the elements of a haute couture gown, and his collection of high-class evening dresses more than encompass the beauty and elegance of a high-fashion frock creation. Applying more than 15 years of experience in the fashion industry, Shekhar has created a haute couture line that is both culturally inspired and inspiring. While browsing through his collection of posh evening gowns, it is evident that each dress is a mode masterpiece all its own. And with the variety in styles and fabrics –from form fitting, glistening satin evening gowns that accentuate a woman’s silhouette to flowy multi-pattern fabrics that allow a woman to move with comfort and grace – Shekhar’s gowns not only epitomize couture perfection but are worthy of red carpet attention.
Stephanie Singh
Studied fashion design at Philadelphia University as well as the American University of Rome. It was at these top universities where she learned design concepts and color theories that helped her create one-of-a-kind collections for men, women, and children.
After working with world-renowned designers such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Singh is proud to have launched her own collection in 2009 to share with the world her eclectic fashion designs, representative of her mixed cultural background. Blending traditional Indian fabrics with modern American silhouettes comprises Singh's signature style.
"Fashion is art, wear what inspires you."
White + Warren
Started out 1997 with a mission to make cashmere accessible, affordable, and most importantly, relevant in this competitive environment. Since then White + Warren has expanded well beyond the cashmere sweater, creating total knitwear collections featuring head-to-toe knit dressing, while continuing to refine and improve on the classics and wraps that created their loyal customer base. White + Warren owe their continued success to a rare blend of luxury, practicality, fashion and function.
With a celebrity roster of fans that includes Angelina Jolie, Blake Lively, Julia Roberts and Kristen Bell, White + Warren is one of the most sought after knitwear labels in the world. White + Warren’s wares have been featured in publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, In Style, and W and can be found in the finest department stores, specialty boutiques.
“Mumbai to NYC: Can India Walk the Global Runway?”: A Conversation with Industry Visionary Fern Mallis, SVP IMG Fashion – A SAMMA (South Asians in Media, Marketing and Entertainment Association) Panel Event: on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m
In collaboration with IAAC (Indo-American Arts Council) on the evening before IAAC’s “Global Runway’s Night Out” On Thursday April 15, 2010 at 7pm at: The Paramount Hotel , New York.
Featuring Designers include: Amrita Singh, Babita Malkani, Naeem Khan, Padma Lakshmi, Payal Singhal, Ports 1961, Sachin + Babi, Shekhar Rahate, Stephanie Singh, White & Warren.
The Indo-American Arts Council is a 501 ©3 not-for-profit arts organization passionately dedicated to promoting, showcasing and building an awareness of artists of Indian origin in the performing arts, visual arts, literary arts and folk arts.
MISHA NICOLE Pop-Up Shop: April 16th 4 – 9 pm
Look, browse, buy, Following the momentum of Global Runway's Night Out, the MISHA NICOLE Pop-Up Shop will feature women's apparel, jewelry and accessories, from a group of cutting-edge designers (some of whom will be debuting their collections in the U.S.) -- a sneak preview of MISHA NICOLE.
Five hours of shopping, modeling, music, cocktails ... a one day MISHA NICOLE event. Come and check it out!
We look forward to seeing you on April 16th at the Paramount Hotel (235 W 46th Street, NY, NY) from 4pm to 9pm on the mezzanine floor. Be the first to purchase merchandise and get a taste of what’s to come.
MISHA NICOLE W.http://mishanicole.com E.info@mishanicole.com
Misha Nicole: MISHA NICOLE is a women's retail concept store opening Fall 2010 in Soho, NYC. The Company is being established as the premier platform to showcase coveted designers that have strong brand recognition internationally but have no representation in the U.S. Our mission is to create a fresh, cultural and engaging shopping experience, in addition to featuring these fabulous emerging global brands. Our exclusive and fashion forward merchandise will effortlessly work back to well-established and compelling western brands, creating a cohesive, one-stop shopping experience for the customer who wants something chic and exceptional. MISHA NICOLE will also be hosting an array of events from the arts, music and fashion, to dance and film. MISHA NICOLE will be the place to go to be on the up and up of fashion and culture.
Misha Shivdasani,Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of MISHA NICOLE. Misha has a strong and global understanding of the fashion and retail marketplace, after having worked in retail sales and buying at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus, and in wholesale sales at Salvatore Ferragamo and Tods. Misha has worked with all product categories from ready-to-wear, to shoes to decorative home products, with men's, women's and junior's collections. She has an innate sense of style and grew up surrounded by the arts and culture. She is excited to fulfill her dream of opening up MISHA NICOLE.
Jon Harari, President and Co-Founder of MISHA NICOLE. Jon has business and investment experience working in the mergers and acquisitions and leveraged finance groups in the investment banking division at Lehman Brothers as well as investment experience working at a hedge fund focued on investing in distressed companies. He graduated magna cum laude from the Kelley School of Business Honors Program at Indiana University. Jon is extremely excited to be embarking on a new venture and working in the fashion industry.
SAMMA – or the South Asians in Media, Marketing and Entertainment Association - is the first and largest organization of its kind to bring together the growing number of South Asian executives, managers and entrepreneurs in the US media, marketing and entertainment industries, including the rising demand for South Asian media. SAMMA members span tv and film, marketing and advertising, new media/mobile, multi-cultural marketing, fashion and sports entertainment, pr/promotions, and related industries. Our mission is simple –to drive the continued success of South Asians in the US and Indian media, marketing and entertainment industries through awareness building, networking, promotion and education. Founded in 2006 in NYC, SAMMA has grown to well over 1500+ South Asian professionals and industry influencers. SAMMA’s marquee annual event is the SAMMA Summit.
Peepul PR: Founded in April 2006, Peepul PR is a full service boutique agency dedicated to corporate consulting and lifestyle PR, with a passion for pushing the boundaries of typical public relations. Services range from product launches, brand awareness, corporate visibility, or events by leveraging each step of the communications cycle. Peepul PR’s strength lie in its solid relationships, marketplace knowledge, distinctive modern writing style, personalized service, tailored strategies and highly tuned trend radar combined with a select roster of clients. Our experience and expertise includes practice areas such as Arts & Culture, Retail, Fashion, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, Luxury, Wellness and Consumer Goods.
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It's great being connected with Aroon Shivdasani from so long, & feels good to see such amazing talent being given chance at the various activities & efforts brought forward. We all Indians, In Abroad are doing some good work ,& it feels really proud.It also feels good to see Misha Nicole Shivdasani d/o Aroon Shivdasani doing some good work too. I wish Aroon for "Indo-American Arts Council", & Misha for "Misha Nicole" all the best for there endeavours.
Special Thanks to IAAC, Purple PR, Jon Harari, Designer Shekhar Rahate, Babita Malkani, Ports1961, Amrita Singh to be in touch and cooperate & support for this update.
It's lovely again to connect with so many likeminded same platformed people on the Fashion front,& Media & Industry - Great going. Wishing all of them the very best. - Gaurav Kapoor
Event promoted & Publicised by TFW- The Fashion WeekEND - Publicist & Pr, EDM Magazine Publication, Studio Varuag, New Delhi ,India
