Fashion Week is just fun to say. “Yes, I’m very glamorous and important, darling, I’m off to Fashion Week.” I hadn’t been to a Fashion Week in India in about 6 years, and all I can say is that fashion and the level of players have really improved. Not only was the collateral and venue well-organized and punctual, but the talent was varied and interesting.
There were some collections that were cool, interesting and inventive, like emerging designer Kallol Datta. His slouchy styles were tucked and pinched, with the avante garde shapes, consisting of printed boyish ensembles, where models were sent down the runway decked out in matching prints from head to toe. Opening with a red and yellow batik-printed tunic and salwar combo paired with sneakers, and moving on to cropped pants, scarves and blazers in red and black. The sneakers that he teamed with all the outfits were wrapped with packing tape (yellow and red in an ode to his sponsor DHL for the most part). A comically oversized black and white domino print blazer worn contrasting yellow domino print cuffs came down the runway and the Margiela and Japanese influences in a lot of his pieces began to become clear.
An anghraka style jacket with domino print border was a nice break to the looks that could have been showcased anywhere else in the world. Sending saris down the runway with black and red stripes was nothing new- except that he had subtly broken up the solid strip with what looked like barcodes. In fact, several of the following models actually had barcodes taped to their forearms. The dominantly red prints peppered with domino prints in yellow, reds, black and whites with the striped theme mixed with the DHL tape left me puzzling for a witty name for the collection. Luckily, a few of his other pieces had the models’ hands tied, and I christened the collection, “Asylum Chic”. Overall, Kallol has style and a recognizable one at that, and he’s a name that’s sure to find his footing very soon. When that happens, he is going to be able to really change the idea of what currently constitutes ‘modern Indian fashion’.
Kallol’s collection was paired with a pretty offering from another emerging designer, ATSU. The tiered silk dresses and billowy silhouettes were for the most part extremely wearable, but failed to hold my attention because they’ve been seen everywhere and nowhere forever, with each look reminding me of a glamorous Prairie dress. To be fair, there were some good pieces in his collection, but his style might as well have been in another fashion week, because I missed all the flair that makes a collection feel unique and important. Lavender and pink trenches were paired with sequined gowns- an attempt to be edgy, 4 years too late. Ironically, I would probably buy up most of the collection just to float around in the pretty colors in the hot Delhi summer that’s about to strike, but I wouldn’t necessarily wear it under the guise of ‘fashion’.
Anupama Dayal’s collection Anupamaa was another instance of a designer doing what she knows and doing it well. Opening with a white sari with a shockingly pink pallu and neon yellow pleats set the expectations high. Neons have finally arrived in India- ok so they took their cues from New York several seasons ago, but it definitely is fresh in the world of Indian attire. What followed were prints, from subtle beige-on-white, to saucy brights. Silky multi-color batik print sarongs tied as a top and flowing fabrics gave he whole collection an insouciant touch. Printed maxi dresses and embellishments on prints were a recurring theme. A hammered blue silk romper came out towards the end of the show and the pace, the flair and even the attitude of the models very saucy, and very much Aunupamaa.
The last show I managed to catch was Satya Paul, which is going to get it’s own post. Up next: Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week, where Exclusively.In will the online partner. We’re very excited. Keep an eye out for some of these looks on our site at www.exclusively.in.
For you lucky ones that are coming to Delhi during the holidays, let us take you shopping! Get a chance to shop Exclusively.In LIVE & direct with an all-access pass to our showroom and several of our preferred designers. Get the latest styles from saris, suits, jewelry & accessories, plus pieces for your home at up to 80% off retail.
Email shopDelhi@exclusively.in and let us know when you’re in town. If you’re here for fun or a wedding (as the bride or a guest), we’ll set up a private shopping experience tailored just for you. Make sure you include your contact details and member name in your email.
When the terrorists descended upon Mumbai on November 26th, 2008 – they destroyed lives, and stole away men, women and children from their families– but they didn’t destroy the spirit of the city.
The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the scene of one of the hotel massacres, quickly rebuilt and reopened after the attacks. The shops at The Oberoi Hotel at Nariman Point did the same. Their intent was not to forget and sweep the incident under the rug, but instead, to prove that material damage is not going to break the city.
Shortly after 26/11, New Yorkers Waris Alhuwalhia, Mortimer Singer and Tina Bhojwani came together to write a booked entitled, ‘To India With Love: From New York to Mumbai,’ a compilation of stories and experiences from notable people who wanted to honor a city that they love. The proceeds of the book have gone towards helping the families of the victims of the attacks- from New Yorkers to Mumbaikers.
The stories share and explore how Mumbai is a city like no other in the world. Every sense is engaged with the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and feel of a place that is as beautiful as it is chaotic. Mumbai, meri jaan is a proud and common declaration by the denizens of this city, literally meaning Mumbai, my life. The city has touched not only the people who call it home, but also hundreds of thousands of visitors who have left their heart is this most unique place.
Today, on the 2 year anniversary of 26/11, the city on the banks of the Arabian Sea seems to have recovered. A recent trip showed evidence of heightened police visibility and more security measures in place- a sign that they haven’t forgotten the lessons learned from the attacks. Like 9/11, 26/11 will also be date that will never be forgotten.
The editors of To India With Love:…–went around collecting personal photos, stories, and memories from people who, like themselves, love India. The contributors include Wes Anderson, Adrien Brody, Francesco Clemente, Anthony Edwards, Jeanine Lobell, Natalie Portman, Yves Carcelle, Jean Touitou, Owen Wilson, Laura Wilson, Cynthia Rowley, James Ivory, Matthew Williamson, Rachel Roy, Tory Burch, Padma Lakshmi, Shobhaa De, Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani. This book declares to Mumbai and the whole country that we are all thinking of them and support them: hence To India, with Love: New York to Mumbai. Profits from the sales of the book will go to support families affected by the attacks. This book can truly make a difference, by opening eyes to the wonders of India and by once again letting the pen—or a camera—dominate the sword.
The Obamas swept into India this week- making stops in Bombay and Delhi– where they wowed the crowds with their fabulous dancing skills and general First Couple cool.
Just in case you have been wondering where Michelle Obama would be pre-Christmas shopping, our EI team located her at some of our market fields. How can a trip to India be complete without buying the traditional six-yard sari? She picked up élan chiffon saris with sequins perfect for the evenings. Michelle also added some of our favorites in her cart like exquisite Pashmina shawls (this isn’t your $5 Manhattan roadside purchase, folks) and Rajasthani quilts. The Indian newspapers loved reporting that the fabulous First Lady “exhausted” her shopping budget at the crafts museum and said the Indian craft items were ideal gifts of Christmas.
According to The Washington Post, Michelle’s choice of Rachel Roy for her state dinner in New Delhi and her other tastefully embroidered ensembles, “… not only serve as a nod of respect to her hosts, but also send a message about the country’s place in the global fashion economy.”
He did it again. Tarun Tahiliani closed Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week today and brought with him the characteristic elegance that defines his line. Eastern and Western looks, with colors like a desert breeze and thick thread embroideries to start. Turbans and sheer fabrics eventually gave way to dusty rose saris in satin, and lenghas in sandy shades. What do you think? Email iwantin@exclusively.in.
“The art historian, Geoffrey Batchen, in writing about photography, said that one of the missions of photography is to represent and memorialize. These pictures could not be taken today. In the past couple of decades the landscapes and cultures have changed. It is my hope that these images will provide a record of lost moments of culture.”
The photo he is so famous for– the one of the Afghan girl with the green eyes is familiar to to the world. His body of work is magnificent, having captured moments of time for so long. He happened to be overlooking the Twin Towers from his apartment on September 11th 2001 and froze the tragedy in the faces of the fireman and first responders there.
Through it all he claims that his favorite place in the world is India- the contrast of so many people living in medieval conditions- in the way they lived 500 years ago, next to middle class India, and the computer industries.
His photography speaks volumes- but when Steve McCurry speaks about India, he’s still transfixed by the dualities of life in that country, the vibrant colors, and the way people just seem to make it to live.
“The one thing I want people to take away from my photography is the human connection between all of us- whether you are living in India, Africa or Latin America. There’s a kind of commonality between all of us. Despite our religion, language, we’re all basically the same.”
His photography in and around Agra catches the Taj Mahal passively- as a reflection in the water while a man cleans, just another building that you pass on your daily commute, the omnipresent background to life’s daily activities– where people seem unfettered by the majesty of one of the most famous buildings in the world. Exclusively.In has a chance for you to own an original and official Steve McCurry portrait from his Agra series- go to www.exclusively.in to see the sale.
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Simple, classic saris- which are asymmetrical by nature, were sent down the runway with tunics that mirrored their heavy slant. Shiny pants and utterly understated looks for men also came down the ramp, interspersed with unusual dresses that never quite found their groove or proportions. Floating fabrics were perfect for the Spring, and the designer stuck to the gentle palettes that have marked most of the shows in India and abroad. Check out the video, and send your feedback to iwantin@exclusively.in.
The title says it all. We’re the official retail partner for Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW). This year, with over 115 designers, the focus is on fashion.
As Indian designers and fashion from India gains steam, the allure is clear. With such a strong bent towards traditional wear, plus a widespread acceptance of contemporary ‘Western’ silhouettes, Indian designers are free to reign in the best of both worlds- with sweeping ensembles that would work on the red carpets of Hollywood and ethnic couture that would make an Indian bride’s walk down the aisle a stylish memory.
Setting up the opening day for the show was JJ Valaya. His serenely haunting Spring Summer 2011 collection closed Day 1 of WIFW.
An up-and-coming designer Kavita Bhartia exemplified this wide hold on fashion on Day 2 by presenting a collection which started as a combination of every contemporary trend- from tribal, to Native American to baby doll silhouettes and patterned tights- and evolved her show into a bright interpretation of the sari, boldly contrasting to her opening Earth-toned looks.
We’ll keep bringing you our favorites from the shows. And let us know what you think! We want to get the best looks available to buy on the site. Send us an email at iwantin@exclusively.in with your favorite designer or favorite look from these videos, and let’s see if we can work our Exclusively.In magic.
It was about 6 years ago that I ended up at some mall that no longer exists in Bombay. In an effort to abate my jet lag, my Aunt took had taken me shopping for some Indian clothes. I didn’t care for them in general, they all seemed like an endless array of patterns and sequins. So what.
Then, in a moment which plays back in my memory like an epic love scene between great characters– well, actually like Carrie Bradshaw and a pair of Manolos– I saw my first Tarun Tahiliani outfit. And I tried it on. And I bought it. To this day, I still wear that outfit to EVERY event (drape the dupatta differently each time, and no one will be the wiser!)
Since then I have been in love with the way Tarun Tahiliani knows the woman, knows fashion, knows the drape and his adeptness with making rich fabrics work for the Indian sensibilities. He’s not just sparkle and shine- instead he’s about inventive cuts, luscious silks, transparencies and color. He’s about making things that fit and flatter, and that exude an air of regal elegance. When I slip into my Tarun Tahiliani outfits- and I say this with no intentions of being self aggrandizing- I look like a Princess (MODEST, right?).
His magic lies in the blend of Italian cuts and techniques with the art of Indian clothing. Saris, lenghas and suits for women have European affectations, all while respecting the beauty of their Indian heritage.
Plus, Exclusively.In has your chance to WIN an outfit by TT (that’s what his friends call him).
If you get the *most* friends to sign up for the site, you’ll win. It’s that easy. Plus the person who gets the *most* friends to sign up each day gets a $50 gift certificate. Make sure you invite from the site so we know who is the winner! If you are a member, click here to get a chance to win.
