Straight from - Amazon India Fashion Week

Spring Summer
October 9 - 13, 2013
DAILIES : DAY 05
Down
memory lane
Alison Kanuga
Business
speak
Atul Chand on
fashion
Travel
light
Tips to pack
right
Straight from
hollywood
Ashish N Soni
Grand Finale
Spring Summer 2014
Partner Country
Spring Summer
October 9 - 13, 2013
DAILIES : DAY 05
Publisher & Chief Editor
Parineeta Sethi
Party Wrap
Group Editor
Arati Thapa
Assistant Editor
Ashwin Ahmad

Fun ‘n’
Frolic
Deputy Features Editor
Nisha Verma
Catch tha action
at Pallavi Mohan’s
party on Day-4
Sr. Sub-Editor
Rene Verma
Sr. Correspondent
Rama Ahuja
Interns
Ahana Gurung, Kartik Bajaj
Gaurav Jai Gupta
Atsu & Dona
After Hours
Reviews
Mohit V. Bhardwaj-Assistant Professor, G.D
Goenka School of Fashion and Design &
Lavdeep Singh
Charu Parashar’s
after-show party saw
the best of fashion
and business in
attendance
Pallavi Mohan and Sunil Sethi

Chief Designer
Surender Kumar
Sr. Designer
Raju Darai
Varun Bahl
Photographer
Atul Chowdhary, Mustafa Raja, Raman Nagar,
Sunil Sharma & Subhash Barolia
Edit Submissions
[email protected]
Advertising Sales & Marketing
Vinit Pandhi, Soumya Maheshwari,
Abhinav Kaushal
National Head Circulation
Amit Saxena
Managing Director
Massimo Monti
Akhil Nath and Saba
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Pushpesh, Rajesh
Kashyap, Sunil
Sethi, Gulshan
and Atul
Chowdhary
Pooja Gogia and
Charu Parashar
A peek from
the lounges
Take a look at who all
were in attendance at
the various lounges at
WIFW.
Vidyun Singh, Varun
Bahl and Smita Soni
Shivann and Naresh with Masaba
Wendell Rodricks
Winners’ league
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Nikka, Anupam Parashar
and John Luca
Neelam Pratap Rudy
Sunil Sethi with
Sapna Kumar
Wendell Rodricks with Archana
Shamik Sen
Ashish
Sunil Sethi, Atul Chowdhary
and Poonam Bhagat
FDCI announced the winners of its photography contest and declared the names of veteran model
and best debut model on Day-4
WI F W
Spring-Summer 2014
SHOW SCHEDULE
October 9–13, 2013 Hall No. 18, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
Day 5, Sunday – October 13, 2013
12:45 PM Hi 5 by Ankyra by Priyanka Kakkar, Josh Goraya, Shweta Kapur, Vedangi Agarwal, Verb by Pallavi Singhee
MSA 2
2:00 PM
Dolly J, Joy Mitra, Vaishali S
MSA 1
4:00 PM
Soltee by Sulakshana, Virtues by Ashish Viral & Vikrant
MSA 1
9:30 PM
Wills Lifestyle Finale
MSA 2
3
Spring Summer
October 9 - 13, 2013
DAILIES : DAY 05
reviews
Niharika Pandey
Funskool
T
Dark Forest
G
autam has brought together themes and
inspirations from our surroundings in his
collection. He used abstract prints— a mix
of animal prints and flora inspired prints. He beautifully incorporated flowy silhouettes with structured trousers and skirts. Shapes included sensual
Autre by
party dresses and formals. Chunky bangles with
Gautam Gupta
similar colour theme went perfectly with the
collection. Longer slits turned out to be the design element for the summers. The tie feature as front and back closure worked really well. There
was a sensual element added to the western silhouettes as extended
drapes. There were also sleek waist belts to bring in the suavity. Embroideries on the bust areas accentuated feminity.
he designer has brought in the element of fun for
summers. She playfully mixed sporty colours on
slim silhouettes. Motifs were a mix of vivid childlike designs that were inspired from simple things such
as pencils, heart shapes, kites and florals. Denim was
highlighted at most of the places. The nets as sleeves
and with embroideries were eye-catching. The alphabets
in Hindi and English were thrown in with a sense of purpose. Sporty yellows, pinks and reds exuded the summer
feel. Short jackets with hood top appeared cool. Black
school shoes were embellished with circular motifs in
beads. The dresses were naughty and had shorter shapes
with lots of see-through surfaces.
Showstoppers
è Short dress with scallop hemline.
è Red pleated skirt with yellow lace underlay.
è Torn denim dress with shocking pink inner layer.
Showstoppers
è Off shoulder dress with draped extension.
è Waist belt in white on printed long dress.
è Floor sweeping dress with embellished top.
Indigenous Dream
T
he designer has put
together Indian silhouettes with her vivid
sense of imagination. Indian
silhouettes look different
with creative panelling and
Poonam
colour blocking. Trouser and
Dubey
skirts were petal-shaped
at the hem area. The overlapping went well
with small plackets as design elements. The
colour palette was a mix of subtle yellows, blues
and greens. Miniature paisley prints on flowy
silhouette gave a fresh direction. Dupattas with
anarkali silhouettes were knotted creatively. The
dress with saree drapes had a long slit to bring
in innate feminine desires. Backless blouses with
long narrow sleeves again portrayed a fresh appeal. The multiple panels were joined beautifully.
Showstoppers
è Saree with backless blouses and doriwork
è Ombré dyed skirt in white and brown.
è Flared tunic with narrow pants.
6
Jiggle with it
D
esigner Rinku Sobti made a lasting visual
impression through her tactile surfaces.
Traditional yarn artistry was given a
contemporary image. Looping, knotting, twisting and roping of fabric was the new facet of her
hallmark three-dimensional embroideries.
Macramé techniques transformed fabrics into
Rinku Sobti
luxurious silhouettes. Maxis, gowns, jumpsuits,
separate jackets and dresses were fabricated in a lively colour palette.
Yellow, magenta, bright green with classic white and black emerged as
textural delights on flowy drapes. Separate jackets and macramé gloves
as accessories complemented the look. Knotted jackets with extended
tassels jiggled from side to side.
Showstoppers
è Knotted halter neck top with palazzo pants.
è Knotted jacket with green jumpsuit.
è Knotted jacket with magenta gown.
Spring Summer
October 9 - 13, 2013
DAILIES : DAY 05
Velvet dreams
F
POP-ular PUNK
Y
oung designer Shantanu Singh presented a
colourful collection bouncing with energy. The inspiration for the collection came from the 1950s
Pop Art movement.
It was a blast of cheerful colours all over. A zillion
shades of pink, sunshine yellow, fluorescent green,
The Next
blue, orange and a shot of pastels got moulded into
abstract yet preppy styles. Engineered patterns and
Episode by
pleating gave the collection a futuristic bent. Pleated
Shantanu Singh
organza sculpted into powerful shoulders, exaggerated
waistlines and colour blocking were some of the interesting elements that stood out. Ombre dyeing, ribbon embroideries, colourful
buttons, stripes and crystals worked on the surfaces. Short Lolita dresses,
one-shouldered cocktail dresses, gowns and sarees were the key styles.
Showstoppers
è Short dress with pleated detailing on shoulders and exaggerated waistline.
è Ombre dyed sarees with colour blocked blouses.
è One shoulder colour blocked dress in pink and grey.
Rehane
Chennai Checkers
or SS’14 Abdul
Halder has brought
an unusual sensual
element that celebrates
the sense of feminity. Velvet was the quintessential
element for the designer’s
theme. The sequins were
in the form of sheet-work
that forms the upper
Abdul Halder
areas of the ensembles.
The gold tasselled dress
in red was the most astounding piece. The
use of chiffon brought an element of fluidity.
The juxtaposition of georgette with velvet
displayed the designer’s finesse in his craft.
Short dresses looked amazing as they seemed
carved with utmost passion. Thin floral line of
threadwork was put all across silhouettes to
portray a sense of continuity. The fish scale
number at the end promoted the ecstatic feel
for upcoming summers.
Showstoppers
è Red dress with all over gold tassels.
è Sequinned sheet dress with crushed chiffon skirt area
è Long dress with fish scale effect.
Monochromatic Mania
T
hennai checks and Odisha’s rudraksh borders were
presented with bright silks and chiffons in Rehane’s
SS’14 collection. There were versatile styles for everyone to pick, maxi dresses, bubbled cropped dresses,
shirtdresses, tapered cropped pants and jumpsuits. Fantastic fuller skirts with Odisha borders were styled with
Chennai check blouses and shirts. Dresses with elasticated waists in bright Indian colours like orange, turmeric
yellow, purple and red spiced up the show. Towards the
end of the show, delicate colours like old rose and peach
with whites twisted the look of the collection.
Traditional Indian mirror work and ruching were the
main embellishments. Horizontal and vertical eyelets
created stripes on the colourful base.
C
alented designer Nikhita played with
white on white surfaces to spell the magic
of monochrome. Elegant whites in all
feminine forms were ornated with white floral
embroideries, pearls and hint of shimmer.
Shimmery gowns with sheer details, short
cocktail dresses, halter necklines and tapered
pants were the key styles. Dhoti style drapes,
silver embroidery, white on white applique and
floral embroideries were the important details
Nikhita –
of the collection. Touches of old rose and
Mynah Design
fluorescent orange in the forms of gowns and
bottoms broke the monotony of whites. Gowns with pockets were a
functional yet stylish feature. The all white collection was classy and
sophisticated.
Showstoppers
Chennai checks blouse with red fuller skirt with Odisha border.
Dress with ruched bustier.
Peach shirt dress with mirror work.
Showstoppers
è Fluorescent orange gown with knee high slit and embroidered bodice.
è Embroidered white halter neck gown.
è White gown with dhoti style drape.
è
è
è
7
Spring Summer
October 9 - 13, 2013
DAILIES : DAY 05
reviews
Surendri
by Yogesh
Chaudhary
Mystic mesh
S
Grey scale
R
itesh Kumar concluded his Paranoia Trilogy with
its third link— the SS’14 collection. Shades of grey
with black and white depicted the vulnerability of
human mind.
Long and linear silhouettes with layered lightweight
jackets, flyaway shrugs, wraps and ponchos presented
Ritesh Kumar
a versatile range. Dip dyed asymmetric dresses, midis,
lounge pants were some of the key styles. Surfaces
bejeweled with black and white pearls created mesh like patterns on dip dyed
base. Surreal accessories depicting bondage was dramatic.
The collection slowly graduated to serendipitous handcrafted flowers
blooming on the borders and hemlines. Sea green panelled gown with handcrafted flower jacket cracked open out of greys and concluded the show on a
colourful note.
Showstoppers
è Finale sea green paneled gown with handcrafted flower jacket.
è Organza poncho with floral edges and lounge pants.
è Black dress with handcrafted flower jacket.
urendri by Yogesh Choudhry wove a Celtic wave for
summers. His colour palette was in a geometric form
mostly sticking to blues. The crisscross prints looked
eloquent. Fluorescent hats added a sporty feel to the
swimsuits. Shapes were cut with superfine skills. Majority of front open swimsuits were decorated with metallic
zippers. Transparent PVC was used as vital panels for long
dresses. Fabrics were mostly jerseys and lighter knits.
The backs were cut in an engineered format. Modernistic
swimsuits even had collars. Sexy jackets ended at the
empire line with ribbed hems. Shoulder yokes were in solid
shades for the printed long shirts. Sequins were placed in
linear format to add quintessential bling element.
Showstoppers
è Swimsuit with diamond print with sensuous cuts.
è Long dress with cut back.
è Transparent white shirt worn over white bikini top.
Rosy smile!
T
he designer
duo pulls in a
floral theme for
SS’14. The combination of transparent
surfaces with laces
worked amazingly well.
Palette was more a
Hemant &
mix of reds and blues.
Nandita
Denim waistcoats were
a young direction to
the summery silhouettes. The ensembles just
celebrated the free spirited young girls who love
to dress up for every occasion. The miniature
heart prints defined the young at heart attitude. Frayed edges looked eclectic. Pleats on
the trousers were very well constructed. The
designer has a skilful sense of garment construction. Peasant straw
hats brought in the country side feel.
Shoulder got a better treatment with
bigger necklines.
Showstoppers
è Transparent jacket with embroidered
floral motifs.
è White shirt with tone in tone
embroidery.
è Off-shoulder dress with miniature
heart prints.
8
Promenade
I
t was a sunny walk along the promenade.
Designer Pallavi Mohan’s SS’14 collection
reminisced about playful summer days on the
sandy beaches.
Drawing inspiration from breezy seashores,
the designer presented a range of sundresses,
Not so Serious by short-tiered skirts, long fuller skirts, maxis, shorts
and palazzos. Raglan sleeves top was a new dePallavi Mohan
tail for the season.
An array of fabrics like breezy cotton mesh, sheer chiffons and
georgettes, silk lace and jersey were embellished with prints, tie and
dye, ombre dyeing, flounces, patchwork and bead work. Acid yellows,
indigo, ecru, powder blue and red were the dominant colours. Surfaces
in tandem with variety of fabrics created a sensual vintage look.
Showstoppers
è Beaded tops.
è Long fuller skirts with trails and embroidered shirt.
è Embroidered maxi dress with Peter Pan collar.
Spring Summer
October 9 - 13, 2013
DAILIES : DAY 05
Banarasia
B
On an endless journey!
T
he designer presented a nomadic feel through
her collection. For SS’14 Charu Parashar
used an array of pinks, reds and whites. The
silhouettes communicated a country side appeal
with flowy shapes. As the collection slowly graduated, the shapes became fitted to suit the modern
woman’s ideology. There was a sense of freedom
that got propagated through colours and shapes.
Charu also mixed embroideries with prints. The
peplum effect worked well and brought a western
Charu Parashar
feel. The motifs had a very interesting mirror effect.
Red and copper coloured thread work on white
bases showed the designer’s superior sense of colour matching.
anaras, the
city with rich
handloom
heritage, inspired
celebrated designer
Krishna Mehta for
her latest collection.
She dedicated her
SS’14 collection to
the weavers from
Krishna
Banaras.
Mehta
Hand-woven
textile was the hero of the collection
around which vibrant stories were woven.
Traditional shibori, ikat, woven stripes, kaleidoscopic prints and block prints in bright
colours were the primary surface techniques. Fine cottons, jamdani silks, chanderi, kinkhabs, tanchoi and cutwork fabrics
were sewn into contemporary silhouettes
inspired from rich ancient Indian costumes.
Sharara style pants, djellaba, pajama style
cropped pants, palazzo, cropped jackets
and kalidaar kurtas in traditional hand
woven fabrics was a true salute to India’s
textile craft and Indian weavers.
Showstoppers
Silk djellaba and embroidered vest with tie and dye pant.
Printed silk organza jacket and sharara.
Pink block printed jacket and tie and dye open jacket and black silk
block printed saree.
è
è
è
Showstoppers
è Corset top teamed with georgette pants
è Peplum top with transparent skirt.
è One shoulder body suit.
Rabani & Rakha
Silver skyline
T
he designer trio has used eye pleasing silver and
white palette for the upcoming season. SS’14 has
an eye-catching appeal to it. The line of silhouettes
included heavily embellished corset dresses and sareedresses teamed with blouses with highlighted necklines.
Sharara pants in translucent fabrics had motifs all over.
The white stones along with sequins formed definitive
patterns and also a sense of clean lines were at play. Tops
with diagonal embroideries at the back looked happening. At places, thin belts complimented the desired look
for the season. The voluminous skirts had panels highlighted with gota-patti. The designer also used ruching to
make dresses look ultra feminine.
Showstoppers
è Translucent layered sharara pants.
è Short silver bolero on Anarkali.
è Heavy pearl work on mandarin collared blouse.
Good girl in polkas!
P
éro presented a story, told by the craftspeople of India, about the most basic form
– the dot. Polka dots in various forms – big
and small, screen-printed, block printed, woven,
embroidered and appliqued resonated the craft
people’s interpretations of the form.
Péro by
The designer assorted a range of hand-woven
Aneeth Arora
textiles from various parts of India—ikat from
South India, bagru prints and kota from Rajasthan, chanderi from
Madhya Pradesh and khadi from West Bengal—that were hand-sewn
into a mix of traditional Indian and European styles. English rose prints,
crochet laces, beaded collars and panels with fagotting stitch complimented the delicate style for a good girl with a hidden mischievous side.
Countryside styling and classic European music created a romantic old
world charm.
Showstoppers
è Ikat shirt with polka dot jacket and polka dot pants
è Block printed chanderi and silk dress with rose printed cropped jacket.
è Appliqued shirt with beaded collar with cotton jacket and linen shorts.
9
Spring Summer
October 9 - 13, 2013
DAILIES : DAY 05
reviews
Living it young!
W
Wendell Rodricks
endell Rodricks, for SS’14,
has used a simpler but effective palette. Moving from
whites to blacks, he brought in colours
like greys and reds. The surfaces
moved from crinkled cotton to crochets to satins. The design feature included hoods, sleeves elongating further to join necklines. It was a mix of
shirt dresses finely crafted capes and
cocktail dresses. Cowl neck looked really cool. Loosely woven crochet was
paired well with satin dresses. Colour
blocking with larger panels showcased
the designer’s signature construction
techniques. Necklines were highlighted in numerous ways.
Showstoppers
è Cowl neck blue top with looped trouser.
è Boxy colour blocked dress in satin.
è Men’s jacket with broad vertical strip at back.
Youthful Exuberance
Traditional Tale
Sahil Kochhar’s collection speaks
about simplicity and colours from
the roots of our country.
H
ow has your experience been at
WIFW?
My experience has been a joyride. I
have good encouragement from the FDCI
and I’m pleased with the overall organisation of the event.
Who is your target audience?
My audience would be people who are
from the age of 20-30, and everyone who
likes experimenting with colour and patterns. Basically it’s a daywear collection.
What makes your collection unique?
My collection is all about giving the
people a light, happy atmosphere, with a
lot of colour play and pattern work. It’s the
same theme with a different perspective. I
use ari work, and thread embroidered patterns to give that effect.
10
Beautiful
Ballerina
Nitin Kartikeya’s newly
launched line ‘Kartikeya’
is a story inspired from
a Polish folk tale, called
‘Ballerina,’ which came
from the pages of
a book he came
across.
P
lease tell us about
your collection.
Delicate and intricate
craftsmanship is what
shines out in my works.
However elegant and
detailed, they are still
extremely wearable. Although it’s a very couture
feel, it’s not very highly
priced.
Describe your collection in one sentence.
A darkly-romantic fantasy
Who is your target audience?
Being strictly women’s wear, my target
audience is mainly the international market, and we have been receiving constant
orders. Also, the Indian market has shown a
taste for my creations.
Spring Summer
October 9 - 13, 2013
DAILIES : DAY 05
Made Up
Simply the Best
‘I love retro’
Archana reacts after winning the title of the ‘Best Female Model’ at the
WIFW and reveals what is her personal sense of style
On Winning
I did not expect to win this title and was totally
taken by surprise. It feels great to be given such an
important title with so much stiff competition around.
On WIFW
WIFW is a great platform for upcoming models
and designers and it’s a privilege to be a part of this.
We all work as a big team and consider each other family. Every season brings new things and it is exciting
to observe the changes. Boredom is one thing you will
not hear of here.
On Fitness
I have been a natural athlete ever since childhood.
I love cardio and do a lot of running and swimming.
Lifting weights is not something I’m too keen on but
I’m very particular about fitness. When it comes to
food, I have a good breakfast followed by lunch high
in fibre and a light dinner. Since I’m Mangalorean, I
enjoy seafood to the fullest.
On Style
Dresses and denims are two things that you will
always find in my wardrobe. I especially love maxis
and shorts and those are my favourite things for the
summer. Retro is something that never goes away and
I absolutely adore anything retro!
LapOf Luxury
expert speaks
‘Natural Look Is In’
Veteran makeup artist Sonic Sarwate speaks
about his profession, the changing trends in
makeup, and practical advice for entrants into
the industry.
On WIFW
I have been working in the
makeup industry for over a decade and have been attending
WIFW for the past eight years.
Things have changed tremendously since my debut and it has
now become a larger than life
event of international status. I
must say that WIFW is no less
than any other international
fashion event.
Makeup Revolution
Eight years ago, the makeup
style on the runway was very
dramatic. Smoky eyes and bright
eye shadow were the rage and
you would see them everywhere.
Today, things have become more
‘natural.’ In fact, the ‘nude’ look
is in and appears very fresh.
Most of the time, only one aspect
is highlighted, often eyes or lips.
5
Professional Tips
One thing that you should
always remember is that makeup should be used to enhance
beauty, not hide it. When you
overdo makeup, you tend to hide
your best features. The best way
to look your best is to figure out
the most appealing feature of
your face and improve that. A
natural face is pleasant to look at
and when you do it right, you will
never look back.
Net Value
Tips for Online
Dating
Pradeep Hirani, pioneer of multi-brand luxury
in the country, shares his thoughts about his
favourite two topics – luxury and fashion.
Online dating sites are a great way to meet
people. However, before you take the leap
be sure to avoid these common mistakes.
What is your assessment of the luxury industry in
India?
Around ten years back when we started, there was
a wave. People were interested in luxury and there was
a buzz in the industry. Since then there have been obstacles that have really hampered growth. This was the
global crisis in 2008, which hit the industry hard as
luxury malls like DLF Emporio were coming up at this
time. Having said that, I am confident in the Indian market and that things will return to normal soon.
Don’t bare it all: A photo is a great idea, but be careful.
Holiday photos and beachwear could send the wrong idea.
Don’t be picky: Are you perfect? No, so don’t expect your
future boyfriend to be either. Make a list of personality traits
you think are most important for your prospective partner.
Don’t use your real name: Aside from privacy issues,
using your real name is a missed opportunity to let your personality shine. Use a name that suggests ingenuity, humour.
Don’t misspell: Bad spelling suggests laziness and
indifference.
Don’t use old photos: There is no excuse for using out of
date or out of focus photos. Most phones have a camera these
days, so click and smile.
What are your plans for your brand?
Currently we have 24 stores in total for both
Kimaya and Karmik. We are planning to increase
this to 60 stores in 2016. We are very confident
about the future as we have a strong online presence,
which will help boost sales?
How do you think websites will help in terms of
sales? Will it hamper the luxury experience?
No. The online experience helps deal with issues
such as time, availability and traffic. We also provide
a tailor and stylist so you can make alterations in the
comfort of your own home with your family to see what
is there. I think those luxury brands who have not converted to online, are being ostriches, who have their
head stuck in the sand.
Finally, your comments on the fashion industry
and the role FDCI is playing to promote Indian
fashion.
I think FDCI is doing a fabulous job. They are
giving a platform to new designers and ensuring
that Indian fashion is becoming a brand that one can
be proud of.
11
Spring Summer
October 9 - 13, 2013
DAILIES : DAY 05
mp
Off the Ra
Right
Attitude
Alison Kanuga
started as a model
and is now one of
the most coveted
choreographers
in the fashion
industry Week.
She talks to us
about life in the
fashion industry.
The Beginning
I started off as a model, where I did
a lot of shows and eventually became
a show director eight years ago. It is
refreshing to see new talent come in
every year which always adds a bit of
excitement.
Wellness Escape
An urban oasis
After the frantic five days at the fashion week,
head to the Jiva Grande Spa at Vivanta by Taj,
Surajkund for a rejuvenating break.
F
ive days at the fashion week are full
of frenzy, back to back shows and
exchanging greetings with each other.
While the action at the week is exciting, one
needs a relaxing break after it all. What’s
better than an invigorating session at the Jiva
Grande Spa at Vivanta by Taj – Surajkund,
NCR to beat the stress. Spread across 18,500
sq. ft, the spa is perfect for the seekers of
urban rejuvenation.
This exquisite sanctuary covers two
floors in the hotel and boasts nine treatment
rooms, a spacious luxury spa suite, beauty
stations, wet area facilities, a relaxation area,
fitness centre with yoga studio and a large outdoor
pool. The spa has a stunning entrance inspired
by the Surajkund Baoli (reservoir), and dedicated
steam and sauna facilities with ice fountains.
The Jiva Grande provides a sanctuary of
tranquillity where dedicated therapists combine
traditional wellness concepts with modern
therapeutic wisdom, to set
a new benchmark in holistic
treatments and therapy. Following the Jiva philosophy,
the signature therapies
embrace the essence of the
ancient Indian healing ethos,
delivering a sense of peace
and harmony. Bespoke heat
and water experiences ease
the body and relieve tension. The steam room with
its starlit ceiling offers an
enchanting meditative experience. The sauna detoxifies you and a splash from
the ice fountain provides a sharp, arctic refresh.
The Jiva Grande spa at Surajkund is all set
to offer some first of its kind experiences for the
stressed-out traveller as well as the sleep deprived
individual with its signature programs.
Changes through time
As a former model, one thing that I
have noticed is that most models these
days seem to lack personality. Although
there are a few who have a strong walk
as well as the right attitude, it seems like
the clothes wear them. Only a handful
of people bring out more in the outfit
and thus manage to make a memorable
statement on the runway. Another trend
that seems to be really catching up is
live streaming. In the coming days, live
streaming is going to be a mandatory
source of coverage and that will ensure
more people will be able to watch fashion shows.
‘WIFW is India’s most powerful fashion platform’
Atul Chand, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC’s Lifestyle Retailing Business Division on his favourite topic - Fashion.
What are the highlights of the partnership
between ITC Wills Lifestyle and the FDCI?
With each passing year, the WIFW sets new
standards for the Indian fashion industry. ITC’s
Wills Lifestyle in collaboration with FDCI has
taken WIFW to new heights with industry
support and international collaborations.
This is India’s most powerful platform
driving the business of fashion agenda
with novel business opportunities, ideas,
inspiration and industry partnerships. ITC
as a stakeholder is seriously committed to
strengthening and growing the event.
You have introduced a number of
big designers in your stores across
the country. What has been the
response?
Wills Lifestyle has undertaken
one of the largest corporate initiatives of its kind, of partnering with
India’s leading designers to retail
the exclusive co-creations, labelled
Wills Signature, at the stores. This
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enables designers to reach out to consumers across
the country thus furthering the business of fashion.
This also adds another facet to the Wills Lifestyle
portfolio, besides attracting newer consumers to
the stores with truly differentiated products. The
Wills Signature line today accounts for 15-20 percent of overall sales.
Please name a few designers whose work you
have introduced in your stores.
The Wills Signature Autumn Winter 2013 range
features collections from Rohit Gandhi-Rahul Khanna, Ritu Kumar, Satya Paul, Ranna Gill, JJ Valaya,
Rajesh Pratap, Rohit Bal and Wendell Rodricks
We have Ashish N Soni for the Grand Finale.
What are your thoughts on Ashish and his work?
The Wills Lifestyle Grand Finale has always set
new benchmarks with every edition in showcasing
India’s leading designers and their signature flair
and creativity. We look forward to a fabulous show,
which will truly showcase Ashish’s mastery of his
craft. His elegant and effortless sense of style is a
perfect match with the Wills Lifestyle brand.
Healthy Snack
Good Eating
Ideally suited to soothe those savage hunger
pangs oat-based biscuits Missisippy Goodies provides the healthy option at WIFW.
B
etween
the
running
around for
shows, attending
the after parties
and trying to balance ones social
calendar at WIFW,
we tend to forget
that our bodies need
nutrients and sustainance, to stay hail
and hearty.
Eat me
Missisippy Goodies are oat-based biscuits, in
flavours of Ginger & Lemon; Fig & Cashew, and
Flax & Honey. For those preferring savoury snacks
Missisippy Masala comes in flavours of Tomato,
Pepper and Mint.
Spring Summer
October 9 - 13, 2013
DAILIES : DAY 05
Freshness First
Foreign Hand
The Italian Touch
Director of the Milan Triennale Foundation
Professor Arturo Dell Acqua Bellavitis was a special
speaker at the WIFW. Speaking at a seminar
organised by the GD Goenka University, the
professor took time out for an interview.
What are the latest fashion trends in Italy?
Italian fashion includes a lot of daily wear in the
collections. Although we do focus on high end fashion, clothing for the average person is also highlighted
upon. One thing that is most important is for the designer to know what trends will work well, like the textile or
the colour palette. A new colour shade called “greige”
(a mixture of grey and beige) is one of the many innovations that talented designers have come up with.
What do you think works on a global level?
A different strategy is required to work well on a
global level. Many times, European designers derive
their inspirations from nature to create something
new. One can get inspiration for pleats of organza
from origami, or breezy georgette from shadows. Soft
cream could inspire the velvety feel of materials as
could an angora rabbit for a feathery touch. By using
the surroundings and nature, it is possible to create
exquisite garments of exceptional high quality and
exclusivity.
What do you
think about the
WIFW so far?
WIFW is a wonderful event displaying impeccable art and talent in India. It is really interesting to see such
a different, yet similar perspective on fashion.
WIFW is a wonderful
event displaying
impeccable art and talent
in India.
I have noticed a lot of ornamented, embellished clothes suited best for occasions to be
one of the dominating trends in the WIFW.
As mentioned, European trends cater mainly
to daily wear and being able to see such festivity in the clothes is very refreshing. It really
does feel like it’s a celebration here!
Tete-a-tete
Designed to
impress
David Abraham, one half of the famous
designer duo Abraham and Thakore,
speaks about the craft of designing.
Who is your target audience?
Our collection is suitable for everyone who prefers wearable, easy maintenance, daily wear clothing. Since we
have a pret collection, we attract a variety of consumers.
What are your design techniques?
We have used a lot of embroidery, ample applique work,
stitching and texturing. There is maximum use of cotton and silk, and the colour palette includes whites, offwhites, and black.
Who are the creative minds behind the collection?
We are a collaboration of three partners - I, Rakesh Thakore and Kevin Nickley.
Your line in one sentence
Simple, clean and effortless
Advice as a designer
Keep it simple, it’s the wisest.
Sea this
A paradise for seafood lovers, Blue Water
Grille is set to tantalise your tastebuds with
Oriental, Indian, tandoori and other international
delicacies.
A
n ideal place to spend
quality time with family
and friends, Blue Water
Grille restaurant emanates a
soothing and serene ambience
where the focus of the décor is
mainly on lighting and colour. A
rooftop lounge and a private dining room are added features for
an unforgettable dining experience.
The highlight of this restaurant is the freshness of the
seafood. Adding further to their
credibility is the live kitchen and
grill that gives patrons a chance
to view the quality of the food
they are served and also watch
the chefs in action. For those who
would like a quiet drink after
work, the restaurant boasts a well
stocked bar that is sure to quench
your liquor thirst. So head over to
this spectacular place and treat
yourself to some of their specials!
Address: J2/12, Rajouri
Garden, Main Road,
Opposite Pillar
411, New Delhi.
Take Five
Under
the Sun
Designer Tanieya
Khanuja talks about
five trends that will
make it big this
summer.
Sheer Delight: Sheer
garments are totally in for
spring-summers
Lovely Lacing: Lacing works
mixed with colourful cross
stitching work does wonders.
Check it: Checks survive
from winter into summers.
Pull them off like a boss in
any season!
Go Retro: For that retro approach, high-waisted trouser
teamed up with crop tops.
Perfect Silhouette: A classical blend of silhouette bases, a
combination of feminine and
masculine elements is ideal.
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Spring Summer
October 9 - 13, 2013
DAILIES : DAY 05
How to GUIDE
Tips to pack for
your trip
Get set for the holiday with an organised, light and less-crumpled
luggage with these quick tips to pack your suitcase
First things first
Scan all your travel documents—tickets,
visa, passport and store it in your email. When
packing your valuables, split up your bank
cards, cash, travellers’ cheques and credit
cards as much as possible in different pockets,
your bags and wallet when packing. You don’t
want to be entirely cash-strapped in case you
do get robbed.
Pack in Plastic
Its always handy to have a few plastic bags in
your suitcase—to keep your toiletries, to store
dirty clothes and even as garbage bags. In fact,
make a habit to pack everything in clear plastic
bags (go for zipped ones) and divide all your
items e.g. underwear, t-shirts, shorts etc. This
would save you the extra hassle of rummaging
through all your clothes to find just one item. Of
Course it’d be easy to unpack too!
Pack Less, Pack wise
Pack only what you will need and go for
multi-purpose clothing. Be a little wiser
while packing and use the roll technique—
Bags seem to hold more if the clothes are
rolled rather than folded. An added tip: Roll
in tissue paper and take out less-wrinkled
clothes when you unpack.
Final Hurrah
In fact,
make a habit
to pack
everything in
clear plastic
bags (go for
zipped ones)
and divide
all your
items.
Carrying shoes
Place your shoes inside old socks and
then inside airtight plastic bags to avoid
everything else and make it odourfree.
While packing, make sure the sole of the
shoes are facing the wall of the suitcase.
Cut on toiletries
Take only half a tube of toothpaste
rolled up tight and store shampoo in
small containers.
Grand Design
All set to give the WIFW a Grand Finale, acclaimed designer Ashish
Soni talks about his favourite subject – fashion.
On designers today
I think its very exciting to be a designer today.
There are so many more avenues then there were when
we started out. In the 1990s
the fashion scene in India,
was comparable to France
in the 1950s as it primarily revolved around couture
and a very few people were
interested. For me it was
harder, as unlike others, my
work did not revolve around
sarees. This is of course not
the case now.
On the WIFW
I like the WIFW because it brings people from
all over the country and even abroad to see the products of Indian designers. How else will a buyer in
Jammu and Kashmir get to see my product? The
Fashion Week is a place where designers’ products
can be seen on the national level.
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On being a designer
I think the main thing a designer needs is talent and passion. People talk a lot about
marketing skills but if you don’t
have talent you can’t make it in
this industry. There is also talk
about international trends, but
I believe that while one should
be aware of them, one should
not get carried away. You need
to stay close to who you are as a
designer and really love what you
do each morning.
On the road ahead
There is enough retail space for designers today
from every kind of background. There is expansion taking place but the onus is on the designer
to deliver in large volumes. In fact, I would like to
ensure that the Ashish Soni brand goes on beyond
me. This will be the true hallmark of corporatisation, without which Indian fashion cannot move on
to the next level.
Spring Summer
October 9 - 13, 2013
DAILIES : DAY 05
Buyers speak
Charming and confident
Woman on
Great experience
Top
Potential buyers from India and
abroad explain just what they like
about the WIFW.
Jyoti Sharma’s collection mixes
Indian and Western designs to
present the self confident woman
with a mind of her own
J
yoti Sharma’s collection is about the journey where
charm beholds the character and uncovering pride
and love for being a woman prevail. On the revelation of new attitude with Western hand ensembles, Bhanuni presents its new collection with a mix of Indian and
Western attires for the love of women. It exemplifies a
charming woman who doesn’t follow the crowd. With
a mind of her own, she delightfully explores the young
fashion by mixing the traditional art with Avant-garde.
Indian Heritage
A
Kuwait-based company, we have been visiting
WIFW, since 2009, and our experience has been
better with each year. We are looking for fresh ideas
every time and are happy to see the upcoming design
talent. Our favourites include Kavita Bhartia, Preeti S
Kapoor, Tanieya Khanuja and Hemant & Nandita.
Highlights
Medley of intricate embroidery
Clean and edgy cuts
Intricate embroidery
Weaved crisp silhouettes
relations matter
Nishtha and
Neharika
Do you know how to say no? A
lthough we have
been visiting
WIFW for many
years, this is our first
c/ Say you don’t like the film.
Your friend has invited you for a movie that you don’t
want to see. She knows you are free. Do you?
a/ Go to the movie anyway.
b/ Say you are sorry but you don’t feel well.
Your boss has declared a new project and
has stated that you should work overtime
to head the project. Do you?
a/ Do it but grumble about it.
b/ State the pending work you have and
hope he lets you off.
c/ Say no, as you will be unable to devote
the time required to the project.
You are going to an exclusive event for
which a close family friend keeps hassling
you for free passes. Do you?
a/ Do your best to get the passes
b/ Say you will try and hope he stops calling
c/ Say you are sorry but you cannot do it
Mostly As
Walkover: Your eagerness to please will
win you friends but ensures that you end up
doing things you don’t want to do. Stop.
Mostly Bs
Wishy Washy: You do say no, but your convoluted reasons will make everyone wonder
about you.
Mostly Cs
War Prince: Your decisiveness will not win
you friends but will gain you respect in the
long run. Congratulations.
time as a buyer and it has
been an exhilarating experience! We represent the
Australia based company
called Ctaare. SpringSummer is a defined theme
and we’ve observed similar
trends like lots of sheers
and prints. More of fabric,
less of embroidery but the
vast variety of creative designers and ideas is impressive here. Our favourites are
Anahika, Amit Aggarwal
and Pankaj & Nidhi.
Lata Madhu
F
rom the company Collage from
Chennai, we have been
a regular buyer in the
WIFW, and we adore
the creations from
our familiar faces.
We have been visiting
since 2006, and we
have noticed how the
products have taken a
more global, modernistic face to provide
Vinita Passary
W
e are from the
retail brand
Anonym from Hyder-
for the changing times. We
appreciate the constant support from the FDCI and we
absolutely love Tarun Tahiliani, Manish Gupta, Rahul
Mishra, Divyam Mehta &
Urvashi Kaur.
abad, and we have been visiting the WIFW since 2007.
We are looking for more
retail friendly designers,
for customers from India as
well as the global market.
All in all, we have been
delighted by our experience
here. Some of our favourite
designers are Ajit Kumar,
Vaishali S and Paromita’s
take on Mangalgiri’s is
extremely refreshing!
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