Who Makes to our List of Top 10 Indian Designers?

Indian fashion industry has made its presence felt globally. Fashion connoisseurs across the planet take cue from India’s rich cultural heritage and fashion forwardness.

The entire credit of taking Indian fashion to every nook and corner of the world goes to our very talented Indian fashion designers. Their belief and intense understanding of Indian textiles, fabrics and rich embroideries has let them carve their niche in the world of fashion.

Though there are many ace couturiers whose contributions are commendable, but we have jot down the few names who we believe are the top 10 Indian designers.

Ritu Kumar
This is one name that needs no introduction.  She is a diva and a true fashionista. Her designs are impeccable and her sense of fashion is beyond comparison. Known for her deep knowledge of traditional craftsmanship and vintage embroideries, she is the fountainhead of ‘boutique’ culture in India.  Her designs are a hit among both commoners and celebrities alike. She has many accolades in her kitty including prestigious Padma Shri Award.  Ritu Kumar indeed gets the top slot in our list of top 10 Indian designers.

JJ Valaya
This man from the royal state of Rajasthan is next on our list of top 10 Indian designers. JJ Valaya is one of the nation’s most celebrated designers. Calling him the fashion revivalist won’t be an exaggeration. Valaya, knows his art like no other. His forte lies in fusion clothing with the perfect blend of modern haute couture and age-old craftsmanship. His work speaks for him and his designs are on every fashion lover’s wish list.  Being one of the founding members of FDCI, JJ Valaya has seen fashion industry grow from an infant stage to the full bloom in his 20 years of dedicated career as a fashion designer.

Manish Malhotra
Manish Malhotra is undoubtedly the most loved designer among Bollywood actors. He has prettified bigwigs of film fraternity with his out of the world designs. This phenomenal designer has made his mark among the top-notch designers in India.  His larger-than-life creations ooze glamour and sophistication. Every girl dreams to wear a bridal lehenga designed by Manish.  His fashion career rose to the peak when he designed clothes for none other than the renowned pop icon, Michael Jackson on his tour to India. The singer was so impressed with Manish’s creations that he asked him to design for his other tours as well. That is why we proudly put the king of fashion on the third place in our list of top 10 Indian designers.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee
Sabyasachi has emerged as the rising star in the design circle. He is one humble man from Kolkata who let his designs do all the talking. His love for ancient Indian embroideries, embellishments, antique jewellery and vintage textile brings the old world charm in his designs. He has an eye for fine detailing and his forte lies in bridal and trousseau collection. He likes to blend the rich Indian culture with contemporary silhouettes. His originality and uniqueness has let him earn the title of being the only designer from India to present his collection at the prestigious Milan Fashion Week. No wonder, why he makes to our list of top 10 Indian designers.

Rohit Bal
Rohit Bal justifies the title ‘India’s Master of fabric and fantasy’ given to him by the Time Magazine.  He has redefined Indian fashion and has taken it to the international level.  His clientele includes who’s who of Bollywood, Hollywood, media and big corporate houses who respect and appreciate his signature style of strong aesthetics combined with the sheer attention on fine details. The designer is blessed to have the access to the best material and talent in the industry.  His approach towards fashion is ecstatic and exquisite which is prevalent from his impromptu dance performances at the end of every collection he showcases at fashion weeks. So, without him, our list of top 10 Indian designers is incomplete.

Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla
Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla make the awesome twosome designer duo. Together they create nothing but history with their designs. Their profound understanding of Indian fashion has let them make their noticeable place in the fashion circuit. Their sense of styling is both individualistic and complimentary at the same time. This designer duo has earned recognition especially for their ethnic wear. We would happily place them at the sixth position among the top 10 Indian designers.

Tarun Tahiliani
He lives fashion, he breathes fashion. After completing, his graduation in fashion from New York, Tarun Tahiliani realized the huge potential for designer wear in India. Keeping this in mind, he worked hard to revolutionize the Indian fashion industry as a whole.  Now he is a proud owner of multiple flagship stores across the cities. His creations are unconventional and way beyond the obvious.  So, without another thought we include him in our list of top 10 Indian designers.

Masaba Gupta
She is the reigning queen of prints. No one understands the impact of prints better than her. She is like the whiff of fresh air as she introduced quirky prints and flowy silhouettes when everyone else was revolving around the embroideries. Her designs are young, fresh and vibrant and are liked by people of all age groups. Her USP is quirkiness and she holds the title of being the youngest designer to open the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week in year 2010. Do we need to say more why she makes to our list of top 10 Indian designers?

Wendell Rodricks
He is a man who dons many hats as he is not just a premier fashion designer but also a fashion journalist and trainer. His key to fashion is chic minimalism and he believes in philosophy that simplicity is the highest form of sophistication.  His love for white color is prevalent in his collections. Being from the beautiful state of Goa, he promotes local Goan artists and craftsmen by organizing exhibitions and fashion shows. Wendell Rodricks is on number nine on our list of top 10 Indian designers.

Manish Arora
Last but certainly not the least; we conclude our list of top 10 Indian designers with Manish Arora.  He is an acclaimed Indian designer whose designs are handcrafted to perfection.  His collections are high on lively colors that give him an edge over the others. Apart from designing clothes, he has keen interest in cosmetics as he collaborated with the international cosmetic line Mac to bring a new range of lip glosses and eye palettes with bright yellows and candy pinks.

Image Source: www.mid-day.com, www.snipview.com, www.whizsky.com, www.indianexpress.com, www.womenfashioninfo.co.in, www.glamcheck.com, www.zimbio.com, www.theamazingmodels.com, www.kashmirobserver.net

The Best Looks from Fall 2015 Couture - Runway Trends

The fall couture runways from Paris are held around the first week of July, and they are all about Haute Couture. Held from July 5^th to July 9^th this year, it is a time when the Paris runways shed all inhibitions and the designers get the free will to create attires that do not have to be commercially viable. 2015 runway trends are all about these unrestrained dreams of the shackle breaking designer.

Let’s witness 2015 runway trends of the Fall Winter Paris Haute Couture week through the shows of some of the leading fashion designers:

5^th July: 

Atelier Versace – Donatella Versace went surprisingly soft and romantic for this fall couture 2015. The overall collection had a disintegrated look. Blacks, greys, softer hues like mauve, light purple, sage and blue, and some printed combinations in chiffon swept the runway with frayed hemlines and floral headbands. The signature hard silhouettes of Versace were still visible through structured corsets under chiffon and chain-mail blended with chiffon. 2015 runway trends of Versace brought in the un-veiling of its tough look with softer fluid fabrics and colours.

6^th July:

Christian Dior – Raf Simons took inspiration from Bosch’s painting ‘The garden of earthly delights’ to put up a heavenly show for fall couture 2015. Simons brought contrasts to the show; he presented pristine white angelic light flowy fabrics and demonic flared and caped black ensembles.

Sleeves were a highlight in the show with large overhanging bell structures, trim highlighting or the contrasting one sided sleeve. The Dior 2015 runway trends also included side-baring dresses fastened with jewellery links. 

Ralph & Russo – The British fashion house as usual designed its show for the woman buyers leaving out the eccentricity from the styles. The soothing colors, interesting layers, tiers, intricately designed sheer and floral appliques were the 2015 runway trends of Ralph & Russo.

7^th July:

Chanel – The show was set against the backdrop of a casino. The interesting thing about how Karl Lagerfeld gave a twist to the 2015 runway trends was the use of 3-D laser computer printers to create flawless quilted mesh jackets.

The show was more about jackets that went from boxy to form hugging, short waist lengths to longer loose knee lengths. The jackets were paired with skirts. The second half of the Chanel show was all about “evening” with more feminine outfits. 

Giorgio Armani Prive- The rightly called ‘Shocking’, the show did not shy from the use of colours and used hot pinks with blues and greens against the black canvas. Velvet black fabrics and frayed shaggy silhouettes with shimmer and glamour were all put out by Armani for 2015 runway trends.

8^th July:

Elie Saab - The Lebanese designer’s line showed his signature style of long gowns with crystals, sequins, appliques and bead embellishments. Apart from the runway scraping dresses, this fall couture, he also incorporated voluminous black gowns with prints. Overall Elie’s show was a profusion of golden sparkle and tiaras. 

Fendi - Under Karl Lagerfeld, Fendi presented its first ever couture collection at Paris this year which comprised of fur mostly, obviously angering the animal activists. “Haute Fourrure” as the collection was called, it was a monochromatic display of mostly blacks, black and whites, greys, browns and pastel pinks.

The Italian luxury fashion house displayed floor length jackets, short jackets and capes with furry stoles. Most of the jackets displayed a highlight flower or feather applique. Fendi brought fur on the list of 2015 runway trends. 

9^th July:

Zuhair Murad – The designer displayed classic colours with sparkly embellishments and appliques. The twinkling attires against a twinkling backdrop made for a magical night like presentation. From voluminous to form hugging sheer gowns and even the short dresses sizzled under the designers wand setting the glamorous tone for 2015 runway trends.

Valentino - Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri presented the “Mirabilia Romae” collection in Rome this year. They started the show with an exhibition of exquisite couture dresses that were never seen in public.

The collection was red, grey, golden and more of black with off- shoulders, ponchos and capes. The black dresses were highlighted with emphatic gold pendant necklaces.

The avant garde displays by the world famous design labels blew off the runways of Paris at the Fall Couture 2015 week. The scintillating 2015 runway trends set by these protagonists are an amazing visual of unforgettable wild ideas meeting style. 

Image Source: style.com

Lakme Fashion Week Designers for Winter-Festive 2015

Lakme Fashion Week is a fashion show that will be held at Hotel Palladium in Mumbai this year, the commercial capital of India. Two times a year, in February and August, the fashion elite of India meet and enjoy the greatest fashion show in India. The Winter-Festive 2015 edition will start on August 26th 2015.

For the occasion a lot of designers will be present to show the entire world the beauty and trends of the season. The Lakme Fashion week designers will have four days to present their collection, until the 30th of August when the event finishes. It is a special year for Lakme Fashion week, which will celebrate its 15th birthday. A lot of the Lakme Fashion week designers that have participated in the past are returning to the show and have already practiced their shows.


In fact, the Lakme Fashion week has already helped a lot of designers and models to launch their career, and given a chance to six lucky newbies who have been selected to present in the GenNext show as Lakme Fashion week designers. These young designers will have the chance to interact with some legendary designers, and learn from them.

There will be a lot of big names within the Lakme Fashion week designers, such as Manish Malhotra and Gaurav Gupta, who will close the show. Despite showcasing at countless fashion shows in the past, the fantasy designer confessed to be stressed, as he said in an interview: "This year, LFW completes 15 years, and Gaurav Gupta ten years, so it's a milestone moment in my career".

Gaurav Gupta show - Lakmé Fashion Week 2014

Many great designers have already closed the event via the grand finale show, such as Manish Malhotra and Anamika Khanna. Manish Malhotra will also celebrate the successful ten-years of his label in August. He has promised an awesome collection, full of elegance and style.

More than eighty of India’s top fashion designers will be present at the event and all of them will continue to integrate India into the global fashion world, with a mix of traditional Indian and contemporary outfits.

Once again, a lot of famous models and Indian celebrities will walk for the Lakme Fashion Week designers, such as the renowned diva Aishwarya Rai for Manish Malhotra, and the beautiful Esha Gupta for designer Arpita Mehta. Some of the Lakme Fashion week designers prefer giving a chance to newbies model, such as the popular duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, who be opening this crazy week with their show. Their collection promises to be a “tribute to the 70’s and 80’s”, with colorful and glamorous couture. We had love the Lakme Fashion Show Summer/Resort 2015, and the Winter-Festive show 2015 will start in a great way! We look forward to it!

Indian Wedding Planning Tips for a Rainy Wedding

No matter how much you prepare for your wedding day, somethings are still not in your hands like weather. Even if you have checked the forecast earlier, Mother Nature can still play its role. Yes, it may rain on your D-day.

A rainy wedding may sound utterly romantic but it calls for serious planning. Rain should not dampen your spirit, so one has to make the arrangements accordingly. Here are few Indian wedding planning tips to make your wedding a memorable one, without rain playing havoc.

Bride’s Make-up
No bride would want her make-up and hair to get spoiled on the best day of her life. So, to avoid this nightmare from turning into reality, ask your make-up artist to use water-proof and water resistant cosmetics on your big day. Make sure your make-up lasts long especially your eye-liner and mascara. Use make-up spray to seal the make-up in its place.

If you get little wet, don’t panic and wipe off your face as it will remove your make-up. Instead just pat your face lightly and you are good to go. You can also opt for air-brush make-up as it has tendency to last longer than the usual one. So, don’t freak out while doing Indian wedding planning in monsoon and make the most of it.

Turn Bane into Boon 
Rains are usually associated with chaos and mud. But if planned properly, this inclement weather can become the perfect backdrop for your wedding. Generally, Indian wedding planning is done for winter season but if you are someone who likes to break the norms, monsoon wedding is just perfect. 

One can get one’s favourite venue at cheaper rates as weddings in monsoon season are unconventional. Also one can bargain with caterers and decorators and can get pocket-friendly prices.

Make your List 'Rain-checked’
No Indian wedding planning is complete without a rain-check. Even if you are expecting a dry day on your wedding, one should be equipped with the ‘Plan-B ’just in case it pours.  Make sure you book an indoor wedding venue.

And if you are daring enough to go for an outdoor location, ask your wedding planner for the water-proof tents. Along with this, arrange the umbrellas beforehand for the guests. Also, arrange for carpools and hire few cabs that can pick and drop your guests in case of a rain shower.

Power Backup
As soon as monsoon hits the country, we all face the common problem of power cuts. So, to avoid this disaster on your crucial day, make sure you arrange for the power backup while doing wedding planning in India. It’s very important to have power backup facility so that you can enjoy an uninterrupted wedding.

Rain-Theme Décor
If you are thinking out-of-the box by doing Indian wedding planning in monsoon season, the décor should be in conformity with the rain theme.  You can bring the essence of rainy season by experimenting with fountains, lots of colorful umbrellas and rainbow inspired furniture. Also, you can add a touch of rain theme by decking up the venue with lots of aromatic candles and artificial flowers.

Menu Must-Have’s
Rainy season is synonymous with famous Indian chai and pakora. Chai and pakoras make the lethal combination and is a must have for every Indian on a rainy day.  So, if you are planning a quirky monsoon wedding, go ahead by introducing a stall of desi chai and pakora.

Indian wedding planning for monsoon season is incomplete without mouth-watering jalebis.  Live jalebi counters will definitely curb the craving for guests with sweet tooth. Lots of soups and rain themed candies for kids will be another highlight of the wedding.

Rain Dance
Chuck out the regular sangeet ceremony from your Indian wedding planning list and surprise your friends and relatives with the rain dance party.  Let the guests tap their feet on classic monsoon songs of Bollywood and beat the heat with rain-dance.

Also, you can arrange pool party to get the real feeling of monsoon. You can take the party to another level by bringing in the props like raincoats, rain boots and umbrellas. I’m sure it will be a big hit among the guests and they will remember your wedding forever.

Photo-Shoot in Rain
One of the most significant aspects in Indian wedding planning is the couple’s photo-shoot.  And getting your photo-shoot done in rain is way beyond adorable. Not just you can have fun in the rain with your beloved but raindrops in background gives an effect of millions of shining diamonds.

Trust me; the photographs will be artistic, magical and stunning. But make sure, your photographer is willing to shoot in rain and is experienced enough to get the right click. P.S. don’t worry about your bridal attire, after all to get the memories of lifetime; you can do a little sacrifice by getting drenched.

I’m sure if you follow these wonderful Indian wedding planning tips, you will never regret your decision of a rainy wedding!

Image source : thebigfatindianwedding.com, brideclubme.com, www.eventstoatdc.com

Top Five Beach - Summer Hair Trends 2015

Summer is all about the beach, vacations and fun galore. When the temperatures are soaring and you want to chill out, how will you dress up your hair? Let’s have a look at the top five summer hair trends 2015 for a cooler you:

1. Beach Waves:  

Whether you have long, medium length or short hair, having soft waves on hair is one of the beach/ summer hair trends 2015. Just roughly part your hair in the middle or side and wear your tresses with soft waves. This natural tousled mermaid like look is very in this season.

It is a very easy to achieve look by dampening, twisting locks and pinning them up for quite some time. It is a natural air-dried look that does not need any expensive hair products or heat. The beach wave hair can be left open or can be pinned just on top or halfway with a clip. It looks very shabby-chic.

2. High and Low Ponytails:  

Just pull your hair together and go for a high ponytail. Let the ponytail be natural instead of the slicked back look. The hair can also be a bit puffed and pinned on the crown. Loose locks around the face and heavy bangs and fringes are also the look of summer hair trends 2015. The ponytail can also be worn low with a stylish summer hat or wrap.

The low pony tail can also be loosely tied on one side. The hair wrapped pony tail looks trendier than a hair band tied one. The summer hair trends 2015 show the versatility of the ponytail, which can be worn on the beach and all the way to the red carpets.

3. Braids and Buns:  

Loosely tied braids are a way to go as per summer hair trends 2015. It can also be loosely tied on one side low. Once done the braid hairstyles can be carried throughout the day without any retouch. Braids also come to the rescue on bad hair days. If you know all about styling braids like fishtail, classic French and the five strand braid, then you can have a very trendy low maintenance hairdo that is great for the summer heat.

Messy buns are also great for summers and beach. If you do not want to chop your locks for summer but don’t want to sweat it out on the beach then braids and buns are great solutions. Match it with some flicks and fringes. You can also accessorise with head bands and scarves to make the bun trendy.

4. Crimping:

Summer hair trends 2015 also brings in crimping again. This late 90’s trend is getting a revival this summer. Sections of hair can be crimped and you can wear it open or tie it into a ponytail. So find your old crimper and work it on your hair for 2015 summer ready look.

5. The Lob:

How can summer be all about long tresses! The lobs (longer bobs) are very in this beach season. Sporting a lob with a bend in the hair instead of slick straight cuts is the favour of the season.

To sum it up summer hair trends 2015 is all about going natural. Hair extensions, too defined curls, slicked hair are all out this season. Even hair colours are hovering towards natural hair shades. Let there be fly-aways and loose strands that do not behave. Being effortless while doing hair is the mantra of the summer hair trends 2015. So do not fret over your bad hair day, maybe your bed head is also runway ready this season!

Image Source: aelida.com, www.pinterest.com, inticeonline.com, hairzaman.tk, www.byrdie.com, www.instyle.com

Top Looks from Deepika Padukone - Deepika Padukone Style

The lyrics went “Aankhon mein teri, ajab si ajab si adayein hain...." and Deepika Padukone found a place in the hearts of Bollywood fans with her debut in ‘Om Shaanti Om’. Today when we talk of Bollywood fashion, the list will not be complete without the mention of Deepika Padukone style. She has a svelte body with never-ending legs to match her attractive face and so, can carry any ensemble with grace.

Let us go through a few Deepika Padukone style statements that she sported at the different events in the last few years.

1. Filmfare awards, 2015

Filmfare is the equivalent of Oscars in Bollywood. Deepika wore a white dress with a fitted embroidered top attached to a long ruffled train behind and the dress was short ahead. Deepika managed to pull this risky look effortlessly. She took over the stage in her Ashi Studio dress shaking legs with the hosts of the event.

2. Filmfare awards, 2014

Deepika donned a metallic gold gown by Gaurav Gupta which looked like golden strokes painted on see-through fabric. Completing the look with side wept soft curls and pointy golden shoes; the dress was a lesser skin show version of Victoria Harvey’s dress. 

3. Filmfare awards, 2013

Deepika Padukone style for this event was a black gown by Prabal Gurung, with sheer panels at the right places, accentuating her waistline and long legs. She kept the look minimalistic with just bold red lips.

4. Cannes, 2010

For the “On Tour” premiere at Cannes, 2010, an ivory and gold saree by Rohit Bal, with blingy blouse, clutch and matching cuff was the Deepika Padukone style statement. Complete with a Bindi and gold and pearl ear-danglers, she looked great.

5. "Chennai Express" Promotions, 2013

For the movie’s promotions Deepika was seen in a tangerine faux saree gown by Gaurav Gupta in London. The hair tied up, bold red lips, earrings and nude peep-toe pumps, hit the bull’s eye, in a very Deepika Padukone style.

6. Colours Screen awards, 2013

Deepika Padukone wore a turquoise green lace Dolce and Gabbana gown for the event. The lace dress had a fitted bodice underneath and her copper brown flowy hair and blush lips complemented the gown well.

7. Big Star Entertainment Awards, 2013

Deepika Padukone style for this event was a classic simple strappy white top with long flowing black skirt and the highlight was the emphatic necklace she sported. High tied ponytail and red lips with black peep-toe heels go well with this look.

She sported a similar white top look, but matched it with black palazzo pants at the Filmfare nominations party, 2013. This time the emphatic shimmer was added by a jacket designed by Rahul Khanna and Rohit Gandhi.

8. Colours Screen awards, 2012

The emerald green Gauri and Nainika dress Deepika wore for the event fits her like a glove. The dress is very structured with high neck in the front and daring low-back behind. The ruffles behind add drama to the form hugging outfit. A side hair braid with gemstones dangling earrings and white clutch speak volumes for Deepika Padukone style.

9. Filmfare 2014 Nomination party

Deepika wore a knee length quirky printed dress by Pankaj & Nidhi. Matching it with orange pumps and a skull necklace, don’t you think Deepika Padukone style is all thumbs up!

10. Zee Cine awards, 2013

Deepika’s ivory sequined Zuhair Murad dress with full sleeves and plunging neckline swept the red carpet. The accomplices to the look were red lips and pearl drop earrings with hair softly tied up.

From quirky to classy, short to long, Indian to Western and formal to casual the leggy lass can definitely pull any look with ease. Both on and off the red carpets, Deepika Padukone style makes for an interesting visual with varied elements that give us an exhilarating fashion feast.

Image source: www. indiatimes.com, www.pinterest.com, www.vogue.in, www.fordess.net, www.boldsky.com, strandofsilk.com