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

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

The Age Old Trends of Baroque and Brocade within Indian Fashion Design

The baroque art movement has persisted for over two centuries and still popular to this day all over the world. The Baroque technique refers back to a significant era when art was portrayed in its most beautiful and theatrical glory.

The enthusiastic and dramatic Baroque style first began in Italy and from them influenced a variety of countries around the world. English fashion designers discovered their new ideas in traditional books about Continental ornaments. A unique sense of drama and a distinctive ornate style characterise the technique that is Baroque. Within the decade in which this trend first became popular Interiors were lavish with rich velvets and highly embellished furnishings teamed with patterned wood.

In relation to this, within Indian techniques and design, the technique of brocade within Indian fashion design is extremely popular and similar in aesthetic. The process begins with a simple pencilled design, it is then transferred onto a larger sheet of paper that shows magnified detail of the weft colours. Tanchoi fabric is used to produce Tanchoi sarees, which was first introduced to Varanasi in the early 20th century.

Indian Designer Rohit Bal has showcased a number of stunning collections, which feature brocade throughout a number of the garment designs. Rohit’s signature stunning needlework and traditional silhouettes are used, created garments such as floor sweeping anarkalis with gorgeous and extremely traditional brocade detailing. Proving that the trend is still very much in tact after all theses years, especially within Indian fashion design. 

Current popular bridal trends were seem to be swarming the runways showcased rich velvet textures, chandleries, and heavily textured brocades, teamed with luxurious silks and delicate embroidery which definitely ruled the ramps.

While a number of designers are innovating their Indian fashion design style, and brides are now prepared to experiment more quirky and vintage styles such as brocade, silhouettes that are ultimately overshadowing bridal trends are a blend of both old trend and charm teamed with contemporary styling.

Sources: Wedding Sutra, Strand of Silk, Modern Urban Living

Our Favourite Anarkali Dresses from India

Anarkali dresses are a timeless trend, when talking of Indian fashion, that seem to be getting more and more popular as the years go by. Recently we have seen an influx of stunning anarkali dresses that have been showcased all over the recent catwalks and fashion weeks, and by some of Bollywoods biggest celebrities. Anarkali dresses are also frequently worn by an influx of teenagers not only in India but worldwide!

Deepika Padukone without a doubt has one of the best collections of Anarkali dresses that we’ve seen, showcasing her elaborate collection at a number of important events, here are some of our favourites:

Anarkali dresses refer to the flowing salwaar kameezes that are relatively long and are designed like frocks but without any type of slit at the side. These style of dresses generally include a kameez that falls below the knee, and a churidaar that has folds near the ankle.

In terms of styles, they are often made up of a variety of materials such as silk, satin, cotton, georgette, chiffon, net, brasso and a variety of other materials, currently the ones that are most popular involve trendy net materials. The hem and neck of anarkali dresses often have detailed and unique embellishments and embroidery, which consist of an array of sequins, beads, laces, etc.

In relation to anarkali dresses showcased at the recent Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week: Rohit Bal definitely stood out to us as being a designer not to be missed. And his show was great! Year after year, his shows prove to be an experience that’s not just about the garments, but the energy, the aura and the drama he manages to create on the ramp, and he definitely didn’t disappoint this year!

We have seen a lot of florals already this year, but Rohit's spin on florals was daring, graphic, unique and beyond gorgeous. Beautiful Kashmiri embroidery on soft, flowy mul-muls and the most stunning collection of Anarkalis that were chic, contemporary yet rooted in Indian tradition. A definite favourite of ours!

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Lehenga Choli Bridal Wear: The Colors and Trends for 2014

Looking her absolute best is not an option but a given for any bride on her wedding day. Great care is taken to choose the right outfit, apply perfect makeup, smooth her tresses into a silken glory so that at any photo op, she is picture perfect, and all eyes are on her. For most brides, wearing a lehenga choli is a given, but how does she ensure she is ahead of the trends that dictate lehenga choli bridal wear? Well, here’s where we come in. Presenting to you, the colors and trends that will ensure your look and your lehenga choli bridal outfit is talked about for years to come.

#ColourCode: Ivory and Gold

#TrendStatement: Mughal Mystic

White and gold is a traditionally elegant colour combination that spells class. Rohit Bal’s collection at the India Couture Week 2014 was evidence that this gorgeous combination always comes tops. Beautiful full-flared lehengas worn with bandhgala-inspired jackets in the same colour combination left us breathless. While his collection was inspired by traditional prints, a more sequin-heavy look could be a great choice for the lehenga choli bridal wear you pick. The colour palette of this lehenga choli bridal wear collection is one that personally we would like to see off the ramp, too.

#ColourCode: Pink and Blue

#TrendStatement: Traditional yet Offbeat

More often than not, lehenga choli bridal wear that is traditional in design is also in the conventional shades of red and maroon. So we were overjoyed to see this pink and blue JJ Valaya creation on actress Shraddha Kapoor at the official announcement of the Indian Bridal Fashion Week. The gorgeous pastel pink and blue combination with the subtle ombre effect isn’t one you see often and we love it. We also saw a deeper, brighter pink and blue bridal lehenga choli in Manish Malhotra’s collection and we are beginning to lust after this not-oft-explored combination in lehenga choli bridal wear.

#ColourCode: All Gold

#TrendStatement: Frivolous Frills

For brides who love to have a bit of fun and want a more fuss-free version of the lehenga choli for their weddings, just take a look at the Tarun Tahiliani collection for bridal wear. Pre-pleated dupattas and multi-layered, frilled lehengas mean you get the fit, finish, and functionality that you would normally associate with everyday clothing. The all gold colour theme brings a certain level of glamour to the lehenga choli that every bridal wear needs. What else can you want from your lehenga choli bridal piece?

#ColourCode: Muted Gold and Silver on White

#TrendStatement: Functional and Classy

Looking for a classier, sleeker bridal outfit that you could probably wear again without feeling too over the top? Then Abraham & Thakore’s look featured in a leading bridal magazine maybe just what you are looking for.

Wide-legged, high-waisted pants that when worn could easily pass off for a lehenga and a half-sleeved traditional choli; the entire outfit taken up a notch with sequin embroidery, it is a look that is draws your attention without being garish. This is the perfect lehenga choli bridal outfit for a bride who believes in subdued elegance.

#ColourCode: Dark and White

#TrendStatement: World Bride

Now if you are bride who is a bit of rebel and you want a lehenga choli for your bridal duties that is a bit more off kilter, then we suggest for inspiration Monisha Jaisingh’s latest collection. She had model Lisa Haydon strut down the ramp in a black leather-inspired, heavily-embroidered in the Rococo style lehenga which was worn with a white knotted shirt top, and beautiful bridal jewellery. The edgy brides of today would love an outfit inspired by this; a lehenga choli bridal in design but dramatic and rebellious at heart.

#ColourCode: Red and Gold

#TrendStatement: Conventional and Classic

If you love the classic beauty of a red lehenga choli (and who doesn’t), look no further than Manish Malhotra for inspiration. At the India Couture Week, he played around with gold dust and beige hues to create lehenga choli bridal designs. What left us spellbound was the creation in which Alia Bhatt walked down the ramp; a red full-sleeved choli with gold embroidery on the sleeves, a full, flared, covered with gold work lehenga, and a sheer dupatta. To say that it was breathtaking would be to spell the obvious.

Now that you have been spoilt for choice, picking the lehenga choli bridal outfit for your D-day should be an easier task. Be prepared for the admiration and compliments you receive when you make your entrance on your special day. It’s going to be a moment that you will want to relive time and time again.