Tag Archives: vogue india

Aug 20 2014
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Events, Fashion

Vogue India Fashion Fund 2014: Top Five finalists announced

20th August 2014

It’s time for a little more Vogue India love (hey when isn’t it a good time?!) The reason I blog about Indian fashion is because its so god damn EXCITING. Yes, I rave about Manish and Sabyasachi but its those newbies that really make me go ohhhh. Designers that are finding their own groove. Such confidence and swag don’t you think? So each Vogue around the world has a Fashion Fund where a panel pick a winner from the country’s new design talent. Prizes include some start up money, a one year business mentoring from industry experts and coverage in the style bible that is VOGUE. Vogue India’s fashion fund winner last year was Frou Frou by Archana Rao-find her latest yuminess @ Pernia’s Pop Up Shop.

Hemant & Nandita, Top Five finalists Hemant & Nandita

Ikai by Ragini Ahuja via Vogue IndiaLove these looks by Top Five Finalist Ikai by Ragini Ahuja

This years 20 finalists were- HUEMN by Pranav Mishra & Shyma Shetty, Aarti Vijay Gupta, ikai by Ragini Ahuja, Ridhi Mehra, ilk by Shikha Grover & Vinita Adhikari, Quirk Box by Rixi Bhatia & Jayesh Sachdev, 431-88 by Shweta Kapur, Sneha Arora, Urvashi Kaur, Surendri by Yogesh Chaudhary, Chhaya Mehrotra, Hemant and Nandita, PINNACLE by Shruti Sancheti, anavila by Anavila Misra, Mrinalini by Mrinalini Gupta, [Ka][Sha] by Karishma Shahani Khan, Divya Sheth, Bounipun by Zubair Kirmani, GaGa by Tanya Sharma, BODICE by Ruchika Sachdeva

I’ve blogged about the awesome HUEMN by Pranav Mishra & Shyma Setty, Ridhi Mehra, Surendi by Yogesh Chaudharym (Ka)(Sha) by Karishma Shahani Khan & BODICE by Ruchika Sachdeva. Looking forward to getting to know the work of the other finalists!

So the final five have just been announced- Hemant & Nandita, Ikai by Rajini Ahuja, (Ka) (Sha) by Karishma Shahani Khan, Bodice by Ruchika Sachdeva & Quirk Box by Rixi Bhatia & Jayesh Sachdev.

Ka Sha by Karishma Shahani KhanI’ve blogged about this talented lady on the blog before here and here! Top Five finalist Karishma Shahani Khan

Bodice by Ruchika Sachdev Top Five Finalist Bodice by Ruchika Sachdev

Quirk box via Vogue India Top Five Finalists Quirk Box by Rixi Bhatia & Jayesh Sachdev.

I’m def going to be emailing some of the designers on the list to get an interview for the blog! So watch this space for more info on India’s latest design talents!

All images via Vogue India

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Nov 18 2013
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Beauty, Bridal, Fashion

Vogue India: A Vogue Wedding Love Story

18th November 2013

I mentioned in my last post that I had just been to Mumbai to do my wedding shopping and I promise I will post my shopping guide this week!!! but for now I’ll start the week off with some swooooonnnnnalioussss bridal images from November’s Vogue India- It had to be you…

Jodhpur's Umaid Bhavan, Vogue India, Bride, Bridal, Wedding, Fashion, India, November, 2013, bride,

Jodhpur's Umaid Bhavan, Vogue India, Bride, Bridal, Wedding, Fashion, India, November, 2013, bride,

Jodhpur's Umaid Bhavan, Vogue India, Bride, Bridal, Wedding, Fashion, India, November, 2013, bride,

Jodhpur's Umaid Bhavan, Vogue India, Bride, Bridal, Wedding, Fashion, India, November, 2013, bride,

Jodhpur's Umaid Bhavan, Vogue India, Bride, Bridal, Wedding, Fashion, India, November, 2013, bride,

Jodhpur's Umaid Bhavan, Vogue India, Bride, Bridal, Wedding, Fashion, India, November, 2013, bride,

Jodhpur's Umaid Bhavan, Vogue India, Bride, Bridal, Wedding, Fashion, India, November, 2013, bride,

and as always the accompanying video is just as much a visual treat as the magazine pics

Images: Vogue India

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Sep 11 2013
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Fashion

Vogue India Trend Post: Think Pink

11th Sept 2013

I’ve been sooooo slow at adding some A/w looks to my wardrobe for one simple reason- I just didn’t want to admit Summer was coming to an end. But seeing as that chill seems like its here to stay its time I got a little season ready and my fave A/w trend is def Think Pink. Here’s my latest Trend Post for Vogue India on all things Pink!…

Think pink this autumn/winter. And to give the colour a seasonal update, think minimal as well.

Instead of embellishment and colour blocking with bold tones, go for shades of blush, rose and magenta in key pieces — sweaters, dresses, pants and skirts. If head-to-toe pink doesn’t appeal to you, pair the various hues of rose with classic separates in neutral tones of whites, ivories, stone, khakhis, greys, blacks and metallics.

Manish Malhotra, Pink, a/w 13, trend, Vogue India, Blush, Magenta, Rose, Gold, Fashion, Zara, Manish Malhotra, Lakme Fashion Week, Winter/Festive 2013

Manish Malhotra, Pink, a/w 13, trend, Vogue India, Blush, Magenta, Rose, Gold, Fashion, Zara, Pernia Qureshi, Pernias Pop Up shop, Zara India, Lakme Fashion week, Simone Rocha

Designer looks we love are Manish Malhotra’s flowing maxi, Victoria Beckham’s two-tone crepe dress and Nishka Lulla’s blush and gold coat. As always, high street has some great pieces too — Topshop’s simple strappy camisole and Zara’s blush pants and blazers.

Pink is especially natural in India. It reminds us of Rajasthani choli blouses and girly wedding lehengas. Remember what the original Voguette Diana Vreeland famously once said: “Pink… it’s the navy blue of India.”

Manish Malhotra, Pink, a/w 13, trend, Vogue India, Blush, Magenta, Rose, Gold, Fashion, Zara, Pernia Qureshi, Pernias Pop Up shop, Zara India, Lakme Fashion weekHot Pink dress by Pernia’s Pop Up hits two trends- Pink and column dress shape.

Manish Malhotra, Pink, a/w 13, trend, Vogue India, Blush, Magenta, Rose, Gold, Fashion, Zara, Blush Trousers Zara

Nishka Lulla, Neeta Lulla, Lakme Fashion Week, Winter/Festive, 2013, boy meets girl, androgynous, India, fashionNisshk by Nishka Lulla

Images: Vogue India

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Jul 11 2013
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Bridal, Events, Fashion

Vogue India Guest Blog Post: Pakistan Fashion Week in London

11th July 2013

Here’s a re-blog of my latest guest blog post for Vogue.In on the recent Pakistan Fashion Week in London…..

Blogger Nina Patel highlights noteworthy designers from a sea of rich velvets and Mughal craftsmanship at a recent showcase of Pakistani fashion

1 July

Over here in the U.K. access to Asian designer wear is limited. There are a handful of boutiques in London and some one-off fashion events throughout the year. One summer event that’s become a popular fixture is Riwayat presents Pakistan Fashion Week — a two day shopping and catwalk event in June which brings to London some of the biggest names in Pakistani fashion.

This year the designer line-up was impressive and many were showcasing brand new collections, so I made sure I was there for all the shows.

NAUMAN AFREEN

2 July

I loved this peach Pakistani/Western silhouette at Nauman Afreen. Image: Shahid Malik

3 JulyMe with Nauman Afreen. Image: Shahid Malik

4 July

RIZWAN AHMED

Rizwan Ahmed’s collection was another highlight. I talked to Rizwan about his inspirations for this collection.

“My theme and title for this collection is pastels and the inspiration is a woman living here in the U.K. Summer’s here in U.K. and I thought to do something soft but very elegant. It’s flowy, it’s a lot of volume and the colours remain pastel,” says Rizwan.

I asked Rizwan how important it is for him to show in London.

“I’ve been associated with them [Riwayat] since PFW2, then PFW3, I did Alchemy, I did the trunk show and this is the fourth time. I have hopes here, I have fans, I have customers and I have clientele waiting for the new collection to be revealed. I am the only competition to myself,” says the designer.

Below are the highlights of his show.

5 July

6 July

7 July

RANA NOMAN

Rana Noman’s collection was my favourite. There was an emphasis on traditional craftsmanship and detailing which I found more refined and striking than some of the other bling-tastic collections.

I asked Rana about his inspiration.

“My collection for PFW4 is Naksh Kari which is inspired by the artisanal work done during the Mughal era, in the architecture, patterns, the textiles prints, the kalamkari, the colours, the fabrics that were used. It’s mixing together the old and making it into something appropriate for nowadays,” he says.

8 July

9 July

10 July

11 July

All ramp images courtesy Shahid Malik.

JEWELLED PAKISTANI ORNAMENTS

In between shows I went backstage with my camera to get close-ups of show accessories and embroidery techniques.

I found beautiful ethnic jewellery, hair ornamentation and hats.

12 July

13 July

14 July

15 July

16 July

Designer Rana Noman helping designer Sara Rohael Asghar dress one of her models.

17 July

18 July

All backstage images by Nina Patel.

All ramp images courtesy Shahid Malik.

Nina Patel is author of the The Asian Fashion Journal fashion blog, her day job is as a high street womenswear designer in London.

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May 11 2013
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Events, Fashion

Vogue India Guest blog Post: British Designers Collective Pop Up

11th May 2013

Here’s a re-blog of my latest guest blog post for Vogue India and big thanks to Meera Sharma for taking the pics!…

If you can prise the fash pack out of London you know it’s got to be worth it. Last week I joined a gaggle of city fashion journos, designers and bloggers aboard the 09.10 fashion express train from Marylebone station in the direction of discount fashion mela, Bicester Village.

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Left to right: British Designers Collective Boutique participants Christopher De Vos, Piers Atkinson, Peter Pilotto, Noel Stewart, Desirée Bollier, Justin Thornton, Thea Bregazzi, Yasmin Sewell, Rita Ora, Henry Holland, Anna Laub, Holly Fulton and Athena Procopiou.

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Bicester Village is already a must-go, with super brands like Versace, Gucci and Michael Kors all offering discounts on past season collections and for the next eight weeks nestled amongst them will be the annual pop-up of the British Designers Collective Boutique.

With an impressive designer roll-call including Peter Pilotto (actresses Frieda Pinto and Alia Bhatt are fans) Preen, Jonathon Saunders and Henry Holland the boutique showcases and supports the best of British design talent at prices up to 60 percent more affordable.

Kate Middleton and sister Pippa are fans of shopping at Bicester Village. I wonder if they’ll be popping in to the BDC.

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pop7Me hanging out with a J.W. Anderson knit

pop8Mary Katrantzou’s rack

Retail guru Yasmin Sewell took the creative helm this year as curator of the British Designers Collective Boutique, working around the theme of ‘Future Vintage’ and the idea that each piece is an investment and a modern classic.

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Recording artist and British style icon Rita Ora at the opening of the boutique on May 2, in a red Roksanda Ilincic dress and Nicholas Kirkwood heels.

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Prime Cut Digital shot this promo for Bicester Village at the opening where ambassador Rita Ora gave them a quick interview, along with British Fashion Council CEO and several of the designers present talking about the boutique. The video crew shot, cut and delivered the film on-site in under 12 hours!

pop11Me with Henry Holland

pop12House of Holland’s infamous slogan t-shirts.

pop13Imogen Belfield wearing her own label jewellery

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pop 15Piers Atkinson Millinery and Mawi Jewellery

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Apr 19 2013
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Events, Fashion

Vogue Fashion Fund 2013: How to apply

19th April 2013

A last minute shout out to all you budding fashion designers- the Vogue India Fashion Fund’s April 30th deadline is fast approaching so make sure you get your application in! You can do that by visiting the Vogue Fashion Fund site and following the instructions.

The Vogue Fashion Fund is a global initiative that has helped to shape the careers of some of the industry’s brightest talents. Past alumni include Joseph Altuzarra, Alexander Wang, Erdem, Proenza Schouler and of course Pero by Aneeth Arora- the first winner of the Vogue India Fashion Fund last year.

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“For a country that boasts such a stunning array of embroideries, textiles and craftsmanship, it’s no surprise that we consistently produce exceptional design talent. With the Vogue Fashion Fund, our endeavour is to strengthen the foundation for Indian designers and help marry their creativity with commercial success.”Priya Tanna, Editor, Vogue India

Vogue India shot a short film last year explaining the Fashion Fund’s purpose and the behind the scenes process of how and who will be judging the finalists.

and here’s winner Pero by Aneeth Arora’s show at WIFW 13

and here’s what the winner of the Vogue Fashion Fund in colloboration with FDCI will win….

• Fashion shoot in Vogue India

• Year-long business/creative/marketing mentorship with an industry professional

• Cash prize money

• Access to prominent fashion platforms in the industry

• Mentorship from Vogue

• Public relations support and media coverage

www.voguefashionfund.com

Image & Video Credit: Vogue India

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Feb 21 2013
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Fashion

Micro Trend: Plastic Fantastic (Latest Post For Vogue India.com)

21st Feb 2013

Here’s a repost of my latest trend article for Vogue India.Com which went live recently Plastic Fantastic…

Let’s make it clear. That seems to have been the brief given to accessory designers for the upcoming Spring/Summer season, as bright colours and graphic prints on garments were pared down with neutral Perspex accessories.

PFHeadband Donna Karan S/s 13, Perspex tote Simone Rocha S/s 13

PF1.5Cuff by Cooee available at http://www.kabiri.com

Cuffs, bags, chunky block heels, even brims of floppy summer hats were treated with a cool plastic finish.

Karl Lagerfield led the way, sending high heels, cute brick bags and impractically fabulous sun hats with wide Perspex brims down the runway. Hussain Chalayan received the same memo, his beekeeper sun hats were given a space-age touch with neon plastic insertions.

PF1Heels by Givenchy S/s13, Hat Chanel S/s13

Over at Simone Rocha, simple totes were made dainty with pretty broderie-anglaise style edging.

PF3Sheriff & Cherry S/s 13 available net-a-porter, Barneys

Sunglasses are also an easy way to incorporate the trend, as was proved on the runways of Prada, Celine and new label Sheriff & Cherry. If you’re wondering about specific design inspiration, retro styling seems to be the most popular.

A Vogue stand-out accessory has to be the beautiful heels at Charlotte Olympia and Givenchy.

PF4Charlotte Olympia S/s13

Remember how Cinderella lost her glass slipper? Well, she might have done better if she’d had them made in Perspex, like all the other cool girls.

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Feb 10 2013
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Wear the trend: Monochrome (latest post for Vogue India. Com)

10th Feb 2013

I’m back!!! For the last two weeks, I swapped the depressing British chill for the sunny climes of Vietnam. The holiday was awesome and I’ll be posting some pics soon.

While I was away a couple of trend stories I wrote for Vogue India . Com went live! And here’s a repost of the first one.

WEAR THE TREND: MONOCHROME

This summer, designers are championing all things monochrome. The stark black-and-white can be seen in variations all over global catwalks, making the season’s standard shades of yellow and coral seem almost cliché.

Here are four stylish ways you could be monochrome.

PANELS

blog panels

Statement block panels were seen in classic cuts at Jil Sander and Victoria Beckham and in dramatic flounces at Nicolas Ghesquiere’s final collection for Balenciaga. If your budget is short of a few zeroes, Zara’s racks are already packed with ‘homages’.

ABSTRACT PRINT

blog abstract print
L-R Jil Sander, Victoria Beckham & Balenciaga.

For a more versatile way to wear the trend, opt for a simple maxi, shift or shirtdress and let the print do all the work. Adding a colour accent via a simple clutch and vintage sunglasses, as seen at Diane Von Furstenberg, finishes the look.

CLASHING PRINTS

blog clash print
L-R Giles, Diane Von Furstenberg, Kallol Datta 1955

The key to this look is combining the right separates. Either pair contrasting patterns in one ensemble or use the same print in different sizes as seen at Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton. If you’re feeling particularly daring, get inspired by Peter Pilotto’s head-to-toe print riot.

STRIPES

blog stripes
L-R Peter Pilotto, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs

Whether you prefer them horizontal or vertical, the stripe of the season has to be bold and wide. Dolce & Gabanna’s take on the trend came from a nostalgic memory of Sicily, while Marc Jacobs had a 60’s Edie Sedgwick vibe with Bridget Riley-esque prints.

With these fun styling options to live up to, pairing a white shirt with a black pencil skirt just won’t cut it anymore…

Images Vogue India

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Jan 16 2013
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Events, Fashion

Sabyasachi Blogger-in-chief at Vogue India

16th Jan 2013

I’ve been loving the new look Vogue India website- especially the behind the scenes videos. January feature’s a film on their Space Odyssey fashion shoot and a short interview with this month’s cover girl Vidya Balan. Vidya looks gorgeous although if the mag was really pushing the shape issue it would have been good to see a full shot of Vidya on the cover- showing off those curves!

Well back to the reason for the post- Vogue India.Com latest fash offering made me ohhh and ahhh- Sabyasachi has been named Blogger-in-Chief for the month and has kicked off with the designer interviewing himself! It’s a fabulous spotlight and the illustrations that accompany the interview are just beautiful! I had to share them with you. Read the interview here
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Sab 1

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Images Vogue India.Com

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Dec 20 2012
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Events, Fashion

Vogue India!

20th Dec 2012

A couple of months ago I received an email from the uber talented Sita from Vogue India.Com (the AMAZING revamped website is down to her!!!) She’d read and liked my post ‘Retarded Velvet: Diary of a collection S/s 12’ and invited me to pitch any ideas/stories for the website. Ok, so my first reaction was OMG my blog was just read by VOGUE INDIA!!!!! And then it turned to OMG what am I going to pitch???!!!! Well here’s how I got on- my first two articles went live this week!- a write up of the Valentino exhibition and an interview with Aashni & Co.

This interview is a re-blog of the post on Vogue India. Com

PANKAJ & NIDHI, AMIT AGGARWAL NOW IN LONDON

Aashni Shah’s eponymous new store introduces the new faces of Indian design to this global fashion capital

vogue aashni 1

London’s Notting Hill just got a big injection of desi love in the form of fashion boutique Aashni & Co. Owner Aashni Shah is doing her bit to revamp the concept of Indian fashion in the global fashion capital by filling her store with eclectic labels such as Bodice by Ruchika Sachdev, Surendri by Yogesh Chaudhary and Pankaj & Nidhi.

Along with these labels that are making their debut in the English capital, the boutique hasn’t missed out on the classics: lehengas, anarkalis and saris from Rohit Bal, Sabyasachi & Manish Malhotra. In conversation with The Asian Fashion Journal, Shah talks about her love for Indian fashion and why she’s convinced its time to go international has come.

vogue aashni 2Aashni Shah next to a mannequin dressed in Bodice by Ruchika Sachdev.

What’s the story behind Aashni & Co?

International designers have been travelling to India for inspiration for years, but Indian fashion has never been celebrated in the same way as collections from France, or Italy, or Japan. It’s time for Indian designers to take centre-stage, and have a platform in London to showcase their talent. Our boutique is a selection of the finest that India has to offer while making it more convenient for people here. We plan to start our online portal in two months.

vogue aashni 3Ethnic wear by Sabyasachi.

Who is the Aashni & Co customer and how are they responding to the labels stocked?

Our Indian customers are delighted that their favourite brands are now accessible in the UK. We’re visited by international tourists and British customers who’re astounded by the talent that’s remained hidden from their knowledge and wardrobes. And, since we’re enthusiastic about colour, something many British brands shy away from, vibrant pieces made from luxurious fabrics have struck a chord with all our customers.

vogue aashni 4A bright Nida Mahmood jacket.

vogue aashni 5This gorgeous embroidered Pankaj & Nidhi jacket is center-piece worthy.

vogue aashni 6An array of bright colours and patterns by Pankaj & Nidhi

There’re so many exciting Indian labels out there, how did you decide which designers to stock?

India is thriving with design talent and the variety of choice makes it almost impossible to choose from. But I was determined for the store to have a clear story that still managed to cater to a wide demographic. I wanted to create a balance between well- established Indian labels, experimental collections and new talent. My vision is to incorporate a selection that is accessible to both Asian and non-Asian clients. We currently stock Rohit Bal, Sabyasachi, Gaurav Gupta, Shivan & Narresh, Nida Mahmood, Pankaj and Nidhi, Gauri & Nainika, Bodice by Ruchika Sachdeva and Surendri by Yogesh Choudhary. This month, we’ve added Manish Malhotra, Varun Bahl and Amit Aggarwal.

vogue aashni 7Eina Ahluwalia jewellery ethnic jewellery.

vogue aashni 8Indian accessories in eye-catching reds, blues and golds.

vogue aashni 9Modern Indian fashion in all its graphic glory.

Images courtesy Aashni & Co & Nina Patel

Aashni & Co is located at 47 Ledbury Road, London W11 AA; www.aashniandco.com
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