What to expect: Geometric printed cocktail saris, playful tunics, fluid dresses and gowns. I’m liking the idea of a chessboard print on an embellished gown (see below). Maybe gowns will be fun after this.

Key trends:

• Geometric shapes
• Colour blocking of bright hues like electric blue, bright yellow and shades of green offset against the tints of black, white and grey.
• Retro-inspired prints (from the 1970s and 80s)

Watch out for: The Indian alphabet as embellishments- a very desi twist!

It’s time for Lakme Fashion Week again, fashionistas! There’s a great mix of establish and upcoming designers for the Winter/Festive 2012 edition, so stay tuned to this blog for updates from fashion week. Some designers to look forward to: Ritu Beri, Pallavi Jaikishan, and first-timer Pernia Qureshi (of Aisha fame). BTW, Kallol Dutta and Pankaj-Nidhi are the grand finale designers.

Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012 is from August 3-7, 2012 at Mumbai.

Below: Kallol Dutta and Pankaj-Nidhi with Purnima Lamba, Head- Innovations, Lakme.

Buy: Kitsch Umbrellas

I’m bored of black umbrellas, floral print umbrellas and the kiddie umbrellas. If you agree with me, then opt for a fun umbrella that expresses the quirky side of your personality. Nida Mahmood’s new range of umbrellas is 100% Bollywood, with visuals and one-liners from classic movies and songs. I like the “Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi si” umbrella.

Umbrellas by Nida Mahmood are priced Rs 2000 onward, available on the designer’s website.

Ogle: Vu-Tarun Tahiliani Couture TV

In a unique fashion-technology collaboration, veteran designer Tarun Tahiliani has designed a high-end TV for Vu Technologies. The 3D, 55-inch TV has been designed with unusual ornamental patterns constructed through the use of calligraphy and geometry. The fine use of latticework in muted Swarovski elements adds a subtle luxury feel to the TV. And tech lovers will enjoy the in-built PC with Windows software, graphics card and other cool stuff. Technology as art, anyone?

The Vu-Tarun Tahiliani Couture TV will be showcased at the Tarun Tahiliani Couture Exposition in New Delhi and Mumbai. Price on request.

Protect your eyes: GUNNAR Optiks

GUNNAR Optiks eyewear is finally available in India! GUNNAR’s Advanced Computer Eyewear and Advanced Gaming Eyewear lines are designed to protect your eyes from the harsh glare of computer, mobile and other screens that are part of our daily lives. Their products should be on the must-have list of all stylish cubicle dwellers.

Below: GUNNAR Optiks Advanced Computer Eyewear

You can pre-order GUNNAR eyewear in India at Infibeam. Prices Rs 4,500 onward.

Gift: Chic stuff for Raksha Bandhan

Boys, here are some chic gift suggestions for your lovely sisters:

Diamonds: Always a favourite, it’s for those who can afford it!

Beauty products: Always a favourite with women, gift boxes are easy to find n most stores such as The Body Shop. Opt for those with more than type of product, like the Armani Code Gift Box (it’s got a fragrance, shower gel and body lotion).

Accessories: Choose art and semi-precious jewellery based on your sister’s style statement. Watches and bags are great gifts too, and you get great options for every budget.

Colour blocking

Yup, colour blocking was still around this season, appearing on dresses, separates and even swimwear.

Below: Bric a block tunic dress from French Connection

What’s in store: This trend is likely to continue into AW 2012-13, though with darker tones and stronger contrasts.

Tropical prints

Call them abstract florals or forest prints- the tropics have been spotted on ramps and high street recently.

Below: Skirt from Zara

What’s in store: Wait till next year for them to make an exit. (Or not!)

Trend misses- made it on the ramps, but not on high street

Sporty casual wear

Almost every fashion magazine wrote about sports-influenced separates and managed to put together editorial shoots based on the sports theme. While sportswear brands like Puma, Reebok and casual brands like Levi’s and Energie may have had the right separates for the look, most of high street missed out on this.

Below: Women’s Move long graphic tank top from Puma

The twenties

The twenties were a high fashion trend this season (Gucci and Ralph Lauren). But flapper styles- drop waist dresses, straight silhouettes, neutral tones and jersey fabrics- were almost nowhere in the malls. Did you see anyone dressed remotely like a flapper?

Tribal influences

Tribal prints were seen in several high fashion collections such as Burberry, but they didn’t catch the fancy of the high street folks.

Autumn/Winter 2012-13 trend predictions:

Lace

Lace all over, lace inserts, lace detailing and even some kinky/ fetishtic looks with lace.

Below: Lace dress from Mango.

Prints

Tropical prints and abstract florals ruled over the pretty delicate florals of the past few summers. Expect head-to-toe prints coming season, especially Baroque styles.

What are your fashion predictions for A/W 2012?

Pleats and pastels

I had earlier written about pleats and pastels- and they clearly dominated the high street and fast fashion brands.

I went pastel-blind this season, from spotting gazillions soft colours- baby pink, light peach, lavender, soft green, turquoise… Pastels left their mark on every garment- blouses, denims, trousers, shorts, skirts, summer jackets. While I loved the colours, by the fag end my eyes were craving for some brightness. (Yeah- call me typical Indian!)

Below: Dress with fantasy shirt style collar from Zara

What’s in store: The coming season is likely to see some light hues as well, but mostly darker autumnal tones with some pops of colour.

Pleated skirts

Pleats were on skirts, skirts and some more skirts. I bought a pleated skirt too!

Below: Primrose stripe skirt from French Connection

What’s in store: Pleats are here to stay, ladies. So keep those skirts handy.

Skirts!

Speaking of skirts, they were the centre of attention this season, making an appearance in several styles and lengths, though the silhouettes remained soft. The hundreds of skirts I spotted this season were pleated, asymmetrical, striped or printed. They were maxi, mini and knee-length. BTW, I bought an asymmetrical black skirt and it’s super cute!

What’s in store: Skirts will stick around- but silhouettes will change. Think A-line and sixties.

Peplums

Peplums made an appearance on high street, the red carpet and on Kate Middleton, so they were taken seriously. But not too many fashion brands stocked these styles.

Below: Dress from Mango

What’s in store: They were on the international ramps this season, and they’re here to stay. Expect more high street peplum options this season.

Sheer

Sheer was all over the world this summer and not just on blouses, tunics and shirts. Even skirts went sheer, either halfway or completely.

What’s in store: Sheer inserts, hints of sheer on winter clothes.

Citrus colours

Corals, peaches, oranges and yellows were as popular as the pastels.

Below: Yellow dress from Nun (available on Jabong.com)

What’s in store: Autumnal colours with a pop of orange or yellow.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on some Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics’ brand-new Emotional Brilliance colour range. This range consists of lip colours, eyeliners and eye shadows, along with skin tints and a translucent powder. The pigments are named after emotions/ feelings like Independent, Fantasy, Passion etc. I tried the lip colours (they come in cute glass bottles which can recycled) and I love the way they don’t “feel” like a typical lipstick or lip gloss, they last long too. I also loved the Feeling Younger skin tint which brightens skin and can be used as an under eye concealer. I usually mix it with my moisturizer and spread evenly over my face and neck.

Available at Lush stores worldwide.

Pre-order: Powder Room

I discovered Powder Room: The Untold Story of Indian Fashion by Shefalee Vasudev on Flipkart recently, and was fascinated by the summary. Written by a former fashion editor, it offers an inside view of Indian fashion through interviews with leading names in the industry, and “… [the book] mirrors how and why India does fashion.” I’ve booked my copy already.

Available for pre-order on Flipkart.com for Rs 399.

Talk about: Olympics fashion

Now that everyone’s talking about Olympics 2012, it’s time to brush up on Olympics fashion. So here goes: Stella McCartney did the British uniforms, while the Italian kits were designed by Emporio Armani (though Prada’s done the sailing team’s outfits).

And there was a very unsportsman-like controversy about Ralph Lauren’s uniforms for the American contingent- they were apparently made in China which caused quite a furore in the US of A. And a US senator wanted the uniforms to be burned! The official statement from Ralph Lauren doesn’t completely deny that the uniforms are not made in China or elsewhere. Outsourcing (in fashion and other industries) is a stark reality in the 21^st century, so why this pretense of patriotic outrage?

BTW, no one seems to know who’s created the Indian uniforms. Fingers crossed.

Retro eyes: Catty glares, luxury glasses

From affordable to luxury, there’s options for everyone looking to dress up their eyes. Get catty with Fastrack’s new Cat Eye sunglasses that are easy on the pocket. Or kiss your boring dailywear chashma goodbye, and get your hands on Chrome Hearts black and white rimmed eyewear. Their latest model comes with a .925 sterling silver Chrome Hearts “plus” motif. Never mind the price. It’s Rs 63,450.

Below: Fastrack Cat Eye sunglasses

Below: Chrome Hearts sight eyewear

Fastrack is available at leading Fastrack stores across India (Cat Eye sunglasses from Rs 1695 to 2095).

Chrome Hearts eyewear is available at leading opticians in Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore.

Shop: For your kids

Moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, if your kids aren’t spoilt for choice yet, they will be now! Kidology’s new collection is in stores, Tommy Hilfiger Childrenswear stores are opening all over, and Nee & Oink are now available at Atosa, Chamomile and Mal. So step into any shopping neighbourhood in Mumbai, open your wallet and watch your kids turn into fashionistas.

Below: Nee & Oink

What you need to do:

Answer this question in the comments box in 25 words or less:

Which is your favourite fashion brand on Jabong and why?

(Remember to mention your email address so that we can contact you).

Prize:

Gift voucher worth Rs 350 that can be used for shopping on Jabong.

About Jabong:

Jabong- the 24×7 online shopping portal- houses hundreds of brands, offering thousands of fashion and lifestyle products under various categories. While you take a look on the entire range of assorted collections of shoes, apparel, sports accessories, bags, jewellery, accessories, and more.

Rules:

1. Contest is open only to residents of India from July 20 to 22, 2012.
2. All contest entries to be less than 25 words. Participants must enter their valid email address (will not be shared or displayed) so that they can be contacted.
3. Winners will be decided by Speaking Chic and Jabong teams.

Every fashionista loves a makeover show. This time, celeb hairstylist Adhuna Akhtar, along with Osh Bhabani wield their styling tools to transform girls from across India. The women get a fab hair makeover and a new look in this six-part series. And they get to meet their fave Bollywood stars too.

BE BLUNT with Adhuna Akhtar will air every night, 10 pm starting July 16- only on TLC.

Buy: Batman tees

Batman fans are in for a double treat this week. First, The Dark Knight Rises releases this weekend, and second- exclusive Batman tees! French Connection’s limited edition range of Batman tees feature comic book illustrations that fan boys will love (sorry, girls- tees are for guys only).

Batman tees are available at select French Connection stores across India for Rs 1699. Limited stock available.

Look After: Your leather bag

A wet leather bag is never good news. Here’s what you can do to keep it looking as good as new in the monsoon:

• Pat your wet leather with a soft cloth.
• Let your bag dry out in a naturally dry place or air-conditioned room. Don’t leave it under direct sunlight!
• Invest in an appropriate cream or wax for your bag- choose one that actually “moisturizes” your accessory. Use it after the bag is completely dry.
• Store your leather bag in a cloth bag to protect it from dust and moisture. Do remember to air it once in a while.

(Tips from Hidesign).

Shop till you drop: 50-50 at Oberoi Mall

This Wednesday, Mumbai will head to Oberoi Mall for its bi-annual 50-50 sale. During this one-day-only offer, 50 brands at the suburban mall will offer FLAT 50% off on their merchandise. There’s fashion (Jack & Jones, Wills Lifestyle, Jashn), beauty, department stores (Lifestyle, Central) and even food counters participating!

50-50 sale is on Wednesday, July 18 only at Oberoi Mall, Goregaon.

Talk about: Superdry coming to India

Superdry is not a new dry cleaning service. It’s a casual wear brand with unique urban clothing that’s set to enter India in partnership with Reliance Brands. Superdry fuses design influences, from Japanese graphics and vintage Americana, with the values of British tailoring, and has got unmistakable branding. Superdry offers mostly casual wear- t-shirts, jeans, sweaters, joggers, shirts, rugby shirts, polo shirts as well as bags and accessories. They have a premium approach with vintage detailing, tailored fits and bespoke fabrics- so expect higher pricing than other casual and sports wear brands Jack & Jones, Levi’s, Puma, Adidas etc. BTW, celeb fans of Superdry include David Beckham and Zac Efron.

What are you planning to do this week?

This post gathers the most scandalous secrets shoes are privy to, and all the stories here are from real-life experiences narrated by real girls.

Wedges: At the mall

(Above: Steve Madden Manngo wedges)

Last month, I went shopping to a nearly-deserted department store, and headed to the trial room with some clothes. Just as I entered, the changing room next to mine got occupied too. Then I heard some very strange things. A scuffle, whispers- “Please..” and “Shhh…” Then I heard kissing, panting and jean zippers, moans… you know where I’m going with this. The couple in next room everything they could possibly do in that confined space, but I didn’t manage to try on the clothes. The amorous (presumably young) couple were still at it when I left the store 15 minutes later, empty-handed!

Classic pumps: In the conference room

(Above: Steve Madden Unityy shoes)

Soon after starting a new job, I attended a video conference with my company’s head office with my boss and Deepa from Finance. The IT newbie was struggling to set up the equipment in the conference room, and he went off to call the right guy to help with the display. Deepa used those minutes to let off some steam, badmouthing almost everyone in Finance. She knew the CFO from an earlier job, and complained about his alleged misdemeanors in funds management, what a b**** his wife was, and what a b****** he was. Finally, when she started with the nature of their married life, we heard a voice- “Deepa, let’s discuss the next quarter’s budget now.” The HO guys had heard everything! And I was the only one in the room who knew they were on-line, but hadn’t bothered to inform them.

Slip-ons/ Flats: In the college hostel

(Above: Steve Madden Serenite flats)

My college hostel was adjacent to a huge sports ground that hosted training sessions and inter-college matches. In our second year, an athletic guy from my group decided to try for the college football team. As luck would have it, he sprained his foot just before the try-outs, and pleaded for a second chance. But the coach wouldn’t relent. We knew he was in an awful mood about that, and we all went to console him one evening. After guzzling a couple beers from the secret stash, he insisted we all step out for fresh air, leading us to the football field. He then went completely berserk. Hobbling on his one good leg to the across the ground, he reached the goal post, turned around, unzipped and peed right there! The boys cheered him on, while we girls giggled nervously. Luckily, no one spotted him or us.

Sexy heels: At a party

(Above: Steve Madden Parrty shoes)

I was at a happening party last month hosted by a close friend. Everyone was on the dance floor, letting their hair down, and enjoying the music and steady flow of alcohol. An hour into the party, my friends and I took a break, and found some chairs near the dance floor. While checking out the crowd, I noticed a young woman dancing with a guy not too far away from us. They were hugging, canoodling, kissing, the works… The woman was someone I knew slightly, so I found it strange that her husband seemed to have grown taller and broader. Then I spotted the husband at the other end of the dance floor. Confused, I looked back and forth, till I realized that this lady was making out with her husband’s friend! Meanwhile, the husband had his arms around another woman. I was more shocked than hung over next morning!

What scandalous secrets have your shoes seen or heard? Read more such secrets and share your own at Steve Madden’s Red Shoe Soiree.

You know the fashion, now it’s time to get the look. Using Speaking Chic’s introduction to Cocktail fashion, shop for Cocktail-inspired fashion on Myntra.com. As the official online shopping partner of the movie, the dedicated Cocktail section features clothes and accessories inspired by three lead characters. Check out the dresses, hot pants, prints and play suits for women. For guys, there are plaid shorts, shirts, blazers, casual jackets and aviator sunglasses.

Watch: Jhalak Dikhla Ja

True, Jhalak Dikhla Ja is not the kind of show a fashion blog would recommend. But the judges’ wardrobe is a fashion treat. Madhuri Dixit’s experimental saris and sari gowns by designers like Gaurav Gupta are a must-watch, along with her anarkalis.  Karan Johar is quite the fashion star too, wearing sharp jackets and blazers with interesting detailing (zips, embellished lapels). He’s being dressed by Shiraz Siddique.

Jhalak Dikhla Ja airs on Colors, Sat-Sun 9 pm.

Try and buy: Zovi

If you hesitate to buy clothes online because you’re not sure they will fit, try shopping on Zovi.com. The Zovi Eye feature is a virtual trial room, and is a webcam application that lets you view yourself in an outfit of your choice. And if the right shoe size is as elusive as the Indian tiger, the website’s “Try N Buy” is just what you need. It’s simple- try on the shoes you ordered at time of delivery, and return them if they don’t fit correctly.

PS- Try out the Zovi Eye feature here.

Grab cult flip-flops: Havaianas

Havaianas are now available in India! With their secret rubber formula, these colorful flip-flops are soft, light, durable and super comfy. I wonder how many Indians would want to spend Rs 790-3800 on chappals, but since the brand is almost a cult, I guess there should be some takers.

Shop for Havaianas at Vama, Mumbai or The Beach Company.

Block your dates: LFW W/F 2012

Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012 is less than a month away. So block your calendar from August 3 to 7 to get a taste of the upcoming festive season’s trends and collections. This season, Kallol Dutta and Pankaj-Nidhi will close the five-day event, while several leading and emerging designers will present their collections. Some shows to look forward to: Wendell Rodricks, Ritu Beri, Pallavi Jaikishen and Drashta.

How did you relate the characters in Cocktail to their costumes and looks in the film?

Each character in Cocktail is different from the other, so it was easy to relate Veronica, Meera and Gautam’s personalities with their looks. Veronica (Deepika Padukone) is very fashion forward, mixing high street fashion with designer wear. Meera, being a middle-class girl from Delhi, is more conservative in her dressing- so she will keep her arms and legs covered as much as possible. Gautam is a well-off young guy with a casual approach to life and fashion.

(To read more about their looks, read An introduction to Cocktail style).

The film has a very international look- featuring trends like nautical stripes, shorts and prints. How did you achieve that?

I work with a great young team- especially Ayesha Dasgupta, who has also dressed the supporting cast. Besides that, I spent time looking at how people dressed across the word, observing people and street style and recording memories and nightmares! I sourced for the movie in London and had brainstorming sessions with the director and producer. We discussed who the characters were, where they came from, what they did… even if it wasn’t part of the movie. My intention was to get the costumes right for the film.

What are the key fashion trends in Cocktail that fashion lovers and fans could try?

The top trend is montone- wearing the same colour from head to toe. For instance, Deepika wears a green t-shirt and shorts with matching accessories in the movie.

Also, there are new ways of layering to try out- like belts over cardigans and shirts. And then there’s the return to the classics, such trench coats, and pairing tees with shorts.

Then there is mixing of high street and luxury, deconstructed (oversized) t-shirts rather than figure hugging, and stacked accessories for women.

What are some of the fashion brands you have used to dress Deepika, Diana and Saif in Cocktail?

I’ve done a lot of high street shopping for the movie, along with some luxury brands. You will see Topshop, French Connection, All Saints, River Island, Pull & Bear and Zara, among others. As for the high fashion brands, there’s a patent pink bag from Chanel, sunglasses from Dior (for Deepika and Saif), Burberry trench coat and bag (for Saif), and an Hermes scarf. Diana’s character carries a Tod’s bag, and Amrapali Jewels are very important to her character.

Which are your favourite looks from the movie?

My favourite is Deepika’s poster look- sequined skirt (All Saints), with t-shirt, Dior sunglasses and flat sandals with feather. Among Saif’s looks, I love the t-shirt-blazer-jeans combo and unusual colour combinations like mauve and grey. As for Diana, her pink salwar kameez is gorgeous- love it!

What should a fashion lover look out for while watching the movie?

The list is endless, but here goes anyway… The Burberry leather jacket, Pucci scarf that Deepika ties in her hair, Monet jewellery, and the Anya Hindmarch bag. The brands are a subtle mix just like the title of the movie.

Reader question- How can I stay on top of fashion trends, yet look different from the rest?

You must dress for yourself, and don’t copy movie star looks. You can individualise trends you like, such as layering. Choose a belt to layer over a cardigan, but it can be any cardigan, not necessarily the one you spotted in a movie or on a celeb.

Reader question- You are fashion director at Vogue India, celeb and movie stylist and a mom of two kids. How do you manage to multi task so well?

I don’t know the answer to that! I think good time management helps, stick to deadlines and have people respect your time as well. I think what makes it easy for me is that I love everything I do.

Cocktail releases July 13, 2012.