LFW W/F 2012 Preview: Archana Kochhar
Collection theme: Retro
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!
Chic Guide: Top 5 things to do this week (July 30-Aug 5)
Follow: Lakme Fashion Week Winter/ Festive 2012
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.
Trend repeats- from earlier seasons
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?
Spring/Summer 2012 was all about being feminine, girly and cute- the colours (pastels), textures (chiffon and lace) and pretty prints- bows and butterflies. Here’s my take on where the SS 12 trends will be heading next season.
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.
Chic Guide: Top 5 things to do this week
Buy: Lush Color Cosmetics
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 21st 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
Chic Contest: Win a Jabong gift voucher!
Hey readers! Here’s one more reason to shop online- a gift voucher from Jabong.com is up for grabs.
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:
- Contest is open only to residents of India from July 20 to 22, 2012.
- 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.
- Winners will be decided by Speaking Chic and Jabong teams.
Chic Guide: Top 5 things to do this week
Watch: BE BLUNT with Adhuna Akhtar
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?
Speaking Chic 