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Fashion Lite Blogs

JJ Valaya’s Bridge-to-Luxury Collection Shines

Valaya said that this collection is his homage to the “bygone era” of opulence and global influences…reports Asian Lite News

Veteran fashion designer JJ Valaya gave a luxurious spin to sustainable fashion for his latest collection from his bridge-to-luxury brand JJ Valaya Kapurthala at the Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI.

Valaya partnered with R|Elan for the show on the second day of the fashion week, which celebrates sustainability.

The collection, which represented harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation, was made out of eco-friendly fabrics such as R|Elan Green Gold, made out of 100 per cent recycled PET bottles and innovative techniques such as Kooltex, promising style and sustainability.

Valaya’s collection christened “Char” meaning “four” was loosely inspired from the travelogues of Maharaja Jagjit Singh of Kapurthala.

Valaya said that this collection is his homage to the “bygone era” of opulence and global influences.

Talking about his collection, the stalwart, who has been with the industry for over three decades, said: “It is more accessible, lighter, wearable and to get something out which a lot more people can wear, that’s the ethos.”

“It is always a privilege to be a part of a movement… Sustainability is the way to go. I was kind of surprised to see the kind of fabrics I saw because for something that lands up in all the wrong places and to make it into a yarn and spin it into a fabric is so versatile. Frankly, I was so surprised. I did not expect it to be so luxurious.”

On how long it took to make the collection, Valaya said the inspiration was well in place but implementation took place in the “last two months”.

“Getting the fabric, developing new ones, finding the right kind of work. But I am glad we could put it together timely,” he said about the occasion wear collection, featuring sarees, kurta-pyjamas, lehengas, gala bandhs, skirts, kaftaans, free flowing dresses and mesh cover ups with monokinis, all in the shades of beige, bronze, greys, blacks and ivory.

The show too saw a tad bit of star power.

Actress Rasika Dugal, Kubbra Sait and Sushant Divgikar were seen attending Valaya’s show donning his creation.

ALSO READ-Kriti Sanon Embraces ‘Stress-Free’ Ramp Walk

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Sohaya Mishra’s Tea-inspired Collection Wows LFW

Neha was chosen to close the show for Chola. Before she made her way, though, she was joined by her friends Konkona and the designer for a mock tea party on the runway…reports Asian Lite News

Neha Dhupia and Konkona Sen Sharma joined designer Sohaya Mishra for a tea party while showcasing her latest collection in collaboration with Tea Culture of The World on the second day of Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI.

Konkana opened the show that featuring structured silhouettes such as jumpsuits, anti-fit dresses, and pantsuits.

An array of shades, from black and grey to salmon, mauve, pink, olive, and olive green, livened the colour palette of the collection made from linen, cotton, denim, and ikkat.

Though it was a tea party, keeping in mind the collaboration, the music picked for the models to walk on was carefully curated.

Jazz numbers such as ‘Cinnamon Girl’, ‘Upside Down’, ‘I Want to Make Love to You’ and ‘All That Jazz’ played as models and the Bollywood personalities sashayed down the runway.

Neha was chosen to close the show for Chola. Before she made her way, though, she was joined by her friends Konkona and the designer for a mock tea party on the runway.

Talking about her collection, the Chola designer said: “The whole thing was about the culture of tea. When women sit around and talk to each other, it is almost like therapy, where you give the power and opportunity to make each other unapologetic.”

Mishra said Neha and Konkona, both of whom are known in the industry for their strong personalities, “made the show”.

Konkona said she feels good wearing the label, Chola. She revealed that it is one label that she owns some pieces of. She called it “unconventional”.

Neha added that her relationship with the designer goes back by more than 15 years and shared that the first piece Mishra designed for her is with her even today.

“Anything she puts together, there is a lot of clarity and is aesthetic. She’s not out there to prove anything to anyone and I feel like her craft talks. She never gets one stitch or one button wrong,” Neha said.

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Kriti Sanon Embraces ‘Stress-Free’ Ramp Walk

The collection comprised of joggers, bomber jackets and crop tops that blended retro fashion in vibrant colours…reports Asian Lite News

Kriti Sanon, who started her career as a model, said on Friday that she had the most “stress-free” walk at the LFW x FDCI because she got to walk in sneakers.

Sanon was the showstopper at a sportwear brand’s fashion event on Day 3 and made head turn as she strutted flawlessly.

“First, it feels amazing to walk the ramp in sneakers and not heels,” she said. “This is the most stress-free walk I have had on a ramp but other than that I feel amazing. It is such a wonderful collection and I love it.”

The collection comprised of joggers, bomber jackets and crop tops that blended retro fashion in vibrant colours.

Sanon expressed her love for athleisure. She said: “I am personally a lover of athletisure and when it comes with a twist, then it becomes street wear and cool. It is very much my vibe.”

She added: “It was amazing to walk in this dress because it fits me like a glove and I felt like if I should suck my stomach in.”

Before her debut in 2014 with the TIger Shroff-starrer ‘Heropanti’, Kriti was a model, so returning on the runway was like a homecoming for her.

“I have been a model here. It’s always nostalgic to be here. It feels nostalgic to meet my friends whom I worked with when I was a model. It is nostalgic, and fun,” she said.

On the work front, Sanon will be seen on ‘The Crew’, which also stars Kareena Kapoor Khan and Tabu.

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Bollywood Fashion Lite Blogs

Shanaya Kapoor Stuns as Showstopper for Anamika Khanna

Khanna’s collection, which brought the curtains down on day 3, was in association with Ajio Luxe…reports Asian Lite News

Bollywood actor Sanjay Kapoor’s daughter Shanaya turned showstopper for ace fashion designer Anamika Khanna’s AK-OK Spring Summer ’24 collection at the Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI.

Sharing about walking the ramp for Khanna, Shanaya told reporters: “It feels very special. When I got styled for the first time in my life it was an Anamika Khanna outfit and I started with these combat boots and I felt so myself. So, finally walking for her for the AK-OK collection means a lot.”

“The embroidery is inspired by the biker vibe. The hair and make-up has been kept super grungy and carefree. Had a good time,” Shanaya added.

Khanna’s collection, which brought the curtains down on day 3, was in association with Ajio Luxe.

The designer took her inspiration from the intrepid spirit of a nomadic biker from Orissa’s Bonda Tribe. With Bonda colours, motifs and embroideries playing a stunning factor in the collection.

The garments were a collection of jackets, slouchy pants, drapes, and kaftans in whites, ivories, and blacks, expanding over to a range of prints and bolder colours like red and pink.

The designer combined thick thread work embroidery inspired by biker studs to reinvent the idea of urban wear.

Talking about the showstopper outfit, Khanna said: “This was the most fun thing I did in a long time. I mentioned to Shanaya that it’s about somebody from the tribe becoming this biker and going into the city and having fun.”

“This look that she is wearing is actually inspired from the tribe and then the biker element to it which we derived from all the studs that you see.”

ALSO READ-Kalki Koechlin Talks Female Gaze

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Kalki Koechlin Talks Female Gaze

Kalki said: “Of course, and it’s about time and most of the directors I have worked with in the last 6-7 years have been women and it is a different perspective and we have stories to tell.”…reports Asian Lite News

National Award-winning actress Kalki Koechlin revealed how she wants to be remembered 10 years down the line.

Kalki, who turned showstopper for the label Aikeyah at the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI on day 3, talked to IANS on the sidelines of the event.

Asked how the actress wants to be remembered 10 years from today, pat came the reply from Kalki, who said: “Relevant”.

In her 15 years long journey in Hindi cinema, Kalki has worked with female directors such as Zoya Akhtar, Anu Menon, Konkona Sen Sharma and Meghana Gulzar.

Does she believe that there is a “female gaze”?

Kalki said: “Of course, and it’s about time and most of the directors I have worked with in the last 6-7 years have been women and it is a different perspective and we have stories to tell.”

The 40-year-old actress, who made her Hindi film debut in the black comedy-drama ‘Dev.D’ in 2009, shared details about her fashion sensibilities.

“I’m really into sustainable clothing in my personal life more. I’d rather spend that extra money in something of quality, and I also love my second-hand vintage upcycled market.”

The actress said she tries to keep it simple.

“I do try to keep it simple in my daily life because I do so much in my work.”

Kalki does not agree with what many feel is that expensive means fashionable.

“I think you can find incredible stuff in second-hand and vintage stores and local markets. But yes there is a price to pay for good quality,” she said.

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Janhvi Advocates for Indian Wear and Sustainable Fashion

Kapoor’s commitment to sustainability was evident as she voiced her appreciation for Kalki’s craftsmanship and the artisans behind their creations…reports Asian Lite News

Renowned Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor graced the ramp as the showstopper for the label Kalki at the Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI, showcasing her love for Indian wear and advocating for sustainable fashion.

Expressing her fondness for Indian attire, Kapoor emphasized its simplicity and grace, labeling it as the “most beautiful piece of clothing” one can don. Her sentiments resonated as she elegantly strutted the runway in a fish-cut lehenga adorned with crystals, tassels, and floral motifs, embodying the ethereal essence of the label’s collection titled “Inara.”

In an exclusive interview, Kapoor shared her fashion philosophy, highlighting her preference for style infused with comfort. Despite her celebrity status, she emphasized that one need not splurge on expensive garments to achieve a stylish look, asserting that it’s the art of styling that truly defines fashion.

Kapoor’s commitment to sustainability was evident as she voiced her appreciation for Kalki’s craftsmanship and the artisans behind their creations. She acknowledged the “labour of love” invested by artisans, emphasizing the importance of supporting sustainable practices in the fashion industry.

The actress, known for her versatility on and off the screen, expressed excitement for her upcoming projects, including “Mr & Mrs Mahi” and “Ulajh,” as well as her Telugu debut in the Jr NTR-starrer ‘Devara: Part 1”.

Joining Kapoor on the runway was actor Aditya Roy Kapur, who exuded charm in Kalki’s men’s wear collection. Donning an achakan with crystals paired with well-tailored pants and a shirt, Kapur exemplified the label’s modern Indian aesthetic.

Reflecting on the experience, Kapur expressed delight in walking alongside Kapoor, describing it as a “fun experience” while acknowledging the mesmerizing allure of Kalki’s INARA collection.

As Janhvi Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur added sparkle to Indian wear at the Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI, their collaboration with Kalki not only showcased exquisite designs but also advocated for sustainable and stylish fashion choices.

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Ananya Panday Radiates Glamour at LFW

Ananya said: “It feels great. This is the most fun I had walking on a ramp. I felt very easy and edgy walking. It was so much fun.”..reports Asian Lite News

It was all about glamour, fashion and star power at the grand finale of the fiver-day-long Lakme Fashion Week, where Ananya Panday brought the curtains down, as she walked the runway for renowned designer Rahul Mishra.

On Sunday night, in the grand finale of the show, Mishra showcased a range of stunning ensembles from the AFEW collection christened ‘Sculpt’, where he drew his inspiration from the designer’s forever muse nature.

AFEW stands for the four elements — Air, fire, earth, and water.

“This was my show in Bombay after almost 6-7 years, so it was like homecoming… When we look at the whole exercise it was fun even at the studio. Everyone worked day and night for this collection,” Rahul said.

Mishra turned sculptor as he elevated via Aari embroidery, hand sculpting, cutwork and patchwork. His garments took the limelight, but his showstopper Ananya Panday too looked stunning as she walked the ramp, with her parents Chunky Pandey and Bhavna Pandey cheered for her from the front row.

Ananya said: “It feels great. This is the most fun I had walking on a ramp. I felt very easy and edgy walking. It was so much fun.”

For Ananya, Mishra chose a black tube dress with flower patchwork on the side and a drizzle of sparkle. For the make-up, the actress went for a very “sculpted” look with the House Of Lakme. She completed her style with a sleek ponytail.

The actress added: “My favourite thing about Rahul’s work is that it’s inspired by nature. He knows anyone feels beautiful, the way his garments fit our bodies it almost feels it was made for us. I love that you bring awareness while portraying such beautiful collections.”

The grand finale was a star-studded affair as several celebrities such as Vijay Varma, Ali Fazal, Richa Chadha, Orry and Gulshan Grover, among many others were seen sitting on the front row.

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Arts & Culture Lite Blogs

Chandigarh’s First CIFF: A New Era for Regional Cinema

Talk to her about the challenges synonymous with the debut edition of any major film festival, and she opines that most existing ones already have an audience while they will need to “build” one…reports Sukant Deepak

 Even as Chandigarh gets set to host its first-ever international film festival, Cinevesture International Film Festival (CIFF), its Artistic Director, Beena Paul is optimistic that the event, besides introducing the audiences to some of the best in Indian and world cinema, will give a major push to filmmaking in the region — Punjabi, Haryanvi and Pahari.

“This is considering that CIFF Market will be bringing together filmmakers who need funds with potential producers. There will be masterclasses, producer meets and platforms to understand the Indian cinema market,” she tells.

A pass-out of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Beena Paul, a major film editor is the recipient of two National Film Awards and three Kerala State Film Awards. Besides, she has held several positions including the artistic director of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) and the vice chairperson of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy.

Stressing that Chandigarh was chosen after much deliberation considering its strategic location, she adds, “The urban towns in India are the ones that are growing, and one can witness a hunger for cutting-edge events there. We wanted to find a place slightly ‘more’ than Delhi, Mumbai and Goa.”

Talk to her about the challenges synonymous with the debut edition of any major film festival, and she opines that most existing ones already have an audience while they will need to “build” one.

“So, we are showing films that are interesting and accessible and not full-blown art- house. The curation aims to make the viewer more curious.”

Stressing that film festivals are always instrumental in giving a push to new filmmakers who want to tell stories differently, she cites the example of Malayalam cinema.

“I give immense credit to the IFFK, which exposed young filmmakers to movies that were not Bollywood or Hollywood. Young filmmakers realised that a film could be treated in several diverse ways, and that it was perfectly alright to follow one’s peculiar vision,” says Beena Paul, who apart from editing over 50 documentaries and feature films has also directed four documentaries.

For someone who was instrumental in shaping IFFK right from its inception and was its Artistic Director for more than two decades, not to mention the head of programmes at the International Film Festival of India for three years and curating its 50th edition in Goa, smiles, “Yes, building IFFK was tough and there were many challenges. But I look back at it with wonder as we had so much courage.”

In February 2017, Beena Paul co-founded the Women in Cinema Collective, India’s first association that aims to work towards equal opportunity and dignity of women employees in the film industry.

She says before that there was no thought about how women would fend in the industry.

“Individually, we all have suffered and put up good fights, but yes this collective has been good for women working in the industry,” she feels.

While OTT platforms may have introduced everyone to different cinemas of India, she feels most platforms are uncurated.

“Suppose I want to see the works of a particular director… Mubi is an exception.”

As she gets set to bring 85 films from across the country and the world to Chandigarh, she stresses, “We have paid special attention to the Children’s section, and it is completely different from what they see on television. I feel it is extremely important that they are exposed to good cinema from a young age.”

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Arts & Culture

Art Alive Gallery Presents ‘Contours of Continuum

The ethereal compositions transport us to an endless and fluid landscape where we are invited to lose ourselves in contemplation…reports Asian Lite News

Art Alive Gallery in the capital is set to present ‘Contours of Continuum’, a solo show exhibiting paintings by Mumbai-based Yashwant Deshmukh from March 15 to April 5. Deshmukh is a contemporary Indian artist known for his contemplative style depicting the lack of movement or the stillness of space.

His abstract and meditative style heavily relies on symbolism and functions as a bridge between the material and the spiritual. At his latest exhibition in Art Alive, the artist invites viewers into a world of otherworldly serenity. In this realm, the boundaries between form and space dissolve, and objects take on a mystical significance as conduits for metaphysical exploration.

The ethereal compositions transport us to an endless and fluid landscape where we are invited to lose ourselves in contemplation.

Through his use of colours, textures, and arrangement, Deshmukh delves into the intricate relationship between memory, perception, and intuition, provoking the viewer to reflect on the very essence of existence. He captures the delicate nuances of life and evokes a commanding presence that impels viewers to immerse themselves in the alluring harmony of ordinary moments.

Everyday objects become the lead actors in a tranquil dance, melding their outlines with the boundless void of negative space. Every stroke of the brush is a meditation, every coat of paint a hushed secret, as Deshmukh unravels the enigma of stillness.

The artist shared: “In my work over the last two decades, I have explored the interrelation between form and space. My visual language constitutes a deeply layered palette composed of objects that are often considered mundane, rendered in speculative forms that capture their visual patterns, ambience and atmosphere. I am excited to show these works in the Capital.”

Premjish Achari, the curator added: “Through his use of colours and intricate textures, Deshmukh infuses his pieces with a palpable sense of energy and vitality. The objects in his paintings seem almost alive, their contours pulsating with movement and emotion. With an impeccable eye for detail, he captures the subtle nuances of everyday life and elevates them to a place of profound significance. It is as if every object holds within it the potential to unravel the mysteries of reality, woven together by the ether itself. Each piece serves as a powerful reminder that even amid the chaos, there exists a serene stillness that can be found by simply pausing and appreciating the world around us.”

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Holi with a Culinary Twist

As we draw closer to another year of Holi festivities, let’s scramble our dishes and show off our culinary skills once again. To make this festival of love, colour, and spring even more memorable, Here are some delectable treats from experts to help you celebrate.

Thandai Custard | By Kush Koli, Head Chef, SAGA, Gurugram

Ingredients for the base:

2 cups Parle G

5 tbsp melted butter

For the custard mix:

4tbsp custard powder

3 cup milk

4 tbsp sugar

3 tbsp Thandai powder

1 tbsp Gulkand

3 tbsp Chopped dates 

Method:

Crush down the cookies add melted butter to the crushed biscuits and make sure all the crumbs are well coated with butter.

In a mason jar, layer the cookie mix at the bottom, pat the mixture with a spoon, and refrigerate the jars for 10-15 minutes.

In a small bowl combine custard powder and ¾ cup milk. In a saucepan over medium heat add 1 and ¼ cup milk, Thandai powder, Gulkand, and sugar. Bring this to a slight boil and then pour in the custard mixture into the saucepan. Keep whisking till the mixture comes to a boil and becomes thick. Let the custard cool down at room temperature & cover it with a lid.

Once cooled, pour it into the prepared jars and layered with chopped dates. 

Thandai Cupcake | By Shreya Kumari, Pastry Chef, Nush Mush, Gurugram

Ingredients for cupcake:

2/3 cup Condensed Milk

1/4 cup Castor Sugar

1/3 cup Unsalted Butter melted

1/3 cup Milk

1.5 tbsp Thandai Powder

1 cup All-Purpose Flour

½ tbsp Baking Powder

½ tbsp Baking Soda

For frosting: 

Heavy Whipping Cream – ½ cup

Thandai Powder – 1 tbsp

Method:

Preheat oven to 170°C.

In a large bowl, whisk condensed milk and castor sugar. Add melted butter to the mixture and whisk well for a minute.

In a small bowl, mix milk with Thandai powder until there are no lumps. Add milk to the condensed milk mixture.

Sieve all the dry ingredients, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients.

Pipe the batter into a cupcake mold and bake at 170°C for 15 to 18 minutes. 

Meanwhile, whisk cold heavy whipping cream with Thandai powder until soft peaks refrigerate it.

After the cupcakes have been cooled take the whipping cream in a piping bag and pipe it on top of the cupcakes. Finish it with sliced pistachios and enjoy!

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