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‘Blooms of Paradise’

The 'nature' of fashion(IANSLIFE)

For men, there were embroidered cropped kurtas with circular hemlines, along with jackets, double-breasted bundies and draped styles…reports Asian Lite News

Ace couturiers like Shyamal & Bhumika, national-award winner Nachiket Bharve, among others presented their latest creation on the final day of the Lakme Fashion Week in partnership with the FDCI.

Shyamal and Bhumika’s took inspiration from nature’s beauty, Indian history as well as traditions and ancient architecture like royal courts and museums to create their new line-up called the ‘Blooms of Paradise’.

Hand embroidery with antique finish metallic threads appeared amongst pearls, beads and multi-hued resham. Techniques like resham aari, silk-zardozi, metal thread peeta, knotting and sequinning were used along with beadwork, silk thread and crystals.

The duo chose handwoven raw silk, matka silk, sheer silk organza, tulle along with hand-dyed velvet in hues like English rose pink, muted ivory, deep powder blue and moved to emerald, dusty mint, orchid, pearl, cannoli-cream, olive to finally end with sage, sky, lunar grey and midnight blue.

For women, the designers offered ensembles like shararas, draped skirts with jackets, shift kurtas, capes over jumpsuits and lehengas with jackets. Silhouettes pointed to draped, flared, paneled lehengas, corsets, flouncy voluminous sleeves, off-shoulder accents, empire lines, dhoti pants, constructed saris and some trailing dupattas.

For men, there were embroidered cropped kurtas with circular hemlines, along with jackets, double-breasted bundies and draped styles.

Actress Yami Gautam walked as the showstopper, wearing a pastel, paneled, flared, lehenga, with floral motifs, paired with a shimmering, corset choli and tulle dupatta.

Barve, who recently made headlines for winning the National Award for costume designing in the movie “Tanhaji”, came up with his contemporary festival collection called Ephermera’.

Inspired by the “patterns of the ocean, tides on shores, along with meteor showers in the sky, blooms, sea anemones and tidal currents”, the couturier used of cutwork, thread embroidery, sequins work, appliques and beading to add texture to the ensembles.

Upcycled fabrics and trims from previous seasons we repurposed to create the collection. Air organza, silks, velvets and chiffons were used to form floor-length swirling gowns and capes, cocktail-wear lehengas, jumpsuits, separates and sari gowns.

The highlights of his show were the floor-sweeping ensemble with a off-shoulder bodice, and the sheer asymmetric cape with appliques work, over bralette and matching trousers. For men, Barve restricted the options to black, embroidered, bundie, buttonless jacket, kurta, sheer shirt, and trousers.

Huma Qureshi ended the show in great style wearing a dazzling, magenta, heavily, encrusted, embroidered lehenga and long-sleeved choli complemented with a matching, sheer, organza, ruffled, dupatta.

Day 5 of LFW x FDCI also saw Bollywood actors Shamita Shetty walk for designer Rina Dhaka, Alaya F for Nikita Mhaisalkar, Bhagyashree Patwardhan for Sanjukta Dutta.

Babil Irrfan Khan debuted on the ramp for menswear designer Pawan Sachdeva, while Mrunal Thakur walked for the grand finale for Rajesh Pratap Singh.

ALSO READ-LFW DAY 4: Perfect amalgamation of traditional and contemporary styles

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LFW DAY 4: Perfect amalgamation of traditional and contemporary styles

A tale of traditional and contemporary.(photo:IANSLIFE)

The collection especially curated for the Gen Z brides for their holiday wedding trousseau, included silhouettes that were anti-fit and oversized…writes Puja Gupta

The Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI on its Day 4 presented a perfect amalgamation of traditional wedding wear and contemporary styles. Labels like Gaurang, known for its ‘desi’ drapes rooted in Indian culture to modern design champions like Payal Singhal and Anushree Reddy, along with others, showcased their latest collection keeping in mind the Indian bride at the fashion extravanganza.

Gaurang Shah unveiled his collection ‘Sindoor’ inspired by the collection colours of the Earth, sky and fire. He launched 40 handwoven creations in a myriad combination of vermillion, which moved from ochre to crimson and then onto ruby and burgundy.

Gaurang used silk weaves like Kanjeevaram, Paithani, Banarasi brocades along with Kota, Uppada, Khadi and muslin. The outfits were embellished with Gara designs, Kasuti, Aari, Chikan and Kutch embroidery. He also used Bandhani, Shibori, patachitra, kalamkari and cheriyal paintings.

Actress Aditi Rao Hydari walked for him wearing a glittering, gold, brocade lehenga and matching choli accessorised with a vermillion, sheer dupatta splashed with delicate, floral embroidery.

Anushree Reddy’s “Mystic Fantasy” collection, inspired by the tales of royal travel, garments, is for the modern-day brides.

It consisted of voluminous silhouettes like embroidered lehengas with embellished cholis and dupattas brought glitz and glamour on the stage. She used silks and tulle to form most of the collection. The colour palate was a mix of pastels, soft peaches, pink and ivory with a little blend of yellow and lavender.

For grooms, she presented embellished sherwani/churidar sets with shawls, embroidered bundgala jackets, intricately embroidered bundies and stately kurtas.

Tennis star Sania Mirza closed the show wearing a white lehenga, choli and tulle dupatta with tonal ‘latkans’ cascading down the side.

The ‘SVA’ collection by Sonam and Paras Modi combined nature with a holiday when they stayed at the Nadesar Palace in Varanasi. The regal heritage location with its gushing fountains and colourful dancing peacocks inspired the pair to fuse visuals onto their ensembles.

Vibrant prints for the predominantly western fusion silhouettes formed the collection. Colours ranged from lush green, mint, midnight blue, off-white and rose gold pink.

The designers opted for Lucknowi embroidery and intricate applique work, which gave each garment a unique visual appeal to the capes, twin sets, separates with some mix and match options, as well as saris. The men’s wear collection offered a wide selection of knee length embroidered coats, kurtas, printed co-ord sets topped with sharply cut two-button jackets, bundies teamed with matching kurta/shirts and slim trousers, buttonless bundgala jackets and soft trench coat with shoulder epaulets.

Actor Kunal Kapoor was the showstopper who wore a trio in multi-coloured, vertical, broad stripes, comprising a mandarin collar shirt and fitted trousers, topped with an unstructured, wide-lapelled, trench coat with stylish epaulets.

Payal Singhal launched the “Painterly” collection which was a mix of resort wear and destination wedding-ready outfits. She took inspirations from colourful abstract art and Mughal miniature paintings to present them as her signature ‘PS Prints’.

The collection especially curated for the Gen Z brides for their holiday wedding trousseau, included silhouettes that were anti-fit and oversized.

A tale of traditional and contemporary.(photo:IANSLIFE)

It featured kalidar shararas, tie-back cholis, along with ‘deconstructed Indian wear’- pants with tie-up half lehengas, ruffled blouses, hip cut-outs and festive pant suits. The embroideries and prints mimic brush strokes, with a palette that uses largely neutral bases punctuated with pops of colour. Zardozi, mukaish and woollen thread work mingle with bandhani textures in this line.

For the male customers, Payal designed colourful, soft, short jackets with cuffed pants, unstructured jackets with matching trousers, a bomber jacket teamed with a kurta set, kurta shirts, an ornate bundie worn with shimmering kurta/churidar set and some simple traditional kurtas

Mouni Roy closed the show in a stunning off-white georgette zardozi applique embroidered choli and lehenga with mukaish organza dupatta with rose pink tulle veil.

ALSO READ-Black and white, the cleanest way to communicate

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Black and white, the cleanest way to communicate

A black and white language of fashion.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Over the past 30 years, the Indian fashion industry have revolutionised to make itself ‘conscious’ in different aspects…reports Puja Gupta

Veteran designer duo David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore have established a global fanbase who appreciate their fashion-forward yet understated designs. A few of their creations have been acquired by The Victoria & Albert Museum in London and are a permanent part of their archives.

What started from a humble home-studio in Delhi has now gained a strong foothold in the UK and European markets in a career spanning over three decades.

Speaking about their journey, they said: “It has been an enormous adventure. We began at a time when organised fashion retail for Indian designers barely existed.”

“The internet had not changed the reality of our lives. There was no e-commerce, no digital and social media. It has been tumultuous time but a period of constant learning and unlearning,” said the designers.

Over the past 30 years, the Indian fashion industry have revolutionised to make itself ‘conscious’ in different aspects.

Commenting on how the designer duo adapt themselves to fit in that space, they said: “In all these years, we have witnessed an ever-evolving ecosystem to which we have felt the need to respond to. As the idea around race, sexuality and gender changed, we felt a growing need to adapt to these times and come up with pieces, more androgynous and gender fluid in nature. Change is the only constant.”

They added: “A need to be more conscious towards the planet was also a stepping stone for us wherein we have created collections that are mindful of how we use raw material and produce lasting quality that reduces the need for fast fashion.”

However, their brand DNA, that is, the black and white design language, has remained true to them. They call it “the cleanest way to communicate”.

A black and white language of fashion.(Photo: IANSLIFE)

Abraham and Thakore advise the young lot of designers to “believe in yourself. Do not take shortcuts. Do not give up, just wait it out!

Adding: “Do not compromise with your true beliefs for quick gains. Be patient.”

The duo participated at the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI to launch their Autumn-Winter ’22 Collection called ‘Time Travel: Past, Present and Future’. The collection included their double ikat handwoven silk houndstooth saree in black and amla, acquired by the V&A Museum.

ALSO READ-Riddhima Kapoor Sahni to make LFW runway debut

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‘Beauty is what beauty does’ for Tara Sutaria

Tara Sutaria reveals her mantra for life.(photo:IANSLIFE)

To be honest with you, it is the very powerful women in my life– my twin sister, my grandmother and my mom…Tara speaks with Puja Gupta

Bollywood actress Tara Sutaria feels the three most powerful women in her life are – her twin sister, her grandmother and mother – who make her feel empowered.

She follows the life mantra her mother taught her while she was young ‘beauty is what beauty does’.

We spoke to the actress who turned showstopper at Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI for designer Aisha Rao. The actress sashayed the ramp wearing an embellished multi-coloured lehenga teamed with a matching, off-shoulder long-sleeved choli and a short, black, tulle, veil with floral embroidery. Read excerpts:

Do you like what you’re wearing? How do you relate to the brand’s ideology?

Tara: This wonderful lehenga is a marriage of the old and new, which I think Aisha does so beautifully. It has got wonderful colours and applique work on it. It speaks about art and architecture – two things that are very, very special to me in any case. So, it’s a wonderful collaboration.

What is your style mantra?

Tara: Well, I think my life mantra would be a phrase my mom used to tell me when I was much younger. It’s ‘beauty is as beauty does’.

Who’s your style icon?

Tara: Elizabeth Taylor.

What’s your beauty secret?

Tara: I do have good genes, thanks to my parents. But I don’t really think I have a beauty secret. I think just be yourself and don’t be so scared.

What makes you feel empowered?

Tara: To be honest with you, it is the very powerful women in my life– my twin sister, my grandmother and my mom.

What are your thoughts on sustainable fashion?

Tara: It is so important to have a great conversation especially on a platform like Lakme Fashion Week and it has created this beautiful outfit and so many other outfits in Aisha’s collection. I’m sure in other designers feel its important to talk about it.

Tell us about your upcoming projects.

Tara: I am beginning to do my next project, which is my first solo lead film. It’s called ‘Apoorva’, and I’m very, very excited. It’s a story about survival and a woman’s strength.

ALSO READ-Veteran designer Anamika Khanna kick-starts LFW

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Veteran designer Anamika Khanna kick-starts LFW

LFW X FDCI opens with riot of colours, prints

Khanna has used intricate handloom techniques like Shibori and 3D embroidery, to digital abstract and floral prints in fabrics like silks, satins, denims and chiffon…reports Asian Lite News

Veteran designer Anamika Khanna kick-started the Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI 2022 with a line of chic women’s clothing under the pret label AK-OK. She also launched her men’s wear collection at the event held at the Fountain of Joy at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai, on Tuesday evening.

The show marked the return to an entirely physical, season-fluid edition of Lakme Fashion Week in partnership with Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI).

Anamika Khanna’s new collection

To the foot-tapping music by DJ Kayan, Anamika presented her collection which was a melange of prints, textures, and even contrasts. It comprised of crisp whites in form of draped dresses, pyjama sets, jacket, and the quintessentially timeless white kurta for men. It also included a range of loungewear, jackets, bombers, joggers, ripped palazzos, co-ords, and even body suits.

Khanna has used intricate handloom techniques like Shibori and 3D embroidery, to digital abstract and floral prints in fabrics like silks, satins, denims and chiffon.

Khanna, who believes in “everything is and will be AK-OK”, revealed that her AK-OK story began at home and went on to travel the whimsical, yet relaxed road, making a journey if its own.

Khanna launched her men’s wear collection

The show was attended by who’s who of the Bollywood and fashion industry like actors Anil Kapoor, Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi, Patralekha, Shibani Dandekar, Sona Mohapatra and designer Manish Malhotra, among others.

FDCI Designer Stockroom all set to come to Mumbai

The FDCI Designer Stockroom is poised to arrive in Mumbai with the forthcoming edition of FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week at the Jio World Convention Centre after making a successful return to a fully physical format in Delhi earlier this year.

The Designer Stockroom is one of the most eagerly awaited sales of the industry.

The FDCI Designer Stockroom was established to help designers organise a sale of their stock (old or new), and it has since worked to improve the Indian fashion industry. In its ninth season, the event will include over 50 designers from both well-known and emerging labels.

On October 16, the final day of the five-day fashion carnival, the FDCI Designer Stockroom will be open to the public from 11 AM to 6 PM at the JWCC’s “Showroom” section for shopping and discovering designers from all across the nation.

FDCI Designer Stockroom all set to come to Mumbai.(photo:IANSLIFE)

“The FDCI Designer Stockroom bridges the gap between the audiences and the design community by giving brands a platform to reach a diverse consumer base. The last on-ground edition saw a great turnout and we are all set to bring the sale to Mumbai this time. We are ecstatic for consumers to be able to connect with a wide range of businesses during the upcoming season of FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week,” said FDCI Chairman, Sunil Sethi.

ALSO READ-FDCI X Lakme Fashion opens with ‘The Enchanted Garden’

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Prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve comes to India

Nominated timepieces at Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve.(photo:IANSLIFE)

It is a unique platform for Indian watch aficionados to come face to face with the best of haute horology, and also for the participating watch brands to engage directly with India and Indian watch lovers…reports Asian Lite News

The prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG) was brought to India by Ethos Limited, India’s largest luxury watch retailer, with an exhibition of the finalists for the 2022 Awards.

On display in New Delhi on the 8th and 9th of October were 80 of the world’s most unique and exquisite timepieces competing for awards in 14 categories. Furthermore, the event provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Indian watch enthusiasts to meet renowned watch experts and brand leaders from around the world.

There were 14 nominated watches on display, including Ladies’, Ladies’ Complication, Men’s, Men’s Complication, Iconic, Tourbillion, Calendar & Astronomy, Mechanical Exception, Chronograph, Diver’s, Jewellery, Artistic Crafts, “Petite Aiguille,” and Challenge. The two-day event brought together watch experts, enthusiasts, and collectors to discuss the luxury watchmaking universe, its status, and future in India and around the world. The World of Watches- State of Affairs, Sustainability in Watch Making, Growth and Future of the Indian Market for Luxury Watches, Future of Personalisation in High-end Watchmaking, Independent Watchmakers and their contribution to Watchmaking Patrimony, and Watch Collecting- What Collectors Love and Why were all topics of discussion on both days.

Speaking on the occasion, Yashovardhan Saboo, Founder and Chairman of Ethos Watch Boutiques, said, “We are elated by the phenomenal response the GPHG exhibition in New Delhi has received. India is a fast-growing market and is destined to become one of the most important in the years ahead. It is also maturing quite steadily to understand and appreciate the emotion and savoir-faire of fine mechanical watch creation. Ethos has been at the forefront of this transformation, and we are indeed delighted and grateful that GPHG collaborated with us to bring the exhibition of the nominated watches of the awards of the 2022 edition here to New Delhi. It is a unique platform for Indian watch aficionados to come face to face with the best of haute horology, and also for the participating watch brands to engage directly with India and Indian watch lovers.”

Nominated timepieces at Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve.(photo:IANSLIFE)
Nominated timepieces at Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve.(photo:IANSLIFE)
Nominated timepieces at Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve.(photo:IANSLIFE)
Nominated timepieces at Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Talking about the GPHG, Mr. Raymond Loretan, President of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve Foundation, said “The GPHG is particularly grateful to be able to count on Ethos Watches once again to showcase the watchmaking creativity of 2022 in India, a promising market for the years to come. Our mission is the promotion of watchmaking in all its facets; the largest democracy in the world is a fertile ground for the development of its values of tradition, precision and innovation, and we sincerely hope that our presence here will arouse the interest of enthusiasts as well as encourage vocations among up-and-coming generations.”

ALSO READ-H&M India’s holiday collection ‘Brighter than ever’

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Rajesh Pratap Singh is set to make a return to Lakme Fashion Week

Rajesh Pratap Singh Grand Finale designer at LFW x FDCI.(PHOTO:Twitter)

Embodying the attributes of the Lakme Absolute Skin Dew Serum Foundation, the show will exude radiance and grace, drawing inspiration from the blend of skincare and beauty in this range.”…reports Asian Lite News

Internationally acclaimed, Indian designer Rajesh Pratap Singh is set to make a return to the physical runway for Lakme Absolute Grand Finale on day five of Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI.

His unique collection will showcase his perspective on traditional techniques reinterpreted in a contemporary language. Championing the trend statement of the season, #ReadyForACloseUp, the highly anticipated finale will celebrate iconic moments in the journey of the brand while having the Lakme Absolute Skin Dew Serum Foundation at the heart of it. Lakme’s muse and brand ambassador, Mrunal Thakur will be the show opener at the Lakme Absolute Grand Finale.

FDCI x LakmE Fashion Week announce designers and partners for the upcoming edition.(PHOTO:ianslife)

Designer Rajesh Pratap Singh said: “It is an absolute honor to be returning as the Lakme Absolute Grand Finale designer this season. Presenting a collection at LakmeFashion Week C FDCI has always been an incredibly special and memorable experience, and more so this year as we celebrate Lakme’s iconic journey in the country and its pioneering milestones along the way. This collection is my humble effort to marry a take on retro glam couture and soft glam makeup with Mrunal Thakur gracing the runway.

Embodying the attributes of the Lakme Absolute Skin Dew Serum Foundation, the show will exude radiance and grace, drawing inspiration from the blend of skincare and beauty in this range.”

Drawing a parallel from the way Lakme’s constant contemporisation of beauty through new trends and transformative innovations over the years, the show will bring to life its iconic journey and set the tone for a multitude of trend statements in the future. With a contemporary take on Indian classics, the collection will incorporate modern techniques in quintessential Indian couture such as sarees with structured jackets with a color palette spanning ivory, metallics, and blacks, with embellishments to top it off.

Building on the ‘skinification’ of makeup, the Lakme Absolute Skin Dew Serum Foundation is infused with the skin-loving goodness of Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide, for flawless-looking, dewy skin within and without. Ideal for Indian skin and available in 12 beautiful shades, the range promises buildable coverage with a long-lasting, comfortable matte finish that ensures utmost comfort and a flawless base.

Lakme Absolute Grand Finale and the showcasing designers, Sumati Mattu, Head of Innovations at Lakme said, “As we return to another season of Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI, the beauty trend statement this edition #ReadyForACloseup, brings to center stage the most important nuance of makeup with its Lakme Absolute Skin Dew Serum Foundation – a dewy, radiant, light-weight base powered by the skin-loving care of a serum.

“For the Lakme Absolute Grand Finale, we are excited to collaborate with celebrated designer Rajesh Pratap Singh, who is known for always pushing boundaries, pioneering trends, and reimagining fashion in its truest form, just like Lakme has reimagined beauty over the years. Rajesh’s signature clothing famously made with bespoke fabric and exquisite tailoring looks even more remarkable up close, making him the natural choice for the Lakme beauty trend #ReadyforaCloseup. This show will witness the iconic journey of Lakmeover an unforgettable evening.”

Makeup artist Daniel Bauer will conceptualize the makeup look for the show this season, complementing Lakme and Rajesh Pratap Singh. Commenting on the trend statement for the season, Daniel Bauer said, “I am thrilled to collaborate with Lakme once again at Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI, as the Lakme Absolute Grand Finale is one of the biggest creative platforms for makeup artists to showcase their art and vision.

FDCI X Lakmé Fashion Week to take place in October

“In 2022, we have observed that the dewy, no-makeup makeup look is one of the fastest growing trends globally, where ‘skin is in’. Lakme Absolute Skin Dew Serum Foundation is the ideal launch this season, as it accentuates the texture of the skin and focuses on the ‘skinification’ of makeup. It is always a pleasure to see Rajesh Pratap Singh’s magical vision come to life, I am excited to be a part of this creative union.”

ALSO READ-FDCI X Lakme Fashion opens with ‘The Enchanted Garden’

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Fashion Interview

‘Walk your worth’ : Women towards goals with confidence

Empowerment is learning to feel safe in your own skin: Nidhi Sunil.(photo:IANSLIFE)

To come back here and meet these amazing people makes me feel so warm and happy. Like I said, I draw inspiration from these women who are strong and powerful. It is truly wonderful…Indian supermodel with international fame, Nidhi Sunil speaks with Tanya Banon

L’Oreal Paris held its fifth iteration of “Le Defile L’Oreal Paris” in the centre of the global fashion industry. This year’s event, “Walk Your Worth,” was created to encourage all women, as well as the brand’s family of courageous spokespeople, to show up in the world without apology and to confidently go in the direction of their goals. The open outdoor runway show., which took place on October 2, 2022, was attended by more than 2,000 members of the general public and was held at the Ecole Militaire, a national landmark in the centre of Paris and a representation of French brilliance.

The Le Defile L’Oreal Paris, a made-in-Paris global gathering that honours sisterhood and empowerment, is back for its fifth iteration since 2021. Global icon Yseult, who appeared on the runway for the second year in a row, as well as empowered beauties Andie MacDowell, Eva Longoria, and Katherine Langford, delighted the audience with their recognisable charisma and confidence, served as the brand’s spokespeople. Lela Bekhti, Marie Bochet, Cindy Bruna, Gemma Chan, Nikolaj Coster Waldau, Luma Grothe, Liya Kebede, Aja Naomi King, Soo Joo Park, Camille Razat, Nidhi Sunil, and Bebe Vio Grandis were additional returning Le Defile spokespersons.

Indian supermodel with international fame, Nidhi Sunil, returning Le Defile spokesperson took out time to speak about the event and life as an international model.

How does it feel to be back at Le Defile L’Oreal Paris?

Nidhi: It’s always a surreal feeling to be back here, with my L’Oreal Paris family. I always look forward to reconnecting with empowered women here from across the world, to take back new memories.

What is different this year from past shows? What can the public expect?

Nidhi: This year, the theme of the show is ‘Walk your Worth’. This is a call for women to unapologetically show up in the world and walk towards their goals with confidence. This year, L’Oreal Paris will embrace the union between beauty and fashion, both accessible and aspirational. The show will exhibit the diversity and heritage of the fashion scene in Paris, along with products backed by scientific excellence, with consumers all over the world.

What does the show’s location, the Ecole Militaire, symbolize to you?

Nidhi: The Ecole Militaire is a historic site that was used to be dominated by men but today, it has a stronger presence of female students there. This sends out a very strong message of women empowerment across the masses. This place today is a milestone in this long struggle that women had to deal with over the years. However, this is just the beginning, and we still have miles to go.

How does it feel to be reunited with your fellow global spokespeople for this show?

Nidhi: To come back here and meet these amazing people makes me feel so warm and happy. Like I said, I draw inspiration from these women who are strong and powerful. It is truly wonderful.

What does walking in Le Defile L’Oreal Paris mean to you?

Nidhi: It is a chance for me to connect with so many amazing women that have been an inspiration for me. I believe it is so incredible to have so many women, who are doing wonderful things, all together in one place. I truly love how L’Oreal Paris manages to make this happen year after year. I have noticed that every time, I come back with so much inspiration and so many ideas about doing a lot of new things. It is just really nice to share the space with some of these strong and powerful women.

What does empowerment mean to you?

Nidhi: I feel empowerment is learning to feel safe in your own skin. We are breaking a lot of old social patterns and conditioning, especially as a woman, it is really interesting when you come to a place like the Le Defile because there are women here from all over the world, but we all have such specific patterns that have been put into our brains as children that we are all struggling to break. I have always noticed when I have broken one of those patterns, I feel very relaxed and comfortable in my own skin. I feel like myself. I believe empowerment is coming back to your true self.

Why is Stand Up Against Street Harassment such an integral part of Le Defile?

Nidhi: The Stand Up Against Street Harassment program is very close to my heart as I too have gone through it. I don’t think I know a single girl who has not gone through the same or has been protected from it. Your mothers are aware of that, and they try everything to make sure you don’t go through that but there is no protecting anyone from it. I have been groped in public. I have been catcalled and it doesn’t matter where I am – I have been catcalled in Bombay, Paris, and New York. It was always so traumatizing. I was always so stunned that I didn’t know how to respond.

But it is great to be equipped with how to respond to it for someone else and that is what the Stand Up Against Street Harassment program teaches you. It is about what you should do when you see someone being harassed because they are in a state of shock. It also educates you on how to de-escalate the situation and it was very useful. I had never thought of it from a bystander’s perspective. I didn’t know what to do and how to get involved as a bystander without getting into trouble or escalating the situation. I feel everyone should go through the program.

What look did you wear on the runway?

Nidhi: I wore a Giambattista Valli couture dress. It was a beautiful, red, enormous dress. I was very excited to be wearing the colour, as I love red. I love the designer. I am really excited about the outfit. And I got lucky, as I came in early and got to get my dress fitted earlier than everyone, I had a great time with it.

ALSO READ-‘Indian fashion industry provides critical insights into trends’

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H&M India’s holiday collection ‘Brighter than ever’

With an emphasis on electric hot pink, tones of purple and lilac, warm shades of reds and oranges, as well as strong statement sequins in gold and silver, the collection pieces radiate a lively and joyful colour palette…reports Asian Lite News

H&M India unveils its holiday collection, which includes western clothing and home goods, with an equally colourful and stylized advertising campaign. The third return of the brand’s holiday campaign, “Brighter Than Ever,” is a wholly new interpretation of the song that captures the progression of modern celebrations.

The brand has published immersive narratives about the common desire and hope to celebrate the way we used to with the launch of the inaugural Brighter Than Ever campaign in 2020. Even if the world may be returning to normal after two years, we feel more optimistic than ever about seemingly “regular” activities like games night with friends or a day at home with our family. With the help of the character of a mysteriously magical Liftman and with each character’s story arc meant to represent our own nuanced and personal preferences when it comes to making the holiday season special, the joyride of a film transports us to these prized personal versions of Brighter Than Ever.

Packed with magical realism, the film is set inside the artfully inspired universe of an old art-deco building’s manually operated elevator. The Liftman, played by actor Jim Sarbh, transports each character to their prized personal versions of Brighter Than Ever. He magically opens doorways to exactly what the passengers of his elevator are in search of. A young resident of the building who is setting base in a new city, played by actress Manushi Chhillar, is transported to the comfort and warmth she craves. A shy teenager, played by actress Chum Darang, is ferried to familiarity, while a fun-chasing influencer, played by actor and dancer Shantanu Maheshwari, is pulled into a very exclusive dance-party while the kids of the building are on the lookout for the next new adventure, and a party-loving couple, played by actress Isha Talwar and musician Zaeden, are surprised with an electrifying celebration.

With an emphasis on electric hot pink, tones of purple and lilac, warm shades of reds and oranges, as well as strong statement sequins in gold and silver, the collection pieces radiate a lively and joyful colour palette. The full holiday collection includes items for Women. It includes a selection of party-ready blazers, shirts, dresses, tops, skirts, slacks, and accessories that will make whoever is wearing them shine Brighter Than Ever.

“Each year we continue to build the ‘Brighter Than Ever’ offering, giving it a new narrative that resonates with the ever-evolving times we live in. A visual delight with an undercurrent of magic, we’re proud to associate with such a diverse and talented star cast for this year’s campaign. With the desire to create the best offering for our customers, we are driven to provide a wide range of festive wear across categories that are stylish yet designed for everyday wear at incredible price points.” says, says, Mr. Amit Kothari, Regional Head of Customer Activation & Marketing – H&M South Asia.

The H&M HOME items from this year’s holiday collection are entirely Made in India.

Starting on October 5, 2022, the collection will be sold in shops and online at www.hm.com and Myntra in India.

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PUMA opens largest flagship store in West India

All things fun, fashion, fitness, art, and expressive.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Kareena has been a longtime member of the PUMA family and consistently raises the bar for women’s stories with gorgeous brand images and audience-exclusive content…reports Asian Lite News

Sportswear company Puma opened its first experience store in Mumbai, which is the largest location in West India. Bollywood actor and Brand Ambassador Kareena Kapoor Khan attended the store opening.

The PUMA sleek new Linking Road store is slated to be a centre for all things fun, fashion, fitness, art, and expressive technology in keeping with the upscale vibe of its location. Modern amenities and photogenic areas on the two floors of the building beautifully mimic the tempo, excitement, and culture of Mumbai.

The Linking Road store will display the brand’s limited-edition international collaborations throughout the year for the city’s fashion-forward customers who love to keep up with premium style trends. The premium-feeling, dedicated parts of the immersive brand environment are there to meet the demands of men, women, and kids who are interested in sports and fitness.

The new Linking Road location has a strong sense of place and an unapologetically artistic attitude. A unique artwork on a central wall provides a contemporary homage to the constantly bustling Mumbai. Bold and futuristic, the artwork features the PUMA cat among the city’s notable attractions, like the Worli Sea Link, The Ambassador, a famous rotating restaurant on Marine Drive, and phrases like City of Dreams. Gautam Gajber, a visual and graphic artist from Mumbai, created the gritty mural specifically for the brand.

A Customisation Studio is a feature of the experiential store that carries the essence of art and culture even farther. With a cutting-edge customising machine that can print, paint, dye, embroider, and knit, customers can unleash their creativity and add unique touches to their PUMA sneakers, athleisure, and accessories, making the Linking Road store their go-to destination for all things sports and fashion.

Kareena Kapoor Khan, perused the new Autumn-Winter’22 collection and participated in interactive activities as she investigated the various sections of the store. Kareena has been a longtime member of the PUMA family and consistently raises the bar for women’s stories with gorgeous brand images and audience-exclusive content.

Commenting on the occasion, Kareena, said, “A massive experiential PUMA store in my neighbourhood… now that’s what I call exciting news! I’m looking forward to being a part of the launch of the brand’s largest store in West India and to try out the customisation feature to create personalized looks for my PUMA wardrobe. What I love most about the stores is the little details that give each one a unique vibe and the amazing personalised service that makes shopping there such a delightful experience!”

All things fun, fashion, fitness, art, and expressive.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Commenting on the launch of the store, Abhishek Ganguly, Managing Director, PUMA India and Southeast Asia said, “We are thrilled to take our sport-style retail strategy forward with yet another experiential store for our shoppers. With an aim to deeply engage with our customers offline, the multi-level Linking Road store is a milestone in our growth agenda for the region. The new art-inspired store is a testimony to PUMA’s commitment towards influences on culture. Actor, fitness enthusiast and our brand ambassador Kareena Kapoor Khan embodies this perfectly. We are confident that PUMA’s new store will be a hub for Mumbai’s fashion and cultural consumers.”

Popular content creators including actor Aisha R. Ahmed, Sakshi Sindwani, a style influencer, and Srishti Dixit, a digital developer, also attended the store opening. For the holiday season, they collaborated with Kareena Kapoor Khan to develop special social media content for the brand, which generated laughter, playful banter, and a festive atmosphere within the shop.

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