Sushmita Sen at Lakme Fashion Week on Day 4

Every little thing V do must be done with a sense of celebrating life!! :)) Great ENERGY is born from it:) partytime! pic.twitter.com/GxaJIIvgnI
— sushmita sen (@thesushmitasen) March 15, 2014

TV show 'Bigg Boss 7' star Gauhar Khan at Lakmé Fashion Week

Here comes stunning gliding down the ramp Gauhar Khan #KenFerns #lakmefashionweek pic.twitter.com/rTBZ3Z0a8e
— Lakmé Fashion Week (@LakmeFashionWk) March 15, 2014

Indian textile day workshop at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013

Is Indian craft being resurrected by designers? How can Indian fashion be retailed effectively on and off line? Can designers create a positive designer/weaver synergy? To celebrate the fourth Indian Textile Day, a workshop titled ‘Indian Textiles – Coming of Age’ was a knowledgeable look at the preservation and promotion of Indian fabrics and crafts at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013.
Moderated by Sujata Assomull Sippy, Fashion Columnist and LFW Advisory Board Member, the panel comprised, Pernia Qureshi, fashion e-commerce entrepreneur, Designer and Stylist, Aashti Bhartia, Oogan and Rahul Mishra, designer.
The moderator commenced the session with a question aimed at Rahul Mishra, about his understanding of the now commercial resurrection of Indian craft as a designer.
He explained that currently designers are waking up to a new understanding of age old Indian craftsmanship, and realizing of individuality as Indians in the world. He continued that knowing that we don’t have to ape the west is slowly bringing designers close to the idea of experimenting with their roots. “It’s important to let fashion evolve with new silhouettes, colours and styles to re-invent timeless art.”
Aashti Bhartia gave an insight into retail of Indian fashion and how one could spread the word. She revealed that it is everyone’s responsibility – designers especially to preserve Indian textile art. Well-known designer Madhu Jain had been curetting Indian work for several years and that younger designers are now following suit in their own way by working with layers and adding other new age garment intricacies.
Pernia Qureshi, a fashion icon and a (online) store owner was asked if she would be interested in Indian wear and what would make her stand up and take notice to which she responded that her store comprised several Indian designers and that she saw a lot of change in the market. It was convenient for women to pick and choose Indian clothes they’re comfortable in, be it for work, lunch or even travel. A young girl wouldn’t want to wear a formal wedding inspired garment; she’d rather have the option of a modernized sari. Highlighting the distinction between Indian and Western garment’s wearability, Pernia said that casual Indian prêt wear is now frequently seen within the market. Classic pieces adorned with an innovative twist using a traditional scarf as a sarong give people a whole new perspective.
Adding to the discussion, Ekta Rajani, Fashion Editor, Grazia spoke from the media point of view noting that although each magazine had its own ‘language’, it was important for people within the industry to expose India to the possibilities of re-invention.
Anamika Khanna, designer, stated that it’s high time we show the world that Indians can dress modern, and should wear our cultural roots with pride.
Another subject the panelists touched upon was the problems designers face with weavers.
Rahul Mishra shared his own experience on designer/weaver relationship, stating that it’s ‘give and take’. It was very important to have an understanding of loyalty and relationships needed to work on mutual respect. The weavers need to earn their bread and that long term contracts could lead to disagreements.
The moderator ended the workshop with a message that ‘Fashion is not entertainment’, it is now an industry, which is growing and culturally Indians have a responsibility to cultivate and innovate the artwork.

Ritu Kumar's Vintage Collections at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013 on Day Four

Day Four at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013, ended with the exotic vintage collection by Padma Shree Ritu Kumar presented by Reliance Jewels.
Known for her in-depth research and study of different Indian textiles and crafts, Ritu Kumar’s fantastic collection called “The Thunder Mountain and the Curling Vine” was a kaleidoscopic journey of colours, weaves, styles and craft for the audience as they breathlessly watched the ensembles on the ramp. Inspired by the beauty and majesty of the deep woods and the serene mountains of the Himalayan region, Ritu allowed her creativity to match the glory of nature from these regions.
Using hand-woven back strap loomed fabrics, Bhutanese Tangkhas, prayer flags, kanni weaves, hand spun khadi, woven silks, leather, Lycra jersey and adding the beautiful jamavar motifs of Kashmir; the result was a fascinating line of contemporary fashion with vintage textiles, which bore Ritu’s individualistic style for her prét brand “Label”.
Converting some of the weaves into prints, the fabrics used ranged from silk to woven shawls in rich deep tones that recreated the beauty of the hilly states. Unfolding the drama of the costumes from the mountain kingdoms, the long-sleeved coat dresses with a mix of prints/embellishments and kurtas with the Himalayan flavour, trousers, leggings, the kira (wrap around skirt from Bhutan), wrap jackets, dresses, kaftans and capes were seen creating unconventional impact on the catwalk.
The three dramatic giant printed and embellished capes were stunners on the ramp when they appeared in quick succession. The brocade short jacket with sheer sleeves, pencil skirt with belted shawl collar jacket, long slim embroidered skirt with a pure white blouse, very heavy wool midi with contrasting bands and the belted double breasted coat with rust collar, were inspired by the beauty of the hilly heaven. Cigarette pants with a new version of the biker jacket, the scenic embroidered swing coat, textured woollen creations and the multi-fabric gathered dress were part of the fabulously crafted collection.
The second half devoted to the most luxurious kalidaar kurtas in shades of white, ecru, khaki, beige, mid-brown swirled on the ramp with multiple kalis whirling around the beautiful models wearing the scintillating Reliance Jewels collection of jhumkas, shoulder dusters, kaan phool, chandelier earrings, the visual was glamorous.
Ending the show was the gorgeous Nargis Fakri, star of the latest hit “Madras Café” who glided in displaying a magnificent diamond polki set, Haath Phool and Maang Tikka from the Reliance Jewels collection, in a white fully embellished, layered, floor-length, kalidaar kurta and flowing dupatta.
It was indeed a glorious end to the Indian Textile Day celebrations at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013 with Padma Shree Ritu Kumar’s sensational collection presented by Reliance Jewels.

Day three at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013 ended with Pond’s gold radiance™ presenting the “Wear Nothing But Gold” collection by Vikram Phadnis

It was a golden evening of glitz, glamour and glitter.When the inspiration is Pond’s gold radiance™ then the collection has to fit the theme. So it was little wonder that Vikram Phadnis stated “Wear Nothing but Gold”, at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013 to end Day three.
Setting the mood of the fabulous evening, the opening featured Vikram Phadnis and the beautiful Karisma Kapoor, the face of Pond’s gold radiance™, who revealed the splendour of Pond’s gold radiance™ and the precious metal that has been desired by women since times immemorial.
To match the Pond’s gold radiance™ theme, the colour palette was restricted to gold, ivory and white. But Vikram surprised the audience by moving away from his characteristic ethnic glamour and instead opted for an ethereal exclusive line of western wear comprising gowns, jumpsuits, dresses, pants, shirts, capes and jackets embellished with gorgeous embroidery. Here was a collection that will encourage fashion followers to get all set for the festive season with the glittering line inspired by the yellow metal.
Using natural fabrics, tissue, lamé, sequin sheeting, brocade, net, jersey, lace and rich synthetics, the range of cocktail wear shimmered on the runway as hints of gold appeared to highlight the ensembles. Young, trendy and glitzy, the line was like the dazzling rays of the golden sun. Opulence was the key word of the collection that presented an affluent drama filled with extravagance.
The many gorgeous creations included a one-shoulder gown with embroidered stole, shift with mesh shawl, sheer net long sleeved kurta teamed with cigarette pants, figure hugging leggings, knee length lace sheath and cutwork jackets. Boleros were ornate with zardosi work and zipped biker jackets added a touch of style and trendy fashion direction.
The overlapping draped jumpsuits, the one-button cropped jacket, trellised skirt, panelled bias cut gown, beaded net creation and panelled maxi with chandelier sleeves added to the dazzle of the collection.
To complete the look, Vikram designed interesting belts, chunky necklaces and eye catching kadas, while the superbly designed wedges, platforms and stilettos were perfectly coordinated.

Making a stunning entry in a fantastic long-sleeved self-designed gold gown with never ending trail, was the gorgeous Karisma Kapoor, the face of Pond’s gold radiance™.
To the resounding applause from the appreciative audience and showers of golden confetti, it was a perfect end to a scintillating evening of fashion and beauty.
For women who want to make a glittering style statement with western silhouettes, Vikram Phadnis’s haute couture collection “Wear Nothing but Gold” inspired by Pond’s gold radiance™ is the only answer.
Vikram Phadnis said, “The Pond’s gold radiance™ range inspired me to create a line that truly encapsulates the relationship that we, as a culture, have had with gold since the beginning of time. The texture of the serum, the glow, the brilliance, the fluidity is what I incorporated across the entire line. There is a sense of joy that comes with gold. In India, every celebration, every festival, every occasion that brings everybody together to rejoice, has gold all round.”
Karisma Kapoor said, “With a product like Pond’s gold radiance™ on your side, you really stop fearing ageing skin. After using it, I totally believe in its potential to lift away skin dullness and reveal my skin’s youthful radiance. The Serum from this range is an exceptional product-Luxuriously infused with micro-particles of real gold, each drop of this melts into your skin to smooth texture and helps boost your skin’s youthful radiance – The regality of gold has always charmed me and Vikram’s collection inspired by gold is an apt tribute to this precious metal. I absolutely love the outfit he has created for me. The detailing and hues of gold add a lovely radiance to my entire look.”

“Pond’s gold radiance™ is a range of luxurious skincare products made with a combination of potent anti-ageing ingredients and real gold micro-particles. Vikram’s collection at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013 was a tribute to this beautiful radiance of gold and portray its beauty in the best way that it can be,” said Arun Srinivas, Vice-President Skincare and Makeup, Hindustan Unilever Ltd.