Aarohanam by Gaurav Gupta – Paris Couture Week SS’24
Aarohanam is ascension. A Sanskrit word that has a deep spiritual significance marking the journey of a being from the gross to the subtle, from solid to sublime, from darkness to light. The collection, inspired by this phenomenon, illustrates the ascent from reason to innocence and the letting go of all constructs to unite with existence’s inherent design. Similar to a snake’s journey as it sheds its old skin to emerge renewed and reborn. It’s reminiscent of the idea of kundalini, the coiled snake that lies dormant at the base of our spines until powerful will and intense meditation unleash it. At that point, the flame ignites, the chakras open, and the curtain of illusion rises.
Colors that unify the collection can be seen while closely examining the flame. The color black is a metaphor for everything empty. Agni orange is a reflection of a flame rising. Sand is a symbol of reflection and light.
Silhouettes play with volume in a way that shows the flickering dance as a flame rises to dissolve into limitless space.
Exaggerated capes, flowing trench coats, cropped jackets, and sculpted metal structures combine to create a surrealistic look reminiscent of the ancient Indian scriptures found in the Vedas. Native American traditions like Badla, Mukaish, and Zardozi peeking through multi-dimensional crystals greeting luminescence provides richness to chiffon, woolen suitings, and fitted textiles. Throughout the collection, the couturier’s unique sculpture art is interwoven.
Aarohanam is a journey to the edge of the world, a winding transition from electricity to light
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Zinnia by Shehla Khan
Designer Shehla Khan launches the newest reminiscent collection—an exquisite ode to brides and their bridesmaids. This assortment of eclectic designs mirrors the harmony of petals forming a flower, offering a diverse range of wedding and occasion wear for women of all ages, shapes, and tastes. From lehengas to saris, gowns to three-piece pantsuits, each style embodies the classic Shehla Khan aesthetic in silhouette and embroidery.
The attention to detail and versatility make each look timeless, and adaptable to various tastes and occasions. Tulle and organza create sumptuous fabric textures like ruffles and 3D flowers, while lace adds a decadent definition to each design. Embellishments such as pearls, sequins, and crystals impart enduring ornamentation, ensuring these looks shine during festive periods and remain a timeless choice for year-round occasions.
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Unprecedented Opulence: A Couture Collection of Unrivaled Elegance by Neeta Lulla
In the epicenter of the fashion world, a couture collection has emerged that redefines opulence, craftsmanship, and contemporary allure. This remarkable creation, brought to life by skilled artisans, is nothing short of a masterpiece. It’s a world where couture reaches its zenith, every detail tells a story, and the fusion of tradition and innovation takes center stage.
At the core of this couture collection lies an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. The intricate embroidery on each garment is a testament to the dedication of the artisans who have poured countless hours into their creation. These details elevate the collection to new heights, with each stitch adding depth and dimension to the fabric, resulting in a tapestry of breathtaking beauty.
The collection recognizes the diverse needs of contemporary women by offering a spectrum of colors, ranging from timeless black and ivory to vibrant hues. Whether you seek understated elegance or vibrant expression, this couture collection has a shade to match your mood and personality.
Drawing inspiration from the rich archives of the fashion house, this couture collection reinterprets classic styles, creating timeless pieces imbued with a sense of nostalgia and a modern twist.
In conclusion, this couture collection is more than just a fashion statement; it is a symphony of artistry, innovation, and tradition. It speaks to the diverse needs and desires of the modern woman while paying homage to the timeless allure of couture. Unprecedented in its opulence, this collection stands as a beacon of creativity and craftsmanship in the ever-evolving world of fashion, redefining what it means to be truly couture.
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Reflections by Abhinav Mishra
Renowned fashion designer Abhinav Mishra unveiled REFLECTIONS, his 2023 Couture Runway Showcase. The showcase offered a stunning glimpse into Abhinav’s fantasy world by showcasing the Mirrorwork Maven’s fantastical and surrealistic realm of mirrors, extravagance, and general enchantment. With Reflections, the designer thought back on his lovely path, which was full of tenacity, imagination, and aspirations. His designs also reflect his love of minimalism and maximalism.
Mirrors served as the show’s inspiration. The human mind and heart reflect on one’s experiences, evolution, and journey in a manner similar to how a mirror reflects.
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A Dreamy Escapada by House of Armuse
House of Armuse launches wedding collection “A Dreamy Escapade” takes inspiration from Impressionism’s delicate brushstrokes.
These artistic expressions have been carefully translated by them into wearable marvels with flowing patterns, pastel colors, and watercolor tints. Their Couture 2023 celebrates the harmonious fusion of art and fashion, embodying the essence of floral wonders’ grace and the beauty of nature. The collection’s core elements are hand-painted fabrics and a range of handcrafted gotta patties. The world’s influences, which define our twin strengths of decoration and silhouette, which define our identity, are contrastingly incorporated into traditional attire. Before every piece leaves the atelier, it is expertly made by trained hands and personally inspected by the designers.
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Luminescence By Anushka Khanna
Anushka Khanna’s new festive collection titled ‘Luminescence,’ encapsulates the Mumbai-based Khanna’s signature aesthetic.
Luminescence is a symphony of iridescence and grace, capturing the celebratory sparkle this season brings. Each piece in this collection is a harmonious blend of textures, delicate embellishments, and Khanna’s flair for tailoring. With a seamless fusion of contemporary silhouettes and timeless elegance, Luminescence exudes a charm that captivates the senses and ignites the imagination.
Khanna’s USP is her use of colour and this time around she’s spanned the spectrum— from delicate blush and icy mint, to look-at-me electric hues and evergreen, mysterious black. She plays with trompe l’oeil embellishments, adding luminosity and iridescence through intricate cuts of gota-work; craft and texture through brightly hued, contrast threadwork; and femininity through pearls and the tiniest of sequins.
For the festivities, she forges ahead with her now signature, long, lean jackets, slouchy, insouciant kurtas, structured blazers and waistcoats, and fluid drapes with the classic sari. And this time, she has put the focus on the lehenga—a full skirt that’s meant to be twirled–paired with separates that echo your vibe. Maybe you pair it with a sexy choli or maybe you feel like a bit of an edge–a beautifully cut waistcoat will do that.
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Couturier Varun Bahl Launches his SS’23 Couture Collection ‘The Secret Garden’ 2023
The collection welcomes the warmth of summer, the joy of spring, when everything is bright and lively and there is inspiration all around, leaving behind the inherent dreariness of a season like winter. What could be more energizing than a flourishing garden in the warm summer sun? A burst of color, the vibrancy of nature, the reds of roses, the hot pink hibiscus, the delicate pastels of blooming daisies, a haven where you can escape to bask in the newness of the season. The rays of sunlight bouncing off dew drops are the inspiration for a touch of glitter, and that is the premise of Varun Bahl’s SS ’23 Couture collection – The Secret Garden.
A collection includes bridal lehengas, fun breezy styles, and playful silhouettes that complement the season, all brought together in Varun Bahl’s classic stylings to create a show that is nothing short of stunning. The ensembles are embellished with delightful summer blossom-inspired corsages, as well as elements such as seashells and feathers, to evoke the presence of nature as an inspiration. Varun Bahl’s statement printless embroidery takes on a whole new dimension with appliques and delicate resham threadwork converting prints into embroidery.
Daytime styles include ivory embroidery on peach hues with natural elements such as seashells; the pieces are embellished with plenty of bling and sparkle, making them both fun and extremely glamorous. The use of tassels adds a playful drama to each outfit, creating layers of design. This collection also includes summer bright,’ which has pastel shades of lehengas, yellow to bring in the summer sun, and peach shades to add a sense of freshness. Then there are the Bridal tones, reds, and hot pinks with traditional zardozi embroidery in a patchwork pattern. The use of sustainable patchwork has evolved into a Varun Bahl signature style; it is a distinct feature that elevates a casual design element into a couture marvel using sustainable patchwork.
Bold floral motifs are a welcome reminder of a season when everything blooms; bold bodices, flowing capes and light jacket coveralls, voluminous skirts, sheer dupattas, and razor-sharp cuts create superbly flattering silhouettes. From intricate florets to vivid blossoms, the juxtaposition of pastels and striking tones makes this collection a true tribute to a “Secret Garden.”
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DILBAR by Abhinav Mishra
There’s a sense of magic in summer weddings. Twirling lehengas that catch the sun in a thousand winks, there’s laughter against sparkling flutes of Champagne, and always a friend or cousin trying to get the bride’s mother to perfect her choreography in the mashup of the year. In the misty breeze of a summer day against the sparkle of celebration, toasts are made, promises are forged, fierce friendships are born, and new romance blossoms. There’s nothing quite like an Indian summer wedding and Abhinav Mishra’s Spring-Summer Collection of occasion wear ‘Dilbar’ brings every emotion to life.
‘Dilbar’ encapsulates the lighthearted whimsy of a summer wedding. It’s a riotous mirror work, hypnotic patterns, and a flirty threadwork experience. The collection is inspired by Marrakech’s bright colours, informed by the unmistakable joy of a wedding party, and handcrafted with the brand’s signature – intricate Indian mirror work. This is a collection that honours the heart that goes into occasions and celebrations, from a Roka to a wedding, whether parent or bff; big and small, OTT and low key, from the destination venue of Marrakech to the neighbourhood garden. ‘Dilbar,’ by Abhinav Mishra, is a grand celebration of love itself—mischievous, flirtatious, and indulgent.
For women, the collection includes sweeping panelled lehengas, intricate blouses, floor-gazing shararas, and tulle dupattas, and for men, stunning kurtas with signature mirror-work. These are silhouettes for the many things that an Indian shaadi is: a long-overdue reunion, an epic party, and the merging of old and new stories. Each piece incorporates traditional zari, chawal dana, cutwork resham, and Abhinav Mishra’s signature mirror-work, for which the eponymous brand is known. The palette draws inspiration from the season, just as love blooms in spring. Rich aquamarines and riotous pops of colour contrast with pastel shades, which represent hope, love, and affection.
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Designer Bhumika Sharma at FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week 2023
Designer Bhumika Sharma presented her SS’23 Collection ‘Dahlia’, and marked her debut on the runway at the FDCI Lakme Fashion Week.
Spinning a modern take with Bhumika Sharma’s Spring Summer collection of 2023! the creative journey began by developing the most essential element of any collection- prints. The designer introduced a new print for this season, featuring a refreshing palette of spring and summer colors.
Continuing the theme from our winter festive collection, the summer line draws inspiration from classic silhouettes. There were embroideries of traditional techniques such as dabka and tila work to add intricate details to our designs. The collection boasts an array of pearl embellishments, signature organza tassels, and even metallic tassels for a modern twist.
“Reflecting the essence of summer, we have used floral motifs and mirrors to add an extra dimension of beauty to our designs. The collection features a range of colors, from warm ivories to vibrant reds and refreshing lime/mint greens. You’ll surely find something to suit your style!”
With an emphasis on sustainable, eco-friendly, and handwoven collections, the designers have lustrous raw silks, hand-woven Matka silks, sheer silk organza and tulle along with some hand-dyed velvets for a touch of opulence.
Khudai by Ayush Kejriwal