Luxemi’s top picks from India Bridal Fashion Week ’13

Tarun Tahiliani ensemble

Reasons beyond the typical runway shenanigans brought this years second bridal week, India Bridal Fashion Week ’13, to the spotlight. Several fashion editors unabashedly tweeted how hard it’s become to keep track of the unending fashion weeks taking place these days. While we agree it may be overkill and that gimmicks and celebrity show stoppers take away from the real focus, the fashion — we still can’t help but pay attention when bridal wear is involved (no surprises there).  And this round up of our favorite looks from ‘the week that was’ will make curating your trousseau and nuptial looks simpler!

Structured drama at Gaurav Gupta

Gaurav Gupta

The coming-of-age of the gen-next Indian bride can be credited to Gaurav Gupta to a large extent. His love affair with structured silhouettes and western cuts continued with this collection too — perfect for a cocktail party or intimate reception.

Draped saris at Tarun Tahiliani

Tarun Tahiliani

Tarun Tahiliani’s signature pre-draped saris stole the show this bridal week. We absolutely love their effortless drama. Just throw on statement earrings, pull back  your hair and you are sangeet-ready.

White meets gold at Rohit Bal

Rohit Bal

Goodbye sindoor red bridal wear and hello white + gold! The past year has been all about white traditional wear (previously considered an inauspicious color for brides) and Bal dedicated ample runway time to this color combination. We heart!

Layered salwars at Falguni & Shane Peacock

Falguni & Shane Peacock

There is a certain degree of flamboyance and opulence associated with Falguni & Shane Peacock designs and their bridal line was no different. We are lusting over the layered salwars with sheer overlays —  a welcome break from the ubiquitous zari-gota anarkalis. We’re also digging the Senorita vibe of the updo!

Androgynous silhouettes at Raghavendra Rathore

Raghavendra Rathore

Raghavendra Rathore is India’s final authority on jodhpuris and bandhgalas. He extended his revered mastery to androgynous women’s traditional wear with sherwanis, bandhgalas and gowns this time. We can’t wait to slip into these styles for an engagement party!

So there you have it —  update your desi wardrobe with our handy guide.  It’s all about mixing tradition with a sprinkle of irreverence this season!

Praachi Raniwala for Luxemi

Luxemi’s top picks from Lakmé Fashion Week Winter-Festive ’13

Autumn-Winter has arrived and here’s the thing: This Fall you can be utterly glamorous or unapologetically understated. You can be flirtatiously feminine or take the androgynous route, if you please. As long as you stay true to your personal sensibilities and have a little fun while you’re at it, you’re good to go. And this was a fact that was whole-heartedly showcased on Lakmé Fashion Week Winter-Festive ’13 runways.

The shows aside, what also became conspicuously clear is that Indian street style has really come of age. The venue was thronged by some of the most fashionably dressed people from the industry (and not just necessarily the Bollywood celebrities in attendance) – think stylists, designers, buyers and magazine editors in the coolest designs of the season.

Here’s a look at some hot-of-the-ramp festive looks we are absolutely digging this season!

Nikhil Thampi: Go for gold

‘Indian Punk’ by Nikhil Thampi

This cropped jacket and draped skirt by fashion’s latest blue-eyed boy, advocates making some space for a gold rush. Yes, it’s a tad daring – but where’s the fun in safe, right?

Sabyasachi: Fit for a queen

Grande finale by Sayasachi

Clearly, Sabyasachi’s interpretation of the jazz-age maharani is effing cool! This unexpected but delightfully charming pairing of satin and sheer half-saris teamed with a Breton striped blouses aptly epitomized his vision, making it an easy favorite.

Anita Dongre: The new-age bride

The Jaipur Bride by Anita Dongre

Anita Dongre’s ‘Jaipur bride’ is calm, confident and independent, a far cry from her demure doe-eyed counterpart. She sips on red wine, sports a tattoo and even drives her own jeep! This look (need to get those dhoti pants now!) in a trending color for the season packs in just the right punch of nonchalant edge, making for a powerful statement.

Nupur Kanoi: Effortless cool

‘Eccentricity Tour’ by Nupur Kanoi

We loved the relaxed and laid back vibe of Nupur Kanoi’s collection, the industry’s latest sworn favorite. Interesting layering of smart separates and zipper detailing particularly resonated with us.

‘Eccentricity Tour’ by Nupur Kanoi

Easy to mix and match, you can amp up many a simple traditional ensemble with these standout pieces. Easy chic, if you please!

Rahul Mishra: Traditional with a twist

‘Sunheri’ by Rahul Mishra

Rahul Mishra’s handloom couture collection, ‘Sunheri’ was a master class in marrying traditional textiles with contemporary silhouettes. These pepulm blouses paired with lehengas and saris have made it to our ‘worth breaking the bank for’ list. They personify an utterly fabulous symbiosis of age-old craft with a modern flair.

Payal Khandwala: A balancing act

‘A Fine Balance’ by Payal Khandwala

Payal Khandwala‘s bid to provide the unusual has definitely found takers in us. These looks boasting of crisp skirts and jackets with exaggerated collars can be worn head-to-toe for an unconventional twist. But its real triumph lies in the fact that they are bound to shine equally bright as separates too.

Payal Singhal: Architecture meets fashion 

(Left to right) Payal Singhal’s ‘Char Bagh’. Ziyaa lehenga, Mashal lehenga saree and Rumana lehenga

Payal Singhal‘s line was inspired by Persian-style garden layouts and juxtaposed ancient architecture and nature with contemporary cuts and modern silhouettes. We love the combination of blush pink with earthy undercurrents, laud the wearability of these ensembles and heart those statement earrings!

Manish Malhotra: Perfectly pretty

The set up at Manish Malhotra

What made a fan out of us at Bollywood couturier Manish Malhotra’s show was his set. Aptly titles ‘Reflections’, the ramp was divided into two halves by a threaded veil as the models walked down simultaneously as mirror images of each other. Further dotted with a shower of lights, it was quite the sight to behold!

Until next season…

Praachi Raniwala for Luxemi