Lakme Fashion Week: Day 5

Sabyasachi Mukherjee

Preeti Chandra

On Day 5 of Lakme Fashion Week Pretti Chandra showed a very feminine and unique collection for Spring and Summer 2009. While at first glance Chandra’s collection may seem better suited for the runway a few years ago with her bohemian inspired silhouettes, a second look reveals a very sophisticated collection with beautiful detail. With East European inspired embroidery, a beautiful fusion of influences brought a collection with pieces suited for the woman with diverse points of view. You will enjoy the bright colors so much that you won’t be able to wait for Spring to get your hands on these wonderfully crafted pieces.

Priyya and Chintan

The designing pair Priyya and Chintan brought not only high fashion to the runway at Lakme Fashion Week, but also created pieces of walking art. From casual to formal wear to menswear, Priyya and Chintans’ show was a spectacle of color, fabric, and design. They mixed and matched, created frills, and dressed their models like they were walking canvases stunning pieces. While their collection may not be the ideal for running around town in, the more bold American women will love take everyone’s breath at the next formal event.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee

For the finale of Lakme Fashion Week, Sabyasachi Mukherjee showed a collection of bridal wear, introducing the Lakme Bridal Sutra line. Taking inspiration from traditional Indian weddings and rituals, Mukherjee created a masterpiece of a collection for bride, groom, and children alike. The color palette was a myriad of colors—all muted so they could be mixed and matched beautifully—inspired by Indian jewels. Even if you are not having a traditional Indian wedding (or even a wedding!), definitely check out Mukherjee’s collection for a unique fashion experience.
-Kelsey Bristow

Lakme Fashion Week: Day 4

Vivek Kumar

Sailex

Sailex brought a very unique collection to the fourth day of Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai. Satin, chiffon, and georgette brought a very feminine touch to the collection which any girl would love to wear, or at least to look at. The colors of the collection included pastels like peach, purple, and a neutral ivory which was balanced with a beautiful silky grey. The fabrics and colors made for very beautiful pieces often detailed with braided fabric. Our only concern with the collection: a whole outfit of satin may not be very flattering on every woman.

Vivek Kumar

Vivek Kumar brought a very appealing casual wear collection to Lakme Fashion Week. Simple silhouettes were a base for interesting dresses that many women can wear. A refreshing balance between classic lines and elaborate details made for a great show. Kumar used colors that complimented each other very nicely, such as orange, coffee, black, teal, and khaki. Gold detailing on almost every piece in the collection gave a touch of elegance to the whole collection.

Abdul Halder

Abdul Halder showed a bridal collection very different from what he normally creates. Instead of designing gowns for women and suits for men that appeal to Western countries, he brought Mumbai a collection influenced by traditional Indian apparel. With a color palette of bright pinks, purples, greens, and blues, his collection was a far and refreshing cry from his previous collections. If you are looking to have an Indian or Indian themed wedding, Abdul Halder has everything you will want to wear this Spring and Summer 2009.

-Kelsey Bristow

Lakme Fashion Week: Day 3

Stoffa by Prianka, Malini & Hersh

Stoffa by Prianka, Malini & Hersh
Stoffa brought India a spectacular accessories collection including unique shoes and colorful bags. Four different sections of the show with names as cute as the accessories composed the show on Wednesday in Mumbai. Each section varied themes and colors, but each brought something different to the show. From shoes and bags with the same bright prints to funky metalics, Stoffa brought a wide range of influences and elements to the runway.

Dev R Nil / Zubair Kirmani
These two designers brought two different menswear collections to Lakme Fashion Week. Dev R Nil tried to appeal to the contemporary male with a collection entitled “The Jigsaw.” The collection was comprised of some unusual fabric pairings and a jigsaw motif. Zubair Kirmani wanted to create a collection for the “Glocal Male.” In effect his collection created several looks for the man who wants an outfit he can wear in any part of the world he travels to in the length of a day.

Narendra Kumar
Narendra Kumar proved that politically charged minds are all over the world today. The collection was titled “The Rise of Fascism” to bring attention to the violence occurring around the world. Narendra Kumar created some very interesting and diverse pieces that you would likely see people sporting in the city of Chicago. While most of the palette consisted of deep colors like black, grey and crimson, bright colors reminded us that the collection was in fact very high fashion. With a standing ovation, “The Rise of Fascism” brought attention not only violence around the world, but to alternative high fashion.
-Kelsey Bristow

Lakme Fashion Week: Day 2

Anupama Dayal

The second day of Lakme Fashion Week kept us wanting more! Many established and up-and-coming designers proved that India can hold its own while it showcases Spring/Summer 2009 collections. There has never been a better excuse to visit India!

“My Village” by Rimzim Dadu
This week Rimzim Dadu showcased a line that every woman would love to wear. Beautifully constructed dresses and skirts dominated the runway that put some more famous American designers to shame. The “My Village” color palette consisted of black, grey, and white, in addition to a red theme, and vibrant blues. As the collection evolved with each piece, colors changed and pieces became more interesting. Our favorite pieces were ones with intricate detailing and those that displayed and absolute mastery of fabric construction.

Nalandda Bhandari
With a mix of whimsical silhouettes and straight lines, Nalandda Bhandari created a diverse and beautiful collection. The pieces invoked a feeling of romance on the runway. Pieces with ruffles and layering were balanced by straight, simple lines in other designs. Light and airy fabrics like chiffon created multifaceted looks. Bhandari featured looks ranging from casual to formal, so you can pick a different piece for every occasion.

Anupama Dayal
Anupama Dayal created a beautiful collection as she combined more traditional Indian prints with contemporary silhouettes. Her pieces were complex and included many different design elements. A palette of neutral colors was highlighted by warm yellow gold, orange reds, and variations of purple and pink. If you would like to wear modern pieces with a touch of tradition, check out Anupama Dayal’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection.

Anand Kabra
Anand Cabra created a collection that every woman will swoon at. His silhouettes were extremely feminine and soft, which complemented the other elements in his collection. Yellow gold, steel grey, and deep pink reds were used in perfect measure. Many of his pieces incorporated tye-dying which created a lovely variation in color. His pieces will definitely make you warm up as you think of Spring and Summer while cold sets in.
-Kelsey Bristow

Lakme Fashion Week: Day 1

Every fall around this time in October, Chicago experiences Indian Summer. The last bit of warmth and sunny sparkle left over before the cold winter sets in. All the while, Lakme Fashion Week is creating a real Indian Summer in India with fashions all the way into next spring. Monday, October 20, 2008 kicked off day one of Lakme Fashion Week at the National Center of Performing Arts in Mumbai. Talented designers showcased hot designs that made us all nostalgic for the hot summer sun. So forget winter, and keep up with Lakme Fashion Week all week long from October 20 -24, 2008.

Nachiket Barve manipulated his fabrics into colorful geometric masterpieces for his Spring/Summer 2009 collection. The beautifully bright and lovely draped combinations are enough to give any woman the confidence to make a great fashion statements for seasons to come.

Nikasha Tawadey muted colors and played up flowing volume for her “Shisheer” collection Spring/Summer 2009. The “Big Look” line will keep wearers chic and cool from hot summer days to sweltering summer nights.

Nachiket Barve

Krishna Mehta pumped vibrant colors into her “Sunrise in the Desert Sands” Spring/Summer 2009 collection. The collection was one of bold hues and iridescent tones mixed into hand woven and embellished western silhouettes. The highlight of the show featured actor Samir Dattani in a silk sherwani and TV turned Bollywood star, Prachi Desai in a red long chiffon gown on the runway.

Narendar Kumar and Sunsilk created the hair style and fashion fantasy for the Lakme Fashion Week. Global hair expert for Sunsilk from the UK, Andrew Barton, featured curls, straight, and extremely layered styles for Narendar’s latest label “Nari Nari”, that targets the trendy young women of the country.
-Jackie Medler

Islands of the World Fashion Week is Coming Soon!

The Factio Magazine team can't wait to descend onto the Island of the Bahamas for the first ever Islands of the World Fashion Week, November 5th -8th featuring 38 designers. Not to mention, we are very excited to meet fashion superstars Kenneth Cole, Nick Verreos and Kevan Hall. We'll see you in Nassau!

We caught up with some of the designers to get their take on the upcoming fashion week and tell us about their design style...

Nadya

The aim of the Nadya collection is to allow an outer reflection of an inner voice, creating timeless clothing beyond trends. We blend Asian and Western influences, creative and flexible, fabrics and techniques enhance each other. We use fabrics that dazzle the gods and a focus on function and comfort that are an unbeatable combination. It is in that spirit that we remain focused on producing limited edition unique pieces.
Nadya, Indonesia

Jeannie McQueeny

My design style is resort-oriented. Whether yachting through the beautiful Bahamian waters, or reclining in an elegant Swiss Chalet, the emphasis is on luxurious fabrics with exquisite craftsmanship and clothes that translate easily from one resort to another. The aim is to create clothes that are easy to wear, yet elegant, and always flattering. I love the idea of showing my designs at home!
Genie Nuttall of Jeannie McQueeny International, The Bahamas

Kuumba Designs

What I like the most about Island of the World Fashion Week is the fact that I will be working with other island states from around the world, and international guest designers. Also, we get the opportunity to depict our cultural traditions and address global issues in the form of fashion.

Kuumba Designs, St. Lucia

Sea, Sex, Sun by David Andre

For my first runway show in the Bahamas I’ll showcase my beachwear and swimsuit line Sea, Sex, Sun for men and women. This line is an invitation to those who love the sea, seafood, the breeze, and also pieces that can make you shine under the sun.
Sea, Sex, Sun by David Andre, Haiti

Soka

I would like to think of myself as a diverse Caribbean designer really drawn to color, contrast and movement, while also unconventional with tailoring. My 2008 collection, which I would call creole, is a direct reflection of my cultural immersion living in the French-Caribbean culture of Martinique. It has a romanticism and 1840's colonial theme to it, which shows fashion is a evolution as such as a revolution.
Soka, St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Van Der Vlugt

This will be my first visit there so that is exciting enough as I have traveled all my life and love to see new places. I feel really privileged to be part of the first Islands Fashion Week, especially since I graduated only three weeks before finding out that I had been selected. So for me, this is the big break that many people wait a very long time for.
Van Der Vlugt, Trinidad and Tobago

My 2008-2009 collection is fun, vibrant, trendy, classy and colorful. It reflects all that is Caribbean-our climate, nature, culture and diversity as a people. It features an explosion of colors and represents the flavor of all our islands as we come together to create a pepper pot. It comprises a variety of styles that is comfortable, relaxed, yet fabulous clothing made from fabrics such as silks, chiffons and cottons. The outcome; clothing so comfortable, you won't want to take it off!
Kimmystic.Clo, St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Lamaica Fashions

Coming from the Caribbean it’s like being at home, and I am looking forward to being there.I love that I will show in the Bahamas because I want to show my creativity. I want the world to know the name “LaMaica Fashions” and I'm grateful for getting the opportunity to showcase my collections.
Lamaica Fashions, Jamaica

Everyday I look forward to the unspoiled, pristine nature of St. Vincent's north coast as backdrops to accentuate the exotic tropical tones of my new swimwear line. The waters of the Caribbean, picturesque sunsets, the movement of >Island life coupled with the spirituality of its culture are all tools for the development of the Tami B style.
Tami B Designs, St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Carmen Fiol

Today I am the result of a lifetime of 71 years of constant sewing. The chance to me of this fashion week will be share my perceptions on the matter of designing and sewing where most of the details are hidden to the view of a catwalk, but for those who can appreciate quality would have the chance to notice at least a little bit of my expertise.
Carmen Fiol, Cuba

Deb E Barbour

This is a fantastic opportunity for designers like myself in the Caribbean to showcase the culture and talent that is buried throughout this region. We hear about the Mecca of fashion being in such places as London, Milan, Paris and New York, but the Caribbean has a truly unique style yet to be tapped into and shown to the rest of the world. And this show is helping to uncover this resource.
Deb E Barbour, St. Vincent & The Grenadines

When I show in the Bahamas I love how the people appreciate the beauty of the straw and understand the hard work and the process that is done to design and make a bag.
Opama Designs, The Bahamas

Eric Raisina

I like the idea to show to the audiences what Malagasy inspirations look like when it touched the Parisian allure. I'm excited to be part of the event where I can be with the others Islands designers. That is so cool!
Eric Raisina, Madagascar

Designers of Islands of the World Fashion Week is as follows:

• Álida Gutiérrez, Cuba


• Analú, Cuba


• Apryl Weech, The Bahamas


• Carlos Valentino, The Bahamas


• Cabe Creations, Fiji


• Carmen Fiol, Cuba


• Christine Demeritte, The Bahamas


• Deb E Barbour, St. Vincent & The Grenadines


• Desreen Waller, Jamaica


• Elements, The Bahamas


• Raisina, Madagascar


• Four Seasons Colonade, Barbados


• Garfi Designs, Bahamas


• Harl Taylor BAG, The Bahamas


• Heather Jones Designs, Trinidad and Tobago


• House of St. John, The Bahamas


• Hupfeld Hoerder, Fiji


• Jeannie McQueeny, The Bahamas


• Kimmystic.Clo, St. Vincent & The Grenadines


• Kimya Glasgow, St. Vincent & The Grenadines


• Kuumba Designs, St. Lucia


• La Bonne Vie Bahamas, The Bahamas


• Lamaica Fashions, Jamaica


• Lambert Ho, Fiji


• Lisa Humes, The Bahamas


• Luna Design, Barbados


• Nadya, Indonesia


• Natural Beats, St. Vincent & The Grenadines


• Navazoé, Barbados


• Poshellé, St. Vincent & The Grenadines


• Opama Designs, The Bahamas


• Rosie Semisi, Fiji


• Sea, Sex, Sun by David Andre, Haiti


• Shaun Griffith Perez Designs, Trinidad and Tobago


• Soka, St. Vincent & The Grenadines


• Tami B Designs, St. Vincent & The Grenadines


• Trèfle, British Virgin Islands


• Van Der Vlugt, Trinidad and Tobago

In Memory of designer Harl Taylor:

We would like to dedicate this post to Harl Taylor Jr., designer of Harl Taylor BAG, from the Bahamas who unfortunately passed away in November of 2007. The designer studied at a Parson's branch in Paris and sold his coveted handbags at Bergdoff in New York. He split his time between Nassau and Palm Beach and he will be greatly missed by friends, family and the design community. His memory will be lived on as his bags will be showcased through Islands of the World Fashion Week this November.

Harl Taylor Jr. at Bergdorf Goodman, New York City

LA Fashion Week Spring 2009: Sheiki Collection

Sheila Marie’s the designer to look for when it comes to finding that right outfit to go out in. Sunset Boulevard night prowlers will be seen in Marie’s garments if they're looking to get noticed. If you’re looking for anything from sequined mini dresses to ripped and studded denim Sheiki Collection should be top priority.
-Katie Davidson

LA Fashion Week Spring 2009: Suh-Tahn

Shannon Nataf and Dimitry Tcharfas created a collection that had body-emphasizing seams and revealing cutouts that were inspired by the Pacific Ocean. This collection of slouchy dresses and separates were made with sheer fabrics that had us feeling as light as they were.
-Katie Davidson

LA Fashion Week Spring 2009: Kevan Hall

Inspired by former MGM costumer, Adrian, Kevan Hall created looks that screamed out glamorous old Hollywood. The colors were simple but sophisticated. He brought the Hollywood glam from the runway to everyday “let’s do lunch” dresses. Chic and hip, Hall created a collection that brought the old Hollywood glam to the twentieth century.
-Katie Davidson

The Overview: Milan/Paris Fashion Week Sponsored by HP

Article sponsored by HP:

Milan and Paris couture took our breath away in a sweep of sheer, fringe, and satin. Spring 2009 will combine flowing florals, snappy suits, amazing accessories, and see-through everythings.



Milan gave way to Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Gucci, Jil Sander, Marni, Versace and Alessandro Dell’Acqua; all the while Paris paraded designers like Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana Men’s combined satin suits and separates with hard outlines for a sophisticated sleek look. The collection of black, white, and gray incorporated everything from bow ties to men’s short shorts. D&G pushed menswear past its comfort zone in a most elegant fashion. The men’s collection concluded with all the male models walking the runway in all white satin suits.

However, the purity of the D&G men’s collection couldn’t be more opposite of the women’s collection on the color spectrum. The Dolce & Gabbana Women’s show was titled “Pajama Baroque,” in which models portrayed one woman’s elaborate fashion dreams once fallen asleep in her boyfriend’s pajamas. The collection consisted of lavish satins, languid lines, and show- stopping brocades with bold shoulders.

Dolce & Gabbana, Milan Fashion Week, Spring 2009

While D&G was dreaming, Fendi was floating. Airy layers upon layers of chiffons created floaty fashions without being too see-through in the wrong places. Fendi ingeniously incorporated laser cut laces and transparent furs on top of their splendid stilettos. Fendi wasn’t the only designer that challenged cuts and textures. Marni layered different fabrics and shapes to create unique and colorful daytime looks.

Fendi, Milan Fashion Week, Spring 2009

Gucci threw their collection of witty suits, low slung trousers, and fedora combination through a kaleidoscope of color for their Spring 2009 collection. Bright colors boomed and let neutral hues pop for “Gucci Exotica.”

Gucci, Milan Fashion Week, Spring 2009

Fringe was huge in Milan and Paris this season, and seen in so many different ways. Challenge your style and try different fringe for all occasions. Stringy fringe and sequins takes us back to the 1920’s flapper, while suede and leathers give a sense of modern earthy style. Whether you want to be a Jil Sander flapper, an Alessandro Dell’Acqua bohemian rhapsody, or a Parisian Hermes cowgirl – it’s all in your fabric choice!

Jil Sander, Milan Fashion Week, Spring 2009

Alessandro Dell’Acqua, Milan Fashion Week, Spring 2009

Hermès, Paris Fashion Week, Spring 2009

While others clung to fringe, Versace caught up on their mathematics, making geometry their favorite subject line. The tiny and taut clothing played up geometric shapes and tightened up waist lines. Fabrics ranged from matte to shiny to bejeweled. Hearts, industrial zippers, and collaged Versace iconography prints encompassed the heart of the decadent collection.

Versace, Milan Fashion Week, Spring 2009

Marc Jacobs incorporated Asian and African inspirations into his new French Chic collection. The more the merrier when it came to fabrics, details, and accessories this Spring '09. Extravagant feathers, adorable polka dots, and gauzy hems wowed Vuitton fanatics. The collection, which is very economically incorrect for its time, was made to create a diversion from the struggling economy and make people feel good.

Louis Vuitton, Paris Fashion Week, Spring 2009

“When man became more powerful than nature the damage really started” – Alexander McQueen’s earth friendly and machine raged collection is a bit of earth inspired florals and rock formation prints, with a twist of dark and dreary industrial colored fashions as well. The industrial side of the collection is a bit of a lackluster, but the animal and earthy inspired clothing pops and shines.

Alexander McQueen, Paris Fashion Week, Spring 2009

Lanvin is bold, audacious, and provocative with jewel tones. Not only is the collection wildly voluptuous, but retail and reality friendly as well. Lanvin designer, Alber Elbaz, has really created a winning Spring collection.

Lanvin, Paris Fashion Week, Spring 2009

Mui Mui hit an off note in Paris this season with graffiti and pleated '80s looks. The '80s are back, but everyone is really focusing on the glitz and glam and trying to forget the grudges of the early 90’s. Glam was left up to the wonderful John Galliano. His flimsy silks, drop waists, ruffles, pretty floral prints, and sheer gowns are very wearable. His collection was one very set into reality, with the exception of his model’s British guard, pirate, and whimsical figure inspired head wear. But after all, this is a runway show – so let the games go on, as long as Galliano’s clothing stays this wonderful.

The Spring 2009 fashion bar has been set – let the others fall into line.
-Jackie Medler

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