Neo Cut

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Editor’s Letter Minimalism is one of the most celebrated concepts in fashion, architecture and art. The lovely part is to be able to portray minimalism with flare and simplicity yet make things aesthetically beautiful. Nowadays, minimalism is just not associated with simplicity but also associated with modernism, added with a touch of edge and eccentricity.

The magazine’s cover lady NamrataJoshipura,is known for her chic, sophisticated and minimalist style.

Her signature style is best defined as beauty and elegance. Hence, showcases dominating colours and add details to highlight luxe minimalism. Her personality charms the industry, she gives her heart and soul when she designs.

NIFT graduate launched her collection first time in India in the year 2004. She launched her label in 1996 after getting trained under designer SuneetVarma.

Namrata’s designs incorporate global sensibilities by combining textures and techniques.

Along with the understanding of Namarata’s working and design pattern, we also get inspired by tribal accessories this season. This concept has been incorporated and would be seen in our editorial shoot. What makes tribal accessories and colours ideal is their perfect blend with modernity. We have put all our hard work and skills to match up the expectation and vision we had which can be seen in this magazine’s shoot.

While studying the tribal concept you will also come across few interesting inspired by artists and facts that can help you style. Bollywood styling and few interesting interviews are followed by the same. Celebrate our first issue and count for more.

CONTENTS NEO CUT ISSUE 1.

36.

“Muse is an artists soul”

40.

Street Style

42.

“Food over Fashion”

featuring Anand Bhushan

44.

“A Woman who runs with the Wolves”

featuring Anupama Dayal

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Bollywood Styling

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Cover Story

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Unplanned Journey

with Maneesh Aggarwal

featuring Rina Dhaka

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Fashion News

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Style Facts

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Must Have’s

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The Tribal Way

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Editorial Shoot

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Trend Report

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Fashion and Art

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Designer Expansion

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Why it does not work in India

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Hair and Make-up

fashion news Hennes & Mauritz also known as H&M plans to open its first store in India this year. This world’s second-biggest fashion retailer becomes the latest to take advantage of the opening of Asia’s third-largest economy to foreign operators. The retailer plans to spend around 100 million euros on an initial 50 stores in India, after receiving final approval in December from the Indian government to invest in the country. H&M has not yet decided where the first store will be opened and is looking at several big cities and locations.

Couturier Rohit bal makes an exemplart collaboration with online shopping portal Jabong at palladium hotel in Mumbai.

The executive design were range for women was unveiled through an elaborate fashion show where models were seen wearing Anarkali,churidar and lehanga of nutral shades of cream/white and almond.With elaborate jewellery including mang tikka,jhumka and turbans the show gave a complete mughal feel. To add on the glam factor actress Shradha Kapoor walks the ramp as show stopper.

Alexander Wang has announced a partnership with Swedish fast fashion label H&M. The announcement was made with a video posted to the designer’s new Instagram account showing only a digital countdown to “Wang x HM” on a basketball scoreboard and the numbers “11″ and “06,” indicating that the resulting collection will launch in stores on November 6th.

Wang, who is the creative director of Balenciaga as well as the creative director of his eponymous label, follows in the footsteps of major fashion industry names like Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Donatella Versace, Alber Elbaz of Lanvin and Isabel Marant, who have all collaborated with H&M 6

After a successful launch of Actress-designer Mandira Bedi Label. The designer made her Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014 debut and showcased a sari collection titled “Real Women”. She surprised the audience when she presented her mother Gita Bedi as her showstopper. Dressed in a blue sari with golden border, Gita Bedi looked elegant when she hit the ramp.

Sussanne Roshan, Interior Designer & founder of ‘The Charcoal Project’ announced the launch of the new ‘Pearl Academy’ campus on 15th April 2014.

Sussanne’s ‘The Charcoal Project’ collaborats with the institute to give away scholarships to students looking for an opportunity in creative careers

Designer Ritu Kumar adds a Dubai store to her growing list of flagship locations, with her newest space opening in the city’s BurJuman Mall.

The boutique offers a new set of clients a chance to buy Kumar’s popular brand of contemporary Indian ethnic wear, launching with the spring/summer 2014 collections.

A smart business move, perhaps, is to consolidate all three sub-brands under the Ritu Kumar name -- her prêt line Label, as well as ethnic day wear and festive collections-under one roof

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Pear BODY TYPE

style facts

This body type is heavier at bottom as compared to upper body and has narrow shoulders, well defined waist.

By Geetanshi Arora Stock up at:

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ver the years women have adopted a plenty of styles, trends and various clothing type. Fashion is to dress your body type right. Dressing up is not just to wear what you like, it is a strategy. Before choosing your outfit you need to know your body type and proportions. Everything you wear should fit properly to your proportions. Good fit means clothes skim the body.

Find your figure Body type is not only about height and weight, it is about shape.

Goal: Balancing your shoulder and hips. Add volume to your shoulders and minimize at hips.

Close-fitting tops that float over hips.

Create curves on top.

Carry bold colours, textures and embellishments on upper body.

Prefer wearing boat necks or sweetheart neckline.

Padded shoulders, kimono or belle sleeves to add volume to shoulders.

Wear dark bottoms.

Wear long tops so it hides your bottom, long coats and jackets should end just at right place and not at all below your knees.

Should never wear skinny bottoms or pencil pants.

Wear something straight slim line at bottom.

Steer clear of: Bottoms with any horizontal lines.

Shiny or thick texture fabric on your bottom half.

Tops that have hem at waist or mid-hip.

Anything that clinches your waist.

Curvy, Short, Narrow shoulders, Broad Shoulders, Full Bust, Small Bust, Heavy arms, Tummy, short-waisted/Long legs, Long-waisted/short legs, heavy bottom. These are body types of various women.

Generally, our body types are classified into five categories: PEAR, APPLE, HOURGLASS and WEDGE.

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HOURGLASS BODY TYPE Shoulders, bust area is equal in proportion with hips and have a tiny waist. This is the most adorable figure. Curvy figure.

Stock up at: Dresses that fall smoothly over your curves.

Deep neck dresses and sweetheart neck line.

Vertical prints and sequined tops.

Wear fitted dresses.

Wear a belt to define your waist.

Heels are your best friend. Wear peep toe shoes.

Narrow straight fitted jeans.

Tops till your hip bone.

Jackets with a top button just under the bust.

Outfits with clean lines.

Patiala suits.

Steer clear of: Anything oversized.

Anything too tight.

No pumps because they make you look short.

No anarkali suits.

Tops and jackets that end at the fullest part of your hips.

APPLE BODY TYPE This body type has broad shoulders, back and ribs. Narrow below hip line.

Their best assets are legs.

Stock up on: Empire waist and straight fall dresses.

Slim necks not broad necks. Preferably v necks.

Bias cut dresses.

High low skirts Tops that have hem just at waist or mid-hip.

Structured coats and dresses.

Anarkali suits Wear ankle length Jeans or bottoms.

Printed dresses will hide all flab.

Dark colours and broad belts.

Steer clear of: Don’t wear Angrakha’s style dresses.

Long tops.

WEDGE BODY TYPE This body type is also known as inverted triangle. Broad at shoulders and bust area, narrow at waist and hips.

Stock up: Wear dark colours at bottom.

Wear v-neck tops.

Wear raglan sleeves.

Choose skirts or bottoms with horizontal patterns or detailing to balance your figure.

Steer clear of: Padded shoulders Horizontal lines at shoulders, including seams.

Boat neck tops Colour blocking over shoulders.

Blouses with pluffy sleeves.

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MUST The spring season is at the bay and voici la must have list for spring and summer 2014.

Pastels and Whites are trending at the moment but wear what suits your complexion whether it is, bright colours, muted tones, neutrals or jewel tones.

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HAVE’S This summer add these Musthave pieces to your wardrobe.

Summers are here and it is time to take a back to basic approach towards makeup. You will need to opt for products which will help you beat the sweat and stay till dusk.

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THE TRIBAL WAY Something other than florals and whites is trending this season. Find out what it is with Siddhali Doshi.

Let this summer sway you to the tribal beats.

Tribal style has become a major runway trend. Right now, in the fashion scene, something other than common trends like florals and cropped tops is uniting all the trend setters. Tribal accessories have taken the centre stage this season.

Tribal can be traced back to a time when societies liven in great harmony. The peaces seems to be coming back now as tribal accessories have been seen on ramp for a few seasons now, but it seems like it is a trend that is to stay for a few more seasons.

Fashionistas and celebrities are seen carrying out this trend in large. Leighton Meester, Olivia Palermo and Gwen Stefani have been seen wearing tribal jewelry on various occasions. Designers like Alexander McQueen, Givenchy and Emilio Pucci have brought these trends on ramp.

Accessories and clothing have equal significance. They work together to create an ensemble that expresses one’s style and who they are. Hence accessories have taken a turn from just adorning one’s self to expressing their personalities.

Tribal accessories are also ideal for Spring Summer. One can add bright colors to their white or pastel summer garments or add a metallic earthy tone to your simple loose silhouettes. You can also add a rustic and raw feel to your ensemble.

Fashion lovers prefer to look stunning without making a huge hole in their

pockets and as one’s accessory choices can make or break an outfit, they prefer to spend more and have more fun with accessories. Hence, the accessory market in recent times has seen a massive boost in demand.

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Navneet, accessory designer of Pins and Bows

What is tribal to you?

Something that is big, bulky, and prominent.

The jewellery has crudeness to it. A lot of brass work, bead work and Tabih work goes into making tribal jewellery.

Why According to you is accessorizing important?

Accessories are now an important part of fashion. They brighten up your ensemble.

According to me, how one accessorizes, defines how they perceive life.

Why according to you is there a growth of tribal accessories market in India?

The international market is penetrating into India. India is a vast market and the trendsetters here are the International

brands. With the rise of social media people are now getting more aware about what’s happening in the fashion scene around the world. The Indian market wants to be in par with the International market. The trendsetters in India want to know what the trends are in Paris and Milan and want to adopt them.

What according to you is the must have accessory for spring summer?

It’s so hot in summers that you just always want to tie your hair up. Hence having a couple of colorful and tribal printed hair ties will be ideal.

Solange Knowles layered her peach and black beaded piece over a printed collared blouse.

Meera Mahadevia What is tribal to you?

Bright colors, bold chunky pieces, animal prints, lots of wood and ceramics and large beads, is what tribal is to me.

Why according to you is there a growth of tribal accessories market in India?

Tribal culture just suddenly became the new ‘in’ thing. Traditional has always been very classy. Even the youngsters of today are moving towards the old. They want to add a lot of fun, color and history to their look.

Leighton Meester’s statement necklace

What according to you is the must have accessory for spring summer?

Beaded anklets and shoeklets are the must have’s. This is the time to wear shorts and dresses and show off your leg accessories.

What makes tribal accessories ideal is their perfect blend with modernity.

Adorning these accessories with simple fluid and structured clothing gives a very minimalist yet bold look.

Coco Rocha showed a new way to wear the statement necklace by layering it over her high neck top.

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take a walk on the wild side Let bright colours and edgy prints sway you to the beats of Tribal.

Bold, ecentric yet minimalism is what the shoot portrays.The colour of summer, white,paired with Tribal prints and accessories will give you the look this season

make-up - Bhawna Arora model - Devica Sharma

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Raadhika Khetarpal

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“Fashion is the most powerful art there is” said the most fashionable character we know of on Television, Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl.

And wasn’t she right?

Fashion and art have always been in a close relationship. Art inspired fashion, brings out the individuality of a person. It gives the opportunity to portray highly charged moments of emotion, sexuality, gender, politics, modernism and romanticism. It lets the wearer convey a message to the entire world.

Jean Cocteau once said that art produces ugly things which frequently become more beautiful with time. Fashion, on the other hand, produces beautiful things which always become ugly with time. And what will happen when these two come together, wouldn’t they create eternal beauty?

Hence designers and artists in order to create undying beauty soon started collaborating and a few of these collaborations have resulted in heart exploding masterpieces.

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Raoul Duffy and Paul Poiret-

Elsa Schiaparelli and Salvador Dali-

The first designer to blur the lines of art and fashion was Paul Poiret who was known to be the Picasso of the twentiethcentury`s fashion world. He employed artists and purchased their works, which was reflected in his garments. One of his best collaborations turned out to be with Duffy who not only painted for Paul Poiret but also worked on textiles.

The Italian artist, Schiaparelli was always greatly inspired by surrealism.

Hence she decided to collaborate with the master of surrealism, Dali to create ingenious designs. Some of their famous designs were the shoe hat and the tears dress.

Piet Mondrian and Yves Saint Laurent-

Rop van Mierlo and Marni-

The most classic and iconic YSL dress was inspired by Piet Mondrian’s painting. The dress was made for the 1965 autumn collection.The abstract painting of Mondrian which had primary colour blocks was brought to life on wool textile by YSL.

Mierlo’s love for animals donned Marni’s 2013 mid-january collection.

Prints of parrot, donkey, ostrich and tiger were seen on tops, purses and scarves. Characters were picked up from Mierlo’s book ‘wild animals’ and painted exclusively for Marni.

Damien Hirst and Alexander McQueenThe two collaborated in making the iconic McQueen skull scarf for the designer’s shipwreck spring 2003 collection. This collaboration had brought about the creative and aesthetic vision of both, the artist and designer, in which symmetry and strong references to natural history and the environment are significant parts.

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Matt Groening and Comme des GarçonsThe creative director of CdG,ReiKawkubo, in 2011, pushed all boundaries and collaborated with the legendary animator, Matt Groening. This led to an impeccably unpredictable collection with comic prints on T-shirts and tote bags.

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FASHION AND ART COLLABORATIONS, WHY NOT?

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Siddhali Doshi

ashion and art have a close relationship on international platform, it has matured to a level of a certain understanding that an individual with certain conceptual aesthetics can relate to that art instantly. This relationship is formed in the consciousness of a number of individuals. But in a country like ours, India,where the culture and heritage itself is so opulent and artistic, acceptance of a fashion and art collaboration is still difficult for the masses to accept.

India has its own artforms lying on the shelves of regular citizens, that itself is a boon and a curse. There is so much opulence and rarity in terms of artistic forms that we fail to recognize its importance and value. In India fashion is still a concept that is in its childhood, it needs time to mature. For fashion and art to collaborate the mass needs to understand fashion first. Here most of the masses follow, not create, which is mainly influenced by movies that itself are influenced by western aesthetics. Due to this we are lacking individuality. Art needs individuality to blossom.

The western fashion has influenced our generation and installed itself in our lives, you see more and more clones of Gossip girls every day. The idea of taking risks due to fear of social acceptance is the root of problem. Society needs to become more

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open-minded and less judgmental of fashion and art. Both are expressions of a person. Art in India has become more modern and less traditional. People are hesitant in accepting the modernization of art of our country fearing loss of individuality. This fear has stunted the growth of art as very few artist achieve critical success and promotion. Fashion designers that have the power of influence in the society are at a level of success and for them to collaborate with an artist he/she needs to be at that level of success as well. Artists do not reach that level because their art is not promoted on a large scale.

Individuality needs work to develop, the mass in our county prefers to procrastinate instead of working on themselves thus they choose the shortcut ‘copy’. They copy the fashion from movies, from blogs, the television and various other mediums instead of working on self-development. Despite that there is hope as new designers are emerging working with concepts and materials that are fresh in perspective. Instead of following the perspective that is common, they create a perspective. Fashion is a child and art is still in its premature stage thus hopefully time will heal all the gaps and create a level of understanding and acceptance among us all.

Atsu Sekhose: In order to collaborate you need to meet an artist who is on a same page as I am.

We need to share the same aesthetics and thought process.

Kallol Dutta: People here are too lazy to do anything.

They do not want to experiment and do something new. They just want to follow the same existing trends.

Paromita Banerjee: People in India are still in their growing stage.

They need to have a better understanding of concept and art.

At this stage, anything with concept goes above people’s heads.

Anupama Dayal: The fashion industry is still at it’s growing stage. for fashion and art collaborations to happen we need to a higher level of maturity. give the Indian designers some time and you’ll be surprised by what comes out as the end result.

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Rina Dhaka

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1.

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S REET S YLE 1.

Cosmopolitian’s Editor Nandini Bhalla puts a new spin on traditional dressing with a pant saree.

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Fashion intern Pratishruti makes for a cool mix of military styles and a fun feathered bag.

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Interestingly dressed Parul Mehta flaunts her funky jewellry teamed up with pretty floral printed shorts and a white shirt.

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Fashion student, Raadhika Khetarpal dressed very elegantly in green brocade pants and leather jacket.

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Kanika flaunts her asymmetrical white skirt with interesting cuts teamed up with black zipped leather jacket.

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Raadhika Khetarpal

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FOOD OVER FASHION “Instead of thinking over the new collection’s fashion ispiration, i felt its easiers to think about what, where, when to eat.”. confronts ANAND BHUSHAN to Geetanshi Arora.

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n an enjoyable conversation with if not a designer, he gregariously and NIFT graduate, Anand Bhushan, cheerfully answered, “if not a designer we found that the designer to be a then definitely something related to food. fun foodie. He showcased his futuristic I can live around food my entire life”. collection inspired by DNA, titled The conversation got more interesting “Broken” at Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week when we asked that if he were to meet 2014-15. All his garments had patterns of his 10 years old self what advice he’ll give DNA strains. Unlike all other designers to himself and he answered saying, “to who draw their inspiration from history, not eat too much, as I’ll put on a lot of art and culture, Anand weight.” The answer made always focuses on day to all of at his stall laugh aloud.

If I were to talk day life. The designer said, According to him, love is over to my 10 year “This time, the collection whelming at fashion week was about our own existence old self i would and this inspires him to get a as a human being, the complete new concept every advice him, DNA which defines and season on the ramp. His love to not eat too for accessories is growing distinguishes each of us”.

Anand told us, how his day by day and he finds it much. love for clothes around him his weakness. When asked since childhood days kept him about his most prized increasing day by day and became the possession, he chuckled and said “Dignity”. driving force for taking up fashion as a career.

He said that he has achieved more than He agreed on facing a few barriers and what he expected five years back and his hindrances in his early days to get into only dream is make his label to be known fashion industry, but he says, “it’s all a part all over the world. This crazy and fun loving and parcel of life. Every day we all have to designer has no opinion about Bollywood face something or the other. Such is life!” styling and he said that he couldn’t stand His thought process behind his any movie more than 20 minutes in all collection is to cater everyone’s need. latest releases of 2014 since January He said, “For me a piece of cloth is except Queen. He loved it and added that something which can be worn all over he loved Kangana’s styling in the movie. the world”. He continues saying that What was more interesting however, was aesthetics may be different but it is the end of this conversation when his few important that the language of your brand designer friends walked into his stall and goes through and caters to everyone. started cracking a few jokes in Tamil accent.

When asked about his alternate career, This made us all hoot in laughter.

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A WOMAN WHO RUNS WITH THE WOLVES Anupama Dayal, the fiercely open minded designer, talks to Siddhali Doshi about her journey and her faith in the Indian women.

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lamboyant sophistication, elegant, feminine, eclectic, artistic and playful. These are epithets one hears when discussing Dayal’s collection.

This globally successful designer has been experimenting and setting new milestones with her unique work techniques. Her design philosophy to achieve international appearance possessed by an Indian soul makes her unique.

“Be confident, believe in your own self and just go with the flow.”

When did you realize that fashion was the right field for you?

There was no moment of realization.

It was very natural. I always wanted to get into designing. I loved fashion, craft, hand painting and all other artistic things, since I was very young.

What were the difficulties you faced while making your way through this industry?

It was smooth sailing for me. There was no struggle period. The only difficulty I faced were on how to export large volumes and coping with the growth of the brand.

However, I think I face more difficulties now, as part of the complexities of growth, dealing with the Indian system of labor laws, inspectors, being a woman and all of that.

While designing collections, do you feel bound because of the Indian society. Do you feel women would not be able to accept a few of your designs?

Absolutely not. I have great faith in Indian women. I myself being an Indian woman, I feel we can adapt to everything.

We know howto cover up and be modest; we know how to be hot and seductive.

And, most importantly, I feel that if you believe in yourself, you will find a way to make the society believe in your work.

So, you loved fashion since you were very young. What ignited the passion?

Dressing Barbie dolls. I loved playing with Barbie’s, dressing them, designing dresses for them. I had a huge collection of Barbie merchandise’s and Barbie clothes and accessories.

What kind of woman would fit perfectly as your target customer?

What were your initial steps into A woman who is fearlessly open minded. designing?

A woman who embraces the modern along I started with designing a few things for with the ancient and balances the promyself. My friends and family would love earth choices with technology. it and ask me to design it for them too. Where do you usually take inspiration Hence I designed a few more and then from? soon decided to start with my own label. Many things, like nature, fashion itself, art

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and various other things. But mostly, I find inspirations through travelling.

The more I travel, the more I learn something from another part of the world. It teaches me to look at my own culture and country with a new perspective.

If not a designer, what would you be?

A naturalist. I love flowers and plants.

I am completely obsessed with nature.

If you were to talk to your 10 year old self, what advice would you give her?

(Laughing)Well, not to stress over the fact that I am not doing so well in math.

What about fashion excites you?

Everything. Designing, hand printing, my customers, fashion weeks and the friends that I have made in the industry.

It’s been 10 years since you started with your own label. How does it feel to be a part of the fashion fraternity for over a decade now?

It feels very good. These 10 years have been amazing. Also, I love the way this industry treats you in return with so much of love. As soon as you enter the fashion week, I can feel the electricity.

It’s great to meet all the people from the industry after so much time. Also, I believe that if you show a body of work every season, there is a great sense of belonging.

Where do you hope to see your brand 5 years down the line?

I would want this brand to be a serious Indian luxury brand.

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HIGHWAY

2 STATES

Kangana Ranaut has stunned the audience with her de-glam look, wearing simple salwar-suits to portray the role of ‘Rani’, in her film, ‘Queen’. The actor helped the makers in shaping up the character of ‘Rani’ and has done justice to the role. Her look in the film is similar to her real-life look, when she used to live in Manali. According to Director Vikas Bahl he wanted to make a film on a simple character.

Designers Manoshi and Rushi were responsible for the styling of the characters in the film.

Being from a small-town

Renowned Designer Manish Malhotra, the man who can beat anyone for his ethnic wear has done the styling of the fusion desi look of Alia Bhatt.

The designer has brought out many emotions through the use of colors and silhouettes.Given the modern-day urban setting of the film, the leading lady is dressed in Indo-western clothing.

She is seen wearing bright and colorful kurtis and flowy skirts teamed with silver jewellery. Her Tamilian character is also brought out through the styling.

Lots of kajal, braided and simple hairstyles and nude make up ads to the beauty to the character and makes her look fresh and pretty. Arjun is styled in denims, cargos,jackets in solid colours and specs giving a nerdy touch.

herself, Kangana could easily relate to her character. Designer Rushi said, “Kangana comes from a small town.

GUNDAY Ranveer and Arjun – the guys show off their chiselled body in barely buttoned up shirts and rolled up sleeves, Priyanka is mostly seen in bright sarees with sleeveless blouses. Keeping up with the desi Kolkata look, her hair is let loose in gorgeous curls, and a bindi adorns her pretty face and gives charm and appeal to her look and the character in the film.

Clubbing the vintage style of the period films with different combinations Subarna Ray Chaudhuri, the costume designer for Gunday, is said to have proven her forte in styling. Hence styling done by Subarna serves as a masterpiece, reflecting an unhesitating attitude towards trying out something new yet born from the old.

Bewakoofiyaan The style diva Sonam Kapoor being famous for experimenting with her looks was not given the freedom to be creative in the movie by the director, Nupur Asthana. The corporate look was perfectly brought out through styling by giving her subtle colored formal wear, silver jewellery, nude makeup and simple hairstyles.

The expectations of the styling of the film however did not match up. The only attraction of the film was hot pink swimsuit.

HASEE TOH PHASEE Fashion Stylist and Costume Designer Divya and Nidhi Gambhir having a hi-fashion label “Walnut” have done justice to the film.

The conceptualization of the styling suits the characters accuratately.

The ensembles are unlike the stereotype Bollywood costumes, the most of the outfits worn by Parineeti in the film can be found in any other girl’s wardrobe.

Parineeti’s styling was fresh, minimal and casual. Checked shirts, leather jacket, blue denims and Indian Lehengas with subtle makeup and hairstyle can be seen. Nerdy glasses and blunt cut hairstyles that can be seen in some scenes adds to the excitement. The actor can be seen mostly seen in round neck men’s tees.

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shivani gupta

The experimental designer Aki Narula, has approached the movie’s styling in an experimental way. The designer has insistently maintained the margins of realism and reasoning for every outfit used in the film. The movie is set in six different states and captures the journey of two completely opposite people who are thrown together by fate. From the two protagonist to the truck drivers, dhaba boya and the elites, the styling has been perfectly done. Most of the clothes were borrowed from the residents of tiny places like Kalpa and Reckong Peo in Himachal Pradesh and most of the pieces were worn out. the film was shot.

QUEEN

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QUEEN OF PRET Queen of Pret, does it again with sheer and metallic’s in the best way to celebrate 15 years in fashion. Know more as designer Namrata Joshipura shares her journey and achievement as she holds two hit grand finale for Lakme Fashion Week and Wills lifestyle India Fashion Week.

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in Delhi from DPS, she started with her graduation at Delhi University with Economics as her majors. Soon after joining DU, she realized that economics was not her interest and that she was inclined to do something more creative.

She then confided to her parents about her interests. She says, “My mother was very understanding and supportive”. Her mother having heard about NIFT, helped Namrata with her admission procedures.

“Being a fashion designer was not planned. It was by sheer luck. I just chose designing to run away from economics”, said the designer laughingly.

When asked her about her first term garment at NIFT, she suddenly got excited saying that we would not even believe what that was. With a tone of enthusiasm she continued saying, “Oh gosh! It was a short flared skirt and a cropped top”. She then said that she probably still has them tucked somewhere at her parents’ house.

After graduating from NIFT, she then worked with Suneet Verma for two years before launching her own label. Soon after the start of her label, she entered a competition at Honk Kong Fashion Week representing India. This was followed by shows in Dubai and Japan.

Her brand achieved quite a lot of success in those very early years. Namrata on these achievements said that those were marvellous years.

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Siddhali Doshi

We were at Namrata Joshipura’s stall at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week. She was in full swing, preparing for her finale the next day. Namrata was sitting on a chair casually dressed in a white top and jeans, with her laptop kept besides her on the table. She was surrounded by two other members of her team: the PR head and the stall assistant. Her collections were neatly displayed on three sides of her spacious stall.

For a designer, doing the finale at the fashion week, she did not seem a slightest bit nervous. It would have been her fifteen years of experience in the fashion fraternity that made her so relaxed and calm. She had a certain charm about her that made the atmosphere very lively.

Namrata has always been an inspiration for fashion lovers and followers. She was one of those first designers to make it big in the industry. Her contribution to the Indian fashion scene has been huge over the past fifteen years. She was a designer who represented India at the Honk Kong fashion week, making us proud with her victory. It was then, when the Indian fashion scene was still growing, that she had already showcased her collections all over the globe.

When asked the designer about her earlier days and how she decided to be a part of this industry, she said that after having completed her schooling

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he was a young kid, shocked and amazed by her success.

She was also very enthusiastic and wanted to keep moving higher in life.

Since those years, success didn’t seem to take a break. Her label kept growing, soon becoming the ultimate choice for all celebrities on the red carpet. Her impeccable cuts, liberal dose of sequins and sensual silhouettes made them perfect for red carpet.

Also the thigh high slits which are seen in almost all her garments made her designs the obvious choice. Celebrities like Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Malaika Arora Khan, Sushmita Sen, Chitrangada Singh and Pareeneti Chopra have worn her creations.

On this Namrata said that she enjoys what she does. She believes that when you enjoy what you do, success comes easy.

Namrata has carved a distinctive niche for herself in the fashion world by making strong statements.

On having asked Namrata about her collections and design aesthetics, she said, “I create what I enjoy. It’s like a fantasy film”. She continues saying that her collections are chic and glamorous as well as sensual, racy and explicit. She create it for dynamic and lively women around the globe who strongly believe in their individualism. Namrata’s designs are a perfect blending of

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craftsmanship of skilled artisans and modern silhouettes along with a play of color and embellishments.

“Fashion is an extension of your personal lifestyle”, is what Namrata said when asked her to define fashion.

According to her, fashion is not about what’s trending but about one’s style and individuality. In today’s world, first impressions are very important.

In such a fast paced world, one’s look and appearance is what the person is judged by. Before a person knows you, he has already built an image. Hence being presentable and defining your personality through fashion is very important.

The most challenging part for Namrata being in fashion industry is striking a balance in life. At times it gets difficult for her to maintain a balance between her personal and professional life. She says, “I’m a mother. I have a daughter. Doing shows, fashion weeks, finale’s takes away time from my daughter and my family”.

When asked about her inspirations she says, “I love the pahadi’s(mountains).

I’m an outdoor person”. Namrata loves the beauty of nature, so much so, that if not a designer, she would have been a trekker. She says that she would have loved to go on all parts of the world adventure trekking. She most of all loves the snow capped mountains and always looks forward to spend some time there. She says that she is the happiest when she is in the mountains. She then adds

that her life’s fondest memories and most of her venturesome times are all there. Her love for the nature and mountains is clearly visible in all her collections. Namrata’s collection was named ‘Wanderer’ and was based completely on her experience at the snow capped mountains. She says, “Everytime I’m in the mountains I come up with a new concept. The mountains free my mind and allow me to go beyond practicality.

Another element that has fascinated her from years and continues to do so are sci-fi films. In fact in 2010, inspired by the sci fi movie, Blade Runner, Namrata also did a collection by the same name. She further says that her love for sci fi can also been seen even through the play of light, laser and sound.

When asked Namrata about her notion on the position of the Indian fashion scene in the global scenario she says that compared to fifteen years back when I entered the industry, Indian fashion is increasingly coming to the forefront.

Universally, Indian fashion scene is there. Even though it is still in small percentages, it is still there.

She continues saying that the fashion fraternity in India now is much more organized. Lots more is going on now to promote talent and fashion like fashion weeks and the growth of social media. There are many platforms for the Indian designers to showcase their works.

Namrata’s latest collection which was to be showcased at the finale the

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next day was again inspired by her love for sci fi. The collection named ‘Electron’ was very futuristic.

Namrata describes her collection as the, “next revolution in human science”. She continued saying that the collection is a further exploration of her aesthetics, ‘modern interpretation of artisanal embellishment techniques paired with egdy and modern silhouettes’.

When asked the designer about what is different this season she said that they have experimented with innovative texturing. Fabrics were taken and cut into stripes and then they were woven into fabrics again, creating beautiful textural effects. Namrata further said that she is honored to be the grand finale designer and is delighted to have the recent queen of bollywood, Kangana Ranaut walk the ramp for her.

Finally, having committed over a decade to designing, we asked Namrata about how her experience has been over the years. Namrata was quite for a few seconds finally saying, “Well, that’s a tough question”. She went on to say that it has been very interesting. A lot has happened over these years: achievements and failures, but now when she looks back, she realizes that it all happened for the best. “My experience has been like a continuous cycle. The cycle of learning and unlearning, over and over again. With each year that passes, I grow and I hope to continue to keep growing and learning in the years to come.”

UNPLANNED JOURNEY Manish Aggarwal, Event Manager

Maneesh Aggarwal, the event manager from past 15 years working at Ochre Events and official event planner for Wills India Fashion Week talks about his experience as an event manager in fashion industry.

There are times when your goals are set for something but life has something else planned for you.

This is exactly what Mr. Aggarwal saw in his journey of working. Mr Maneesh started as an art director for an advertising agency and handled the advertising shoots for them. While he was working with the agency he received a call from one event company to design their catalogue and logos. Meanwhile the same client asked him to design their set for the event which turned out to be his turning point of his career. “I designed my first set for ITC through the company I was working with called ‘Choices Entertainment’.I got an opportunity to work in the fashion industry.” He says. After a break he adds “Being in the industry I can say it requires a lot of hard work to be at the top, in the race.”

Once he gave a hit show as an event designer, he took it forward and gave in his full in this field. “I was always very ambitious to do Fashion Events work with India Art Fare.”

He said. When asked how he felt while working in the Wills Lifestyle

India Fashion Week scenario he said “For me it is always fun to work with Wills India Fashion Week, one of the best things happening in fashion world.” As the industry grows rapidly, new designers, thoughts and collections are also increasing.As an event designer Mr Manessh Aggarwal feels “it’s a great platform for fresh blood to come up with their talent. It is a delightful experience to be there working in the same fraternity.”

Events require a lot of brainstorming and planning and with that, there are times when barriers are faced.

But for Mr. Aggarwal barriers haven’t been much but in terms of working conditions, “yes when things get due because of vendors and others it becomes difficult for us to complete our projects on time.”

Says the Designer.

Having worked for years and years Mr. Maneesh felt he doesn’t have much complain and will always walk away with good memories among which his most amazing was the the time when he got an opportunity to work with Rich and Branson from Virgin Atlantic. “Now, we have launched Virgin Atlantic in India and Rich and Branson, a man with versatile personality is the most amazing guy to work with.”With this saying the cheerful designer concludes his feeling and wishes best to all new upcoming event planners.

Spring’s Night shine: All Black is not always boring but yes, sometimes it is. This summer try pretty colours and make it fun. Skirts with daring front facing slits are the best and sexiest for a summer night date.

You can try them in any length. High slit skirts is a big trend this summer.

Keep it simple and just add a neon red lipstick and you are ready!

Spring’s college day: Thomas Fuller said : “Good clothes open all doors”. Your outfit reflects your personality. Dress up in a floral pastel coloured dress and team it up with bright neon colour bag and accessory.

Spring’s daytime event: Grab a high neck dress with a straight fit, showing right amount of skin and look absolutely great with pointing heels.

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Branches of a tree Indian designers are on an expansion spree

by Raadhika Khetarpal Collaborations and expansions, both are two important concepts that are required for any business body to adapt. Each designer in the fashion industry, too is running their own business through their label. To be constant in the market and to be renowned worldwide it is important to expand, this is only possible with collaborations and launching new lines

like a branch of any tree. In the decades gone by the fashion industry has seen some major inventions and has been a part of creative collaborations. Each designer first established their signature style and later takes it further with new concepts, combining with their style of work. Here’s a quick look of what few couture designers are trending in.

SUNEET VERMA Suneet Varma is a name that immortalizes glamour and timeless style. He has mastered his signature style designing luxurious and elaborate costumes inspired by the European history and 3D embroidery. The couturier recently celebrated his twenty five years in the industry by launching a coffee table book with Nishat Fatima.

Suneet has also managed to understand the act of business and reached worldwide as he with due time kept on collaborating with brands like BMW, Judith leiber, Moet and Shandon, Swarwoski, Tuscan verve and many more.

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RAGHUVENDRA RATHORE The Jodhpur designer is best known for his diversity of design. His strength of heritage and culture coupled with the awesome wealth of lineage forms the very unique base for his work. He effortlessly manages to translate this awesome inspiration into various disciplines of design that he chooses to work in. Product design, interior design, architecture and landscape design, corporate uniform design, industrial design and fashion design are the strengths of this design company.

TARUN TAHILIANI

Creates magic through unstitched clothes keeping his signature style of Italian pattern cutting and drapes. Having a strong sense of business in fashion, he collaborates to imprint the label in his consumer’s lives. Tarun Tahiliani the label is not solely limited to apparel. The brand is into multiple areas of interest for the conscious lifestyle consumer. The brand has collaborated with numerous domestic and international brands such as Swarovski, World Gold Council (Azva), Timex, Johnnie Walker, Ancestry.

ROHIT BAL RohitBal is the famous couture Indian designer who is known for making ageless classic clothes.Being in the fashion industry for decades, Rohit has learnt the art of charming not only the Indian market but the globe.

Lotus has been one of his most favorite motif and is seen incorporated in all of his work. Understanding the lotus as his signature he expands his label to many other fields wanting to cater to all.

Biba, Veda, Zipo, Cibo, carpets, weddings and Luxury hotels have been places where his talent and love for Indian handicraft has been seen.

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HAIR AND MAKE-UP NUDE MAKEUP

it becomes subtle and natural looking.

8. Use liquid eyeliner to get that sexy Our makeup tutorial is a soft, nude and cat-eye look. Apply the liner starting peachy, everyday look. Before you start, with the inner corner of your eye and make sure your use a primer to even out carefully pulling to the outer edges of your upper lashline. your skin tone.

1. Apply your foundation in a thin layer with the help of a foundation brush.

MESSY SIDE BRAID

2. Gently, apply concealer to cover those problem areas – the dark circles under the eyes or any skin blemishes. You can use your fingers to blend in the concealer or you can use a concealer brush.

This bohemian inspired messy braid, is perfectly lovely for midday mischief and an unending desire for style and fashion, yet easily manageable by girls of today’s generation.

3. Before starting with the eye makeup, This way to fashion is a style statement make sure to fill in your eyebrows. Use a which can easily become any girl’s magic wand for stylish hair.…it goes as follows: pencil for this.

4. We’ll start working on the eye makeup now. Choose a 4 nude color palette but any similar colors work just as well.

1. French braid hair from the back to the side. (use this method, but in the back) 2. Use hair elastic to tie a side ponytail.

5. Next, use your eye shadow brush to apply the darkest color (shade no. 4) in the 3. Using a comb, tease the ponytail as crease. Blend it nicely with the lighter eye much as possible. shadow.

4. Braid the teased hair into a regular 6. With an eye liner brush, take the mid- braid. dle color (shade no. 3) and sweep it along the lower lash line.

5. Pull the braid so that it’s uneven and loose. Cut the hair elastic off. (Be very careful not to cut any hair)

7. Take the highlighting shadow (shade no. 1) and use the eye shadow brush to highlight the inner corner of your eyes 6. Enjoy your big messy braid! It’s perand along your brow bone. Blend it until fect for maxi dresses and bonfire parties.

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