SnaPixel is nothing short of an infinite experiment through Fashion, Design, Multimedia, Photography & Art. It changes our lives and those who get in interaction with it, shows us healthier places we didn’t intent to see, sanctions us a chance to meet improved people and develop into better people, see the fashion, the photography and art the way we didn’t intent to see it. It teaches us that false is probably the new truth. SnaPixel aims to show cast Designers, fashion photographers, nurture and represent their best of design and talent in India and abroad. Our objective is to develop the long- term sustainability of the Indian fashion Industry by building Brand Awareness, branding and capabilities and profiling Indian Raw talent on international platform. We contribute to botching up the clarity further, seek fast bytes, ignore bad shows by an unspoken ‘don’t like, don’t write policy’, paste celebrity photos regardless of which garment best represents a designer and dance joyously every time a star trips on the ramp. I look at SnaPixel and see all the remarkable efforts, of those I encountered in a journey and those I’m yet to. Life’s work is at work, it’s panning out exactly like an imagination and right before us we experience a simulacrum. SNAPIXEL
I
first held a SLR the beautiful Nikon FM10, while I was doing my Graduation, and since then I’ve never really questioned my love for photography. Since then, winning in district, state, national and international photography competitions only strengthened my love for it. Post my graduation, I assisted two respected photographers in the industry, namely Sujith Kumaar and Surya Galla. I’ve freelanced with few media publications in Mumbai. Now I am based out of Bombay and do freelance Travel, Wedding, Fashion, Food and Architecture photography, for a lot different people from across the nation. One of the highest points in my life was when I was selected by National Geographic as one of the Top 10 photographers for the 2nd Season of Cover Shot. I am an ardent traveler, more like a Vagabond, I am always on the move, I have traveled pretty much in every direction across the country. I love adventure, and am a complete adrenaline junky. I believe the riskier the challenge the more the rush.
1) How to become a Photographer? I get asked this a lot. This is what I say to them —there are three P’s to becoming a good professional photographer; practice, perseverance and patience. Unlike other professions, one can’t assume that a fancy degree from am even fancier college will make you a good photographer. At the most, it will teach you a skill. But even then, you need to start from scratch. A degree can help you learn the technicalities of photography but doesn’t get you projects. Some amount of talent and a lot of good work which needs to reach the right people, will. Keep practicing to make yourself better and be patient. It is a hard industry to break into if you want to become a professional photographer. One person may make it in the industry quicker another but that shouldn’t get you down. Believe in your ability, things will happen for you.
2) What Inspires you? Inspiration comes from the smallest of things. One needs to have good presence of mind to tap into it. The difference between a good
picture and a great one can be a couple of seconds. You need to think of your feet. If you’re smart and attentive, you won’t have trouble finding inspiration and converting that into art. I have found inspiration in something a friend says at a party, something I read or see on the street even. But making that work is entirely up to you.
3) What makes the good picture stand out from the average? ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’. It may be the biggest cliché but it’s an easy rule of thumb to follow. If a picture manages to tell you a story, give you perspective or make you think—it has done its job. A good picture doesn’t always need to have great composition or be technically strong. It needs to convey a story. As the photographer, your job is to curate that experience. Technicality is important; it adds a lot of worth to the photograph. But the story is top priority, if you aren’t able to deliver that message, it doesn’t matter how beautifully the picture is composed. It doesn’t work.
4) What does photography mean to you? Starting off as a hobbyist photographer, and then turning into a full time profession, must tells you enough about what photography means to me. For me, photography is about the frozen moment, and trying to tell a story in that one frame. It’s challenging but I love it. Everyday, I wake up and know that it’s a new day in every sense. I don’t have to go to an office or sit and do the same thing over and over again. As a photographer, every day, every project is different. It comes with its own set of challenges, and that’s the best part. It’s through photography that I meditate, find peace and challenge my self.
5) What is the influence of digital technology on your photography? Digital technology has influenced photography and every photographer in the world. For me, it’s about how much you let it influence your work. I like my photograph to do as much of the talking as possible and not my post-processing
skills. Technology is important to complement a photographer’s work, not define it.
6) How important is it for a photographer to “connect” with his subjects to bring out their true self? A photographer needs to connect with his subject, no matter whom or what the subject may be. He needs to connect with his subject in order to get the best out of his subject. For example with Fashion Photography, the photographer has to connect with his model, to make her/him comfortable enough. This applies for Travel and Landscape Photography, if the photographer doesn’t feel the essence of the place, it’s not possible for him to represent that in his work.
7) What advice would you give to amateur photographers who want to get in any kind of photography professionally? I see a lot of amateurs today who think that they are photographers because they own a
DSLR. In reality, they know more about Photoshop and other manipulation software’s that photography. That doesn’t qualify you as being a photographer; that makes them manipulation experts. Amateurs have to figure this out before anything else. Photography is about photographing and not about manipulating. Take photography a lot more seriously than software. I am not against post production but software needs to compliment your photography not overpower it. Also, photography is a lot of trial and error, one has to keep pushing himself, and hone his skills to get better. So, click away, compare it to your previous work and strive towards getting better.
Modeling is not something you excel because you are clever but is based on physical appearance, but then you have to be a businessman, like, to keep your longevity.
Indian Dress
Use of Floral Tribal Art in the form of embroidery with a Modern touch.
Fashion designing student (Nirmala Niketan College) B.A (psychology)
INDO WESTERN
Use of traditional beads in the form of embroidery (belt) and crochet embroidery at the neckline.
I
’m currently pursuing a Diploma in Fashion Designing (S.Y.F.D) from Nirmala Niketan. Being a multi talented individual, dabbling in creative art work with a fusion of modern touch, I have attended various workshops and events like the Lakme Fashion Week 2013-2014 (spring summer and autumn winter) where I interacted with designers and was chosen to showcase a designer garment for Style Cracker. I have participated in a Jewellery Designing Workshop conducted by the Indian Institute of Jewellery Designing and attended a talk show with Ms Ami Patel (FASHION STYLIST) at ISDI Mumbai.
I
am a graduate in Chemistry from Mumbai University. I have always been in love with fashion and that is what has drawn me towards fulfilling my dream of being a Fashion Designer. I have attended Lakme Fashion Week – Summer / Resort and Autumn / Winter for two consecutive years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015. Style Cracker in collaboration with the LFW had organized a show for which I was selected to wear a designer garment. I was also chosen to give a quick tidbit for Tata Nano Awesomeness campaign happening at the same venue.
The recently conducted show – Fashion Star 2015, saw an array of fashion collages showcasing their designs. My garment was an Avante Garde creation based on Japanese Kimono and Origami folds. The main attraction was on the Origami boxes created on the garment. The inspiration for my collection is Indian folk and classical dances like Chhau dance, Karma dance and Manipuri dance. My creations reflect the current trends in western, Indian and Indo-western fashion keeping the core of my inspiration in mind.
G
one are the day when fashion shows end with fashion designers, now a days it ends with either bollywood personality or a sports celebrity. Some designers love it, some don’t. Still others go along, albeit reluctantly. How necessary is it to have a celebrity showstopper at a high-end fashion week? According to our expert’s market Research here are some insights The showstopper needs to have relevance to your collection. Celebrity dressing has become very big in India, people follow what they wear. So, when you have a celebrity showstopper you’re actually making a statement and putting out the kind of look and feel that you want associated with your label.” Varun Bahl, who is expected to get a celebrity for his show in the couture week, says, “The garment is still the showstopper, but Bollywood is the biggest medium that people follow. The younger stars are anyway so with it, the way they dress is trendier, hipper, and some of them are even former models. They’re not just chamak-dhamak. Now, the reason to have Bollywood stars on the ramp has also changed, and the designers do it to reach out to more people.
I think we should see fashion as a vehicle of communication rather that just a designer’s show. There are people who’re attending your show just for the fashion aspect, but for those who are not there, it’s not just about the fashion. It’s about lifestyle and entertainment. These audiences are not just driven by fashion, and when you have a celebrity walking for you, it appeals to a wider audience. This happens prominently in New York, where the front row always has a certain number of celebrities. But yes, celebrities’ walking the ramp is a very regional thing, it happens a lot in India. But when you’re showing couture or bridal, you’re creating trends. These collections may not necessarily be manufactured in bulk. If a celebrity’s presence can amplify that, then it’s logical. The thing is that Bollywood is so big here, and getting a celeb can mean that you’re reaching out to a much wider audience. Using Bollywood stars as showstoppers works for Designers only when the celebrity’s personality is enhancing the theme of the collection, or is the appropriate end to the designer’s story. Random stars that walk out at the end of the show are used by designers as a tool
for media attention, and unfortunately this reflects the lack of conviction of the designer’s faith in their creativity. It’s then just for a photo-op. this is not a trend. Normally, the stars sit in the front row and watch the show. They support the brand and the designer. When the celebrity walking out at the end of a show has a persona that matches the collection and reflects the statement that the designer is making - it’s a great thing to do, otherwise, it can look a bit gimmicky. The showstoppers are a medium to communicate the design sensibilities of the designer to a larger audience, because when a star wears a certain design, he or she enhances its appeal to the consumer. And what is a fashion week? It is a medium to communicate and sell - and between the media and the buyers, the designer’s presentation is taken to the consumer. The celeb plays an important role when it comes to high-end luxury be it outfits or products - in taking this communication to those individuals who are the users. That is why, across the world, luxury brands have celeb endorsements.
I
n the cool ambience of the Wave Arena of Hotel Grand Mercure there was fashion, there was colour and there were exotic prints all brought together by Anupamaa
Dayal’s “Masti” collection that was the sensational opening show at Gionee India Beach Fashion Week 2015 in sun kissed Goa. From soft gentle pinks inspired by the sunrise to magical deep blue’s of the Arabian
Sea added flavour to the garments. Languid silhouettes floated down the catwalk for kaftans, tunics, lean long maxis and cute blouses all perfect for fun on the beach and in the pool. For ideal resort wear get some “Masti” into the wardrobe said Anupamaa Dayal to fashionistas who want to lounge under the sun.
A blend of traditional and modern aesthetics came alive on the ramp
“The Serial Wedding Dancer” collection by when
Shouger Merchant Doshi of Zanaaya Couture delighted the audience.
From casual day wear to night time glamour, Shouger offered a great mix of Indo-western ensembles for the modern dresser. Bridal trousseaux by her had the full gamut of garments that could be teamed as
“Tren-
ditional” wear a concept created by Shouger, which means trendy traditional apparel.
The “HARSH HARSH” Label by Harsh Gupta has shot up the ladder of success since it was launched in 2013. Catering to celebs and fashionistas around the globe, Harsh Gupta’s
“Birds of Paradise”
is more” theme yet turned
the jewellery into timeless pieces that will be treasured by women through many seasons and generations.
“The Queen of Cruise and ReCrowned collection made waves on the ramp at IBFW. How does one dress up that slinky resort dress without looking overdressed? Mona Shroff’s innovative resort wear jewellery solved the problem at IBFW when the designer unveiled her amazing line of accessories. Created with care, the designs by Mona Shroff displayed a
“less
sort Wear”
Pria Kataaria Puri dazzled the audience at IBFW with her “Haute Hippie” fashion fantasy. Known for her glamorous line of kaftans in vibrant prints and colours that only Pria can dream up; this season she unleashed her signature speciality once again in floor skimming maxis and sexy minis that would be ideal to dance on the beach or for romantic strolls on the sands.
Under the starlit sky with a 60-metre ramp that ran down the lawns, with the gentle breeze wafting around could there have been a more spectacular venue for a Grand Finale for any designer? It was a fabulous glamorous end to the IBFW, when Falguni and Shane Peacock, award winning designers and internationally renowned for their creations, un-
veiled their “Runaway Bride” collection at the Grand Finale on the picturesque lawns of La Brise, the sprawling property, that kissed the silver sands of Goa.
Giving the Gionee Active Tee presented by Jattinn Kochhar, the designer touch, Gionee, the title sponsor of the Gionee India Beach Fashion Week 2015 launched a stylish
Tee line at the event. Gionee India Beach Fashion Week (IBFW), where the beach is the new ramp, over 30 designers showcasing their couture collections and more
than 50 pop-up shops, attended by influencers from the lifestyle and luxury industry, and infused with the Goa party vibe to create the ultimate fashion, retail and party event property.
T
he creations by ten very talented future stars from Rachana Sansad School of Fashion and Textile Design dazzled IBFW during the opening show on Day Two. From cruise and elegant formal wear, the collections were a striking mélange of prints, silhouettes, embellishments and clever construction. From shorts to Bermudas, minis, swimwear, gowns, maxis, skirts, sheaths, boleros to floor kissing capes, the long list of ensembles were perfect for every fastidious dresser. Under the banner “The Design Store” the designers showcased some amazing creations to a very appreciative audience.
For the free spirited woman, the collection of draped ensembles in vibrant beige, sea blue and green was lived up with peach and the trademark Hawaiian floral touches, mixed with hints of quilting for added impact.
VAISHALI VIJAN CHINOISERIC CHIC
Bringing to the ramp Chinese artistic influences, the body-con silhouettes in shades of blue, green and white were ideal holiday wear when the sun dips over the horizon and it’s time to party.
NIDHI SATRA SMUDGED ART
A lively collection of corsets, shorts and pretty covers had splashes of botanical floral prints. Ideal for that beach soirée, the look was sexy, skimpy but quirky with touches of boho chic and elements of daring.
HARSHALI KAMBLE – THRESHERS
Cropped tops, sexy skirts, cool maxi dresses in summery colours of white, yellow, navy and red for stripes and splash dye effects were all aimed at a relaxed cruise ad holiday wardrobe.
PRATIK CHAVAN – ALOHA
AENASHA SAFI AMITAJOUR
Swimwear and capes never looked more sexy and inviting in shades of champagne, blue ombré as well as shaded beige. Inspired by Moroccan lanterns here was beach wear
grey as well as neutral black and white. Inspired by the rich Navajo textiles, the collection had traditional touches with contemporary silhouettes and style.
RESHMA BOMMA - WATER NYMPH
Figure contouring creations in shades of blue and green created a perfect collection that will turn the fashionista into a stylish nymph when she lets her hair down for the lounge party on the beach verandah.
that spelt sophisticated confidence for the global traveller.
HEMAL GADHARE PIN UP GIRL
Inspired by the 1950’s look, the cropped tops were teamed with stunning high waist shorts in pretty pastels like mint, peach and pink, which will turn every girl into a pin up diva when she strolls down in nostalgic creations with the Tahitian tattoo print. Adding to the line were boleros, which completed the look.
JIGAR DARJI - THE NAVAJO EASTERN TRAVELLER
Get set for cruise wear that moves from soft blazers, shirts, tees, pants and shorts in eye-catching plum red, mint,
VIBHA ARORA - MARINE ALLURE
In shades of blue and purple it was resort wear inspired by underwater textures created with tie and dye effects. The feminine tubes and cov-
er-ups as well as shirts and trousers were turned into a collection for fun in the sun and sands that made ideal relaxed wear.
GUNVEEN CHAWLA SACRED BLUES
Glamorous sultry sheath dresses inspired by Mandala, the Sanskrit word for Sacred Circle were ethereal creations in shades of blue and turquoise, which stand for love, serenity and relaxation.
A
s most of us reside in an urban environment which has its own perks, but we city folks still pine for the great outdoors and nature. Thats where we at Lemark tried to mimic nature in our students designs at our Annual Show Marque 2014, which are nonetheless modest designs with a strong nature base. The designs are based on the discipline of biomimicry, nature being incomprehensibly beautiful and we tend to assimilate all the endless prospect of its beauty. These designs are not just nature based, but they can be a style statement for any type of garments. Due to their subtle colours, they can be dawned on any minimalistic or understated garments and still make it look alluring. As designers, most of our students inspiration in these designs are based on flora and fauna. Nature being so dynamic that it gives its own beauty every time the season changes, and that is what the students wanted to potray in their designs, the dynamic and eccentric nature.
T
his garment is a valentine day special and is based on The “LOVE” theme. Black dresses always have a stunning effect. The garment cut is A-line hence very appealing and romantic. The colour combination is black with brown coloured flowers & back side of garment is with a lovely bow decorated with pearls, heart shaped back neck with red colour roses complements the valentine theme and front neck is a simple polo neck giving elegant look to the entire garment. The flow of “The LOVE theme” continues right upto the bottom with a beautiful digital print giving an exotic & fabulous effect.
C
reations 2015 - The annual exhibition of Nirmala Niketan Polytechnic was held on 20-22ndFebruary, 2015. This is a much awaited annual event on the College Calendar that gives a platform to the students of Fashion Designing to showcase their creativity, 2015. Style is a state of mind, a way of being! CREATIONS is a perfect stage to bring alive the philosophy and dreams of the budding designers at Nirmala Niketan Polytechnic.The designs are based on the theme revolving around carnivals and fun fairs, aptly called
“A-Fashion-A-Fair�. Dazzling
sequins, ethnic and tribal details, dramatic textures, peek-a-boo sheers, fantastical fabrics and lots of embellishment add a surreal edge. Nothing’s simple! Constant innovation and new variations form an effort to bring out the creative best in every student. On display are the beautiful Barbies adorned and embellished to the theme ‘Silver Symphony’. The students have crafted a collection with the creative use of Mashru fabric sourced from Ahmedabad alongwith exquisite traditionally designed articles. Also on display are the Draped Gowns incorporating garments constructed using origami folds, metallic flounces, different ruching techniques with overlapping cowls and smocked trails. This event was judged by eminent professionals like Aaliya Fakih, Ekta Rajani, Mehvish Majithia and Melicia Noronha. Nirmala Niketan Polytechnic is a Christian Institution which aims at the all-round development of students, through an education that is life-oriented, career-oriented and community-oriented. Nirmala Niketan stands for academic excellence, whereby young students are equipped to meet successfully the challenges of family life as well as those from the professional world of a changing modem India. This year 2015 the institution enters its Diamond Jubilee. The Fashion Department aims at training students for all-round development in industry oriented skills to meet national and international standards with an integrated approach of applying creativity with technical proficiency.
S
pectrum, the most awaited college festival of Nift Mumbai was declared open on the morning of 28th January, 2015 by Smt. Nilima Rani Singh, director of NIFT MUMBAI. It ,certainly ,was a mega event. All the students and staff members of the Nift Mumbai campus had put their hearts and souls into the arrangements and had tried to put up a great show which, indeed, deserves appreciation. Had it not been for the extraordinary amount of efforts put in by the Students and Staff members together, Spectrum wouldn’t have seen the light of the day of 28th January. Needless to mention, the sponsors Union Bank of India, Indian Oil Corporation, Bombay High, Line, Bewakoof.com, and Gio Collection, along with our radio partner, Oye! 104.8 FM, and Lakme provided unwavering support, without which the event wouldn’t have reached the zenith of success that it eventually did. The event that kick started the fest was the Spooky Tales event which in turn was judged by Mr. Rugved Mondkar, an author of National Fame. He gave us a brief description of his book which is due to release in the coming months. Quite an intellectual start it was as author always gives you some food for thought to ponder on and so did he. As the day progressed, we witnessed a plethora of cultural and sports activities taking place all over the campus. The entire campus was buzzing with vibrancy and the extravaganza that the campus had to offer was being relished by each and every-
one on the campus, more so by the final year students who very well were aware of the fact that this was going to be the last ‘SPECTRUM’ during their stint of four years or 2 years at NIFT. As the day was pacing at its own speed, the hunger pangs started telling on the faces of most of the event Coordinators and Participants, towards the evening. The organizing committee of Spectrum had done everything to make sure that the smooth flow of events were not disrupted in any way. The food and beverages partners of the Day ‘BrewHouse Café’ and ‘Redbull’ provided refreshments to everyone which made everyone continue with the task in hand, undeterred. Everybody was excitedly looking forward to the gala event which was awaiting them at the end of the day. Yes, it was SUNBURN’ which was in a way the chief attraction of the day. We Niftians are young, wild, crazy and passionate people and we love to party. SUNBURN, in a nutshell, personifies the whole spirit of SPECTRUM as well as the brains behind it, we the Niftians. 1500 people turned up to dance to the beats of the music played by Anish Sood and Rishab Joshi of the Lost Stories fame. This marked the end to the first day of the scheme of events of the Day 1 of SPECTRUM which obviously left everyone thrilled, with numerous memories for the lifetime but extremely tired and exhausted at the same time and high hopes from the Day 2 of the Fest. Day 2 i.e, the 29th of January, 2015 saw an extraordinary mix of participants who possessed such talents
which left everybody awestruck. Mesmerized as we were with the chain of events that took place, we witnessed commendable performances by means of the fashion show and the war of bands, the major attraction being, Miss and Mr Spectrum which was powered by Gio Collection. Further, during the day MH43 was adjudged the winner of the War of the Bands. They had won over the crowd as their performance was soulful and full of life. The crowd went gaga over the seamless and stylish fashion show which was a much waited event. Moreover, Nift Mumbai is known for coming up with great fashion shows, being a pioneer fashion Institute in the country, it didn’t fail to amze the masses this time round as well. People echoed similar feelings like very year it’s getting better and more innovative, a moment of pride for all of us. Palak Hora and Aishwarya Suresh were adjudged the best female models while Karan Mehra was awarded the title of Best Male model. Since the competition was quite close, naturally, the happiness of the participants knew no bounds. With the fest coming to end, the Director of NIFT acknowledged this year’s spectrum as the best ever. The members of the Student’s council were highly appreciated for the efforts they had put in making this year’s SPECTRUM a great success. This motivated the students to work harder for the next year’s SPECTRUM. All the students took with them, mixed feelings of nostalgia, happiness and immense satisfaction at the end of the Annual College Fest. They were reinsured of the talents that they possessed and were instilled with revitalized sense of confidence that they are capable of creating wonders.