Style and substance at Lakme Fashion Week

The last two days of Lakme Fashion Week (March 2-6) were packed with some shows that were a thrill to watch, while others simply fell flat. Designer Narendra Kumar — known for his menswear skills — showcased a big lineup of suited and booted men on the runway.

Standing by the side of the runway and playing his music as his models strutted on the runway; most of them attempting what they cannot do — jiving down the catwalk. It was meant to appear as a fun show, but unfortunately it didn’t.

Earlier in the day, designer Eina Ahluwalia’s accessory presentation looked forced and a pain in the neck for the models who wore them on the runway. Designer Payal Singhal’s offering also leaned more towards jarring than aesthetic when she attempted heavy ornamentation. However, designer Nupur Kanoi made a stylish presentation using long tapes of fabrics in a mesh format to treat the surfaces of her creations. Young Ruchika Sachdeva played well with silhouettes and surfaces. Designer Swapnil Shinde made another space-age presentation — something that he is known for by now.

On Day 5, Dozakh presented a very nice collection of eveningwear that had strategically placed detailing. Designer Arpan Vohra had a stylish lineup with accents and his colour-blocking was particularly notable. Designer Jatin Verma’s contemporary silhouettes proved to be his comeback on the A-list with carefully released colour palette, structured looks, laser cutouts and matt sequins. Although designer Rocky S went the blingy way on his western looks, the show was reverberating because of the music. Malaga by Malini Agarwala had an impressive lineup of embellished bags inspired by Africa.

When the curtains fell at this season’s LFW Summer/Resort showcase, the master once again proved that being a Rohit Bal isn’t an easy task. Silhouettes of Bal’s creations were flowing and carried extensive detailing reminiscent of pieces of art. There was cutwork, embroidery, cord detailing, zari, resham and crystal embroidery on an array of fabrics, birds, peacocks and geometric motifs and in hues of ivory to darker shades of beige, brown, maroon, wine, cobalt, red and purple. It wasn’t just a finale, it was an experience.

News source: http://www.hindustantimes.com

Recycled car parts - the latest trend?

We're always on the lookout for the latest trends in fashion. Who doesn't want to have the latest looks in their wardrobe, right now?!

Thanks to the gloomy financial crisis, recycling our old clothes might just be the ultimate fashion trend of 2011.

But, if you're sick of rummaging through your wardrobe, you may want to try this...

Scottish Designer of the Year nominee, Judy Clark has designed a dress made of used car parts.

The stunning dress was created as part of a challenge to creat a unique dress and necklace for Ford's centenary tour, a month-long event celebrating 100 years of Ford in Britain.

Judy Clark, from Edinburgh, worked under the late Alexander McQueen and assisted in the design of Sarah Jessica Parker's now famed green dress, which she donned for the premier of Sex and the City back in 2008.

"My reaction when they approached me was one of delight to be a part of such a unique project as it's very different to what I normally do," Judy says. "I would say that inspiration for the dress was taken from the Edwardian period and I actually started to design the dress before the car parts arrived."

The dress, which boasts a fusion of silk-dyed chiffon, red car lights, kilt buckles and Clark's trademark tweed work, is a fitting reference to the recycling trend set by her former mentor during Paris Fashion Week back in Fall, 2009.

Also taking part in the challenge by creating a necklace, was 26 year-old Katherine Hawkins from Cornwall who runs a jewellery design business called Creme Noveau. Describing the inspiratiuon behind the necklace as a tribute to Metropolis, the vintage science fiction robotics movie, Katherine said that she was rather daunted by the prospect when she was approached by Ford.

"When the box of car parts arrived, I didn't really know what to expect," Katherine explains. "It doesn't help that I can't actually drive so at first I didn't know what the parts were for! But once I got them spread out to see how they look and sit and how I could work with them, the idea came very quickly and I was able to use really cool metals, plastics and rubbery bits."

The shoot was handled by photographer, Andy Fallon, who has worked on a variet of shoots ranging from Rolling Stone Magazine to FHM.

 News and images Sources: femalefirst.co.uk

Rihanna Set To Debut Armani Fashion Line

Twenty-three year old Rihanna will be releasing her own fashion line through Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans.

A spoke model for Armani, singer Rihanna will now debut a new clothing line that the Umbrella songstress designed herself, according to The Boombox. The Armani collection, that falls under Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans, will feature some of the well known articles of clothing Rihanna enjoys wearing.

Set to hit stores this coming month, the line will include some of Rihanna's must have pieces fans have seen the star don before. As seen on the Vogue website, the “capsule collection” will feature lingerie, t-shirts with the singer’s face, biker jackets, and denim, some with a signature ‘R’ embroidered on it.

Also revealed by Vogue, the Rihanna fashion line plans to sell “a canvas rucksack, jeans in two different styles and sets of lace underwear that come in navy blue and pearl grey.”

A spokesperson for Armani has reportedly issued a statement about Rihanna’s soon to be released fashion line. “Hugely talented and extremely feminine, Rihanna is known for her amazing verve and incredible energy – qualities which make her the perfect choice to project and interpret the youthful, modern and captivating spirit of Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans. Positive with a slightly rock feel, fabulously sexy with a strong masculine edge.”

Surprising many, Rihanna’s new line is thought to be much less risqué and sexy than most expected. Going for a modest look, the Armani collection from the singer is sure to sell fast.