2017 is almost here! Before we begin our end-of-year celebrations tomorrow with bubbles, fireworks and baked treats, one more post for our loyal readers. The Fashion Orientalist wishes everyone a Happy New Year, filled with happiness, success, love and joy!

Pakistani designer label Erum Khan released their bridal couture collection named ‘Nawabzaadi’ with a stunning campaign shoot featuring actress Saba Qamar. The label stands for ”timeless style & effortless femininity”. The designer is known for her ability to strike a balance between traditional cultural artistry and modern & classic cuts and drapery. The bridal collection includes elegant gowns with intricate embroidery and embellishments. Young brides will love the modern, fashion forward styles and deep colours like hot pinks, deep reds, gold and dark blues. The setting of the shoot suits the New Year’s Eve theme perfectly: a beautiful ballroom, with grand chandeliers and soft yellow lights, completed with bridal attributes.

Check out my favourite bridal looks in the gallery. A toast to the New Year!

Let me know which look you love best by leaving a comment below

Photography by Guddu Shani, Styling by Haiya Bokhari

The LA Girl Matte Flat Finish is a matte lip-gloss cream which comes in 16 different colours. They promise a long-lasting formula with intense pigmentation and matte finish. I have been testing this product for a while now and want to share the results with you today!

I have chosen five colours from the collection by the names: Backstage, Secret, Rebel, Bazaar and Dreamy.

Backstage is a stunning deep cranberry shade. As you can see from the swatches, this colour doesn’t give the promised coverage and is very transparent.

Secret is a deep classic red. A real must have!

Rebel is a plum shade and my personal favorite.

Bazaar is a rose lip colour. In my opinion this one didn’t match my dark brown skin colour but it really depends on personal taste as my cousin with the same skin tone really loved this shade of rose pink.

Dreamy is a pink nude. With darker skin tones is turns slightly brownish, a big no-no. On lighter complexions it looks a lot better.  

Packaging: a nice simple black design with white text and transparent elements to show of the colours . I love it!

Pigmentation: The pigmentation is amazing! Shamefully Backstage is the only one that doesn’t deliver.

The colours are long-lasting. I’m talking about a whole day (avoid eating greasy foods as they do wear off when you do). It was not easy to remove them at the end of the day.

The first time I applied the formula it was kind of sticky. You have to let the gloss dry completely for that beautiful matte effect. A tip is to dust a little translucent powder over your lips to finish your look.

Swatches from left to right: Backstage, Secret, Rebel. Bazaar and Dreamy

Bottom picture is with flash (the colours have not dried yet in this picture to show you how it looks when you’ve just applied it)

Let me know which colour you like best!

Raisa

February is a great month when it comes to fashion. Award season is treating us with celebrities walking down the red-carpets in haute couture gowns (who else is looking forward to the Oscar’s red carpet?!) and fashions’ elite are jetting from one fashion week to the other to present the trends of the season.

Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2017 kicked off on the 1^st of February in India. This 5 day event showcases the latest collections by fresh new talent and industry big shots.

Day one closed with Amit Aggarwal’s Resort 2017 collection, a designer famous for his out of this world designs. His label AM.IT is known for its sculpted forms and ensembles inspired by sci-fi and technology.

Amit’s Resort 2017 collection ‘seamless’ is an interesting blend of age-old tradition and today’s technology. The models appeared on the LFW ramp wearing a fusion of the old and the new. The old being the traditional element; pieces of patola sarees. The patola sari is a double ikat (=dyeing technique used to pattern textiles) woven sari, often made from silk. Originally from Patan Gujurat, India, this clothing item was worn by royalty and aristocrats in the old days. The weaving of the fabric is a closely guarded family tradition, which explains the high price and exclusivity.

AM.IT combines the traditional Patan patterns with glitter body suits and wide metallic waist bands. The metallic elements and boxy silhouettes give it the signature AM.IT stamp. The colour palette of the collection includes wine, rust, teal, olive, khaki, mustard and ink blue.

The end result is very artistic. You wouldn’t expect all of it to work together as well as it does. I adore the colours and the fierceness of the designs…which also include recycled materials. Amit believes that being pro-environment isn’t only about going organic but also about reinventing the old and used into something new and relevant. A vision which just adds more weight to a designer like Amit, one who deserves an international platform.

Let us know which design you like best in the comment section below!

Fashion designer Anita Dongre showcased her Summer Resort 2017 collection ‘Alchemy’ last night in Mumbai, India as the grand finale of Lakmé Fashion Week SR17. The fashion show was held at the Bandra Fort amphitheatre, a historic location also known as Castella de Aguada (fort of the waterpoint) which was build in 1640 by the Portuguese.

Anita’s models walked a green runway, decorated with exotic plants and trees to replicate an oasis thriving with life. ‘Alchemy’ includes different styles; tabards, skirts, duster coats, short jackets, gowns, flared crop tops, pleated elephant pants and blousons. It shows both traditional as contemporary elements. Hand-woven tissue and Khadi, silk organza, chiffon and tulle were used as fabrics. The embellishments really stood out. Anita used different embroidery styles to decorate the designs like gota patti, zardosi, dori and tonal. The exotic setting really complimented the colour palette; Kora whites with hints of gold, pastel pinks, blush-peach, flesh, aqua, sage and glazed gold.

Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan was the showstopper of the evening, wearing a white silk organza gown paired with a gold flared floor-length jacket. Not long ago fashions favourite style diva walked the ramp for designer Sabyasachi, pregnant with her first child, this time around she showed off her post-baby body, looking as beautiful as always.

Check out the gallery for a few highlights from the show. Let us know which look you like best in the comment section below!

The Bride and Luxury Prêt edition of Fashion Parade London took place on the 6th of February at One Marylebone, a historic location built in 1826-28 and formally known as the Holy Trinity Church. This event was organised by Sadia Siddique’s Mustang Productions and aims to showcase the best of Pakistani fashion to the world.  This edition included the works of 10 Pakistani designers and presented the latest Pakistani bridal trends.

Designer brand Tena Durrani showcased their bridal capsule collection ‘A Rouge Affair’. ‘A Rouge Affair’, as the name reveals, focuses on the colour red in all its various interpretations. The collection symbolises the modern-day bride. It is a fusion between traditional and contemporary. The colour palette includes more than just deep reds; stunning gowns in gold and crisp white also feature. The intricate embroidery and embellishments stand out; Swarovski sparkle and shimmering sequins compliment the looks. Floral motifs give the designs a touch of romance. The silhouettes are très feminine but also include top & pant ensembles, emancipating bridal fashion styles. My personal favourite from this collection is an ensemble consisting of a sleeves white top, made from a light fabric, combined with a long skirt with heavy gold embroidery at the bottom. It is very East meets West and Modern meets Traditional, which is perfect for a neo-bride.

Check out the gallery for highlights from Tena Durrani’s fashion show.

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Photography by Rafyl

Jewellery: Jadau by Kanwal Toor

Cuckoo for Colour fashion illustrator Aparna has joined forces with The Fashion Orientalist to showcase the latest trends in fashion via watercolor art. This week she has painted two red carpet looks, Bollywood + Hollywood, worn by actress Deepika Padukone. One of several Indian actresses who have recently crossed over to Hollywood.

Like many Bollywood actresses Deepika was first a successful model, making her Lakmé Fashion Week India debut in 2005 and appearing in the famous Kingfisher (bikini) calendar in 2006 (annually released by the United Breweries Group and known as the most prestigious modelling assignment in India). It is said her appearance in the calendar gave her just the right exposure to advance her career. In 2006 she made her film debut, but it was her role in the film Om Shanti Om (2007) alongside superstar Shah Rukh Khan that skyrocketed her career. In 2015 she appeared in the film Bajirao Mastani (2015) opposite actor Ranveer Singh, who is also her rumoured-to-be boyfriend in real life. The film is a feast for the eyes fashion-wise!

This year Deepika appeared in the Hollywood action film xXx: Return of Xander Cage alongside Vin Diesel. At the moment she is filming in India, but we hope she will be appearing in more Hollywood films in the near future!

Bollywood VS Hollywood: have your say, which look do you like best?

Bollywood – A glittery red & gold saree by noted designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee worn at the IFFA Awards in 2015

Hollywood – A yellow off-shoulder dress by Ralph Lauren, worn at the Golden Globes Instyle after party in 2017

Make sure to follow Aparna @cuckooforcolour on Instagram for more fashion illustrations! Stay tuned for more Bollywood/Hollywood illustrations, coming soon on The Fashion Orientalist blog!

Last week we featured actress Deepika Padukone in our Bollywood Hollywood style special with beautiful illustrations by Cuckoo for Colour fashion illustrator Aparna. This week we put the spotlight on the charming & talented Priyanka Chopra. Her rise to fame began in 2000 when she won the Miss World 2000 pageant at the tender age of 18. In 2003 she made her Bollywood acting debut in the film The Hero: Love Story of a Spy. Her big breakthrough came after she starred in the film Aitraaz.

In 2008 Priyanka showed India she was more than just a pretty face when she starred in the critically acclaimed drama film Fashion in which she played a troubled model. In 2012 she received more praise from the critics when she played a woman with autism in the film Barfi! alongside Ranbir Kapoor and in 2014 she portrayed boxer Mary Kom in a biographical film about the five time world boxing champion and Olympic bronze medalist. She received months of boxing training to be able to pull of this roll. In the film Bajirao Mastani (2015) Priyanka (as a supporting actress) managed to ‘steal’ the spotlight from her co-stars (and leading actors) Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone with her great performance. She has won several awards for this role.

Priyanka is a huge star in Bollywood and is now charming us with her bubbly character and breath-taking looks in Hollywood. She signed a talent deal with ABC Studios and plays Alex Parrish, a FBI Academy recruit, in the thriller series Quantico, which is in its second series at the moment. Priyanka also appears in the remake of Baywatch opposite Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Zac Efron.

Next to acting Chopra is also known for her ability to sing. In 2012/13 she released songs with international artists Will.I.Am and Pitbull. The actress is also an active philanthropist supporting various causes. She has worked with UNICEF since 2006 and has her own foundation focused on health and education of unprivileged children and young girls. She also supports several environmental causes.

We can’t wait to see what this multi-talented lady is up to next in Hollywood and/or Bollywood!

Bollywood – Hollywood style

Whenever we browse the best-dressed list of known Award show red-carpets, there is always a mention/picture of Priyanka sparkling in the finest couture gowns. Aparna illustrated two of her favorite looks:

Bollywood – Stardust Awards 2016: Priyanka wore a long, ivory-white Anamika Khanna jacket with black pant, both heavily embroidered. Simply stunning!

Hollywood – The Emmy Awards 2016: Miss Chopra wore a red, one-shoulder gown by Jason Wu. The day after everyone spoke about her on-stage twirl with actor Tom Hiddleston. She really stole the show!

Make sure to follow Aparna @cuckooforcolour on Instagram for more fashion illustrations!

Tell us which look you like best in the comment section below!

Indian fashion designer Urvashi Kaur showcased her latest collection named VASA during Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2017 last month. Her label embodies glocal fashion, which comes from the phrase think globally, act locally. Glocalization, a fusion between the words globalization and localization, is an advice/successful strategy for companies that act globally or distribute their products internationally. It says they should adapt their products to local culture, keeping local traditions and values in mind. Only then global success is guaranteed.

Urvashi says her designs are ‘global in their construction but defiantly Indian in their sensibility’.

Sustainability is also a theme Urvashi discusses through fashion. She embraces heritage hand-woven, organic textiles and natural dyes. The promotion of indigenous Indian weaves and age-old techniques define Urvashi’s design philosophy.

I’m intrigued by designers who have a solid, well-thought-out design philosophy like Urvashi. One that goes beyond ‘dressing for the masses/mainstream’. Kaur shows that sustainable design can be fashion-forward.

Her collection VASA is a modern-day homage to an ancient and diverse (Indian) heritage. Urvashi took inspiration from her travels to remote parts of India as a child, exploring memories and experiences from her past.

For VASA Urvashi used time worn, handwoven textiles like khadi (hand-woven cotton cloth), simple cottons, traditional Ajrakhs (block printed fabrics), kota doriya (woven fabric with a square-checked pattern) and cotton silks. The color palette includes earth tones like dusty fawns, faint blush but also darker shades like indigo blue and olive greens. The designer added dimension and depth to the textiles by using a range of indigenous treatments; dyes, block printing and chikankari embroidery details.

The collection includes versatile, multi-piece ensembles. The pieces are trans-seasonal and can be worn in various ways. Layering plays a key role in this collection: tailored shirts, skirts and structured jumpsuits meet fluid outerwear and paneled separates.

I love the diverse character of the collection, the colors are stunning! I’ve spotted several items which I would like to add to my summer wardrobe like the trousers made from lights fabrics with print details, the jumpsuits and (long) vests for layering. I’ve included my favorite looks from the collection in the gallery:

Because the 8th of March was all about International Women’s Day; celebrating the beautiful, strong, inspiring and intelligent women from all over the world, I wanted to feature a designer this week who is all about making us ladies feel special in fairy tale like gowns: Indian designer Amit GT.

He showcased his haute couture collection during Lakmé Fashion Week last month, wowing the audience with a spectacular runway show. Amit designs red carpet looks for Hollywood actresses like Carmen Electra, Rosario Dawson and Eva Longoria and Bollywood bombshells like Kareena Kapoor and Deepika Padukone. He also has an impressive royal clientele.

His latest couture collection was inspired by these young, fashion-forward royals, like Queen Rania of Jordan and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (Kate née Middleton). He imagines the gowns in a ballroom setting, couples dancing a Viennese Waltz…a dream like scenario where fairy tales come to live. The colour palette suits the theme perfectly from classic white and black to light blues, pinks and vivid purples. Amit GT is known for his creative use of materials and moods – soft and hard, fluid and structured, matte and gloss, vivid and dark, demure and aggressive. The luxurious gowns are decorated with feathers, sparkly embellishments, 3D flowers and butterflies. There is something for everyone; sexy sheer/lace details, romantic gala looks and extravagant numbers with dynamic shapes and layers. The collection oozes elegance.

My top 5 includes the type of gowns you would see on an Oscar’s red carpet. I adore the 3D flower details and the romantic, feminine colours of the gala gowns. I also love the gowns combined with jackets, which look fierce and perfectly suitable for the tomboys among us. This collection is simply breath-taking and I can’t wait to see which known Hollywood/Bollywood names will be strutting their stuff in these Amit GT Couture gowns on the red carpet this year!

The post Amit GT Couture – Red carpet looks for Hollywood & Bollywood appeared first on The Fashion Orientalist.

Lady M, the collection by Indian designer Payal Singhal, was one of the highlights of Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2017. Singhal was inspired by the dark romanticism of the crime novel ‘Death on the Nile’ by English novelist Agatha Christie. In 1978 they turned the book into a film starring actors like Bette Davis and Mia Farrow. ‘Death on the Nile’ is a tale acclaimed as much for its storyline as for its dazzling costume display. For her collection Lady M, Singhal designed high society style pieces (think late 1930s fashion) with Indian influences.

Returning to the crime story, most action takes place in Egypt, on the Nile river and on a luxurious cruise ship. Payal Singhal focused on the essence of luxe cruise fashion; fringed and beaded tunics, black tie dressing with a bohemian twist and sparkling jewels.

The collection consists of beaded kaftans and jackets, low crotch dhotis, camisoles and lehenga style skirts. The colour palette includes midnight blue, emerald and black, pale rose, ivory and summer sky blues. The pieces are decorated with metallic embroidery; Art Deco style meets traditional Indian and floral motifs. Lady M is a fusion between contemporary and traditional, past and present, East meets West, dare I say it, Hollywood meets Bollywood…different influences coming together into one harmonious design.

I adore this collection, it is chic, very old Hollywood style with an Indian twist. Singhal’s designs are very appealing to young, fashion forward women. The choice of colour is superb, it all works well together.

Actress and model Diana Penty, known in Bollywood for her roles in films like ‘Cocktail’ (2012) and ‘Happy Bhag Jayegi’ (2016), walked the ramp for Singhal during her LFW show, she wore a pale rose mukaish kaftan tunic with a tulle skirt with pita and zardari work. A look I would love to add to my personal wardrobe!

Payal Singhal Lady M – Jewellery by: Isharya – Show Styled by: Nidhi Jacob – Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2017

The post Payal Singhal Summer/Resort 2017: Lady M appeared first on The Fashion Orientalist.

The fashion industry is becoming more sustainable, or at least it’s trying to. It’s a hot topic. There are several fashion designers who have made it their design philosophy and incorporate sustainable practices into modern clothing. Indian fashion events like Lakmé Fashion Week and Amazon India Fashion Week are paying more attention to this ‘trend’. It is not just about the use of eco-friendly materials; organic cotton, natural dyes etc. but also about the revival of age-old crafts. Fast fashion ignores the environment and the people behind the product. The rise of slow fashion = to preserve jobs and promote craftsmanship threatened by low cost options.

Gaurang – The Master of Weaves

Indian fashion designer Gaurang, known as the master of weaves, stepped into the fashion scene in 2012 with one challenge; reviving the traditional handlooms and bringing them back in Vogue. Today he has more than 700 weavers from all over India working alongside him. He revives textile arts like kanjeevaram, khadi, uppada, paithani, patan patola, benarasi, kota, maheshwari, Bengal weaves and translates them into niche sarees and outfits. His designs are woven in the jamdani weaving technique which can take up to 2 years to weave (depending on the design), making his products heirloom pieces. His saree designs are true textile art; traditional Indian motifs go hand in hand with contemporary textures.

Summer/Resort 2017 collection ‘Muslin’

(Muslin is a cotton fabric of plain weave. In history, muslin has often been called ‘woven air’)

Gaurang unveiled his latest collection ‘Muslin’ during Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2017 last month:

”The collection finds inspiration from the most intrinsic love stories around us; the desire of the moonlight and the clouds, the tempestuous love of thunder and lightning, the dance of the sunflower and honey bee, and the passionate awakening of the rainbow after the rain….MUSLIN is a translation of these beautiful stories from nature into hand-woven artisan textiles, bound together in white – the colour of pure love”

The collection consists of traditional Indian silhouettes (sarees, lehengas, anarkalis) in shades of white with gold details. The sheer and flowy fabrics perfectly suit the summer theme. With this collection Gaurang introduced a new dimension to his signature Jamdani weaves. The weaves are brought to life with stunning Parsi Gara style and Chikankari embroidery. Block prints in shades of white are used to accentuate the lines and silhouettes of the collection.

Gaurang feels hand-woven Indian textiles embrace class, comfort and style. A summer trend! The collection also includes a dash of vibrant summer colours.

Actress Tabu walked the Lakmé Fashion Week ramp for Gaurang wearing a stunning white gown with gold details. Check out the gallery for more from this beautiful collection!

The post Gaurang: The Master of Weaves appeared first on The Fashion Orientalist.

Amazon India Fashion Week Autumn-Winter 2017 took place from the 15th until the 18th of March in New Delhi, India. Designers originating from all over India showcased the trends for the upcoming Autumn-Winter season. Themes like; heritage clothing (mix of vintage/heritage fashion with contemporary style), sustainability, female empowerment and diversity were ‘discussed’ through fashion. The ‘week’ ended with a grand finale by noted designers Tarun Tahiliani and Amit Aggarwal.

I’ve selected 24 of my favourite AIFW AW17 looks and split them into two parts. Today I share with you part one featuring 12 looks from day 1-2. Stay tuned for part two!

Krishna Mehta showcased her Autumn/Winter 2017 collection ‘Parted Lips’. The collection brings to life a young woman’s joie de vivre (joy of living). The clothes are designed to mirror the variety of passions that a young woman pursues.

I adore the bold colours of this design, the patches of fabric from the skirt give it a vintage touch. The bustier with fine details looks stunning!

Huemn‘s collection is a tribute to the individual, to having a voice, speaking up and stepping forward. It also celebrates diversity and inclusion and the confidence of today’s influencers.

You need confidence to wear this dress; the floral details make it super feminine, the sheer top gives it a sexy, playful touch. The black color and tulle skirt give it a rock and roll edge. Love it!

Hemant & Nandita‘s collection is about femininity and strength, about two opposite energies making a perfect fit. Strong silhouettes go hand in hand with feminine florals and soft pastels.

I chose this design because I would like to add it to my wardrobe, I have a thing for shirt dresses combined with skinny pants. The colours are lovely!

Pankaj & Nidhi‘s ‘Telefunk’ is a collection in a sharp monochromatic palette of black & white ensembles with Yves Klein blue to add playfulness and boldness to the collection. Some of the graphics are inspired by television test patterns.

It is hard choosing one favourite design from this collection, this picture just shows all goodness in one glance. The blue, the geometric shapes, the details, signature Pankaj & Nidhi looks! Need I say more?

Anupama Dayal‘s collection ‘The Sacred Forest’, tells the story of the sacred forest of Mangar village and the legend of Gudariya Baba, a local mystic. Locals believe his spirit protects the sacred forest grove. The forest is home to several extinct species, like the Dhau tree and also houses wildlife.

This look is very bohemian style; floral print, bold colours, light fabrics. A funky nomad!

#VogueHeartsSari: On the first day of AIFW AW17 Vogue India organised a special runway show to put the spotlight on the most ancient Indian costume; the Sari. Over 50 Indian designers took part to showcase the sari in its full glory, highlighting the diversity of the garment in terms of fabric, handloom weaves and multiple draping techniques. The designers worked with different themes: Blues, Pretty Florals, Tribal, Gold Embellishments or Gothic. The show also marked Vogue India’s 10th anniversary.

My list of favourite Sari interpretations include: Payal Pratap, Rahul Mishra, Suneet Varma and Tarun Tahiliani

Shaina NC, Pinnacle by Shruti Sancheti and Dabiri by Divya & Ambika were part of the Jharcraft show, showcasing the handloom legacy of Jharkhand, a state in Eastern India chosen as the official partner state of AIFW AW17. The designs by Dabiri really stood out, stunning gold & silver details/hand-embroidery on crisp white fabrics.

More AIFW AW17 coming soon!

The post Amazon India Fashion Week Autumn-Winter 2017: Highlights appeared first on The Fashion Orientalist.

Amazon India Fashion Week Autumn-Winter 2017 took place from the 15th until the 18th of March in New Delhi, India. Designers originating from all over India showcased the trends for the upcoming Autumn-Winter season. Themes like; heritage clothing (mix of vintage/heritage fashion with contemporary style), sustainability, female empowerment and diversity were ‘discussed’ through fashion. The ‘week’ ended with a grand finale by noted designers Tarun Tahiliani and Amit Aggarwal.

I’ve selected 24 of my favourite AIFW AW17 looks and split them into two parts. Today I share with you part two featuring 12 looks from day 3-4.

Amit Aggarwal

Amit’s collection focuses on both the metallic/concrete strength of man built structures and earth; emerald ocean waves, textured vast lands and streaked blue skies. Natural evolutions meets man’s creative achievements.

The collection includes signature Amit Aggarwal looks in vivid colours with dynamic shapes, which aren’t just stunning but also sustainable. Amit is no stranger to recycling and used pre-owned patola sarees and Benares brocades (heritage crafts) for this collection.

Tarun Tahiliani

Tahiliani’s autumn/winter 2017 collection consists of different ranges/categories e.g. gowns in rich jewel tones like indigo, aubergine and red, a Polka range with polka patterns or The Mondrian Damask range with dramatic motifs inspired by Dutch artist Piet Mondrian’s paintings. The diversity within this collection showcases Tahiliani’s mastery in different forms of workmanship and also his ability to mix and match styles; contemporary, traditional, or a fusion of both!

The collection is a homage to construction, draping and fit, inspired by the nomadic beauty of Indian tribes, mingling it with motifs from Mughal armory-inspired art.

Anju Modi

The collection Neelambar focuses on the following keywords: timeless, vintage, handcraft and organic. It is an architecture-inspired collection and an outtake of India’s rich textile legacy – An attempt to weave the traditional knowledge and skills of our master craftsmen with threads of modernity.

The show included footwear by Needledust, handcrafted juttis (Indian/Punjabi footwear, a style similar to ballerina pumps/flats) and accessories by Roma Narsinghani.

Ashima Leena

Charukesha is a collection with different influences; architecture, blue pottery, Hinduism and Orientalism (the dialogue between the East and West). The colour palette includes blue, grey and black. Charukesha consists of skirts, pashmina blouses, tribal gilets and asymmetric kurtas and sarees. The motifs are inspired by Iznik tiles/pottery and Khiva (Uzbekistan) Muslim architecture.

Malini Ramani

Nomad is a collection that is bold, tribal, yet luxuriously comfortable. For the sophisticated yet bohemian woman who is on a constant journey of self discovery.

The collection includes suede embroidered capes, block printed dresses in colours of desert sand-dunes, gypsy style hoodies, fringes, dip-dyed skirts, kaftans and Saris. The designs are decorated with beads, sequins and/or leather.

Namrata Joshipura

This collection includes signature Namrata Joshipura looks; fierce and feminine styles with just the right amount of glitter and glamour. Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt walked the ramp as the showstopper of the show, wearing an emerald jumpsuit with fringe and shimmering black details.

Sahil Kochhar

Kyari, draws inspiration from the meadows of Uttarakhand (a state in the northern part of India, known for its natural beauty and snowy mountains. It is also referred to as Land of the Gods due to the many temples and pilgrimage centres). Kyari is a hindi word used with reference to flower beds.

The colour palette includes deep blue, military green and beige combined with mustard, sky grey, deep pink and emerald green referring to the wild flowers. The designer also used 3D flower embroidery to decorate the gowns.

Shivan & Narresh

The Egon series, is a collection inspired by modern expressionist works of Australian painter Egon Schiele. Shivan & Narresh’s collection includes the hottest beachwear pieces and resort ensembles. The colour palette includes shades used by artist Schiele in his early works: capri, flesh, ivory, amethyst, sapphire and onyx. The designer duo teamed up the looks with statement jewellery pieces with crystals and topaz, onyx resin and metallic hardware.

The designers re-introduced skein work; paillettes folded by hand into various geometric shapes able to craft different motifs like blooms or beetles.

Must-have beachwear!

Verb by Pallavi Singhee

Pallavi Singhee’s collection Foliage consists of bead-trimmed caftans, midi dresses, cloaks, jumpsuits and pants decorated with stripes, floral or geometric prints. Bohemian style is a trend at AIFW AW17, just like comfortable clothing. Silky, flowy, light fabrics that aren’t just comfortable but also look luxurious are very fashionable next season.

The post Amazon India Fashion Week Autumn-Winter 2017: Highlights appeared first on The Fashion Orientalist.

The 9th season of Fashion Forward Dubai, the definitive fashion platform for Dubai and The Middle East, took place from the 23th until the 25th of March. Couture and ready-to-wear designers from the region presented their latest collections at the event. Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco‘s collection was top favourite on the first day of FFWD DXB, everybody was talking about his collection inspired by the Versailles palace in France. The show concluded with breath-taking Marie Antoinette style ball gowns.

Images: Michael Cinco

It has become a tradition that Amato Couture closes the Fashion Forward Dubai season with a grand finale. The designer, known for his natural ability to craft extravagant and artistic designs, impressed the audience with a collection of gowns inspired by old-world glamour. I love his use of colour; from dusty tones & pastels to earth and jewel tones. The intricate details of each gown tell a story, almost as if they explain the character of the woman wearing the design.

Images: Amato Couture, Abed Mafouz

Other collections that really impressed were those by Lebanese fashion designers Abed Mafouz and Lama Jouni. Lama presented her Fall/ Winter 2017 collection which is inspired by the French colonization in Lebanon. She wanted to embody the cultural change that happened to her country post colonization and how such a tragedy can have a positive impact. The collection celebrates the modern Middle Eastern women in a very subtle and minimal way.

Images: Lama Jouni, Hussein Bazaza, Kristina Fidelskaya

Designer Hussein Bazaza is also a Fashion Forward Dubai regular, this time presenting his Fall Winter 2017 collection AKANE (which means deep red, or ‘angry child’). The collection tells the story of a Japanese girl Akane who seeks to avenge the deaths of her loved ones. The tale involves WWII, Japenese sorcery and Akane shapeshifting into dangerous monsters. The collection focuses on the power of revenge with as primary colour deep red. Bazaza took inspiration from the era of the 40s and 50s with a modern twist; classical shapes with puffed sleeves, edgy shoulders and flared skirts. I adore the vivid reds and embroidery details of the gowns, displaying the World War II story of Akane featuring military aircrafts and the beasts of the tale; dragons, tigers and peacocks.

One of my favourite collections from this seasons FFWD DXB is Kristina Fidelskaya‘s ‘Liberta’. The designer used the notion of freedom as a source of inspiration – playing with different styles and textures; flowy dresses, trumpet sleeved shirts and oversized coats. I love the fierceness of her designs.

Image: Kristina Fidelskaya

This FFWD DXB season I spotted a trend; female designers celebrating the independent woman, the power, freedom and fierceness flowing through the designs. Hessa Falasi‘s collection ‘Horizon’ included a few powerful designs which I would love to add to my work wardrobe; loose-fit pants with knot belt detail, simple white shirt combined with long coat, all made of soft flowy fabrics in feminine colours. LOVE! Her collection is inspired by the horizon, winter colours, celebrations & stylish travels.

Saudi-born Arwa Al Banawi also represented this trend. Her spring summer 2017 collection tells the story of a fictional 1960’s boutique hotel called ‘Casa Maläna’. A place where creative minds meet and all inhibitions are let go. She designs for the suitable woman, who she explains as a woman who possesses enviable style and charming wits.

Images: Hessa Falasi, Arwa Al Banawi

My final three picks for this Fashion Forward Dubai highlights post is a design from the 6Degree talent platform (showcasing Indian talent), a sporty design by fashion label Bedouin (a fashionable interpretation of the tracksuit with a touch of sparkle) and a design by Ghudfah by Sarah Albaz. Her collection ‘Parallel’ includes traditional Arabic designs; modest gowns made from silk, flowy fabrics. I adore this soft grey/black number with belt detail because it looks extremely luxurious, the style of the coat is very fashionable and chic!

Check out the gallery for my personal favourites from Fashion Forward Dubai Season 9

Images: 6Degree designers, Ghudfa, Bedouin

Photography: Courtesy of Getty Images; Stuart C. Wilson, Cedric Ribeiro

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The 10th edition of PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week took place from the 13th until the 15th of April in Pakistan. The country’s finest designers presented their most recent collections on the runway. The event showcases both High Street & Lawn, as well as Luxury Prêt a Porter collections. This concept is very appealing to an international audience, as it showcases the many styles Pakistan fashion has on offer, from lawn pieces (lawn is a plain weave textile, often brightly printed) to luxurious evening wear. Traditional Pakistani style meets contemporary Western design.

Today, I would like to share my personal favourites from PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week 2017 with you!

Tena Durrani (2), HSY

Tena Durrani‘s collection is one of my favourites from this year’s PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week. Her luxury Prêt collection ‘The Debut – Alchemy’ has a deep, dark colour palette including rich jewel tones. Feminine silhouettes with a touch of sparkle, simply stunning!

HSY‘s luxury prêt collection ‘Paranoia’ draws inspiration from a young, technology driven generation, whose lives play out largely online and under the public eye. This induces a state of paranoia. The designs are very bold…see and be seen!

Faiza Saqlain, Sana Safinaz, Misha Lakhani

Faiza Saqlain showcased her collection ‘Dreamer’ which draws inspiration from the innocent imagination of little kids. She paid ode to her own kids through her collection. I adore the shade of green of this design and the geometric details from the ‘skirt’ of this tunic/dress.

Sana Safinaz presented ‘Chateau Marmont’, a collection that draws inspiration from the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood. Designs with floral motifs take center stage, but it was this chic, one shoulder, emerald green number that stood out. The frill detail around the shoulder is trés fashionable!

Misha Lakhani‘s collection ‘Caravan’ is all about poetic storytelling through hand-woven fabrics and superior fit. It is a sustainably – produced collection. It fuses craft work traditions practiced by artisans from around Pakistan with the shapes and movement of modern life. Nomad chic!

Cross Stitch, Asifa & Nabeel, Adnan Pardesy

Cross Stitch showcased its ‘holographic memory’ collection, incorporating luxurious fabrics and unique embellishments. This glamorous, silver/grey one shoulder jumpsuit is fierce & fabulous, decorated with sparkling sequins. The frill sleeve gives the finishing touch.

A trend spotted at different fashion weeks is the pantsuit; celebrating the independent woman; fierce and powerful. These designs by Asifa & Nabeel and Adnan Pardesy really embody this theme. Both designs have intricate details and/or textured fabrics. Very fierce!

Sania Maskatiya, Ali Xeeshan, Khadi Khaas

Sania Maskatiya introduced her Western-wear line ‘Sania Studio’. Sania Studio’s Cruise Collection 2017 features feminine silhouettes decorated with floral patterns. Each design is made from luxurious, silky fabrics. Perfect pieces for your summer wardrobe.

Ali Xeeshan‘s collection ‘Victory’ focuses on success stories of people who found fame and fortune outside the hallowed halls of high school. This black shirt dress with bright floral embroidery is a personal favourite. It also follows the independent woman trend I’ve mentioned before.

Khaadi Khaas showcased ‘The Nomad’ collection which interpreted Central Asian rural crafts to modern aesthetics. The tribal colour palette stands out. Folk fashion; very bold and fierce.

Photography: FAISAL FAROOQUI AND HIS TEAM AT DRAGONFLY

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Omani sisters Lubna and Nadia, the creative minds behind Endemage, recently launched their Ramadan 2017 collection. Known for their traditional hand-embroidery techniques, the sisters took inspiration from the chandeliers and architecture of the Grand Mosque in Oman and the floral prints seen in The Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. The collection includes both traditional Arabic pieces like the abaya gown combined with hijab headscarf, as East meets West designs. There is something for everyone.

The duo used soft pastel colours for the gowns, embellished with silver and gold embroidery. I adore the shade of blue they’ve used for this collection (a little like the colour of Princess Jasmine’s costume, but a lot less bubble gum and a lot more fashion-forward). The embroidery details give every design that little bit extra. Just like the billowy sleeves and belt details featured in some of the designs. The fabrics are light and natural, perfect for the hotter climates. The cuts are kept loose and simple. This collection oozes elegance. The Endemage woman is effortlessly chic and a true trendsetter when it comes to Arabic fashion!

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Dubai-based fashion designer Effa Al Dabbagh recently launched two new EFFA collections; one specially for Ramadan and one for the summer season. The collections consist of traditional Arabic clothes like the Abaya gown and Jallabiyas. It includes beautiful handmade pieces, designed and produced at the EFFA atelier. Each look decorated with either floral embroidery or Islamic geometric patterns (stars). The floor-skimming gowns each have something that makes them unique; sleeves embellished with pearls, trendy frill details or a belt/knot to accentuate the waist.

I adore the colour palette; from classic black, blue to purple and softer shades like pink and white. My favourite pieces look a lot like floor-length coats and can be combined with jeans for a casual chic look. The pink/purple shades are very fashionable!

Overall an elegant and fashion-forward collection which includes several wardrobe must-haves for the season.

”Our vision is to enrich women’s lives with beauty. Empowering women by making them feel beautiful and confident, drawing their strength from their femininity.” Effa Al Dabbagh

Let us know which piece is your favourite!

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Lebanese fashion designer Aiisha Ramadan launched her latest collection Resort 2018 named L’Azur at Arab Fashion Week. 48 looks were presented during the runway show which took place on May 19th in Dubai. Aiisha made a statement during the show by introducing models with different body shapes, revealing the strength of the brand in speaking to women from all walks of life.

The designer

The UAE-based designer started her couture clothing line in 2007. Aiisha has won several prestigious industry awards and has dressed international celebrities like Bollywood stars Aishwarya Rai and Kareena Kapoor and Hollywood starlets such as Charlize Theron, Jennifer Lopez and Ariana Grande for red carpet events. Aiisha has a passion for extravagant couture. Her brand celebrates diversity and appeals to cosmopolitan women across different age groups, nationalities and personalities.

The collection: L’Azur

The collection L’Azur is inspired by the majestic beauty of the sea and its mysterious creatures. The colour palette refers to the treasures of the sea; different shades of blue, bright yellow, red, crisp white and black. L’Azur consists of beachwear, summer dresses (the type you can flaunt aboard of a luxurious yacht) and intricate hand-made evening gowns. An up-close look at the embroidery reveals the magical sea creatures like starfish and seahorses. The evening gowns have been embellishment with Swarovski crystals for a touch of utmost glamour.

My personal favourites from this collection are two off-the-shoulder gowns in bright red and yellow. Both are red carpet gems which ooze elegance. Sleek & sensual silhouettes. I’m curious to see which superstars will be hitting the red carpet in these designs!

Accessories

For this collection Aiisha collaborated with Egyptian brand Sami Amin, specialised in leather handbags and accessories. Together they’ve designed limited-edition clutches and accessories, little pieces of hand-made art for which they used brass and Swarovski elements.  The clutches are extremely unique; clutch and cuff bracelet in one. Statement pieces!

The gallery includes my personal favourites from the show. Which look is your fave?

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The 11^th edition of Pakistan Fashion Week London took place on the 20^th & 21^st of May at Lancaster House. This neo-classical style mansion near St. James’s Palace was once part of the palace complex and is often used in cinema as a stand-in for Buckingham Palace (e.g. The Young Victoria and The King’s Speech). Quite the backdrop for a fashion show!

Over 40 designers of Pakistani origin gathered at the venue to showcase their latest collections and to celebrate the 70^th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence. Fashion is one of the country’s leading export industries and events like Pakistan Fashion Week London, which features known fashion designers & models of that industry: ”serves to challenge the West’s perceptions of Pakistan and increases the trading links between the two nations” 

The gallery features my personal favourite designs from the runway shows. These stunning images were shot by photographer Shahid Malik. A royal affair!

Designs in order of appearance: Umsha by Uzma Babar, Shazia Kiyani, Sana Safinaz, Sadaf Amir, Rizwan Ahmed, Noor by Sadia, Miral, M Couture, Lajwanti, Ayesha Aejaz, Asaaleh, Aisha Imran

Top image: Aminah Badar

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Pakistan Fashion Week London

Event organised by Riwayat

Photography by Shahid Malik

Head Stylist: Nabila

Hair and Make-up: Saima Kiran

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Summer is here! Have you booked a flight to a luxurious beach resort or are you staying at home and planning to hit the local beach for some much needed vitamine D? Summer is the perfect time to wear bright & bold nail colours. I like to go all out with bright neons + bright colours that perfectly match a golden summer tan. I’ve tried & tested three colours from the OPI Fiji Spring Summer 2017 Collection. Check out my review + swatches:

Two-Timing The Zones – BARBIE pink, even I was shocked how pink this one really is. I don’t think this colour is for everyone, you need to be able to pull it off. It is a colour that would look amazing with darker skin tones.
Living On The Bula-vard! – A zesty orange, nearly the shade of a blood orange but a little lighter. This is the perfect colour to stand out at the beach. Match with a colourful cocktail and equally colourful bikini. Goes perfect with a golden summer tan!
Is That A Spear In Your Pocket? – This is my favourite of the collection, a beautiful teal blue shade. The colour blends well with the blue shades of the sea or water of the pool at your holiday resort. Aqua time!

Which colour do you like best?

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