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APEKSHA BINOJ: MAKING IT BIG ON THE RAMP

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FWD gets up close and personal with India’s youngest fashion designer, Apeksha Binoj from Kerala

Words by: Aiswarya John      Photographs from: Apeksha Binoj

Many budding fashion designers have at some point, dreamt of owning their own fashion line and posing as ‘dictators of taste’ whilst sashaying down the ramp with a widely recognised showstopper. Fashion designer ApekshaBinoj did just that at the tender age of seven, when she first discovered her passion for the industry; and now at the age of twelve, she tells us why fashion will always be her first choice.

What kick-started your passion for fashion designing?

It started out when I was seven years old and had decided to design my own birthday outfit, which my parents happily agreed to. I immediately got down to it and finally came up with the sketch of a purple dress, embellished with flowers. It would be safe to say that it was a hit with my parents! There’s been no looking back since then.

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When did you decide to transform this passion into a full-fledged career?

I always loved drawing and after the response I got for my custom-made birthday dress, I decided I wanted to continue designing. Seeing my deep interest in the field, my parents enrolled me at the Dubai International Arts Centre where I completed a course in fashion designing.

Name one fashion icon that has greatly inspired your style.

I would have to say, Marilyn Monroe. Her timeless beauty, classic hairstyle and of course, the white cocktail dress with kitten heels she donned for the movie The Seven year Itch is perhaps one of the most iconic moments in fashion history.

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The one animated character you think nails the ‘fashionista’ quotient.

Sadly, I don’t find time to watch cartoons as my schedule is completely packed, trying to balance my school life and career at the same time.

Which Indian and international designer have made it to your list of ‘most aspirational’ and why?

I really appreciate Manish Malhotra for his majestic and royal designs. The Indian elements he inculcates in each of them prove his creativity. From international fashion, I would happily choose Coco Chanel, purely for the sense of elegance each of her runway looks exudes.

What are the ideal fabrics and surface ornamentation you love working with?

Satin is definitely at the top of the charts when it comes to fabrics. There’s a lot you can do with this material. Quite a few of my designs use satin for the rich, luscious feel it gives the garment and the person carrying it. I also love working with different kinds of embroidery, particularly stone and pearl embroidery.

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State your reason for focusing on evening wear.

Who does not love a great party?

How do you balance academics and your designing career?

It is a challenge but I do somehow manage to maintain the equilibrium. I dedicate the weekends solely for designing and fashion.

Name one fashion accessory that you think should never go out of style.

I absolutely love chokers inspired from the ‘90s and am glad they’ve made a comeback. What’s great about them is the variety available for different looks and outfits.

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Tell us about your experience as being the youngest Indian designer to showcase at the Indian Fashion League.

It was at the Indian Fashion League that I showcased my first casual wear collection that received a phenomenal response from prominent figures in the industry. The experience was really overwhelming and I’m glad I was able to be a part of it.

Describe a day in Apeksha’s life.

It is not as glamorous as you would like to believe. The weekdays are for school. I try and keep up with my academics and don’t really have the time to spare for any other co-curricular activities or sports.

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Tell us about the latest collection you worked on.

All my previous collections primarily focused on evening wear, so I decided to do a line on casual wear this time for the Indian Fashion League. I was inspired by specific fabrics paying homage to certain regions in India, like kasavu from Kerala – which was my show stopper garment. I used fifteen different fabrics, each inspired by 15 states respectively.

What lies ahead for your label, APEK?

I definitely want to go abroad and learn in detail about fashion designing and the various aspects of it. France is my dream destination as it’s the “capitale de la mode”. While I’m there, I would also like to venture out into accessories, namely shoes and handbags. I’m really interested in working with leather.

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Sonam Kapoor Ahuja’s Traditional Ladakh’s Heritage Attire

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As Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding festivities come to an end, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja chose to dress in Ladakh traditional garb. The event featured a number of topics, with India’s rich past being the focus yesterday night. Sonam Kapoor Ahuja emphasized this by dressing in Namza Couture, which was established in 2016 by Padma Yangchan and Jigmet Disket and is renowned for its commitment to Ladakhi fabrics.

 The Mogos, a gown-like item with a shimmering zari border and pistachio green brocade, was part of Sonam’s ensemble. She wore a rani-pink shawl called a “Bok,” which is usually made from silk or goat skin and is worn to keep warm by the locals. This outfit was made of silk by Benaras artisans, and it had intricate phoenix embroidery, which stands for knowledge and vigor. It also had a crane image, which stands for prosperity and peace.

Her jewelry selections also honored custom; she wore a neckpiece set with diamonds and an emerald stone in the center. She accessorized this with striking statement rings and copper handcuffs, all tastefully matched with pearl earrings. She chose metallic juttis to complete her look, and she carried a bespoke purse by re-ceremonial.

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Decoding Wedding Looks of Rakul Preet Singh & Jackky Bhagnani

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The most anticipated nuptials of the year were that of Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky  Bhagnani. When the famous couple released official images from their wedding ceremony a while back, the anticipation surrounding seeing them in their wedding finery finally subsided. The couple looked stunning together as they exchanged vows in a sundowner ceremony in South Goa, becoming husband and wife. 

The wedding outfit of Rakul Preet Singh has everyone in awe! In terms of bridal style,she is a shining example of grace and elegance. Examine her gorgeous lehenga in great detail, taking note of its elaborate design and the symbolic significance of its colours. Examine her jewelery selections, beauty tips, and hairstyle specifics. Take inspiration from Rakul’s sophisticated and magnificent wedding look and pick some style advice for your own unique occasion.

Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani, the romance of the hour, likewise made the choice to forgo the vivid colour scheme in favour of delicate pink and ivory tones. The couple held their partners close to each other while flashing their million-dollar smiles in the official pictures they shared on the internet.

Rakul’s custom-made pastel pink lehenga by Tarun Tahiliani made her look like a dream. The actress donned a skirt covered in hundreds of small floral designs that were heavily glittered, beaded, and pearl-studded. She chose to wear a bustier for her choli, which was made with layers of net fabric that matched the colour of her lehenga. She chose full sleeves with a soft, see-through material buttoned down towards the end of her wrist as opposed to the short-sleeved option. Her dupatta was exquisitely adorned with numerous tiny, vibrant flowers throughout. Pearl and bead embroidery adorned the portion of the chunni that was precisely fastened to her bun.

The groom looked great in his ivory-coloured Tarun Tahiliani sherwani, which was embroidered with more elaborate flower patterns. He wore an achkan-style attire that gave off a royal vibe, and his exquisitely tied pagdi matched his choodidaar. It was covered in little studs all over and bordered with embroidery. The actor-producer channeled his inner Akbar by wearing a traditional mojris and carrying his drape in an elegant manner that matched his turban. Jackky also had a sarpech on his safa and a layered neckpiece made of kundan in shades of green. He was observed donning a sophisticated watch, his wedding band, and an additional emerald ring on his other hand.

Regarding Rakul’s jewelry, she opted for a stunningly crafted choker instead of the lengthy neckpieces. Her necklace’s enormous, blingy stones may easily cause blindness in anyone. Pearls, beads, and a few more medium- and small-sized gemstones were used to balance and assemble them. A maangtika and large, hanging earrings finished her ensemble. The massive, elegant, and shimmering engagement diamond she flashed on her ring finger was the talk of the town. Additionally, she donned pink kaliras and custom-made, minimalist choodas by designer Mrinalini Chandra.

The actress chose to use soft glam makeup in hues that complemented her wedding attire for her makeup look. For her D-day, she accessorized her eyes with eyeliner, a glowy base, and dark arched eyebrows, all complemented with a delicate pink lipstick shade. The actress also sported a modest mehendi on her hands, in keeping with the trend. They even decided on a backdrop and décor made of flowers. Baby’s breath flowers and enormous pink roses were used to make the varmalas.

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How to Identify an Authentic Banarasi Saree

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The saree is a timeless fashion item. Because of its unparalleled elegance and timelessness, sarees are referred to as classic ensembles. Even though sarees come in a variety of styles, nothing compares to a genuine Banarasi saree. A Banarasi saree has it all: a royal vibe, elegance that will make you the topic of the town wherever you wear it. Genuine Banarasi sarees are expertly crafted by experienced weavers using the finest silk yarn, paying close attention to every last detail.

The best type of silk saree is the banarasi saree, which has significant cultural and historical value in India. Their elaborate designs and opulent fabrics have made them famous and beloved worldwide.On certain occasions, women adore showing off their lavish and royal banarasi sarees. Banarasi sarees currently come in a range of shapes and designs in lightweight materials, in addition to the heavier ones, that suit the tastes and fashion sense of the current generation. There can be a lot of banarasi saree merchants or retailers in the market, but keep in mind that not all of them are likely to be offering authentic or high-quality sarees. Be sure to choose an actual banarasi saree while making your purchase. So here are few tips on identifying an authentic banarasi Saree

Check the saree’s reverse side.

Simply examining the saree’s reverse side will allow you to identify its authenticity. There will always be floats inside the weave and warp grids of loom-woven Banarasi sarees. Sarees woven by machines will be smooth to the touch.

Ask to see a certificate

Another crucial item to check for when buying pure silk sarees is the Certificate of Authorised Use of the Silk Mart Logo. Make sure to always ask for a certificate if you are purchasing a real silk saree.

Seek out the minor “imperfections”

The little “imperfections” that give a handwoven sari its unique beauty are what give them their beauty. The flawless “imperfections” are what set Banarasis handlooms apart from powerlooms. A handwoven textile will nearly always have subtle human touch elements, such as picks in the foundation fabric or even black lines running along the textile’s selvedge.

Think about the cost.

In general, price is a good way to tell if a Banarasi is real or not. Handmade items are expensive and require time to complete. Making it takes hours, but the finished product has a touch and sense of absolute quality. Therefore, if you’re finding a fantastic “deal” online, it’s usually not real. The history, craftsmanship, and quality of a Banarasi are unparalleled, and as buyers, we ought to be prepared to shell out a reasonable amount to guarantee its continued existence.

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