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The art of designing DREAMS

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Vivek Karunakaran

We are so blaze to the word ‘designer labels’ and ‘designer lines’, seldom do we stop to think what designing clothes is all about. For me all that is there is a Prêt and Haute couture. When designers, individuals try and create their own, and when they do they do so with a certain aesthetic which appeals to them. Their aesthetics mirror the designers thoughts; so each designer’ clothes are different because they all bear each’ signature, no I don’t mean the brand label. And more often than not you would find that people relate to the aesthetics of the designer more than anything else. Like Ralf Lauren famously said, “I don’t design clothes, I design dreams”.

It doesn’t require a sociologist to figure out that clothes make a person. We all feel great when we are in great clothes. Whenever someone wishes to be unique and or distinguished, one would not court with the run of the mill wardrobe. This means that the ‘Globus’ and ‘Shoppers Stop’ of the world are out of the reckoning. Where would you shop for that unique suit or unique dress that speaks out on who you are as an individual?

Designer wear, designer labels are your answer. Of course you have to be somebody in life before you can justify expense of designer labels, else it is just a fad like everything else. Now considering you are the part, the question remains how do you look the part?

Designer labels offer aesthetics that the designer and customer share, above all else, quality that lasts and yes a true designer label offers the ultimate in luxury of it all, they are unique. Just like you, your suit would be one of a kind and the only copy in the world. Of course like the old adage goes ‘you get what you pay for’, but you also ‘pay what you get for, quintessentially you pay a premium for having the unique piece. Quality, designer clothes do not compromise on quality, you would find them slightly more worked on, and slightly more embellished and having an intricate style statement. No one outside the industry actually checks it but there is a parameter of quality, stitches per inch and designer wear would be of very high density of stitches per inch.

Like I Said every designer has his own signature and for Viia our signature is that we work on very clean lines; the garments are well cut and well finished and our mantra is that we pay a lot of attention to detail. We try to achieve this from every viia garment that is created, to provide better value to the customer. Our designs simple: embroidery subtle: and finished article immaculate. Like with all things fine, the subtle nuances are the ones most appreciated.

Fashion industry in India has changed extensively in the last decade or so and Indian Fashion now is accepted and taken seriously world-over. There have been Indian Designers who has been invited to showcase their work in many prestigious fashion events across the world like the New York Fashion week, Milan Fashion week and so on. This illustrates that the world is taking note of Indian fashion. And the industry is honored with the recognition and respect, which would have been unheard of 2 decades ago.

Fashion in India per se the outlook of people has changed and it is going to get better and better from this point onwards. People today take care of themselves. They take care to dress for the occasion. They are acutely aware of fashion nuances and references.

Indian fashion is evolving and there have been external influences in the Indian fashion, esp. European fashion which is a 100 years old. But unlike the popular belief it has never an exercise of cut copy paste from European fashion. Influences percolate into Indian fashion and Indian designers creating certain design sensibilities which are fusion of both influences. Indian designers focus on different things. There are designers who focus on Indian others on western, yet another set who mix both. It is this mix that adds to the beauty of the Indian fashion industry.

At Viia we do more contemporary. Our silhouettes are very western. I prefer to call our clothes as global as opposed to calling it Indian or western. It has a certain style statement which would appeal to anyone who got a comparable sense of style, whether they are Europeans or Indians or Americans it is with respect to the perception of a person who got design aesthetics.

Times are changing and everyone is looking out for fresh new talent which is a great thing. With the number of fashion weeks that are happening and regional fashion shows coming up, more and more young designers are noticed. We are on the threshold of a new era and the best is yet to come… so forward we look.

Vivek Karunakaran is a Malayalee designer based in Chennai. Vivek owns the fashion label Viia with his partner Shreya Kamalia.

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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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