milgayi style diary

Meet & Greet Designer - Nachiket Barve at LFW SS 2011

It was such a pleasure to have met so many talented people at Lakme India Fashion Week. In the midst of all the chaos, I was delighted to have had a couple of one-on-one sessions with some of the designers.  One of my favorites, whom I spotted, at LFW was Nachiket Barve and I simply had to go up to the guy and chat with him.

Bombay based designer Nachiket launched his label at Lakme GenNext platform way back in 2007. In a short span of time, he has grown his signature label to an astonishing brand that supplies stunning ensembles to numerous boutiques in India and abroad.  He has dressed the who’s who of Bollywood from Aishwarya to Sonam Kapoor and Jaya Bachchan. He has definitely come a long way and is currently one of India`s hottest young designers. Here are snippets from our chat with him.

 
 USP of your clothes - Our collections come from the idea of being effortlessly chic.  We create fashion ensembles that become wardrobe collectibles over time. Our designs can be worn by anyone on the planet – they are boundary less and timeless. The garments have a strong essence of India but they are not ethnic.

Your Inspirations - Everything inspires me.  I think creativity is a state of mind. For me, nature is a strong reference point. Hailing from a family of doctors, I grew up reading National Geographic and Reader’s Digest so I have a non conventional spin on fashion, although I`m a devotee of old world haute couture.

  
The Nachiket Woman – She is somebody who understands design, who has a real life and and who can put her signature style to our designs.

Favorite Designers – Historically, I love the modernity of Coco Chanel. I think she was ahead of her time.  The rigueur of Balenciaga and the femininity of old Givenchy.

Future Plans – "Que sera sera…"

Tête-à-Tête with Sabyasachi at LIFW SS 2011

Lakme India Fashion week maybe over but stay tuned as our updates from "Meet & Greet Designers" will be pouring in.  Unfortunately, I missed Sabyasachi`s show on Friday night but was still able to meet the man in person and ask him what was his collection at LIFW SS 2011 all about and here's what he had to say:

 
Your inspiration for this collection: This season, I did a collection based on a project I was working on, with Aircel (an Indian Telecom brand) on corporate social responsibility known as “Save our Tigers"; so my collections were inspired from the Royal Bengal Tigers of Sunderbans.  I took inspiration from the flora and fauna of Sunderbans, the way their women wear their saris, their bright eclectic prints.  The collection had quite a Bengal-Japanese feel to it.

 
What story do you wish to tell each time you design a collection & how do you give the signature Sabyasachi look to every collection? 

Since I`m a textile proud designer, I always try to incorporate Indian textiles and the rich heritage of Indian fabrics to all my collections and that’s the recurring theme and story of all my collections - always.

Who is the Sabyasachi woman: She is someone who is self proud, financially independent and not crazily attached to clothes.  She buys clothing not for the heck of it.

 
Your favorite designers : Dries Van Noten, Marc Jacobs

Your future plans : I’ve started designing jewelry and will soon extend my designs to bags and accessories.  I`m on the verge of completing my Bollywood commitments and focusing on completing my script. I`m planning to direct a film very soon. So lots going on...

 
All images courtsey www.lifestyle.in.msn.com

LIFW SS 2011 Grand Finale featuring Gauri Nainika

Yes, LIFW SS 2011 officially came to an end last evening with the Grand Finale of Gauri Nainika`s "Fantasy" collection.  All I can say that it was perfect ending to a fabulous show, with a dream like backdrop of a scene taken from "A Midsummer Night`s dream" with dancers on stilts which captivated the audience from the beginning to the end.  The collections inspired by Lakme's new color cosmetic line "Fantasy" consisted of one shoulder ruffled minis, cocktail and frilly dresses, satin & laced gowns, enormous tulle creations in soft summer hues of ivory,pink, green and yellow. What I loved about this collection were interesting details, original creations and romanticism at its peak. 

 
 
 
 

LIFW SS 2011 featuring Pria Kataaria Puri

The Queen of Luxury Resort Wear is back.  If you`ve got Marrakech on your mind, then you`ll love Pria Kataaria Puri`s collection.  Inspired by the exotic red city of Morocco, her collection "Marrakesh" is a traveller`s delight in all its fantasy.  Think of flying carpets and magical Arabian tales  told to you when you were a child. Inspired by the souks and deserts of the this exotic locale, Pria`s collections were absolutely magical.  Flowing kaftans,  maxi print dresses, gypsy saris and tunics, in luxurious silks, satins and chiffons in warm hues of apple green, mustard, tangerines, ivory and golden sand sashed down the runway. Pria added her signature glam factor through large doses of silk tassels, crystals. mirror work and unique Arabesque prints. 

 
 
 
 
 

LIFW SS 2011 featuring Anita Dongre

Anita Dongre`s 'Timeless' show last evening was another favorite of mine.  Her collections were cool, comfy and very wearable for perfect summer evenings.   Cool lehengas, brocade cholis, slightly embroidered saris, shimmering corset gowns and tunics teamed with loose pajamas or salwars, in summery shades of ecru, ivory, rose pink and baby yellow embellished with simple silver gota work were dominant in her collections.  A perfect ensemble for those sultry summer evenings..we like !!!

 

 
 

LIFW Spring/Summer 2011 featuring Siddhartha Tytler

One of my favorite shows from last evening was Siddhartha Tytler`s show.  This Delhi based designer made his debut collection for Spring Summer with an emphasis on metallics found in elements,colors and fabrics.  Sensuous mini dresses in lame,gold brocade, silk spandex and sequined embellished shifts and halter gowns in black, silver, gold and oxidized grey hit  the runway collections.  Fine detailing of crystals, crystal mesh and applique work was immaculately applied to all his creations.   With the eternally popular black and white splashed with metallic dazzle, Siddartha Tytler offered one of the most glamorous collections for the global cocktail circuit.

 
 
 

Lakme India Fashion week Spring/Summer 2010 featuring Manish Malhotra

Hola,  I`m in  one of my  favorite cities Mumbai, covering Lakme India Fashion week for Spring/Summer 2010.  I  got in yesterday and have missed some good shows..My bad for that..I regret missing Sabyasachi`s show from Friday night.  Anyways, here are updates from Manish Malhotra`s show last night.  Yes, I did get to meet the man in person.  I`ll put up pictures of that later.  For now, you can have a sneak peek at his collection.  As usual, romance, fluidity and delicacy domintated the runway collections.   His creations were displayed in soft pastel shades of ivory, aqua and baby blue resplendent with wonderful Chikankari and Kashmiri embroidery and a slight dash of sequins. 

 
 
 
 

So chic – Soigne K – New York`s Hautest Indian multi designer boutique!

This just came in. Last week, one of my friends based in New York went on a shoe shopping spree on Madison Avenue, looking for the perfect pair of metallic tie up heels instead what she found was a treasure trove of fabulous Indian haute couture stuff.  Step into New York`s most happening boutique – Soigne K (pronounced as swan-yay, meaning elegance in French) is the latest entrant of multi designer boutiques making waves in the US. 

Started by Soigne Kothari, an entrepreneur in the making, a renowned jewelry designer, and an eternal Mumbaikar at heart is all set to bring high end contemporary Indian fashion to the Western world.  Her namesake minimalistic store spans over two levels carrying lavishly embellished one-of-a-kind saris, Cavalli-esque-printed tunics, feathered and crystal studded mini dresses, a state-of-the-art Indian bridal salon equipped with sari-draping and tea services. Very impressive indeed!! We recently caught up with her all the way from Delhi.  Here are some excerpts from our telephonic conversation.
   
Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Having resided in New York City for over ten years, I’m still a Mumbaikar at heart. After completing my undergraduate degree in Finance in India, I received an Associate’s degree in Fashion Merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Prior to starting Soigne K, I used to design a jewelry line called Karma, which was spiritually inspired and was distributed exclusively by Fragments.

What inspired you to start Soigne K?  

I opened Soigne K five months ago as a platform for Indian designers in the Western market. Having studied and worked in fashion, I recognized the high level of design, quality and craftsmanship that is possessed by many Indian designers and inherent in many Indian products. I felt that many of them had not achieved international recognition as there are very few outlets to showcase these incredible designers to Westerners. I`m hoping that Soigne K will showcase their talent as well as introduce Western women to new unique designers and ways of dressing.

   
Which designers does Soigne K house?

The ground level at Soigne K displays high-end contemporary wear, while the upper level is dedicated to evening wear, fine jewelry, and traditional Indian wear. With our merchandise I constantly strive to purchase items that fuse the sensibilities and aesthetics of the western woman with the very best fashion that India has to offer. Some of our featured designers include Tarun Tahiliani, Manish Arora, Falguni & Shane, Rajesh Pratap, Pria Kataria, Prashant Verma, Ranna Gill, and Cue to name a few.  

Which designers can we find in your closet?  

I often wear silk dresses from Prashant Verma, jackets from JJ Valaya, tunics from Pria Kataria, sequin leggings by Manish Arora and for special occasions, stitched saris by Tarun Tahiliani, gowns by Azara and jeweled clutches by Malini.

 
How would you describe your style?

My style is colorful, feminine and sophisticated: A perfect blend of east meets west. I love mixing pieces from Indian designers with western staples such as jeans, blazers and black pants. For instance, when I am going out for dinner I often wear a colorful silk dress with a black blazer over it, or one of our hand-embroidered coats with a white tee and jeans. 

What are your future plans?

My future plans are definitely sustaining and growing the brand Soigne K. Besides providing clients with the highest level of customer experience, I’d like to include a custom clothing division where clients can have made-to-order clothing made for special occasions. Also, I would eventually like to open several more Soigne K boutiques in various cities across the US.

I can’t wait to go to their store and check out their goodies.  I`m hoping she opens one soon in my city, San Francisco.  Soigné, hope you are listening??

Soigne K

717 Madison Avenue

New York, NY

Ph: 212.486.2890

My City, My Home, My Top Shops in Delhi!!

A fortnight in the city, meeting family and friends, being thoroughly pampered at home, catching up with girlfriends in between spa appointments and shopping at my favorite hotspots – I’m totally revived.  That’s what coming home does for me! 

 Delhi is one of my all time favorite shopping destinations in India. Known for its stunning jewelry, rare craftsmanship of silver, exquisite Indian wear, fabulous artwork and funky artifacts, this city is beaming with traditionalistic modernism.  In addition, thanks to the recently held 2010 Common Wealth games, the city has also never looked better!  With malls and freewayssprouting up everywhere, the city now has an international flavor to it.  These past few days, I did an initial round of retail therapy at my most favored hot spots in the city.  Here is a sneak peak of my list. 

White – Delhi`s coolest multi designer fashion store, started by entrepreneur Shaan Thadani is stocked with silk dresses, ruffled tops, tunics by India`s leading designers such as Rajesh Pratap Singh, Gaurav Gupta, Sunaina Puri, Prashant Verma, Gauri and Nainika, Nachiket Barve and Namrata Joshipura. This store is definitely worth a visit.

 
31 Hauz Khas Village, 1st Floor New Delhi-110016

Ph: 011.4605.4817  www.whitethestore.com 

Ozel – Another great store tucked away in Delhi`s most famed GK-1 M Block market is London based Ozel.  This multi designer store carries an impressive collection of vintage inspired Mawi jewelry, embellished Mary Frances purses, Marchesa dresses and its own signature brand Ozel clothing. This is a store where high street fashion blends with haute couture.  

 

 
M-7, M-Block Market, Greater Kailash - I, New Delhi-110048 

Ph: 011.4685.8528   www.ozel.co.in

Aza – One of my favorite one stop-shops for Indian couture wear is the uber luxe Aza store.  Their second flagship store at South Extension is a shopper`s delight.  Aza is home to India’s best design czars such as Anamika Khanna, Manish Malhotra, Rohit Bal, Sabyasachi Mukherji, Suneet Varma and Varun Bahl, to name a few.  The boutique offers a wide range of couture, diffusion and prêt collections along with an emphasis on “Occasion-Wear”.

 
Aza, F-48, South Extn - I, New Delhi-110049
Ph:  011.4323.7878   www.azafashions.com

Amrapali – Hollywood`s best kept jewelry secret Amrapali jewels has been around for a while now although you may seen their eye catching jewels on the silver screen. Everyone in Hollywood from Nicole Kidman to Halle Berry to Sandra Bullock to Anne Hathaway has adorned their jeweled pieces either for a shoot or on the red carpet.  There’s something for everyone in Amrapali from gold hammered cuffs, to filigree earrings to gigantic cocktail rings to drool worthy necklaces. An absolute must go.

 
39 Khan Market, New Delhi - 110003
Ph: 011. 41752024  www.amrapalijewels.com 

DLF Emporio – Undoubtedly India`s finest luxury mall is here in Delhi.  This is “the mall” to shop in India currently.  Emporio boasts more than 80 specialty retailers including top Indian and international brands such Armani, HarryWinston, Chopard, Louis Vuitton and Bottega Veneta. The crème de la crème of all Indian designers prevail here, Abu Jani, Adarsh Gill, JJ Valaya, Suneet Varma, Surekha Jain, Tarun Tahiliani, you name them and they are here.  Infact each store by itself is so beautifully architected that you don’t mind spending a few moments just admiring the store, before you actually hit the shelves.

 
Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi- 110070

Ph: 011.46116666 www.dlfemporio.com

Viya Home – This is my favorite place to browse through for home décor stuff in Delhi.  The store has an amazing collection of in-house designed sculptures, accessories and furniture.  The underlying theme behind every collection represents a modern Indian aesthetic.  Me looovvve!!!

  
 www.viyahome.com

Night out in Laila Azhar`s dresses!!

As we approach these last few days of 2010, we at Milgayi are wrapping up the year with this last post. 

Make no mistake – this is the party season!  Everyone is eager to add a huge glam quotient to their style either by donning a sequined cami with skinnies or a stunning evening dress that is timeless yet trendy, sexy yet stylish, and most importantly, dressy yet comfy!  In my opinion, Laila Azhar’s collections encompass all of the above.  Her party dresses exude sexiness and practicality but they are designed to make a woman feel her utterly beautiful. Her dresses are a hit among Hollywood celebrities such as Khloe Kardashian, Nicky Hilton and Lauren Conrad to name a few.

Moroccan-born but US bred, Laila`s love for fashion was purely accidental.  While attending college in Canada’s McGill University she was exposed to the fashion world through her numerous modeling assignments which later became a motivating force to create her own designs.  In 2002, she enrolled in Parsons School of Design to pursue her strong desire of becoming a fashion designer. After graduating, she worked as an assistant designer for two years.  In 2005, she launched her first collection under her namesake label and there has been no looking back since then.  Laila`s design pieces are structured beautifully around the fluidity and detailed draping of the fabric.  Her silk dresses adorned with ruffles, bows and flouncy pleats thrive on effortless elegance and understated sophistication.

So if you are a no fuss gal like me, slip into one of her darling drapes and be the star of the social scene.  Anyways, it’s party time, bring on the glam, pop some bubbly and have a fabulous New Year.  You can get her stuff here and here.