The Emperor's New Clothes

I and most of the Indian fashion fraternity have been watching with interest the progression of designer Anuj Sharma. With a radical, conceptual view to garment-construction, it's always interesting to see what his next point of departure would be.

While he's appears to me a reticent, conscious artist, his recent collection titled 'Knot for you' is almost too quiet in its offerings and left me wanting.

Revolving around strategically placed knots that bound, shaped, draped and formed the Grecian, waif-like, dreamy, ethereal silhouettes, the only other additions were the slim black ribbons that held the drapes at the shoulders.

While i marvel at his consistency with staying true to concept, and the media' enjoy his every offering, most of the design school pack, like myself, were not as charmed with the overtly pared down quality of his look. We were thinking "...interesting, but that's more like a week's worth of draping assignments. What's so special?"

In my opinion, the garments looked unfinished and lacking in detail - an incomplete vision. They also looked much too fragile to be truly wearable. A touch of controlled, tonal beading on the ribbon details would have lifted the overall effect considerably, giving it that finishing touch. Linings too might have been a welcome addition.

His debut collection, on the other hand, saw the thinking man present a line of dresses fashioned from de-constructed shirts. And I personally thought it was very well executed. With misplaced sleeves and collars appearing on women's wear as detailing and embellishments along with drapes and cowls for mini and halter dresses.

The 'Sunday Market' theme came across beautifully with subtle and intelligent styling in the form of bicycle bells for finger rings and metal lunch boxes for handbags. Gladiator style shoes completed the look.

Lack of footwear in his 3 collections since, as well as his disdain for meaty detail and embellishment, remind me of the fable the Emperor's New Clothes, wherein the clothes were mainly in the Emperor's mind.

Spring Fever

I was asked by the people over at InTouch India magazine to write them a piece for their 'Glamour' section. Their readers being mostly university students and young professionals I took up the offer.

I put together a round up of trend tips, colour information and what's new in accessories.


Photos Credits: Style.com, bananarepublic.com, guess.com

The world of couture and high fashion can sometimes feel far removed from that of the classroom and cubicle. But fashion can in fact be blended in seamlessly with the academic and executive life, with a few pointers on what’s in trend for the season.

Looking for the juice on what’s hot this spring? Read on for lessons in colour, fit, silhouette, accessorization, and give yourself a quick fashion education.


Silhouette talk

Every season or two silhouettes undergo change. With newer variations on the present and additional silhouettes which herald the future.

Silhouettes this season are on the one hand emphasize comfort with shirt dresses (belted and in cotton or denim), tunic dresses and tops, the balloon silhouette in the form of skirts, tops and pants, flared knee length skirts for women. This means your empire waist tops and dresses will continue to work at least another season. You could choose to update these by tying a ribbon below your chest for the right look. Halter necks and strapless tops continue to be big news for those able to carry them off. Dolman sleeves (seen above in lime green) and the ‘H’ shape neckline (seen in sage green) are blasts from the past and back in a big way. You’ll be sure to spot these on the ramps and racks for winter as well.

Jackets remain cropped, and hit just below the bust or get sparkly with sequins and rhinestones for evening. Throw on a number like the ones shown above and layer your knit tops and blouses. Look out for satin details on tops, dresses, skirts and pants.


Jeans and Pants: The freshest take on pants is the Cropped Pant. In two lengths, one ending above the knee and the other which hits just below the knee, the cropped pant is a style which works for all figure types. For the hip heavy though, hip covering tops are a good idea.


The skinny leg or drain pipes continue on from winter as the staple in pants and jeans. As dark wash jeans these are a personal favourite as well. Wear it chino style for office chic or as skinny jeans for an evening out with friends.

The contoured leg jean, a slimmer cousin of the boot leg is also a stylish choice, for those who just can’t let go of the boot-cut silhouette.


Men’s looks: For guys the looks to be inspired by include a layering of a dark casual jacket over a t-shirt and jeans or chinos, or for more casual style, combine a pair of dark wash denims with a shirt and zip-front sweatshirt.


Jackets remain soft and unstructured, in glossy twill, dark wash denim and soft linen.


For the man serious about his style, white cords are where it is this season. Worn with beige, brown and lighter shades of blue these make for a very refined look.


Colour Story


Hot colours this season include white, seen in all white dresses on ramps the world over. Yellow in an almost acid avatar, and a bright pop of vermillion are this seasons new arrivals. Colours like bright green, crimson red, cobalt blue, coppery brown and black round off the palette. Accents of matte and shiny gold, silver and copper bring the mix to a boil.


Accessories Story

Going Metallic: We’ve seen gold, silver and copper on bracelets, earrings, big shoulder bags and the like. But this season prepare to see these everywhere from ballet flats to watches to newer takes on your favourite kolhapuris.


For the boys all-metal watches in gold and matte chrome are the hottest news this season, while for the girls coppery-gold tones travel as far as multi-strand necklaces and makeup.


Glam Shades: A pair of well-made shades are essential for everyone this season. Not only do they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, they also appreciably up your glam quotient.


Bags and Shoes: While ballet flats & platform heels are the stylish options for women’s shoes, for men it is the pointy toed loafers and tennis shoes, which make for a well put together look.


While big shoulder bags continue in newer shapes and colours for women, it is the clutch that reigns supreme for the evening. While for guys the canvas messenger bag remains a handy essential.