Fashion

Call them textile crusaders – artistes who believe in reviving and promoting the incredible craftsmanship that lie at the core of the Indian design philosophy. SGBG is a unique brand. A nine-month-old luxury prêt-à-porter womenswear label with a base in London and India, it has been founded by a mother-son duo, Bindu and Surya Giri out of sheer passion for design, a respect for culture and concern for the arts. 

Surya, an India-born, US-raised millennial, has a music and orchestration background but was drawn to his roots thanks to his mother’s adventures. Hailing from a royal lineage in Kerala, Bindu’s family owned looms, which, armed with her degrees in business and apparel design from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and LaSalle School of art, she set to revive, working closely with the weaver and artisan communities of India. Surya’s perspective towards it all changed when he started working on a documentary on Bindu’s work which led him to interact closely with the artisans. “I felt there was much power in their work, much to explore in their design,” he says.  Together, the pair started creating pieces for modern women using signature fabrics that were hand-woven across India by a limited number of master weavers. “There is one textile that has only six weavers working on it, it’s that rare. The savoir faire, those techniques and the art are all dying. It’s important that we understand their value,” adds Surya, who feels strongly about keeping these age-old traditions alive. 

In the last nine months, Surya and Bindu – operating out of their headquarters in Chennai – have displayed their collection in London, Paris and Japan. More collaborations are in the offing. SGBG’s Autumn/Winter 2018 collection in particular is an embodiment of their ethos. This collection showcases innovative embroidery techniques of heavily knotted silk threads created from 200 to 300 hours of embroidery. Couture technique is mapped onto accessible pret-a-porter silhouettes. Flowing fabrics — buttery satin, hand-woven silks, organza — are contrasted against angular cuts.   Finish and fit take priority.  The results – when passion meets tradition – are there for all to see.

The only time our celebs make an effort to glam up and give their best is on the red carpet. For that's when the ever vigilant Fashion Police rates them! The IIFA Awards held last month were the biggest red carpet event of the season so it's only fair that we take fashion inspo for the rest of the year. 

AYUSHMANN KHURRANA

Carrying off a white suit can be tricky but this Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna dapper three-piece makes it look effortless! However, while I’m a fan of those edgy brogues, I’m frowning over that unflattering tie! -  7/10

KRITI SANON

This metallic Mark Bumgarner gown was made for a tall slender frame like Kriti’s. While the avant-garde neckline along with a princess cut is an unusual combo, it somehow works perfectly on her. Also, full marks for the fuss-free styling and those loosely tied locks. 9/10

SHRADDHA KAPOOR

Besides the dewy make-up and pretty hues on that Reem Acra gown, there’s not much to appreciate about Shraddha Kapoor’s look. Don’t you think the dress could completely make do WITHOUT the plunging neckline and WITH some statement accessories? - 6/10

RITEISH DESHMUKH

This Antar-Agni bandhgala and cowl kurta defines what modern day red carpet looks should ideally be – edgy, crisp and dapper! I wish Riteish would have chosen another pair of shoes to go with, but I love how he has his beard and hair game on point! - 8/10

VARUN DHAWAN

The window-pane checkered black jacket and the monochrome shirt by Kunal Rawal found its perfect silhouette on Varun Dhawan, leaving me in total awe! However, the hottie loses a point for not experimenting with colour. Who would a hint of tint hurt? - 7/10

Sack It!
RADHIKA APTE

Poor Radhika missed the IIFA dressing memo! She didn’t only get the silhouette terribly wrong but also the ghastly print. Where was Radhika’s stylist when leopard prints were all the rage a few years ago? A smokey eye or a dramatic lip could have attempted to save the look, but all in vain now!

You would have all seen the pictures on social media now. Shweta Bachchan has turned designer and along with good friend  Monisha Jaising, known for her luxury womenwear label, has launched MxS, a brand catering to women of all sizes and interests. The grand launch saw several A-listers including the whole of the Bachchan family in attendance.

In this exclusive interview, Shweta Bachchan and Monisha Jaising tell us why they launched MxS and how women need not worry about size when it comes to fashion

SHWETA BACHCHAN-NANDA ON STYLE MATTERS

MXS AND THE PRESSURE OF THE ‘IDEAL SIZE’

We believe women should not be restricted to the kind of outfits they can wear just because society doesn’t think they’re the ‘ideal size’. We’d like them to have fun and enjoy wearing our clothes without feeling like the best clothes are never made in their sizes. We want to be accessible to women with various body types. MxS caters to sizes ranging from XS to 3XL.

WHY SHE LOVES MONISHA JAISING

I love that her garments are glamorous but not fussy. They’re very wearable and flattering. I also like that the cuts are very modern.

STYLE SECRETS OF DAUGHTER NAVYA NAVELI

My daughter and I share clothes! She is constantly dipping into my closet and making off with my clothes, that I may add, I never see again. Her style is similar to mine and mine, hers. Age fluid fashion means I can repay the favour!

HER DEFINITION OF STYLE STYLE

I believe in being comfortable no matter what I wear.

MONISHA JAISING ‘S UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP

A NEW COLLABORATION

MXS is an expression of what the woman sees herself as today; where she is not confined by the dictates of work wear or festive wear. I’ve been doing resort and sportswear collections since 1989.  The reason that makes MxS even more special is that it’s a luxury pret brand. We are trying to fill in the gap between high street prêt and the super luxury brands.

WHY SHWETA BACHCHAN IS SUCH A STYLISTA

Shweta and I have known each other for years. I’ve always liked her personal style.  Being glamorous without trying too hard comes naturally to her. She has a very insightful eye for fashion. I don’t think she believes in wearing something you’re not comfortable in.

TIPS TO KNOW WHAT SUITS YOUR BODY

I think you should always be comfortable in what you're wearing. With comfort, comes confidence. If you feel good, you look good, it’s a fact! Usually something that snitches in at the smallest part of your body, accentuates that part, making it the most flattering fit on you.

The millennial groom is very certain that he wants to look different and futuristic yet for his special day he wants to keep the look subtle enough to complement the bride. As a couple it’s important to portray a balanced look which also signifies they are ready to balance each other’s lives as yin and yang. The major style concerns should be - on point grooming that includes fresh hair, clean hands, trimmed beaded or clean shaven look and hydrated skin and lips. He must go for a classic detail oriented look as opposed to being over-the-top. Thus it’s essential to make a signature statement, as the overall image of the couple is crucial.

Anand Ahuja, Sonam Kapoor’s husband made a huge statement when he wore trainers at his wedding.  Personally I was not a huge fan of his choice of shoes as it did not complement his outfit nor the occasion. Every occasion comes with its expectations, for example one will not be seen wearing a business suit to a picnic! Hence one should avoid making such dramatic statement especially on such a special day.
If one truly wants to make a dramatic yet well styled statement go for the following -

IDEAL OUTFITS FOR THE NEW-AGE GROOM FOR…

HOW TO ADD A TRADITIONAL TOUCH

We are blessed with some of the finest jewelled buttons and accessories from Jaipur and other states of India. One can easily add a traditional pocket square or Kundan cuff links to the shirt. A long traditional red tikka with rice on his forehead can do the magic in the most subtle manner.

MUST HAVE ACCESSORIES FOR THE GROOM

Apart from his main events outfits, he must be ready with a wardrobe for a few days considering the guests start arriving early and the meet and greet starts at times two days before the main events. He must ensure he is ready with some nice dinner jackets , shirts and trousers for brunch , shorts and breezy shirts for the pool side sundowners ,smart yet comfortable nightwear for the after parties.

COLOURS FOR THE WEDDING SEASON

The groom requires each outfit’s colour to be planned in conjunction with the bride’s outfit, weather, location, decor colors, theme and lighting. Trending colours include Purple, Maroon , Bottle Green , Lavender , Champagne Gold , Navy as well as Powder blue.

VAROIN MARWAH COLLECTION FOR GROOMS

A Varoin Marwah groom gets a complete solution once I meet him to gain every detail about the event. I understand his personality and focus on enhancing to his existing persona. My collection for grooms contain a variety of outfits in contemporary fashion. You can find some signature Tuxedos which come with the shoes. Bandhgala suits with contemporary embroidery, stripes and various other patterned sherwanis and classic sherwanis. Besides the colour and design, I pay particular attention to the fit and never compromise on the quality of the fabrics. I believe a good fit does justice to the design and highly enhances the personality of the groom and provides a sense of confidence.

DREAM TEAM

Satya Paul could not have found a better muse to launch its new line of signature six-yard wonders, other than the sultry Malaika Arora. The face of the latest collection shares, “A sari is one of the most elegant and feminine garments. I think it flatters the female form beautifully. I love the sari, especially for formal occasions”. We couldn’t agree more. 

INFO: Available at www.satyapaul.com

LOVISA (IN THE AIR)

The Australian accessories label has quickly become a must-have for delicate minimalist accessories. Head to the new Dubai Mall store to treat yourself!

Once again Dubai will host a fashion fiesta with some of the leading designers of India and Pakistan at the Boulevard One Ramadan Trunk Show. The 2017 edition will have seasonal collections from top fashion and jewellery designers of Pakistan and India so it will be a great way to stock up before the festive season begins.

The Coveted Designer List  

One of the leading names is that of Hassan Sheheryar Yasin, better known as HSY whose contemporary silhouettes with traditional techniques has helped him carve a special niche in the world of Pakistani fashion. The brand’s inspiration is distinctly Eastern peppered with Western influences

Ali Xeeshan’s enthralling new formals is the rage this season as are the tones in the fabulous pret collection by Farah Talib. The refreshing vibes of Mina Hassan and the bold collection from Saira Shakira will undoubtedly add a lot of colour to your Ramadan wardrobe. Farida Hasan’s collection is all about intricate weaves and aesthetic embroideries. And then there is the understated elegance and fabulous detailing in the ensembles of Zara Shahjahan.

The other designers who are part of this multi-designer extravaganza include Jaipur & Co, Saira Rizwan, Agha Noor, Suffuse, Ayesha Khuram, Ayesha Somaya, Ayesha Farook, Opuline, Chapter 13, Nadiya Kassam, Wardha Saleem, Jade Accessories, and Fatima Ashar amongst many more emerging and established names.