Diving into the delicate world of Designer Shantanu Goenka as he decodes the dynamics of his couture label that leverages the rich artisanal talent of Bengal. An alumnus of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Kolkata’s inaugural batch and with an award for the most creative designer, he started his eponymous label specialising in haute Read More
Interview
With Love from India
Unveiling the brand’s latest campaign shot in Israel and marking a creative Indo-Israel collaboration like no other, Sahil Kochhar says that the new age of Indian couture is here. A freshly brewed romantic couture saga, the Sahil Kochhar atelier is a testament to past glory and nostalgia, multi-faceted art and craft traditions of India and Read More
The Return to Beauty
Embrace colours and the spirit of celebrations as Hope rewrites the fashion book this new year. Designer Anand Bhushan decodes the perfect summer look as he tells us how the relaxed look of the pandemic is making way for a more structured look, a nod to lives and wardrobes being reorganised. The award- winning Delhi-based Read More
Tamannah Slays in Red
Straddling the screens of Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films, Tamannaah Bhatia, popularly known as Tamannaah, is a trailblazer of Indian cinema. Here, unlocking her vibrant aura on a radiant day for the First Look cover, the pan-Indian star talks about rooting for defiant characters as she plays the rebel in red-hot looks at the historical Read More
Bespoke Gems
The world of Narayan Jewellers is filled with wonders of ruby red and emerald green, layered necklaces, chokers, jhumkas, and more. Step inside to experience the rare brilliance. Ketan Chokshi, jewellery designer and MD, Narayan Jewellers, shares sparkling wisdom on what constitutes the novelty of demand in a post-pandemic world, how a new generation of Read More
Sense & Sustainability
Designers Vicky Suri, Pooja Syal and Vinayak Suri – the Linen Bloom trio – decode the brand’s luxury prêt language. Read on to discover the spiritual and fun avatars of the forces behind Linen Bloom, leveraging pure linen for wondrous wardrobes. (Edited excerpts) FL: A milestone which has proved to be a game changer for Read More
A Playful Textiles Playbook
As Ekaya Banaras clocks in a decade in the handwoven couture trail of India and beyond, Palak Shah unearths some gems from her priceless brand book. Meet Palak Shah, the new-age disruptor who took over the challenge of giving a new voice and identity to an already well-established family textile business. The result? Ten years Read More
Crushing On Velvet
Here’s to the velvet verse of 2023 as the luxuriant fabric continues to redefine elegance and spell sensual chic in versatile avatars. We take a look at its modish history and how several design innovations have ensured that this forever fabric remains relevant. A season-agnostic staple that can be revived again and again for multiple Read More
Threads of Luminescence
Handwoven textile label Swati & Sunaina, the brainchild of co-founders, Swati Agarwal and Sunaina Jalan, is a luminescent tale of enlightening innovations on the loom. Here, Agarwal tells us about the rivers of India, reviving forgotten weaves, radiant drapes and more. The enchanting pure gold zari, indigenous silks and a treasure-trove of techniques that treat Read More
Mrunal, The Modernista
Serving gram-worthy minimalist looks is Mrunal Thakur as the actor slips into an unpretentious look, playing the role of the contemporary fashion-and-tech savvy woman with an ultra-cool attitude. FL: What is your personal notion of beauty? MT: For me, beauty is the strength that one possesses, the kindness that one possesses, and the self-confidence that Read More
Return of the Men’s Fashion Week
In conversation with Sunil Sethi, chairman, Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), on the exponential growth of a reimagined menswear segment as he decodes the new dynamics. (Edited excerpts) FL: Why did you think it was about time to bring back a fashion week dedicated to men’s fashion? SS: The men’s fashion scene is exploding Read More
Bauble Mania
Known to craft bespoke jewels for her fashion-savvy clientele, Prerna Rajpal of Amaris by Prerna Rajpal curates a vacay-ready jewellery kit. Delhi-based jewellery designer Prerna Rajpal decodes some of the jewellery colours, shapes, and silhouettes that can create a soothing rage at summertime celebrations. From making a case for freshwater pearls to rooting for an Read More
Gem of a Voyage
From being invited to the 75th Cannes Film Festival in 2022 to being a part of the London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2023, Renu Oberoi Luxury Jewellery has been making waves globally. Here, the designer talks hues, shapes, and trends for those seeking to savour precious pieces. “Post-pandemic trends for jewellery have shifted as people are Read More
Not a Wallflower Woman
With her latest campaign marking her first-ever association with ‘the magnificent Roman high jeweller’, Bvlgari, Jayanti Reddy elevates the ethos of the eclectic, unapologetic and free-spirited wearer, while embracing pastels and recasting ornate silver work in a summer-friendly avatar. In a first-of-its-kind association, global high-jewellery design house Bvlgari and Indian couturier Jayanti Reddy came together. Read More
Zero, Indian Couture’s Love Letter to Paris
In conversation with Gaurav Gupta, who is on a cosmic plane as he basks in the glory of ‘Shunya’, his Paris Haute Couture 2023 showcase, marking his debut on the official calendar of the prestigious runway. Here, he takes us on a trail of surrealistic silhouettes, sculptural techniques and volcanic embroideries. Traversing a quirky realm Read More