Day: September 18, 2016

India Runway Week Season 7: High on Creativity by New Gen designers..!!

The much awaited fashion extravaganza India Runway Week in association with Big Boy Toyz, Season 7 Winter/Festive Edition commenced at Thyagraj Stadium. The show opened with the designs of International Designer Bibi Russell  under the name of “Rajasthali”. The day one of the India Runway Week was high on creativity, where experienced designers ruled the ramp, the newbies were also not far behind. The names of the 1st day designers are Daniel Sayiem, Miku Kumar, Shreeya Somaiya, Shweta Sarda, Ishithaa Design House, Preet Jhaver, IGT By Isha Gupta Tayal, Varija Bajaj & Satomi, Aditya Khandelwl & Studio AV by Gaurav and Nitesh.

Designer  Bibi Rusell from Bangladesh after giving a makeover to Rajasthan government textile division under the name of Rajasthali by Bibi Rusell showcased its first collection under this label on the first day of  India Runway Week winter festive 2016. The entire collection was made from this handspun and hand-woven fabric diversified by art and design intervention to be made more suitable for the modern context.

designs-of-bibi-russell-1

designs-of-bibi-russell-2

designs-of-bibi-russell-3

designs-of-bibi-russell

Daniel Syiem from North East also shared the ramp with Bibi Russell in the opening show. His label Breathe Easy is an attempt to make clothes feel like second skin to your body. Blending pure cotton and raw silk with tribal weaves from North East India, the collection comprised of looks that cater to men and women who just want to break free….and breathe easy.

daniel-syiem-1

daniel-syiem-2

daniel-syiem-3

daniel-syiem

Shreeya Somaiya, introduced her debut collection inspired by the classic Shakespearean ballet “A Midsummer Night& 39’s Dream.”  Her designs translated the enchanting world of magic and love charms that the play represents. The collection focused on encapsulating the spirit of feminine power with a touch of elegance that the female characters of the play demonstrate. The outfits were beautifully embellished with antique gold sequence with intricate flower details. This made the designs distinctly modern and supremely feminine. Her collection was both glamorous yet timelessly classic which took you back to the world of fantasy.


On the other hand beautiful actress Soha Ali Khan walked the ramp for designer from Hyderabad Shweta Sharda, who presented the glory of womanhood through her designs on the ramp. Shweta wanted to depict the brave step taken by women in redesigning their own map to explore the World.  “Her Collection is about women like me who love to travel around the world” said Soha Ali Khan.


Deepika Reddy from Ishithaa Design House launched her debut Winter / Festive collection ‘Vadhuvu’ at India Runway Week. The collection ‘Vadhuvu’ meaning bride in Telugu; echoed what every South Indian Bride desires to be on her big day. The Hues and textures of the lehengas, gowns and the Kanchipuram silk sarees are what every girl would lust after. The collection also exhibited the fine craftsmanship behind the Indian Bridal wear. Reframing The Regal by Designer by Isha Gupta Tayal was an amalgamation of British Empire and royal India. It came up with a desire to see Indian women breaking out of their pearl cages and enter into royal steampunk adventures.  The collection was all about “Imaginative  Dressing” , invention, adventure and worldliness. Portraying the modest and focused fashion. Steampunk couture mixing with victorian cuts and regal intricate Indian embroideries, cutwork & brass accessories were all juxtaposed to create the exotic and ethnic ensembles. While speaking about her collection Varija said, “We see virtual heroes on the silver screen who are good, fight all evils and are perfect in every possible way. We aspire to be like them in our real lives. Then we see Super Heroes, who fight battles in real lives to protect others. The Army, Navy, Airforce and the Police are constantly battling for our peace and happiness. But even above them are ‘persons with disabilities’ who are the Real Heroes that fight daily battles with taboos, society, their own health, insecurities and a constant fight to prove their abilities over disabilities. “

varija-bajaj-1

varija-bajaj

Actor Mugdha Godse walked the ramp for Satomi By Rakam. They showcased the collection under the name ‘Myrah’ which goes back to the ancient times of 17 th century. It elucidated an aristocratic lady who is extraordinary and admirable. It symbolized women of exquisite charm, with motifs inspired by age old art with a modern twist to create history. ‘Myrah’ emboldened and revealed the essence of a captivating and splendidly statuesque woman with a strong sense of self. Aditya Khandelwal showcased some of the most intricate and extravagant pieces in a fusion style statement marrying the silhouettes from the British Raj to India’s own traditional Mughal embroidery and richness.  Khandelwal told us that with the keen attention to detail and craftsmanship, made his pieces stand apart for the discerning eye, ‘Each attire is designed with precision, and says something about the personality and taste of the wearer’.

satomi-1

satomi-2

satomi

Day 1 came to an end with the show of Studio AV by Gaurav and Nitesh, actor Mandana Karimi sizzled the ramp as a showstopper for them . Studio AV by Gaurav and Nitesh presented their beautiful collection ‘Dhaage’ at the India Runaway Week. The mesmerizing collection, aptly named ‘Dhaage’, was the beautiful journey of threads into a Masterpiece. The entire collection was handmade in threads with a little bit of zardosi and dapka work to add some glitter.

ABOUT: India Runway Week

India Runway Week is Asia’s youngest fashion trade event. Each season of the much-awaited IRW introduce new talent and places young Indian designers firmly on the global fashion stage. IRW provides a platform for both established and upcoming talented designers but also introduce fresh designers to showcase their collections. This gives them excellent business opportunities from both bulk and retail buyers. In addition to facilitating the exchange of ideas and networking interactions between designers, buyers and affiliates, the event provides an enriching experience for everyone.

About Indian Federation for Fashion Development: IFFD provides the opportunity for fashion industry members, both new and old, to create networks that will facilitate action and inspire industry growth. IFFD provide useful & up-to-date information to keep the industry on top of what is happening locally and abroad, to make it more competitive and to encourage a thirst for quality education.

IFFD provides a marketing platform for all within the industry; from the student who want to share her talent to the household names we have come to know and love. By increasing local and international awareness of Indian brands and talent, IFFD hope to inspire increased demand and brand loyalty. With these primary directives IFFD hope to assist in creating a positive knock on effort that will facilitate job creation and growth for the industry.

You could also follow my friends fashion blog for more updates on the latest happenings in the world of fashion!

Nawabi Andaaz at Pride Plaza Hotel, Aerocity

Nawabi Delicacies to relish, with some thumri in the background, comfortable ambience and company of great foodie friends is what comprised my day at Pride Plaza Hotel recently. Hosted by Pride Plaza and my dear friend Vickrham from Foodmaniacs, this was surely a day to remember.
14231775_10154215799136281_50354283370270047_o

Amouse Bouche, which had watermelon and some cream on top of a refreshing drink, was not just great to look and good to taste, but also was done in a personalized way making it way too special. My name was written with chocolate and it made one of the warmest welcomes I have received.

img_6479

This was followed by yet another welcome drink and also champagne was opened marking the beginning of a great culinary experience.

img_6483

14238336_10209702435508125_6236658772890829587_n

For starters we were served a Vegetarian Kebab Platter first. The kebab platter included Rajma Ke Galouti, Kele Ke Gular Kebab, Makai Moti Ki Seekh, Mawa Mawe Ke Kebab and Hara Dalcha Kabab. I Loved the succulent Rajma Ke Galouti, they almost tasted like the non-vegetarian galouti kebabs and very very flavorsome. The second best were the Mawa Kebabs, really soft and mouth melting with mild flavors. The Kele Ke Gular Kebab and Hara Dalcha Kebab were good too, I didn’t like the Makai Moti Ki Seekh as much, but all in all it was a wonderful platter considering the fact I am a hardcore non-vegetarian.

img_6486

The next up was Non Veg Kebab Platter, this included Galouti Kebab, Nukhti Kebab, Murg Ke Parchey, Murg Shami Kebab and Mahi Gilafi Seekh. Out of this platter I loved Nukhti Kebab and Murg Ke Parchey the most. The Nukhti Kebabs were pieces of mutton roasted to perfection and spiced with a thick masala. I could really be satisfied with one complete dish of nukhti kebabs with some roomali roti, aah bliss! I am craving for them as I write. The Murg Ke Parchey was also just amazing. Surprisingly the Rajma Ke Galouti tasted better than the original galouti, though I don’t mean that they were bad. They were good, but still the vegetarian version was softer and more tasteful. Murg Shami didn’t go too well with me; they weren’t as soft and tasty as I expected them to be. Mahi Gilafi Seekh was just about OK.

img_6492

img_6495

img_6497

Coming to main course, it was an elaborate spread and comprised of some beautifully selected and curated dishes by Chef Sartaj Quereshi along with Exceutive Chef Shailendra Singh especially for this Nawabi Andaaz Food Festival. There was Moong Ghosht, Keema Kaleji, Murg Bemisal, Murg Koh-E-Awadh, Paneer Lavanglata, Bagiche Ki Sabziyan, Guncha-E-Keema Mutter, Moong Mughlai, Kofti Dum Biryani and Narangi Pulao. The entire spread was as awesome as their names and once again the surprise part was the vegetarian dishes being so great. Normally in Lucknawi Cuisines or Hyderabadi Cuisines we don’t expect the vegetarian to be so good, but commendable job but Chef Sartaj, that his vegetarian rocked as much as his non veg dishes. I will try and get the Chef to share one of his recipes for all my readers out there, soon.

img_6499

img_6506

img_6508

img_6513

img_6515

img_6530

The star dish was however the Moong Gosht. The moong dal itself never tasted so rich and creamy to me, we always associate creaminess and richness to Dal Makhani, but what a wonderful way to present this dal in this rich avatar and tender pieces of spiced mutton added another layer to the whole experience. This dish is definitely a must try and one should not miss it at any cost. Keema Kaleji and Murg Bemisal too were outstanding. A special mention for Bagiche Ki Sabziyan and Paneer Lavanglata, these are not to be missed as well, whether you are a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian, you will simply love them.

img_6526

Coming to the dessert, I can really challenge that you would have never eaten such a lethal combination of some many desserts in one go. This mother of a dessert had Kesari Gulab Ki Phirni, topped by Palak Ka Halwa, yet again topped by Gulukand aur Cheney Ki Jugalbandi (a sort of rasmalai), topped by Ilaichi Gulab Jamun and Dhudhi Ka Halwa. Just one word to describe it- Mindblowing! Somehow mine looked also very cute and resembled a small Ganesha.

img_6576

img_6532

I had a tremendous foodie experience and I really urge my readers to give it a shot, this place is definitely worth a visit. We also took a complete round of the property and its amazing, I am so wanting to visit their other restaurants and also may be a comfortable stay in one of their rooms.I thank Foodmaniacs and Pride Plaza Hotel for inviting me for this culinary delight, look forward to visit them again sometime soon. Fond memories with friends and great foodie experience is what I got after visiting this place!

14224679_10155198179527166_2668341018487015756_n

Cafe Pride Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

The Face Shop, a top cosmetic & skin care brand from Korea, finds its foothold in India!

Korea brings its revolutionary beauty and skin care brand The Face Shop to India. Though The Face Shop will be officially made available in Indian market through Amazon from October onwards, a sneak peek into the products and their usage was organised for a few bloggers recently at 38 Barracks in CP.

img_6738
The Face Shop team traveled all the way to India to make this influencer bloggers segment aware of their brand and it’s usps in turn to reach out their target audiences.
Miss Diane Lee, the spokesperson from The Face Shop, explained about the various natural ingredients used in the products and their benefits. The brand definitely boasts of creating a wide range of skincare, hair care and beauty products from over 1,000 natural ingredients such as flowers, grains, plants, fruits, and oriental medicine to nourish and revitalize the skin so that the skin will feel as much nourished from within, as it looks beautiful on the surface. The brands tagline is ‘Natural Story’ derived from this very fact of using natural ingredients in the products.

img_6705
The company that was launched in 2003, garnered itself a position of top cosmetic companies in the world within just 4 years of inception and from there on the growth story has been tremendous. Today the brand has its presence in more than 34 countries with 2900+ stores across the globe.
The bloggers meet not only addressed the audience to make them aware of the brand launch in India, but also brought in Shawn Kin, the make up expert from Korea who has been associated with top names exhibiting his make up skills for more than 20 years now.
img_6750
img_6713
Shawn shared his make up demo live with the audience, explaining the details of right make up art and things to avoid. Starting from how to go about applying the base before make up, to the right way of shaping the brows, from using the concealer to applying eye shadow and liner to give the eyes a subtle or even a cat look, from how to use the blusher and the correct way of putting lipstick, Shawn casted his spell as he did some quick makeovers and shared his tips keeping in mind the Indian skin tone and textures. It was a delight to watch him as his hands glided from one product to another and one tool to the next creating the perfect look.
img_6726
img_6734
Kim even answered the queries and solved difficulties of people regarding usual make up fails and also helped people with some serious issues on how to achieve that flawless look. For example, a lady volunteered for a makeover and she had a set of unequal eye-lids, because of which she always felt that her eye make up of that particular smaller eyelid is never visible. Kim with his expert advise, not only answered her query, but also demonstrated live how she could get rid of this problem and enjoy a beautiful eye-makeup.
img_6745
img_6748
Another useful tip that Kim shared was that while applying lipstick one must apply as if smiling and not as pouting in order to retain the shape of the lips in a perfect smile way.
He also said that if we want softer look, we should use powder blush and for a more serious look, opt for creme blush.
It was indeed a very insightful session and I learnt a lot of tips and tricks about make up and skin care.
img_6708
Lee also mentioned that coming to India was an obvious choice as Indians have been using natural products for skin care and make up since ancient times and hence it makes their brand much more relevant for the Indian market.
Upon answering my question about brand competition, Lee said that though they assure of high quality of products may be like Bobby Brown in competition, but their prices are very much affordable as they want more and more people to buy and use the products.
img_6704
Its been a week when I was part of this interactive session, and I got a few products as a kind gesture from The Face Shop and trust me since then I have been only using these products. One of their Star Products, the Chia Seeds Cream is something I am totally in love with. The aroma, the lightness of the gel cream is simply awesome. For someone with oily skin like mine, this is a perfect solution. It hydrates the skin without feeling heavy and sticky.
img_7332
Their other star products include Cushion, which is an all in one cushion that combines the effects of foundation, skin care and sun block, all in one. It surely is the next level of base make up. But the next star product that I loved is from their Rice Water Bright range, its the cleansing foam and I don’t think I will now use any other cleansing foam for myself, its so good.
img_7330
Since a week, my lips are only hooked to the Ink Gel Stick by TFS, it glides so smoothly on the lips, is long lasting and has amazing shades. Even the Collagen Ampoule Lipstick is excellent. I have become a huge fan of their product range and I so look forward to their being available online from October onwards so that I can add to my collection and make them a part of daily routine.
img_7320
img_7322
img_7323
I am grateful to The Face Shop for choosing our country as their next stop and I hope and wish their journey continues across the world achieving greater success and making people beautiful inside out.
Keep watching their Facebook Page for regular updates and grab the products as soon as they are available, I am sure you gonna love them.
Theme: Overlay by Kaira Copyright @ikreatepassions 2024
Goa, India