Trend Talk

WEDDING WOWS: If you are a bride-to-be,this is perhaps the most happening time to be setting out for a shopping spree. On at the Taj is a three-day fashion fiesta titled ‘Wedding Asia ‘09’ that is showcasing trousseau specials like diamond jewellery,bridal lehengas,home linen and more. Talking trends,where better to start than with the designer label ‘Monapali’ that is available in the city for the first time. “We’ve got here collections that were showcased at Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week,” mentioned a brand spokesperson. The designer duo has teamed traditional embellishments with contemporary silhouettes. “Concept dressing is in and we find brides opting for unusual colour schemes…even white is in demand,” she points out. Agrees designer Khalid,who brings with him his wedding wear label ‘Amadi’. “Colour is big this season and unusual tones like aubergine,lilac are topping the charts,” the designer finds a growing acceptance towards Western cuts like gowns and dresses for wedding as well as ‘reception’ wear. Going by what’s on offer,bling seems here to stay. “There’s a lot of stone work and coloured embroidery that’s in,” mentions Khalid. Also riding the popularity charts is velvet but not the thick ‘rajai’ version as well as digital prints – a La Tarun Tahiliani style. At ‘Wedding Asia’ Pooja Jain brings with her digital prints under the label ‘Paridhi’ while Malvika Balana,the designer behind ‘Mandvi’ offers traditional gota work in vibrant hues.

SILKEN CHARM: If you are looking to infuse some floral beauty into your wardrobes,then here’s an ‘artist’ who specialises in silken ensembles with a brush of art! City-based designer and artist Babboo Singh has rolled out her winter collection of wearable art at Hotel Aroma,that brings in rich vibrant hues hand-painted on silk. Her range includes sarees and suits that make most of flora and fauna!

TRADITIONAL TOUCH: If Indian embellishments and embroideries have you fascinated,then here’s something to check out. Designers Mansi and Harpreet have rolled out a collection of suits under their label ‘Samskaara’. On at Hotel Aroma,the two-day exhibition offers contemporary designs and prints set in traditional embroideries like aari handwork,threadwork,sequins,zardosi. The fabrics range from pure silk,Chanderi to Jacquard,Brocade,Chiffon and velvet.

IT’S A WRAP: Though the chill is yet to set in,designers are already spreading out their collection of stoles and shawls. City’s Rashi Setia has her dressy line-up on offer at Episode in Sector 9 til November 14. The collection brings in stoles enhanced with Swarovski,funky tassles,chiffon flowers,animal prints and the likes. For more cosy numbers check out textile designer Shweta Khanna’s collection at her design studio ‘Daffodils’ in Sector 17. On offer is a variety of Pashmina and semi-Pashmina stoles including Kashmiri jaals,Kaani jamawars,silken achkans,Angora stoles embellished with embroidery,patchwork,block-printing,Sippi work and more.