By Mahima Dayal
Just when I had come to terms with the fact that being commonly stereotyped as the reluctant jholawala and brooding in corners was my mojo, I was asked to look into a few new and exciting brands coming up in the city. Sitting in office late one night, my fingers decided to finally type in the links for up and coming collections and brands that my colleagues had mentioned. And much to my surprise, I landed up spending more than average time on each design, and then went on to stalk the designers who had managed to grab my attention with their collections.
I guess brilliance cannot be ignored, and curiosity did kill the cat, but this fashion checklist is one for every Delhiwaala.
Bhane’s Autumn/Winter collection ’13 |
The first thing that attracts the eye is the fact that Bhane’s A/W collection is not draped on perfectly chiselled bodies of practiced models, but is naturally carried off by Delhiites themselves. Palak, talented designer Shyma of Huemn by Pranav Mishra and Shyma Shetty, and blogger Swati of The Creative Bent sport the draped key hole top in pinks and purples, while flowy tunics, tie-back tees, and button down blouses for women, and new slim collar and western shirts for guys together define the uber cool character of the collection.
Product Pick |
{Straight Fit Khakhi, Chocolate}
{Two Tone Shirt}
Where | www.bhane.com
Runaway Bicycle |
When the description on the website of Runaway Bicyle, a new women’s fashion label, read “we like pockets to carry pebbles in and to hide muddy hands in,” I knew this was not just another offbeat or kitschy brand that needed to try and promote itself. The collection looks so comfortable that most of it has already sold out. Even though the face of the model is covered, one knows there is a smile behind there somewhere. Their lookbook is entirely inspired by Murakami’s books - mysterious girls with dark hair have been pictured wearing dresses that look easy-breezy and lighter than the clouds, and with painted feet- which seem a lot more comfortable and functional than most footwear. In breezy cottons and khaki, Runaway Bicycle’s style is definitely killing it!
Product Pick |
{Mockingbird dress}
Where | runawaybicycle.in
Lacquer Embassy |
This men’s fashion studio reflects exactly what it stands for — a collection of finished designer wear for men. Minimalist, their studio in Hauz Khas is a breather from the chaos outside.
They have recently launched a new collection that features a few great pieces, from button down shirts and a diverse set of pocket squares. The studio creates a storyboard around each square, which puts the product into perspective. This collection is all about the detail that accompanies the design, and it only gets magnified when a brand focuses on highlighting its pocket squares exclusively. The shirts in this collection also follow the same design idea as the pocket squares, but with an added level of detail which probably overdoes things a bit. The Henry’s Last Hurrah is my favourite shirt from the collection though, and its peppy yet classic look is a design worth looking out for.
Product Pick |
{The Savoy Affair}
Where | lacquerembassy.com, 13 B First Floor, Hauz Khas Village
Shivangi Sahni |
While promoting Krish 3, Priyanka Chopra was spotted wearing a denim jacket and black skirt, both by Shivangi Sahni. I like everything about her collection, which can be found on Pernia’s Pop Up Shop. Hues of florescent green, blue, yellow and pink are subdued with white and teamed with denim shirts and shorts. Her style is casual, chic and unpretentious, and therefore, definitely worth a look at.
Product Pick |
{White tie knot top}
Where | Pernia’s Pop Up Shop, perniaspopupshop.com
Ogaan, Khan Market |
The oldest multi brand boutique, Ogaan launched its fifth space in Khan Market, where we got a sneak peek at the collections that the store plans to stock. Grey and black jackets from Bodice by Ruchika Sachdeva, other contemporary labels like 11:11 by CellDSGN, and edgy printed dresses by NorBlack NorWhite set the tone for this new store. Jewellery from Valliyan by Nitya Arora and St. Erasmus will soon be in stock, along with other home-grown brands such as Péro, Kavita Bhartia, Gauri & Nainika, Wendell Rodricks and Stephany.
Product Pick |
{Shirt dresses from Bodice}
Where | 77, Khan Market, Middle Lane; Contact | 91-11-41757220