Last Sunday, The St.Regis Hotel (erstwhile Palladium Hotel) was buzzing with activities, thanks to the fact that it was the venue for one of Mumbai's most renowned fashion events - Lakme Fashion Week. And the atmosphere at 5 pm was quite something. After all, it was the final showcase being presented at the main stage area and that too, by none other than popular designer Tarun Tahiliani. The showcase was presented by Reliance Trends. If you have been following our updates on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, you would know how I was on the hunt for the perfect outfit from Reliance Trends and ultimately,  you guys helped me choose a floral twin set for the showcase. I opted for a sleek ponytail, deep marsala lips and no accessories (check the complete look here). Reliance Trends invited us to watch the showcase and needless to say, just like every season, Tarun Tahiliani (who has collaborated with Reliance Trends for the second time) left everyone in the audience mesmerised with his stunning collection. And well, showstopper actress Chitrangda Singh in a gorgeous black velvet jacket with intricate gold details, only helped the temperatures rise on an otherwise gloomy Sunday.

The 2015 Autumn/Winter line from Tarun Tahiliani presents a couturier’s skill in the form of a prêt a porter collection. The ready-to-wear line is a homage to construction, albeit in the form of exotic prints. The beautiful Russian influences in bold and colourful stripes and chits remind you of the rich visual intensity of Central Asian textile tradition. On the other hand, the Shiraz inspiration (named after a city in Iran) could be easily spotted in the form of lovely mosaics and kilim weaves. The collection also took a lot of inspiration from carpet weaves, as the concentric borders of the woven-art were included in vibrant hues of rust, olive and blue prints on several outfits, including kaftans, tunics and shift dresses. The collection included a wide variety of drapes, dhotis, kedia jackets, wraps, tunics and skirts.

According to Tahiliani, the idea was to tone down the palette for fall (which was a breakaway from his rather colourful showcase - The Singh Twins - last season). The silhouettes were more easy, that allowed space for clean, sensually draped capes, jumpsuits, and sarees. While talking about his collection, Tahiliani stated that the idea behind this collection was to connect with the past, while forging an identity with the future.

Separates dominated the collection. The idea was to allow an individual to mix and match, take their own decision and put together the outfit in a way that defines their personality. The melange of a sari with a jumpsuit gave the Concept Sari a perfect makeover, with pleats, a draped dupatta and only a single zipper. This style was definitely the biggest highlight of the showcase (and Team Dancebee's personal favourite as well). The showcase saw an interesting mix of colour palette, ranging from bridal reds to steel, gray and a lot of black and gold. One could also see saris and kurtis paired with gilts and capelets, thus making the entire outfit look more hip. Each outfit had an ethnic charm, with twists that were more young and edgy.

Amidst a claps and cheers, Chitrangda Singh sashayed down the ramp and posed for the shutterbugs, and the models took a bow, as the showcase came to an end. The collection left everyone spellbound, as audience members walked out, discussing their favourites and talking about how they would love to style a few elegant pieces for the upcoming festive season. Clearly, the Reliance Trends presents Tarun Tahiliani show was the perfect mix of glam meets elegance, and we are totally eyeing those stunning concept saris for Diwali this year!

What do you think about the collection presented by Tarun Tahiliani this year?

Join the conversation on Twitter | Instagram at - @priyaadivarekar

Images: Priya Adivarekar and Team Dancebee

Love,

The Dancebee

While all eyes were stuck on the shows that were scheduled to take place at the Main Stage Area (MSA) and of course, the grand finale, three designers left us impressed with their collection showcase at the Jabong Stage. These Power Girls of Day 5 at the Lakme Fashion Week S/R 2015, namely Farah Sanjana, Ridhi Mehra and Shilpa Reddy, showcased some of the most beautiful outfits that day, and well, we just couldn't take our eyes off it.

Farah Sanjana's Military Diva, Ridhi Mehra's A Mirror Affaire and Shilpa Reddy's Moon Lit Sand

Farah Sanjana's Military Diva
Every season, designer Farah Sanjana surprises us and how! Last year, we loved how she played with a burst of colors and prints inspired by flamingos. But this season, her ode to the modern women, who does not shy away from dressing up the way she wants, sure turned a lot of heads. The beautiful creations, embellished with the innovative motifs of swords and scimitars, infused sophistication and strong, fierce prints in pretty hues like porcelain, ivory, pale pink, amber, classic black, soft mint and olive green among others, perfectly. Thus, making it the must have garb of an independent, head strong woman. Majestic skirts with strong cuts were teamed with jackets; body hugging skirts spoke of the feminism, while trousers redefined the Spanish silhouettes. Some of our favorites included the shift dresses, cropped tops teamed with gathered skirts, bikinis enveloped under printed capes among others.

Ridhi Mehra's A Mirror Affaire, Shilpa Reddy's Moon Lit Sand and Farah Sanjana's Military Diva

Designer Farah Sanjana takes a bow

Shilpa Reddy's Moon Lit Sand
Elegant, mesmerizing and magical - three words that best describe designer Shilpa Reddy's collection - Moon Lit Sand. True to its title, the ethereal collection was inspired by the moon and  hence, the color palette comprised of some lovely hues like gold, silver, white, sand, royal blue, copper, grey and nudes, giving the collection a timeless edge. We loved the easy going, relaxed silhouettes of the collection. Some of our favorites included the skirts, jackets, tops, blouses, capes, pants and lehenga cholis in luxurious fabrics like malka and khadi silk. The intricate designs with embellishments like beads, sequins and crystals, floral motifs, thread work, embroidery and subtle texturing stood out in each outfit. Moments after the lights dimmed, actress Nimrat Kaur walked in and gracefully took over the runway in a stunning forest green embroidered lehenga teamed with a half sleeved jacket worn over a sensual low cut blouse.

Ridhi Mehra's A Mirror Affaire, Farah Sanjana's Military Diva and Shilpa Reddy's Moon Lit Sand

Designer Shilpa Reddy with Showstopper Nimrat Kaur

Ridhi Mehra's A Mirror Affaire
Designer Ridhi Mehra took the crop top world by storm last season,with her versatile crop tops in various hues and intricate lace work winning several hearts. This season, her glamorous and chic collection titled A Mirror Affaire, was inspired by the intriguing interior decoration of the Sheesh Mahal - the palace of unbelievable beauty. The collection artistically created a melange of the romantic era and the craftsmanship of the Mughals. Pretty, soft-powdered hues like blush, nude, peach as well as bold shades like mint green, orange and dreamy white dominated the color palette.
While Mehra's signature design elements were hard to miss, the creations also included a brilliant mix of aari and mirror work, with hints of zardosi. We just couldn't take our eyes off some beautiful anarkalis, jumpsuits, capes, jackets with peplums, saris, blouses and cholis.
The collection saw the use of Chanderi silk, georgette, chiffon, satin and net, that created airy feminine silhouettes. Showstopper Kiara Advani, who debuted in Fugly last year, graced the runway in a stunning green choli and lehanga enriched with several layers of embroidered fabric.
A word for the gorgeous footwear by Dune London and accessories by Prerto, that further enhanced the overall look.

Ridhi Mehra's A Mirror Affaire, Farah Sanjana's Military Diva and Shilpa Reddy's Moon Lit Sand

Designer Ridhi Mehra with showstopper Kiara Advani

Well, if the power girls of Day 5 created magic, the boys weren't too far behind! Look out for more posts on Lakme Fashion Week S/R 2015.

Love,
The Dancebee

By Ree Shik for Team Dancebee

The moment I was informed that I will have to cover the Wendell Rodricks show presented by Philips, I was super excited. And the legendary designer did not fail to impress us with his collection yet again. Popology was a wonderful blend of colors, pretty silhouettes, summery fabrics and more. This weekend show at the Lakme Fashion Week S/R2 2015 sure was a packed one.

Inspired by the Pop Art trend, Rodricks' collection was like a burst of color on stage. One look at the visuals in the background and you will know what we are talking about. This collection was also a referral to the concept of pop-up stores at unusual places, which make it accessible to a wider group of consumers. The designer's idea was to fit into the concept of youthful fashion that made it attainable in an instant.

Based on a wave of nostalgia from the 1960’s style and silhouettes, the line brought a very fashion-forward touch to the ramp.  The signature style carried out by Rodricks, who is known to excel in his craft and expertise, was clearly evident as the models hit the runway. The collection included some fun pieces in an array of hues like sunshine yellow, burnt orange, olive green, pale mint, dove grey, black, candy pink, pale lilac, Turkish blue, turquoise blue and signature white. Each garment sent out a precise Pop Art statement in terms of the cut, color and freshness.

It was a treat to watch the models dancing and sashaying down the runway to upbeat music. The clothing line commenced with a black Lycra bikini and hot pants under silk crépe rectangular beach shirt. Soon, it was the 60’s silhouettes like the purple crépe silk dress featuring a yellow satin stripe, olive and dove grey ribbons that were worn over yellow linen capris. The collection transported us to the virgin beaches of Mauritius, where we could dance it out on with the waves and certainly do with one piece each from the collection.

Show stopper, Waluscha Robinson, took us by surprise, as the lights dimmed to neon blue and she walked out wearing a jet black swimsuit over a wool crépe pleated peplum skirt. It was a treat to watch her on the ramp in that outfit. Absolutely refreshing! Popology by Wendell Rodricks presented by Philips was a vibrant, fun, young line of clothing that we couldn't get enough of. And it matched the youthful and zestful spirit of styling products by Philips very well. So, the next time you hit the beach, you know what to do. Get your beachy waves on with the Philips Kerashine Hair Styler, pick a fun outfit from Wendell's collection and get set for a bucket full of compliments!

It was great fun covering this show for Team Dancebee, Philips and Blog Adda. Thank you guys!