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

It feels so good to be back to business and typing posts at break neck speed again (well, almost). Most of you already know that the last fortnight of March was nothing less than a nightmare for me. At a time when I was working on Anniversary specials, contests and other surprises scheduled for March 23 (plus truckloads of work), one incident ruined it all, including my health. Well, for those who came late, I met with a horrific road accident while traveling for an event and ended up with several painful bruises and injuries (which you will notice in this post, especially on my face and hands). Thankfully, the almighty god was there to protect us and blessed us all with his divine grace.

 Though I was advised to stay away from typing, walking and of course, traveling too much for 15 days, I had to immediately get back to work due to commitments the very next day. But, as soon as the weekend work wrapped up, I had ice packs, hot bags, all kinds of bandages and medicines waiting for me at home. Thanks to all these restrictions (and drowsy medicines), work got slow and other Team Dancebee members took charge for sometime. But being a person who doesn't give up too easily, I got back to work within a week and slowly, I have started editing, typing and traveling too. And all this because of the love that you, the readers, keep showering upon me and our baby - Diary of a Dancebee.

Heartfelt gratitude to each and every reader, supporter and follower of Diary of a Dancebee. We couldn't have come so far without you. You give us the strength to wake up every morning with great enthusiasm to present interesting articles, fresh features, detailed interviews and news stories. You give us the support to keep going. Your emails, tweets and messages bring a smile on my face, even on the most ridiculous days. You encourage me to keep taking this blog a notch higher. And it is all thanks to your blessings that despite my one and a half year long break (due to my stint as a journalist), I had the courage to bounce back and get rocking with new set of ideas, just like I did when Diary of a Dancebee made its debut. 

Nothing could have been possible without your love and blessings, dear readers! Diary of a Dancebee has got the most amazing set of loyal readers and fans. I couldn't have asked for anything more. Thank you for making this journey as Miss Dancebee so enjoyable. I, on behalf of Team Dancebee, promise to keep all our readers entertained with fun posts, all year long. Keep that support, love and of course, the blessings coming in. Here's to many more Blog Anniversaries. 

And while I continue to take good care of that bruised nose and swollen arm, we want you folks to enjoy our new articles and videos everyday. Have fun, stay blessed! Big bear hug to one and all.

Outfit Details

Tee - Zara

Skirt - Topshop

Denim jacket, Shoes and Bag - Forever 21

Necklace - Forever New

Watch - Swatch

Sunglasses - RayBan

Love,

The Dancebee aka Priya Adivarekar