It's that time of the year again. Models and showstoppers are all set to walk down the runway in outfits that shall speak of glitter and glamour. Sarees, lehengas in rich fabrics with intricate embroidery and the works. The Winter/Festive edition of Lakmè Fashion Week is all set to officially kick start today. Fashion's favourite 5-day long fest shall witness a multitude of Indian designers and present their latest collections for Fall/Winter. It shall mark the arrival of a new season, where bridal, festive and glamorous evening outfits take centre stage. As we get ready to witness the magic unfold, here's a list of some much awaited showcases that we can't wait to watch!

Tarun Tahiliani: Tonight, the designer is all set to open the season with his showcase at a popular South Mumbai college. Tahilini's collection is said to be inspired by Mrinalini Mukherjee's artistry and proudly celebrates the woman of today.

Manish Malhotra: Expect tons of surprises when Manish Malhotra takes over the runway. The designer's special showcase in association with Etihad, takes a never before seen 'tech' route. Malhotra's showcase is touted to be India's first virtual reality fashion show. Adding excitement to this showcase will be two celebrity showstoppers - Sushant Singh Rajput and Shraddha Kapoor. Expect a lot of trails, embroidery and floral fireworks!

Payal Khandwala: One of our favourite designers, artist - designer Payal Khandwala is all set to unveil her bridal wear line this season. Khandwala has collaborated with Lakmè salon to present the show stopping Illuminate Bridal Collection, which will include some fierce make up and hair looks. We honestly can't wait for this one!

Shantanu and Nikhil: This season, their collection is inspired by torrid love and Spanish tales - that of passion, romance and fearless sensuality. Expect a lot of Spanish influences along with ruffles, embroideries, detailing and dark hues.

Little Shilpa: Designer Shilpa Chavan will showcase her latest collection in association with alL - a plus size store. This one's gonna be a special show, with plus-size models sashaying down the runway, like a boss.

Sabyasachi: Think zardozi, elegance and stunningly crafted bridal wear and it's tough not to think of Sabyasachi. The season's grand finale designer is all set to 'Illuminate' the runway at a much awaited showcase that will be held at a suburban studio in Mumbai. It will include three stories, that shall form one collection. Outfits from this collection take inspiration from from places like Kashmir, Paris among others. Expect lots of sophisticated red carpet outfits and glamorous evening wear.

Image Credits: Sabyasachi 'Firdaus'

Do you have a favourite? Share your thoughts in the comment box below or join the conversation on Twitter! PS: Don't forget to follow us on Snapchat | Instagram | Twitter and Facebook [ID: @priyaadivarekar] for live updates from Lakmè Fashion Week W/F 2016!

Love,

The Dancebee

Tarun Tahiliani’s showcase at the India Couture Week left us in awe. The ace designer paid a homage to Indian courtesans with a showcase complete with grandeur and elegance. Titled ‘The Last Dance of the Courtesan’, Tahiliani’s rich and exquisite collection had outfits in hues of sunset ombre, yellows, reds and oranges on fabrics ranging from georgette, cotton jacquard to cotton silk, crepes and more. 

But it wasn’t just the contemporary collection that took our breath away. We loved how the make up broke monotony and went with hues of glamorous gold to compliment the traditional bridal wear hues seen on the runway. If you are someone who wants to ditch the typical bridal make up, for a more modern and glamorous look, we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step tutorial using MAC cosmetics! Here’s how you can achieve the look, created by popular MUA Mickey Contractor and sported by models at the Tarun Tahiliani showcase.

Start with MAC Fix+, an aqua-spritz of vitamin and minerals, infused with a calming blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber, topped off with the fresh, natural, energizing scent of Sugi. It adds radiance and helps prepare the skin

Use the Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Gel, an ultra-light formula that intensely hydrates and leaves skin more supple and luminous

Next apply the Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion, a lightweight serum that saturates the skin with a concentrated boost of hydration

Correct and Conceal using the Pro Conceal and Correct Palette

Use the Select Sheer Pressed Powder, a lightweight pressed powder with a silky, natural matte finish and a soft-focus effect

Sculpt the face by using the Shadester Sculpting Powder and then finish off the cheeks by applying the Mocha lipstick

For the eyes use the Sketch and Rice Paper Eye Shadow along with the Chromagraphic Pencil

Use Lash No. 7 for added drama and top it off with Haute & Naughty Mascara for extra volume

Line the lips with Strip Down Lip Pencil and fill them in with Amber Lights Eye Shadow & Reflects Gold Glitter

So, are you all set to go gold and glamorous during the upcoming festive and wedding season?

-- By Team Dancebee --

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