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The week in fashion went by with larger-than-life sets and ingenious designs strutting down the international runways for menswear Spring 2023. The grandeur of couture dressing was also back in Paris with a mix of industry-heavy hitters such as Chanel and Dior, along with exciting names like Schiaparelli and Balenciaga making their mark on this historic mode of fashion.
Closer home, a post-pandemic upswing is underway with new retail stores opening, international brands entering the Indian market, and homegrown brands launching their summer collections. Here are all the latest fashion scoops for you:
1. Balenciaga’s star-packed couture show
Balenciaga’s show at the Paris Couture Fashion Week turned out to be a star-studded affair as several celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa, and Nicole Kidman sashayed down the runway along with well-known supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Bella Hadid. Each celebrity was dressed in house signature ensembles - varying from form-flattering silhouettes to big blown-up voluminous gowns with the stunner of the show - the Balenciaga bride in ivory, crystal-encrusted showstopping number.
2. Canadian footwear brand Biion enters India
India's footwear speciality retailer, Metro Brands Limited introduces Canada-based footwear company Biion, bringing their versatile collection to the country. Biion creates lightweight, comfortable, and multi-functional EVA shoes that have anti-microbial properties, making them ideal for professionals who need to be on their feet for long hours and comfortable outsole. As part of this launch, Metro Brands will exclusively retail Biion footwear through their stores of Metro and Mochi and the e-commerce site.
3. Melissa’s first flagship store in Mumbai
Brazilian footwear brand, Melissa made their foray into Mumbai city with their first store at Palladium Mall. From classics to street-style sneakers, the store presents innovative collections. The store also houses their iconic ‘Jelly Shoe’ collection that includes flip flops which are perfect for monsoon here. The store is also done with vibrant and poppy colours, embodying the signature spirit of the brand.
Location: Second floor, Palladium Mall, Mumbai
4. Olivier Rousteing’s collection for Jean Paul Gaultier
Balmain’s creative director, Olivier Rousteing presented a guest collection for the highly-acclaimed design house, Jean-Paul Gaultier. The highly anticipated guest collection was well-received and exceeded everyone’s expectations. What followed in the collection was a blend of Gaultier’s iconic references and Rousteing’s recognizable streetwear aesthete with baggy jeans melded with sky-high feathers that jutted out from a bodice, bandage dresses feathery capes, and more.
5. Puma X Frida Kahlo collection
You know her from her striking self-portraits and her bold, vibrant art that illustrates female empowerment and independence - Frida Kahlo was truly an iconic artist ahead of her time. In honour of the famous Mexican painter, PUMA has launched a collection which aims to channel her style and purpose through technical designs and powerful mantras. From women’s training jackets, training leggings, and crop-top bras to sneakers - this latest collection narrates an artistic story in itself.
6. KZ07’s new athleisure store in Delhi
Premium high-street brand, Kazo’s new brand - KZ07 has unveiled its newest store at DLF Promenade, New Delhi. Catering to the perfect balance of comfort and style, KZ07 brings forth unisex and versatile clothing. Even the store showcases a vivid and comfortable collection - from comfortable tees, and crop tops to jogger pants. The products will be available on its soon-to-be-launched official website and will be available on e-commerce websites like Nykaa, Ajio and Myntra.
Location: DLF Promenade, 3 Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj
7. Duchess Kate Middleton’s royal re-wear
The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton looked like a vision in a chic blue dress at the Wimbledon tournament in London. Her calf-length blue-and-white polka dot dress championed the dialogue of repeating outfits as she re-wore her Alessandra Rich dress which was seen on her last month during Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee Big Lunch event. As reported by lifestyle website People, she also carried a pair of Finlay Henrietta sunglasses, which she is reported to have recently worn on vacation to the Bahamas, as well as her Mulberry Amberley white bag.
8. Janavi India’s Cashmere Carousel collection
From its humble beginnings in 1998, Janavi India has come a long way giving an ode to luxurious cashmere rooted in Indian craftsmanship. The heritage brand’s new collection, Cashmere Carousel displays luxe cashmere shawls and stoles hand crafted by skilled artisans and experienced weavers, taking inspiration from Kashmiri embroidery and craftspeople. The collection is replete with hand painting, embellishment, lace and crochet designs and hues ranging from neutral to unapologetic bright ones, punctuated with bold motifs, vivid flowers and paintings.
Available at the Janavi flagship stores: The Lodhi, The Chanakya and DLF Emporio; New Delhi.
9. Nykd By Nykaa introduces new ambassador
Intimate and activewear label, Nykd by Nykaa, has announced actor Bhumi Pednekar as its brand ambassador. “Bhumi’s unique trait towards addressing topics that are considered awkward and uncomfortable is what makes her the perfect fit for our efforts to normalise lingerie conversations,” business head Preeti Gupta said in a press statement. Bhumi infuses life into the brand’s new campaign, ‘As Good as Nykd’ with an aim to simplify the search for the perfect lingerie and celebrate second-skin comfort.
10. Embassy of Israel in India X Designer Sahil Kochhar
To celebrate 30 years of Israel-India diplomatic relations, the Embassy of Israel in India has collaborated with Indian designer Sahil Kochhar to showcase a special collection for both men and women inspired by the landscapes of Israel. Through this project, the Embassy aims to show an Israel that may be less known to the Indian public through the fields of culture, fashion and lifestyle. The team for the project is a blend of Indians and Israelis, working together in all aspects of the fashion shoot. “To have a team from Israel and India working together on this project will ensure there is an exchange of culture, and experiences and will have a bigger impact in building up the Israel and India relationship,” the designer said in a press statement.
11. Verb by Pallavi Singhee’s Viva la Vida collection
Designer Pallavi Singhee’s label, Verb has launched a new summer collection called Viva la Vida that tells you a story of modern romanticism. It spans a realm of subdued colours as well as muted rainbow tones and glittering embellishments. Its feminine yet flirtatious designs are made of natural fibres, georgettes, and tulles. By reinterpreting traditional embroidery techniques, Viva La Vida creates a modern design narrative with its dresses and co-ord sets. Sequins, mirrorwork, and folkloric embroidery complement Verb's designs.
12. Indya introduces Indya Luxe
Homegrown ethnic wear brand, Indya makes its first foray into the premium occasion wear category with a new range, Indya Luxe offering intricately embroidered lehenga sets, glamorous saris, timeless anarkalis and vibrant sharara sets. The capsule blends meticulous craftwork in its designs such as mirror work, gota embroidery, and sequin embellishments coated on flowing georgettes, organza, sensuous satin and regal silks. The collection is priced between Rs 6,500 – 15,000.
13. India Couture Week Begins
The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) is back with the 15th edition of the India Couture Week 2022 (ICW). The physical event that’s taking place after two years will be held from July 22 to 31, at the Taj Palace in Delhi. It will also include offsite shows. Amit Aggarwal, Anamika Khanna, Anju Modi, Dolly J, Falguni Shane Peacock, JJ Valaya, Kunal Rawal, Rahul Mishra, Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna, Siddartha Tytler, Suneet Varma, Tarun Tahiliani and Varun Bahl are the designers participating this year.