Monday, October 22, 2007

SWATIMODO collection at LFW






Flat ballerina......soft and comfy!!!























Roman sandal...!!for dat chick raw look!!






















Falling slouchy boot!!!




















TOP 10 COLLECTIONS AT LFW


As Lakme Fashion Week draws to a close, it's time to talk about the big guns, those wonders who need no surname, says JASMEEN DUGAL. Did Manish Malhotra's finale showing ultimately please? Did Sabyasachi and Narendra Kumar meet expectations? And what did Arjun Khanna have up his sleeve? Check out our take on the Top 10 collections…

Lecoanet Hemant pay tribute to the beauty and glamour that lives on in Bombay through this unique architecture and lifestyle that comes with it and says: "Bonjour Bombay!" To see the collection is to believe it — it's subtly luxurious, with beautiful colors and quality. Definitely the highest point of Lakme Fashion Week!


The words "classic with a modern twist" might be the most overused phrase in fashion. But it also may be the only way to describe Nikasha's collection. Nikasha Tawadey indulged her love affair with Indian weaves with formfitting ensembles that shimmied down to a cascade of silk, mul-mul, jamdani, satin, chiffon, georgette, and viscose silk embellished with kutchi and kantha work.


The collection clearly referenced the past—an ode to the 60's mini—but it wasn't mired in it. Araiya steered it in the direction of tulip minis and the occasional slender bubble skirt in a sober palette offset by metallics. Tiny epaulettes appeared at the hem of a minidress, satin sleeves were added on to an otherwise matte dress, and metallic contrast fabrics were added as yokes or sleeves.


Arjun Khanna put on a real show, transporting his audiences from the runway to the land of the Yao tribe. The showing opened with monks lining the catwalk as models showcased ceremonial sherwanis, kurtas, flowing pants, tunics, waistcoats, and bandhgalas. Conventional volumes and proportions were done away with. Bandhgalas—Arjun's signature—were reconfigured in double and single breast versions. Sherwanis featuring colourful touches of the Yao priests, indigo blue of the hemp, and circular motifs reflected the theme. Brocades, silks and velvets were embellished with zardozi, bead, and stonework in addition to minute detailing like jewelled hemlines and collars, contrast facing for the plackets, wide ornate cuffs, and floral multi-embroidery.We noted that despite the rarefied atmosphere, the collection "more than lived up to any heightened expectations," taking spring trends and making them feel classic.


Shane and Falguni Peacock aren't couturiers to hammer on high concepts or political subtexts. Come the next round of red-carpet events and one expect to see the ladies competing for their collection. The duo has produced several options for any event at which a girl might find herself in need of scintillating eveningwear. They have all the bases covered—including a draped empire silk gown, low-back styles, and flowing asymmetries of Chantilly lace, animal prints, and florescent colours that will photograph well from any angle.


Sabyasachi balanced the bridal season's strong fashion with equally bold beauty. Grown-up glamour—elegant hairdos, crimson lips, and precision-lined eyes—were the perfect complement to the runway filled with shararas, lehengas, angarkhas, kurtis, waist coats with shawl lapels, dupattas and odhnas, shimmering pajamas, and saris. Though kurta silhouettes revived the vintage glamour of the Mughal era, Sabyasachi neatly avoided the dusty vintage pitfall. Pants—printed and fluid—were teamed with lean kurtas or Rajasthan blouses. The finale—a black multi-paneled silk lehenga with glittering embroidery worn with a shimmering blouse and odhani—was the ultimate bridal offering.


From the opening creation of a cowl-neck paneled dress in satin with Turkmenistan prints and Ikat on Lurex panels; it was a look that would appeal to western buyers. Prints have always been Anupama Dayal's forte and here she narrates a geometric story inspired by the traditional weaves of Uzbekistan, Turkey, Laos, and India. Her take on sexy is more than a bared back or an exposed front. The best, a maize Ikat-printed dress with wooden rings and patent leather patches, and another, a flame and grey dress in knit with contrast banana satin shoulder ties, had enough presence to go anywhere.


Giant alphabets emerged from among the audience and the stage was set for a study in fashion from Narendra Kumar in his 'Freedom from Illiteracy' line. That's where the collection went, but via the Seventies route. That meant voluminous high-waist trousers, trapeze blouse silhouettes, kaftans, minis, and tunics embellished with alphabets. The standout was a yellow net gown worn over a crinoline detailed with 3D alphabets on the skirt and an "institute" print corset. The neo-flower child might also consider dipping into the silver mini, ecru line, or cotton outfits embellished with intricate fabric folds on the hemline, neck, or shoulders.


Vineet Bahl's 'Lemonade' gave a whole new dimension to the word refreshment. The progression of the first garment to the last that hit the catwalk was done in a symphony that can only be reflected in spring itself, and spoke of Vineet's consistency. The right word to sum it up would be, simply, breathtaking. Fluidity and simplicity were fused with detailing in the form of pleats, cutwork and multi-dimensional embroidery, creating a pleasant, vivacious collection.


The downright mad footwear by Swati Modo!








SOURCE:STYLECANDY.COM

Thursday, October 18, 2007

SWATIMODO in MIDDAY


Thursday, October 11, 2007

Top Trends in Winter Boots for Women 2007 & 2008


When it comes to winter boots for the 2007 - 2008 season, women have loads of options. Booties, ankle boots and knee-high boots are all hot, and no matter what you're heel preference is, there's plenty of variety. Here are some of the hottest trends to look for.



Winter Boots with Fluffy Collars: Ankle, mid-calf, and knee-high boots can all be found with fluffy collars this season. From faux fur to shearling, and lots of fluff to bits of fluff, it's definitely the season for luxurious trim.White Boots: Who said you can't wear white after Labor Day? It certainly wasn't me. I think winter and white go together like winter and snow -- and apparently, I'm not the only one.



This season, there are loads of winter boot styles available in white. From fashionable snow-bunnyesque styles, to boots for seriously cold weather -- I'm loving it.Belted Winter Boots: Look for belts, laces, ties, wraps and other strappy things wrapped around your boots, they're hot! And you can find them on everything from urban styles with flat heels, to high heel stunners.Lace-Up Boots: With styles ranging from those inspired by the Victorian era to edgy urban casuals, there's no shortage of lace-up boots this season. In addition to making the boot easier to get on and off, laces add a bit of pop to even the simplest of winter boots.

ALL YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BOOTS!

How do you know if those knee-high boots you saw on that web site will fit your calves? If you're tall, will they be knee-highs or calf-highs? And what exactly is the shaft of a boot?


Some of the more common boot terms are defined below, and I've also included a few measuring tips to help you find exactly the boots you're looking for.

Boot Shaft:
This is the part of the boot that covers the leg.

Shaft Height:
This measurement is taken on the inside seam of the boot, and is measured from where the shaft meets to sole of the boot, to the top of the shaft. To determine where the top of a boot will hit on your leg, measure the height of the shaft against the inside of your leg, starting at your instep.

Circumference:
This is the measurement around widest part of the shaft of the boot.To see if tall boots will fit your calves, measure around the widest part of your calf, and compare your measurement to the shaft circumference.


Goring:
Many boots have elastic bits built in. These pieces are called "goring." Sometimes goring is used on both sides of a boot or shoe, and sometimes only on one side. Since elastic stretches, well-placed goring will make boots easier to pull on and off.


Pull on Boots:
These boots have no zippers, laces or other means of closure, they're simply pulled on and off.Pull-on boots will sometimes have tabs to aid in getting them on and off, and many times will feature goring as well.When putting on tall pull-on boots, it's easiest to scrunch the shaft of the boot down, and insert your foot into the bottom of the boot -- the same way you put on socks or hose. Pull on boots are sometimes problematic for people with high arches to get on.

Zipper Boots:
As one would expect, these boots have zippers, usually on the inseam. It's a good idea to pay attention to how long the zipper is -- especially with taller boots. A boot with a long zipper will be easiest to get on and off.

Lace-Up Boots:
Very easy to get on and off, lace-up boots are incredibly popular, as the laces also add a bit of decoration to the boots.Unless the laces are merely decorative (in which case, they'll sometimes be on the back of the boot), they're usually placed on the front or outside.

Stretch Boots:
With uppers made from stretchy or elasticized materials, stretch boots are especially popular with people who have wider calfs or very shapely legs, as the boots will stretch to fit the wider parts.It is still important to look for a shaft circumference that is fairly close to the widest part of your calf. You don't want boots that have to stretch too much, as tight boots are uncomfortable, and far less flattering than those that fit well.


(source:about.com)

Sunday, October 7, 2007

What to Wear with Ankle Boots

In all honesty, ankle boots are probably my least favorite style of women's footwear. It's not that I dislike ankle boots for what they are, it's more that I dislike how they're worn -- which is often in the most unflattering way possible. I blame the media. Okay, that's a cop out, and technically, I am part of the media, so I guess that statement needs a little clarification. What I mean to say is that what we see on the runways and in fashion magazines does not always translate well for our own bodies and lives. For example, ankle boots with cropped leggings or shorter tights is a definite "don't" for women who have shapely calves. Even women who are on the thin side have to be careful as the combination seems to chop inches off your height while adding bulk to your legs.


Ankle Boots with Long Skirts
Whether they're flat or heeled, ankle boots and long skirts are a classic combination. While I personally prefer to pair them with a long skirt that is on the fuller side, I've also seen ankle boots paired fairly successfully with long skirts that are more narrow. Whichever style you prefer, the key is to show no leg. If the skirt isn't long enough to cover the top of the ankle boot on its own, add a pair of tights.

Short Skirts and Ankle Boots
This look is definitely a little more difficult to pull off, because a lot of women don't like their legs. But it works well because instead of showing no leg, you're showing a lot of leg -- the real trouble comes in when you only show a little leg. Look for skirts that are a couple of inches above the knee or shorter and skip anything that's too full, lest your outfit start to like a figure skating costume.

The Best Pants for Ankle Boots
This one is nearly a no-brainer -- ankle boots work with any kind of pants. The advantage to wearing them over shoes or taller boots is that you get ankle coverage without the bulk of a knee-high boot. But -- and this is a big "but" -- the only pants that work well tucked into ankle boots are very tight ones. Wide-legged pants tucked into short boots create a very unflattering balloon effect.

Ankle Boots with Leggings or Tights
I mentioned before that cropped leggings don't work well with ankle boots. Long leggings or tights however, look great -- assuming of course, that leggings look good on you in the first place. If they don't, pairing them with ankle boots isn't going to make the situation any better.

Clothes to Avoid Wearing with Ankle Boots
Cropped Pants
Cropped Tights
Mid-Length Skirts with Bare Legs
Pencil Skirts
Shorts
Capris