The term ‘Otherworldly’ perfectly captures Tarun Tahiliani’s design ethos and came to life on the penultimate day of FDCI India Couture Week 2024. Tahiliani, known for his ability to evoke the grandeur of traditional Indian crafts and maximalism, showcased a collection that redefined the essence of Indian couture. Eschewing trends and gimmicks, he embraced the challenge of proving that Indian wear can be both beautiful and comfortable.

Each piece in the ‘Otherworldly’ collection celebrated heritage crafts with an elegant twist. From intricately embroidered Chikankari skirts to elaborate Mukaish sarees and finely crafted sehras, the runway was a parade of timeless artistry. The show’s exceptional curation was so captivating that it warranted two viewings, a rare and cherished exception due to the overwhelming response.

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‘Otherworldly’ by Tarun Tahiliani

In your show notes, you mentioned challenging the idea that Indian wear can’t be comfortable. Can you elaborate on the specific technologies and techniques used to achieve this balance?
Our aim was to merge beauty with unparalleled comfort. We focused on creating weightless embroideries using innovative materials like hand-cut mother of pearl, French knots, and Resham work. Shadow work and fine patterns added depth without excess weight, while advanced draping techniques ensured that the garments flowed seamlessly, offering both elegance and ease.

Traditional crafts such as Kashidakar, Mukaish, and Chikankari are central to your collections. How do you modernize these elements while preserving their authentic essence?
Craftsmanship is a dynamic technique rather than a static tradition. As Laila Tyabji aptly put it, ‘The past should be a springboard, not a cage.’ We blend traditional crafts with contemporary shapes and ideas, ensuring they evolve while respecting their roots. Collaborating with skilled artisans allows us to maintain the craft’s essence while introducing modern patterns, creating a unique fusion of old and new.

The juxtaposition of contrasting elements is a hallmark of your designs, such as embroidered motifs on sheer fabrics paired with marble jaalis. How do you ensure these elements combine cohesively?
Achieving a cohesive ensemble through contrasting elements involves continuous research and refinement. Each idea evolves through collaboration with specialists in various fields, from pattern makers to fabric experts. This iterative process helps us seamlessly integrate contrasting elements, pushing boundaries while maintaining harmony in design.

#LSAforLocal Spotlight: Amama Jewellery and Its Commitment to Preserving Craftsmanship

Nikita Gupta’s label, Amama, emerged from a deep-seated passion for jewelry and personal inspiration. Influenced by the intricate craftsmanship of her grandmother’s heirloom silver pieces, Nikita infused Amama with a blend of elegance and contemporary design. What sets Amama apart is its dedication to crafting unique, artistically inspired designs that seamlessly transition from everyday wear to special occasions.

Building Amama involved overcoming significant challenges, including shifting from a ‘made-to-order’ model to a ‘ready-to-ship’ approach and establishing a distinctive brand identity in a crowded digital landscape. Despite these hurdles, Amama has thrived as a symbol of innovation and quality, highlighted by its collaborations with esteemed designers like Rimzim Dadu during FDCI India Couture Week. These partnerships underscore Amama’s commitment to blending creative inspiration with meticulous material sourcing and sampling to achieve both beauty and functionality.

#LSAforLocal Spotlight: Amama Jewellery and Its Commitment to Traditional Craft

Nikita Gupta, Founder of Amama Jewellery

What inspired the creation of Amama, and what distinguishes it from other jewellery brands?
Amama Jewels was born from my lifelong admiration for exquisite jewelry and the stories it tells. As a child, I was captivated by my grandmother’s beautiful silver pieces, marveling at the intricate craftsmanship. Amama embodies the warmth, love, and legacy passed down through generations. Our uniqueness lies in our exclusive, one-of-a-kind designs, versatility from daily wear to festive occasions, and our personalized customer service.

What challenges did you face in establishing Amama as a homegrown label?
Transitioning from a ‘made-to-order’ model to a fully operational ‘ready-to-ship’ setup was a major challenge, as was building a strong brand identity in a competitive digital space. Navigating these changes while staying relevant and innovative required significant effort.

Can you describe the design process for collaborations, such as with Rimzim Dadu?
Collaborating with renowned designers involves a detailed and creative process of aligning visions. We start by gathering inspiration and creating moodboards, then source materials and engage in extensive sampling to ensure our designs are both functional and stylish. The goal is to complement the designer’s vision while showcasing our jewelry in a fresh and impactful way.

What was the design process like for Janhavi Kapoor’s movie promotions, ‘Mr & Mrs Mahi’?
Designing for this project was both thrilling and innovative. Instead of traditional jewelry pieces, we experimented with unique elements inspired by cricket. This led to the creation of bejeweled leather ball-shaped buttons and a bag inspired by a cricket ball, adorned with over 3,000 crystals, capturing the nation’s love for the sport in a novel way.

LSA for Local: How Drawn is Infusing Art into Everyday Fashion

Imagine slipping into a piece of art every day! At Drawn, founded by Rhea Bhattacharyya, original artworks are transformed into fashion you can wear and cherish. Drawn isn’t just about appreciating art—it’s about living it.

Rhea identified a gap for unique, high-quality staples that combine vibrant, limited-edition art with everyday elegance. Each piece from Drawn showcases stunning designs from global artists, crafted to be both statement-making and staple-worthy. From dramatic prints to playful patterns, Drawn garments are crafted to stand out and infuse joy into daily life. Rhea’s journey—from finding the right vendors to building a passionate team—reflects the dynamic spirit of Drawn’s collections. The Artist Edit, featuring global artists, highlights fresh perspectives and adds a personal touch to every piece.

LSA for Local: Spotlight on Rhea Bhattacharyya and Drawn

What inspired the creation of Drawn?

Rhea Bhattacharyya: Fashion has always been my dream, but it took me time to start my own label. At 30, I took the leap after recognizing a lack of well-made, fun, and fresh designs in the market. I wanted to combine bright, bold art with wardrobe staples, and Drawn was born from that idea. Our goal is to create a global lifestyle brand for creative, fun, and go-getting women. Each piece is unique, limited edition, and crafted with love. Our fashion isn’t just about style; it’s about wearing art that makes you feel confident and inspired.

What sets Drawn apart from other fashion labels?

Rhea: Drawn’s unique approach lies in our dedication to art and accessibility. We collaborate with talented artists worldwide to infuse our collections with vibrant, original artwork. Our designs aim to be stylish yet versatile, reflecting the individuality and creativity of the women who wear them. We’re not just about fashion; we’re building a community of women who appreciate art and quality. Our mission is to bring joy and excitement to our customers’ wardrobes.

What challenges did you face in setting up Drawn?

Rhea: Setting up Drawn was rewarding but challenging. Initially, finding the right vendors was tough. Convincing suppliers to work with a new brand required extensive research and negotiation. Building trust and aligning with partners who shared our vision was crucial. Understanding our market and managing resources effectively were also significant challenges. As we grew, assembling a team that shares our passion and vision became essential. Remaining passionate and focused on our mission has been key.

Can you tell us about the Artist Edit and the process of collaborating with artists?

Rhea: The Artist Edit is the most exciting part of my job. It involves discovering and collaborating with artists who bring unique perspectives and stories to our brand. We scout new talent, study their work, and explore how it fits into Drawn’s vision. Once we select an artist, we work closely with them to integrate their artwork into our designs. Each piece tells a story, and our customers can connect with the artist behind it. This process makes each garment special and personal.

LSA StarMakers: The Fashion-Forward Journey of Shounak Amonkar and Pranay Jaitly

Shounak Amonkar and Pranay Jaitly, the creative visionaries behind ‘Who Wore What When,’ embarked on their journey with a shared passion for storytelling through fashion. Their innovative approach quickly made them the go-to stylists for some of India’s most influential celebrities. Beyond selecting wardrobes, they craft narratives that celebrate individuality and cultural nuances.

With a keen eye for detail and a knack for predicting fashion trends, Amonkar and Jaitly create ensembles that not only enhance their clients’ personas but also set new standards in the fashion industry. Their avant-garde approach has solidified ‘Who Wore What When’ as a leading name in styling.

The Impact of Shounak Amonkar and Pranay Jaitly

Shounak Amonkar and Pranay Jaitly’s influence extends far beyond red carpets and magazine spreads. They are the creative minds behind some of Bollywood’s most memorable fashion moments. From Vidya Balan’s timeless elegance to Sara Ali Khan’s contemporary flair, their styling is transforming fashion narratives. Under their expert guidance, Vidya Balan’s recent press appearances have showcased unmatched sophistication, while Sara Ali Khan’s looks bring a modern, playful edge.

Inside the Creative Process with Shounak Amonkar and Pranay Jaitly

How did you and Shounak meet, and what inspired the creation of ‘Who Wore What When’?
Pranav: Shounak and I first met 11 years ago in Milan while we were studying—me for my undergraduate degree and him for his master’s. I ran a photography blog called ‘Diary of a Camera,’ which focused on Italian and Milanese fashion. I handled the photography, and Shounak assisted with graphic design. Our work styling editorials for various magazines led us to create ‘Who Wore What When.’

How would you describe each other’s style, and how do you combine these aesthetics?
Pranav: Shounak’s style is contemporary, drawing inspiration from figures like Beyoncé and Yohji Yamamoto. In contrast, my style leans towards the classic, reminiscent of Rekha, Valentino, and Dior. Together, we blend these aesthetics to create a unique fusion of classic and modern elements.

How do you keep your ideas fresh amidst numerous brand campaigns and shoots?
WWWW: Travel is our primary source of inspiration. We make a point to step away from the city whenever possible to recharge and gain new perspectives. This break from routine helps us return with renewed creativity and fresh ideas.

What have been some of your biggest styling successes?
WWWW: A standout moment was when Radhika Apte wore Iris Van Herpen to the International Emmys, making her the first Indian actress to wear this designer. Another highlight was Shahana Goswami being featured on the New York Times’ Best Dressed list for her Cannes Film Festival appearances. Styling Natasha Poonawalla for the Ambani wedding festivities was particularly significant, as her trust in our vision was a major validation of our work.

Nagarjuna, the celebrated Telugu actor and father of Naga Chaitanya, recently shared the exciting news of his son’s engagement to Sobhita Dhulipala. Renowned for her impeccable fashion sense, Dhulipala chose a stunning saree to mark their engagement, making it a memorable debut of their relationship. Discover the details of her elegant engagement look and explore her most iconic style moments.

In the glamorous world of Bollywood, Sobhita Dhulipala stands out not just for her acting but also for her exceptional fashion sense. An accomplished actress across Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films, Dhulipala enchants audiences with her performances and her striking style.

Sobhita’s fashion journey is marked by sophistication and a bold approach to style, making her a standout figure for both cinema enthusiasts and fashion lovers. From her elegant Manish Malhotra saree at the engagement to her memorable red carpet appearances and magazine covers, Sobhita’s style is a captivating blend of grace and evolution. Join us as we explore Sobhita Dhulipala’s top fashion moments that have left a lasting impression.

Emily in Paris is gearing up for a stylish Season 4, and fans are already buzzing about the iconic outfits set to grace the screen. With the release of the new trailer showcasing fresh fashion and drama, it’s the perfect moment to revisit and shop the standout looks from each season. From classic Parisian chic to daring contemporary styles, explore the wardrobe essentials that have defined Emily Cooper’s Parisian adventures.

The wardrobes of Seasons 1 and 2 were crafted by the talented Patricia Field, renowned for her work on Sex and the City, alongside Marylin Fitoussi. They drew inspiration from iconic portrayals of American girls in Paris, aiming to give Emily’s outfits a distinct and personal touch. With Field passing the baton to Fitoussi for Season 3, which premiered on December 21, 2022, the latter embraced a bold new direction. Fitoussi will continue to bring her creative vision to Season 4 of Emily in Paris.

Til by Ankur Verma: Draping Silhouettes Like a Second Skin

Ankur Verma’s fashion label, Til, has quickly made a mark with its ability to envelop bodies in silhouettes that feel almost like a second skin. In just two years, Til has carved out a niche for itself with contemporary designs and a distinctive local flair, making its way into celebrity wardrobes.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Ankur Verma, the creative mind behind Til, about his brand that seamlessly blends fashion with art. Verma’s journey began at the ateliers of renowned designer Sabyasachi, where he honed his skills for four years. His meticulous attention to textile detail, developed during this time, is now a hallmark of Til. His diverse experience, including stints with Varun Bahl, Carlos Osman, and Bottega Veneta, has shaped his design perspective. Yet, with Til, Verma embraces a more authentic and raw approach, characterized by flowy silhouettes, dramatic drapes, and unique prints inspired by his imaginative vision.

Verma describes his design philosophy, saying, “Just like our skin tells a story through its wrinkles and freckles, I see patterns in everything, each a reflection of beauty and individuality. I blend these observations with my surreal vision, capturing how I perceive my vibrant, textured, and patterned world.” Til’s designs are a testament to this vision, with drapes that feel like an extension of the skin, adorned with captivating artwork and prints.

With LSA for Local, we celebrate Til and its founder for their commitment to showcasing homegrown talent on a global stage.