:-)

The most creative/unusual designs of 2010

Alexander McQueen for Lady Gaga

Poke-her-face: Lady Gaga dressed as herself at the music awards

Ear-plugged- a piece of the computer for the geek on the go

Roaring rage- Triceratop handbags by Gilles Deacon

Monsters Inc

Pretty as a flower?

Do not look into her eyes: Medusa Fashion, China

Fully loaded: Tights by Quency de Sardines

Dolce and Rihanna- design by D&G

Shoes to leave you feline purring satisfaction- design by Kobi Levi

"Blue is for boys, pink is for girls"

This phrase is so deeply engraved in our minds since the very beginning of our existence that the slightest deviation from it can send us hurling into a frenzy. Men wearing pinks and oranges instantly lead us to assume that they're homosexual. But have we ever considered the possibility that men may just like colours? That they could get bored of their wardrobe full of drab grays and blues? I hadn't till I came across this blog post on The Freelancer's fashion blog.

This era however calls for a change. Salmon pink shirts have gained a fair amount of popularity in recent years. Men are finally coming out of their gray shells and going much beyond their usual black and white world. And if one lets go of the age old stereotypes, one realizes how something as simple as bright orange socks can completely transform an otherwise typical colourless man's outfit.

There will always be men out there who will always be too scared to experiment with colour, lest they appear less manly. However, colour is not emasculating. It is only fair to let men evolve their fashion perspectives alongside, and in sync with womens' fluctuating tastes and trends.

In the end, colour is what paints a happy picture.

Adam- The first (scissor) Man

I recently came across a post by someone who had first handedly experienced the genius of Adam Saaks- the shirt cutter. She speaks about his great talent and personality. Saaks is a wardrobe stylist turned designer from Los Angeles. His claim to fame are his beautifully cut Ed Hardy t-shirts (in affiliation with Christian Audigier).

Using a pair of scissors as his sole designing tool, Adam Saaks creates a variety of designs ranging from geometrical shapes, horizontal cuts, butterflies, criss-crosses and anything else that might happen to strike his mind at a given point.

He works his magic with an effortless snip of the scissors and then uses intricate knots and symmetry to provide the final touches. All this at superhuman speed. It is a herculian task for the naked eye to follow the swiftness of his hands, as can be witnessed in this video.

Adam Saaks can be called a designer of the people. He does not simply create a bunch of designs and put them on display for sale. He likes to custom design his 'cutting' art for different clients according to what suits them. The most remarkable aspect of his creating process is that he transforms a simple t shirt into something that is sexy and glamorous, all while the t-shirt is still worn by the model/ client. This perhaps gives him a better feel of the desired product.

In a youtube video Saaks claimed that he "likes to see more skin." And skin is what he reveals as his scissors snaps apart at a harmless looking t-shirt into what seems like smithereens. One could never expect the piece of couture that emerges.

Although Adam Saaks' brilliance lies in the designs he creates live for a specific person, this is also his most major drawback, as it makes it challenging to own one of his 'saaks-y' masterpieces.

A Warne-ing to all

Australian Cricketer Shane Warne, after his spinning career is now trying his hand at fashion. He launched his mens wear collection in Australia in 2009, which was a success and has encouraged him to continue in the field. His success however may be as much a result of his celebrity status as his clothes.

After taking a look at his collection, one can't help but wonder why he did not stick to the cricket field. He has nothing new to offer in terms of casual wear. The same old t-shirts, shorts and cargoes. They could just as well have been from a thrift store, had the label 'Spinners by Shane Warne not been splashed across. Although Warne claims that he has a well rounded idea of clothing, as he has travelled all over the world and seen different types of fashion, he does not incorporate his observed uniqueness in any of his designs. No flaws can be pointed out in his clothing, but it evokes a feeling of 'been there, done that.'

Shane Warne however, is not going to back off. He is all set to expand to India in the coming year. Shane Warne is a powerful public figure and his image alone can help him to an extent. Whether people will invest in clothing just for his name is yet to be seen. Although the majority of people in Australia seem to absolutely love his clothes, his success as a designer cannot be attributed to just one collection and that too in his own country, where he assumes the stance of role model for many.

Many sportspersons have been migrating to the fashion industry in recent years. But they have been posing as models so far. Warne's attempt to run the show is commendable, seeing that he does not come from a fashion or an art background. But sometimes the basic qualifications are what is required the most.

Acme Dressing Kit (spare parts available)

How many of us have found the perfect dress and wished it was available in another colour? Or another pattern? Or simply got bored of it? In such scenarios, the investment we make in clothes comes haunting back. The solution to getting rid of this guilt? Customizable clothing.

Designer Sebastian Errazuriz has created a dress out of 120 zippers all of which can be unzipped and zipped back into countless designs. The dress can be anything you want it to be: long, short, low neck, high-neck, halter, tube; anything ranging from a casual day dress to a fancy evening gown. It can even be converted into a two-piece. With this one item in your wardrobe, you pretty much need nothing else.

Apart from Errazuriz, a number of other designers have been creating clothing that can be altered according to the customer's taste. We are talking way beyond personalised couture. Berber Soepboer, thinking along the same lines, launched her DIY (Do it yourself) Dress. Inspired by childrens' coloring books, this dress comes in basic patterns which have to be filled in with any desired colour. She has also added a number of buttons, the closing/opening of which can change the colour of the attire, or unravel a whole new pattern. Designer Fernando Brizio does something similar, where the colour scheme of the outfit can be changed with each wear.

Customizable clothing comes as a major breakthrough in fashion as for the first time, the buyer has paramount control over the final product. As such, the customer becomes the designer, making her/him the master of her/his clothing. Compromise on even the most trivial things is on its way to becoming an archaic notion of the past.

Clothing gets Ethical

Ethics form an integral part of everything, including fashion. Gone are the days when a mink coat was on the wishlist of every woman. Celebrities and even the common masses are dead against wearing something dead. Pamela Anderson, in an interview with The Hindu stated that "fashion should be fun, not fatal," and elaborated upon her views against wearing animal skin and fur. "The most innovative designers are refusing to work with animal skins, and they're proving that it's easy to create a look that kills without killing animals," she asserted.

The Anti Fur coalition is a worldwide one, triggered off by an ad launched by PETA featuring a naked picture of Chad Ochocinco. Pro skater Jason Ellis also stripped down for PETA in support of the same cause. The sentiments against animal cruelty are so strong all over that a crowd of concerned Israelis protested against fur for fashion on the streets of Tel Aviv on November 26.

Renowned fashion labels such as DKNY have become targets of PETA's anti-fur statement on their Facebook page. Fur items which were once considered a luxury, are now being condemned and for good reason. This shows the maturity we as a people have attained over the years. The desire to look good at the cost of innocent lives has finally come to an end. People are opting more and more for synthetic leather and fake animal skinned bags, as they have become more conscious.

A wrap around made out of synthetic fibres looks just the same as one made out of fox fur. The killing of fur-bearing animals was therefore always futile, not to mention cruel. Also, one can't deny that shoes made out of suede or plastic are considered just as stylish, if not more, than those made out of leather. A variety of the most beautiful (non animal) materials are now available for apparel and accessories. Dead animals do not belong in showbiz.

So, for those people who sit idle thinking that petitions and protests are a waste of time, this goes as a classic example against that kind of thinking. Awareness can and has altered the mindsets of people.

Is less really more?

For decades, fashion has come to be synonymous with showing more skin; plunging necklines, the mini-est of mini skirts, the skimpiest dresses. So much so, that some women while going for a job interview focus more on revealing skin to impress, rather than working on the skills required for the job in question. A blog titled 'The more skin you show, the less authoritative you become' by Judith Rasband showed this image of a woman who was offering her services as an expert consultant.

Needless to say, the focus of another person would constantly remain on her chest, rather than her face or what she has to say in her favour. This also gives a rather tainted image of the woman.

Even outside the professional sphere, revealing skin is not always equivalent to style. Boat necks, cowl necks and even turtle necks can make one look classy and fabulous when teamed with the right accessories. Not to say that low necklines are unattractive; when worn on suitable occasions and carried off with panache, they are anything but unattractive.

However, fashion is dressing up according to the situation and according to what suits oneself. Blindly following any trend is not going to get one anywhere. And showing skin is not going to get one anywhere, at least not professionally.

Yes, one needs to be presentable for an interview, but presenting all of oneself will only lead to a rather unpresentable and unpleasant scenario. Dressing in context is key.

Coffee- a timeless indulgence

Zeroing in on a stylishly dressed woman in Paris or Milan or New York or London, apart from her high heeled shoes and her pencil skirt, you will notice that in her hand will be strategically placed, a cup of her favorite latte. And then you will see that she is not the only one indulging in the aromatic goodness, but every single person around her has a cup too. People on the go, people lounging around or people dealing with tension. The consumption of coffee is at an all time high.

Coffee has become an integral part of our lives. We start the day with a freshly brewed cup. It is also what bonds us with others- what better to do on a first date than to go out for coffee? All nighters are almost always accompanied by mugs of the strongest arabica. The most magical property of a café noir is its ability to cure a deadly hangover. Coffee becomes a sort of companion with which we cherish the best moments of life, and also what we turn to during our worst times.

Coffee has gained more popularity in recent years than ever before. Although tea is the most popular beverage in the world, after water, coffee is catching up rapidly. Cappuccinos have become a kind of accessory, seen in the hands of every second person on the street in styrofoam cups.

One may wonder about the permanence of certain trends but coffee is very much in vogue and here to stay.

Styleash

An annual doggie show which is held in Davidson, North Carolina (USA) disproves the popular belief that fashion is limited only to the human species. The event in 2009 saw a number of dog lovers showcasing their beloved pooches in the finest and most unique of apparel and accessories.

The very first dog show was held in 1988, which then experienced a long period of no show and was later revived, in 2009. Candidates are not expected to be trained models, and are supposed to be on leashes at all times, in their owners' full controls. It is indeed a rare sight to watch dogs catwalk down a runway, in full swing.

Dressing up pets in unusual outfits is not a new concept. Tinkerbell was one of the canines who made doggie clothes popular as a trend, as owner Paris Hilton swooned over the 'cuteness' of it all and indulged in designer labels for the petite chihuahua.

In India too, dog coats are not an uncommon sight. Although they were first launched to beat the chill, they are now available in a variety of designs and colours- from girly pinks to macho army prints, highlighting on the characteristics of every individual mutt. Off shoulder sweaters seem to be all the rage amongst pugs and smaller dogs . Whereas Diego, my golden labrador grandly masquerades in a coat which says 'Bodyguard' on the back, doing justice to his brawny appearance.

The people of Davidson are obviously one step ahead, perhaps paving the path for Doggie fashion weeks in the future. If only designer Emilio Pucci gets a whiff of this, 'Poochie' by Pucci may just be the next big thing.

Music Access(ory)

Japanese designer Lee Won Jun has come up with the perfect gift for a woman- a MP3 player which doubles as an accessory. It consists of a large sleek gold hoop, and tiny gold loop earrings that go inside the ears, functioning as earphones.

Another one of those inventions teaming aspects of both fashion and technology.

Music is a form of escape for many. It is a popular pastime during travelling, and for some even during boring lectures. A wide variety of design and color in devices such as ipods and MP3 players is thus more than welcome. Won Jun's creation has provided scope for even music players to be personal and individualistic. The best part about his design? You can listen to music, lost in your own world, without anyone being aware of it. In their eyes, you will simply be a fashionista, with the most recent bling-bling hanging off your ears.

The perfect way to get noticed, without really getting noticed.

Practicality reigns runways this season

Dutch designers Viktor Horston and Rolf Snoeren baffled audiences while presenting their spring/summer 2011 collection with their surprisingly wearable designs. The duo approached classic pieces with a certain casual flair. The result was a mosaic of bright theatrical shirts with starched cuffs and collars, off shoulder dresses, button down "swing" shirts. The tone was monochromatic with blues and neutrals.

Viktor and Rolf have always received a tremendous amount of criticism and attention for their outrageous outfits, which are only fit for the ramp. They have however, always been praised for the show they put on. In their fall 2010 collection, they presented their layered concept: models were dressed in countless layers, which were then duly stripped off and used on other models. It essentially became more of a spectacle than a show.

Another of their collections featured tweed fox fur coats so large, that the models were almost toppling over due to the weight. Although interesting to look at, these weighty designs which were reminiscent of Harry Potter's Hagrid, could hardly be imagined as a means to escape the cold on a regular woman walking down the street.

Fashion of course must appeal to the eye- but unlike other forms of art, when it starts to defy practicality, it partially loses its purpose. Viktor and Rolf have now gone beyond their solely showy, yet remarkable designs to ones that viewers can aspire for. After all, what good is a beautiful dress that cannot be worn and envied?

"The Michelle Obama Effect"

"When dressed to go out, the final thing one should do is subract one accessory from the entire outfit"

-Coco Chanel

The first lady is someone who has always looked elegant and sophisticated. Her sense of style always lands her in the list of best dressed people in magazines like People, Vanity Fair, Vogue. But what makes her truly unique is her blend of street fashion with high end couture. She never looks overdressed, and maintains a kind of classy simplicity.

President Obama and her visit to India has been long awaited and prepared for. On the day of their visit to the Gandhi Memorial, Michelle Obama whipped up a concoction of a Dries Van Noten skirt with a simple fitted black blouse. A silver belt around her waist added an element of glamour to the whole outfit. Minimal, yet chic.

Ms Obama has helped boost sales of some of her preferred brands, simply by carrying them off beautifully. Between 2008 and 2009, she has caused an upside of a whopping $2.7 million to a few select brands and retailers. On the other hand, a rival brand experienced a loss of 0.4% during the same period.

In an article titled "The Michelle Obama Effect," Yermack wrote “The first lady’s influence may be tied to the fact that consumers know she’s not paid to wear what she does, whereas they may subconsciously discount models’ endorsements as inherently corrupt.” As the US President's wife, Ms Obama's influence on the masses is tremendous, as is her credibility. She is looked up to and respected.

Indian- American designer Naeem Khan claims that ever since Michelle Obama wore one of his designs to a dinner, his clothes have been flying off the shelves.

Michelle Obama has undoubtedly established herself as an internationally acknowledged fashion icon, one of the rare few who is completely unrelated to the fashion industry. Not only does she have the power vested in her as the First Lady, she also has the power to make or break a fashion brand. A powerful, impressive figure, she maintains the perfect balance.

It's a bug's life

Montreal based fashion designer Liz Vandal was asked to design costumes for the performers of Ovo, a show by Cirque du Soleil. The result was a variety of insect outfits, ranging from butterfly costumes to that of a cockroach. "Ovo" is a performance which takes the audience into the mysterious world of insects, where they live in harmony amongst each other, engaged in constant play, as well as the perils of life. The creators have even brought in a romantic angle.

Vandal has been fascinated by insects since childhood, and her elaborate study on the same helped her create apt costumes, which are at the same time "evocative." She attributes her attachment to creepy crawlies because of their "beauty, complexity, and organization." "Insects were here before we (humans) were here, and they will probably be here after we are gone, and we would die without them, " Vandal reflects.

In an interview between journalist Stephanie Green and Liz Vandal, they discussed insect based accessories to enhance the costumes of the performers. Accesories such as butterfly hair clips, ladybird brooches, lizard rings have been extremely popular with teens in the past, and continue to appeal to a large section of the youth. These knick knacks deviate from conventional jewellery, which consists mainly of designs revolving around hearts and flowers, and thus are highly individualistic. I myself own a pair of spider shaped earring that appear to be crawling up the ear when worn. There is a whole new dimension of thrill when it comes to insect inspired accesories and clothes. Think Spiderman.

Apart from her Ovo collection, Liz Vandal has created costumes for many artistic organisations in the last twenty years, the Washington Ballet being one of the prominent ones. She remains an independent, one-of-a-kind fashion designer.

The artistic duo, Guerra de La Paz consisiting of artists Alain Guerra and Neraldo De La Paz have come up with an innovative method of recycling old clothes. Rather than throwing away old worn out clothes, Guerra and La Paz transform them into completely new pieces of art work.

The idea behind these creations is not simply aesthetics, each work represents a social issue or idea or tells a story. Using old clothes as raw material makes their art truly eclectic and eco friendly. Gierra de La Paz have helped to keep the fashion in clothing intact even after the clothes have turned into colourful pieces of art.

Much like the Patta Chitra tradition of West Bengal, where artists use paintings to convey a specific message to the audience, or to narrate an event/occurence, Guerra De La Paz does the same through their cloth sculptures, creating an unusual blend of fashion, art and culture.

A pain in the...

Suffering tremendous amounts of pain in the name of fashion is definitely not a new concept. The victorian era was all about the long balloon skirts, and tight bodices. It was not uncommon for women to force themselves to squeeze into too small corsets. Chinese women used to practice the "art" of foot binding, ensuring that their feet remain tiny and dainty- desirable to men. Even renowned fashion designers such as Schiapparelli (more famously known as Chanel's rival) designed outfit after outfit in which women could barely walk.

Although fashion has become relatively more practical in recent times, a few designers continue to create designs going to the highest extents of discomfort. One of these culprits is The Virtual Shoe Museum.

Peep toes have been all the rage during the past couple of years, but the Virtual Shoe Museum took this to an altogether different level. Their designs form the epitome of impracticality. The designers have chosen to incorporate all the downsides of a tall shoe, while providing absolutely no protection to the foot.

You'd think that nobody would resort to these painful concoctions but you'd be wrong. Pop singer Lady Gaga, known for her outrageous ensembles fell flat on her face at the Heathrow Airport this June, thanks to her Noritaka Tatehana platform heel-less boots. Although posh spice Victoria Beckham developed bunion problems due to constant wear of skyscraper heels, this did not deter her from returning to wearing her beloved heels as soon as she recovered.

Everything comes at a price. Fashion included. But when it starts pinching beyond one's pocket, one cannot help but wonder whether this is indeed high fashion or a masochistic addiction, a modern day version of self inflicted torture.

Good enough to eat

Photographer Fulvio Bonavia recently presented his collection of footwear and accessories made from food products such as fish, pasta, fruit, cheese, candy. You name it. These items are not just aesthetically appealing but also trigger off a mouth watering reaction, making the product in question more desirable.

His collection is only for viewing pleasure as the food products used are perishable, thus making these pieces temporary works of art. What makes them exquisite is that they have all been modelled by hand, and are not mere photoshop products. Bonavio's shoot was done for the publishing of his book "A matter of taste," where he wants to portray to the reader his concept of fashion as food.

Bonavio's innovation no doubt comes from an evergrowing love for food and clothing. "If you do not want to wear it, eat it," he exclaims. A passion for food is a far thought on the minds of those associated with the fashion industry, as they are on a constant diet to remain fit. But Bonavio apart from candy and chocolates also makes use of health food such as salads, broccoli and red fruit, giving it a perfect balance. emphasizing on the importance of nutrition, while simultaneously maintaining the sheen.

The idea of fashion as only visual has been long been disproved by the concept of edible underwear, and Fulvio Bonavio simply takes it one step further. New generation fashion appeals to sight, sense, touch, smell as well as taste- creating an effervescent image of equipoise.

Fashion for a cause

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."

Vintage Vision, a store in Abergavenny, Wales is working towards womens empowerment through fashion. They teach women new skills, so that they can earn a livelihood on their own. It gives opportunities in terms of work experience and volunteering to women, many of whom are not financially well off. They recently held a fashion show, the organisation of which provided employment to several women.

According to Amanda Peters, one of the founders, Vintage Vision initiated their work because of a general lack of social enterprises catering to women and their skills. But they were also concerned about the way people just throw their clothes away, and thus came up with an innovative way to recycle them- by transforming them into pieces of high fashion.

Vintage Vision started its work in 2009, and has successfully carried out a number of sewing workshops since then. An inspired Rosie Bell, owner of Vintage Vision has recently started an online vintage fashion site, which features different types of clothing ranging from the dominant styles of the 1920s to current day fashion. Many of these are made out of recycled clothes.

These clothes portray all the classiness expected out of a designer label, while at the same time benefitting several hard working women. It is the perfect unity of fashion and social development. A coming together of like minded women with similar interests and goals in mind. In a world where one cannot count on one's fellow beings, Vintage Vision portrays a type of Utopian vision.

Fashion Backward

Wayfarers are one of the hottest new looks of the season. Practically everyone owns a pair. Available in a variety of colours ranging from the classic black to neon greens and pinks, these sunglasses target a wide variety of people.

Whilst we see the likes of actress Rachel Bilson sporting these in green , an image of Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany's comes into mind- deconstructing the 'newness' of it. Wayfarers were first designed by Raymond Stegeman in 1952, launched by Bausch and Lomb and made popular by Ray Ban. They have been in vogue on and off since then. They made a brief appearance with the Blues Brothers in 1980 and then were nowhere to be seen for over two decades until they were brought back successfully by teen celebrities such as Robert Pattinson, Adam Brody and the Medina brothers.

While the classic RB2140 remains the aboriginal model, Ray Ban has made changes to it in terms of fresh varying colours and patterns to suit evolving tastes. A new model called the mini wayfarer, which is a smaller version of the original has also hit the markets. The young and the old alike can be seen going gaga indulging in these uniquely designed sunglasses.

Fashion is often cyclical and repetetive. It doesn't fail to surprise me when I see the same clothes I don in my grandmother's old pictures. High waist pants, which were synonymous with the 50s have come back in a huge way, along with the high waist pencil skirt and shorts. Bell bottoms were all the rage during the hippie era and then again in the 90s. Whereas these are all examples of trends that keep coming and going, a select few remain constant. Marilyn Monroe's white halter dress and Audrey Hepburn's LBD are considered classic buys because of their timeless appeal.

Fashion, like art is not always about the creation of the new. It is a constant process of revival and modification. So next time you're throwing out your old outdated clothes, think again. History repeats itself.

Skinny thins out

Fashion models have come a long way since Twiggy. Recent fashion shows in Paris, following the fall are showcasing less and less of the ultra skinny tall model, giving a chance to "normal" well built, curvy women. Prada and Louis Vuitton were among the first to expose the voluptous model to the audience.

Tom Ford followed suit, with Beyonce Knowles showcasing his designs on the ramp. Ghesquière went one step further by getting a very pregnant Miranda Kerr to model for him, along with a myriad of non models. He claims he is bored of the "clone-like appearance of models." A pregnant woman certainly breaks the monotony. These new non models have acquired the name Novelty Models.

"Novelty models are a reflection of reality...It can’t be good for business if you’re only showing clothes on a six-foot-tall, 120-pound 16 year olds," Editor-in-chief of Fashion Magazine, Morra stated. However, this is something that designers have always been aware of, and yet year after year they chose the skinniest of them all to hang their clothes on, creating an unhealthy culture.

One that is bound to haunt the fashion industry for eternity, according to Dan Grant, publisher of Toronto based modelresource.com. “It’s a trend and like most, it will come in waves...Next season we might even see a few more novelties...But in a few seasons I expect we will be back to letting younger, straight-sized models rule the runway again.”

Although this current fad may help in breaking the unhealthy body image most adolescent girls rear, growing up with the desire to be a "perfect" size zero. But must it really be one extreme or another? Skinny or fat?

Back to Basics

Designers have recently discovered khadi as a creative canvas because of its elegant simplicity, porous nature and its ability to stay cool during summer and warm during winter.

Khadi however, is not a new fabric. It has its roots deep within the freedom struggle. Mahatma Gandhi- the father of the nation, along with ahimsa or non violence also propogated simplicity of living, sans paraphernalia and extravagance. He always worked for the empowerment of the poor, and it was in these conditions that the khadi fabric emerged as part of the 1958 khadi institution. It provided employment to the poor. The current annual production is in the range of Rs 700-1000 crores.

What makes khadi different from other fabrics is that no two products are the same. Since it is handwoven, disparities are bound to occur but it is these very disparities which makes each product eclectic and gives it exclusivity value for which people are willing to pay. Also, khadi gets softer with each wash, without degrading its quality. It is very long lasting.

The spread of khadi is beneficial on many levels- it is economically viable, eco friendly, practical, helps in the growth of poor artisans and is aesthetically appealing.

The current leading stores retailing khadi products are Khadi India or Khadi Bharat, Sarvodaya, Desi Ahar, Kutir and Khadi Gramudyog, among others. It is a growing industry and we hope to see it reach grander scales nationwide as well as internationally.

'Sexiness for everyone'

This was the tagline featured in an ad by german lingerie store, 'Liason Dangereuse'. It features a woman getting dressed and admiring herself in the mirror for a good 40 seconds before she puts on a burqa and looks into the distance, ready to face the world. Although the depiction is highly controversial, the message is clear: all women want/deserve to feel sexy and attractive to themselves.

"Irrespective of whether one belongs to a conservative or liberal family, even a Muslim woman wants to look beautiful," said designer Zubair Kirmani, who recently launched his clothing line dedicated to muslim women at the Islamic Boutique in Kolkata.

The Quran advocates that a muslim woman should be covered head to toe in front of those beyond her immediate family. This leads to muslim women having a very limited choice of attire. Rubiya was one such woman, who detested her drab wardrobe; she inspired her husband, Zafar to make a difference and thus the Islamic Boutique was founded. This unique store retails designer burqas, hijabs, bonnets, gloves, coats in a variety of colours and designs.

These beautiful, ornate creations when worn immediately make a woman feel attractive, thus improving her confidence and self image. Kirmani has literally filled with colour, the lives of a community of women who were destined to always be in black.

Fashion for everyone.

Clothes in a can

"Ooh what is that you're wearing?"

"Just a little something I sprayed on this morning."

Fashion designer Manel Torres, along with particle scientist Paul Lucklam created a liquid formula consisting of tiny cotton fibres and plastic which solidifies into fabric after it is sprayed onto one's body, and assumes the body shape.

It comes in several colours and can be used throughout seasons, as the thickness of the fabric depends on the number of layers sprayed. And of course its malleable nature allows it to be molded into any item of clothing: a t shirt, a skirt, or even an evening gown. It can be dissolved back into its liquid state and solidified into something else again within minutes.

Whereas the prominent use of this invention is instant fashion, it can also be used as spray on bandages along with other additives to make the wound heal as fast as changing trends.

All tech-ed up

Who said style defies practicality? British fashion Company Cutecircuit has launched a chic jersey dress with a built in mobile phone on the sleeve. All you have to do is insert a sim card and you're ready. At the end of the night when you want to call a cab, all you have to do is lift your hand up to your ear. And the best part is you don't have to keep track of your handbag because you don't have to carry one!

Cutecircuit is known for incorporating technology in clothes. Katy Perry was seen in one of their gowns, which was lit up by thousands of lights. Gadgets and clothes are merging to produce wearable technology.

At this rate, can we soon expect LBDs with LCDs?




(note: LBD - Little black dress, LCD - Liquid crystal display televisions)
www.nydailynews.com/tech_guide/2010/09/01/2010-09-01_dial_m_for_modern_little_black_mdress_has_cell_phone_built_in.html

(Ad) Dressing issues II

Vogue Italia, in their August 2010 issue feature models covered in oil, bearing tortured expressions. Although reminiscent of Shakira's sensual music video, "La Tortura," the picture is far from beautiful. The colourless photographs depict a stark tragic reality.

The sense of disgust some of us would get on seeing these photographs is perhaps the intention of the photographer. The models represent the suffering of marine and wildlife, that have been adversely affected by the recent oil spill. The viewer is compelled into thinking about human nonchalance towards the environment and creatures inhabiting it. Steven Meisel, through his lense seems to be commenting ironically on human detachment from nature.

This shoot manages to brilliantly merge current affairs with fashion- depicting a deeper issue, while at the same time, not compromising on the glossy fashion aspect. These pictures certainly prove that fashion is not only about glamour. Design, like any other form of art can be used as a medium to create social awareness and raise questions pertinent to our times.

This is not the first time that Vogue Italia is attempting to make a social commentary through their magazine. They have previously dealt with the economic recession issue and the Twitter phenomenon.

Sporting the Vibgyor

Tennis has always been synonymous with plain white clothes. However, this year's US Open decided to give the monotony a break as women tennis players were spotted on the court donning vibrant colours. India's Sania Mirza was sizzling in a hot pink tennis dress.

Sports are no longer watched only for the game, but also for the players. Atheletes are as much the celebrities of today , as are filmstars. In such a scenario, it is only natural for sportpersons to groom themselves and look their best, as their every move is captured on camera and viewed by millions.

Sportspersons have also been trying their luck in the glamour industry off the field over the last decade. Anna Kournikova got her big break when she was chosen to feature in Pop singer Enrique's music video "Escape"; and Rafael Nadal in Shakira's "Gypsy."

As more and more atheletes are getting into the music industry and modelling, one cannot help but wonder if it is in fact the end of the skinny model.

http://sports.in.msn.com/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=4326545&vv=800

The Queen-tessential Artiste

Alexander McQueen launches his fall 2010 collection.

This is a moment of jubilation for all his fans. But wait a minute, Queen passed away this February, then where are these designs coming from? Could he be busy at work from beyond the grave?

Have you ever wondered how a designer's label is carried on even after his/her death? Chanel died in 1971, yet her brand 'Coco Chanel' is still as popular and sought after, if not more, than it was when she was living. And we keep hearing about that new Chanel bag that has recently hit the stores. Chanel's label was perpetuated by Karl Lagerfeld, who embellished upon her basic creations. Using her name was a success mantra for him, as she was already a well established designer in the industry. Although he names his collections Lagerfeld-Chanel, it is the latter name that we all recognize.

Although McQueen had already cut his fall designs before taking his life, it was his trusted team that showcased his last works. It is not unlikely that his label will be taken over by another designer, taking his name to greater heights.

Designers may die but their designs and their names go on living and inspiring. Alexander McQueen will always be remembered for his eclectic style, his bold designs and his outrageousness ranging from his Highland Rape collection to the outfits he designed for Lady Gaga's music video, Bad Romance.