Arts, crafts, design philosophies and more... fashion doesn't end at clothes

Paramparik Karigar, an association of craftsmen, believes in letting the artisans speak for themselves through their work. This aspect was evident at the exhibition held at the Museum Gallery in Mumbai. Nine craft forms - Bidri (metal inlay work) and ceramics from Maharashtra, metal work from Chattisgarh and Orissa (even weaves from this state), dhurries from Andhra Pradesh, Kantha embroidery from Bengal and block printing from Rajasthan - were contemporarily transformed with the help of Pinakin Patel. "The essence of a craft shouldn't be touched or changed," avers Patel. "That's the challenge. If something really drastic and novel is recreated, the artist loses his credibility. We make sure that the product is ergonomically strong and then market it well." The artists at the exhibition also shared Pinakin's view. The products (though few in number) sold out on the first day! A couple of multi-designer and retail outlets bought the entire stock of a particular craft that captured their interest. And after that, we couldn't have disagreed with Pinakin!

It's Perennial!

If you're on an only-ethnic-clothes hunt, check out Seasons. The boutique offers prêt and couture, under one roof. With more than 12 designers spread across the country working in tandem, the brand offers colourful lines for a wide range of clientele. Its newly-opened bridal section caters to most of the needs of brides-to-be. With fashion launches held abroad, an expanding business and well-known celebs as its clients, what more could a store ask for?

Available at Seasons, Plaza Asiad, Junction off S V Road and Station Road, Santacruz (West), Mumbai. Tel: 022-26042798/2546.

Star Shine

It was an area packed with glitz and glamour. The launch of Bollywood design maverick Neeta Lulla's store in Mumbai was indeed star-studded - both the clothes and celebs stole the show. 'Very filmi' was the phrase. Aishwarya Rai walked in with élan and Shilpa Shetty stood pretty in her billowing skirt. We literally stepped on pretty toes as we snaked our way through the beige and gold-walled store! Unfinished Victorian sculptures flaunted a few stone-encrusted stoles and kurtas, while the rest of the ensembles were hung on racks.

The upper level stocks the prêt and diffusion, while the basement is a bridal consultancy area. Neeta has designed for over 300 movies, numerous music videos and is a much-sought-after fashion consultant too. "In my 20 years in the industry, I have dressed the most beautiful people in the country," she says. "Opening a store was the next logical step. It's a one-point access to all."

Neeta Lulla available at 6, RNA Classic, S V Road, Santacruz (West), Mumbai. Tel: 022-55765599. Also check out www.neetalulla.com

Flashback

When Stylefile 2004 was held a couple of months ago, it was a treat to be seated in the front row of the over-crowded banquet hall at the Hyatt Regency, Kolkata. It looked like the entire city had congregated to view the much-awaited event. When the lights finally dimmed, Kolkata boy Sabyasachi's Milan repeats did little to move the audience, who perhaps were expecting a lot more from him, so all he got was a round of customary applause. Kiran Uttam Ghosh was a revelation; her designs comprised smart skirts, jackets and stunning ponchos. Anamika Khanna won immense applause too. The skirts by Rahul Khanna and Rohit Gandhi were yummy. And Puja Nayyar's collection was layered, sporty and smart. Meanwhile, Vivek Narang's black and white collection with embroidery looked very wearable. Rina Dhaka definitely scored the most amongst all as even days after the event was over, the crowd couldn't stop buzzing about her classic designs - embroidered fitted churidars, halters and more. Rina rocked the show, and so did Raj Mahtani's jewellery - sexy, beautiful and classy. Amidst all the chaos was Prashant Ranjan, a young NIFT graduate from Kolkata, whose creations won him the Stylefile Young Master's Award 2004.

Nidus - A Little Shop

The National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, has launched its own retail outlet - Nidus. This store promises to be a one-stop destination for the design-conscious. For the buying are trendy bags, napkin holders and curtain tassels, designed out of biodegradable corn and banana stem fibre yarns. You will also find some exquisitely handcrafted silver jewellery (square bracelets studded with semi-precious stones, funky rings and pendants), 'bandhni' (tie 'n' dye) silk stoles and ceramic and bone china crockery. The vintage black-and-white bone china cups with transfer prints are a collector's delight. According to Shimul Mehta-Vyas, project head, Nidus, the store is a creative hub with novel lifestyle accessories, contemporary furniture and an in-house design café.

Conquer The World...

...With some sparkling gems, pristine pearls or dazzling diamonds from the Gulf-based Renee Jewellers! In 1999, Sushmita Sen, daughter of the founder of the brand, Subhra Sen, inaugurated the store and there has been no looking back. The creations are out sourced from designers based in Hong Kong and Italy. The brand has now announced their business association with the well-known diamond cutter and gemstone house, KGK Jewellers. Worth a mention is the auction of the 18-carat white gold piece. The sale proceeds were donated to the Tsunami victims through the representatives of Dubai Aid City and Red Crescent.

Available at Renee Jewellers, Wafi Shopping Mall, P O-34695, Dubai, UAE. Tel: 04 3241200 and at Zahra Complex, Salmiya, Kuwait. Tel: +965 5711656,