Jazzing it up with Accessories!

 The fabrics, the cuts, the use of shades, tones and hues are painstakingly chosen to make that prefect outfit that sets the runway on fire. Yet there is that something little that is needed to enhance the blaze. Accessories are that little something. As a collection or an outfit makes a style statement, so do the accessories chosen. Accessories are anything that accentuates the look, and could be anything from jewelry, bags, shoes or even a simple belt that complements your outfit.

Jewelry

Katie-Gallagher’s Spring-2013 saw some stunning earrings or the branch inspired earcuffs that made a style statement. Manish Arora paid homage to India in his 2013 spring collection in Paris. Besides the Gota- inspired borders, vibrant hand embroidery and the opulent brocade, it was the accessories that caught the eye. Inspired by Indian royalty, the Amrapali handcrafted vibrant piece brought a modern vibe with a touch of tradition. Quirky animal motifs and colorful tikkas, hand chains and jhumkas made for an excellent collection. This year’s collection too saw some amazing ancient inspired jewelry by Gabbana and Versace among myriad others.

Shoes

Finding inspiration from the ancient coins of Syracuse, Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring/Summer collection was just dazzling. The shoes complimented the outfits perfectly by reflecting the coinage theme. The Spring 2014 collection had some amazing shoes from Alberta Ferretti, Gianfranco Ferre and Gucci are just to name a few.

Bags and Belts

This is one category where men and women are equally active and this season has given them good reasons to be. Full of lively colors and floral prints for both men and women, from Gucci to Gabbana, everyone had innovative designs that boggled the senses.

Belts are another accessory that has seen innovation; be it Zuhair Murad with his leaf shaped belt or Gabbana’s coin inspired belts, there were many designers that experimented with belts.

In India there are designers well known for their presence on the runway through their outstanding creativity. A.k.a. bespoke known for their crafty shoe and bag making skills, are also known for gracing the runway for various well known designers. 

 Another familiar name is of Mavi who is known for her futuristic jewelry designing, who also made an appearance this season.

A simple outfit can be made grand with the correct accessory, and it does not have to be something over-the-top as the smallest of accessory can add elegance, completing the look.

Fashion for a Cause

Myriad colors, the aroma of sugary sweets in the air and scenes of happiness and mischief everywhere; in other words, a typical HoIi day! The auspicious festival took place a few days ago and saw an immense outpouring of colors and water in every part of the country. Besides being one of the most anticipated festivals, it is a source of inspiration for many artists. One such artist is Fashion Designer Manish Arora who has broadened the precincts of conventional art by fusing two different art forms into one spectacular creation!

Manish Arora

A newspaper article in 2013 inspired the designer to create something unique. The article concerned the widows of Varanasi who abandoned the age old obdurate impositions of society and celebrated Holi for the first time in centuries. This simple article lead to Manish Arora’s first fashion film titled ‘Holy Holi’.

Bharat Sikka

Bishi Bhattacharya 

   

                                                                     
Conceptualized and story by Manish, the film depicts the day when women finally broke away from the long dead traditions and rejoiced in the gaiety of colors. Artistically shot, the movie captures the emotions beautifully. Directed by the extremely talented art photographer Bharat Sikka, Manish designed and styled the movie. Bishi Bhattacharya composed and sang the heart wrenching music and also is the model that we see in the film. The good thing about the cast is that everyday women are seen clad in Manish Arora’s creations, which adds to the authenticity of the movie.    

Holy Holi

The movie opens with a vision of a murky and gloomy river and the women in white sarees. A burst of gulal in the air above the women is a sign of things to come. Myriad emotions are captured in simple gesture. The many lonely years of being and the melodic, haunting sound of Bishi conveys the melancholic feeling experienced by the women. And then, just like that, the color spreads in the air giving a sense of joy and of the opportunity to have colors in their life again.

Holy Holi

The vivid couture created by Manish shows the freedom to play with colors. The naughty pinks, flamboyant reds and psychedelic colors capture the colorful festival of Holi and how everyone, without any discrimination, has the right and the freedom to indulge in it.

Holy Holi

Holy Holi won several awards at ASVOFF (A Shaded View On Fashion Film Festival) in Paris. Through this fashion film Manish Arora has pushed the creative envelope and included something new. He even showed fashion is not only about models in trendy clothes but also a way of expressing deep emotions often ignored by society.