WWISFD Students Went To Hyderabad On A Study Tour

WWISFD Students were taken to Hyderabad on a study tour to show the art and culture of a state of India (Telangana), which also includes textile as an element. The knowledge and experience that they have gathered from this tour will act as design-inspiration for them in days to come. They got to visit weavers’ service centre, fashion designer Gaurang Shah’s studio, craft village – Shilparamam, to understand the nuances of various techniques used in the process of creating fibre-to-fabric.

Weavers Service Center, set up by the Central Government to uplift the handloom industry. At this center, our students were introduced to various weaving machines that are used to weave Jaquard, Dorby  and Double Jacquard. Here, they also learned the technique and process of Block Printing and Kalamkari, while also understanding the of process of making vegetable dyes

Main highlight of the tour was meeting and interacting with the award winning textile designer, Gaurang Shah who has created a revolution in India; he is trying to uplift the art of weaving and popularising Khadi. He works with 450 weavers across five states in India and they showcase their stunning designs all over the world; the recent event was the Berlin Fashion Week

Our students spent a day with Gaurang at his studio understanding the process of designing and getting acquainted to different kind of weaves in saris like, Jamdani Designs, Ikkat, Patola, which are woven in geometric patterns in bright  colors. Later, we took our students to the villages where weavers weave these saris. This helped them to understand the different processes involved in the making of fiber-to-fabric, which includes dyeing and weaving. 

Our students also Bidri Work – The art of Inlaying silver in a dark metal base . It is a 400 years old craft. There are 3 main forms Nashan (deeply cut work) , Zar Nashan (raised work) , Tarkashi (wire inlay work). Our students would be following these techniques and incorporating them in forms of embroidery and embellishments on their creation.

Our students also visited a craft village named Shilparamam - a place where artisans from across India showcase their individual skills in a variety of arts, crafts and culture. From Indian pottery to a plethora of weaves, woodwork, jewelry, clothes and local crafts of each region of the country.

While in Hyderabad, our students went to the following places:

Mecca Masjid – one of the biggest and the oldest masjid of India . the students visited the Laad bazar which is famed for its sparkling bangles called Lac & Basra pearls

Charminar – ‘ Mosque of the Four Minarets’  and ‘ Four Towers

Salarjung Museum – The Third largest museum in India . The museum houses magnificent exhibits of Indian  Art , Middle Eastern Art , Far Eastern Art and European Art & Textiles. The idea behind taking the students to this museum was to understand the ancient art and textiles which would act as an inspiration for them in future.

For more pics from the study tour to Hyderabad, visit http://on.fb.me/1Tq62G2

WWISFD Masterclass with Fashion Stylist, Snower Sania

It was a pleasure to have fashion stylist, Snower Sania  to conduct a WWISFD Masterclass for our students.

In the masterclass , Snower  Sania shared insight on fashion styling as a profession and its importance in today’s industry. She spoke about the current trends & contemporary styling techniques. She also explained the process of understanding trends in connection to the various body types, colors and personality. She said, “Fashion styling alone carries many options in terms of profession.” She also explained each aspect and as to how students could choose & decide the correct option, depending on their passion.

Talking of fashion styling she shared the work responsibilities of a fashion stylist, difficulties faced and prospects in the fashion industry. Usually there is a general confusion about the roles of a Stylist and a Designer. She clarified the doubts of the students and said, “Fashion styling is a part of fashion designing. A person can be a good designer but not necessary a good stylist and vice versa. The stylist is a person who not only guides or helps one in terms of their clothing but also oversees into the complete makeover of the person, from make-up to hair to accessories etc. that one chooses to wear or put together.”

She also shared her current work with the students giving them insights of the profession, which was very motivating. Overall the session with Snower Sania was informative yet enjoyable for the students.   

WWISFD Masterclass with Gaviin Miguel

 It was our pleasure to have the acclaimed fashion designer, Gaviin Miguel conduct a WWISFD Masterclass. At the masterclass, Gaviin shared insight and nuances to help our students understand and identify pret, bespoke & couture wear. He also helped our students to understand the technical details that goes into designing and creating these garments, alongside he also shared the commercial value of these creations in today’s day and age.

His journey from  being an aspiring fashion designer to making a mark in the industry as a successful designer did inspire our students. One of his most important learning that he shared with our students was, “It is very important for each designer to have a mark of their own, which will  not only make them stand out amongst others but also secure their position in the industry.” Gaviin also said, "To be a good designer it’s important to be a good human being, because what you are, reflects from the clothes that you make. Each design that you make should carry your heart and soul."

In his interaction with the students he spoke about his recent venture, Disney’s recreation of the magical Broadway, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ that was showcased in Mumbai  & Delhi. Gaviin was the Costume Designer for the theatre version of the musical. He shared his experience working for a Broadway theme and what it takes for a designer to be versatile but still holding on to that one thing that makes you different from others, your forte.

Overall, it was a very educative, enriching experience for the students to interact with Gaviin Miguel.

Babita Malkani on Indian Fusion Wear and Styling

Babita Malkani is a name to reckon with in the Indian Fashion Industry. A fashion career spanning close to two decades with a very distinct, urban sense of styling and a high level of comfort with international fabric and styles, epitomizes the ensemble of Babita Malkani, ‘Babita M, which was launched in the year 2006.

On the global front, she has earned noteworthy exposure. She was chosen to design the winning team’s jackets for the ICC Champion’s Trophy 2009 in South Africa, and in the same year, she also showcased her collection at the Dubai Fashion Week. 

With a knack to create high fashion in a chic avatar, designer Babita Malkani marries Haute Couture, rich fabrics with vivacious cuts and drapes, in a fun, edgy and one-of-a-kind manner. With International, cutting-edge silhouettes in mind, her outfits exude a global sensibility that enhances their appeal. 

We invited Babita Malkani to conduct a Masterclass for our students to help them understand the nuances of 'Indian Fusion Wear and Styling', and she readily accepted our invitation. 

At the masterclass she explained the story behind her recent collection called ‘Talim’ and the execution of the collection. Talim refers to a written code for weaving the oriental rugs and carpets created by Kashmiris for the pattern of knotting handmade carpets. 

Babita Malkani’s travels to Kashmir inspired her to work with 'Windows of Paradise', which form an integral part of the Talim carpets prevalent in Kashmir. She explained the making of the collection to the students, which has an indo-western appeal and lays emphasis on constructed silhouettes, signature drapes along with a blend of chic crops, pencil skirts and stylized pants giving it styles to suit the modern sensibilities of today’s women. 

At the masterclass, she suggested the students to create practical, wearable, trendy and creative designs for the graduation show collection. 

Later in the masterclass, Babita asked our students to illustrate 2 designs each on the basis of practicality, wearability & trendy, out of which she selected 2 students’ design which she really felt was different and creative. 

Babita also showed our students a few techniques of how to drape a dress.

Overall, at this masterclass our students got to learn a lot from the very talented designer, while also getting a sneak peek into the rich sartorial tradition of Kashmir.

Whistling Woods School of Fashion and Design – 2015

The year 2015 has been a significant year for us! With newer innovations in the global fashion industry, with unique trends coming to the fore, our students too have played a significant role as aspirants, who eventually will join the force with their creative brilliance. Our students have creatively put in the training that they have received at our institute and has gone far and wide to gain appreciation and applaud from the fashion industry!

For us, the year 2015, started with the 2nd Edition of Future of Fashion Forum: The Future of Fashion Forum – a unique one-day event was conceptualized by Whistling Woods International School of Fashion and Design in the year 2014. The event was started with an objective to enable a conversation between aspiring fashion professionals and the industry experts. Renowned fashion professionals from across the country come to share their learning and experiences, thus offering holistic insight on the actual industry/market scenario, to the youth. This in turn also helps the experts to gauge the potential of the promising talents, who will soon emerge as the trend-makers and trend-setters in the fashion world.

Condom Couture Fashion Show: Skore Condom’s initiative to raise awareness against AIDS was not only a noble event, but also brought together young promising talents, who got the opportunity to voice their opinion on the tabooed notion of sex, through their creative brilliance! Our students created garments made of non-lubricated condoms.  The show-stopper at the event, Mugdha Godse, walked the ramp in a gorgeous attire created by our students.

1st Graduation Show – AIYANNA 2015: This event showcased the talent and expertise of our first batch of students. Our students created an entire line of collection, based on the learning they have received while pursuing the 2 year Diploma course in Fashion Design at our institute. The show was adjudged by acclaimed fashion designers, who heartily appreciated and acknowledged the brilliance and uniqueness portrayed in each of our students’ creation.

Participation in Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, 2015: Our students got the opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent at the very famous, Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, 2015, Mumbai. Our students created an installation using traditional Indian textiles, handloom weaves, prints and embroideries from all the Indian states. This installation brought forth the rich heritage of Indian Handloom & Textiles and was a definite step towards promoting the Art of Indian Traditional Textile.

Overall, it's been a great year for us! As we are all set to welcome the new year, we are sure that the coming year will be even more grand and brilliant! 

Fashion for the Monsoon

“Fashion in the rains” – Sounds a little fuzzy, but if done well with proper apparels and accessories, this season offer a lot to showcase your style quotient!  Fashionistas come up with quirky fashion trends to suit the weather without compromising on comfort and style.

Light & Airy: Wear light fabrics. chiffons, malmals and georgettes are best suited for the rains. Light and airy and dries fast, just in case you get drenched!

Short & Splash: Old denim tucked in a dark corner! Get those out and cut it to get pro-weather shorts to play in the puddle. Printed or colour block capris are another option to go with, which spares you the hassle of folding up the full-length trousers!

Stylish Hair-do: Rains make hair turn dry, frizzy and dull. Cut them short for a monsoon makeover! However, if you cannot let your long flowy hair go, oil and wash them regularly and tie it in a bun or a chick high ponytail or braids.

Saviour of the Season – Umbrellas:  colourful or printed, foldable or the long ones – an umbrella is an indispensable and one of the most stylish accessories that you can swear by in the monsoon.  Strike a statement with attractive umbrellas all the way! 

Coats for the Rains: Walk in style with transparent or color-blocked raincoats. Raincoats top the list of must-haves for the rainy season. Whatever you wear, don’t forget to put on the raincoat to save yourself from getting drench and step out like a boss!

Footsy Fun: Right footwear will go a long way to let you walk in the rains without having to think twice! A pair of light flip-flop or a pair of colorful rubber gumboots can add to your style quotient in a funky way. 

Attractive Accessories:  Bright neon colored waterproof bags and belts, colorful scarves, funky hair pins, wristbands to add an extra style quotient.

This monsoon, with funky and colourful wearable, enjoy the rains like never before.

Significance of millinery and accessory design

The word ‘millinery’ immediately transports you to the bygone era, doesn’t it? After all, millineries are typically the antiquated artisans whose skill sets were passed down from one generation to the other. But, as years passed by this art started fading away, and was clubbed with accessory designing.

In fact, today accessory designing encompasses four items:

              -          Bags

              -          Footwear

              -          Jewellery, and

              -          Millinery

The person involved in accessory designing takes care of things right from developing the concept to the production.

For this, designers are expected to look at the creative process by gathering research to generating ideas into a product line. 

Also, as an accessory designer one has to specialise in construction techniques and the essential tools of the trade, which are different from dress designing.

Largely, the products are based on 2D pattern and 3D modelling techniques, which explain in detail the required prototyping.It is observed that accessory designing encompasses the old and new techniques. It is based across aspects such as hand-finishing and machine embellishment techniques.

Accessory designing requires finesse and a deep understanding of the subject. This is especially true for milliners. For instance, when milliners are making bespoke hats, they have to meet the client directly to discuss their requirements. They also need to be perfect while taking measurements.

Further, all accessory designers including milliners are closely involved in choosing the core elements such as fabrics and other raw materials. After this, designers trim the fabrics and add necessary details to enhance the look. In case of hats, the fabric might need some hand steaming into shape orcorrection with a hydraulic machine, in case of mass-production. This method of adding finishing touch is called blocking.

In short, accessory designers and milliners are key to the industry for they bring specialised skill set, such as:

• Creative and imaginative eye with good artistic skills

• Good understanding of proportion, fabrics and design

• Deep understanding of technical processes, good communication and business skills

Fashion institutes like Whistling Woods Neeta Lulla School of Fashion enable to be adept and skilled in millinery and accessory design and bring a whole new dimension to your career in fashion.