In 2014, Sharmila Arora and Dipika Bedi launched an exhibition-and-fashion-show event, The Boutique, featuring India’s premier fashion designers. Two things stood out in the success of this event; the first was their personal involvement in conceptualising the whole event in collaboration with their partner in India, SPICY SANGRIA. With attention to details such as the lunch menu and gifts sponsored by BVLGARI perfumes, guests were subjected to an entire experience. Second was the close collaboration between the two ladies and their partners in India in selecting each designer’s collection. What this means is that the price, quality and style of the pieces is exactly what the customers in Singapore are looking for, which means you and us! And guess what? The Boutique is ensuring that each of the designers is present personally to showcase their selections to all of us who choose to be there. If that doesn’t show dedication, what does? FUCHSIA brings to you a sneak preview of some of the designers to be featured at The Boutique this year on 8 September at Hilton Singapore. Make sure you read carefully, so you can strategise accordingly on the day itself!
Sharmila & Dipika – The Dynamic Duo Behind THE BOUTIQUE
Mandira Wirk:
Coming from the most prominent Fashion School of New Delhi and London, and with over 15 years of industry experience, Mandira Wirk is known for sartorial splendour. Her label boasts a minimalistic sensibility, with elegant, delicate cuts and silhouettes that are akin to wearable art – luxurious and sensual without trying too hard.
ANEEHKA:
This label caters to the urban woman who cares about style, quality, design and craftsmanship. Detailed embroidery and fine finishes accentuate the label’s signature style. The garments are fuss-free and easy to travel with. ANEEHKA is a great pick for formal and festive occasions, wherever your destination might be!
JEWELS BY QUEENIE:
A former Miss India, an international style icon and critically acclaimed jewellery designer, Queenie’s work has adorned the likes of Hilary Clinton, the Queen of Morocco, Paris Hilton, Naomi Campbell as well as Bollywood stars like Kangana Raut, Shilpa Shetty, Katrina Kaif, just to name a few. Spectacular design and glamour is what characterises her collection. FUCHSIA will definitely be looking out for this one.
VIKRAM PHADNIS:
Vikram Phadnis has a career span of 25 years in the fashion industry. With canvases such as Aishwarya Rai, Kareena Kapoor, John Abraham, Priyanka Chopra, Vidya Balan, Sushmita Sen and Akshay Kumar adorning his pieces, he needs no introduction. He has always endeavoured to achieve the synthesis of popular and avant-garde styles, and this has been his unique selling point be it prêt, diffusion or couture. Last year he was a big hit with the customers.
SWATI & SUNAINA SAREES:
This duo started the label in 2007 in Kolkata with the intention of bringing back the lost treasures of Indian woven textiles. What really caught FUCHSIA’s attention was their use of certified gold zari with designs inspired by ancient architecture and textile. While their designs are rooted in culture and tradition, they are aesthetically contemporary. Look out for the fabulous cold shoulder saree blouse at The Boutique.
EVOLUZIONE:
Evolution by Tina and Atul Malhotra and has evolved into a byword for the finest in fashion and style in Chennai and Bangalore. Each Evoluzione space, be it Chennai, Bangalore or the upcoming store at Kila – New Delhi, depicts the progression of an idea that starts to take shape with inspiration and results in the creation of something beautiful and extraordinary – a piece of clothing, accessory, lighting or furniture. Evoluzione has over 40 designers under it’s flagship brand.
Evoluzione brings to The Boutique the much sought-after collections of designers, Anamika Khanna and Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna.
ROHIT GANDHI + RAHUL KHANNA
Labels: H2O & CUE
One of the noteworthy designer-duos that has made a name for itself in the Indian fashion industry is that of Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna. The duo presents contemporary and chic styles that also offer comfort and ease. Their garments aim at being wearable by the population at large, and vary from having a matt effect to a slight shine on them.
ANAMIKA KHANNA
Anamika Khanna is one of the leading fashion designers of India, blending traditional Indian textiles and techniques with Western silhouette and tailoring. Anamika is known and hugely appreciated for modernisation of the Maharashtrian nine-yard sari to create dhoti-pants. These are actually dhoti-style saris that have become the signature creations of Anamika Khanna, worn by leading Bollywood superstars like Sonam Kapoor on multiple occasions. Anamika Khanna has set a new trend through her draped saris. She is well-known for introducing the tulip drape, the wavy drape, and the two-pallu-in-dhoti drape.
