Bloomfair Production Presents Manhunt India 2019 auditions were held in Delhi on 18th August 2019. In the presence of .Ajaz Khan Bollywood actor and big boss fame along with Riitu Sood Director manhunt India and Mr. Ahmad Kabir Shadan National Head manhunt India. The contestants came from cities like Shimla, Haryana, Punjab, Jaipur, and UP, etc many more participated in the Auditions.

TREASURE TROVE OF HERITAGE HANDLOOMS

Sailesh Singhania is all set to debut in the national Capital on August 22, 2019, at The Clardiges Hotel.The exposition features antique collection of handwoven saris painstakingly crafted by clusters of weavers from different parts of the country.

Highlights of Collection

Comprising opulent whites and enigmatic gold threads, each sarI was woven painstakingly over a laborious period of over 8 months to match the unparalleled beauty of our muse.

The Kanjeevaram silk saris, that have remained a constant in every closet since the Chola and Pallava dynasty, are given a modern twist.

Design Elements

A combination of age-old techniques like the Jamdani, combining it with Khadi, the fabric of our nation and embellishing it with intricate motifs inspired by modern Japanese art.

Inspiration

The royal Banarasi silk, is assiduously woven with motifs inspired by the sun and the moon, the natural forces upon which life sustains and society thrives. The motifs embody nature and its interaction with the human race, like an orchestrated symphony of life in the weave.

Shade Card

A coalescence of whites and neutral tones.

 Our efforts lie in creating a sustainable world, wherein our artisans can thrive and are celebrated. This collection is a testament of our efforts and we strive to bring to the fore, the sheer talent that our weavers possess.

“We belive in design that combines traditional techniques with contemporary flair using a wide palette of colours. Each of the finest , intricate and exquisite sarees take a laborious and painstaking 4 months to 1 year to get off the loom,” says Sailesh Singhania.

 About the Designer

Sixth generation textile conservationist from Hyderabad, Sailesh Singhania, is going to make debut in Delhi with a rich collection of heritage handlooms, textiles and antique saris. Sailesh’s forefathers joined Nizam’s legacy in 1881. His great grandfather Seth Nandlal took over as the textile minister in the Nizam’s cabinet in 1926. Singhanias work with 700 handloom weavers belonging to 22 different clusters from areas like Pochampally, Gadwal, Uppada, Kota, Pranpur and others.The designer is determined to promote sustainability in fashion, craftsmanship with a commitment to ‘Make in India’ initiative.

‘Passport Princesses’

Designer Nachiket Barve has collaborated with handbags brand – Caprese, to launch his latest collection ‘Passport Princesses’ at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2019.

The designer takes inspiration from the jet setting Millennials who prioritize travel and want to grab their bags set out in the world and soak up individual experiences. The collection will comprise contemporary occasion wear for the modern Indian woman, whose aesthetic is global. It is a range that is designed to suit women across ages, body types and occasions, much like the contemporary and versatile collection of Caprese bags.

Inspired by the original style icons like Talitha Getty in the 70s in Morocco and celebrating a free-spirited approach, Nachiket’s collection has a curated mix of contemporary evening wear, festive wear and pieces that can be dressed up or down, perfect for this generation of jetsetters. Impeccable quality, effortless style and nuanced surface treatments are the hallmarks of the label that make it relevant and exciting for a spectrum of women today. The collection is styled as a clever mix of separates that can be worn for festive occasions across the globe.

True to the international high-fashion lineage of Caprese, the latest autumn winter ‘19 range of designs offers a brilliant mix of high-fashion and functionality. Crafted in modern contemporary silhouettes with a fresh and vivid color palette consisting of both pleasing pastels and bold favorites like coral and olive. Complimenting Nachiket Barve’s design sensibilities, Caprese’s range of handbags are crafted to suit every occasion and need of today’s modern woman.

The trendsetting handbags that will be debuting on the runway exude quiet opulence and subdued glamour. They also come with a host of greatly desirable features for the modern woman like spacious interiors, multiple compartments, detachable and adjustable shoulder straps and easy access zippered pockets that make this brilliant new collection a must-have in every woman’s spring-summer wardrobe.

This new collection by Caprese comprises a wide array of handbags like elegant totes, timeless satchels, sophisticated hobos, smart sling bags, functional laptop bags, and trendsetting backpacks along with awe-inspiring small accessories like chic wallets and clutches.

Commenting on the association Designer Nachiket Barve said, “Amalgamating Indian techniques with a global outlook, The ‘Passport Princesses’ Collection is an ode to the stylish 70s Jet Setter style, adapted for the modern, confident Indian woman as she traverses the world in her quest for the best. I am looking forward to showcasing the collection, accessorized by Caprese handbags and luggage.”

Sudip Ghose, Managing Director, VIP Industries said “Caprese brand brings international high-fashion handbags to the modern Indian woman. This latest collection from the brand is crafted with a confident aesthetic sense for the quintessential millennial Indian woman who is a chic globe trotter, all set to make a statement.”

Discover Gold at the Goldkammer Museum in Frankfurt

Did you know that gold comes from space? And that the oldest gold mine is in Georgia? Explore Europe’s new state-of-the-art museum at the famous Main Metropolis.  In just four years of conception and planning, a series of spectacular, underground tunnels and chambers have been built for visitors to experience gold in many facets.
The Museum aims to inform and amaze art enthusiasts as well as young adults with more than 500 exhibits spanning a cultural framework of over 6000 years. These exhibits have withstood the storms of time and are a tribute to humanity’s ability to create beautiful artwork with the precious metal. The museum takes its guests into a mysterious world of Gold- from its creation in space, its importance as a status symbol in different cultures, to its use as a means of exchange and payment.  It is also enriched with numerous videos and animations around the extraordinary showpieces, which invite visitors on an exciting journey through the small treasure rooms.
Located near the Old Opera, this museum is modeled on a gallery and grave chamber system. Even going down with an elevator feels as if the visitors are lowered into an original gold mine.
For children from the age of four, there are special multimedia offerings: A gold vein shows them the way to 15 (of course golden) stations where they can scan a QR code and discover interesting facts about the precious metal. The app can be easily downloaded on a smartphone.
In addition to the unique exhibition, one can explore great culinary delights at the Café, bar, and restaurant under the roof of the museum. In addition, the beautiful outdoor terrace of the café promises mesmerizing views of the historic city.
The last and the largest chamber of the museum stages the Rothschild Collection of 300 modern standard gold bars are presented in a spectacular way, in surprising shapes and sizes. It shows the significance of gold as an investment and a collector’s item.
Since the abolition of the gold standard in 1971, the banking house N.M. Rothschild & Sons compiled the world’s largest collection of modern gold bars: 1084 standard bars from 35 countries are spectacularly demonstrating the important role of gold in world trade and collectors.
This chamber can also be booked for business and private occasions.

The evening was a unique blend of education, felicitation and culture to showcase the myriad shades and unique capacities to touch people’s hearts with broad potential in promoting the social cause. Various stalwarts from the society Rabbi Ezekiel Issac Malekar priest and Honorary from Israel, N.P. Singh President District Development Resident Welfare Association, Sandeep Marwah – Director / Founder Marwah studios, Manoj Chandra – Director Women and child commission Delhi, Mohsin Khan MD Prime news graced the event with their presence. The event was commenced by the lighting of the lamp by the chief guest followed inaugural dance by Sudharshan Sahoo who presented solo Odissi performance. This was followed by an introduction to Life of Vision Foundation by its founder and President – Sumita Dass. She is also an educationist and mentor in a multicultural professional setting in UK and India. The exquisite evening was carried forward by acknowledging and rewarding various personalities of the society in the field of education and visionary leadership like Pratibha Chaudhary- Principal Mahamaya Balika Intercollege, Sumita Mukherjee- Principal Ryan International School Noida, .Manju Raina – Ex-Director Ministry of Enironment& Forest, Manju Gupta – Principal Kothari International School to name a few. These are those individuals who have enriched the lives of others through their leadership, creativity and innovations and has worked towards the welfare of marginalized society. After the first set of awards, Sudharshan Sahoo along with Bhavya Arora and Priyamavada present a fusion dance – Bho Sambhu – an invocation to Lord Shiva.
After a mesmerizing performance, the evening saw another set awards acknowledging the visionary Anita Panday – Supreme Court Lawyer, Social Activist, Neha Vadera – Artist and social Entrepreneur are few of the names who have contributed immensely to society through their work. Later, Sumita Dass highlighted some of the ongoing projects and initiatives by the NGO. The list includes ‘Celebrate mensuration with pride, not shame’ and installed sanitary napkin vending machines, Project Sahara – Developing school infrastructure of Shaheed Bhagat Singhs girls inter college Shahabad, Project Pragati – Computer Literacy Learning Today for a sustainable future, Making strides against cancer: Living Well Beyond Cancer and a comprehensive health program for underprivileged schools. Later, the poster for the art exhibition was also released. Later in the evening,  Opel Rawat, a breast cancer survivor, shared the story of her journey towards conquering the painful disease and value of life. The felicitation ceremony was continued by recognizing the valuable activities by NGO’s supporters and associates. The evening was culminated by a dance presentation.

BLENDING HOMESPUN MAGIC WITH OLD MYSTIQUE

After whetting the creative appetites of the design-savvy with her inimitable interior style over a decade , the design doyenne behind I Design Studios—Pooja Gupta, has worked her tasteful theatrical mojo again, this time for the multi-designer fashion store, Amiraah located in the heart of Kanpur.
In this day and age of fashion and shopping, where “experience” is as much of a determiner as that of the modish merchandise itself—Amiraah can be said to strike the right notes and play those that haven’t been touched before. Spread across 3,000 sq ft. Amiraah curates haute selections of some of the biggest names in the fashion industry like Am Pm, Namrata Joshipura, Anushree Reddy, Kavita Bhartiya, Joy Mitra, and many more. Since 2014 Amiraah has been playing the role of a catalyst for Kanpur’s fashion scene—and now with this dreamy lair, it is all set to dominate it.
A stylish temple to Indian artistry, the store offers a fresh spin to the idea of discreet opulence through its glistening surfaces, warm wooden flooring and rustic yet refined walls, and regal entrances. Designed and owned by Pooja, Amiraah is her long-held dream fulfilled. “I have the softest of the soft spot for our indigenous arts and homespun craftsmanship. While this charming signifies do show up in the projects I execute, the opportunity to go full throttle with my artistic vision had eluded me. But I stumbled on this majestic property in Kanpur’s popular shopping precinct and I just knew that the time has arrived.”
Through I Design Studios, Pooja has ensconced her position as a design impresario who manages to put together eclectic styles in such a way that they don’t strain for effect but bring out the best in each other. Pooja’s design DNA is evident in Amiraah as well. She has created a world where painstakingly crafted Venetian mirrors effortlessly commingle with rich traditional Indian couture, where sumptuousness melts into airy simplicity, and where the past and the present peaceably mix.
“The challenge for me was to construct a luscious narrative in a massive space with the grandeur and visual heft that came with the wide-ranging assortment of home décor, haute couture, Pret-a-porter, dining accessories, wall décor, artifacts, handicrafts, contemporary art & sculpture, garden accessories and yet make it look light,” says Pooja. And that’s what she exactly does.
She has populated the store with “shout-outs” that are rooted in traditional workmanship like the jewelry display montage featuring hand-printing blocks and the restored antique door at the entrance showcasing the vignettes of Shreenath jee—and peppered it with mid-century modern furniture pieces and unique accents such as the retro-industrial mirror composed of wooden shoe molds and vintage brass door knobs with classical details on their bows. Rather than vying for attention, the storied interior narratives set off the diverse product range the store has to offer and constitute its experiential aspect.
There are areas such as the dressing room where Pooja has tapped into the luxurious royal Indian aesthetic. This is where the soft glow from Rococo-inspired crystal chandeliers wash the gilded furniture and throw the red walls into sharp relief—a sight that is nothing short of a theatrical mise en scène.
A ravishing mash up of influences, concepts, and experiences—Amiraah is redefining the rules of the multi-designer retail format in Kanpur and reinforcing its image as a bastion of fashion where the rare and the unusual are found.

Start-ups will pitch their sustainable business models to an investor jury on Sustainable Fashion Day

 Circular Changemakers, India’s first investment readiness program for circular fashion start-ups is a program created by Intellecap’s Circular Apparel Innovation Factory (CAIF) in partnership with Circular Design Challenge that was launched by LFW, R Elan’s Fashion For Earth and UN Environment – has announced a shortlist of six start-ups. These circular economy start-ups will present their scalable, post-prototype and revenue-generating solutions which must be less harmful and provide renewable inputs to the textile and apparel industry at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2019.

The finalists – Stylumia Intelligence Technology Pvt Ltd by Ganesh Subramanian, Reverse Resources by Ann Runnel, JSP ENviro Pvt. Ltd by V T Fidal Kumar, Saathi Eco Innovations by Tarun Bothra, Canva Fibre Labs by Shikha Shah and Greensole by Shriyans Bhandari were chosen by IMG Reliance and CAIF through scoring criteria, due diligence as well as inputs from strategic investors who will be on the jury. The changemakers will pitch their business models to an eminent jury on the 22^nd August, Sustainable Fashion Day of Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2019.

The jury comprises strategic investors who are experts from across fields – Priyanka Khanna, Lead – International Expansion, Fashion for Good, Kartik Desai, Executive Director, Asha Impact, Vineet Rai, CEO & Managing Director, Aavishkaar Venture Management Services, Erik Karlsson, Head of H&M Co:Lab, Manasi Kirloskar – UN in India Young Business Champion for SDGs, and Radhika Nath – President of IMC Ladies Wing.

Jaspreet Chandok, Vice President and Head of Fashion at IMG Reliance said, “This is the first edition of the Circular Changemakers program which aims to evolve mindsets, create conversations and support circular fashion enterprises through strategic collaborations and investments. We have seen innovative prototypes ranging from alternative fibres and building efficiency in waste management to using big data to decode consumer demand of fashion. We’re extremely excited for our Changemakers to pitch their models which will help them build their prototypes into sustainable solutions.”

The shortlisted changemakers underwent a rigorous bootcamp by CAIF which focused on three modules Capital Raising’, ‘Business & Financial Modelling’ and ‘Investor Pitch Preparation’ which provided mentoring in the sustainable and circular fashion space. Changemakers will get the opportunity to receive strategic investments and partnerships through their pitch to a group of potential strategic investors from reputed impact investment funds.

Since 2012, Lakmé Fashion Week has led conversations that preserve and promote fashion industry’s interest in Indian handlooms and textiles and encourage fashion that has a positive impact on the environment. Every season, the platform takes pride in celebrating indigenous crafts and artisans through strong and powerful initiatives and programmes. This season too, with the aim to evolve mindsets and create an inclusive conversation around sustainable fashion in India, Lakmé Fashion Week (on 22^nd August) will once again pay tribute to the rich heritage of Indian fabrics through specially curated shows, thought-provoking conversations, devoted workshops and path-breaking international collaborations for the first time in India.

THE VARIOUS SHOWS AND PRESENTATIONS ON DAY 2 AT LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK ARE:

(STUDIO) 9:30AM – 11:30AM

CIRCULAR CHANGEMAKERS – INNOVATION SHOWCASE

SUPPORTED BY CIRCULAR DESIGN CHALLENGE & CAIF

Circular Design Challenge (CDC), India’s largest Sustainable Fashion Award launched by Lakmé Fashion Week in association with R|Elan^TM “Fashion For Earth”, UN Environment with support from Circular Apparel Innovation Factory (CAIF), an initiative by Intellecap, are coming together to launch ‘Circular Changemakers’ – India’s first investment readiness program for circular & sustainable fashion start-ups. Out of 76 applications received, 6 changemakers will be selected to participate in a 3-day intensive boot camp on capital raising, financial & business modelling, and investor pitch training. Changemakers will present their pitch to a jury of investors and industry experts at Lakme Fashion Week with the aim of enabling strategic investments and partnerships

(RUNWAY) 12 PM ONWARDS

COTTON CHAMPIONS: FARMERS

BY C&A FOUNDATION

WITH 11.11/ELEVEN ELEVEN

The opening show is a unique collaboration between C&A, a philanthropic foundation with an aim to transform the apparel industry, and 11.11/Eleven Eleven; a pret label by the entrepreneurs Shani Himanshu, and Mia Morikawa who have come together to create a collection made from sustainable and organic cotton in which the fabric used in the collection will be sourced from a producer of certified sustainable and organic cotton fabric. The collaboration aims to create a strong advocacy movement for sustainable & organic cotton in the Indian fashion industry, which will also be showcased through an audio-visual film. The C&A Foundation will share key notes on farmers and current Indian scenario for producing sustainable/organic cotton while highlighting benefits and challenges.

C&A Foundation demonstrate the socio-economic and environmental case for organic cotton by helping cotton farmers make the switch to organic farming and increase/improve their production through provision of technical and governance capacity to farmers. They work with brands and industry players like the Government, and NGOs to accelerate the market and uptake of more sustainable cotton.

The label 11.11/Eleven Eleven has consolidated its roots in the luxury space, while emphasizing on creating links between farmers, weavers, vegetable dyeing and block printing traditions. This resulted in a coherent and meaningful fashion garment line that created grounds for ethical products while ensuring sustainability of local strengths.

(RUNWAY) 1:30 PM

KHADI & VILLAGE INDUSTRIES COMMISSION PRESENTS

ANUJ BHUTANI | THREE | KHANIJO

This season Lakmé Fashion Week celebrates 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi with a special collaboration between KVIC and three designer labels Anuj Bhutani, Khanijo & Three by Pallavi Dhyani who will create a special collection with hand-spun and hand-woven Khadi fabrics. As a part of this collaboration, all 3 designers will create special capsule collection of 6 retail pieces that will be available at KVIC stores across the country. The designers will also engage in design intervention and mentoring one cluster each in rural areas under KVIC.

KVIC (a statutory body under the Ministry of Small & Medium Enterprises, Govt. of India) is charged with planning, promotion, organization and implementation of programs for the sustainability and development of khadi and other village industries in the rural areas for growth of livelihoods.

(STUDIO) 2:30 PM

COROZO – VEGAN IVORY x KA-SHA

SUPPORTED BY PROECUADOR

Commercial office of Ecuador in Mumbai & Karishma Shahani Khan has collaborated for the promotion of Corozo – a product made from the Tagua Nut, which is harvested naturally, is sustainable and sourced from the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador. This product can be used for buttons, jewellery and art. The collaboration will put together a special fashion presentation/showcase to promote Corozo. The collection is inspired by human growth and identity, looks at nomadic references for their strong sense of connectivity to self and community. The designer has consolidated Corozo based material in the form of buttons and embellishment components. The collection was made by using hand spun khadi, handloom cotton and chanderi, plain and in woven zari stripes made by artisans in Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar.

(RUNWAY) 3:30 PM

AN ODE TO DABU BY

AAVARAN UDAIPUR

Aavaran is an Udaipur-based label which will be showcasing their collection for the first time ever at LFW. Their print surfaces and collection stories are inspired by Danish artist Anne Vilsboll’s contemporary artwork series titled “miniature moon”. The brand offers a range of contemporary ‘Dabu’ mud-resist, hand dyed and hand block-printed garments, home furnishings and accessories. Their garments are inspired by Indian royal costumes, which is contemporized for end consumers. Aavaran employs over 100 people in its design and production departments as well as exclusively supports more than 200 women across four independently run training centers in the villages of Debari, Matun, Kanpur and Zawar in machine stitching and handwork like basic embroidery, button making, paper craft and durrie making.

(STUDIO) 4:30 PM

FULL CIRCLE: A HOLOGRAM BY ROOTED OBJECTS

This season Rooted Objects will do a special 2D hologram showcase of collections from brands featured on their website. The platform is an e-commerce website that presents brands that are rooted in a strong and well-defined sustainable philosophy. They exclusively feature makers who run their businesses with respect for people and the planet. Their hand-picked list of sustainable lifestyle brands defines luxury from a place of responsibility and consciousness, featuring products ranging from clothing, accessories, beauty, home décor etc.

(RUNWAY) 5:30 PM

MAKU | PADMAJA | SOHAM DAVE

MAKU

Maku’s collection pays tribute to the planet’s precious wildlife that is going extinct, majorly because of human activities. Maku has worked with traditional jamdani and khadi with his own trained weavers from West Bengal to develop the collection.

Padmaja

Padmaja has used silk, silk zari, cotton and its blends for her collection, ‘Ayahuma’, made by weavers in West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. Padmaja has worked with Adiv pure nature from Mumbai which makes natural dyes from recycled flowers and fruits collected from temples such as peach, coconut, dried rose petals, marigolds, pomegranates, indigos and madder.

Soham Dave

Soham Dave has worked with the seasoned weavers from the Fulia cluster of West Bengal for his new collection, ‘Zari’, created out of handwoven fabrics in silks and cotton silks with zari.

(RUNWAY) 7:30 pm

ANTAR – AGNI| URVASHI KAUR

ANTAR AGNI

Antar Agni’s new collection tells a story of a pure soul and its brushes with reality, confrontations with adulterations and in turn induced character which is world driven. The collection also focusses on freedom from the constrains of impatience, fear, inhibitions, gender and all the narrow boxes that life binds one in and celebrates individual personality. With both men and women wearing the same garments, the collection promotes androgyny. The collection is predominantly ivory, repressing the purity gliding towards the touch of silver grey, tan and blues, made with artisan textiles such as Orissa Ikkat and handloom cottons from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

URVASHI KAUR

Urvashi Kaur embodies glocal fashion –a hybrid expression of thinking globally and acting locally, keeping her designs global in their construction but defiantly Indian in their sensibility. She endorses an alternate fashion movement by embracing heritage hand-woven, organic textiles and natural dyes. Constant promotion and revival of indigenous Indian weaves and age-old techniques define her design philosophy.

(STUDIO) 8:30 PM

CIRCULAR DESIGN CHALLENGE

PRESENTS

I WAS A SARI

Winner of last year’s Circular Design Challenge, I was a Sari is presenting pre-loved saris at the heart of a new style, while empowering women artisans of Mumbai to become designers of their own futures. I was a Sari is implementing a sustainable, eco-friendly model which focuses on a ‘triple bottom line’ – constantly analysing its social, environmental and financial impact, and understanding the relationship each has with the others.

The Circular Design Challenge (CDC) is India’s largest sustainable fashion award. It is a platform for young fashion/accessory entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas and collections made by using materials from diverse sources of waste including plastic to promote circularity.

(RUNWAY) 9:30 PM

ECOVERO™ x ABRAHAM AND THAKORE

Lenzing™ collaborates with prominent designer duo Abraham and Thakore at Lakmé Fashion Week. This season, the designers leverage one of the world’s most eco-friendly fibres, EcoVero™. Derived from certified renewable wood sources using an eco-responsible production process by meeting high environmental standards, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibres tailor to a sustainable lifestyle, contributing to a cleaner environment.

For this collection, A&T investigate and celebrate the ‘kurta’, an iconic Indian garment. A&T combines state of art manufacturing technology of sustainable ECOVERO™ fabric with timeless wooden hand block, bringing together a futuristic technology with an ancient textile tradition first documented in India in the Harappan period.