Fashion and lifestyle week defines style trends of India

Indian traditional costumes sets trends in the hands of Kolkata Fashion and lifestyle week.

As Coco Chanel quotes, “ fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening”, Kolkata stands stylish forever. Today, the city is much more than a fashion portal. The charm of this metropolitan lies in its extensively dynamic fashion trends. Fashion and lifestyle changes itself everyday at every moment. In Kolkata, the Kolkata fashion and lifestyle week preserves the age old but well cherished trends along with launching of new trends in fashion. This city has the nerve to play with fashion. With its growing business in fashion and lifestyle, this cultural capital of the country is ready to be India’s focal point for fashion trends even we have no fashion Street as such.

Kolkata fashion and lifestyle Week conceptualizes to set the City of Joy as the next definitive destination for fashion and lifestyle business in India. Kolkata fashion and lifestyle Week over the years has pushed forth pioneering efforts as projectile to the ever growing demands of fashion and lifestyle industry. It had being a dashboard for aspiring models, fashion photographers and apparel designers to launch or strengthening their career firmly both nationally and internationally.

Fashion in India is a vibrant scene, a burgeoning industry with a colorful and glamorous world where new trends are created everyday. Each region of India has a different tradition and the costumes and apparel fabrics’ changes likewise. Fashion shows like the Kolkata fashion and lifestyle week takes ideas from the rich and varied textile heritage of region specific traditional attires and costumes and incorporate them to latest fashion trends. Designers have changed the way South Indian “mundu” would look like and played well with “gamcha”, saree or dhoti, churidars or chunnis, all looks different on the ramp. This is the sole reason why one can find every corner of the country throbbing with trends set by Kolkata fashion and lifestyle week. Rapid Fashion and lifestyle changes and modifications amongst all levels of the society have created markets that help nouvelle fashion designers in their nurturing stages. Gen Next reflects fashion trends in the cosmopolitan metros of India and our city is no exception. India tries out all designs and appreciates efforts of newcomers in the fashion-designing world. Indian fashion has no “ugly”, beauty is relative. We understand that fashion is something that suits one and not blindly copying trends.

Fashion in India covers a whole range of clothing from ornate clothing to prêt lines, sports wear to casual fashions. Fashion in India is continuously evolving as new designers from leading institutes in Kolkata continue to redefine the meaning of Fashion in India through Kolkata fashion and lifestyle week and regular fashion shows. We understand that Indian fashion is traveling and inspiring the world. The latest designs from Armani, fendi, Miyaka all draws inspiration from exotic Indian culture. Kolkata fashion and lifestyle week aims to make fashion and lifestyle business of Kolkata aims to make style business here of international importance both as an industry, a creative canvas and a platform to define future fashions.

Leather Apparel for the Fashionable Woman

What we wear on the upper part of our body plays a very important role in sprucing up our appearance. Having a presentable appearance is of prime importance these days, and therefore it becomes imperative that we don't just wear something good but also something unique that would make us stand out in the crowd.

Unconventionality is the key word, and what could be better than leather tops for creating that perfect unconventional look? There are various fabrics and designs available these days which just provides the contemporary woman with a variety of options on a platter.

Leather fabrics have created quite a niche for themselves in the fashion arena, and this durable fabric is definitely worth trying at least once.

Leather apparel looks trendy if you really want to accentuate those curves, and there could be nothing better than donning proper body-fitting leather tops.

Leather vests have become quite popular lately among fashion conscious women.

A red lamb leather halter vest with a tuxedo style cut would look fantastically edgy if you really want to create a statement.

For a first date or an informal get-together with friends, this style would definitely make you look like a million bucks.

Team up a front zipper closure nickel studded vest with skinny leather pants and swanky leather boots if you want to attain a gothic look or make a bold style statement.

If it's a formal occasion and you want to don something decent, try simple sleeveless patterned sand colored leather top along with an "A-line" cut formal skirt or formal trousers. If it's a simple yet stylish look that you want to achieve, this combination will definitely work wonders for your personality.

Even leather jackets are quite a fashion statement and when teamed up with the right clothes, they can give your appearance quite an edgy look. A few styles you can try when it comes to jackets:

Cropped Jackets - They have recently touched a chord with the young crowd. This style imparts a very trendy look to your persona. These are jackets with a hemline thats waist length or higher.

Trench coats Trench coats are a great utility style statement. They are long coats that protect you from the harsh weather.

Hooded jackets Jackets with stylish hoods can never go out of vogue. They look supremely trendy. Fur hooded leather jackets are all the rage among the youth lately.

Double breasted jackets These kinds of jackets fulfill the purpose of attaining both a casual as well a formal look. It has an overlapping front with parallel column of buttons on both the sides.

The Changing Face of Indian Fashion Industry

Introduction

India is a country with diversified customs and cultures. People following various traditions live here, their way of dressing also differ from each other. The traces of Indians being fashionable can be found out from the ancient remains of Harappa and Mohenjodaro civilizations. After the independence, globalization is being witnessed in the Indian fashion industry, due to which changes have occurred in the style of Indian dressing.

Styles of wearing saris and salwar-kameez have changed. The look is more cosmopolitan than region-specific. Different styles of blouses like katori style, halter-neck, back button blouses, high neck blouses, puffed sleeve blouses, etc. have become the hot favorite among women. The average lengths of the blouses have decreased. Saris are draped mostly in traditional back pallo style or gujarati style. Indian fashion scene is greatly influenced by its films. For example Mumtaz style sari draping inspired by yester-year heroine Mumtaz. Here sari is tightly draped around the body.

As far as salwar-kameez is concerned numerous styles and patterns can be given to this garment. For instance the kameez can be long, short, A-line, skin tight, etc. Such variations can be done to salwar as well as dupattas. Modern version of kameez is known as kurti, it could be coupled with jeans, pants or churidar. It has taken the form of Indo-western outfit. People in western countries too have started wearing kurtis.

Emergence of mall culture

Mall culture is slowly and steadily growing in India. Many brands and private labels are launched in the Indian market. The first such retail outlet was Shopper's Stop which launched India's first multi-brand store in the year 1993. The specialty of such malls is that they offer a wide range of varied branded stuff, all under single roof. Some of the famous malls of India are Pantaloons, Westside, Lifestyle, Globus, etc. These retail outlets have also launched clothing line under private labels, manufactured and sold by them. For example- Pantaloons has many private labels under its brand like All, Fashion station and Mela. Some of the major private labels even operate as exclusive stores. The buyer gets an international shopping experience in such retail outlets. There are no nagging sales persons pressurizing the customers to buy.

Family stores are becoming hot favorite shopping hub for the middle-class and upper middle class shoppers. These stores sell garments of nearly all age groups and sexes. Apparels of various brands can be found in family stores. They are being considered as one-stop shopping destination. Roopam, Big Bazaar, Fashion station, V-mart, Maxx, etc are examples of some family stores.

Interview with Oxford Jasmine

You may know her from Youtube videos such as 'Bollywood Bridal Look', 'Contemporary Indian Wedding - Everyday' and 'Aishwarya Rai Inspired Golden Bollywood Look', just to name a few!

Indian Fashion Diva caught up with the ever-so enchanting Oxford Jasmine for some fun insight into the life and mind of our favourite Makeup Artist...

IFD: It goes without saying, you are quite stunning even without makeup. Did you initially feel self-conscious about posting closeup videos of yourself?

Oxford Jasmine: Thank you very much for the compliment. My channel has come a long way, I am now coming up to my second year on YouTube. If I think back to the first video that I uploaded on 18th June 2008, I was so nervous. I had to stop filming to get some air!! It's so much harder than it looks. Like every woman, I have image issues and there are things I don't like about myself. It took a while to gain the confidence to appear on camera wearing not a scrap of make up. What keeps me going is the many emails and Facebook messages I receive from women around the world who enjoy watching and learning from my tutorials or just listening to my voice.

IFD: Your video 'Egyptian Inspired Emphasised Crease Look' was a fun surprise! Where does your inspiration come from?

Oxford Jasmine: I bought a wig and everyone said I looked like Cleopatra in it so I decided to make an inspired video based on it.

IFD: I just watched your video 'Tropical Fish Inspired Look' and imagined the number of times I would have messed that up on myself. Do you ever make any blunders that you end up editing out? Any chance of a future bloopers video?

Oxford Jasmine: I practice with new products and tools until I feel confident with them. Normally I have to stop videoing when my cat or my husband burst in to the room demanding attention or there is some other intervention. Most of my videos are looks I wear when I go out so I generally don't have time for a second take! I try not to edit unless the video is really long or to remove boring bits such as when I have to go and find a product from a drawer. I am sure I could easily fill a 10 minute video with just bloopers.

IFD: We all have our likes and dislikes. What makeup look are you not particularly fond of?

Oxford Jasmine: I think there are some amazingly talented people out there who create stunning looks. Everyone is different and likes different aspects of make up. I tend to shy away from more dramatic looks in my videos as I like my videos to reflect my personality and lifestyle rather than the entertainment value. I leave that to the more flamboyant and adventurous make up gurus out there.


IFD: Judging from the global interest you've received, you're obviously a Makeup Guru for thousands of women around the world, including us here at Indian Fashion Diva. Who is your Makeup Guru?

Oxford Jasmine: I have many friends who are make up artists and they work so hard for very little recognition. I am a big fan of the late and great Kevyn Aucoin who was truly gifted but shared his knowledge with the world in the form of his easy to follow and beautifully illustrated books.

IFD: Do you ever get recognized when you're out and about?

Oxford Jasmine: Not very often and only in London. It's an unreal experience and one for which I was totally unprepared! It's kind of nice to talk to people who share my interest!

IFD: Okay, time for some random questions...what is your favourite song of all time?

Oxford Jasmine: It's a tie between Karma Police by Radio Head and Insomnia by Faithless.

IFD: Blackberry or iPhone?

Oxford Jasmine: Blackberry

IFD: Favourite Bollywood star?

Oxford Jasmine: Aishwarya Rai and Shahrukh Khan

IFD: Your star sign?

Oxford Jasmine: Pisces


IFD: Alright, last question. As a professional in the field, is there any advice you could give to a budding makeup artist trying to make a living out of their passion?

Oxford Jasmine: Learn all you can from those who are prepared to teach you, never pass up a chance to learn from others and practise your skills. In the early days, no female visitor ever left my house without a makeover! I think that's why my friends and family love coming to stay!

For those living outside of the UK, Oxford Jasmine offers one to one or group make up lessons, special occasion make up and Personal Video tutorials. Contact Oxford Jasmine by visiting her website, or by connecting with her to your favourite social networking site listed below:

Great Tips to Look More Beautiful

Long narrow face—Blend the rouge back from the cheekbones to the hairline in an almost straight line. This creates a horizontal effect which adds width to the face. Do not bring rouge close to the nose as then the widen­ing effect will be lost.

Square face—This looks more oval if the rouge is sha­ded in long triangle towards the cheekbones.

Hollow cheeks—They appear fuller and rounder if the rouge is blended above the hollows instead of being blended in the hollows. This application neutralises the natural shadows in the hollows and makes them appear rounder and fuller.

Oval face— Dot rouge on the height of cheekbones un­der centre of the eyes. Blend up and out until the edges disappear.

Round widish face—Keep rouge fairly close to the nose, blend up at sharp vertical angle to the outer corner of the eye to give illusion of length.

8. Regularly massage the joints with neem oil.
9. Have four walnuts on an empty stomach for a few days.
10. Apply gingelly oil to which has been added three tablespoons of nutmeg powder.
11. Mix ginger juice with asafoetida powder and apply on the joints, and massage lightly.
12. Grind a handful of basil leaves with six peppercorns. Add a tablespoon of ghee. Take this twice a day for 20 days.
13. Try a handful of chopped ginger in 100 ml of coconut oil. Use this for massage of the joints.
14. Five drops of clove oil and 30 ml of olive oil can be applied as a liniment

Online shopping isn't just about saving time and effort any more. Its also about saving money. One can get up to 80% discount at branded & designer products. Shopping Websites like www.myroyalstore.com offers great quality at affordable prices. 8. Regularly massage the joints with neem oil.
9. Have four walnuts on an empty stomach for a few days.
10. Apply gingelly oil to which has been added three tablespoons of nutmeg powder.
11. Mix ginger juice with asafoetida powder and apply on the joints, and massage lightly.
12. Grind a handful of basil leaves with six peppercorns. Add a tablespoon of ghee. Take this twice a day for 20 days.
13. Try a handful of chopped ginger in 100 ml of coconut oil. Use this for massage of the joints.
14. Five drops of clove oil and 30 ml of olive oil can be applied as a liniment

Online shopping isn't just about saving time and effort any more. Its also about saving money. One can get up to 80% discount at branded & designer products. Shopping Websites like www.myroyalstore.com offers great quality at affordable prices. Long narrow face—Blend the rouge back from the cheekbones to the hairline in an almost straight line. This creates a horizontal effect which adds width to the face. Do not bring rouge close to the nose as then the widen­ing effect will be lost.

Square face—This looks more oval if the rouge is sha­ded in long triangle towards the cheekbones.

Hollow cheeks—They appear fuller and rounder if the rouge is blended above the hollows instead of being blended in the hollows. This application neutralises the natural shadows in the hollows and makes them appear rounder and fuller.

Oval face— Dot rouge on the height of cheekbones un­der centre of the eyes. Blend up and out until the edges disappear.

Round widish face—Keep rouge fairly close to the nose, blend up at sharp vertical angle to the outer corner of the eye to give illusion of length.

Women’s robes come in a number of styles and colors

There are a number of women’s robes that are available online as well as offline. They come in a number lot styles and materials. The main objective of the women’s robes is to completely dry you off while keeping you warm at the same time. The women’s robes available can be washed in washing machines. The women’s robes (thick ones) are usually made of towel material and come in a variety of colors. The robes come with or without pockets.

There are a number of women’s robes that also come with an option of zipper instead of the normal sash around the waist. The materials that are usually used for the women’s robes are chenille, polyester, micro fiber, poly-cotton, cotton, terrycloth, cashmere, charmeuse, bamboo. The micro fiber robes usually come with terry lining for added support. Robes also come in a variety of colors such as white, pink, blue, prints, greens, and browns and in tan colors.

Embellishments on the bathrobes for women

Some of the other embellishments that the robes can carry are the zippers. Some may also have embroidery on the front pockets and on the back, while others may have hoods. The good quality robes for women will usually start at $50 and they can be more expensive, depending on the materials and the use of embellishments on the women’s robes.

The kimono robe is a modern twist on the old bathrobe

Another style of the women’s robes is known as the kimono robe and tends to be shorter than the regular bathrobes. They are also available in a variety of materials such as flannel, polyester and can be seen in a variety of prints. The sleeves are slightly different and generously cut. They can be wrapped snugly around the waist.

The spa robe

Another type of women’s robes is known as the spa robe. Both men and women use this when they sweating it out in the spa. These spa robes start at $80 but are easily available at discounted prices. They are also available in a number of materials such as Chenille, polyester, micro fiber, poly-cotton, cotton and velour. They are usually simple and are less embellished than the regular bathrobes. The advantage of using chenille is that there is no mildew smell.

Wrap as the women’s robe

Another type of women’s robes is known as the wrap. They come in a variety of styles such as velour towel wrap, cotton shower wrap and terry shower wrap. They look like short dresses that can be worn in the bath and are quite feminine to look at. Rather than hide the figure like other bathrobes, they accentuate the feminine figure.

winter hottest fashion trends

What to wear this winter? The bright primary colors of the last year are gone, but this doesn't mean that 2010/2011winter is going to be dull and boring. The hottest looks of winter demand colorful choices, architectural clothing shapes and bold combination of different pieces. Tomato reds, teal greens, indigo blues, subtle tones of apricot and honey and rich tones of aubergine purple are going to compete with come back of the grays.
Think bold when choosing clothing for winter 2010-2011, especially if you're looking for a coat. The shape of clothing should make a statement. Fashion designers offer pyramid shaped coats, emphasized hour-glass shaped coats and dresses, clothing with emphasized shoulders line, tulip shaped skirts and carrot top pants. Shapes like those are very expressive, so the garments are mono-colored or indistinctly ornamented and contain as less decorative details as possible. If trendy shapes are too daring for you, go for compromise: variations of large collars. Knitted or furry, modern or vintage style - collar must be big and make a contrast to either texture or fabric or color of the clothing. Collars are not for coats only; they adorn jackets, vests and cardigans too.
This winter is the right time to become romantic biker. Glossy leather clothing, biker jacket and shiny zippers are the must-haves. But this image is neither heavy nor aggressive; leather clothing is combined with fur, knitwear, see-through fabrics and puffy playful skirts.
Grey used to be the new black on the last winter. This color is very gratifying as it goes well with all the other tones and makes a nice background for bright colors. However, the shades of dark slate grey said good bye a year ago and softer silverfish tones appear to accompany large variety of rose quartz, pale taupe, lavender, lemon chiffon and other beiges. The creamy tones work well all together, but they also compliment rich colors that are trendy 2010-2011winter.
There's no dress versus skirt discussion for fashion trends of winter 2010/2011. Skirts hadn't disappeared, but fashion designers presented lots of dresses for feminine, femme fatale, prom style or folkloric looks. Favorite patterns for dresses are arabesque and geometric prints. However, the hottest trend is accentuating fabric or texture or shape of a dress instead of accentuating prints. Winter 2010-2011 large assortment of dresses: fancy prom dress to com...

Smoky Eye Makeup

In order to create a basic smoky eye impression, you will need only two colors of eye shadow, a deeper contour shade and a highlighter. For a quick basic application, you apply the highlighter over the entire upper eye socket, from the eyelid to the brow. Next, you will use the contour shade starting at the outer corner of only the eyelid. With the most intense color at the outside of the eye and fading as you move in towards the nose; sweep your eye makeup brush towards the inner eye. Lastly, blend the line between the darker color and the highlighter, otherwise it will create an unnaturally stark appearance.

Although this basic application will create a smoky eye, there are many tips to enhance this affect. Start with the basic application, using the lighter above and the darker on the lid only. Then consider the following additions:

•Use a mid shade as the blending agent between the highlighter and contour, right at the crease line.
•Darken the contour with a liquid eyeliner immediately above the top lashes.
•After the liquid has set, use a smudger eye makeup brush to smoke it out. Simply dip the brush into the contour shadow color and dab over the liquid line.
•Follow this with creamy pencil eyeliner under the eyes with a smudge of the contour shadow over it.
In addition to the spicy eyes this smoky technique creates, the powder shadow will help set your eyeliner and give it a longer life. Plus, hide any imperfections you may have made while applying the liner.

If smoky eyes are your guise, consider the following supplementary smoky eye makeup guidelines:

•If you have trouble with specks of powder dust falling underneath the eye area during the dabbing of smoky shadow, you may want to apply concealer after your eye makeup rather than before.
•The contour shade should be a deep color, but it does not have to be overly dark or smoke colored. Feel free to experiment with a variety of strong colors to find your preference.
•Feel free to skip true eyeliner altogether, and use eye shadow as a liner instead for an instant smoky look.
•Apply the smoky eye makeup in layers. This will allow you to select how dark you really want to go.
•Smoke your eye makeup for a quick transition from day to nighttime glamour.
•With techniques like smoky eye makeup, superior shadow brushes can make a real difference in the quality of the final presentation.
•In general, choose shorter bristle brushes for the smoky look, as the shorter the hair fibers, the higher the concentration of color application.
•Wet your brush before dipping into your eye shadow to create a stronger color.