Barkha n Sonzal-The young fashion designers

The young Fashion designer sisters Barkha and Sonzal are among the very few designers in the country who design clothes just for men and have recently launched their label called Barkha n Sonzal.




Their collection is called the ‘Dance of the Warrior’ which presents the elegance of the warrior of light, that dances through life. Their collection is all about vintage inspiration and colors that include hues of blue, blacks and earthy tones, made from lightweight natural fabrics like linens, jacquards and cottons with pieces with dori work on jackets, sherwanis, shirts, sleeveless bundhgalas, kurtas n suits. Jewelry and other accessories for men are also available.

Barkha and Sonzal have their own Studio and they will soon supply their collection to a couple of stores in Mumbai, as well as in London and LA. These sisters also stock their designs at MELANGE at Altamount Rd, which belongs to Sangita Kathiwada.

Sushmita at LIF Week 2009

Former Miss Universe and Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen was sported at the Lakme India Fashion Week 2009. If the news is to be believed, Sushmita Sen is set to play a pivotal role in Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan next film ‘Marmayogi’.




Sushmita Sen is reportedly very keen to act with Kamal Haasan, who is one of the most talented stars of Southern film industry. Other Bollywood projects of the actress for the year 2009 are Karma, Do Knot Disturb and one Hollywood project Confessions and Holi.

Bollywood Fashion

For the past decade, the designers of the largest film industry in the world have been shaping the fashion of Indian clothing. Recently,Bollywood fashion is transcending and making a major impact on Western style as well. Let’s learn more about the cultural phenomenon that is
known as Bollywood.




Until the late 1980s, Hindi films demonstrated limited sense of style. Bollywood designers came to the limelight ever since Manish Malhotra did those catchy numbers for Urmila Matondkar in Rangeela. It was all upwards from there. Bollywood fashion became a force to be reckoned with. When Sushmita Sen appeared in flowing saris in a recent hit, this traditional dress got a big boost into urban style. Shamita Shetty made the sharara a hit with aptly titled “Sharara Sharara”.Finally, Priyanka Chopra made the red dupatta (stole) synonymous with Bollywood fashion.

Hindi films may have inspired Indian style over the last two decades, but the fascinating phenomenon is the transcendence of Bollywood fashion to the West. The recent bohemian or ethnic clothing wave is driven by Indian, and hence Bollywood fashion. The comfort, elegance,and especially the versatility of Indian clothing are not lost to the western public. For instance, various kurtas (tunic tops) can be worn to the beach, a tea party, the mall, or even a grand formal!




Where should you look for hip Bollywood fashion? A local India boutique is not a bad start. Another good place is the web. Plenty of sites such as Benzer and Seasons offer good choices.

Arjun Rampal India's Super-model

Arjun Rampal is among the first premier supermodels of India. The man had put India on the global map, courtesy his Adonis look and a personality that gives many supermodels an inferiority complex even today!

And this man is on the cover of the latest edition of GQ fashion mag.

Appropriately titled as the, 'The unusual world of Arjun Rampal', this article takes a 'magnified sneak peak' in the world of the enigmatic phenomenon called Arjun Rampal!

He talks about his wife Meher Jessia in the issue and has an interesting revelation to make.Meher a supermodel herself, he thought was an eternal beauty. He says, "When I looked at my wife for the
first time, I thought she'd be a beautiful wife to have- and it happened. I guess my visualization was just stronger than the rest."

This issue also has a treat for Arjun's fans in the form of five things that you didn't know about him, but should know.

A couple of these things include him confessing that he was really scared before Om Shanti Om and the legendary man by whom Arjun was completely rattled by! Arjun also speaks his heart out saying, "We've gone through that phase where we've tried to do other things just to make ends meet". Arjun also had a big hit last year in the name of Rock On! This issue surely makes an interesting read.

Dharmendra - Bollywood Fashion Icon

To look as healthy, handsome and fit as Dharam-ji (Dharmendra) did in his heydays is every young bollywood heroes dream.

Dharmendra revealed that it was his shirtless scene in Phool Aur Pathar that became the first ever on silver screen scene when a hero was seen without his shirt in a Hindi film.




Now we know who has inspired our Khan to be the shirtless wonder. Salman confessed that he wanted to wear a kilt like Dharmendra did in Dharam Veer for his forthcoming film Veer but chickened out. It takes a lot of guts to wear it and ride a horse.

However, the fashion icon himself is not the one who get tied down by the current fashion trends. He says, “I like to dress as per my age.

"There’s no specific brand that I love to sport but comfort is of utmost importance to me. I love to wear jeans. But not many people know that even while I am seen wearing a suit, shirt, formal trousers, I skip wearing socks with my shoes. I find socks really cumbersome and irritable. So, I go sans socks but fully suited-booted",confessed the macho man.

But when asked whether he will be ready to walk the ramp as a showstopper for any designer? The paaji of bollywood heartily replies, being visible is a part of entertainment. If need be, why not?

Vidya's stunning style

Stylish and stunning Vidya Balan with Fashion Designer Priya and Chintan was dressed in an ensemble and jewellery by Priya and Chintan. Vidya Balan has Indian features alongwith easy-to-go attitude.





Her photogenic face in a quiet simple way can convey any emotions with an ease. Bollywood town’s good girl will be seen in a negative role for the first time in her forthcoming film Ishqiya opposite Arshad Warsi.

Vidya Balan was busy shooting for the film in Wai. In 2008, Vidya was nominated for the Best Actress Award for her performance in the movie Bhool Bhulaiyaa at IIFA. Vidya Balan is working hard on her clothes and designer Sabina Khan is helping her with it. The actress is also busy shooting for the film Paa opposite Abhishek Bachchan.

FALL 2009 TREND REPORT: MEN

Ok, men take notes & grab your favorite fashion friend, it's time to stop crunching numbers or checking your stock portfolio-- it's time to update your wardrobe. Whether you are a ROLLING STONE, a SOUL PROTECTOR, or a MAD MAN, clothes always determine the man. Gear up for a fantastic fall/winter without the stress of this past year! Fall head over heels in love with these 3 key trends for men:

1. ROLLING STONE. Has the economy got you waivering on fall holiday plans? Cheer up, chum, this winter grab your skiis, hiking boots, and camping grear. Make the outdoors your winter wonderland. Native american prints, bold plaids, and cozy thermals inspire tales of rails and trails. Turn up the heat with layers of plaid, thermal, and cargos. From DSquared to Ralph Lauren, these designers are ready to get out from behind the desk and create their own adventure!

2. SOUL PROTECTOR. Still not sure if you can embrace these trends? Then stay heavily guarded in your best suit of armour. Sometimes the best weapon is looking stealth in your threads. Alexander McQueen and Calvin Klein take inspiration from G.I. Joe's closet. Look for bullet-proof faux details, such as quilting jackets, sleek tailored coats, and molded foam vests, so that you can be an American hero. Try pairing high neck turtlenecks with a velvet blazer and a pinstripe scarf. Make it street savvy by adding a badass pair of leather cut-off gloves that pack a Kung-fu grip. No need for the Brinks truck now.

3. MAD MAN. Eager to make waves in the boardroom and in the bedroom? Leave the skinny jeans for the emo kids on Sunset and take a trip back in time to the sexy 60's. Confidence is the best accessory when reminiscing on these good ole days. There is nothing sexier than a man in tailored suit, can we say Don Draper? The runway competition was fierce this fall. Ralph Lauren kept it classic with his ruthless silhouette that only he can perfect. Louis Vuitton knows the best things in life come in 3's- blazer, vest, and slacks. For the men who are looking for a statement without saying a word, try Ermenegildo Zegna's tweed trench pair a Brooke Brothers white dress shirt, with a Hugo Boss charcoal scarf, and your favorite jeans. (Men, stay smart with a bootcut jean- favorites are William Rast, Joe's jeans, and Hudsons.)

Geetanjali Jewellary marks 15 years on a star-studded eve

To celebrate the stupendous success of fifteen glorious years of branded Jewellery in India by the pioneers - Gitanjali Group, the world of fashion and Bollywood with the likes of Bollywood superstars and a host of others walking the ramp for celebrated designers like Neeta Lulla, Rocky S and Vikram Phadnis.




The highlight of the evening was the introduction of IIFA BLING with Gitanjali creating a line of Jewelry and Watches. This line will be labeled 'BOLLYWOOD JEWELS' for IIFA.

Creativity was at its peak with the crew of Shiamak Davar setting the stage on fire. Cricketing heroes took over the fashion world and it was a delight to see Viraat Kohli, Manish Pandey & Pravin Kumar walk the ramp.

The branded jewellery in India has successfully completed 15 years and that the Gitanjali Group have been the pioneers.

Glamour met style on the eve with the presence of Bollywood celebrities like Bipasha Basu, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Raima Sen, Celina Jaitley, Sameera Reddy, Aftab Shivdasani, and Tulip Joshi along with others walked amongst the high priests of style and luxury.

It was an evening to look out for your favourite stars celebrating fifteen stunning years of branded jewellery and made it a memorable event for everybody present to raise a toast to the pioneers in this field. It was a night of glitter, bling and extravagance.

FALL 2009 TREND REPORT: WOMEN

Fall Fashion Trend Report 2009 is a little different than last year. The recession is definitely at the top of the list when it comes to the movement of trends. We will see some trends stay and some trends go. So which ones should we with open arms and which of your favorite designers gave us something to smile about until the recession passes like and old hand-me down?

1. Leatherheads. Vroom! Vroom! This season's "Must-Have" leather jacket can be seen worn on top of a little black dress or paired with a perfect t-shirt and jean for a night out. From Ackerman to Alexander Wang, designers went hog wild with this trend of leathers, buckles, and zippers. Do not be inspired by a local biker bar, these sophisticated motorcycle jackets are a definite a fashion tribute to the hip, motorcycle rockin' James Dean.

2. Boudoir Babe. A little lace never hurt anyone and it definitely does not disappoint. Lace, sheer, and tulle take centerstage this fall and not just under your wearables, but as the main event. Sheer geniuses take note, from delicate details at Balenciaga, to intricately draped corsets at Fendi, channel your inner lingerie diva. Parade around in a decadent bra with a blazer and a slimming pair of tuxedo slacks and give a whole new meaning to Playmate.

3. "New Look". Just like the 40's and the end of the depression, designers are ready to scale down the fancy smancy details of the past. In the 40's, Dior founded the decade as the "New Look", which emphasized the plush fabrics, stream-line silhouette, and elegant lines. Velvets, furs, and feathers are an ode to the legend costumers of the past that dressed Icons, such as Rita Hayworth and Greta Garbo. From Dolce & Gabbana to Zac Posen, these designers were inspired by lavish lifestyles and memories of a luxurious past.

4. 80's Evolution. The eighties are not going anywhere, so unpack your acid wash jeans, shoulder pads, and sharkskin fabrics because those once hideous fashion choices from your childhood might be a hot comodity. The Twisted Sister who put her own spin on this trend, is none other than fashion legend, Donatella Versace, who brought back the party dresses straight out of Whitney Houston's closet!

5. Shaken and Shirred. Rouched and ready for a night out, these divinely draped shirts, skirts, and dresses will have you turning heads. Sinfully slim-fitting dresses that have their own swagger is a trend that you do not want to miss. Holiday 2009 is sure to be a season of charmeuse, chiffon, and jersey fabrics. Dior to Donna Karan's creations will give you something to toast to at a company's Christmas party.

6. Security Blanket. Trenches, vests, and double breasted coats are classic and comforting. They give a sense of security to an unstable economy and for that matter an unstable closet. Even risktakers, such as, Prada and YSL sent masterly fit coats down the runway alongside, the tailored and traditional trenchcoats of Burberry and Armani. When your wallet gets tight, turn to the timeless treasures already in your closet.

Narendra kumar turning to films

Bollywood fashion designer Narendra Kumar, who has styled clothes for Madhur Bhandarkar’s upcoming film “Fashion” and plays a bit role in it too, has another ace up his sleeve - designing the line for the Amitabh Bachchan starrer “Aladdin”.

The Mumbai-based designer is upbeat about his role in “Fashion”. Kumar, who shot to fame after designing outfits for John Abraham in “Babul”, said “Aladdin” would showcase some more of his creativity.Kumar said he doesn’t agree with the idea of showcasing or including “weird clothes” in the name of fashion and creativity.

There are designers who design weird outfits but they remain in the cupboards of people and can’t be worn. What is the use of such creativity which can be of no use to people?, obliquely hinting at Rohit Bal and Manish Arora’s collections. His collections are as stylish as iphone is and yet full of utility.

Kumar, who teaches at various fashion training institutes like NIFT Mumbai, said though youngsters possess tremendous potential, there is a dearth of trained faculty members.

Well, we wish to see more of his work in films.

Hairdo of bollywood star actors

Spike cut is a simple hair cut, short on the sides with hair strands held up or spiked in the middle with the help of hair gel, hair spray or hair mousse in the front. Spikes can be long or short. To look even more fashionable, colouring and streaking can be used.

He brought the spike cut back after quite some time. Remember Aamir Khan with his short spikes in Dil Chahta Hai. Shahrukh Khan's long manes and fluffs have come under scissors. It is the spikey hairdo that a top Bollywood star seems to be flaunting nowadays. SRK keeps upping his style quotient. Getting rid of his long mane, the superstar is sporting an attention-grabbing spikey new look in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

Aamir sported it with sheer ease, looking young and hip. Post ‘Dil Chahta hai’, spike cut was quite a rage among youngsters. This hair cut may appear weird at the first glance. But the cool look after a spike cut is undeniable, especially on an oval face. Aamir used a different kind of spike-cut in Taare Zameen Par , where he got spikes at the back also. Shahrukh’s spikes are coloured with shades of brown for his new look in ‘RNBDJ’.

For quite some time now, Bollywood heroes have been sporting crew cut, popularized by Akshay Kumar . In fact, Aamir Khan, who is known for his distinct looks in his movies, sported crew cut for Ghajini . John Abraham had shingled cut for Dostana . Actor Rahul Bose can be always seen in a crew cut.

So to look cool, hep, and young, spike cut is a good option. But for manly and rugged look, crew cut would be better.

Rocky S and his muses in Bollywood

Image by KaushiK™ via Flickr

Bollywood’s favourite designer Rocky S amidst the madness at Blenders Pride Bangalore Fashion Week saved the best for last by scheduling Rocky S show for the grand finale to end the first ever fashion week of the city.

Rocky S who is a self professed “Bollywood Designer” brought to town his umber cool garments that comprises of both Indian ethnic wear and cutting edge western garments.

With Tinu Verghese, Bruna Abdullah, Rachel Byros showing his creations off, Rocky chose ace golfer Jeev Milka Singh as the showstopper believing sports is the next best thing.

He had just finished New York. There is a film called De Dhana Dhan with Katrina Kaif. Two films with Bipasha Basu titled Lamhaa and Pankh and another two untitled films.

He has worked with Shilpa, Bipasha, Katrina and John and they all are his favourite and they justify his clothes and make them look the best.So he enjoys workingfor the bollywood.