Designers: Profiles

Take a look at the designers, who are all set to showcase their eclectic collection at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week 2008:Abdul Halder:
Abdul Halder started his carrier designing for the king of pop `Michael Jackson` in 2002. Soon he moved to work with an Italian fashion house SB Italia, experiencing shows across Europe and Middle East. Since 2006 he has been showcasing his collections at various fashion weeks in India and Internationally. He is the only designer to showcase his collection at the United Nations head quarter General Assembly, New York earlier this year. For his debut at the Wills India Fashion Week he will be presenting his collection named `couture`! His international work experience on ramp...
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Adnormal by Abhishek Dutta Adnormal by Abhishek Dutta:
Winner of Smirnoff International Fashion Award and an award winning student of Wigan & Leigh College, he believes in creating garments with a difference. He focuses on wearability along with a futuristic look by combining unconventional fabrics like denims, velvets, leather, etc. with various ancient embroideries and futuristic cuts. His creative talent ranges from women`s wear to menswear, ethnic as well as western and also extends to accessories. Apart from India Fashion Week he has showcased at various other fashion weeks internationally and his collection is available globally.

Abraham & Thakore Abraham & Thakore:
Abraham & Thakore is one of India`s most respected design resources for fashion, accessories & home textiles. The label was established by David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore. Each collection explores the developing of a modern design voice while drawing on the rich vocabulary of Indian design. Each season the collections are presented to international buyers in prestigious trade salons in Paris, namely Tranoi and Scenes D`Interieur, Maison & Objet. The collections are sold in exclusive stores in London, Paris, New York, Milan, Tokyo, Sydney and Zurich amongst other locations.

Amishi Amishi:
Amishi in Sanskrit, an ancient language means pure. The brand signifies just that, Pure beauty, Pure innocence and Pure design. Amishi, named after the designer herself, was founded with passion to create handbags for the contemporary women who had both style and substance. Her handbags are sheer poetry and she is motivated to create the most desirable pieces of luxury by observing nature and the world around her. Her spirituality has enabled her to create purses which are balanced in design and bring about a sense of fulfillment and balance in the life of the women who wears it.

Amit GT:
Designer Amit GT is a name to reckon with. He is one of the very few designers from the genre that believes fashion blurs the boundaries between dreams and reality. He says "those who believe in dreams buy a piece of fantasy i.e. fashion created by a dream weaver i.e. designer." This eminent designer has woven dreams for women who believe in the power of transformation through clothes. He has dressed many divas and celebrities and destined to sweep the world of fashion off its feet. This versatile designer does resort wear, evening dresses and separates and goddess gowns for women and resort wear and ethnic wear for men.

Anita Dongre:
Her iconic pret label, AND, was launched 10 years ago. This success lead to the launch of her signature label - ANITA DONGRE INTER Pret - a high-impact, globetrotting, mix and match western wear, fashion brand. Flexing her technical prowess, couture sensibilities, and blend of Indian heritage, she launched ANITA DONGRE COUTURE. Anita Dongre adds environmental glam with GRASSROOT - the recently launched Organic clothing line that works sustainable fabrics into a versatile range of stylish wardrobe essentials. Recently she launched GLOBAL DESI, a label that reflects the fashion and tastes of the new Indian woman, giving her a beautiful blend of ethnic chic and modern styling.

ANKY by Anjana Bhargav:
Her label reflects silhouettes which resurrect patterns and skills of ancient arts into the rhythm of modern life. Her lines are clean, contemporary trendy and international. A JV with Uluwattu a Balinese brand for handcrafted laces is a re-enforcement of Anjana`s design philosophy conniving for corporates like ITC, Westside and Usha International Ltd. An initiation in design with a French instructor and a course from St. Martins, London, Anjana has showcased in Paris, Toronto, New York, London, Germany, Hong Kong, and Miami. Nominated for the Lycra MTV Style Awards` 2003, she also represented Women Entrepreneurs at the OECD Conference in Paris.

Ankur Modi & Priyanka Modi:
Ankur and Priyanka Modi, started their label, in 2002. The young couple has worked together as a truly dynamic team, complimenting each other`s skills and areas of expertise. Feminine colors, pure fabrics & neat cuts, brewed with passionate attention to detail, subtle/strong prints & effective embellishments, makes their unique designs wardrobe-worthy. For SS `09 they`ve meshed air-weight fabrics, ice-fresh colors, fluid silhouettes, subdued prints and minimal embellishments, to achieve a lot of comfort, movement, style and elegance in their timeless collection. Their style speaks of soft grace, confident subtlety & inherited class.

Art Apparel and Accessories by Shelina & Camelia:
Art Apparel and Accessories offers a range of beautifully crafted evening bags providing a mix of being luxurious and fashionable. The designers, Camelia Dalal and Shelina Kukar incorporate embroidery techniques that modernize and reinvigorate aesthetic sensibilities. The collection does not follow any trends but has a modern and contemporary twist with deep jeweled tones in rich fabrics like silk and brocade. For Spring Summer 2009 the designers have used ivory and creams going into a burst of colour. Semi precious stones, pearls and swarovski crystals embellish the range.

Aruna Singh:
Aruna Singh started her own label `Aruna singh` nine years ago which she exhibits from her studio Jaipur Khazana, situated in Jaipur. She specializes in creating fusion of Rajasthani traditional art and modern designs forming a timeless elegance, whether it is the famous block printing or traditional gota art or aari / zardozi, each has been utilized to match the trendy look of today on complete range of feminine wear.

Ashima - Leena:
The style gurus and divas of fashion... Ashima & Leena need no introduction... Ashima - Leena is one of the most recognized brands of the country, projecting sheer elegance and panache. The Brands unique flamboyant style is woven with global timelessness and great craftsmanship. Today, Ashima - Leena is a renowned label in the Indian and global fashion scene. Over the years it has become one of the most recognized label scaling heights. The brand depicts royal global heritage and highlights itself at the helm of global fashion. Ashii by Ashima Singh:
Ashii represents a brand which epitomizes both, fashion and femininity. Ashii by Ashima Singh was conceptualized to make a sophisticated statement and echo the romantic side of the chic and professional woman. Modern and sophisticated, this label exudes urban, chic, & contemporary styles including assortment of vivid handcrafted techniques. Luxury quotient is achieved through the usage of exotic silks, satins and hand woven fabrics. Styles exhibit an experimental approach, retaining simplicity and elegance. The Collection embodies style and spirit with subtle textures and beautiful cuts.

Ashish Pandey:
The portrait of Global Indian inspires Ashish, a NIFT alumnus. Derived by his search for perfection in the minutest detail, Ashish draws inspiration from heritage, architecture, music and art to create timeless classics for the contemporary, global woman. His faith in the dictum `God Lies in Details, is reflected in his garments.

Ashish, Viral & Vikrant for Virtues:
This season they bring to you elements from the rich Indian handloom heritage. With kalamkari, natural dye, tusser silk, mashroo and block printing we have added two significant elements this season - kota and dhabu printing. The finest quality of Kota fabric, India could produce embedded in lotus influenced natural colors makes this spring summer collection more Indian. The softness of dhabu & block printing further subdues the tones. The collection includes tunics, tops, jackets and various fusion silhouettes. The designers derive influence from the rich Indian textile heritage and maintain their forte year by year.

Deepika Gehani:
Launched in 2000, the label believes in the philosophy of being hip, contemporary, sexy & eclectic. Associated with Genesis Colors Pvt. Ltd. since 2005, the label has traversed newer boundaries. Deepika`s Spring/Summer collection - Patch of Paradise is her latest resort wear cruise collection. The collection features free flowing & chic dresses & tunics in a medley of prints and fluid silhouettes. The collection is reminiscent of the 70`s with wide legged pants, floor length dresses & kaftans. The creations are highlighted with tiering & layering to create uneven hemlines & an unusual use of lattice embroidered motifs. All in all the collection is essentialy Casual Glam!

Form Debarun:
Form Debarun, the brand was envisioned two years back. Debarun Mukherjee designs for his own brand. Form Debarun aspire to take fashion from just a statement to a lifestyle. Form Debarun shall not confine fashion to what you wear but extend it far beyond into the realms of poise and attitude. Mostly `pret` with simple lines and a strong stress on wear ability. Nationally and internationally Debarun intends to merge the Indian ingenuity and simplicity with the international appeal and acceptance. Form Debarun for him is a factory which manufactures dreams and weaves them together with fashion as the medium.

Elisha W:
A Mystic Dream… the spring summer is going to be a celebration of womanhood for the London College of Fashion graduate Elisha Wadhwani. The collection showcases the soft and sensual side of a woman, through silhouettes like gowns, dresses, skirts and signature style saris and tantalizing concepts. Muted tones of wines, mustards, soft peaches comprises the colour palette. Amalgamation of sensual elements like laces, crochets, feathers, 3D flowers give the soft flowy styles a dreamy look.

Gaurav & Ritika:
Their design philosophy originates from a shared belief in the power of transformation through fashion - `You are what you wear`. Experimentation without isolating aesthetics is an intrinsic part of their process. Quiet and subtle pieces, take a cue from the post-modern movement which come together to form western-wear collection via silhouettes and the use of a restrained color palette, these garments enhance the wearer.


Gauri & Nainika:
Gauri & Nainika Karan launched their label in January 2002 in New Delhi. A ready-to-wear brand of western wear ranging from semi-formal styles to high-end demi-couture ones, the label offers glamorous, elegant and chic styles at competitive prices. With a design philosophy that is distinctly feminine and refined, the collections are being retailed all over India at various outlets and exclusive boutiques.Inspired by European fashion history, art, music, theatre, Hollywood and red carpet glamour, Gauri & Nainika`s creations have always had an extremely feminine and romantic sensibility with styles that are luxurious yet understated.

Geisha Designs by Paras & Shalini:
Shalini completed her Medicine from Mumbai, before leaning towards her artistic inclination at NIFT, and FIT, New York followed by internship with Armani Exchange. Paras, a stellar student at NIFT, won the `Designer of the Year` award. Besides winning the `Rohit Khosla Award` at the F-awards in 2006, Geisha Designs was conferred the `Fashion Marketer of the Year` by IMM (Institute of Marketing and Management). Geisha Designs was a Nominee of the MTV Style - award 2006. Flowers, art, heritage, mystique, life and natures pride creates and inspires the romantic world of Geisha Designs.

Hemant & Nandita:
Propelled by their natural appetites for the arts, both Hemant and Nandita began their charismatic journey at NIFT, pursuing a three- year degree in Fashion Design. Hemant worked with designer Aparna Wangdi while Nandita assisted Malini Ramani. Later they launched their progressive label: `Hemant & Nandita`. An epitome of classic style, they beautifully manifest the richness and opulence of Indian tradition balanced with contemporary styles. Their label sells from a couple of the best multi-designer outlets in country and has also made its presence in Hong Kong, Dubai, New York, Jakarta, Bangkok, South Africa.

Joy Mitra:
Joy Mitra, a graduate from NIFT (Kolkata), established `Joy Designs` in 2006 at New Delhi. The label specializes in ethnic Indian and Indo-Western wear that are developed by an innovative blend of a variety of fabrics and colors. The emphasis is on the use of natural fabrics and dyes to create a class of apparels for formal, casual and cultural occasions. These apparels have been elegantly displayed in some of the movies of Rituporno Ghosh (National award winning Director).Joy Designs is committed to inspire and influence lifestyle globally, by consigning contemporary and culturally inspired apparels to create a distinctive fashion icon.

Khushali Kumar:
Khushali after successfully running her label and having worked with various international labels, has put her global understanding, workmanship and mindset in this collection called Reve by Khushali Kumar. Change is in the air for the women of today, the horizons are expanding and so is the design acceptability promoting her to experiment and merge tradition with luxurious gowns of Oscars. The collection she is presenting this season consists of beautifully crafted and exquisite garments, with unique embellishment and a distinct avant grande style.

Mandira Wirk:
A product of the London School of Fashion Mandira honed her skills in the art of fashion designing from the international malls of London. Her clothes exude class and wearability that is reflected in her easy silhouettes. Her creations are a symbol of subtlety and many of her designs bear the forte of being seamless in their style. Her clothes have the simplicity of a genius with attention to every meticulous detail. The Designer has a presence in London, San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Dubai, Jeddah and Riyadh.

Manish Arora:
Manish Arora is India`s best-loved fashion figure with an inimitable style. He launched his label Manish Arora in 1997 and introduced his diffusion line `Fish Fry` in 2001. Manish Arora is currently retailed from its own stores in India & Kuwait as well as 75 well known stockiest worldwide. His `Fish Fry` for Reebok collection is sold through 84 Reebok stores in India. Manish is the only Indian designer who has shown consecutively for the past three seasons at the Paris Fashion Week on the catwalk and has collaborate with MAC for a signature collection being launched worldwide in October 2008.

Manoviraj Khosla:
Having studied fashion at the American College in London, Manoviraj Khosla is a name to reckon with in the world of fashion. The Manoviraj Khosla Studio, set up in 1990 takes up couture and prêt orders for both men and women. He has also designed uniforms for many corporate houses, restaurants, bars, hotels, schools and airlines. With two Manoviraj Khosla signature stores in Bangalore and one in Kolkata, his garments are also retailed through several high end boutiques in other cities.

Neeta Bhargava:
Neeta`s ensembles have an understated elegance marked by a restrained, classic style. The uniqueness of her style lies in creating a wearable canvas by use of hand paint on fabrics. Her forthcoming collection `A star reborn`, exhibits reborn in different forms, multitude of faces, newness and intensified sensuality. Its focus is more on natural fabrics like bhagalpuri silks, tweeds, jacquards, georgettes embellished with paintings, erotic flowers, paints with sea effects, geometric designs, primitive patterns and patchwork printed. Jackets, tiny tops with puffy sleeves in deep colour pallet, earth tones, naturals and whites.