Queenie Singh

Jewellery designer Queenie Singh (formerly, Dhody) threw open the doors of her newest boutique in Mumbai last night and called in all her high-society friends for an exclusive sneak-peek.

The Bollywood contingent was represented by Sushmita Sen, Lara Dutta Bhupat, Malaika Arora Khan and even the pretty Dia Mirza. A number of leggy models like Shamita Singha, Nethra Raghuraman and Parvathy Omanakuttan also added that extra dash of glamour.

However, as you might expect, everybody dressed up to the nines. But some took the high-fashion memo a bit too seriously and ended up committing some major fashion blunders.

Take Ramona Narang for instance. Even though her gown is by Italian couture house, Pucci, the huge print on her outfit makes her look shorter and plumper than she actually is. This dress needs to be worn by someone who is at least six-feet-tall and Ramona falls short – very short!

Ramona Narang

Next on our list is Yash Birla. In fact, he’s a regular feature on our list of worst-dressed celebs. This time around, he wore pants which look like they were cut from a helium balloon and decided to team it with a shirt that has window cut-outs on the sleeves. Restraint is obviously not  a term he’s familiar with.

Yash Birla

Even Avanti Birla gets our vote for being among the worst dressed at this event. Blue finger and toe nails, a yellow and black body con mini dress, spiked heels (we actually like them) and skeletons dangling from her ears – it’s all very mismatched goth.

Avanti Birla

Check out this close-up of her footwear:

Avanti Birla’s heels

And finally, what can we say about Poonam Dhillon, another regular on our worst-dressed list? Cakey make-up not withstanding, we think she should have stuck to the simple black dress and not added that muti-coloured scarf.

Poonam Dhillon

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Pix: Yogen Shah for MissMalini

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Nikhil Thampi

We’ve been fans of Nikhil Thampi‘s work for a while now and once again we have first dibs on his LFW fall/winter collection. Thampi’s collection is close to his heart, for he returns to his Southern roots and draws inspiration from his grandmom’s style and influence. (FYI he’s mentioned this before, in our exclusive interview.) He’s incorporated punk elements with classic Indian silhouettes. True to his trademark statement – making motifs – Nikhil has opted to showcase Kathakali as his representation of Indian punk.

Nikhil Thampi

What’s more he’s collaborated with Nitya Arora of Valliyan for the accessories for his collection.

Now doesn’t that sound promising?

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John Abraham

Ok, we get that John Abraham is attempting to stay in character for Madras Cafe… we get it. Last week he donned a different camouflage look that we weren’t huge fans of, but it was better than this one.

John pulls of the casual look pretty well sometimes, and there’s no problem with a casual jeans/t-shirt/flip flops look… but you have to dress to the occasion.

Nothing really matches in this outfit, and the flips just look weird with the baggy cargo pants. At least he didn’t wear this to a Page 3 event, but he was at a private screening of his film.

We’ll give him a little bit of a break since he’s looking super hot with that scruff, but he should have taken a second look in the mirror before stepping out last night.

John Abraham

John Abraham

John Abraham

John Abraham

John Abraham

John Abraham

John Abraham

Pix: Yogen Shah for MissMalini

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Nimish Shah at Vogue Fashion Fund

Nimish Shah is known for his relaxed, easy silhouettes, and he’s found fans in Kalki Koechlin, Kiran Rao, and a steady stream of fashion editors.

I personally love his muted colours and sharp separates. He brings something extremely fresh to the table, and Nimish has released an abstract teaser video for his upcoming Lakme Fashion Week collection.

Earlier this year we saw Nimish as a Vogue Fashion Fund finalist, and he’s certainly been busy since then!

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Karisma Kapoor

Yesterday, Karisma Kapoor had two back-to-back events. First, in the morning, she attended an event for WIFT (Women in Film and Television) where she announced their Red Dot Film Festival, and also did promotions for her new book called My Yummy Mummy Guide. For this event, the actress paired a tunic (we think Archana Kochhar) with black pants and strappy sandals. Later on, she launched the Driver’s Day campaign, where she wore a white-and-black top with black denims and black pumps. The question is, which of the two looks do you prefer?

Karisma Kapoor

Karisma Kapoor

Have a look at more pictures from the events and let us know what you think!

WIFT Event:

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Driver’s Day Event:

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Pix: Yogen Shah for MissMalini

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Sonam Kapoor

Sonam Kapoor donned a military inspired Victoria Beckham dress from the Fall 2012 collection while showing her support for daddy, Anil Kapoor, at the trailer launch of 24 India. The silk and wool-blend gives her look a sense of elegance and sophistication. She paired this look with a black clutch and oxford ankle booties. Reminds me of the time when Priyanka Chopra had worn a dress from this collection way back in January.

Sonam Kapoor

Watch the trailer here:

Launch of 24 India Trailer

What do you think of her look? Tell us in the comments below.

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Pix: Yogen Shah for MissMalini.com

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Rocky S. design

If its a Rocky S. show, you can expect a lot of black, gold, and silver, along with a heavy dose of high octane drama. If you caught his show at Lakme Fashion Week last night, that’s exactly what you got!

Transparency was a reoccurring theme among the 30 creations that Rocky sent down the ramp. We loved all the hide & seek play with interestingly placed lace accents. Low plunging rear necklines also gave a sensuous appeal to the line.

Rocky S. design

The outfits gradually flowed into both dull and shimmering golds and silvers. Rocky displayed some unique pieces with beaded tassel tops, a romantic 1920’s flapper girl dress, and sheaths to accentuate the models’ curves.

We also loved his one-shoulder Grecian-style dress, the mermaid shape gowns, the drop waist embroidered gowns, and the dramatic mini cape.

Rocky S. design

Rocky S. design

Rocky S. designs

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Pix: Yogen Shah for MissMalini

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WIN these accessories from Simple Castle

Q: Which exotic country would you most like to visit? Please post your answer in the comments below (also specify your city).

One of the best parts about travelling is finding things that you can’t find anywhere else, especially when it comes to accessories. If you don’t have the time or funds to do some travel shopping of your own, the folks over at Simple Castle have you covered. They curate stylish and funky products from all around the world, and one lucky couple will win this eccentric prize hamper!

Saako Indie Royal Blue Neck Piece

for the girls

Saako Indie Royal Blue Neck Piece worth Rs. 2800 – a necklace created by two graphic designers in Barcelona, who “re-use” excess fabrics to make designer neck pieces.

Évocateur “The Berlin Cuff” worth Rs. 7524 – a cuff handmade in Connecticut by Barbara Ross Innamorati and her team of artisans, which takes up to 5 days to hand craft.

Agabag Cufflinks Montreal

for the boys

2 sets of Agabag Cufflinks (Montreal and Bombay) worth Rs. 2852 – Lego-style cuff links from Poland-based Agnieszka Biernacka, who makes each piece by hand.

May 28th “10:59 am” Watch worth Rs. 2184 – a watch from Canadian brand May 28th, that uses unexpected patterns, textures and colours to create eye-catching timepieces.

Color-Fool “Color Smoke” Glasses worth Rs. 999 – printed party sunglasses featuring a colour smoke design by Miami-based company, Eyepster.

To enter, all you have to do is tell us in the comments below which is the most exotic country you would like to visit (and why!) and one lucky couple takes home this hamper.

Facebook Like! SIMPLECastle
Follow their updates on Twitter @Be_SIMPLEcastle

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Designs by Barkha & Sonzal

Sisters Barkha & Sonzal make their debut at Lakme Fashion Week today with an interesting collection of men’s wear called, Beautiful Mind.

Says the duo, “Our minds go through a metamorphosis from birth to death. From innocence to craziness, it’s a constant Mahabharat raging within. From darkness and light, and robotic to pagan behavior, the mind takes various journeys of one’s life, through all sorts of dichotomy. However, our soul purpose of life is to realize the divinity within and let our light shine through.” 

Barkha & Sonzal

Barkha and Sonzal have created a funky range of jackets, trousers and bundhgalas with cool cuts and a fun, youthful style. The colors used represent innocence & birth, and confusion & divinity.

This season Barkha & Sonzal are also working to build awareness of the Baby Wrap Project for Impact India. Lakhs of babies die in the tribal zones of India because poorer mothers can’t afford coverings for newborns to keep them warm.

“We are working to build awareness towards this campaign and stitch baby blankets for them. People too can contribute to this cause by either donating INR 400 or by helping to stitch a wrap,” says Sonzal.

Their show is today, 26th August, at 5:00pm at Lakme Fashion Week.

Posted on MissMalini.

Ira Dubey

TeamMissMalini: Tell us what you love most about about Ritika Mirchandani’s collection?
Ira Dubey (ID): Ritika blends traditional elements with modern influences effortlessly. Her silhouettes are contemporary and very 2013. I like her colour palette as well, fresh and fun. She uses every day colours that are modern with earthy ethnic colours which is a stunning blend of the old and new. Her clothes make a statement but doesn’t take away from the person wearing it, which is why I love wearing sari’s from her collection.

TeamMM: What is your fashion philosophy?
ID: Keep it simple and have fun with it. To look good you need to feel good.

TeamMM: What’s your favourite piece from her upcoming collection?
ID: The piece that I am wearing in the picture. It is an absolute stunner.

Ira Dubey

TeamMM: What is your go-to outfit?
ID: Jeans. At any given time I have an average of 50 pairs, they are my go-to outfit.

TeamMM: Tell us your experience shooting for the campaign.
ID: Loved every bit. Throughout the shoot I was just thinking how proud I am of my friend. She is very talented.

You can catch showstopper Ira Dubey walk the ramp for Ritika tomorrow Aug 27th at 5:30pm.

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Adidas Originals Superstar

The worlds most iconic sneaker, the Superstar by adidas, was introduced in 1969, and went on to become one of the major influences in the history of basketball culture. Before we introduce the all new superstar collection, let’s take a stroll down memory lane back to the year when the world’s most iconic shoes were born.

Kareem Abdul Jabbar in Superstar

“The Cap” aka Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the most notable user of the Superstar, and but by the mid 1970′s over 75% of NBA players sported these unrivaled shoes. Soon it became the most in-style basketball shoe, and was worn by many of the best players in the NBA and NCAA. The design was unique with all-leather uppers, non-marking rubber soles, and the famous rubber “shell-toe”.

Run-DMC

Rappers Run-DMC were the first to wear the Superstar with the tongues pushed out and laces undone, creating a fashion statement that is popular even today. In 1986, they released a song called My adidas to pay tribute to the beat of the street. Watch the video here:

The Superstar is not just a basketball shoe anymore, but it remains a symbol of hip-hop culture, and is still the most sought after street fashion sneaker today. Global icons like David Beckham, Jay Z, Rihanna, Will Smith, Robert Downey Jr., Jamie Fox, and many others, have been spotted wearing their Superstars!

adidas Superstar II Collection

Here’s the latest commercial if you haven’t seen it yet:

The heritage, styles, colors, and the undying genius of its design makes the superstar a force in sneaker fashion, and will continue to bring swag to your feet for years to come.

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Shriya Saran for Shravan Kumar

Shriya Saran looked hot and sexy on the ramp at Lakme Fashion Week in a mermaid cut lehenga and Kama Sutra choli by Shravan Kumar, but designer Divya Mohta was definitely not amused.

As is rampant in the fashion industry these days, Divya alleges that Shravan’s print (two parrots perched atop a flower and looking away from each other) was originally created by her. The only difference in Shravan’s print is that the flower is inverted.

Says Mohta, “All my prints under my label, Tambourine, are original and created from scratch! Lakme Fashion Week is an extremely prestigious platform, one that encourages designers to showcase their creativity, so much so that it has the Talent box area to launch young talent. But then, to have a fairly established designer plagiarise the work of a brand and proudly display it on the ramp, is just appalling!”

The parrot print on a Divya Mohta Tambourine creation

The original print and the alleged copy

Divya alleges that when a friend of her’s confronted Sharavan about the print, he allegedly told her that he took it off the net.

What do you think – an outright copy, or a simple coincidence? Tell us in the comments below.

Here are some other designers at Lakme Fashion Week who seem to have been “inspired” by others designers:

Archana Kochhar: Which Young Designer ‘Inspired’ Archana Kochhar at Lakmé Fashion Week?

Aarti Vijay Gupta: Designer Aartivijay Gupta will Give You Her Stamp of Approval at Lakme Fashion Week.

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Lisa Haydon

Today at Pali Village Cafe in Mumbai, Lisa Haydon showcased her new organic collection of body scrubs, face masks, and other beauty products. The name she has chosen for her new line… Naked!

Naked by Lisa Haydon

Lisa told us that that the concept behind the name ‘naked’ is to represent innocence and purity, which makes sense since all of her products are completely free of of chemicals.

Naked by Lisa Haydon

She’s tested every product on no less than 30 of her friends!

At Pali Village Cafe

Gabriella was there with Lisa to showcase her clothing collection called deme.

Gabriella with her collection

Gabriella in her collection

Deme by Gabriella

Deme by Gabriella

Deme by Gabriella

Deme by Gabriella

The owner of Pali Bhavan, Mishali Sanghani, also showcased some of her exquisite footwear.

Sandals by Mishali Sanghani

Love these colours!

Sandals by Mishali Sanghani

Sandals by Mishali Sanghani

Lisa Haydon and Gabriella

Pix: Khyati Gandhi for MissMalini

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Rahul Khanna (Photo courtesy | Yogen Shah)

Indeed, he came out of hiding last Friday for two nights, to knock us out – as he does! – with his sartorial choices.

Rahul Khanna (Photo courtesy | Gucci)

First up was an Italian food tasting event at the Gucci Galleria store, where we, probably for the first time (?), saw him in a double-breasted suit. Yep, that thing those stuffy, old-fashioned men gravitate towards, but by keeping things slim and fitted – with a shorter cut jacket – our hombre here was decidedly modern.

Brown leather brogue lace-up shoes from Gucci’s Pre-Fall 2012 collection

And oh, the half-Windsor knot, the spread collar and the Gucci brogue lace-ups also didn’t go unnoticed ;-)

Rahul Khanna (Photo courtesy | Yogen Shah)

And then there was this appearance in a Nehru jacket complete with boutonnière (!!!) on Sunday night to catch Vikram Phadnis’s show. Astounding.

@R_Khanna

But, I do have a teeny weeny gripe with this ensemble *ducks for cover*: a pop of colour from the boutonnière would’ve sent this look to sartorial hall of fame.

Rahul Khanna

SO, friends, between the two looks which one you liked better? You all know how big a sucker I am for desi menswear, so it’s the… ;-)

P.S. Did you catch him in the 24 India trailer yet?

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Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif was spotted exiting the airport wearing ripped faded blue denims and a black long sleeved t-shirt, which we thought was perfect airport attire. She accessorized her outfit with slouchy boots and a Christopher Kane backpack. Oversized aviator sunglasses shielded her eyes from the flashbulbs. I like this grungy look – what I love most is that she’s not toting around a very obvious designer handbag but instead, a backpack that’s fashionable yet practical.

Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif

How would you rate her appearance?

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Pix: Yogen Shah for MissMalini

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Kajol

Kajol looked her radiant self in this lovely age-appropriate brown satin draped dress from AM:PM. She completed her look with brown pointy-toe heels from Zara, and a dainty gold necklace for a little bit of glam. For the finishing touch Kajol wore subtle make-up and a side-swept braid, which went perfect with her outfit. She wore this look at an event promoting a children’s cause.

Kajol

Kajol

What do you think of her appearance?

Pix: Yogen Shah for MissMalini

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Dannii Minogue

Dannii Minogue, younger sister of Kylie Minogue, is a judge on the UK edition of X Factor, a soap opera & occasional film actress, and a singer in her own right. For her latest music compilation album, entitled This Is It: The Very Best Of, she chose an Amit Aggarwal piece to wear on the cover.

Amit Aggarwal

That’s no small feat for one of our very own designers to beat out all the other options out there for an international celebrity. So congrats Amit… we certainly hope to see more of your creations on the global stage!

Here are some of Dannii’s top singles:

And here she is performing live with sister Kylie:

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Farhan Akhtar

One to always leave us pondering over his sartorial choices, Farhan Akhtar’s latest outing – to unveil the 4^th anniversary issue of Star Week magazine – was no different. I don’t mind floral on men, but those bleached light denims, they need to firmly stay back in the 90s.

Farhan Akhtar

Star Week’s 4th anniversary issue

Pics: Yogen Shah

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Deepika Padukone

If you have watched The September Issue, you would know that September is a big deal for fashion magazines. It’s considered to be the one that hallmarks the start of the fashion season. Deepika Padukone has got the coveted honour of gracing the Vogue cover this time around, wearing a satin fuchsia Marchesa fall/winter 2013 gown and a large crown. Padukone was styled by Vogue Fashion Director (and her personal stylist) Anaita Shroff Adajania while the cover was shot by Prasad Naik.

In the behind-the-scenes video, when asked who she would cast as her court jesters she replied with Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor. I can’t wait to see more pictures of her editorial.

What do you think of her cover?

Posted on MissMalini.

Shahid Kapoor (Pic: Yogen Shah)

The past weekend saw a number of Bollywood boys make public appearances at events and on television shows. Shahid Kapoor was on the sets of Indian Idol Junior, and wore interesting bottle-green pants with a white shirt which he left open showing off his chiseled chest. Also making an appearance on the same television show was south actor, and Zanjeer star, Ram Charan, who wore a slick grey suit.

At the launch of a book at Olive Bar & Kitchen, actors Jackky Bhagnani and Siddharth Roy Kapoor were spotted having a good time. Jackky wore a waistcoat over his shirt and jeans, while Siddharth wore a simple black shirt with midnight blue pants.

Shahid Kapoor (Pic: Yogen Shah)

Ram Charan (Pic: Yogen Shah)

Aditya Roy Kapoor

Jacky Bhagnani

So who had the most stylish weekend appearance?? You tell us!

Posted on MissMalini.