Vesture Magazine January 2021

1. n i n e co l o u r s vol. 1 issue 1 January-February-March 2021 by Ninecolours Captivating Hearts with Her Cinematic and Sartorial Choices Actress Daisy Shah opens up about her views on fashion and her upcoming films International fashion show picks to follow for Spring- Summer 2021 A look at the Spring- Summer 2021 trends from top international fashion shows Wear Vegan A profile of the rise of vegan fashion Shop Address : Ninecolours Store, SV Road, Near MTNL Exchange, Malad (W), Mumbai-400064. Shop Online www.ninecolours.com

2. n i n e co l o u r s Editor’s Letter To New Beginnings! Dear Readers, Happy New Year and welcome to the frst edition of Vesture by Ninecolours! I am really proud and happy to bring to you this brand-new magazine that will cover the latest fashion trends as well as new and upcoming fashion brands that deserve a shoutout, every quarter. It will also profle top celebrities and upcoming change-makers from the world of fashion and lifestyle, and showcase inspiring articles on wellness and beauty. In our very frst issue, we have Bollywood actress Daisy Shah speaking to us about her views on fashion and her upcoming flms. She tells us how important it is in today’s trend-driven world to understand oneself and one’s body type frst and then decide and don the kind of clothes that look good on oneself. Designer Archana Jaju talks to us about how her organic label’s conscious approach brings her closer every day to her goal of achieving optimal sustainability in fashion. A focus on vegan fashion also takes centre stage in our frst issue as we explore the factors driving this market and its future ahead. We shine a spotlight on India’s prized pashmina and its rich history and techniques, as well as uncover the trends in Spring-Summer 2021 fashion that will rule India and the globe. Te Pantone Color of the Year defnes colour trends and sets the stage for creative explorations in fashion, and this time, we have not one, but two colours vying for attention yet complementing each other at the same time. All this and more await you in this introductory issue of Vesture by Ninecolours. So, hope you enjoy our labour of love as much as we have enjoyed creating it. Happy reading! P.S.: You can follow Vesture by Ninecolours on Twitter at @vesture_nine, Facebook at Vesture by Ninecolours, Instagram at @vesturebyninecolours, and Pinterest at @vesturebyninecolours. Caroline Chorattil Shop Address : Ninecolours Store, SV Road, Near MTNL Exchange, Malad (W), Mumbai-400064. Shop Online www.ninecolours.com vesture Jan-MAR 2021 1

3. n i n e co l o u r s Management Note Moving Forward with Style and Confidence Dear Readers, It has been a tough year across the globe both economically and physically, but the human race has always been resilient and prone to bounce back with better learning and adaptation. We at Ninecolours believe that our resilience during these tough times have helped us and will continue to help us to bounce back in a bigger and stronger way, while also teaching us better survival techniques to adapt to this changing world order. Yes, the sales are bouncing back — though slow — and customers are looking towards making their special occasions even more special and memorable, with fashion and confdence. We believe that clothes instil confdence, and colours instil emotions, joy, happiness and positivity. In the bygone year, we have improved on our technology, catalogues and quality of products. We have engaged with our customers in better and newer ways. Our belief is simple and strong: to deliver to our customers the best possible experience and not just products. We continue to focus on how we can add to the customers’ experience by seeing from their eyes, understanding their needs and ensuring that they get more than just ‘value for money’. Going forward, our key focus is to strengthen our e-commerce processes and expand our categories, both horizontally and vertically. With an overwhelming response from the brick and mortar, we are also looking to open 2-3 more EBOs by the end of 2021. Our strategic objectives going forward also focus majorly on improving the consumer experience by curating and creating better outfts, giving people the confdence to be who they want to be, inspiring them with outfts that they will love and want to experiment with, educating them about the latest trends in fashion, and making them comfortable with the change. Vesture by Ninecolours is yet another frst from us to connect and engage with fashion connoisseurs. It helps us educate them and open their minds to newer styles and explorative ideas in fashion. It’s a way to let fashion designers, manufacturers and vendors open up to the fashion market and showcase Indian fashion to the world. I hope that our readers will love reading this magazine as much as we did at Ninecolours. Happy reading! Team Ninecolours Priyesh Jain – Director Jigar Agarwal – CEO Drashti Kansara – Head Fashion Designer Purashri Machhar – Head Stylist Mayuri Gupte – Head Graphic Designer Harsha Desai – Head Customer Service Satyapal Negi – Marketing Head Shop Address : Ninecolours Store, SV Road, Near MTNL Exchange, Malad (W), Mumbai-400064. Shop Online vesture Jan-MAR 2021 2 www.ninecolours.com

4. contents jan-mar 2021 40 On the Ramp – International International Fashion Show Picks to Follow for Spring-Summer 2021 Here is a roundup of the latest Spring-Summer 2021 trends from top fashion shows around the world. Regulars Scoop Testimonials New Arrivals Your Shopping Guide 06 07 08 10 44 On the Ramp – India Trends from Te Ramp to Watch Out for Tis Season Spring-Summer 2021 will be like no other, and this season, fashion is going to be underlined with comfort. 26 Design Corner Driving Sustainability in Te Fashion Ecosystem Designer Archana Jaju is renowned for her classic designs that are deep-set in India’s rich traditions and diverse craf lineage. In a tête-à-tête, the designer delves into her design philosophy and inspiration while telling us about her tryst with fashion. OWNER Ninecolours (Nivaka Fashions Limited) 12 Cover Story Captivating Hearts with Her Cinematic and Sartorial Choices A sartorial queen, actress Daisy Shah has made reel and ramp hers with grace and elegance. We interview the actress to learn what makes her such a fashion favourite and about her views on the latest trends in vogue. 50 Health & Well-being How To Stay Productive And Calm During Quarantimes Te pandemic has redefned the world as we know it, making it necessary to adapt to the new normal while staying on top of our game at work and home. We bring you a list of tips that will help you maintain a sense of balance on your personal and professional front. CEO Jigar Agarwal EDITORIAL, DESIGN & PRINTING Optimum Utility Solutions Pvt. Ltd. EDITORIAL Chief Editor Caroline Chorattil DESIGN Art Director Yogesh Jadhav Image Editor Paras Damani For any marketing enquiries, contact: Stanley Samuel Director – Business Development Mob.: +91 70450 00616 E-mail: stanley@ous360.com 30 56 Trend Talk – India Romance of Te Cashmere – Pashmina Te Indian handwoven pashmina or cashmere is a coveted garment across the world. We take a look at its rich history, techniques and the latest trends ruling the market. Hair & Beauty Get Your Hair and Skin Ready for Spring Good hair and skin is always in. With Valentine's Day, Women’s Day and Holi right around the corner, we bring you some handy skincare and haircare tips from the experts that will bring out your inner glow. Material in this publication may not be reproduced, whether in part or in whole, without the consent of NINECOLOURS (NIVAKA FASHIONS LIMITED). 22 Fashion Forward Wear Vegan Veganism has now become the way of life for many across the world, and this segment of the society does not shy away from adapting the vegan lifestyle in fashion too. We explore the latest trends in the vegan fashion market and analyse the way forward. 34 60 Trend Talk – International Riding on Te Colour Trend Pantone Color of the Year defnes the plans the fashion and lifestyle industry puts forward to decide on their collection for the season. Te colour defnes trends and sets the stage for creative explorations. Style Spotlight A Footie’s Paradise: 2021’s Best Footwear Trends With 2021 already upon us, we decided to do a ‘sole search’ for this year’s favourite footwear. Here are our top discoveries. COVER & COVER STORY CREDITS: Actress: Daisy Shah Photographer: Kausttubh Kambhhle Makeup: Vinod Kondvilkar Hair: Sushama Pathak Stylist: Rehan Shah Outfts:Ninecolours vesture Jan-MAR 2021 vesture Jan-MAR 2021 4 5

5. SCOOP Testimonials NEWS FLASH Ninecolours Launches Luxury Designer Brand ‘Ninecolours LUXE’ Ninecolours.com recently launched a new brand, Ninecolours LUXE, which exclusively houses luxury designer labels. Its portfo- lio currently includes designer labels and brands such as Neora by Nehal Chopra, Ibai by Suprita and Beenu, Devyani Mehrotra, Debarun Mukherjee, Attic Salt, Sadan Pande, Sonal Kabra and many more top designers. Ninecolours LUXE focuses on Indian ethnic designer wear, ranging from exquisite sarees and lehengas to Indo-western outfts and gowns. LUXE will also showcase design- er Western dresses, jewellery and accessories such as bags and scarfs. Ninecolours Presents Plus Size Collection Ninecolours has seen great market potential and demand in the plus size segment. Keeping that in mind, the brand has launched a new plus size collection. Te plus size range includes outfts across categories like sarees, lehengas, gowns, salwar kameez, Indo-western ensembles, and kur- tas. With more than 3,000 designs exclusively curated to cater to the growing demand in the plus size market, Ninecolours hopes to scale its range to 10,000 designs by the end of 2021. Te outfts by Ninecolours look gor- geous!! Everyone was raving about them. Each outft was crafed so beautifully. Tanks for making my D-day so special. Shreya Desai We got both the outfts from Ninecolours and they look so great! Tank you for everything! Karina Ninecolours Launches Innovative Platform for Online Stitching Services Ninecolours has recently launched a new online service platform called Esilai.com that ofers stitching services from the comfort of one’s home. Customers simply have to log in to Esilai.com, select their desired outft type and pattern, fll their measurements, and the process is complete. Ninecolours’ expert team of fashion designers will then reach out the cus- tomer to arrange for the pickup of the garment, stitch the garment and deliver it to them at no extra cost. Esilai.com ofers a wide range of pattern se- lections, from neck patterns to sleeve patterns, allowing for a wide range of customisation. I received the saree yesterday that I ordered from Ninecolours and it was beautiful! Shabana Karim I brought my wedding lehenga from your store at Malad. It was perfect! Preena Singh vesture Jan-MAR 2021 vesture Jan-MAR 2021 vesture Jan-MAR 2021 6 A 7

6. New Arrivals What’s Hot New Arrivals Tis stylish georgette cream fared kurta with high side slit by Ninecolours makes for a fabulous option for the festivities. It boasts of intricate hand embroidery and is paired with fared palazzos and a matching georgette dupatta to complete the traditional look. Price: `11,100 Website: www.ninecolours.com A look at the latest trends in fashion. Dazzle away at parties and festive gatherings with this traditional ethnic hand-block printed anarkali suit by Chokhi Bandhni that comes in a set of two. Embellished with mukaish work and paired with a hand-block printed gold chunni, this outft is sure to make heads turn and keep everyone’s attention on you. Price:`4,544 Website: www.ninecolours.com Ramp up the style quotient during the upcoming spring weddings with this elegant georgette gown by Ninecolours. It features a firty embroidered yoke and rufe bottom and is accented with a matching embroidered georgette jacket if you want to switch things up at diferent occasions. Price:`8,999 Website: www.ninecolours.com Tis lilac crepe kurti by Ziyaa is perfect to switch from a long day at the ofce to a fun evening out. A wardrobe essential, it can be styled with a cute handbag and silver jhumkas, making you ready for all occasions. Price: `930 Website: www.ninecolours.com Stay at your fashionable best at festive occasions and parties with this exquisitely designed churidar suit by Manvaa. Te mesmerising colours of mehendi green and pink coupled with the artistic hand embroidery and chanderi cotton make this traditional Indian suit a hot fashion pick. Price: `998 Website: www.ninecolours.com Tis stunning blush pink lehenga and blouse by Ninecolours will add the much-needed grace and elegance to your wedding ceremony, while being a great addition to your trousseau as well. Made of net fabric, this hand- embroidered lehenga choli comes with a matching net dupatta with a satin border. It is accented with thread work and sequins that makes the outft a class apart. Price: `11,250 Website:www.ninecolours.com Stand out from the crowd at festive occasions and gatherings with this beautiful teal fared kurta by Ninecolours. Made of fne silk, it sports hand- embroidered yoke and sleeves. It is paired with matching hand-embroidered palazzos and a delicate net and silk dupatta that gives the ensemble a classy look. Price: `6,150 Website: www.ninecolours.com Add some drama to your wardrobe with this fun green cotton kurti by Suumaya that you can wear on its own or pair with leggings. Complement the ensemble with firty accessories to make a strong fashion statement at weddings and parties. Price:`3,252 Website: www.ninecolours.com vesture Jan-MAR 2021 vesture Jan-MAR 2021 8 9

7. Your Shopping Guide Women’s Day Special Nangalia Ruchira label refects the culture of the designer's native land, Rajasthan. Te designer has always been amazed and intrigued by the embroidery and dying techniques of Rajasthani craftsmen. All this survives and refects in her creations. Te ultimate guide to shopping all your fashion needs. Make your Women’s Day brunch with your girl gang a stylish afair with Ninecolours’ printed south cotton tunic in the Pantone Color of the Year — Ultimate Grey — and scarlet red rayon slim ft pants (`1,950). Pair this chic ensemble with silver jhumkas made of brass (`1,129) and brass necklace in silver colour (`733) by Ninecolours (www. ninecolours.com). Add sof colour and defnition to your cheekbones and lips with a dab of Kiko Milano’s Wonder Woman Power Flush Lips and Cheeks (`1,190 – Available at all KIKO Milano stores in New Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru), and complete the look with these black wedge sandals (Starting from `2,099 onwards) by Von Wellx Germany (www.vonwellx.com). Dress up to the nines for an evening out with friends or family on Women’s Day with this classy maroon half-sleeved drape gown (`2,990) by Ninecolours (www.ninecolours.com)that is accented with printed details on both sides. Complement it with Ninecolours’ beautiful silver jhumkas made of brass (`198) and brass necklace in silver colour ((`2,705) along with Woods’ ankle-length pointed high-heeled closed-toe boots (`7,495) from their Boot-ilicious Collection (Available at all Woods stores) for a powerful look. Prepare and highlight your eyelids using Kiko Milano’s Wonder Woman Metal Power Liquid Eyeshadow (`1,150) in Majestic Mauve, and get fuller, deeply coloured lips with the Power Shine Explosion Lip Stylo (`1,390) in Special Mauve or Gorgeous Rose (Available at all KIKO Milano stores in New Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru). Now available at Now available at www.ninecolours.com vesture Jan-MAR 2021 vesture Jan-MAR 2021 A 10

8. cover story cover story Captivating Hearts with Her Cinematic and Sartorial Choices A sartorial queen, actress Daisy Shah has made reel and ramp hers with grace and elegance. We interview the actress to learn what makes her such a fashion favourite and about her views on the latest trends in vogue. Text | Caroline Chorattil vesture Jan-MAR 2021 13

9. cover story On the Ramp–india cover story F in movies like Jai Ho, Hate Story 3, and Race 3, she has made a name for herself in the glamorous worlds of fashion and cinema. Here we have a tête-à-tête with the demure actress on her views on fashion and her upcoming flms. rom making critics and fans alike sit up and take notice of her stellar acting performances to turning heads with her fashion choices, everything that Bollywood actress Daisy Shah does is done in style. By showstopping at top Indian fashion shows such as Lakmé Fashion Week and Bombay Times Fashion Week for various ace designers and starring Fashion is something that comes from within. It helps you to express yourself, your individuality and style without having to say anything. What does fashion mean to you? Fashion is a very individual idea or concept. It is ever-changing; we as a society keep switching from fashion in the 1980s to the 2000s and back. It is a cycle that continues to repeat itself. So, frst of all, one needs to understand oneself and the kind of clothes that look good on one’s body. For me, fashion is something that comes from within. It helps you to express yourself, your individuality and style without having to say anything. I believe that you should just be yourself and dress the way you want. Which fashion trends do you expect to rule Spring-Summer 2021? My idea of Spring-Summer fashion would be foral dresses because they herald these two seasons. Light and easy-to-wear clothes should be the norm. And at the end of the day, even if you don’t fnd anything else, you can always pick up denims and ganjis for daywear and a little black dress for the evening, and you're good to go. What is your personal style statement like? Personally, I like wearing very comfortable clothes. I dress like a regular person and don't ever dress like a celebrity! I am not someone who likes to go with the trend, but rather I understand the kind of clothes that suit my personality and body type and speak to my individual sense of style. For me, brands don't really matter. I can go to Lokhandwala in Mumbai and shop my clothes from there, and I still wear clothes from Linking Road in Bandra. Given a choice, I’ll be in pyjamas all the time! My go-to clothes are denims with a ganji and sneakers. I also like Indian clothes. It all completely depends on the occasion. What is your take on Indian fashion trends taking the world by storm?  I think that this fact has just come to the forefront now. I know friends and relatives who have been living abroad since donkey years and they have always loved and worn Indian clothes. Even when they visit India, they make sure to buy their fll of traditional Indian wear, including designer wear, because although they do fnd Indian clothing abroad as well, the shopping aisles in international fashion stores are not updated as ofen as in India when it comes to Indian fashion. But this scenario is slowly changing, and Indian wear is becoming more mainstream there nowadays. And as I said, the fact that Indian designers are being acknowledged internationally has come to the limelight only now, but Indian designer wear has been a hot favourite abroad since many years. But people are increasingly talking about Indian fashion now and acknowledging it on a global level, which is a positive sign for the Indian fashion industry. Which fashion trend irks you or you think needs to go? I somehow don’t like ghararas. Tey look like pyjamas at the top and then fare out at the knee. Tat’s one kind of outft I personally don’t like. But I have a lot of friends who go gaga over them. So, as I said, fashion is very individual and to each his own. vesture Jan-MAR 2021 vesture Jan-MAR 2021 14 15

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12. cover story People are increas- ingly talking about Indian fashion now and acknowledging it on a global level, which is a positive sign for the Indian fashion industry. How do you see fashion evolving in today's times, especially in the global context?  Having gone through a catastrophic pandemic that shook lives, beliefs and routines, people have now started valuing the people as well as the things in their life. People have started valuing ‘slowness’ and that extends to all facets of life, be it their daily routines or their fashion choices. Tat can be a major reason that people are moving towards slow fashion, and away from fast fashion because let's face it, fast fashion too requires a lot of money to spend on. People have started calculating and understanding the efects of their choices, be it fnancial or sartorial, and saving money and the environment is something that is on top of their priority list. As an individual, I too have these concerns. People are increasingly coming to terms with the harmful efects of fast fashion on Mother Nature, as discarded clothes fnally get dumped in landflls and create a lot of strain on the existing land resources. People are becoming mindful about their activities, habits, actions and the efects on their surroundings. Due to the pandemic, people have begun to realise that they can really make do with what they already have in their wardrobes and do not need to keep hoarding unnecessary items that afer a while may mean nothing to them. It’s about conserving — the environment, money, space. On a parting note, do tell us the movies we shall see you in next! Tis is an amazing question, and I would love to answer it because I have three flms coming up this year! I've fnished shooting for one flm that is titled See You in Court in which I play a child psychologist. We are in the post-production phase currently. See You in Court is about a child whose parents are getting divorced. He tries to prevent the divorce by fling a case against his parents on the grounds that they should not have given birth to him if they wanted to get divorced. And there are two other flms lined up whose shooting will start soon. Bulbul Marriage Hall is a romcom, and the second flm is an as-yet-untitled murder mystery. So, there are diferent kinds of movie genres and roles that I will be seen in this year. ? vesture Jan-MAR 2021 vesture Jan-MAR 2021 A A

13. ©Loli Laboureau Fashion Forward Fashion Forward GETTING THERE Vegan Fashion Week™, for instance, is the leading platform for ethical fashion and a countercultural perspective on fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Afer a successful edition in October 2019, they were the ones to bring into life the frst vegan showroom in Los Angeles and an online boutique — Vegan Fashion Library — to support ethical designers and labels from the world over. Te earth has seen its own share of catastrophes and is witness to animal exploitation, too. A conscious and innovative lifestyle practised by vegans is the frst step towards a sustainable future. A frst in the world — the Vegan Fashion Library is dedicated to supporting ethical vegan designers. Tis multi-brand showroom curates vegan, cruelty-free and sustainable clothing and accessories, featuring some of the latest innovative materials, from plant-based wool to cactus leather. A one-stop destination for vegan clothing for conscious retailers, stylists and celebrities — Vegan Fashion Week has also launched a physical showroom in Los Angeles accompanied by an online e-commerce boutique. Called the Vegan Fashion Library, this 2,000-square-foot retail space is where you can fnd your answer to all things vegan clothing. J revival, too, and vegan fashion is now a reality that you cannot refuse. Conscious or not conscious, vegan or not vegan — vegan fashion is bound to attract the chic and trendy and it certainly works in favour of nature. ust eating a plant-based diet is not where the vegans are stopping at; they are diversifying and including more ethical ways into their lifestyle in order to make the process more comprehensive and cruelty-free. Fashion has started to face its own share of Wear Veganism has now become the way of life for many across the world, and this segment of the society does not shy away from adapting the vegan lifestyle in fashion too. We explore the latest trends in the vegan fashion market and analyse the way forward. Text | Anurima Das ©Vegan Fashion Library vesture Jan-MAR 2021 22

14. Fashion Forward Fashion Forward FUTURE GAZING Te thought of going fashionably vegan may seem like an easy task, but it involves a lot of groundwork, and making animal-friendly products is more complex than just eradicating the use of popular materials such as leather, suede, and wool from the manufacturing process. Not only the fabrics or fbres, brands need to also scrutinise the accessories and ingredients like glues, dyes and waxes and ensure their vegan origin to be able to follow the 100 percent vegan path. Veganism is a wholesome process, more so in case of fashion, and abiding by the strict guidelines of manufacturing makes the task and the processes more transparent and free of uncertainty. On the consumer front, ethical fashion spending is only £50 million, which is a fraction of the £35 billion fashion market as of 2019. Tis shows that there is immense scope and the market is aiming to reach new highs. With the pandemic and several other global environmental concerns setting in, there is an escalating opportunity for retailers to tap this segment and impress the changing outlook of consumers and turn them to loyal followers. ? Tis sort of initiative may be a new start, but the idea of vegan clothing has been under trial for several years now, and cruelty-free silk, plant-based wool, biodegradable and cruelty-free apple, cactus or pineapple leather have been doing the rounds within the fashion landscape for days now. Just like the Vegan Fashion Week, Copenhagen Fashion Week is looking to diminish its overall impact on the environment and has launched a sustainability action plan this year. Under this plan, they will require brands to meet a range of targets or face exclusion from the ofcial show schedule. Brands keen on participating will have three years to meet the 17 sustainability standards, which include bringing in zero-waste set designs for their shows, pledging to not destroy unsold clothes, and using at least 50 percent organic or recycled textiles in their collections. Back home, this year PETA in the PETA India Vegan Fashion Awards 2020 recognised Milind Soman’s brand Deivee as the Best Vegan Activewear brand. Keeping true to the core idea of vegan fashion, the brand uses organic cotton, bamboo fabric, and natural rubber — to name a few of the ingredients they use for their products. Tis is India’s leading sustainable active lifestyle brand. PETA’s Indian award chapter is proof in itself that the idea of vegan fashion is spreading in the country too. garments are in no way less stylish and easily stand up to the trends of the season. However, the contributions in smaller pockets will not add up to the bigger change and that is why the British Retail Consortium, a trade body for stores and online sellers in the UK, had laid down new guidelines. Tese rules ensure that vegan fashion is really 100 percent free of animal products and by-products. On the world market front, Denmark is seeing the maximum growth in the vegan fashion segment and has seen a 320 percent growth in the number of products tagged as ‘vegan’. Watching the trends from the world across, experts believe that by 2024 the market for vegan fashion will increase manifold. Countries like the US, the UK, Germany, and France top the list. In fact, as per reports, by January 2019, there was a 5 percent increase in products described as ‘vegan’ in the UK as compared to the year before. Te US has shown an 11 percent year-on-year growth and France a 12 percent growth. Tese records are enough to hint at a bigger growth map and is all set to infuence the world market further. UNDERSTANDING THE MARKET In the year 2018, a number of fashion houses pledged to ban fur and exotic skins from their collections. Gucci, Chanel, Burberry, and Versace were the frst to take this call and these major luxury brands pulled a stop to fur usage. Consequently, there was a 41 percent decline in women’s fur arrivals in 2018 in the UK market alone. It’s not only the luxury brands; the trend is widespread, and PETA has recognised Marks & Spencer for its vegan eforts by awarding the British brand with the ‘Vegan-Friendly High Street Retailer’ title. In early March 2020, M&S also introduced an afordable line of vegan footwear with 350 diferent styles. Brands like Zara, Stella McCartney, and Bebe have also turned to cruelty- free ways and switched to plant-based leather for their products. What’s more, H&M, Nasty Gal, and Zara now also ofer wool-free coats. But the vesture Jan-MAR 2021 vesture Jan-MAR 2021 24 25

15. Design Corner Driving sustainability in the fashion ecosystem Design Corner Designer Archana Jaju is renowned for her classic designs that are deep-set in India’s rich traditions and diverse craf lineage. In a tête-à-tête, the designer delves into her design philosophy and in- spiration while telling us about her tryst with fashion. Text | Anurima Das Photographs | Archana Jaju A works with artisans from 17 diferent clusters across India and focuses on the development of handcrafed products by skilled artisans. In a conversation with Archana, we learn more about her journey in the world of fashion and how her brand is being received by her audience. ? Let’s go back a few years. Tell us about the inception story of your label. Since its inception, my eponymous label has tried to support India’s epitome of luxury — its handicrafs. Along the years, we have gathered artisans from 17 diferent craf clusters across India. Developing fnely crafed products by skilled artisans is where our focus lies. Our conscious approach brings us closer to our goal of achieving optimal sustainability with each passing day. textile brand with Indian roots, Archana Jaju's label is known for its classic sarees and dupattas. Archana's ancestors have been a part of the textile industry for more than 10 years and the label is in constant development, drawing inspiration from the culture and traditions of the country. Te brand Everything about your collection — from the product to the photography to how you present the craf — is so earthy yet mystical. It gives one a sense of aspiration and achievement along the same lines. How do you manage to keep that spark alive? We are largely inspired by India and its diverse craf lineage. Even if our muses transcend time and geographical location, Indian handicrafs plays a pivotal role in the ideation process. Creative research for me is vital because that’s where inspiration strikes. vesture Jan-MAR 2021 vesture Jan-MAR 2021 26 27

16. Design Corner Design Corner Did you ever plan on the aesthetics and visualise the same? Or was it too spontaneous? My design aesthetics has always been subdued, organic and craf-oriented. Te path that I have chosen for my label comes from a personal afnity and respect towards Indian crafs that have devised over the years. Is it true that you fnd your collection’s soul in the weavers and their crafs? Our artisans are the driving force to my creativity. Teir complex skills, whether in weaving or any other craf, is the essence of our collections. We currently collaborate with artisans from clusters all over India. For kalamkari, we have employed artisans from the town of Srikalahasti in South India. Our Bandhani pieces get crafed in Kutch, Gujarat while Lucknowi embroidery happens in Lucknow, UP. A remote village in Bengal is from where we source Parsi Gara embroidery. We commission multiple kinds of woven sarees like khadi from the South Indian towns of Srikakulam and Venkatagiri, Kanjeevaram silk sarees from Chennai, Benarasi sarees from Varanasi, etc. Each piece that we create comprises combinations of crafs from the clusters mentioned above. RAPID-FIRE ROUND • If not a designer, what other profession would you have chosen? I would definitely be a professional organiser if design wasn’t an option. What goes behind each piece? Take us back to the drawing board and give us a glimpse into how you plan your collections or the narrative you follow. Once inspiration strikes and our subject is defned, we begin with experimental research. We work in synergy with the artisans — from deciding the creative direction of the collection to executing it with attention to minute details. Our collections are always inspired by nature and its fve elements (earth, fre, water, wind, and space). Even through research, we constantly strive towards understanding the needs of a sustainable ecosystem.  • Textiles for you is? Textiles are like pieces of art. • Sarees are? The most versatile garment ever made. On the consumer front, how has the response been so far?  All the support that I have received from our clients in this journey so far has been very gratifying. We have a long way to go, but I look forward to experimenting and discovering more about Indian handicrafs. How do you manage to be so versatile yet attractive with each piece of the collection? Tell us a little about your inspiration. Every piece we create incorporates multiple crafs, making it one of a kind. It is touched by the hands of artisans from multiple clusters, which gives it a very unique, versatile aesthetic.  • Colours for you mean? They are game changers that can make or break a creation.? vesture Jan-MAR 2021 vesture Jan-MAR 2021 28 29

17. Trend Talk – India Trend Talk – India Romance of the Cashmere – Te Indian handwoven pashmina or cashmere is a coveted garment across the world. We take a look at its rich history, techniques and the latest trends ruling the market. Text | Chitra Balasubramaniam Photographs | Ninecolours than 19 microns, and top quality fbre is just 14. It has natural crimp, allowing it to be spun into fne, lightweight fabrics. Cashmere has small air spaces between the fbres, which makes it warm without weight, while thin cuticle cells on the fbre surface make it smooth and lustrous.” Tus, several fbres are classifed as cashmere. However, the best and the fnest are said to be the Himalayan ones.   HISTORY Indian history of this glorious fbre and its shawls is full of tales of how it started a craze in Europe. Te pashmina shawls of Kashmir have been known the world over for their fnesse, sofness, and intricate work. Te colours, texture and embroidery were so unique that the shawls were a huge export earner. In fact, Emperor Napolean's frst wife Joséphine was so besotted with them that she ordered them by the dozens and started a trend for these shawls in 1796. Copies and machine-made substitutes fooded the market to take advantage of this craze. It was a huge forex drainer even in those times. Te 700 odd years of history of the shawls from Kashmir span four periods comprising the Mughals, the Afghans, the Dogras, and the Sikhs. Te colours, work and patterns during each of those periods varied. Today several restorers of old shawls or those who study them carefully point out the diference and can easily pinpoint to which particular era a certain shawl falls into. What makes the wool so unique as per the GI part from silk, if there is one fbre that is prized and much sought afer, it is pashmina or cashmere. Known as pashmina in India, it is also known as cashmere all over the world. Pashmina is associated with luxury; it sells in its own name; it is coveted and prized not only in India but all over the world. Come winter, and the love and craze for cashmere shoots up. Tere have been umpteen inventions, discoveries and innovations in fbres and fabrics, but cashmere has stood the test of time to emerge as the king of all fbres. In one word, it is class and luxury personifed.  Pashmina gets its name from Kashmir from where it is woven. Today, though, cashmere fbre mainly comes out of China, besides Mongolia. It is processed in mills in Italy and the UK. But it is indelibly linked to Kashmir and therefore India. As www.naturalfbres2009.org puts it, “Te only source of true cashmere is the Kashmir goat (Capra hircus laniger), native to the Himalayas. Its fne undercoat hair is collected by either combing or shearing during the spring moulting season. Afer sorting and scouring, the fbres are cleaned of the coarse outer hairs. Annual yield of underdown averages around 150 g per animal.” Given the rich earnings, cashmere goats are bred all over in the UK, Australia and the US. According to www.naturalfbres2009.org, “US standards set an average fbre diameter for cashmere of no more vesture Jan-MAR 2021 31

18. Design Corner Trend Talk – India work to the weavers. It has been revived with great efort by many, including Jenny Housego of Shades of India, the Handloom Department of Bandipora and several others. Kani shawls are woven with pashmina wool by using a tedious method. Numerous little kanis (shuttles of rich colours) are used in a single wef line of the shawl, and hence their name ‘kani shawls’.  Weaving is highly intricate and very slow. Only about half an inch to one inch is woven per day in a 48-inch width of material. Te kani shawls capture nature in its beautiful splendour and the entire shawl is covered with the weaves such that the base fabric is hardly visible. Te freehand design of the individual is transferred on the graph paper by a specially trained, highly skilled pattern drawer. Tey are then transcribed into a code and is read out aloud and woven by the weavers. Given this tedious process, it is not surprising that this particular craf has virtually disappeared. Eforts of revival have not been very successful. Tese factors make the kani shawl a collector’s item and extremely difcult to acquire. Te only source of acquisition is the old pieces or heirlooms that are suitably restored. Today, they can be acquired from the erstwhile royals of Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Jaipur. Old shawls and rumals (giant-sized handkerchiefs) are restored and stitched together to form a whole piece. Tese shawls are, therefore, very highly priced and are considered antiques. Some of the best exhibits of these shawls can be seen at the Srinagar Museum or at the National Crafs Museum in New Delhi. Unlike the kani shawl that is woven, pashmina shawls are embroidered and are simply referred to as jama. Tey are available in all colours. Te traditional colours used are white and of-white, but black, red and maroon are equally popular. Te diferent types of embroidery seen on the shawls are sozni (fne needlework), ari or hook work, tilla or gold work, marble or paper mache work which draws inspiration from the motifs adorning pieces of paper mache, kani embroidery patterning shawls where the patterns of kani are replicated using embroidery. Te embroidery here is done along the warp and wef of the fabric such that it resembles weaving. Te do-rookhis (reversible shawls that can be worn both ways) have embroidery done on both sides. Most of these shawls are about two metres in length.  application for pashmina is, “Pashm has a special lustre due to its long, fne fbres, which are as thin as 12-16 microns; the fbres from a premium sheep’s wool such as Merino extra fne are 23 micro thick, while a human hair ranges up to 200 microns thickness. Tus, pashmina is exceptionally light, sof and warm and feels luxurious against the skin. Te natural colour of the feece ranges from white to grey, red, brown and black.” Pashmina shawls are woven from pashmina wool, which is the undercoat of a goat (locally called pashm goat) that is a variety of Capra Hircus. It lives at high altitudes and is found in Central Asia. Tis goat is also now reared in the arid high altitudes of Ladakh. Te wool is sheared of the goat and is brought to Srinagar to be woven into shawls. Apart from the embroidered pashmina shawls that are still available today, another variety of shawls exists called the kani shawl. In the good old days, pashmina shawls used to be the prize possessions of the nobles and royals. Kings and courtiers used to buy them in yards (called vaar) to make them into a robe or gown (called jama), and hence, kani shawls also came to be known as jamawar.  fabric, one realises that what is luxury for the world is a commonplace item for these artisans. Te entire process of spinning, weaving and embroidery is more of a home enterprise. Te artisans treat the fabric so casually as it is handled by them everyday. One unusual aspect I have heard about artisan work from Kashmir is an unwritten law to fll the fabric with so much workmanship that the basic fabric is not seen. I was explained the logic by a crafsman who said that if they were to make everything plain, then to fnd work for the workforce, one would need extraordinary quantities of pashmina wool, or in case of handicrafs, wood. So, the local culture focused on value addition to the fabric or wood by doing fne embroidery and flling it completely, and in case of wood, doing extremely fne carving. It also provided a means of occupation and keeping oneself busy in the harsh, cold winters. Te crafsmen also drew inspiration from the local fowers and landscape to bring it alive through their embroidery. Tis is the reason that the embroidery on Kashmiri shawls is so ornate, varied and alluring.  work well and these will continue to rule the roost. For the international market, weavers have focused more on pastel shades, using gradation, playing around with weaving patterns and keeping it plain. Ornate ones are not as popular in the international market this year. Another trend seen in the international fashion market is cashmere jumpers. With work from home becoming the universal norm, jumpers are a comfortable, cosy yet formal enough choice of WFH wear. Tere is much variation with the neckline, so you can experiment with the round neck, V-neck, crew neck, turtleneck and other options. Solid colours in a wide palette is what initial trends indicate. Colours from grey, white and black to more peppy ones such as red and blue are preferred for WFH cashmere jumpers. While pashmina stoles and shawls are an all-time classic, knitwear is another trend that will be seen in the market. Cashmere with a cotton blend is also an interesting ofering that will be spotted this year. So, bring out your grandmother’s pashmina shawls and refurbish them, or go grab yourself some new cool, trendy ones will make you stand out from the crowd this winter. ? TRENDS FOR 2021  Keeping up the trend game, especially in the case of good ole pashmina, is going to be rather tricky. Te pandemic has made people pause and think about what they want and where they are going. Tere is a lot of emphasis on recycle, refurbish, and no waste. Tus, upgrading old pashminas and airing them out is possible. Usually for the Indian market, traditional colours KANI No account of cashmere shawls is complete without referencing the kani shawls. Kani shawl weaving as an intricate work of art saw a period of decline, with no one being prepared to pay the true price of the WEAVING AND EMBROIDERY When one speaks to traditional embroidery or sozni artisans from Kashmir who work on pashmina vesture Jan-MAR 2021 vesture Jan-MAR 2021 32 33

19. Trend Talk – international Ridingon the Trend Talk – international colour trend trend Pantone Color of the Year defnes the plans the fashion and lifestyle indus- try puts forward to decide on their collection for the season. Te colour defnes trends and sets the stage for creative explorations. Text | Anurima Das Photographs | Ninecolours T of yellow respectively. “It’s afer four years that Pantone has again come with two shades as the colours of the year. Te selection of two colours is basically giving us a message that its unity will take us away from these hard times. Elements of hope and strength are what we need to fght these dark times, and they are the most apt colours to refect on today’s times. Fashion has always been a refection of the mood and sentiment of the world, and what better than yellow and grey to give us hope and stability during these times,” mentions Ushik Gala, Director, Suumaya Lifestyle Limited. Jigar Agarwal, CEO, Ninecolours in a similar vein tells us, “Te Pantone shades of 2021 are a very powerful combination expressing strength and positivity. Te journey throughout the year 2020 has been difcult for all of us, and these colours are the best there are to lif the human spirit with hope for a better and sunny future.” his year, Pantone LLC has broken their tradition of revealing one Color of the Year and has instead revealed two ‘Colors of the Year’. Te colours are PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Grey and PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating — a shade of grey and a shade “Tis year, Pantone has released two colours — yellow and grey. Grey is a very mature colour and avoids attention but at the same time is very soothing and relaxing. Grey symbolises stability and reliability. Yellow is the most luminous of all the colours of the spectrum. It’s the colour that captures our attention more than any other colour. It’s the colour of happiness and optimism, of enlightenment and creativity, of sunshine and spring. So, this year Pantone has really done great by choosing the yin and yang of the colour spectrum to help us understand the duality of fashion,” comments Priyesh Jain, Director, Ninecolours. It is all about following the Pantone colour trends and as soon as the Color of the Year is announced, the entire fashion fraternity rises up to the occasion and starts getting their new collections Following the trend Te Pantone Colors of the Year 2021 spread a positive message of happiness supported by fortitude. Te colours are illuminating yet aspirational and give us hope. Tey celebrate the human spirit and stand for energy, clarity, and hope to overcome the continuing uncertainty. PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity — a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power. PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Grey is emblematic of solid and dependable elements that are everlasting and provide a frm foundation. Pantone mentions that like the colour of pebbles on the beach and natural elements whose weathered appearance highlights an ability to stand the test of time, Ultimate Grey quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness, and resilience. vesture Jan-MAR 2021 vesture Jan-MAR 2021 34 35

20. Trend Talk – international If you are up for Indian wear, then from kurta co-ord sets to sarees, you can bring in a lot of spring hues to your wardrobe by choosing the Colors of the Year. up and ready, inspired by the new colour trends. Cariuma, a Brazilian brand of canvas sneakers, is one of the most signifcant Pantone partners this year. Teir team has released a limited-edition design of their OCA Low Sneaker in the Pantone Colors of the Year. What’s interesting is that you can wear a pair of sneakers, which is in the Colors of the Year or mix and match two pairs! • Bring in sheer Ultimate Grey in your collections, creating a smoke efect on dresses. • Men surely have it easy and they can make a bold statement in grey by choosing the right shirting, jackets and shorts. • Designers have also shown that the refective properties of the Colors of the Year can be used in diferent ways. Keeping this in mind, you can also choose some glam and glitz for your wardrobe. • Wool suitings in Illuminating and Ultimate Grey are also a good way in which you can add some ‘Colors of the Year’ winterwear to your wardrobe. • If you are up for Indian wear, then from kurta co-ord sets to sarees, you can bring in a lot of spring hues to your wardrobe by choosing the Colors of the Year. Mix-and-match is in vogue Taking inspiration from Cariuma, you can also mix and match your wardrobe this year to wear the Colors of the Year just the way you want. Shufe your wardrobe and pair those knee-high yellow socks with a grey hoodie or scarf and rule the town with grace and style. Experts highlight that both these colours stand for Spring-Summer and in a lovely way complement the season and its charm. Following up with this trend, the ramp was busy reinventing the colours as per their style, too. Blumarine used Illuminating’s playful side by using the colour for satin rufe tops and separates lavishly trimmed with yellow feathers. Alice + Olivia brought the colour to life through minimalistic dresses and Anteprima through fuss- free suiting. Illuminating was also the backdrop to Dice Kayek’s brocade suiting, Etro’s summery tafeta gowns, and Givenchy’s crystal-embellished cut-out column dresses. Meanwhile, Altuzarra, Dries Van Noten, and Kenzo were among the designers to apply the colour to ethereal sheer fabrics. Apart from these trends, you can also take inspiration from designers who have used the colour combination of the Colors of the Year in their new collections. Yellow blooms emboldened Act N°1’s grey pyjama-like silk garments. Ermenegildo Zegna applied the colours to knits with a pixelated pattern. Hermès combined the colours on its equestrian print top, and GCDS blended the colours in tie-dye tops and bottoms. Ten there are those who focused on colour blocking, too. Ester Manas varied fashion genres by pairing a belted Ultimate Grey workwear jacket with a sheer ruched Illuminating skirt. Illuminating provided a base layer to Prada’s pleated Ultimate Grey midi skirts and cut-out knits. Spyder balanced its yellow tracksuits with metallic grey sports bras. Options galore, the Colors of the Year truly are empowering and trendy. It is up to you how you want to wear them to turn those heads. ? Following suit, our Indian designers such as Anita Dongre, Anavila, Kunal Rawal, Arpita Mehta, and the likes used the colours aesthetically in their garment style to suit the Indian aesthetics. Taking inspiration from these national and international designers, there are few dressing pointers for you, so that you can add more fashion to your wardrobe. vesture Jan-MAR 2021 37

21. Now available at www.ninecolours.com

22. On the Ramp–International On the Ramp–International International fashioN show picks to follow for Spring-Summer 2021 Here is a roundup of the latest Spring-Summer 2021 trends from top fashion shows around the world. Text | Anurima Das A also had to metamorphose and evolve. It got a big revival with the pandemic, and with time it shifed to the digital space. Te concept of elaborate fashion shows, earmarked with ramp walks, has all now shifed to the digital domain. But much to the relief of the fashion enthusiasts, the online events were once again all about glamour and lustre. We have picked up the top 12 trends from the most popular international fashion shows to give you an insight into what should be in your wardrobe for Spring-Summer 2021. mong all the other industries and domains, fashion has been the hardest hit sector owing to the pandemic. With people staying indoors for most part of the day, wearing fashionable clothes has turned into more of a far-fetched dream as BLING AND HANDIWORK ON POINT Poco Rabana has been experimenting with handiwork styles for quite some time now and given the lockdown and the pandemic in mind, the brand this season suggests you to go as blingy as you want with varied colours and textures to choose from. But the comfort necklines and fowy fts of the collection makes it ready for your at-home parties. compared to a reality. Te idea of fashion shows DRAPE ON THE EASY GEOMETRY Dion Lee, known for his sexy ensemble since 2018, has been interestingly fnding ways to fuse his architecturally minded clothing with a provocative body consciousness. Te square-neck jersey corset tops from the brand have been a retail hit, as were his cutaway dresses, worn by the likes of Gigi Hadid and Gwyneth Paltrow. But the pandemic has touched his creations too, and for spring 2021, for the frst time in a long time, Lee is sofening up his geometric take on sex appeal in favour of an organic refection of nature’s curves. SERENE CLOTHING IS HIGH ALERT COUNT ON POWER PANTS One predominant silhouette that was seen on the ramp by Fendi, Jil Sander, Tom Browne, and more was a long layered tunic. Tis loose-ftted drape makes very good sense in the present scenario and it ofers plenty of ease without sacrifcing grace. Plus, matching sets like Marina Moscone’s cerulean top and trousers are a much more comfortable alternative to the conventional suit. Most of the fashion trends this season hinted towards comfort dressing and spending 8 hours a day on Zoom calls and WFH needs, the trend is certainly going to be wearing stylish comfort clothing. Easy- to-wear pants that allow for a wide range of motion got all the attention this year. Te oversize trousers at Louis Vuitton, Te Row, and Stella McCartney can make it up to your needs and perfectly suit your easy- going life in the coming year too. Tis trend is an 80s’ revival of sorts and it allows you to style it any way you want. ©Stella Mccartney Spring vesture Jan-MAR 2021 vesture Jan-MAR 2021 40 41

23. On the Ramp–International ©Coach SEE-THROUGH IS FASHIONABLE Featured by Elie Saab, Giambattista, and Givenchy, this season is all about celebrating the peek-a-boo fashion. Just wear that perfect lingerie set and compliment it using a see-through attire. What better way to beat the heat and stay in fashion indoors or outdoors. ©Kitera Dent/Unsplash.com DAY DRESSES TO THE RESCUE Another big fashion trend of this season is comfortable day dresses. True tea dresses from Rodarte, Coach, and Alessandra Rich, and more humorous propositions from Batsheva, the queen of quirky frocks, made a round of the ramp. Tere is nothing better than these stylish, comfortable, straight dresses, and the best part, they tick the boxes for at- home and out-on-the-street pants-averse style. WEAR BOHO THE DIOR WAY Christian Dior in his autobiography had mentioned that for Maria Grazia Chiuri, each collection consists not only of conceiving a series of pieces designed to accommodate the body of the woman who wears them, but it also entails a refection on societal transformations, or a reaction to current events. Refecting the current norms of dressing owing to the pandemic, Dior’s new collection is just not about fashionable clothes but also about comfort. Te collection is emblematic of the boho spirit and includes loose shapes — duster coats, short kimonos and wide culottes in earthy tones. Whether Dior or not, this season is the right time to reinvent your boho wardrobe to get comfortable in your skin. RECYCLED CLOTHING IS IN TREND TEXTURED BEAUTIES Rafaella Hanley this season has collaged dozens of vintage tees into magnifcent tops and dresses. Tis she has done by hand and many like her are creating fashion from the trash all across the world. It is time to get conscious and choose these recycled clothing to sign up for the environment. ? In addition to high-spirited prints, this season has opened the doors to expressive textures. Te boldest, like Versace’s plissés or Coperni’s creases, might pop on Zoom, but the many crafy fabrics and techniques seen at Kenneth Ize, Kiko Kostadinov, and Nanushka compliment the wearer’s satisfaction. Indulge in your well-being and do something for yourself by gifing yourself a textured attire. ©Cameron Stow/Unsplash.com vesture Jan-MAR 2021 vesture Jan-MAR 2021 42 43

24. On the Ramp–india Trends On the Ramp–india from the ramp Soothing luxury COVID has shifed our attention to minimal and the basics, and keeping that trend high, Tarun Tahiliani's latest wedding couture collection — ‘Te Age of Innocence’ — presented serenity with a touch of luxury. Te main inspiration for the collection was the hidden minakari, usually seen in fne Indian jewellery. With a fne focus on detail and stunning crafsmanship, this collection was no exception. Te striking mix of minakari and jaamevars is what gave birth to the new vision of the Indian bride and groom. Even though the collection was high on designs, the overall attention was drawn to a minimal landscape. Tis is of course the right look you need, to be the summer bride in 2021. to watch out for this season Spring-Summer 2021 will be like no oth- er, and this season, fashion is going to be underlined with comfort. Text | Anurima Das ©Vaishali S at Lotus Make-Up India Fashion Week spring summer 2021 Lightweight bridalwear is in Raw Mango with its ‘Moomal’ collection drove the point home that lightweight bridals that do not weigh you down are here to stay. Soothing colours and an interplay of textures and motifs, these looks on the ramp by the brand is a major inspiration for all you brides-to-be. Hope you have started to add the right garments to your cart and are ready to make a statement in clothes that suit the trends of the season. If not, hurry! It is time to ramp up your wardrobe. Flowy styles for every occasion Spring-Summer 2021 encapsulates the idea of going by the fow, given our journey through the testing times of the pandemic this 2020. Titled ‘Rebirth’, designer Vaishali’s collection was inspired from corals, creating a feeling of resurgence. Te collection, meant for the ferce and the bold, featured an unusual line- up of crop tops, jackets, statement blouses, trousers and dresses in her signature cord work and the regal chanderi fabric. Te collection highlighted fow and stands as a refection of the times we have lived to emerge in 2021. ©Raw Mango Mumbai Spring 2021 T makes it easily wearable both indoors and outdoors. Keeping the pandemic in mind, the fashion shows mostly happened within the digital space or as a ‘phygital’ show. However, the attires on the ramp were not lacklustre and hyped the easy-going fared looks as compared to the ftted occasion- appropriate clothing of earlier. More than 40 veteran and new-age designers showcased newer trends on the ramp and brought to the front many amazing styles. Here’s our best 12 that you must swear by this season. he recently concluded reputed fashion shows in India brought under the spotlight many new trends connected to comfort clothing and saw a revival of retro trends that are to do ©Tarun Tahiliani New Delhi Spring 2021 with breathable attire styles, which vesture Jan-MAR 2021 44

25. On the Ramp–india On the Ramp–india Minimal fashion is a must Focusing on self-analysis and spiritual growth, Archana Rao brought to the ramp silhouettes, colours and embroideries in her collection — Te Wildfower. Featuring firty and fun tulle rufe skirts, edgy khaki trench coats and boiler suits, dainty sarees and elegant tea-length dresses with a corset, the entire collection was handmade from recycled and upcycled fabrics. Te limelight is on recycled fabric, and this trend with its minimal ofering is here to stay and will be your go-to style this season. Print alert Just like the international designers, our designers back home also threw spotlight on dazzling prints. A myriad of prints strikingly stood out at every fashion show. Gauri and Nainika, Ranna Gill, and designer label Niramooha featured fawless, vivacious pieces that surely hints at the bigger picture and tells us that this trend is going to rule the season! Fashion Week spring summer 2021 ©Gauri Nainika at Lotus Make-Up India ©Dhi at Lotus Make-Up India Fashion Week spring summer 2021 Soft silhouettes are a must Suneet Varma showcased his collection 'Te Eternal Lightness of Being', and Payal Jain with her collection ‘Holy Script’ harped on the idea of fuidity. A sheer, fuid, minimal, earthy colour palette was the right recipe on the ramp, and these sof silhouettes should be your thing this season, without a doubt! Go for forals or simply stick to single colours to compliment your summer look this year. Modify the workwear wardrobe In the #NewNormal more than anything else workwear has undergone maximum revival. From co-ords to polkas and contemporary fts, these are the styles that ruled the ramp and should be your pick of the season this time around. Mirror Me by Dhi was rooted in emotions and refected on an individual’s personal style. Comprising stylish and classy separates, conducive to working from home, the collection is going to be your staple for days to come. Dramatic sleeves Tis season, be ready to add some drama to your wardrobe and select oversized sleeves to make that powerful statement. Looks presented by Neeta Lulla, Nikita Mhaisalkar, and Nidhi Yasha brought to the front the oversized sleeve style and the looks accentuated a casual evening attire, perfectly suited to the #NewNormal. Wear athleisure in style Fusing bold colours like black, silver, neon and the likes with dramatic cuts and designs, Namrata Joshipura’s collection brought energy and liveliness to the ramp. Her runway show was contextually versatile, paired with high drama and athleisure. Te designer showcased contemporary silhouettes combined with modern inspirations of craf adornment. A mix of famboyant and glamorous outfts, her collection took inspiration from travel. A beautiful amalgamation of the cities of New York and Delhi were represented extraordinarily through her garments. Taking inspiration from her collection, try out athleisure in a bold look this season and get ready to turn heads wherever you go. ©Suneet Varma vesture Jan-MAR 2021 vesture Jan-MAR 2021 46 47

26. On the Ramp–india On the Ramp–india Now get your fabric stitched from the comfort of your home! Free pick up and delivery Free consultation with the fashion designer Fabric sourcing & embroidery Wide variety of patterns Customized measurements Suits to suit your needs Designers Namrata Joshipura, Ashish N Soni, and label Tisharth by Shivani reoriented the way you look at suits with varied stylish looks. Te designs on the ramp presented a versatile look. From colours to short length to short and jacket composition, there was too much variety to note and that is your playground for the season. Pastels to rule the show Tis season is all about staying low, yet being high on style. Rajesh Pratap Singh’s collection was a contemporary edit with bright pastel hues and extensive use of hand-block printing techniques. His signature minimalism was also evidently visible all across the collection. Don’t give pastels a miss this season, but choose them in simplistic cuts and comfortable fabrics. ? Log on to: www.esilai.com Blouse | Gowns | Kurtis | Suits | Bottoms vesture Jan-MAR 2021 48

27. Health & Well-being Health & Well-being FIRST, BREATHE Yes, it’s important to fnd moments in your day to just relax and breathe. You do not need to try a multitude of breathing exercises to calm and centre yourself; just a simple one will sufce. You can practise a breathing exercise anywhere — in the comfort of your home, car, ofce, in a shop, mall or on the move. It will help you reduce stress and get a better grip on what needs to be checked of your to-do list on a priority basis and what can wait until tomorrow. Tis way, you can stay productive and not add unimportant tasks to your mounting work pile. To get started with a simple breathing exercise, try this one from www.nhs.uk/ conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/ways-relieve-stress. How to stay productive and calm during quarantimes TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCES With the lockdown having caused most people to either lose their jobs or take a pay cut or face some sort of job insecurity, income levels have dropped the world over and people are fnding new ways to earn income. Start a side hustle or do some freelance work on the side if your organisation is supportive. Also, take a look at your bank statements from at least the last three months to track your income, expenses and investments. Tis will give you a better idea of how much money you will need to tide you over during the next few months, and if possible, keep aside some cash in a liquid fund or a separate bank account that you can resort to only in case of a rainy day. Get creative and start listing ways in which you can reduce expenses, whether it’s walking to your local grocery store instead of taking the car or public transport or by cutting down on takeaways and cooking more at home. Small steps make a big change, so go easy on yourself and allow yourself to learn and enjoy the process of improving your fnances. If you have extra time on your hands, you can also take up a paid or free course on the subject, which might ease the learning process and probably make you a pro in personal fnance! Te pandemic has redefned the world as we know it, making it necessary to adapt to the new normal while staying on top of our game at work and home. We bring you a list of tips that will help you maintain a sense of balance on your personal and professional front. Text | Caroline Chorattil A of COVID-19, it has become all the more important to stay sane, calm and productive and put one’s best foot forward at the workplace and at home. Whether you are tackling a hectic schedule, facing unemployment or a salary cut, battling tWe are facing a new world order, where virtual meetings, socialising and learning are the norms of the day, and in-person interactions are frowned upon. Tis has made people adjust to a new way of living, working and relaxing. With social distancing and work from home becoming the new normal in light illness or looking afer a sick relative, you need to remind yourself that you are human and you need to look afer yourself, come what may. Whether you lead a busy life or are just trying to somehow fll your days at home, it might be tempting to let go of yourself and tend to other seemingly important things frst. But in order to actually be productive, you need to step back and tend to your needs frst before you can tick of items on your to-do list. Here we have compiled a list of ways you can raise your productivity and wellness game and stay calm and creative. vesture Jan-MAR 2021 vesture Jan-MAR 2021 50 51

28. Health & Well-being Health & Well-being BUILD A ROUTINE In times of stress and uncertainty, it might be tempting to adopt unhealthy habits that feel comforting for a short while but are harmful in the long run, such as doomscrolling, eating junk food, binge watching on too many shows and movies at the cost of your sleep, isolating yourself from others or partying too hard, and so on. However, the truth is that following a certain routine — even if you are working from home or are on a career break — can help you fnish of your tasks on time, allowing you enough time for rest and recreation. It can be an elaborate routine, or just a simple one like brewing a cup of cofee or putting on some light, happy music before you start work or spritzing some lavender spray on your pillow before you hit bed. But as we said, small steps sure do go a long way. COMMUNICATE With governments and health practitioners all over the world advising social distancing, people have been shutting themselves inside their homes and stepping out only for emergencies since almost a year now. With constant Zoom meetings and work calls, you might be not in the mood for anymore chitchat with anyone from your family or friend circle, let alone your colleagues. But make sure to spend some time connecting with your loved ones and calling up your friends and relatives. If you live alone, it is all the more reason to just dial a family member or friend and talk your heart out. It may feel ‘unproductive’, but it will surely lighten up your mood even if just a bit, and shif your perspective on things that truly matter. GET ACTIVE With gyms and swimming pools being a contagion zone that can accelerate the spread of the virus, many people are still apprehensive about going back to their workouts and swims in a public place. Tis has led to more people to either switch to home workouts, or completely abandon their ftness routine. If you fall in the second category, you know it’s high time to get back to your workout and start exercising. Exercise releases endorphins, those feel-good hormones that lif your mood and give you a ‘runner’s high’. If time is an issue, sleep earlier and wake up half an hour earlier than usual to get in at least a run around the block or light stretching that will get your blood pumping and muscles moving. Te lack of morning commute if you happen to work from home is another reason you should have extra time on your hands to exercise. ME TIME While you spend all this time working or giving your house a makeover or reconnecting with family and friends, make sure you are also giving time to yourself to rest and recharge. Pick up a book and read, meditate, doodle, paint, do some gardening, start a new hobby or learn that skill you have been wanting to master since a while, or simply take a long, hot bath. Whatever you do, set aside sometime to ground and recentre yourself. Prioritise your mental health, enjoy your own company and do what your heart desires. It is a sure way to return to work and life refreshed and ready. FINISH OFF THE BIG TASKS FIRST Many of us may no longer have to report to work at a certain time in the work-from-home era, or the start of the workday might be later than usual. In such a situation, it is natural to procrastinate or fnish of the smaller tasks frst and then get on to the big ones, by which time either the day is over or one is no longer in a ‘productive’ mood. Make it a point to tackle the more important and bigger tasks on your to-do list frst thing in the morning. Tis way, by the time you reach the end of your workday, you will feel more motivated to clear of the remaining small tasks and call it a day. While the list can go on and on, these are a few small but important tips that will help boost your productivity and make you calmer, stronger and more resilient to face whatever life throws your way. ? vesture Jan-MAR 2021 vesture Jan-MAR 2021 52 53

29. n i n e co l o u r s Shop Address : Ninecolours Store, SV Road, Near MTNL Exchange, Malad (W), Mumbai-400064. Shop Online www.ninecolours.com

30. Hair & Beauty Trend Talk – India Get your hair and skin ready for spring regime of cleansing and moisturising. I use Bare Anatomy's skincare for my combination skin — since it's custom-made for me, it helps me combat both dry winter skin and oily patches. I mask and exfoliate twice a week. A DIY mask with aloe vera gel is great to hydrate my skin and hair. And lastly, a gentle scrub with some ground cofee at home leaves my skin smelling great. I follow it up with Bare Anatomy's night cream to lock in the moisture and always wake up to sof, refreshed skin!” PROTECT FIRST Holi is one of the most vibrant and colourful festivals of the year, and it will soon be here before we know it. It is also a time of immense damage to one’s hair and skin, as the biggest culprit is the harmful chemicals used in the colours. Tis year, don’t let the colours of Holi ruin your festive spirit by following simple haircare and skincare tips by Plabita Sharma, Skincare Expert at Te Body Shop India. ©Benzoix/Freepik.com PRE-HOLI: Apply sunscreen before leaving the house: It’s best to apply sunscreen 20 minutes before stepping out of your house to avoid unwanted skin tanning and skin problems. For better results, use a sunscreen that contains SPF higher than 20. Tese days, sunscreens also have built-in moisturisers so that you can use them on your arms and other exposed areas as well. It will help protect your skin from the sun as well as the colours. Good hair and skin is always in. With Valentine's Day, Women’s Day and Holi right around the corner, we bring you some handy skincare and haircare tips from the experts that will bring out your inner glow. Text | Caroline Chorattil Don’t ignore your nails: Our fngernails and cuticles are sensitive and more prone to damage. To protect them, apply transparent nail varnish, polish or petroleum jelly as a protective coating. Doing this will protect your nails from absorbing Holi colours and keep away stains. W bring you a list of easy tips that you can follow to get ready for spring and celebrate Valentine's Day, Women’s Day and Holi in style. ith winter almost gone and spring on its way, it is time to look forward to happier, sunnier times. But the truth is that some of us are still reeling from the efects of cold, dry weather (read: dull, lifeless hair and skin) and need that Protect your hair with the goodness of oil: Holi colours make your hair dry and can damage it greatly. Applying coconut oil or any other hair oil half an hour before venturing out to play Holi can cut back the damage to a minimal level. Oil has a tendency to create a shield on your hair that helps reduce the ill efects of the harmful colours used during Holi. Te shield efect or protective layering also makes it easier for you to get rid of the colours later. Moreover, it’s best to tie your hair up instead of leaving it open to reduce damage further. POST-HOLI: Cleanse the right way: Once all the celebration ends, comes the real task of removing the colours from your face. First rinse your face with plain cold water and then apply a cleansing cream over it to cleanse from deep within. It is very important that all the impurities and toxic substances are released from your skin pores. It is advisable to use a cleanser that contains minimal chemical elements and more natural ingredients like wheatgerm oil or aloe vera. extra dose of pampering and nourishment. We GO DIY OR CHOOSE CUSTOM-MADE PRODUCTS Te lockdown has made most of us resort to homemade skincare and haircare products straight from the kitchen that are simple yet efective. Skincare that caters to specifc conditions is also on the rise, and Sifat Khurana, Co-founder of Bare Anatomy tells us how to go about it. She shares, “For plump, hydrated skin, I follow a gentle daily Apply lip balm: Lips are one of the most sensitive areas of our skin and can get afected quickly by changes in weather and external contaminants. Apply lip balm before stepping out. Tis will provide the required moisture and care to your lips and also prevent the Holi colours from settling in the cracks of your lips or from entering into your mouth. Shampoo and condition your hair well: Wash your hair with a good shampoo that can wash of the colours and noxious substances from your hair. Also, afer washing your hair, don’t forget to apply conditioner to give the much-needed nourishment, shine and strength to your hair. vesture Jan-MAR 2021 vesture Jan-MAR 2021 56 57

31. Hair & Beauty Attic Salt is created to bring to surface the beautiful work of local artisans. Beautifully done handcrafted embellishment techniques meet the western silhouettes to create something unique. ©Element5 Digital/Unsplash.com ©wayhomestudio/Freepik.com Take care of your eyes: Afer a full day’s exposure to the sun along with harmful colours and toxic elements fying in the air throughout the day, our eyes are prone to stress and fatigue. Apply an eye cream that is chock-full of vitamin E before hitting the bed. Tis will make you feel fresh in the morning and also clear your dark circles and patches overnight. Cleanse your skin well using a mild cleanser that suits your skin type. Use a good toner afer the cleanser. Always apply a serum to treat the early and visible signs of ageing, to bring back glowing and radiant skin. Pooja says that it is also important to exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to remove the dead and faky skin cells. One can use some homemade scrubs with ingredients available in our kitchen. For quick facials, there are a lot of clay and sheet masks available in the market. A healthy diet coupled with staying hydrated detoxes the skin inside out. She also shares the following tips to avoid skin problems that accompany regular use of a mask: • Check if your mask fts comfortably. Make sure it is not too tight. • Wash and moisturise your hands as soon as you remove your gloves. • Clean your face before and afer using your mask. Use a gentle, non-comedogenic facial cleanser twice daily. • Wash your face well and apply a good hypoallergenic moisturiser. • In case of a rash, apply an over-the-counter cream several times a day afer washing. Last but not the least, for post-festive care, a rejuvenating spa is always a good idea. It will not only help to get rid of all the tiredness but also help to bring you back to your daily routine with a spring in your step! ? DETOX YOUR SKIN Pooja Malhotra, Makeup Expert at Kiko Milano shares her skincare tips to beat the fatigue post Diwali and Christmas and to get ready for a V-Day, Women’s Day and Holi. She says, “Te festive season is the most awaited time of the year where everyone is relaxed and in the mood to party and have fun. Te exertion, tiredness, and pollution around makes our skin look dull and lifeless. Te unhealthy and oily food and the makeup that was used all these days also take a toll on our skin. Once the festive season is over, our skin needs extra love and care.” She adds, “It is important to detox your skin. Avoid using makeup for a couple of days. Avoid eating sweets and oily food to get the healthy glow back on your skin. Our skincare regime plays an important role to rejuvenate our skin. Terefore, it is important to follow a proper skincare regime twice a day.” Now available at www.ninecolours.com vesture Jan-MAR 2021 58

32. Style Spotlight Style Spotlight A Footie’s With 2021 already upon us, we decided to do a ‘sole search’ for this year’s favourite footwear. Here are our top discoveries. D traditions like tossing the bride’s red shoe from the roof (China) to the groom drinking the celebratory toast from the bride’s shoe (Hungary). Troughout the ages, shoes have been immortalised in movies and stories like Te Wizard of Oz (Ruby slippers), Cinderella (glass slippers), Puss in Boots, and Te Devil Wears Prada, to cite a few. Today, footgear has transformed wherein fashion, colours, materials and style go hand in hand with functionality. Tey are classifed into several categories: sandals, boots, stilettoes, ballerinas, athletic shoes, and dress shoes, to name a few. Every passing year, few drool-worthy fashion trends emerge, and India being one of the largest producers of shoes must keep abreast of the current trends. Te pandemic has limited fashion to our screens or dressing up for errands, but 2021 ushers in a sense of optimism that we will step out into the world again. New York, London, Milan, Paris, virtual presentations and shows everywhere have carefully considered the consumers’ needs and melded novelty with comfort footwear. From fuzzy slippers to couture heels, there are some exciting, innovative, yet practical options to set the mood for the unpredictable 2021. Here’s a quick roundup of some notable shoe trends and experimental designs for 2021 around the globe. 2021’s Best Footwear Trends Text | Dhanusha Raman © Apostolos Vamvouras/Unsplash.com uring prehistoric times, humans used animal skins and plants for the basic purpose of protecting their feet from the elements and the terrain. Slowly over the years, footwear saw a visible shif from functionality to outrageous designs and bold colours. History shows how footwear was used to distinguish the social Paradise standing of a person based on wealth and power. Te prominence of shoes can be seen through PLATFORM TO FLATFORM Stella McCartney showcased high-heeled platforms with minimal embellishments. Flatforms, the counterpart of platforms that gives an even lif for the entire foot, are in style this season. Most labels like Valentino, Schiaparelli, Coperni, and Givenchy have elevated the soles to dizzying heights. Versace and Molly Goddard opted for bright bold colours, while Erdem, Altuzarra, and Ulla Johnson went for chunky and quirky styles (animal prints, wood, cork and rafa) for their fatforms. One thing is certain — fatforms will be found everywhere as an approachable pair of heels for dresses, trousers, jeans or boho looks. ©Bas van den Eijkhof/Unsplash.com vesture Jan-MAR 2021 vesture Jan-MAR 2021 60 61

33. Style Spotlight Style Spotlight ADORN-ABLE CHAINS Safe to say that 2021 is going to be the year of accessorised footwear adding the dazzle we need afer the quarantined year. Ornate heels, chunky metallic chains, bejewelled straps and studded footgear is the call of the hour and a must-have for 2021. Victoria Beckham, Simone Rocha, Michael Kors, Versace, Ulla Johnson, Tom Ford, and Longchamp have showcased chained footwear in their collections. Te embellishments add drama and glitz to your feet for days when you want to sparkle. SPLASHES OF COLOUR Unleash your inner fashionista with candy-coloured heels; be it colourful socks in fshnet heels, woven rafa heels or brightly coloured kitten heel mules, pastel shades are here to stay. With a miniature height and an accentuated toe, this style is a cute addition to any outft. From funky designs to a simple one, one cannot go wrong with this stunning colour trend. Tis year’s biggest colour trend was witnessed at the Fendi, Boss, Molly Goddard, Prada, Rick Owens, Stella McCartney, and Valentino collections.  © Taylor Simpson/Unsplash.com BOOT-A-LICIOUS a walk with wild west inspired cowboy boots, a cute look with kitten heel booties. Boots are to ankle-length, contrast toes to square toes, the hottest shoe colours, while funky patterns spotted at the runway. at Isabel Marant, Zimmermann, Chanel, Undercover. Boots promise to add some fun those humble jeans to that short dress. Boots are popular this season. You can enjoy mean business with combat boots or just go for here to slay in diferent lengths; from knee-high laces to buckles, take your pick. White is one of and fora and fauna prints have also been Te boot trend was seen in most collections Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Bally, R13, and energy into your closet and make you rock ©Marcus Lewis/Unsplash.com GET YOUR SNEAK ON A 2021 footwear trend to watch out for is the hybrid sneakers, which has practical utility and ease with a dash of weird. It meshes sporty casual soles with dainty details, heels, lace and bright palettes. While few designers stayed with the chunky sneakers or the sock heel trend, most shifed towards the sleeker hybrids. Many brands like Miu Miu created sneaker-styled kitten heels for a mix of glam and comfort. Koché's bold buckles, Tod's’ sophisticated tie details instead of laces, and Louis Vuitton and Marni’s lace-up details and heels transformed sneakers. Be it for fashion or comfort, this footwear is the perfect blend of sport and luxury to run the world. ANDROGYNOUS STYLE the trend of oxfords, loafers, sneakers and brogues for neutral style is in vogue for women with block or two-toned oxford shoes, Chanel with fat loafers and and Giorgio Armani are rocking the casual and business looks this year. Both men and women’s fashion footwear showcased practical and comfortable use. Tis spring, gender- kitten heels for that feminine edge. Louis Vuitton with moccasins, and laced up brogues by Dolce & Gabbana FLIP-FLOP, SLIP AND SLIDE Afer spending a lot of time at home, designers have realised that cosy slippers, sliders and fip-fops are ideal for home as well as casual outings. Tey have given these styles a much- needed stylish overhaul that is more eye- catching, with cosy knitted woollen uppers, woven rafa fip-fops, fuzzy slippers, and plush sliders. Majority of labels from Molly Goddard to Givenchy have ofcially accepted indoor footwear that can be worn anywhere, and we could not be happier. Nothing feels better than starting or ending a long day with fuzzy soles — an uplifing trend for 2021. CLOG YOUR COLLECTION for the casual outerwear. Exaggerated frills and shapes, heels and colours made their presence felt runways. Hermès’ chic leather design, Molly minimalist spin ensure that clogs are destined to stay McCartney also showcased clogs in their collection. Retro clogs are back in fashion with a modern twist embellishments of the chunky shoes in diferent in most of the collections at the Spring/Summer Goddard’s frilly platform version, and Louis Vuitton’s this year. Bally, Mara Hofman, Batsheva, and Stella ©N B/Unsplash.com EN POINTE BALLERINAS Te versatile shoes, the ballet fats, are comfortable to wear indoors as they are while on the go. Te comeback of the ballerina fats is reimagined with heavy soles, kitten heels, square toes, gladiator-style laces, decorated ankle straps, and unconventional textiles. STAUD’s’ new leather ballet fats, JW Anderson’s fused kitten heels with embellished ankle straps, Christian Dior’s fshnet fabrics, and Dolce & Gabbana’s brocade patchwork made a strong statement, while Tod's, Anna Sui, Collina Strada, Jason Wu, Koché, and Simone Rocha featured chunky soles with delicate details. ? ©Mahabis Footwear/Unsplash.com TIMELESS STRAPS ankle to even midcalf in a range of sandals, sandals provided an old Hollywood glamour. edgy feel, whereas Jacquemus’ gladiator-esque Anderson upgraded the standard sandal with unique strap orientations will surely be a rage this year. Tis year, you can fnd intricate straps from heels, pumps and platforms. Chanel’s strappy Hellessy’s straps like knotted cords gave an straps stood out. Givenchy, Khaite, and JW numerous straps that divide the toes. Tese KITTEN HEELS AND BABY HEELS Don’t worry; the current trend of baby or kitten heels Accentuated toes, small heels and bold colours make night or a day at work. Chanel introduced sleek two- in diferent shades, while Valentino featured a classic Miu Miu, Maison Margiela, and more.  Moving from home-wear fats to heels makes you sweat. is like the training heels for wearing high heels again. this cute style the perfect delicate silhouette for a date tone slingbacks, Prada showcased the pointy-toe look Rockstud. Te miniature heel trend was also seen at vesture Jan-MAR 2021 63

34. n i n e co l o u r s n i n e co l o u r s Shop Address : Shop Address : Ninecolours Store, SV Road, Near MTNL Exchange, Malad (W), Mumbai-400064. Ninecolours Store, SV Road, Near MTNL Exchange, Malad (W), Mumbai-400064. Shop Online Shop Online www.ninecolours.com www.ninecolours.com