Félicitations Sir Paul Smith!

Last week, one of my favorite menswear designers Sir Paul Smith received France’s highest honor, recognizing his “indelible mark on French fashion”

The British designer was presented with the Légion d’Honneur – the highest distinction in France – by the French Ambassador, Sylvie Bermann, during a ceremony at the French Residence in London. On average only 10 Brits receive a Légion d’honneur each year.

In his twenties Paul Smith opened a tiny shop in Nottingham in 1970, called Paul Smith Vetements pour Hommes, and then six years later he showed his first menswear collection in Paris. He continued to have a strong connection with Paris throughout his career and still regularly shows his menswear collection in Paris Fashion Week.

Congratulations Sir Paul, You’ve really out done yourself!

Such an honor to meet the man himself! 

#FurlaFeeling: Introducing The India Exclusive MAAYA

Furla, the distinctive Italian lifestyle brand and one of my favourite brands, celebrated the launch of its first-ever India exclusive bag, Maaya.

This stunning limited edition glitter clutch, designed in Champagne & Gold, marks its debut with a specially inscribed inside plate that reads “FURLA EXCLUSIVE FOR INDIA”.

A glamorous sundownwer In association with Grazia  took place at ASILO one of India’s most luxurious alfresco, rooftop destinations, in order to celebrate this milestone.

The evening saw all of Mumbai’s fashionable lot of woman admiring and accessorising the clutch in their own style sensibilities. Seen sipping the specially concoted Champagne gold dusted cocktail in the radiant ambience inspired by the clutch were  Sarah Jane Dias, Maria Goretti, Manasi Scott, Mandira Bedi, Vicky Kaushal, Suchitra Pillai, Mozez singh, Shaheen Abbas, Neeta lulla, Pria Kataria Puri, Jaya Raheja, Shibani Aggarwal, Ina Arora, Aarti Surendranath, Dilshad Khambata, Laila Lamba Aparna Badlani and many more.

Here’s a look at one of the most fashionable sundowners I’ve ever seen:

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Giorgio Armani Made To Measure Uniforms For FC Bayern

This just in, all the way from Milan…The fascinating collaboration between Giorgio Armani and FC Bayern Munich continues for the new autumn/winter 2015-16 season for the club’s players and management staff.

The amazing new wardrobe from the Giorgio Armani Made to Measure collection includes a navy blue
wool/cashmere suit with a two-button jacket, waistcoat and flat-fronted trousers, plus a white
cotton shirt. Lastly, this look is completed by a V-neck cashmere pullover and a red tie, classic black laceup
shoes and a chocolate brown duster coats.

These Dapper uniforms, tailored to perfection by Giorgio Armani, will be worn by the FC Bayern Munich team and management on all official occasions during the 2015-2016 football season. Guess football season got more stylish, thanks to Mr. Armani.

Available in all Giorgio Armani boutiques worldwide (including India), Giorgio Armani Made to Measure has got to be the best thing that’s happened to well… MEN!

Over The Moon With This Jimmy Choo Collaboration

A classic pair of Choo’s epitomizes sexy & stylish red carpet-worthy stilettos, which makes the brand’s recent collaboration with Moon Boot the most unlikely (and yet, the coolest) design pairing ever. The result of this union? Stylish Moon Boots. Granted, it sounds more like an oxymoron than anything else, but there is something compelling about its high-end makeover.

Talking about this collaboration, creative Director, Sandra Choi stated, “I’ve always loved the futuristic, yet retro-cool Italian design of Moon Boot, and am delighted to create a signature Jimmy Choo look befitting the style,” . And she did just that, giving the Italian brand’s shapeless winter footwear (that was supremely popular in the ’80s) blankets of luxe textures, like shearling and fox fur, and cool treatments (think: crystal studs and high-shine metallics).

This limited edition 8-piece collection has got to be the ultimate fashion flashback with a modern-day twist.

Absolutely cannot wait to try these babies out! Here’s a sneak peek into the collection:

 

#FeelingFurla With Kalki Koechlin

Just recently, Bollywood actress Kalki Koechlin made a guest appearance at Italian brand Furla’s presentation at Milan Fashion Week. Wearing a Little Black Dress with side swept hair, red hot lips, minimal accessories and carrying the all new ‘Fantasia bag’, she sure made a statement!

Don’t forget to check out her adorably cute hairdo earlier in the day, definitely a big thumbs up from my end. Also how tempting is that wall of gorgeous Furla Bags, I might just want them all!

 

On a more serious note:

Talking about the event, she said – “Furla represents the joyful contemporary Italian lifestyle and I particularly love the design ethos of combining two worlds to make a bag. The day to night bag I am carrying is the answer to any busy woman’s woes.”

Looks like Furla has a new fan in this spunky Diva.

Absolutely LOVE that bag! #FeelingFurla already!

You Go Kalki!

Kendall and Kylie Take Over!

Step aside Kardashian’s, it’s time for the Jenner sisters to  shine on!

The latest Jenner’s on the block, Kendall and Kylie are never not announcing some sort of fashion endeavor.

 In their latest interation with WWD this sister duo made a major announcement!

Yes! They’re launching a contemporary line in spring 2016. 

“It’s enjoyable to be able to fully create,” Kendall Jenner told WWD. “It’s a lot different from our Topshop andPacSun collections because those were both collaborations, so they obviously had a say in everything.” 

 The time around though, the sisters won’t be fronting the line, in order to “make it more about the clothes,” as Kylie explained to WWD.

Looks like these girls are ready to get down to business! I for one can’t wait to see what they have in store for us all for SS’16!

  

What’s Hermes Without The Birkin?

You heard that right!

The world’s most exclusive handbag designer might be in jeopardy of losing it’s most prized possession: The Birkin Bag

Style icon Jane Birkin, who inspired Hermes to make one of the world’s most exclusive handbag ranges, now wants her name taken off a crocodile-skin model.

Why may you ask?

The British actress seems to be troubled by the  “cruel practices” used to kill the reptiles in order to make these coveted totes.

Earlier this week, she demanded the  French luxury fashion house to remove her name from the Birkin Croco “until better practices in line with international norms can be put in place.”

Here’s how the brand responded:

“Hermes respects and shares her emotions and was also shocked by the images recently broadcast,” the company said in a statement.

“Her comments do not in any way influence the friendship and confidence that we have shared for many years.”

Look’s like we’re just going to have to wait and watch this one out. Will they? Won’t they?

What do you think?

 

 

Fun In The Sun With Some Pastels

Pastels are hotter than ever this Summer!

Whether you like buying into trends or prefer to stick with the basics, you need to add pastel to your wardrobe. Soft hues are a classic summer staple and are timeless enough that you can wear them year after year.

Here are the four hottest accessories you want to get your hands on this year!

GIORGIO ARMANI CELEBRATES ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A GRAND SHOW AND THE OPENING OF ARMANI/SILOS

The festivities to to celebrate 40 years of Armani continue and how!

This time the man himself, Mr Giorgio Armani, takes it a notch above with a grand celebration to mark 40 glorious years of the brand Armani.

The two Day celebrations over a period of 29th and 30th April were truly a grand affair.

This included a dinner being hosted at the world renowned Michelin star restaurant Nobu, along with an exquisite Armani prive fashion show and most importantly, the launch of the highly ambitious Armani project, the Armani Silos.

In attendance were some of the most recognized people from all partrs of the globe, such as India’s very own Aishwariya Rai Bachchan, And some of hollywood’s biggies like Tom Cruise, Leonardo Di Caprio, Pierce Brosnon,  Sophia Lauren, Hillary Swank, Cate Blanchett, Chris Pine and many more.

Here’s a glimpse into one of the most extravagant  affairs I’ve ever seen!

 

Armani Silos

  

Leonardo Di Caprio

  

Pierce Brosnon

  

Aishwariya Rai Bachchan

   

Aishwariya Rai Bachchan

Hillary Swank

  

Chris Pine

  

Tom Cruise

  

Cate Blanchett

 Truly a grand affair!

A Must Read: Why Luxury Brands Must Credit Crafts People?

In a recent article, on the coveted platform- Business Of Fashion, my dear friend & the very talented Fashion features director of Vogue India, Bandana Tewari wrote about European luxury brands who do not give credit to artisans in countries like India, though they employ their skills season after season.

A wonderful article, depicting the need of the hour. Let’s support this community that is is predominantly rural and remains largely un-corporatised. Which is today,,  at risk from an increasingly ruthless economic order that rewards mechanisation and massification over made-by-hand skills and ingenuity.

Read, Share & comment with your views.

Read the full article here http://www.businessoffashion.com/community/voices/discussions/how-can-traditional-craftsmanship-survive-in-the-modern-world/op-ed-luxury-brands-must-credit-craftspeople