A model shows off a Tarun Tahiliani creation

It was fashion all the way in Mumbai as Tarun Tahiliani showcased his latest collection and Vikram Phadnis celebrated 10 years in the business. The spirit of style prevailed in Delhi as well with Sabyasachi showing off his Milan line

Toasting 10

His list of credits is already impressive what with his having dressed some of India?s most glamorous people including Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra, Salman Khan, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. What?s more, among his latest projects is a prestigious ad campaign that will have him styling such cricketing icons as Jonty Rhodes, Wasim Akram, Glenn McGrath, Andy Flower and Harbhajan Singh. Hotshot designer Vikram Phadnis is on a roll and having recently completed a decade in the fashion industry, chose to celebrate his successful innings by unveiling a collection of seven new lines especially for Fall 2004.

It was an extravaganza of colours, clothes and high fashion as the creations on display took in everything from fusion and animal prints to embroidered saris and corsets. Also drawing applause was the bridal line, a special collection called Black and the Daks Charity Collection comprising suits in classic cuts.

The recently-launched ad campaign for Daks, which has generated much hype, also ensured that plenty of people turned up for the unveiling of Vikram?s collection. Among a host of Page 3 regulars present at the do were none other the stars of the campaign themselves ? hunky model Upen Patel accompanied by actress Amrita Arora looking sexy as ever in a strappy black number.

(Top) Sabyasachi with models in outfits from his Milan collection; (above) Amrita Arora, Vikram Phadnis and Upen Patel at the designer?s 10th anniversary celebrations

Blazing a trail

Mumbai?s Grand Hyatt recently played host to the Lakm? Grand Finale Winter 2004, a fashion spectacle that brought together some of the best-known fashion divas and beauty gurus of the country. Taking centrestage however, was designer Tarun Tahiliani?s latest collection, Fireworks, that proved to be an instant hit with the audience.

From floral prints to Swarovski crystals, the clothes from the new line captured the very essence of Tarun?s classic style ? contemporary, sexy yet ethereal. There were quilted jackets, both short and long, apsara saris worn with shirts or long brocade trousers and even baby doll dresses. The fabrics included silk, chiffon, brocade, velvet and organza while the colours, in keeping with the festive season, went the entire gamut from shimmery pearl, muted gold and bronze to burnt brick, peach, beige, orange and red.

Two unique jewellery lines created for this season by Tarun were also showcased at the do. Stones such as amethysts, garnets, smoky topazes and pearls were set in a range of long chains, tassled belts were made up of ropes of gems and funky leather bands studded with jewels did duty as neckwear. In addition, dazzling Swarovski crystals, diamonds, emeralds and golden topazes were clustered together in the form of innovative bajubandhs.

The fashion show was well-attended by celebrities from all walks of life. Those spotted in the crowd included Amisha Patel, Tabu, Simi Garewal, Mehr Jessia, Madhu Sapre, Dolly Thakore and Queenie Dhody.

Milan magic

After making waves in India, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, now one of the designers at Browns of London, showcased his Spring-Summer 2004 line at the Milan Fashion Week recently. Having impressed at Milan, Sabyasachi also made a stopover in Rome for a showing at the residence of the Indian Ambassador to Rome, Himachal Som.

Delhi, too, got to sneak a look at Sabyasachi?s collection for Milan recently at the sophisticated Carma store. And the line, as Sabyasachi likes to describe it, is introspective, imperfect and surreal. It?s wispy, frivolous, fragile yet strong while the look is vintage and a tad Bohemian.

The 40 outfits on display encompassed dresses, skirts and shirts. Muslins and chiffons were stain-dyed and given hand-block treatments. Velvets and satins were distressed while corduroy and twill were embellished with cotton lace and crochet embroidery. The look was layered, burnt and patched and texturing was the bottomline. The colours that Sabyasachi favoured for the collection were tea rose, amber, jade, henna, cinnamon and blue.

Excited at being a part of Browns (come February 2005, he may get a full show-window at the store to himself), he said, ?This is a great honour for a designer.? And the talented designer has even more reason to feel pleased as he found himself in the pages of the British Vogue, showcasing the look of the season. Having tasted blood abroad, Sabyasachi now plans to participate in the fashion weeks of London and Paris next year.