London Fashion Week SS08 Wrapup III

London Fashion Week's finished. Now all the fashion people are in Milan, but here are a few more London collections. On Thursday, BG talked about how she liked the Matthew Williamson and Erdem collection. I'm going to blabber on a bit how I don't quite love some of the collections: (Please note that this is just my taste. I'm in no way saying these designers have no talent!)

House of Holland

So I've decided maybe I don't hate those neon-coloured, slogan Tees that much. They're just annoying. Before this collection, I didn't know exactly what to expect. Afterall, he couldn't possibly do endless collections of slogan Tees. And even though I knew I wasn't going to like it, it was more terrible than I expected. The clothes are just so colourful in a trashy way. I know House of Holland is all about being worn to parties, but why would one want to turn up to parties looking like that?

Louise Goldin

Louise Goldin is supposedly this runway season's new London designer to lookout for. Since a few of the online reviews seemed to have liked this collection, maybe it's just me who didn't really get the appeal of these clothes so I'm really not too impressed. Maybe it's because I'm too much of a realist and can't imagine wearing these clothes in real life. Oh well, what did you think of this new designer?

And to finish this post with a pretty collection: Giles
Such a pretty collection! Giles has really improved since he first started. A lot of the dresses from this collection felt very 'fancy tea party' to me.

The techo, tie-dyed looking silk dresses are so pretty -the blue, the purple, the swirl of colours. And look at the dress in the middle, it looks like a painting of purple clouds (together with the white-ish chiffon underneath.)

And finally, the artsy dresses. I love how Giles (for the middle dress) combined artsy, cutout pieces with the simple mid-sleeved dress on top. It's a totally wearable simple dress without looking boring!

Next week is Milan Fashion Week -can't wait to see the Prada collection!

Image credit: www.style.com

Dus Kahaniyaan

Dus Kahaniyaan - Synopsis
The visions of seven directors merge in Dus Kahaniyaan. Epic in scale yet meticulously observed, Dus Kahaniyaan boasts of an extraordinary ensemble cast.
A highway symbolized two friends' companionship, their tacit love, but its unpredictable and volatile turns would radically change their lives.

A writer is driven to madness after he makes a startling discovery about the woman he loves.
Five friends start spinning stories in a story that will spin them around. Through an internal conflict between an underworld Don and his best friend, we weave through a stylish game of friendship and betrayal...

Dus Kahaniyaan takes you on a tour of expansive highways and modern romance, of kindly strangers, of lives lived in the realms of power and lives freed from the gloom of oppression. Fortunes are made and squandered, honour betrayed and redeemed, and love lost and rediscovered.

Dus Kahaniyaan's themes run the gamut from loss and betrayal to uprootedness and alienation, and that makes for irresistibly absorbing entertainment. The tales discover poignant moments of connection in one of White Feather Films' most inimitable and ambitious creations.

Tech Tags: Sanjay+Dutt Nana+Patekar Arjun+Rampal Aftab+Shivdasani Jimmy+Shergill

Dus Kahaniyaan

Dus Kahaniyaan - Synopsis
The visions of seven directors merge in Dus Kahaniyaan. Epic in scale yet meticulously observed, Dus Kahaniyaan boasts of an extraordinary ensemble cast.
A highway symbolized two friends' companionship, their tacit love, but its unpredictable and volatile turns would radically change their lives.

A writer is driven to madness after he makes a startling discovery about the woman he loves.
Five friends start spinning stories in a story that will spin them around. Through an internal conflict between an underworld Don and his best friend, we weave through a stylish game of friendship and betrayal...

Dus Kahaniyaan takes you on a tour of expansive highways and modern romance, of kindly strangers, of lives lived in the realms of power and lives freed from the gloom of oppression. Fortunes are made and squandered, honour betrayed and redeemed, and love lost and rediscovered.

Dus Kahaniyaan's themes run the gamut from loss and betrayal to uprootedness and alienation, and that makes for irresistibly absorbing entertainment. The tales discover poignant moments of connection in one of White Feather Films' most inimitable and ambitious creations.

Tech Tags: Sanjay+Dutt Nana+Patekar Arjun+Rampal Aftab+Shivdasani Jimmy+Shergill

Mona Chopra Nude MMS Controversy !

A two minute MMS clip, which allegedly shows upcoming actress Mona Chopra undressing, has created a controversy in the Mumbai film world.

Chopra says she has not seen the MMS.

The clip allegedly shows a woman taking off her clothes as she argues on the phone with someone from the production unit over the choice of outfits she is required to wear.

Chopra, who made her debut in Timepass, is known for her dare-bare poses and quotable quotes.

Sex-comedy film Naughty Boy, which shows her being courted by father-son duo Rahul Roy and Hitesh, is due for release soon.

Calling it a serious breach of her privacy, Chopra said she plans to take legal advice from her lawyer.

Interestingly, Chopra is reportedly doing a nude scene in Red Swastika, which has been directed by Vinod Pande of Sins fame.

Meanwhile, rumour mills are agog that this may in fact be a publicity stunt to hog limelight.

Mona Chopra Nude MMS Controversy !

A two minute MMS clip, which allegedly shows upcoming actress Mona Chopra undressing, has created a controversy in the Mumbai film world.

Chopra says she has not seen the MMS.

The clip allegedly shows a woman taking off her clothes as she argues on the phone with someone from the production unit over the choice of outfits she is required to wear.

Chopra, who made her debut in Timepass, is known for her dare-bare poses and quotable quotes.

Sex-comedy film Naughty Boy, which shows her being courted by father-son duo Rahul Roy and Hitesh, is due for release soon.

Calling it a serious breach of her privacy, Chopra said she plans to take legal advice from her lawyer.

Interestingly, Chopra is reportedly doing a nude scene in Red Swastika, which has been directed by Vinod Pande of Sins fame.

Meanwhile, rumour mills are agog that this may in fact be a publicity stunt to hog limelight.

London Fashion Week SS08 Wrapup II

As HG pointed out, London fashion week is always fun to look at, but a great pain for those of us who want to try and imitate the look. Or maybe that is just me...But anyway, lets look.

Matthew Williamson
Matthew's show is one that I always love to check out every season, because one can be sure that it is going to look fun and colorful. This season is no different. The clothes are colorful, fun, chic with a hint of tribal vibe (aztec prints?).

I love how he mixes the prints/colors here in these outfits and it still looks so perfectly put together and chic. I'd never be able to do that no matter how much I study unless I buy the whole outfit off the mannequin.
I especially love this outfit on the left. The simple pairing of plain top with printed shorts, and just a hint of mix 'n matching with the scarf is so me. Note the very colorful sneakers on this runway paired with everything, even dresses, which one wouldn't usually think to pair them with. Looks sooo comfy! Though I wonder if one can pull if off if one doesn't have legs as skinny and long as these models.
Then he has some tie-dyed outfits, which kind of reminds me of Prada and Miu Miu this season. But I do so like black, white and pink. And I absolutely adore pairing these flowy printed tops with structured blazers (right). Again, so me. Blazer is my uniform.
I am STILL looking for the perfect shift dress this season. You'd think with all these lovely creations sprinkling the runways the last few seasons I'd find one by now. But no, they just keep coming on the runway tempting me..... esp like the black dress with the printed trimmings.
Lastly there were these beautiful, flowy, colorful dresses. The printed one here on the right is soo Matthew Williamson!

Erdem
One of the brands I've been keeping a lookout for ever since I saw some of their collection in the Harvey Nichols catalog. This collection is the epitome of British casual chic cool for me.
I love the shape of these dresses, which are so different. One is structured and the other one is all flowy and free. And the stripey print adds structure to one and gives the other a illusion effect. So cool.
Casual cool outfits.
Its so cool how he put bold white stripes over the delicate floral pattern of the silk dress. It makes for a very sharp contrast.
Sharp design to match the bold colors on top of the silver grey. Gives it a slightly futuristic edge.
And these last four are my absolutely favourites. They are just so chic, classy and feminine.
Just LOVE these dresses in their soft, feminine effortlessly cool way.

Ps. Remind me to get bold colored footwear next season!

Image Source: Elle.com

A New Film Launched With An Odd Pairing Of Mamatha Mohandas And Nitin

Nitin is a guy with boyish charm and looks younger than he is... Mamatha Mohandas is a glamorous heroine but with matured looks better suited besides senior heroes... But they both are teaming up for their new film which was launched at Ramanaidu Studios, Hyderabad. Ravi who directed Samanyudu will be directing this new movie after a long hiatus... Regular shooting will commence from October 3rd. Sindhu Tolani and Sashank also play a parallel second lead in the film. The film's music is by Chakri. The movie is being produced by Venkat. And it is a given thing that Mohandas would sing a song in the movie... So might be one more chart buster song in the making for Mamatha Mohandas.

Tech Tags: nitin Mamatha+Mohandas Athidhi telegu kollywood tollywood

A New Film Launched With An Odd Pairing Of Mamatha Mohandas And Nitin

Nitin is a guy with boyish charm and looks younger than he is... Mamatha Mohandas is a glamorous heroine but with matured looks better suited besides senior heroes... But they both are teaming up for their new film which was launched at Ramanaidu Studios, Hyderabad. Ravi who directed Samanyudu will be directing this new movie after a long hiatus... Regular shooting will commence from October 3rd. Sindhu Tolani and Sashank also play a parallel second lead in the film. The film's music is by Chakri. The movie is being produced by Venkat. And it is a given thing that Mohandas would sing a song in the movie... So might be one more chart buster song in the making for Mamatha Mohandas.

Tech Tags: nitin Mamatha+Mohandas Athidhi telegu kollywood tollywood

Much Awaited Mahesh Babu's Athidhi Audio On Sep, 16/17th...!

Athidhi is one of the most awaited movies of Tollywood in the second half of the year. It is not yet confirmed officially but the grapevine is that Mahesh Babu and Amrita Rao starrer Athidhi's audio might be launched on 16th or 17th of September. The music is composed by Mani Sharma. It is a well known fact that somehow Mani Sharma always reserves his best score for Mahesh Babu... I hope you all remember Okkadu, Athadu and Pokiri... Producer Ramesh Babu is planning the Audio launch in a grand fashion. As for the movie's shooting progress is concerned, some patch work of action sequences is being filmed at Shankarapalli village in Hyderabad and also an item song will be shot over the next week.

Much Awaited Mahesh Babu's Athidhi Audio On Sep, 16/17th...!

Athidhi is one of the most awaited movies of Tollywood in the second half of the year. It is not yet confirmed officially but the grapevine is that Mahesh Babu and Amrita Rao starrer Athidhi's audio might be launched on 16th or 17th of September. The music is composed by Mani Sharma. It is a well known fact that somehow Mani Sharma always reserves his best score for Mahesh Babu... I hope you all remember Okkadu, Athadu and Pokiri... Producer Ramesh Babu is planning the Audio launch in a grand fashion. As for the movie's shooting progress is concerned, some patch work of action sequences is being filmed at Shankarapalli village in Hyderabad and also an item song will be shot over the next week.

London Fashion Week SS08 Wrapup

Woo it's London Fashion Week! LFW is always more of a fun, just-for-looking week of photos for me, but the clothes are always so young and creative, (though argueably and unfortunately not as practical and commercial.)

Luella
Even though I don't remember ever seeing Luella's clothes in real life before, I've always love the Luella vibe -that preppy, punk, fun vibe. This Luella collection, to me, seems very influenced by last season's collections of other designers such as Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs and Prada.

Luella's clothes usually has some really British feeling, like these little flowery prints. I love how she managed to make such otherwise grandmotherly flowery prints look preppy and cool.

And more British preppiness. Isn't it so unfair how the Luella models make huge black spectacles look cool?

The little party dresses are so cute and fun.

Christopher Kane

All I can say is, totally unexpected. Who would have guessed that Kane's new collection would have no tight-fitting, PVC or leather little dresses? This collection is made of lots of light material. I'm still not sure what I think of it. There were some outfits that I liked and some I absolutely hated.

For example, I absolutely hated the snake prints, which was extremely prominent in this collection. Even more ugly than the snake prints are the one pieces that have the snake print plus another type of print, like the middle outfit.

Out of all the outfits, these four outfits were the only ones I liked. I would love the dress on the right (although potentially in another colour.)

The snake print in small doses, like in the dress on the right, actually looks ok and much more tasteful.

Jonathan Saunders

Such clean-cut clothes for a British designer! These dresses would be so great for office, dressy events if you want a bit more than the standard little dress.

Most of the time we really just take black and white clothes for granted. Just take a moment to look at the way the black and white lines are on the dresses, then you can appreciate the design more!

Gosh, I really need to see these clothes in real life. Writing this blog is excellent encouragement for me to go to nice English stores like Selfridges and Brown more!

Image credit: www.style.com

Sherlyn Chopra is all set to release her own music album

Actress Sherlyn Chopra is all set to release her own music album, titled 'Outrageous - End of The Beginning'. The album is all about 'brings to fore deep and hidden desires that humans harbor, but refuse to acknowledge'. She has written the lyrics for 6 tracks and composed them. Adman Prahlad Kakkar will be directing it. On the controversy of exposing herself onscreen, she clarifies, "The problem here is that people tend to mix up morality with sexuality.

Tech Tags: Sherlyn+Chopra Sonam+Kapoor Saawariya Sonali+Kulkarni

Sherlyn Chopra is all set to release her own music album

Actress Sherlyn Chopra is all set to release her own music album, titled 'Outrageous - End of The Beginning'. The album is all about 'brings to fore deep and hidden desires that humans harbor, but refuse to acknowledge'. She has written the lyrics for 6 tracks and composed them. Adman Prahlad Kakkar will be directing it. On the controversy of exposing herself onscreen, she clarifies, "The problem here is that people tend to mix up morality with sexuality.

Tech Tags: Sherlyn+Chopra Sonam+Kapoor Saawariya Sonali+Kulkarni

Rajnikant, Kamal Haasan to act together?

The whole of Kollywood is awash with the speculation of the big two of Tamil screen coming together.

It could well be the casting coup of the year if it comes about, that is. You find the suspense killing?

Then, here is the big news from Kollywood. The tiding is that Tamil superstars Rajnikant and Kamal Haasan would act together after a long gap!

The talk of the town is that ace director Mani Ratnam will cast the top two in his forthcoming film.

According to the grapevine, Rajni and Kamal have already had a few rounds of discussions about the project.

The duo has acted in a number of films like ‘Apoorva Ragangal’ and ‘16 Vayathinile’, says the buzz.

A final decision would be taken soon. Kollywood is waiting with bated breath!

Rajnikant, Kamal Haasan to act together?

The whole of Kollywood is awash with the speculation of the big two of Tamil screen coming together.

It could well be the casting coup of the year if it comes about, that is. You find the suspense killing?

Then, here is the big news from Kollywood. The tiding is that Tamil superstars Rajnikant and Kamal Haasan would act together after a long gap!

The talk of the town is that ace director Mani Ratnam will cast the top two in his forthcoming film.

According to the grapevine, Rajni and Kamal have already had a few rounds of discussions about the project.

The duo has acted in a number of films like ‘Apoorva Ragangal’ and ‘16 Vayathinile’, says the buzz.

A final decision would be taken soon. Kollywood is waiting with bated breath!

Bollywood stars pose for fashion magazine L'Officiel

Ace fashion magazine L'Officiel is focusing on Bollywood stars for the first time in its next edition.

The upcoming edition of the magazine will feature topnotch Bollywood stars in the unique ‘concept’ photoshoots in which photo sessions had a theme each.

DEVDAS
The magazine recreates the magic of Devdas in its next edition. No, it is not Shah Rukh Khan who poses as the tragic hero. Rather, it is Kunal Kapoor playing Devdas for the mag. Amisha Patel , dressed in a white saree (with red border), poses as Paro and Urmila Matondkar (in a dazzling green, embroidered outfit) poses as Chandramukhi.
“I had suggested them to turn Devdaas into a Punjabi and make him wear a turban. But my suggestion was turned down,” a broadly smiling Kunal told a news channel.

KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI
Another theme of the photoshoot was Karan Johar’s movie Kuch Kuch Hota Hai .
Shamita Shetty posed in a new tomboyish avatar as Kajol. Amrita Arora poses as Rani Mukherjee. And guess who plays SRK’s part – Dino Morea .

The idea of this concept probably came from Karan Johar , who is the guest editor of the magazine and also the film’s director. The costumes for the photoshoots were designed by Manish Malhotra .

SRK
Reports also have it that the cover of the magazine features Shah Rukh Khan in a black suit and white shirt, symbolizing the theme ‘Reincarnation’ of his upcoming film Om Shanti Om . The ‘black and white’ signifies the transition from darkness to light.

THE RED CARPET
The magazine also has Priyanka Chopra appearing for a photosession titled ‘The Red Carpet’, in which Priyanka is shown dressed as a celebrity in dazzling outfits and walking the red carpet for an elite event.

This Bollywood special issue of L'Officiel will be out on September 20.

Tech Tags: Kunal+Kapoor Bollywood+stars Shamita+Shetty Amrita+Arora

Bollywood stars pose for fashion magazine L'Officiel

Ace fashion magazine L'Officiel is focusing on Bollywood stars for the first time in its next edition.

The upcoming edition of the magazine will feature topnotch Bollywood stars in the unique ‘concept’ photoshoots in which photo sessions had a theme each.

DEVDAS
The magazine recreates the magic of Devdas in its next edition. No, it is not Shah Rukh Khan who poses as the tragic hero. Rather, it is Kunal Kapoor playing Devdas for the mag. Amisha Patel , dressed in a white saree (with red border), poses as Paro and Urmila Matondkar (in a dazzling green, embroidered outfit) poses as Chandramukhi.
“I had suggested them to turn Devdaas into a Punjabi and make him wear a turban. But my suggestion was turned down,” a broadly smiling Kunal told a news channel.

KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI
Another theme of the photoshoot was Karan Johar’s movie Kuch Kuch Hota Hai .
Shamita Shetty posed in a new tomboyish avatar as Kajol. Amrita Arora poses as Rani Mukherjee. And guess who plays SRK’s part – Dino Morea .

The idea of this concept probably came from Karan Johar , who is the guest editor of the magazine and also the film’s director. The costumes for the photoshoots were designed by Manish Malhotra .

SRK
Reports also have it that the cover of the magazine features Shah Rukh Khan in a black suit and white shirt, symbolizing the theme ‘Reincarnation’ of his upcoming film Om Shanti Om . The ‘black and white’ signifies the transition from darkness to light.

THE RED CARPET
The magazine also has Priyanka Chopra appearing for a photosession titled ‘The Red Carpet’, in which Priyanka is shown dressed as a celebrity in dazzling outfits and walking the red carpet for an elite event.

This Bollywood special issue of L'Officiel will be out on September 20.

Tech Tags: Kunal+Kapoor Bollywood+stars Shamita+Shetty Amrita+Arora

'Maxim'mum exposure by Malaika Arora Khan

Malaika Arora appears on the cover of this month’s edition of Maxim magazine.

Malaika is unarguably the hottest mom in Bollywood. She still scorches the ramps at fashion shows, still shakes her booty in item songs (the latest one was in Heyy Babyy ) and she still can make many heads turn with her beauty and sex appeal.

And now she has posed for Maxim. Titled ‘Black Velvet’ the photographs show Malaika in black lingerie, striking provocative poses on a couch.

The concept of the shoot is by Wendell Rodericks while photographs are snapped by Farroukh Chothia.

Talking about her wildest experience, Malaika told the magazine that it was swimming with sharks.

When asked about the stupidest pick-up lines guys have tried on her, Malaika said she cannot remember many. She added she gives out an aura that intimidates guys when it comes to pick-up lines.

When asked about what she sleeps in, Malaika said: “Hot pants, Satin nighties or old pyjamas”.

Malaika also said that she sees it as a compliment to be seen both as a mother and a sex symbol.

'Maxim'mum exposure by Malaika Arora Khan

Malaika Arora appears on the cover of this month’s edition of Maxim magazine.

Malaika is unarguably the hottest mom in Bollywood. She still scorches the ramps at fashion shows, still shakes her booty in item songs (the latest one was in Heyy Babyy ) and she still can make many heads turn with her beauty and sex appeal.

And now she has posed for Maxim. Titled ‘Black Velvet’ the photographs show Malaika in black lingerie, striking provocative poses on a couch.

The concept of the shoot is by Wendell Rodericks while photographs are snapped by Farroukh Chothia.

Talking about her wildest experience, Malaika told the magazine that it was swimming with sharks.

When asked about the stupidest pick-up lines guys have tried on her, Malaika said she cannot remember many. She added she gives out an aura that intimidates guys when it comes to pick-up lines.

When asked about what she sleeps in, Malaika said: “Hot pants, Satin nighties or old pyjamas”.

Malaika also said that she sees it as a compliment to be seen both as a mother and a sex symbol.

Classic Burberry Trenches

Ahh the trench coat. The wardrobe staple that every chic girl in town has that never goes out of style and is perfect with everything, over jeans, suits, skirts and dresses. My friend had one last year when we were studying abroad in Europe and she wore it all the time for everything- perhaps beside a jaunt on a paddling boat in the river at Versailles where we could've possibly capsized- but that is understandable. So inspired, this fall, I decided to have a look myself.
Naturally if one is going to splurge on a trench coat, one should splurge it on a Burberry. You can't get more classic than Burberry. They truly never go out of style and will last you forever - unless you have a sudden huge change in body shape, but that is unlikely. They are perfect for all ages. But anyway, just look how cool Gweneth Paltrow and Kate Bosworth look in their Burberry trenches! I am especially inspired by Kate Bosworth updating the classic look with ankle boots, which we will still be seeing a lot of this season.
I always thought that for the classic, there only is one style. But turns out it is not quite as simple. So lets go back to the beginning and start with the very classic one: the hazelmere (or I think that is what they are called). Basically this is the trench coat that is more loosely fitted with a broader shoulder designed to be worn over a suit. This is one of the reasons I want one, because I can never figure out what to wear over my business suit in winter that will look appropriate, though to be honest, it is actually very thin and I don't think it would provide much warmth- even if it does come with an extra layer inside. I looked at ones with extra layers and they are very thin, even though they say they are made of wool, it will never survive a Chicago winter. Besides, it doesn't look very good if I wasn't planning on wearing a suit underneath (very loosely fitted) and I am looking for more versatility in my trench.
After that one... I lost the order of trench evolution. But anyway there is this harbourne, that stops mid thigh, which is less bulky and more fitted.
And then there is the Ivybridge, which is what Gweneth and Kate has on. This is also more slimming and goes almost to the knee, which I think is more classic and gives the body a more elongated look. Actually this is the perfect style trench out of the lot. The only problem is that the extra winter layer they offer is terribly thin (as I was saying before....) and it cannot fit a suit underneath, so its quite seasonal really. I could've sworn that my friend's trench had a thicker and warmer extra layer.... I'll check. I wish they had one that combined all my practical needs and didn't have to compromise the cutting.

But oh the less practical ones look so chic and smart on! I want one! I was thinking of this beige color since it IS the original color and we are going for classic here, but Gweneth and Kate looks soo cool in their black one as well. Oh the choices!!!

Photos: Burberry & Celeb Life