Love Thyself Recycling for The Future - Ninecolours

VEST

URE

VO

L 1

/ ISS

UE

2 / A

PRIL

!JU

NE

2021

by N

inec

olou

rs

april-june 2021vol. 1 issue 2

` 100

Monsoon Weddings:

Love Thyself

Recycling for The Future

Our Style Guide for The Ethereal Bride

A look at the rise of clothing recycling

A look at bridal trends for the monsoon

Actress Raima Sen talks about the need to embrace self-love and body positivity

Embracing Curves with Confidence

Actress Vahbiz Dorabjee highlights the impact of the body positivity movement on fashion

and society

VEST

URE

VO

L 1

/ ISS

UE

2 / A

PRIL

!JU

NE

2021

april-june 2021vol. 1 issue 2

Actress

Raima Sen talks about the need

to embrace self-love

and body positivity

` 100

Love Thyself

Celebrate You

Recycling for The FutureA look at the rise of

clothing recycling

Actress

Vahbiz Dorabjee highlights the impact

of the body positivity

movement on fashion

and society


Our Style Guide for

The Ethereal Bride

Actress Debina Bonnerjee delves into

the body positivity

movement and the

need to stay fit as per

one’s body type

Monsoon Weddings:


clothing recycling

Our Style Guide for

The Ethereal Bride

A look at bridal

trends for the

monsoon

by N

inec

olou

rs

VEST

URE

VO

L 1

/ ISS

UE

2 / A

PRIL

!JU

NE

2021

by N

inec

olou

rs

APRIL - JUNE 2021vol. 1 issue 2

` 100

Monsoon Weddings:


clothing recycling

Actress

Vahbiz Dorabjee highlights the impact

of the body positivity

movement on fashion

and society

Actress Raima Sen

talks about the need to

embrace self-love and

body positivity


Love Thyself

Our Style Guide for

The Ethereal Bride

A look at bridal

trends for the

monsoon

Ce!e"rate Y#uActress

Debina Bonnerjee delves into the body

positivity movement

and the need to stay fit

as per one’s body type

Dear Readers,

Throughout the ages, size has been a contentious issue that people have either approached negatively or avoided altogether for fear of backlash. With a society obsessed with physical perfection, beauty, health and !tness have always been sought a"er, and people, particularly women, who do not conform to these conventional standards have

been looked down upon and ridiculed. #e body positivity movement, which promotes inclusivity and a positive body image, was welcomed by the world with arms wide open out of sheer frustration and exhaustion with the negativity and body shaming prevalent in the society. #e movement highlights a shi" in the collective mindset and a new approach towards beauty, health, !tness and even fashion.

In this issue of Vesture by Ninecolours, we highlight the importance of body positivity and its role in fashion inclusivity. What’s more, this time, we have not one, but three cover stories featuring three strong and powerful women championing the cause of body positivity. Bollywood actress Raima Sen and TV actresses-cum-in$uencers Vahbiz Dorabjee and Debina Bonnerjee shed light on the body positivity movement and the various challenges and issues vis-à-vis body image that women face even today. #e talented actresses tell us how we can embrace our bodies as they are and cultivate self-love and con!dence.

We also report on how plus-size clothing is making fashion inclusive for all, and feature Summer Somewhere, a women’s clothing brand that is not only extremely wearable and trendy, but also supports a conscious lifestyle. We pro!le the little known Tangaliya textile cra" from Gujarat with a growing international appeal, and cover the hot topic of fashion recycling and how brands are adopting it for sustainability.

With monsoon already upon us, fashion takes a turn, but not for the worse, as we pro!le the coolest bags in town that you can carry around this season and also bring to you a handy style guide for monsoon weddings. During monsoon, our hair usually takes a beating, so we give you the best haircare advice from leading hair experts and haircare brands for a frizz-free, gorgeous mane. Fall season, too, isn’t far away, so we cover the latest trends for the season, with cues from top fashion labels around the world.

Caroline Chorattil Rasal

The Age of Inclusivity

Editor’s Letter

1vesture april-june 2021

2 vesture April-june 2021

Dear Readers,

This issue of Vesture by Ninecolours was envisaged at a time when India was battling a deadly second wave, and we were faced with the saddest news and griefs on a daily basis. During this time, we as a company decided to talk about positivity and love to provide hope to our readers, i.e., you. #rough this issue, we would like to

promote body positivity and the idea of loving and celebrating every body type. We believe that mental wellness is as important as physical health during this pandemic. Body shaming and dissatisfaction lead to poor quality of life, physiological distress and eating disorders. So, let’s start celebrating all kinds of bodies, loving our bodies and living a healthy life.

#rough this issue of Vesture by Ninecolours, we have three di%erent covers celebrating the body positivity movement. Learning to love our own bodies is the best gi" that we can give ourselves, and con!dence and comfort in our skin is the best ensemble that we can pull o%. Loving and accepting your body simply adds to your style statement.

People have given di%erent titles to di%erent body sizes such as plus, zero, etc. and have attached certain notions and dogmas to every size. But we collectively need to !ght these beliefs and embrace our body type instead of conforming to a standard body size. We at Ninecolours believe that plus is not a size but a sign (+) of positivity. Similarly, zero is just a number and not a !gure to achieve. No size de!nes a person and we should not push someone to be de!ned by those shallow ideas of physical perfection. It’s always better to be beautifully imperfect and to love thyself.

#is magazine issue is a small attempt by us to educate people who stick to the beliefs of a patriarchal society that what de!nes a woman is not her size but herself. We hope to provide a way forward for our designers and vendors to o%er a wide range of fashion for every body type. Fashion has limitless boundaries and should not be con!ned to a particular body shape or size.

As we write this, we at Ninecolours have taken steps to bring in more choices, styles and catalogues for every body shape and size and will continue to do so in the future. We want our customers to be spoilt for choice with a wide range of styles irrespective of their body type or size.

We hope that with this issue, the awareness that we want to create around body positivity reaches all our readers, customers, vendors and the world at large. We also hope that you will enjoy reading this issue of Vesture by Ninecolours as much as we did.

Happy Reading!

#bodypositivity #beautifullyimperfect #mentalhealth #lovethyself #sel$ove #imbeautiful #proudtobeplus #bodylove

Team Ninecolours

Priyesh Jain Director

Jigar Agarwal CEO Drashti Kansara Head Fashion Designer

Purashri Machhar Head Stylist Mayuri GupteHead Graphic Designer

Harsha DesaiHead Customer Service

Satyapal NegiMarketing Head

Ushering In Positivity and Inclusivity

Management Note

n i n e c o l o u r s

Shop Onl ine

www. n i n e c o l o u r s . c om

Shop Address :

Ninecolours Store, SV Road, Near MTNL Exchange, Malad (W), Mumbai-400064.


Shop Onl ine


Shop Address :


3vesture April-june 2021


Shop Onl ine


Shop Address :



Shop Onl ine


Shop Address :


4 vesture april-june 2021

contentsApril-june 2021

Cover StoryEmbracing Curves with Con!denceIn an exclusive interview, actress Vahbiz Dorabjee talks about how the body positivity movement has ushered in a new age for fashion and society.

Love "yselfIn a tête-à-tête, actress Raima Sen talks about the need to love and accept your body and its needs in order to truly embrace body positivity.

Celebrate YouIn a conversation, actress Debina Bonnerjee talks about how the body positivity movement calls for being true to oneself and staying !t as per one’s body type instead of following the !tness bandwagon.

Fashion ForwardPlus & ProudPlus-size clothing is making fashion inclusive for all without discriminating on the basis of size and is steadily !nding its own calling.

Design CornerCarefree ApparelSummer Somewhere is a women’s clothing brand that is an ode to the girl in pursuit of an endless summer.

18

26

32

38

06070814

44

RegularsScoop TestimonialsNew Arrivalsstyle directory

OWNERNinecolours (Nivaka Fashions Limited)

EDITORIAL, DESIGN & PRINTING Optimum Utility Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

EDITORIALChief EditorCaroline Chorattil RasalDESIGNArt DirectorYogesh JadhavImage EditorParas Damani

For any marketing enquiries, contact:Stanley Samuel Director – Business DevelopmentMob.: +91 70450 00616E-mail: [email protected]

Material in this publication may not be reproduced, whether in part or in whole, without the consent of NINECOLOURS (NIVAKA FASHIONS LIMITED).

5vesture Japril-june 2021

Fibres & WeavesWrap and Roll#e little known Tangaliya textile cra" has transitioned from being solely for traditional garments for local communities in Gujarat to one for garments and accessories with an international appeal.

Trend Talk – IndiaMonsoon Weddings: Our Style Guide for "e Ethereal BridePlanning a wedding is stressful. Add pouring rains to it, and it straightaway adds to the woes of the bride. Keep your worries aside and rely on our style guide that covers everything from lehengas to jewellery and footwear!

Trend Talk – InternationalRecycling for "e FutureClothing and fabric recycling has become one of the most raging points of concern for the global textile industry. We take a look at how brands are adapting to this dri".

On the Ramp – InternationalInternational Fall Trends to Watch Out ForAmp up your wardrobe and get ready to introduce fall fashion in your dressing up plans, with cues from top labels around the world.

Health & Well-being"e Organic Life24 Mantra Organic by Sresta has been a frontrunner in the space of all things organic, and the work — started over 17 years ago — is more relevant today than ever before.

48

54

Hair & BeautyBeat "e Monsoon ‘Tress Stress’#is monsoon, keep your mane healthy and happy and put an end to your hair woes with these easy haircare tips.

Style SpotlightBagging "e Monsoon StyleDon’t bring out that stodgy old backpack just yet, for we’ve waved our magic wand and found you the chicest monsoon bags in town. So, get ready to beat the weather and arrive in style.

7660

64

72

68

6 vesture April-June2021

SCOOP

NEWS FLASHNinecolours Launches Trendy Face MasksNinecolours has introduced stylish face masks that will help you in the !ght against COVID-19 while allowing you to make a cool fashion statement. #e washable and reusable masks ensure that you stay safe and at the same time reduce your environmental impact. With this wide range of trendy, reusable face masks, you can sport a di%erent mask every day and mix and match patterns and colours with your fashion ensemble. #e fun masks will also motivate your kids to pick their favourite patterns and get into the habit of wearing their mask, making it a win-win situation for you and your family.

Ninecolours Introduces Youdesign Couture for Bespoke Designer WearNinecolours recently launched Youdesign Couture, a platform where the brand o%ers a custom-made collection of designer out!ts. With the help of this platform, you can create your own custom designer garment from scratch and have your bespoke out!t delivered at your doorstep.

What’s more, Ninecolours assures that you will enjoy the highest quality of products with the best cra"smanship and !nish. #e dedicated and hardworking team at Youdesign Couture strives to provide the best shopping experience and makes sure that you !nd what you are looking for. So, recreate red carpet looks to suit your style and body type with the help of Ninecolours’ team of designers and get unique out!ts for all kinds of occasions.

Ninecolours Presents V-ShoppingNinecolours presents a new kind of online shopping experience — V-Shopping or video call shopping. #e video call shopping service allows for easy and convenient online shopping with live in-store experience. With the help of Ninecolours’ personal shopper service, customers all over the world can enjoy real-time shopping from the comfort of their own homes via video chat. Browse through premium and exclusive bridal lehengas, sarees, suits, fusion wear and more at your convenience with priority assistance from the brand’s personal shoppers.

Ninecolours to Launch Royal Wedding Collection Ninecolours will soon showcase its new royal wedding collection for the !rst time. Inspired by the Sheesh Mahal or Palace of Mirrors, the curated fall wedding collection features themes of travel, architecture and the artistic pietra dura stonework. It will be handcra"ed with glass to re$ect endless love and modern embroidery. Pietra dura and glass karigari symbolise the free-spirited love, light, purity and beauty that come from within and rede!ne style.

#e colour scheme of the collection conveys crisp autumn shades and is an assemblage of contemporary charm for brides and bridesmaids. It sets the tone for a bright new season, with a little sparkle and a whole lot of glamour.

I recently discovered Ninecolours and was amazed by their beautiful and extensive

collections! !is gorgeous ensemble that I’m wearing is from"their store!

June Biswas

I’m wearing this stunning ensemble from Ninecolours, and I totally loved

this out#t!Manasi Moghe

I really loved my wedding out#t from Ninecolours!!!Dhara Chudasama

Testimonials

I usually do not wear traditional out#ts unless the occasion calls for it, but the

beautiful print of this blue Anarkali dress from"Ninecolours, which creates a powerful contrast, is what I absolutely loved about it!

Smita Roy Majumdar

7vesture April-June 2021

I’m so in love with this out#t from Ninecolours. It looks amazing!

Vishwa


New Arrivals

What’s

Hot A look at the latest tre

nds in fashion.

Rock the traditional look with this desi yet modern-looking lehenga choli set that is made of so! net fabric and is handcra!ed with resham and sequence work. The icy blue suits di"erent skin tones, making this lehenga choli a perfect ensemble for every Indian beauty out there.Price: `4,230Website: www.ninecolours.com


New Arrivals

This gorgeous peach saree is a versatile garment that can be donned at any grand occasion, be it weddings, festivities or parties. Made of net fabric, the saree is embellished with intricate embroidery, sequence and thread work, making it a rich and cherished work of art.Price: `4,839Website: www.ninecolours.com


New Arrivals

Show o" your demure yet playful personality with this colourful lehenga choli that has a trendy take on summer prints and boasts exquisite mirror work, foil print, thread work, and embroidery on an o"-white base. Made of lightweight organza, the lehenga choli is comfortable enough to wear in the sweltering heat at weddings and parties, so that you can stay cool and chic.Price: `7,560Website: www.ninecolours.com


New Arrivals

Enjoy the spotlight for your classy style as you don this mesmerising designer gown in navy blue. Cra!ed from ta"eta silk, the gown is sure to keep all eyes on you for its rich colour and the eye-catching print at the waist and hem.Price: `3,960Website: www.ninecolours.com


Stay at your fashionable best with this stunning metallic blue lehenga choli created from so! net fabric. The bold outfit is enriched with resham and sequence work and will make you stand out from the crowd.Price: `4,860Website: www.ninecolours.com

This stylish Benarasi saree is made from woven silk and is a handy ethnic outfit for all kinds of festive and traditional occasions. Part of Ninecolours' new arrival collection, the saree boasts a colourful, ethereal print on the pallu and blouse that makes the alluring drape one of a kind.Price: `2,977Website: www.ninecolours.com


Text | Caroline Chorattil Rasal

POLISHED PANACHECelebrate Father’s Day (for the uninitiated, it’s on 20th June this year) in style with these dapper out!ts from Ninecolours (Available on www.ninecolours.com).

#e o%-white jacquard kurta and the white poly cotton pyjamas (`3,355) are a classic ensemble that can be worn for all kinds of special occasions and will make your dad look like a million bucks. #e yellow silk kurta and the white silk dupion pyjamas (`1,875), too, are a must-have for their handcra"ed !nesse.

!e fashion insider’s ultimate shopping guide.

The Best Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Stylish Dads

Style Directory

FIND THE PERFECT FITChoosing the perfect gi" for fathers o"en turns out to be more challenging than it appears. Von Wellx Germany (Available on www.vonwellx.com and Amazon, Flipkart, and Tata Cliq), the !rst ever healthy footwear brand in India, has got you covered this Father’s Day with its all-new footwear range. Its ‘Healthy 5’ collection (Starting from `2,299) is a mélange of di%erent footwear styles consisting of monks, brogues, sandals, and slippers in hues of brown, tan, red, and black.

#e footwear is made with 5 bed zone re$ex technology that provides a gentle foot massage all day long, relieving pain in the heels, knees and back and also increasing blood circulation. #e footwear comes in 3 di%erent soles (Diabetic Insole Footwear, Energy Insole Footwear, and Swing Insole Footwear) and also ensures a correct foot position and body posture by releasing muscle tension. So, this Father’s Day, show love and care to your pop with ‘Healthy 5’ by Von Wellx Germany.


Style Directory

REDEFINE LUXURY#is Father’s Day, treat your&dad to statement gi"s from House of Badnore (Available on www.houseo$adnore.com).&#e Father's&Day&Luxe range (Starting from `1,300) from the brand consists of regal and exclusive&pieces of cu'inks, pocket squares, and Bandhgala&buttons along with pocket&square and cu'ink sets. From intricately enamelled motifs on cu'inks in silver plate, to subtle yet striking Bandhgala buttons that have an exotic appeal in delicate enamel work and stones, you’ll !nd all this and more in the collection. Pocket squares in vibrant hues, neutral, washed-out textures, abstract prints and minimal patterns make an outstanding individualistic style statement, and the matching pocket&square and cu'ink sets accentuate the debonair touch.&

TIMELESS TREASURES With Father’s Day fast approaching, venturing out to grab the picture-perfect gi" seems like a distant dream.&Fret not, as India’s most trusted and iconic jewellery brand with a rich legacy of 115 years, Entice by KGK (Available on www.entice.in&or Entice’s stores in Borivali East, Mumbai and MI Road, Jaipur), has launched an assortment of !ne jewellery exclusively for fathers.

Round-cut white diamonds come alive in the form of perfectly cra"ed diamond jewellery to celebrate a priceless emotion that is fatherhood. #e Father’s&Day&Special&collection (Price on request) of elegant bands and bracelets makes for a precious accessory for all dads — the hero of our lives. Encrusted with white diamonds and 18-carat rose gold, the band is perfect for a statement look. #e diamond studded ring bracelet with intricate detailing is sure to elevate any look, whether traditional or contemporary. #e sturdy patterns are etched in this range with a cluster setting of white diamonds and a classic blend of white, rose and yellow gold.


A SCENT-SATIONAL#AFFAIRTrue!tt & Hill (Available on www.true#ttandhill.in/collections/all), one of the oldest and !nest traditional gentlemen's barber shops and perfumers worldwide, has launched a cool new range of colognes that make for a heady Father’s Day gi" set.

Gra"on Cologne (`5,900) is a classic, woody, sophisticated fragrance with spicy oriental notes. It has top notes of lavender, lemon and basil, a heart of wood, cedar, incense and rose, and a base of patchouli, sandal, tonka, amber and musk. Apsley Cologne (`7,000) has been formulated to ignite the senses with a re!ned blend of smouldering woods accentuated by light citrus notes. #e harmonious overtones of woody vetiver are li"ed with a refreshing essence of grapefruit and accentuated with notes of pepper, while its heart of cedarwood and patchouli, which has been enriched by sensual notes of musk, gives an alluring base to this captivating fragrance.&Trafalgar Cologne (`5,900) reveals its distinguished heritage with top notes of cedar and sandalwood complimented by subtle base notes of jasmine, spice musk and vetiver. #e trio make for an enchanting scent-sory experience that your father will thoroughly enjoy and cherish.

BESPOKE CRAFTSMANSHIPAlberto Torresi (Available on www.albertotorresi.com, all leading online shopping sites and over 700 POS across India), an iconic homegrown footwear brand known for its innovation and eccentric designs, brings together vintage and contemporary aesthetics for the special occasion of Father’s Day. Fine detailing, new-age designs, and futuristic patterns complete its latest ‘Impressive Aesthetics’ collection (Starting from `4,995) in the most modish way.&

Cra"ed with so" leather and synthetic construction, the brand’s collection has a re!ned appeal with a touch of sophistication. #e two-toned silhouette in the footwear range makes it a charming !t for both formal occasions and casual galas. From beige buckles to check prints in loafers, there is a wide variety of new elements introduced in this collection by Alberto Torresi that will radiate an unparalleled elegance in your dad’s style statement.

BLENDING COMFORT WITH STYLE Numero Uno’s EVA sole loafers (Available on all online platforms and Numero Uno&stores) are an ideal gi" for fathers who love to showcase their style without compromising on comfort. Made of so" EVA soles, these elegant loafers (Starting from `3,500) will blend well with formal and semi-formal looks while ensuring all-day&comfort. Q

Style Directory


17vesture april-june 2021A vesture Jan-MAR 202110 vesture Jan-MAR 2021

Your Shopping Guide

!e ultimate guide to shopping all your fashion needs.

Women’s Day Special

Make your Women’s Day brunch with your girl gang a stylish a!air with Ninecolours’ printed south"cotton tunic in the Pantone Color of the Year — Ultimate Grey — and scarlet red rayon slim #t 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 so$"colour and de#nition 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).

Nangalia Ruchira label re!ects the

culture of the designer's native land,

Rajasthan. "e designer has always

been amazed and intrigued by the

embroidery and dying techniques of

Rajasthani craftsmen. All this survives and

re!ects in her creations.

Now avai lable at Now avai lable at



cover story


cover story

In an exclusive interview, actress Vahbiz Dorabjee talks about how the body posi-tivity movement has ushered in a new age for fashion and society.


!m"racin#Curveswit$

C%n&'ence


ctress, model and body positivity advocate Vahbiz Dorabjee, who has been part of several popular TV series such as&Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani, Saraswatichandra, and Bahu Hamari Rajni Kant, is no stranger to fame. But the actress, who has also successfully

hosted a web show titled Showbiz with Vahbiz, has always used her power and popularity to shed light on issues plaguing people, particularly women. She has been especially vocal about body-image issues on social media and other platforms&and in$uenced many through her work.

In a conversation, Vahbiz highlights how growing awareness about body neutrality has helped rede!ne ways in which people are viewed and treated, and how this has impacted fashion trends.

What is your personal style statement like?I have always loved to $aunt my curves and I am proud of my body. I’m not one of those who shy away from fashion. Moreover, for me, comfort is most important. So, I love to wear dresses, especially $owy ones, and Indian wear suits me as well. I love saris too. But as I said, I'm more of a dress person.

What is your take on body neutrality?I'm extremely happy with the change that has been happening in this space. People need to now stop judging and change their perception. And I am not saying this because I'm on the curvy side. Rather, this is something that anyone of any shape, size or colour keeps facing, which is really not fair. We need to show humanity !rst. And that is the reason that so many people are now coming out strongly with the message of body positivity. It’s high time that the discrimination stops and people start to behave in a more humane manner. Everyone is fed up with the remarks being passed to them and the way women in particular are treated. Being overweight is not a crime.

I strongly believe in body positivity and I'm a very balanced person, but I’ve faced body shaming too. So, I resonate a lot with this cause and want the status quo to improve soon.

cover story

What, according to you, has propelled the rise of the body positivity movement? If you are going to put down somebody so much over the years, eventually, there will be a revolution. If you keep demeaning and discriminating women and passing remarks against them, while saying you can’t wear this and can’t do this because you're fat, people will !ght back one day and speak up for themselves and others. And I am so glad that so many women are speaking up, including actresses and social media in$uencers. #e trend is changing.

People are now realising that while of course, one should be healthy, there are a number of people who naturally have a larger frame and who su%er from PCOD and other hormonal issues. So you can’t put everybody in the same standard box and expect them to be of one size. Also, everyone has their own wishes and desires, and they can wear just what they like. #ere are no golden rules or hard and fast rules anywhere, including in fashion.

you can’t put everybody in the same standard box and expect them to be of one size.

(

cover story

22 vesture Jan-MAR 2021

How do you think has the fashion market evolved in the last few years to cater to the needs and demands of the body positivity movement?Well, the evolution has been slow, but there has still been a change and that's really nice. #ere are now a lot of brands that cater to plus-size women. I can see more and more online stores and designers catering to di%erent body types, and delightful, trendy clothes are coming in. I’ve witnessed this change !rst-hand. Due to my size, I have faced a lot of problems and a number of designers and stylists have ditched me at the last minute before a show or project. But two years ago, I walked the ramp as the showstopper for aLL in a collaboration with Rina Dhaka at Lakmé Fashion Week (LFW). I was really proud and happy to be part of the show.

But there’s still a long way to go. Even in this day and age, there are a lot of designers who are still not catering to the plus-size segment, which I feel is unfair. As I said earlier, you can’t have standard sizes for everyone. Each person is di%erent, as are their sizes. We also need to note that Indian women are well-endowed. So, designers need to change their ways and perception. #ere is a lot more scope for change. But as I said, there has been a start, and I’m sure that we as a society will do better.

What, according to you, should brands, designers and in$uencers do to promote body positivity and make fashion inclusive for all? First of all, we need to change our mindset. #e moment brands and designers change their mindset and perception, they'll be able to make real change in the fashion world and make fashion inclusive for all. #ere are millions of talented designers

brands and designers need to work more on the designs for plus-size women and improve the fitting and style.

cover story


who are already creating beautiful clothes. But they only need to create a shi" in their perception to actually promote body positivity. Once they do this, then there’s no stopping them. #ey also need to understand that it’s not about the size game as much as catering to all kinds of body types and designs. #is very thought will help them bring innovation and newness into their designs. Many new brands who understand this fact are entering the market and capturing it on a steady footing.

Moreover, brands and designers need to work more on the designs for plus-size women and improve the !tting and style. Plus-size fashion can become even trendier. Even today, there are a lot of limitations imposed in fashion that need to be done away with. Most importantly, the whole title game of plus size and standard size needs to stop. Each to their own. You need to leave it up to the consumer to make their choice, whether they want to wear a swimsuit or anything else for that matter. But it’s di(cult to !nd good options in, say swimsuits, which makes them shy away completely from such clothing types. We need to change that.

How can we as consumers change our mindset and bring about this change? #is vicious circle of brands selling standard sizes and consumers buying them irrespective of their body type has been going on for ages. People have been judging and putting down women for centuries, which has broken the latter’s con!dence and made them try to conform to the clothing sizes handed out to them. So, even today, not all the women out there have regained their con!dence and accepted their bodies the way they are. #ere is still a lot of stigma attached to body sizes and types.

So, I would advise all the women to please believe in yourself. Be con!dent in your skin. #at is most

cover story


important. Don’t let society break you. If you feel that you look good and want to wear a certain out!t that makes you happy, then kudos! Go for it. Choose your happiness !rst. All these regressive ideas about our bodies have stemmed through our minds, our perception and our society. So, if you start promoting body positivity even in a small way and show an act of kindness to yourself and others, the change will come, one day or another.

As an actress, I have also been talking on various social platforms about body positivity; in$uencers have started talking about it too. It will take a while, but the change will come. And I am seeing this change happen gradually. I see a lot of plus-size women promoting this cause and changing others’ mindsets on Instagram. And these women are so con!dent and beautiful. I’m so happy for them and for this positive change.

How do you see the future of the body positivity movement?##is is only the beginning. Just wait and watch. Gone are those days of repression and body shaming. #e revolution will get bigger, and people, including women, will rise and speak up for themselves. #ey will not shy away anymore from speaking their minds and wearing what they like. #ey will learn to be comfortable in their skin, believe in themselves and be con!dent.

Before signing o%, do tell us what your upcoming projects are!I have made a shi" towards OTT. Last year, I made my debut on the digital platform with a web series called Kashmakash, which was aired on Hungama Play and MX Player. I've also just !nished shooting for a project with Pratik Babbar that is directed by Kunal Kohli. But I'm not allowed to reveal any more details. I'm doing pretty well as an in$uencer too. #at job keeps me busy all the time because creating content and shooting new ads, photos and videos is not easy. But as in$uencers, it is our duty to use our social media handles in a positive way to help others. �

Avesture Jan-MAR 2021

Love Thyself


cover story

In a tête-à-tête, actress Raima Sen talks about the need to love and accept your body and its needs

in order to truly embrace body positivity.


Photographer | Tathagata Ghosh

A Actress Raima Sen, who has starred in Hindi and Bengali movies such as Manorama Six Feet Under, Bollywood Diaries, Children of War, 3

Dev, Vodka Diaries, Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd., !e Japanese Wife, Nishijapon, and Maach Mishti & More with equal panache, is known for her acting prowess and impeccable fashion sense. Her style mirrors her acting choices that are bold, con!dent and on point. I speak to the actress on the changing face of fashion and how the body positivity movement has le" its mark on the fashion scene.

What is your personal style statement like?I believe in dressing comfortably and casually, and I wear whatever suits me and !ts me well. My style leans towards comfortable fashion.

What is your take on body neutrality?For me, body neutrality is all about listening to your body. I listen to my body a lot and follow what my body tells me. I don’t go by the society’s rules of what we should do, wear or eat. If I don’t like something or something isn’t good for me, my body automatically rejects it. In terms of fashion, I try to wear clothes that enhance my !gure instead of dressing to impress or to follow trends. I only buy clothes that make me feel comfortable and look good. I feel that it is most important to listen to your body and understand yourself. It also helps to practise mindfulness. #ese little things matter a lot in your journey towards wholly accepting your body.


cover story

What, according to you, has propelled the rise of the body positivity movement?I think that the body positivity movement came to the fore with the rise in body shaming. When people began to get tired of the negativity and of being body shamed, they began to stand up for themselves and speak out, propelling the body positivity movement to new heights.

How do you think the fashion market has evolved in the last few years to cater to the needs and demands of the body positivity movement?Today, if we check out Indian as well as international fashion, we can !nd clothes for all kinds of sizes. Brands are now catering to di%erent needs, sizes and body types. #ey aren’t only sticking to one body type, which is great. #e concept of being size zero is slowly leaving us, signalling a positive time for our society.

What are the trends that you see in this space?I think that the latest trend is to be comfortable in your own skin and stay natural. People are now getting comfortable with their body. #ey are increasingly realising that there’s no need to be skinny or a size zero in order to be accepted by the society.

We as consumers can promote body positivity and bring about the change by being out there, being ourselves and being natural.

What, according to you, should brands, designers and in$uencers do to promote body positivity and make fashion inclusive for all?I !nd that brands, designers and in$uencers are already promoting body positivity on a growing basis. #e trends are changing in India as well as internationally, and the fashion industry is now catering to all kinds of people.

How can we as consumers bring about this change?We as consumers can promote body positivity and bring about the change by being out there, being ourselves and being natural. It is important to show everyone that it is okay to be you.


cover story

A vesture Jan-MAR 2021

cover story

How do you see the future of the body positivity movement?##e body positivity movement will surely do well. It is here to stay. A"er all this time, especially during the pandemic, we have also learnt and grown a lot as people. We have become more open to change. So, I feel that this trend will be a success and body positivity will be the new norm.

On a !nal note, what are your upcoming projects?My current series, !e Last Hour, is being aired on Amazon Prime. You will soon be seeing me in Mai, an upcoming crime thriller show on Net$ix that is being produced by Anushka Sharma. I have a Tamil action thriller !lm called Agni Siragugal coming up as well, and I will also be seen in the Bollywood romantic thriller titled Aliya Basu"Gayab Ho Gayi with Vinay Pathak. So there’s a lot happening on the work front that you can watch out for!

The body positivity movement will surely do well. It is here to stay.

cover story

17vesture april-june 202131vesture april-june 2021

Ce!e"rate Y#u


cover story

In a conversation, actress Debina Bonnerjee talks about how the body positivity movement

calls for being true to oneself and staying !t as per one’s body type instead of following the

!tness bandwagon.


Photographer | Khushboo Gulati

Hair & Makeup | Sushma Gohil

Actress and in!uencer Debina Bonnerjee is famous for her roles in TV series such as Ramayan, Chidiya Ghar, Dr. Madhumati On Duty, Santoshi Maa, and Aladdin - Naam Toh Suna Hoga as well as

reality TV shows such as Pati Patni Aur Woh, Welcome - Baazi Mehmaan-Nawaazi Ki, Nach Baliye Shriman v/s Shrimati, Nach Baliye 6, and Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 5, among others. But the demure actress, who enjoys a massive fan following on social media, is also active in the fashion, beauty and lifestyle scene. Moreover, she is working towards helping upcoming Indian fashion designers to connect to a wider audience and sustain their cra" and livelihood.

In an interview, Debina opens up about the new era of fashion in light of the body positivity movement and why one must focus on staying #t and healthy instead of conforming to societal norms and de#nitions of #tness and size.

What is your style statement like?I do not like casual clothes much. I love to dress up to the nines. My fashion essentials usually include a pair of cotton trousers and a short T-shirt or a #gure-hugging T-shirt. I am not a big fan of baggy T-shirts. But as the lockdown has forced us to stay at home, I mostly wear casuals nowadays. $e lockdown has, to be honest, changed my de#nition of style and fashion quite a lot!

What is your take on body positivity?I feel that there are two ways of looking at body positivity.

$e #rst is that the idea of the perfect body propagated by Instagram and other social media platforms leads people to depression and creates an environment of toxicity around them. It causes so many other issues such as insomnia. I believe that you should be happy as you are


cover story


cover story

and as you are made to be. $ere is a di%erence between being thin and being #t. Attaining a size zero #gure for others is not right for your body. Only you know what your body needs and what its de#nition of #tness is. Being large does not mean being un#t or unhealthy.

$e second view is that #tness is essential. If you are unhealthy, you must not be lax about it or let yourself go. I don’t believe in giving up on yourself. Be your kind of #t. You will instinctively know whether you are #t and healthy. When you are #t, your body will automatically feel healthy and strong. You can only achieve good health by eating right and exercising regularly. Many people get worried that others may judge them about their size or lifestyle; to them I say — forget about others and focus on yourself. You must not adopt a defence mechanism that tells you to be happy the way you are when you know that you are not leading a healthy lifestyle. $is will in turn lead you to gain unnecessary weight. Fitness is important, not size.

What according to you has propelled the rise of the body positivity movement?Over the years, the in!uence of social media has grown tremendously. Social media platforms showcase an edited, super#cial and hunky-dory version of life full of love, laughter and pretty pictures. It shows people leading happy and carefree lives, thus giving us the perception that ‘they’ lead a better, happier life than we do and nothing is right with our lives. $is in turn makes us feel more stressed, anxious and depressed.

$e reality, however, is that people only portray what they want on social media. $ey do not present their life the way it is. Most importantly, in order to get that one perfect shot, a thousand shots are taken, which is a lot of hard work. $e latter is always hidden behind the camera. We should not think of ourselves in a lowlier position than others just because of what is portrayed on social media.

Bollywood, too, has always had an immense e%ect on body image and body positivity. $ere was a time when the size zero trend was popular, and it pushed people to follow that ‘benchmark’ and torture themselves to #t into that body size. It was only when the paps revealed that stars also !uctuate in their body sizes that people were made more aware about these facts and the trend #zzled out. Stars do not remain skinny throughout their lives! Pregnancy, hormones and a whole lot of other factors change the body, so there will always be !uctuation in body sizes and that is natural.

Pregnancy, hormones and a whole lot of other factors change the body, so there will always be fluctuation in body sizes and that is natural.

A vesture Jan-MAR 2021

cover story


$ere is growing awareness today about these facts which has led to the rise of the body positivity movement. $e movement calls for people to be enlightened and educated. Education leads to a greater understanding of the meaning of perfection and that nothing in this world is !awless. People are now learning that they are perfect as they are and it is important to be happy in their mind, not on social media. Instead of pushing our bodies to #t into the regular mould, we must love and appreciate our bodies for sustaining us so beautifully for so many years. Moreover, one must not feel pressurised to emulate someone else or follow the latest fad. You only need to feel comfortable in your own body and look good for yourself, not for someone else.

We must also appreciate the work of the media and the in!uencers who have strived to dispel myths surrounding #tness and body types and popularised self-love and body positivity, so that more and more people can gain con#dence about their body and accept themselves as they are. $is has led to a breath of fresh air for all of us.

What do you think about the body positivity movement vis-à-vis fashion?Fashion trends keep rotating and returning. Over the years, I have seen several trends rotate, such as the retro-style polka dot prints and bell-bottoms that were all the rage on-screen when I was young. Fashion keeps repeating itself, but what I #nd remarkable is people’s con#dence levels and their growing acceptance of body positivity. Today, they have released their inhibitions and wear exactly what they want. $ey !aunt their bodies beautifully and stand out from the crowd with con#dence and style. Age-old adages such as “Cover yourself!”, “$ose clothes will not look good on you”, or “What will people say?” have become redundant. $is makes me believe that social acceptability has increased. Size no longer matters today.

Such con#dence gives you a mental boost so that no matter what you wear, you will exude positivity and radiance and always look good. If you don’t wear your style with con#dence, then no matter how gorgeous your out#t is, it will not look good on you. People have realised this, which has brought about so much positive change.

What do you think should brands and designers do to promote body positivity and make fashion inclusive for all?$e change has already begun. $e fashion industry is working towards incorporating fashion inclusivity in its designs and collections. When I had been to London, I saw an entire section dedicated to plus-size fashion, complete with plus-sized mannequins. Today, you no longer have to search long and hard for plus-sized clothing; it is out there for everyone to see. $at is what I #nd amazing.

To promote the body positivity movement further and truly represent fashion inclusivity, brands and designers should also showcase their plus-size fashion designs through plus-size models. Even today, most of the plus-size fashion is displayed on thin models instead of their real target audience — the plus-size market. $at needs to change. If designers go more for plus-size models, actors and in!uencers for their plus-size designs, that will bring about real change and showcase body positivity in its true form.

How do you see the future of the body positivity movement? I see the body positivity movement moving into a brighter future. Around a decade ago, there was so much of hullabaloo around size zero. Today, it has changed. $ere is de#nitely a dri" towards #tness, but without the unhealthy notions surrounding it. People are now more aware that #tness means having a healthy body and strong immunity, not being anorexic. Also, with the lockdown, people have realised that mental health is more important than anything else. So, they have taken to practising mindfulness and eating well so that they can look and feel better and deal with the lockdown in a healthy way. It is all going in the right direction.

What are your upcoming projects that we will see you in?Until the lockdown ends, I don’t think that you will see me in any project as I’m not stepping out for shoots currently. Once things are at least a little better, I might take up a few projects. As soon as I sign something, I will announce it to the world! �

cover story

37vesture Jan-MAR 2021

Fashion Forward

Plus & proud


© M

ajesti

c by J

apna

h


Plus-size clothing is making fashion inclusive for all without discriminating on the basis of size and is steadily #nding its own calling.

When studying in the 80s, a friend who was well-built shared a grouse that she could never !nd readymade clothes as her size was never available. Today, however, plus-

size clothing is a category that is booming. An Alchemy Market Research Report says that the global plus-size women’s clothing market size was estimated at US$181.07 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6 percent every year from 2019–2028. Other reports say that the

Fashion Forward

©Veg

an F

ashi

on L

ibra

ry

Text | Bindu Gopal Rao

plus-size market in India has a 12 percent share of the overall fashion segment and is projected to grow at 25 percent per annum for the next !ve years. Plus-size consumers constitute about 67 percent of the population, generating around US$21 billion in annual sales.

THE PLUS FACTORToday, people are becoming comfortable with the way they look, and clothes are being made for all body types. Also, as people are loving their bodies the way they are, many apparel makers are working to

© M

ajesti

c by J

apna

h

© Vi

xxen


Fashion Forward

create garments that !t consumers perfectly. Majestic by Japnah — a brand that

believes that fashion is for everybody, irrespective of age, shape or dress size — has a new plus-size collection that includes comfortable, trendy out!ts that allow customers to feel their best. “Our goal is to make sure that women everywhere wearing Majestic feel self-con!dent about their !gures and proud of their curves. I feel that we should dress according to our body type and not size. So, classic silhouettes work the best, like wrap dresses; peplum tops along with pencil skirts or boot-cut pants. Lastly, choosing the right fabric is very important. It should be of substance and structured,” says Japnah Gambhir, Founder and Designer of Majestic by Japnah.

CURVE EFFECT#e response to plus-size clothes is undoubtedly great as people with plus-size bodies are also able to enjoy a variety of options that were not available to them so easily. #ey are getting all kinds of looks that they are looking for. Eliminating this preconceived notion of what one can

wear and what one cannot depending on their size is what is helping everyone gain acceptance of their true self. It is now a shopping spree for every individual, without being conscious or pressurised about their appearance. Unfortunately, earlier there weren't many options for plus-size clothing, but now more brands are becoming inclusive in terms of sizes and drawing a parallel to all the new trends seen in general.

“An increasing number of women are opting for laid-back skirts, line pants and joggers. Comfort clothing and laid-back fashion becoming mainstream, post-pandemic workwear will see the rise of more loose-!tted bottoms. Yoga pants, palazzos, cigarette pants, joggers and comfy linen pants are becoming popular,” says Karishma Choudhary, Founder, Banthan Bano.

SIZE NO BARShristi Chetani, Founder & Head Designer, Label Shristi Chetani, who works on custom collections, says that all their styles are available for plus size. “We like to focus on styles which are worn by all body types and not just focus on a speci!c category. If we talk about trends, we cannot divide them for standard-size clothing or plus-size clothing. Trends are trends. In fashion, every trend is for everyone and I believe that it is totally on the person as to how they want to carry it. But speaking of the current trend, with all the body positivity campaigns going around, we can see clients being more open to try di%erent styles,” says Chetani.

“Trying to !nd jeans that !t well, are butt-li"ing and $atter your shape in general is hard enough, but it becomes harder for plus-size women to !nd something that is both $attering and comfortable. It’s rare for plus-size women to have a favourite pair of denims, which pushed us as a brand to launch 'Freakins Curve' that aims to listen to our consumers and provide them with denims that !t like a glove, while being trendy and a%ordable at the same time,” says Shaan Shah, COO, Freakins.

© Po

sette


Fashion Forward

TREND CHECKAs no two bodies are the same, standardised sizes do not generally work and customisation is imperative. Online retail with plus sizes faces a major challenge as curvy women generally like to feel and try on clothes before buying. #e fall of the out!t and fabric matters a great deal.

“Plus-size clothing is becoming bold and experimental. Cuts, fabrics, textures, prints — no longer are they boring or sack-like. #e response has been fabulous. Since it is a niche market, reaching the correct clientele is important. But we have been through the dark days of curvy fashion where curvy women had limited options. Today, when something is available to them, it is welcomed with open arms,” says Gayatri Singh, Founder, Vixxen.

With plus size being more and more acceptable and encouraged, it must have certain options available for its customer. “For example, with plus-size clothing, you cannot just keep a standard sizing chart since two women from the plus-size section may need very di%erent !ts as per their body curves. #erefore, one must always keep customisation open, especially for plus size,” says Sonia Sachdev, Founder of Posette.

ALL ABOARDFashion designer Hala Al Mamari adds that she has an all-inclusive collection that is regardless of size, colour and body shape, and every woman would !nd a suitable piece that will boost her con!dence and $atter her body.

“I believe in uniqueness and not following the rules. If I could advise a woman to follow a rule in dressing up, it is that life is short, play dress up, and try di%erent and new things until you !nd the piece that makes your eyes sparkle. Almost 60 percent of our clients are plus-size, and we love to see them glowing with con!dence. #ey love the pieces and also

© Fr

eaki

ns

© Fr

eaki

ns

© Fr

eaki

ns©

Maje

stic b

y Jap

nah


love how the dresses accentuate their curves. #e most important thing that we concentrate on is the support in the underlining; we even use a customised built-in corset for each client when needed. Without the perfect support, the overall look is easily compromised,” says Mamari.

MARKET CALLWhen brands do add plus-size choices, there are still many ways that they can hit the wrong chord with their target marketplace. Also, not a lot of women realise their body type and look for plus-size clothing, thus creating a smaller section in the market. Choudhary begs to di%er, explaining, “#ere are no such challenges; I look at it as an opportunity instead because I get more fabric to work with and more space for my imagination to just spread. #e skills needed to execute plus-size clothing e%ectively are di%erent from straight sizes.”

#e main mantra for any trend to spread its reach is to be highly comfortable. Any and every garment that is comfortable becomes the trend of the season. From loungewear to party dresses, comfort has become the priority without a doubt. “Plus size being a highly demanded segment also asks for easy-to-carry clothing to make one look con!dent and powerful. Nowadays, every single person wants to embrace themselves, no matter what their shape, size or colour is; the only agenda is to feel good in one’s own body. And hence, the new trend currently swaying around is to wear !tted/body-hugging jeans, dresses or tops that $aunt their curves,” says Sachev.

Plus-size clothes are just the beginning of fashion inclusivity. Soon these sizes will no longer be referred to as plus size and then it will really change how fashion is perceived by all, irrespective of their body. And a"er all, when fashion is accessible to all without limits, it becomes all-pervasive and signals body positivity too. �

Fashion Forward

© Fr

eaki

ns

© Fr

eaki

ns

© Fr

eaki

ns

© Fr

eaki

ns

© Fr

eaki

ns

© Fr

eaki

ns

© Fr

eaki

ns


Summer Somewhere is a women’s clothing brand that is an ode to the girl in pursuit of an endless summer.

Design Corner


ApparelCarefree

lothes that are free-spirited, support a conscious lifestyle, and are extremely wearable and trendy — well, all this and more is what makes up the clothing line of the brand Summer Somewhere, whose collection of breezy

dresses, lightweight tops and co-ord sets in romantic prints and so" pastels captures the essence of a vacation.

HOLIDAY SPIRITAt Summer Somewhere, clothes are designed to bring alive the holiday vibe and capture the warmth of the sun's rays and coolness of the sea breeze. Handmade in Mumbai, the clothes use local fabrics that are sourced from ethical vendors. Founder Meghna Goyal explains, “I am a summer girl through and through. It is my perpetual state of mind (and by extension, of our clothes as well), which is where the name

comes from. I am also the kind of person who takes a lot of pictures of inspiring details; this could be cool co%ee art or the mosaic tiles in an old palace or curios in a $ea market. I am always making mood boards, which sets the direction for every collection.”

A"er her graduation in Integrated Marketing from New York University, Meghna went on to join Clear (M&C Saatchi) as a brand strategist in New York. “A big part of me loves to consume information when travelling, especially when it comes to people and their wardrobes. I was lucky to live in New York which further shaped my design sensibility. It is the easiest city to fall in love with,” says Goyal. Moving back to India, alongside Summer Somewhere, Meghna also leads the design strategy for her family-run business, Salt Lake Shirts Pvt. Ltd., which has been in the garment export business for over 40 years.


Design Corner

©Veg

an F

ashi

on L

ibra

ry

© Al

l im

ages

: Sum

mer

Som

ewhe

re


INSPIRED LIVINGInterestingly, Goyal decided to start Summer Somewhere as she realised that there wasn’t a clothing brand in India that was catering to vacation wear that was trendy, a%ordable and timeless. Talking about the purpose behind starting the line, she says, “We all shop when we are on holiday, but we also do shop before a trip to put together a speci!c wardrobe. And that’s where the idea for the brand came from. At the same time, it was very important to me that the clothes be versatile and trans-seasonal. It had to have repeat value and the ability to transition into your everyday wardrobe a"er the trip. So, Summer Somewhere marries my love for travel and fashion.”

DO THE NEW#e brand’s new collection called ‘A Sandy Dream Come True’ is inspired by sandy landscapes and is so dreamy that you can almost feel the sand between your toes. #e colour palette is inspired from desert lights and canyons and their earthy tones. Luscious reds, rust and yellows are peppered with subtle hints of pink, lilac and white. #is new collection features popular favourites such as baggy pants and bralettes in a range of colours, and dresses and jumpsuits with whimsical cut-outs to $aunt your sun-kissed glow. Havana pants and Tulum shorts can be paired with beautifully tailored tie tops, while mini and midi dresses simply add a graceful $ounce.

“We have two types of drops that we release every couple of months. One is our collection of feminine pieces — dresses and co-ords. You will spot a lot of slip dresses, ditsy $orals, and thigh-high slits. Our most recent pieces take a"er the colours of the canyons and the deserts. #e other is our knitwear range. #ese are our lower-priced items of tees, tanks, and sweatshirts. We release limited styles over the year, as opposed to seasonal collections. We launch new styles once every 2.5 to 3 months,” says Goyal.

BRAND ETHOS#e brand is for urban girls and Goyal feels that authenticity comes from a place of relatability. So, every piece is one that she, her friends and even the girls next door would wear. Goyal explains, “Summer Somewhere is more attainable than aspirational. We are very real. For instance, I shot my launch pieces on my girlfriends during a trip to Mykonos in August 2019, and it was like a test run-cum-photo shoot that I photographed and the girls self-styled in tune with their personalities.”

Keeping in mind how the consumer dressing sense has evolved over the past year, !nding comfort while keeping that chic factor alive is extremely crucial. For someone who has always liked to invest in

Design Corner


high-quality clothes that are trendy as well as timeless, Goyal’s personal style is also very easy-going. “You will notice that it is the overall vibe of Summer Somewhere too, which is a re$ection of my personal style,” she says.

Being eco-friendly, the brand uses azo-free dyes and inks that are GOTS-certi!ed. “To me, being sustainable and ethical is not a di%erentiator anymore but instead is a requirement. At Summer Somewhere, we only use fabrics with natural !bres. So, when the items are washed, there are no microplastics that are released in the environment or even when discarded — the items are 100 percent biodegradable,” says Goyal. #e collection is available to shop at www.summersomewhereshop.com and the brand ships all over the world.

THE USPHigh-quality clothes that are trendy as well as timeless is how Goyal describes the brand’s unique selling proposition. “#is is a prêt label that is speci!cally designed for those seeking to complete their wardrobe before a trip as compared to others in the market. We think hard about how our pieces can work in a holiday setting, such as for those sunset cruises, poolside drinks or brunch at a beach bar. But we also think about how they will translate into o%-duty looks once you’re !nally back home, too. We want our shoppers to get maximum wears out of their buys. We’re looking to evoke a feeling — that of nostalgic summer adventures. It is about how our clothes make you feel and the good times they remind you of,” says Goyal.

During the peak of the lockdown, they went months with a zero net revenue. “Being a new business (launched just months before the COVID-19 outbreak), it was extremely disheartening, but we didn't give up and kept our marketing activities ongoing vs. pulling back. And once the economy started to open up, we saw a spike in sales which also restored our faith in the product,” adds Goyal.

Another thing that makes the brand stand out, says Goyal, is that they really listen to what the consumer wants — what consumers like and don’t like. “We use that feedback to carefully shape our products, styles and even content. For example, we learned from the !rst drop that the people responded better to prints than solids. We also o"en do Instagram polls and email campaigns to understand what styles they prefer before we design the next range of products,” signs o% Goyal. �

Design Corner

!e little known Tangaliya textile cra% has transitioned from being solely for traditional garments for local communities in Gujarat to one for garments and accessories with an international appeal.

Text | Brinda Gill

Wrap and Roll

© As

if Sh

aikh

Fibres & Weaves


Across India, in the rhythm of weavers’ looms, yarns meet to create a spectrum of beautiful textiles for rituals and sacred spaces, attire, gi"ing, home decoration, animal ornamentation

and other purposes. Adorning cloth are motifs that may be created with weaving supplementary yarns of di%erent types to stand out against the ground colours. In addition, motifs may be painted, embroidered, dyed or printed using di%erent techniques, or beads or metal elements may be also used to create motifs.

While all these techniques span the possibilities of adorning woven cloth, there is yet another amazing technique that is the pride of villages in Surendranagar district, in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. #is is the unique Tangaliya cra" worked during weaving, wherein minute bits of cotton or wool yarn are manually wrapped and rolled around a few warp yarns to create small, neat, raised dots that look as if tiny beads have been strung into warp yarns. As these dots are worked across the breadth and length of warp yarns, they go on to make up individual motifs which in turn are part of a composition. And Tangaliya weavers say with pride that the cra" is unique to Surendranagar and possibly not practised anywhere else in the world!

THE BEGINNINGS#e beginnings of the Tangaliya weaving technique are traced back seven centuries, when a young man from Bharwad community (whose traditional occupation was shepherding of local sheep) and a young woman from a Vankar community

Fibres & Weaves

©Veg

an F

ashi

on L

ibra

ry

(whose traditional occupation was weaving) fell in love. While there are slight variations in the recalling of the legend, Babu Muljibhai Rathod, 50, a Tangaliya master weaver (who can be contacted on +91-9898109509) living in Dedadera village, Surendranagar district, says he believes that a young man from a Rathod family from the Bharwad community in Rajasthan fell in love with a girl from a local weaver community.

“Seven centuries ago, communities forbade inter-community marriages. So, it is said that the young man and woman le" their homes in Rajasthan, married and travelled to Gujarat. To earn a living, they thought of weaving cloth as the girl knew weaving. #ey probably made a simple loom by taking branches and sticks from the forest, and hand-spun yarn from the wool of the $ock of sheep they tended. #ey both probably sat on the loom holding and rolling the yarn in their hands and thinking of how they could create

© Ba

bu M

uljib

hai R

atho

d

Fibres & Weaves

something di%erent. In that process, they thought of rolling yarn on warp yarns to create motifs and thus the technique was born! And the motifs they created were from nature around them and thus we see motifs of trees, peacocks, bushes and mountains,” explains Babubhai.

It is said that the young couple wove this patterned cloth and bartered it with members of the local Bharwad community for what they required including wool; the Bharwads being shepherds also supplied them wool for weaving. #e patterned cloth was worn by women by wrapping around their lower bodies with folds. As it covered their legs, it came to be called tangalio, meaning a covering for the taang or legs. #e descendants of the young couple came to be called Dangasia, from the word dang that means stick, referring to the long stick always carried by a shepherd to tend his $ock. And over time, the Dangasia men continued weaving on looms in their homes, with the women assisting in preparation of the yarns for weaving. #e Dangasia women also wore the Tangaliya textile.

THE TECHNIQUELooking at a Tangaliya textile, with hundreds of !ne dots making up motifs, the mind is amazed that the dots are manually created one at a time. Further, the weaver e%ortlessly moves across the warp yarns, creating the dots and elaborate motifs without any paper pattern, graph


© Ba

bu M

uljib

hai R

atho

d

Fibres & Weaves

paper pattern or any other reference. Each dot is made by the weaver

instinctively li"ing six warp yarns with the !ngers of one hand and quickly wrapping and rolling the yarn tightly around it in the required spot with the !ngers of the other hand. #e weaver then breaks the yarn and moves the small bead-like dot along the warp yarns to its place. #e weaver then moves on to the next spot, in that row of warp yarns, where the next dot is required. Once all the dots in a row are completed, the weaver weaves in we" yarns as required and repeats the process to create more dots as per the motif in mind! By the very nature of the work, the dots look the same on both sides of the cloth.

Babubhai says that the time taken to weave a textile depends on the intricacy of the motifs and complexity of the composition, especially at the end panels of stoles, shawls, dupattas and sarees. He says that it typically takes him about 15 days to weave a saree, three days to weave a dupatta, two days to weave a stole and one day to weave a scarf. Scarves being of a narrow width of 12 inches are generally woven on the traditional pit loom, while other broader textiles are woven on a frame loom. #e dots created on his weaves are of an even size and tightness, perfect placement and re$ect his innate skill (that has passed down in his family over generations) and his decades of weaving at the loom.

MOTIFS: TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARYTangaliya motifs are created by dots, which may be in the form of outlines or may be closely placed to !ll in forms such as of birds. Given the nature of the dots, Tangaliya motifs typically have a linear quality. However, now master weavers like Babubhai skilfully create curvilinear motifs — like that of a $owing train of a peacock — by making dots in very close proximity and thus creating curved lines.

#e traditional motifs of Tangaliya are trees of di%erent species and sizes, peacocks, structures of temples and homes, and forms such as circles, squares and triangles that may be arranged to create compositions. Traditionally, the fabric was typically black bearing predominantly white and/maroon dots, and the yarns for the warp, we" and dots were of wool hand-spun from local sheep.

DIFFERENT EXPRESSIONS Traditionally, the Tangaliya textile was 50 inches in width and a little less than three metres in length. As it was woven on the pit loom and had a narrow width (that yielded a textile of 25 inches width), it would be woven to little less than six metres. #is length would then be cut in half (each half being a little less than three metres), and the two lengths would be stitched along one length to obtain


© Ba

bu M

uljib

hai R

atho

d

the required width (of 50 inches) of the garment. It had borders along both lengths and motifs/patterns along these lengths.

Over time, some Tangaliya weaves came to bear patterns that had speci!c names and some patterns also conveyed the identity or status of the wearer. Babubhai explains that the zalawadi pattern has a big tree with seven peacocks sitting on it at di%erent levels, and it is created with white and maroon dots on a black background. #e bhadar has a smaller tree with three peacocks and a decorative motif akin to a key chain worn at the waist by women, created with di%erent coloured dots on a black background. #e halari has a simple house-like structure with peacocks on it created with di%erent coloured dots on a black background.

Over time, certain patterns came to be identi!ed with certain communities. Babubhai says, “Traditionally, the Tangaliya textile was woven with black woollen yarns, in both the warp and the we", and the dots would be made with maroon and/or white yarns. #e zalawadi Tangaliya was worn by women of the Bharwad community living in northern Saurashtra in the areas bordering the Kutch border. #e bhadar Tangaliya was worn by women of the Bharwad community living near the Bhadar River in Amreli district, Saurashtra. #e halari Tangaliya was worn by women in Jamnagar district in western Saurashtra.”

Explaining the di%erent patterning of Tangaliya cloth, Babubhai says that the ramraj Tangaliya has maroon and black lines across the body of the textile, with

Fashion Forward

patterns created by closely set dots of bright colours against a black background along the side lengths and probably having a zari border. #e charmaliya Tangaliya has maroon and black lines across the body of the textile and mostly has white dots. It may have a few multi-coloured dots as well.

#e dhunslu has a light pattern in white and maroon on a black background. It was traditionally worn by the mother-in-law and the ramraj by the daughter-in-law. #e mother-in-law’s mother-in-law also wore a dhunslu (and charmaliya); however, its patterning was simpler than the dhunslu worn by her daughter-in-law. #us, simply looking at the Tangaliya garment worn by women of three generations in a family, the onlooker could understand their relationship. #e lobadi, like a shawl, is worn over the head and has white dots on a maroon background with white woven lines on the border. It is worn by the bhua, a man entrusted with looking a"er the rituals at the Meldi Mataji temples.

PRESERVING THE PAST#e tradition of weaving Tangaliya textiles by Dangasia weavers continued over the centuries. Being traditionally woven only in Surendranagar district and being used only by the Bharwad and Dangasia communities meant that awareness of Tangaliya textiles was restricted. Towards the end of the 20th century, with modern textiles being available in shops, there was a fall in demand for traditional Tangaliya.

“At one time, there were many families involved in Tangaliya weaving. However,


© Ba

bu M

uljib

hai R

atho

d

about 15 years ago, there were hardly two weavers le" in our village. We would weave only when we received an order. As the Tangaliya garment and chaniya (lower garment) continued to be an important attire for Bharwad brides, there would be demand for it when there was a wedding or special occasion,” says Babubhai.

Babubhai says that thankfully around that time, the timely intervention and assistance of the students of the National Institute of Fashion Technology&(NIFT),&Gandhinagar&who guided them regarding colour combinations, designs and products; of Bella Joshi, project head, Saath Livelihood, Ahmedabad, for marketing of the products; and CARE India, New Delhi, who provided a stipend helped the Tangaliya weavers revitalise the cra". #e organisations helped in setting up Surendranagar Vankar Samaj (SUVAS), a registered organisation of weavers and artisans.

Tangaliya weavers subsequently started weaving other apparel such as sarees, shawls, stoles and also accessories such as cushion covers with Tangaliya motifs. #ey started using di%erent yarns (cotton and silk for weaving, acrylic wool for the dots) and di%erent colours for the ground weave and the dots, as well as creating di%erent motifs and patterns while being true to the technique and ethos of the motifs. On request, weavers also weave the ground cloth with Kala cotton, which is the local cotton of Gujarat.

#e result was that Tangaliya weaving was energised. It received a geographical indication (GI) tag in 2009, and artisans started increasingly showcasing their work at exhibitions. Today, they communicate with buyers on WhatsApp, which helps them get orders that are then dispatched by courier. Weavers now weave fabrics in a spectrum of colours and also create dots in di%erent colours. #e dots typically contrast with the colour of the ground cloth so that they stand out, making the motifs appear distinctive.

Younger members of weaving families who once looked for occupation elsewhere are also involved in Tangaliya weaving now. Traditionally, only men wove at the loom; however, Babubhai has taught his daughter Anusya weaving, and his son Anand also weaves. As awareness of this unusual technique spreads, appreciation and demand for Tangaliya textiles is on the rise. And hearteningly, customers are requesting weavers to create traditional motifs and patterns on garments so that they have a Tangaliya garment with authentic, traditional patterns! �

Fibres & Weaves


© Ba

bu M

uljib

hai R

atho

d

Trend Talk – International

Monsoon Weddings:

Our Style Guide for The Ethereal Bride

© Ve

cton

/Shu

tters

tock

.com



Trend Talk – india

Text | Shruti Anand

Walking down the aisle in the perfect attire, the embellished silhouette, dazzling jewellery, with the

photographer clicking your most candid and gorgeous shots, is usually the dream of every bride. All you are looking forward to at this moment is the life you’re about to begin; you look at your groom, and he is smiling, waiting for you to stand next to him. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? But the pouring rain might be a cause for concern for most brides and event planners alike.

Well, keep the dream alive, and don’t let the monsoon muhurat deprive you of your picture-perfect wedding. #ere’s plenty you can do to not just celebrate your most special day with your loved ones but to also make it fun, vibrant and memorable. Each function — be it mehendi, sangeet, or engagement — can become a lot of fun even in the monsoons. And don’t you worry about your attire or anything else for that matter. We’ve got some cool tips, tricks and wizardry up our sleeves to make your monsoon wedding as special as you are. So, are you ready to walk down the aisle in your most stunning self?

POP OF COLOUR Here’s the best part about the downpour — it creates a blanket of grey against which vibrant colours will always stand out, making your wedding feel like nothing less than a festival. Be it your wedding attire, the decor, or the $ower arrangement, each pop of colour will look gorgeous in this weather. #ink about the classic red and

gold hues of a silk sari and marigold all around you; even the olive greens for the mehendi ceremony would dazzle. So, go bold with your colour, and don’t shy away from opting for hues like rani pink, Tuscan yellow, classic shades of red and maroon, neon pink, teal, and pine for your big day.

Feel free to invest in a satrangi lehenga, much like the one Priyanka Chopra Jonas wore at her mehendi ceremony and wowed the world with. Get playful with traditional as well as light fabrics like leheriya, bandhani, phulkari, and organza. Colour choices that re$ect your bubbly personality will also re$ect your mood, and if you like to experiment, you can really work this weather in your favour by opting for neon shades such as fuchsia.

EMBRACE NATURE Don’t let the downpour dampen your spirits, and instead embrace it in its entirety. Bring out the good old piping hot

Planning a wedding is stressful. Add pouring rains to it, and it straightaway adds to the woes of the bride. Keep your worries aside and rely on our style guide that covers everything from lehengas to jewellery and footwear!

© SK

G P

hoto

grap

hy/F

reep

ik.co

m


chai, pakoras and weather-appropriate food, making the setting informal so that you can sing, dance, laugh and celebrate the string of wedding functions with your family and friends. You can have a farmhouse wedding, where the weather will seem all the more pleasant, and go as far as getting a special bridal mehendi with elements of nature which both of you love. A bonus would be to have folk dances and musical performances by locals and the inclusion of native dishes in your menu to add a rustic touch to your once-in-a-lifetime event.

Creating a whole nature ensemble is all the more fun as it is playing around with the decor. You can channel your inner rawness and go for Bohemian prints, and yes, this holds good for your wedding day ensemble as well. Play with tassels for your jewellery and head accessories instead of $oral for the mehendi, to complement your boho look. Go loud with bold colours on a high-low skirt, opt for a layered lehenga, or wear your dupatta like a cape; the quirkier you get, the more you’ll love the exotic and unique elements that you’ve curated for this special occasion.

FLOWER POWERAccentuate your bridal look with a $oral lehenga and dress like the queen that you are. We love $ower power at weddings because there is a plethora of choices in bridal lehengas, especially now that $oral trousseau is in vogue. You can go for pastel shades of peach, powder blue, or lilac for your look, with a $oral patchwork, a subtle silhouette with ivory embroidery and stonework, or even a silk ensemble with $oral prints. If your wedding ceremony is indoors, de!nitely go for heavy $oral embroidery.

If you don't mind a white base, go for gold blossoms embroidered on your dress, or opt for red $orets or a gorgeous ivory embroidery. #en, of course, there are the classy red and pink shades with gold embroidery, pink $orals with silver thread

work, as well as silver thread work with pearls and beads. No matter which shade you pick, the blossoms on your trousseau are going to look fabulous and will go beautifully in sync with the weather.

BE EXPERIMENTALWe all know how humid it can get during monsoons, which means sweat and your dress clinging to your body. #e best way to deal with the humidity is to stay breezy and look gorgeous at the same time. Plus, there’s a lot of room to play around with your attire. You can go for blouses that are o%-shoulder, backless, or with large pu%s. #ese looks may not be traditional but are de!nitely the in thing for a modern bride. Brides are nowadays even opting for deep neck blouses for their big day. #ese little choices enhance your attire and bring out your jewellery, and at the


© N

inec

olou

rs


same time, they also make you feel less stu%y and keep you stress-free, especially during the various functions and ceremonies.

STAY BREEZYWhen it comes to your bridal lehenga, pick breezy fabrics like organic cotton, pure chi%on, and georgette, or if you prefer, chanderi and cotton silk. #e idea of lighter fabrics is not restricted to monsoons, as Indian brides are nowadays doing away with heavy fabrics. Once

you pick the right fabric for yourself, there is a lot of room to play around with; think !gure-hugging silhouettes or skirts with a $are so that you can twirl. #e key is to look your best and enjoy the wedding party. For the rains especially, you can pick a lower hemline for your skirt or go for the traditional dhoti. #is way, the event can be organised outdoors, and you won't have to worry about mud or grass stains on your out!t.

Trend Talk – india©

Nin

ecol

ours

© N

inec

olou

rs

© N

inec

olou

rs

© N

inec

olou

rs


EASY ON THE BLINGWhile choosing your bridal attire, do pay special attention to the embellishments on it. Intricate silver, diamonds or pearls should look dazzling on you. But tread carefully around zardozi, gota, dabka and the likes, as they tend to blacken due to the humid air and can a%ect your look entirely. It is best to opt for thread work as it doesn’t need a lot of maintenance and will keep your worries at bay. We vouch for silver motifs with peacock shades of teal, turquoise, plum, emerald, and even gold.

FEET FIRSTFootwear at your wedding should complement your looks as well as be comfortable. Look out for $ats, wedges, slip-ons, and pumps. A traditional attire can be complemented with juttis, mojari, one-toe $ats, or mules that give an ethnic touch. If you’re being quirky with your look, then de!nitely opt for sneakers with some shimmer and glam, and $aunt them with style. We love the idea of shoes, especially in the monsoon as they tend to not slip and are oh so comfortable. Whatever you do, do not experiment with footwear you aren’t used to like stilettos or high heels, especially during the monsoons. You can also look at stylish jelly shoes from local and international brands for a smooth walk down the aisle.


© N

inec

olou

rs

© N

inec

olou

rs


www.tring.co.in

#JustTringIt

Use Code: NC50

Scan QR Code Visit

OR

BOOK NOW

This is an advertisement*

Get personalised video messages from your favouritecelebrities!!

Colin Mochrie Gia Manek Enrique Arce Sana Saeed Tanushree Dutta Kiku Sharda

Any Celebrity, Any Occasion, Any Reason, Any Excuse!

What’s your excuse?

Recorded VideoMessage Live VIdeo Call Instagram DM

Get Flat 50% OFF + !500 Voucher on Sign up!


Clothing and fabric recycling has become one of the most raging points of concern for the global textile industry. We take a look at how brands are adapting to this dri%.

Text | Anurima Das

Clothing recycling involves recovering old clothing and shoes for sorting and processing. Once it’s done, the products are made suitable for reuse. Sometimes it may be a normal clothing or cloth scraps or rags as well as !brous material. Given environmental

concerns, the interest towards garment recycling is rapidly on the rise. Brands are becoming conscious about clothing and fabric wastes leading to land!ll.

In 2013, H&M became the !rst retailer that o%ered the unused clothes gathering programme in chain stores worldwide. In March 2021, the company restarted this


Recycling for The Future

© Ai

r Im

ages

/Shu

tters

tock

.com

©Cos

mo

Film

s



programme in Russia. Laut Recycling, a company located in the Ivanovo Region and dealing with textile items gathering, sorting and processing, will be the new H&M partner within the scope of the Garment Collection programme.

"H&M Russia launches an updated programme for unneeded garments gathering. Now all the stages, from textile gathering in H&M Group stores to sorting, reuse and recycling, will take place in the territory of Russia with the participation of a local partner — Laut Recycling programme," the company mentioned in a release.

PROCESSES INVOLVED IN RECYCLING#e !rst step for any brand or organisation engaged in recycling clothes is to raise public awareness with information about the importance and bene!ts of donating used items like clothing and shoes. Informative bins and truck signage are used to indicate and collect the used stu%. Brands adapting to the path of recycling send these bins to the consumer’s house or put them out at their shops or more such strategic locations to collect the used and old clothing. Post-consumer clothing is picked up generally from bins placed in public places, as well as from clothing drives and door-to-door collection. Bins are typically placed strategically in public places such as parking lots in business

centres and shopping malls. Colourful bins are positioned in high-tra(c, high-visibility locations to help maximise donations.

Recently, to drive the recycling e%orts properly in a higher, more organised way, leading retailers have partnered with garment recycling companies such as I:CO. I:CO has been able to collect around 17,000 tonnes of clothing and shoes in 2015 (or 37 million pounds) while recycling 40 percent of the clothing or almost 15 million pounds. Once collected, the clothing is classi!ed into three groups: reuse, rags, and !bre. Typically, this is a manual sorting process that requires expertise in identifying various types of material. #e process can be aided by mechanical systems such as conveyor belts and bins to segregate various grades of material.

Recyclers have reported that about one half of donated garments can be reused. Some recyclers bale this clothing for export to developing countries, while some garments are used domestically for sale in thri" shops. Industrial cloth rags and wipes are another important residual of the recycling process. Additionally, clothing may be reduced to !brous material.

#e fabric for textiles and clothing commonly consists of composites of synthetic plastics and cotton. In case of natural textiles, the collected items are sorted in terms of colour and material.

©Was

te36

0

©Pin

tere

st


By segregating colours, the need for redyeing can be eliminated, reducing the need for pollutants and energy. #en the clothing is torn into slack !bres and combined with other chosen !bres, based on the end use of the recycled !bre. Once cleaned and spun, the !bres can be compressed for use in mattress production. Textiles are sometimes sent to the home industry and used to produce !lling material for furniture padding, panel linings, loudspeaker cones, and car insulation.

#e recycling process works somewhat di%erently for polyester-based materials. In this case, the !rst thing is to remove zippers and buttons and then to cut the clothing into smaller pieces. #ose shredded small fabrics are then granulated and shaped into pellets. Today, brands are not only launching recycling drives, but are also reusing the recycled materials to upcycle and use in newer garment making.

UPCYCLING TO GIVE PURPOSE#e Global Fashion Agenda and Boston Consulting Group estimate that 92 million tonnes of textile waste is created each year. To make up for this, brands are constantly switching to upcycling. #e R Collective is one such reputed sustainable apparel brand based in Hong Kong that rescues textile waste sourced from leading fashion brands, mills, and manufacturers. Recently, the brand partnered with Levi’s to launch a collection of jeans created from old Levi’s inventory and le"over samples. Each item in this collection — christened Denim Reimagined line —

©Cam

illa V

azzo

ler/A

nekd

ot

©Rajr

ang


was labelled with a QR code that customers could scan with their smartphone to trace the product’s provenance and access sustainable garment care tips, such as how to reduce energy usage during washing and drying and how to eventually recycle the jeans.

By supporting #e R Collective’s e%orts to scale up recycling, Levi’s lent credibility and visibility to the project. Levi’s has also recently launched an exclusive collection platform called SecondHand, a buyback and resale podium to further encourage customers to prolong the life of their Levi’s products.

Another remarkable brand in the recycling space is Berlin-based upcycled clothing and recycled clothing brand Anekdot. #is brand makes underwear and lingerie using materials sourced from production le"overs, end of lines, o%-cuts, dead stock, and vintage trimmings. #e team even hunts down fabrics from factories that are closing down or make surpluses, production errors or miscalculations. Female makers in Berlin and Poland make the items.

CATCHING UP ON THE TRENDIn a similar vein, Beyond Retro’s Reworked range makes 100 percent unique pieces made from recycled clothing. #e upcycled clothing brand reworks brands like Disney, Adidas, and Nike. #e brand starts with its raw material reserve, saving 6,00,000 garments from land!lls. Another brand, Christy Dawn in Downtown Los Angeles, sews its entire range keeping longevity in mind. #e recycled clothing brand uses dead-stock fabrics to minimise its environmental footprint. Instead of creating thousands of garments at a time, the brand sews a limited number of pieces for each look, numbering every dress it makes.

Another reputed brand catching on to the upcycled clothing trend is ASOS. ASOS has been making moves in order to make its clothes more ethical via its ASOS Responsible Edit range. In fact, what started as the Edit range has now gone a step further with its ASOS Reclaimed Vintage line.

A fully circular economy or a 100 percent circular brand that operates through a mechanism of recycle and reuse is far from becoming a reality anytime soon. However, the concept of recycling is getting much recognition and getting well-accepted at pockets all across the globe. Indian brands are also fast catching up with this trend and are revolutionising their manufacturing process. Although there is still time for India to adapt the circular economy concept in full view, some homegrown brands today are switching to this recycling movement to embrace more environment-friendly approaches, which signals a promising future for the fashion industry. �©

Ian

Wals

h/Sh

utte

rsto

ck.co

m

©Adi

das

©Fio

rent

ino

Amp up your wardrobe and get ready to introduce fall fashion in your dressing up plans, with cues from top labels around the world.

Text | Anurima Das

International

On the Ramp – International

Fall Trends to Watch Out For

© Sv

etlan

asok

olov

a/Fr

eepi

k.co

m



Last year, it was all about a virtual life and it was a time of no-contact, virtual fashion weeks ruling the ramp. We became used to celebrating fashion and glamour on-screen. But the beauty was no less, and we all looked up to the big brands and fashion leaders to show

us some pomp and bring in a breather during the dull months following the pandemic, wherein almost the whole world was under house arrest.

PUFFERS AND OVERCOATS ON POINTWhether you want functionality like the outdoorsy patchwork pu%ers from Chloé or the amazing charm of the warming Miu Miu pastel coveralls, you can choose either and your plans for the fall will be sorted. #e best part about this season’s Chloé collection is that designers like Gabriela Hearst, Marine Serre, and Stuart Vevers at Coach are patching together unused fabric scraps to produce coats, dresses, and upcycled tees. #ese piecemeal garments are not only sustainable, but also stand for a quirky aesthetic that is all about personal expression. Dressing up for oneself and that too in a statement piece is certainly the way people look at the new normal.

As for pu%ers, you will certainly not want to miss the nature-matched ones brought to you by Miu Miu. #ese pu%ers are a big hit, and they will urge you to get outside on the slopes. In fact, to establish the outdoor outlook of both Miu Miu and #om Browne, another brand to showcase nature-inspired pu%ers staged its shows on mountaintops, with pu%ers and accessories. #e setting gave a kind of backdrop to the whole concept and made the styles more relevant. Givenchy, Christian Dior, and Chanel also brought out shearlings and Fair Isle knits that made the whole fall look more promising and stylish.

Being unable to move out of our homes or say yes to fashionable clothing and stylish accessories or even get a chance to shop our hearts out, we were all eagerly waiting to embrace the !rst signs of fashion. #at’s when we got to see the Prada models walking out, clutching their sequin wraps. Why Prada, we also saw Dries Van Noten dance fashionably. #is was just the start and then poured out stark imagery, bold chicness, and a lot of storytelling, which helped de!ne 2021’s fashion scene. Here’s a list of the much-talked-about styles and trends to watch out for this fall.

©Fáb

io S

calet

ta/U

nspl

ash.

com



BUBBLE CLOTHING TRENDINGKnitted bodysuits brought out by Givenchy and Courrèges or the blankets and wraps from brands like JW Anderson, Stella Jean, and Jil Sander were the talking point at every fashion discussion. But one trend that has been doing rounds since the early days of the lockdown is the bulbous, bubble-shaped winterwear. #is silhouette has been in fashion last fall also, and so" Romeo Gigli-style cocoons with an emphasis on the hips and thighs have been stealing the show. #ese garment styles spell cosiness and o%er respite from the skin-tight silhouettes that we commonly see.

HOME FASHION ON THE RISEGone are the days when dressing up for a party was the in thing. Today, monograms have been toned down, with new logo prints at Chanel, Versace, and Balmain. Fashionistas want to return to nostalgia. Glamour is getting relooked at in a di%erent way. Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons are building on their glam looks using sequins and stoles, while Dries Van Noten is bringing back ta%eta volumes.

#en comes the catsuit. In the hands of Tom Ford and LaQuan Smith, this garb is getting reinvented and the sexiest and sheerest fall fashion silhouette is thus taking birth. What is worth a mention here is Yuhan Wang, Ottolinger, and Maisie Wilen’s one-pieces, which are artfully patterned and strange. #en comes Erdem’s ballet-style cover-up that is perfect for a WFH week of lounging. Experts are pointing out that onesies are a big fashion trend this year, and it is one trend that will see ample takers both for outdoor dressing as well as indoor fashion.

©Len

a She

khov

tsova

/Pex

els.co

m

©Fer

dina

nd St

udio

/Uns

plas

h.co

m




COMFORT ALL THE WAY#e pandemic has shaped our fashion sense in a very di%erent way and now is the time to make comfort a part of our lives. Comfortable, individualistic silhouettes that adjust to your personality are becoming powerful notions of style. Every collection today presented by a fashion brand is in total disagreement with another. #ere is a di%erent sort of crazy in the air, and more and more brands are embracing this notion of fashion. People who deem dressing up an essential task and do want to look good even in these testing times can choose from an array of grittily glamorous frocks from Simone Rocha, Prada, Paco Rabanne, and Rick Owens.

#en there are also the roomy new jeans at Christian Dior and Balenciaga and pleated skirt suits from Molly Goddard, Max Mara, and Calvin Luo. It is not easy to pinpoint and predict the fashion trends for Fall 2021 with perfect ease, as a lot of rebellious personal styles and contexts are getting born, courtesy the COVID-19 pandemic.

WEAR THAT QUIRKNothing remains ordinary anymore and even power suits right now have been transformed into quirky but prim pleated skirt sets. Lovely options have been brought to the front by brands and designers like 3.1 Phillip Lim, Plan C, and Schiaparelli. #e designs they have brought out for Fall 2021 are breezily stylish and well-suited to o(ce life, at home or otherwise.

On the other hand, brands like Chopova Lowena, Collina Strada, and Arthur Arbesser have reconstructed bolder looks for fall. Donatella Versace imagined a new kind of logo — an all-over key print — for her Fall 2021 collection, while Givenchy’s sheer separates were stitched with interlocked Gs, and Kim Jones revived an archival FF logo on slips and stockings at Fendi. Millennial nostalgia has reached a high pitch. Blumarine, Conner Ives, Alyx, and Roberto Cavalli brought back a lot of warmth and sweetness using their pastel minidresses.

It is also time to accommodate experiments and that too the bolder ones. Jonathan Anderson’s artful throws de!nitely tell you that blankets are in, and why just use it to cover you up when sleeping — you can wear it too. Ponchos and capes had a resurgence at Gabriela Hearst, Alberta Ferretti, and Missoni. Stella Jean has also collaborated with the Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to employ the cra"speople who made her picturesque wraps.

Overall, the sense for fall dressing is muted, stylish and bold. #ere is a lot of scope for mix and match and quirkiness, but what’s important is to embrace the change in the air and dress with élan and warmth this fall. �

©God

isabl

e Jac

ob/P

exels

.com

©Pro

duto

ra M

idtra

ck/P

exels

.com


24 Mantra Organic by Sresta has been a frontrunner in the space of all things organic, and the work — started over 17 years ago — is more relevant today than ever before.

24 Mantra Organic by Sresta was born with a vision to make a sustainable living for farmers as well as to create a healthy lifestyle for consumers by providing safe, healthy and pure food products.

LOOKING BACKRaj Seelam, Founder and MD, 24 Mantra Organic by Sresta, started the company in 2004. “A"er graduating from IIM Ahmedabad, I took the traditional route by joining an Indian agribusiness conglomerate selling pesticides and


TheOrganicLife©A

ll im

ages

: 24 M

antra

Org

anic

by Sr

esta


Health & Well-being

fertilisers. I was shocked at the alarming use of chemicals and fertilisers on farms, impacting the lives and sustainability of the farmers,” says Seelam.

With the sole motive of supporting farmers in sustainable farming besides providing healthy food that was void of pesticides and additives, he decided to do something about it. A"er years of research, Sresta Natural Bioproducts started in 2004, adopting a farm-to-fork approach. Incidentally, the concept of organic food in India was then relatively unknown.

“Along with like-minded and inspired colleagues, we set out on our journey, but we had to face numerous challenges. One of the biggest obstacles we faced in our initial years was convincing small groups of farmers on the bene!ts of organic farming. Over many years, we have been able to demonstrate 15 percent to 20 percent increase in net income, lower !nancial risk, lower production risk and better health of farmers and their families.&We also had to convince retailers that organic will sell,” says Seelam.

FARMER FIRSTIn these last 16 years, the company has explored many categories where they can provide a complete organic range with over 200 SKUs and have a loyal customer base of over one million families in India and another one million families across the 50 other countries they export to. In these years, they have built a community of 50,000+ farmers across 15 states, cultivating over 2.5 lakh acres of farmland. “Farmers are our foundation on whom rests our organic journey. #erefore, understanding them, setting up processes that protect their interests and encouraging them to be part of the organic movement is something that we have accomplished over the last few years,” says Seelam.

#e company’s role is to ensure that organic practices are done systematically and consistently and contribute to their sustainability and improve their standard of living. Having found the right farmer,

the next step is to ensure that they are productively engaged and to educate them on an ongoing basis.

“We have 100+ projects across the country, and we monitor the organic methods of every farm by multiple visits to every farm every month by our team members. Each project is in a 15- to 20-km radius covering a few hundred to few thousand acres. We do over a million farm visits every year. Sresta continuously trains the farmers to build soil fertility and increase soil microbial population using manure, crop rotation, green manuring, improving natural balance through natural pest and disease control methods, providing good quality seeds and ensuring appropriate water and soil conservation,” says Seelam.

FARM TO FORKOver the last few years, there has been a growing demand for safe, healthy food bere" of pesticides and chemicals. #e pandemic has accelerated this momentum, putting the spotlight on safe, healthy and pure food. With 200 products in its portfolio, Sresta has adopted the Farm to Fork approach right from the beginning to maintain organic integrity while also investing time and resources in training, educating, and sensitising the farmer community in organic farming.

“Right from the farming stage to the processing of the produce, Sresta monitors


Health & Well-being

the organic methods, ensuring farmers produce 100 percent organic products and the same are brought to our customers. Based on the batch numbers of packs, we can trace back to the farmers who have grown the contents of the pack and thereby the entire journey from the farm to the kitchen,” says Seelam.

#e product portfolio, sold under the brand name of 24 Mantra Organic, comprises 200 products in three broad categories including cooking essentials like rice, lentils, pulses and spices; packaged foods like ready-to-cook products, jam, cashew nuts, almonds and health products like moringa powder, wheatgrass powder, $axseeds and the like; and beverages like tea and infusions.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGESIn India, the biggest challenge is the lack of a level playing !eld. While there are subsidies for fertilisers, hybrid seeds and everything else, there is no tangible or visible support for the entire organic farming movement by the government. Again, although India represents the largest number of organic food producers in the world, it contributes only 2.59 percent of the total organic cultivable area. One of the biggest challenges in this space is convincing a conventional farmer to shi" to organic farming.

“It is important to use science which supports conservation and sustainability on a large scale to improve organic farming outcomes. We need to invest in them so that more and more farmers can adopt organic farming pro!tably. Moreover, we must master the art of growing crops that thrive in local weather conditions. It is important to identify crop varieties that are resistant to pests, diseases and adverse conditions and are suitable for organic farming. #is will further build trust among our consumers to rely on local organic food,” says Seelam.

ORGANIC INTEGRITY Sresta follows rigorous practices and procedures to ensure that all their methods — growing, harvesting, storage, grain


Health & Well-being

cleaning, natural fumigation, milling, aseptic processing, dehydration, canning and freezing foods (for the international market) are done without use of any chemicals. To ensure that the products adhere to strict organic standards, the company has evolved a robust !ve-level check system to ensure that the produce is genuinely organic. #is involves social control through group behaviour, regular !eld visits by the team, cross inspections of every farm every season (which is roughly about 80,000 inspections), inspections by certi!cation agencies, and pesticide residue tests.

RESEARCH RULES#e company invests in developing suitable and better organic farming methods by researching and taking up crop experiments and demonstrations. “At Sresta, we take product R&D seriously because as the pioneers in the organic food space, we take it upon us as our responsibility to be abreast of changing consumer demands and preferences. In the last few years, we have developed proven expertise in understanding what the organic food industry needs with regards to product concepts, processes, quality benchmarks and various product options,” says Seelam.

#e company has been successful in servicing several markets across the world with diverse o%erings. “From catering to clients who want a set and conventional list of products to the ones who want new products to be developed, we work with all of them. We have a full-$edged R&D team that looks a"er all the necessary facets — from idea to certi!cation — as an integrated approach,” adds Seelam.

BUSTING MYTHSFrom a consumer perspective, the primary concern is that they believe organic food is for the elite, which is not the case. “If a normal middle-class household spends

approximately )4,000 for their monthly ration, we assure that converting to organic would be an addition of around )1,000 to )1,200. Converting to organic will not only provide better health but would also be creating a sustainable platform for our farmer friends,” says Seelam. Another common myth about organic foods is that they have a di%erent taste than conventional foods. On the contrary, organic food tastes better and is nutritionally better, too.

FUTURE PERFECTSensitising and convincing the government policymakers and research institutions — both central and state — to invest in research on organic farming methods and providing support to farmers wanting to switch to organic production is the need of the hour. Sresta has also worked with governments like Sikkim in converting their entire space into organic. Looking ahead, Sresta believes in the sustainable development of both farmers as well as their customers. “Our plan is to adhere to organic integrity and provide opportunities to more than a million farmers while serving more than 10 million customers in the next few years,” signs o% Seelam. �



Monsoon is usually regarded as the season of renewal and growth. During monsoons, the prettier, premium version of the earth surfaces, where everything looks greener,

happier and refreshing and seems to bloom and thrive — except our hair.

While our younger selves may have loved getting caught in the sudden downpour, our older selves !nd themselves caged to worrying about the toll the season might have on our hair and skin. With the rainy season here, most of us have to deal with the many hair woes (read: frizz, dandru%, itchy scalp and hair fall, among others) that accompany it.

We spoke to few experts to learn how to take care of our crowning glory and enjoy healthy, shiny and problem-free hair, come rain or sunshine!

GETTING TO THE ROOT#OF THE MATTER Firstly, we must understand that our hair, like our skin, changes with the season. As the rains arrive, the temperature drops and humidity rises. Sifat Khurana, Co-founder of Bare Anatomy, a personalised haircare company, tells us, “#e rainy season brings with it humidity and sweat. Moreover, rainwater is loaded with acidic pollutants.”

Hence, shares Amrutam's&Founding Principal Ashok Gupta, during monsoons when the air is moist and our scalp is more o"en than not damp and itchy, our roots become weak, which in turn leads to breakage and hair fall. #at is why it is necessary to take special care of our hair during the rainy season. He adds, "A wet

!is monsoon, keep your mane healthy and happy and put an end to your hair woes with these easy haircare tips.

Beat the monsoon ‘tress stress’

Hair & Beauty

scalp can lead to numerous infections, which is why it is important to let your hair dry before you comb it. Moreover, letting the natural rainwater fall on your scalp is an excellent way for the hair to replenish itself, along with restoring the hair's natural colour.”

Vaishakhi Haria, L’Oréal India's Ambassador and Founder of Splash #e Salon and Mantastic Barbers Bombay, notes, “As monsoon has approached, it will take a toll on most people's hair.&#e most common problems faced during the monsoon are frizz and hair fall. If you get drenched in the rains or your hair gets partly damp due to drizzles, please let it air-dry before you tie it up.&Do not tie damp hair as it weakens the roots and you may end up with hair loss.”

© Am

ruta

m


Hair & Beauty

Noor Arora, Co-founder, First Water Solutions, explains further, “It’s commonly said that a bad hair day can ruin your whole day, and for some of us monsoon is a season full of bad hair days! #ere are four main hair concerns that plague people during the monsoon: hair fall, breakage, greasiness, and frizz. Hair fall and greasiness in the monsoon are linked, especially if you are prone to having an oily scalp. #e humid weather exacerbates this problem by agitating your scalp, leading it to get dirtier, oilier and clogged up faster. Breakage and frizz are two other very common monsoon woes that are also interlinked. #is is usually a problem faced by people with naturally curly hair, dehydrated hair or very !ne hair.”

OILS TO THE RESCUESifat shares a few tips to make your monsoons bring back the child-like delight, without worrying too much about your monsoon mane. She observes, “Oiling your hair is crucial, as it will provide nourishment in an otherwise depriving season. Make sure that you do it gently though, as your hair is already frizzy in the monsoon, which may make it weaker and susceptible to hair fall.”

#e Root 9 series of haircare products by First Water Solutions are packed with nine power-packed botanical ingredients each and are certi!ed organic. #e Root 9 hair oil from this range nourishes the scalp and hair to add elasticity and shine, while infusing your roots with a multitude of antioxidants to make them stronger, explains Noor. Its lightweight formula does not weigh your hair down, and instead gives it volume and bounce!

Ashok sheds light on how Ayurveda can help us with our hair challenges, saying, "Ayurveda places immense importance on hair health as it believes that our hair and skin are a re$ection of our internal health. A traditional Ayurvedic haircare regimen involves oiling, massaging, washing, and drying your hair with speci!c steps to be followed at every stage, which keeps your hair healthy and strong. Applying nourishing Ayurvedic recipes like&Amrutam's Kuntal Care DIY Hair Spa or Kuntal Care Hair Oil&can be immensely bene!cial for hair growth and strength.”

#e Kuntal Care DIY Hair Spa helps to keep your hair healthy, silky and shiny and prevents hair greying, while also calming you down with its relaxing scent. #e light and non-greasy Kuntal Care

© Je

ssica

Nun

es/P

exels

.com

© Fi

rst W

ater

Sol

utio

ns


Hair Oil, too, makes for a haircare essential that you must add to your beauty shelf for strong, healthy, lustrous hair.

THE ‘S’ FACTOR: SHAMPOOS, SERUMS AND SHOWER FILTERSSifat says, “If you get drenched in the rain, make sure you come home immediately and wash your hair well with a mild, SLS- and paraben-free shampoo to get rid of the sweat and dirt. #is, however, may lead to excess frizz during monsoons, which can easily be tamed (and even styled) with a personalised hair serum. With humidity on the loose, heat styling may become more common. Make sure that you use a serum or argan oil as a protectant to save yourself from the heat damage.”

Noor tells us, “#e best way to combat breakage and frizz is to nourish and hydrate your hair sha" without using silicone (it tends to increase the problem in the long run). For this, we suggest using our Root 9 anti-frizz hair serum. It is a combination of nine carefully chosen botanical oils to create a natural seal on each hair sha" to contain the moisture in and protect it from external elements!” What’s more, the serum is lightweight, non-sticky, and like the rest of the brand’s products, 100 percent&natural, vegan and cruelty-free, making it a win-win for you and Mother Nature.

You can also give your shower routine a daily dose of protection from&harmful chemicals such as chlorine with the Plan 36.5 Vitamin Shower Filter, an innovative Korean product designed to provide water in its purest form by removing all the contamination. A compact micro !lter that is 14 times smaller than the thickness of the hair e%ectively removes impurities from rust, dust, dirt, and sand. A Defense Vitamin Shower Filter is a low-cost medium to ensure good water quality and excellent skin and hair health.

Its aromatic scent also has a soothing e%ect, which improves concentration and relieves stress. Moreover, thanks to its moisturising ingredients such as natural glycerine, it moisturises hair and skin. You can purchase this innovative shower !lter from Korikart,&a one-stop online store for Korean&products&in India.

MASK ONVaishakhi recommends to get a deep conditioning treatment done with your stylist once a fortnight to maintain the hydration levels of your hair.&She also advises us to not skip conditioners a"er shampooing the hair, especially anti-frizz conditioners to keep your hair well-nourished. Moreover, if your hair is sensitised with hair colour or straightening, visit your stylist regularly for proper protein treatments to maintain hair texture and protect your hair from damage.&But considering the lockdown rules and health concerns regarding stepping out even for a hair treatment, Vaishakhi suggests that you can do this yourself at home with the Liss Unlimited Masque or&Hair Spa&by L'Oréal&Professionnel.

Noor shares, “To counter hair fall and greasiness in the monsoon, we o%er a sulphate-free, deep cleansing and clarifying detox scalp mask called Earthen Ash. #is jet-black !ne powder mask, while a little messy, is a quick and natural way to control greasiness, remove build-up, unclog follicle

Hair & Beauty

© Pl

an 36

.5


pores, and reduce hair loss. All you have to do is mix a teaspoon with a tiny amount of water and apply it directly to your scalp for 10 minutes before washing your hair, and watch as you have signi!cantly less hair falling out in your shower!”

You can also try this clean and organic brand’s Root 9 hair mask from the Root 9 series. #e deep conditioning mask is a combination of nine !nely powdered herbs that help to so"en and smoothen your hair sha" while plumping it with hydration.

DIET TWEAKS FOR HAIR HEALTH Dietitian Rajat Jain, renowned for his work as a Weight Loss Expert, Clinical and Sports Nutrition Specialist, and a Certi!ed Diabetes and Wellness Educator, informs us, “Many people view healthy-looking hair as a sign of health or beauty. #at’s right — just as your skin bene!ts from a healthy diet (like the rest of your body, for that matter), eating well and getting some key nutrients ensures that your hair gets what it needs to promote growth and prevent breakage and dryness. Likewise, strong, shiny, so" hair is not only something that makes you look and feel beautiful — it’s also a sign of a well-nourished you. And if you’re looking to improve your hair, evaluate your eating habits to see what might be lacking; the advice of a nutritionist can also help. #e right intake of some nutrients can ensure healthy hair; the most important are protein, biotin, iron, Omega-3 fatty acids, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D, and water. Food is the best source of the vitamins you need for hair growth. However, if you fail to get enough in your diet, supplements may be helpful.”

Ayurveda recommends against consuming cold and dry foods like yoghurt, arhar dal, fruits, juices and salads during the night-time, as our digestion is slow then and our system requires extra e%ort to digest these foods, which in turn can lead to hair fall and thinning over time. Ashok suggests consuming half a tablespoon of&Amrutam's Amla Churna

with one tablespoon of Gulkand&on an empty stomach !rst thing in the morning, which acts as a wonderful antioxidant and enhances hair health from within. Amla Churna and Gulkand&together boost hair volume and growth and also help combat hair fall, premature greying and other hair problems.

THE TAKEAWAY During monsoons, the right haircare products, along with a nutritious, seasonal diet, serve to help us maintain our luscious locks. Gentle shampoos and hydrating, protective oils, conditioners, masks and serums can be our best bets for boosting cleansing and moisture levels, while shower !lters help to improve the quality of water and, in turn, our hair. Make sure to use these products to build on your haircare routine and keep your tresses healthy and manageable.

Sifat concludes, “Keeping these few tips in mind for the monsoon season might go a long way in saving those several hundred strands that fall, or in preventing your hair from weakening its bond structure due to the humidity. Using the right products in the right way is the only extra mile one needs to go.” Q

© Ka

rolin

a Gra

bows

ka/P

exels

.com

© Ur

iel M

ont/P

exels

.com

© To

maz

Bar

cello

s/Pex

els.co

m


TheBagging

Monsoon

Style©

The B

each

Com

pany

© In

dia C

ircus

© Vi

vink

aa

Style Spotlight

© Th

e Bea

ch C

ompa

ny


Style Spotlight

Text | Shruti Anand

W!ho does not love looking like a diva, even if it is just a regular workday? But during monsoons, we have to forgo the colourful pumps, adorn the windcheater, and make our umbrella our best friend. It is the time of the year when we resort to pulling up our hair in a bun or ponytail, go for a weather-friendly attire, and carry an old, waterproof backpack that we’ve kept aside especially for this season.

While you might be able to pull o% the hairdo and look stunning in a pencil skirt and a trendy shirt with ru'ed sleeves, you needn’t resort to the old-fashioned backpack. We’ve found the right monsoon-friendly bags that will not only enhance your work ensemble but also safeguard your valuables from the rains.

Don’t bring out that stodgy old backpack just yet, for we’ve waved our magic wand and found you the chicest monsoon bags in town. So, get ready to beat the weather and arrive in style.

SUSTAINABILITY MEETS FUNCTIONALITY With an elegant $oral print and enough space to carry all your o(ce essentials, this bag is an all-rounder. Your laptop will !t snugly in its compartment, and there will still be room for your ti(n, your book, and your umbrella. What’s more, your sundry items like keys, phone and pen get their own pockets, so that you don’t spend time fumbling about in your bag and instead get right to work. #is o(ce bag by Zouk is apt for the monsoon as its inner layer protects your valuables from getting wet. A unique mix of khadi and jute on the outside with vegan leather used for the straps and the base, the bag embodies a !nesse that will suit all the stylish ladies out there.

FLORALS RULEBring out the warm, bright hues amid the drab, grey monsoons with the vibrant embroidery on this gorgeous black bag by Desigual. #e neon hues and the intricate $oral pattern make it outdoorsy, and the chain strap gives it a snazzy appeal. #e design makes the bag look compact, but it has room enough to carry everything you need, right from your books and umbrella to your lunchbox and water bottle. #e natural fabrics ensure that your bag will not wither like $owers in the rain and give you a fun reason to step out and head to work.

A SPLASH OF COLOURVibrant colours and motifs on a bag stand out in the monsoon, and if it is sturdy enough to hold your everyday essentials, all the better. And this is why this brightly hued du%el bag from India Circus is perfect for you. #e rich rani pink shade, the varied mustard-hued stamp motifs, and wildlife prints all over bring out the best this season has to o%er, and that is nature. #e fabric used to create this gorgeous bag is canvas, and it has durable faux leather straps, making it easy to carry around. A lasting zipper secures the main compartment, and a zipper pouch on the inside can hold your gadgets for a little more weatherproo!ng and peace of mind while commuting.

© In

dia C

ircus

© Zo

uk

© D

esig

ual


BEACH VIBESCarry the fun, eclectic vibe no matter where you go with a striking print on a simple white tote like the one by #e Beach Company. #ey have cotton canvas totes, perfect for when you’re at the beach or braving the rains, and their Evil Eye Tote, in particular, is cheeky, fun and vibrant. It has durable straps and a single wide compartment that is deep enough to sustain all your daily essentials such as groceries, books, ti(n and an umbrella, along with an additional zipper pocket for your phone, money, and keys.

TROPICAL VIBESWe may not be able to hit the beach anytime soon, what with the pandemic playing spoilsport to all our travel plans. But we may be able to bring the beach vibes to you with this cheery tote bag by Zouk. #e trendy design on this tote is bound to put you in a good mood as you carry it to work on a dull rainy day or for shopping, or even a picnic. #e tote is su(ciently roomy to prop up all your everyday items and has zipper pockets inside and out for your cash and small valuables like keys and phone.

FLIRTY STYLES#is experimental tote bag by India Circus will be the talk of the town wherever you go with it. Bold, quirky and sassy, the print on this bag is of vibrantly coloured lips pouting, shouting, and smiling, making your monsoons a little cheerier and more playful. But this bag is not just about good looks. Made using canvas and a polyester lining, it protects your valuables, and there’s plenty you can carry in its wide compartment. It also comes with a zipper pocket, two inner pockets, and a detachable pouch featuring the same stylish print. We love carrying the latter for a quick run around the block, as would you!

CLASSY CARRYALLS Bring a pop of colour to the cloudy weather with this chic red checked sling bag with a stylish black-and-white checked $ap and a claw hook for that added style quotient. #e faux leather keeps your bag going by withstanding the rainy weather, and the polyester used for the inner lining protects your stu%. #ere’s su(cient space for your essentials like a diary and a small umbrella. #ere’s also a zipper for safeguarding your phone, and pockets for your lipstick, money, and keys. So, get ready to sing and dance in the rain without a care in the world with this reliable and peppy sling bag from Vivinkaa.

Style Spotlight

© Vi

vink

aa

© In

dia C

ircus

© Zo

uk©

The B

each

Com

pany


Style Spotlight

BACK, PACK, GOCan’t stop being a backpack girl? Well, keep the charm going with this super stylish backpack by India Circus. #e cerulean shade blends in beautifully with the monsoon skies, and the tonga print makes it the ultimate desi travel bag. Perfect for the daily commute, the backpack has a collegiate appeal with the space to keep all your essentials safe and secure from the rains. Made of canvas and faux leather straps, the dori fastening on the inside gives added protection against the weather. Plus, the bag has one mobile pocket, an open pocket and a zipper pocket, making it utterly convenient.

FRUITY FASHION A slice of freshness in your closet, this Watermelon Straw Clutch by #e Beach Company is cute, fun and appealing. Made with woven, lined fabric and secured with a stud button, it keeps your basic essentials safe from the rain. Perfect for carrying around while running errands or on a simple hangout with friends or on a date, this pretty bag is sure to be a conversation piece. What we love the most about this clutch is the use of natural ra(a fabric. So, along with being weather-friendly, it is also a friend to the environment. Q

VOGUISH AND VERSATILERaise your style quotient with this striking black-and-white bag by Desigual. #e raised lettering and details like the prominent tassel on the strap add to the overall appeal of the bag, giving your ensemble a whole lot of oomph. #e material used for making the bag not only protects your things, but also gives it a leather !nish and lasting sheen. It comes with two pockets inside and out as well as a mini bag with the same terri!c look and design. Versatile and functional, this bag lets you carry everything right from your laptop to your lipstick. If looks could kill, this bag would win hands down

© In

dia C

ircus

© Th

e Bea

ch C

ompa

ny

© D

esig

ual

Love Thyself Recycling for The Future - Ninecolours

Documents

Transcript of Love Thyself Recycling for The Future - Ninecolours