Fashion Designer Ritu Beri

Ritu Beri

Ritu Beri is one of the top Indian fashion designers who have been continuously serving Indian fashion industry with her feminine and funky designer apparels. She is one such shining star of our country. This young talented woman fashion designer Ritu Beri enrolled herself in the national Institute of Fashion Technology in 1988. She was amongst the few bright students who got the opportunity to associate with this prestigious institute.

Fashion designer Ritu Beri has made a consistent progress in her life. She started off by designing clothes for friends and relatives. Later on in 1990 she made her first move towards establishing her own fashion studio 'Lavanya' from where she designed her maiden collection, a couple of which were instantly sold. Influenced by India's rich cultural heritage she has come up with the most splendid designs.

She has also been given the challenge of designing for Indian counterpart in the curtain Raiser ceremony of Olympics at Atlanta. Apart from being a fabulous and top fashion designer she is a very good human being. She has got the heart of gold. She is highly compassionate for animals for which she has also started a project called 'Caring means sharing'. The funds raised through this collection would go for animal care. This collection would exhibit a wide array of products. This charming woman has the fire to make a difference in the fashion world.

Fashion Designers : Ritu Kumar

Ritu Kumar

 An icon of the Indian Fashion industry and a frontrunner in establishing a position for India in the global forum, Ritu Kumar's contribution has been impeccable to the fashion fraternity, both nationally and internationally. With almost five decades of work for display, the designer excels in both traditional and western outfits, though ethnic attires being her specialty. She was the first women to bring the boutique culture to India, under the name "Ritu". The gradual change in the fashion scenario has also lead to a change of designs for her brand. She has kept in sync with the varying times and has effectively brought creativity and innovativeness with each collection. Ritu holds the status of being a revivalist in the fashion scenario, which has successfully bridged the gap between conservative and conventional style.



Early Life
Ritu Kumar was born on 11th November 1944 in Amritsar, Punjab. A native of Delhi, Ritu graduated from Lady Irwin College in 1964 and did her higher education from Briarcliff College, NY, USA in 1966. The ace designer had a humble beginning in a small village, near Kolkata, in 1960, with hand block printers and two tablets to flaunt about. With the passage of years, fashion grew and so did her network. From being a designer to an author, Ritu Kumar has been the master of the game.

Career and Success

Starting at a smaller scale, Ritu Kumar has diversified her works of art globally and has been the mentor of fashion in India. Though she excels in contemporary and classic style, she has also evolved indo-western fusion to attract the gamut of European buyers. Some of her global achievements include the wardrobes for Miss India, for participation in the International beauty pageants like Miss Universe, Miss World & Miss Asia Pacific, respectively.

Many times, Ritu has won the award for the Most Outstanding Evening Gown in International pageants. She was honored by the National Institute of Fashion Technology in 1998, with Lifetime Achievement Award. The same year saw her receiving the Outstanding Women Entrepreneur Award, bestowed on her by the PHD - Chamber of Commerce. In the year 2000, Ritu Kumar proved her metal once more and was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Kingfisher group of industries.

Brand and Clientele
The brand "Ritu" has acquired great accolades internationally. The designer has not only restrained her work to the fashion industry, but has also dived into the other sectors that offer luxury to the people. The brand also launched a fragrance by the name "the tree of life". In April 2002, Ritu Kumar launched her new sub brand, 'LABEL'. This is a reflection of contemporary trends. 'LABEL' caters to modern woman who is independent and confident. It is focuses on the cut, color, drape and feel of the garment. The brand has made a name for itself universally. It is fashionable, affordable and like all Ritu Kumar products, it is of the highest quality. Ritu has also brought out a book by the name "Costumes and Textiles of Royal India." She has twelve outlets in India, which offer a range of products from the conventional to the c

Fashion Designer : Rohit Bal

Rohit Bal

Style is the mantra for Rohit Bal, the fashion designer from the enduring valley of Kashmir. The "Bad Boy" of the fashion world, as Rohit Bal is popularly called, is known for his sophisticated cuts and breathing fabrics. He weaves in the best for both men and women. His creations are a reflection of his own personality- not restrained by any norms. Rohit Bal's creative mind gives a true bent of spirit in his work as well. Being christened by the Times magazine as the "Master of Fabric and Fantasy", he purely live up to the expectations of being among the bandwagon of the Indian fashion industry leaders. Subtle in his choice of colors, Rohit prefers to use pastels and earthy tones to dress up his men and women. However, there is no one-signature style that the designer sticks to.

Early Life

Rohit Bal was born in Kashmir. He imbibed all the charm and mystic beauty of the place and packed his bags to bring it to the capital, where he did his graduation from St. Stephens College, in history (hons). He also did a course from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, where he learned the art from cutting to stitching. Rohit started his career with his brother's export company, in the year 1986, and four years later, he created his independent line of garments. His first plunge into designing attires was with traditional men's wear. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Career and Success
It was Rohit Bal's first collection which brought success to this talented designer and since then, there has been no looking back. He has made a name globally. Rohit Bal has designed outfits using almost all fabrics. Even Khadi (Indian handloom textile) has been used by the immensely talented designer, to create exclusivity for the raw product and a demand in the market. Rohit has held shows in New York, London, Dubai, Singapore and Paris, including Paris Fashion Week

Rohit Bal was also chosen by the Khadi Gram Udyog, the largest handloom textile operation in India, to work with them. Rohit bagged the 'Designer of the Year' award at the Indian Fashion Awards in 2006. He was also made 'Designer of the Year' at the Kingfisher Fashion Achievement Awards in 2001. His line of designer clothes has been sold at even 15000 USD. His style is innovative and inventive and he does not shy away from having popular legends, history, fantasy or folklore on the outfits.

Brand and Clientele
The brand "Rohit Bal" created by the designer has been doing wonders in the fashion scenario. He has opened up a flagship store in Delhi and positioning stores at other places like Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai as well. He also plans to open up stores in Middle East and Europe. After making a name for himself in the fashion fraternity, Rohit has also ventured into the designing jewellery for Kirtilals. He also plans to design and launch men's fashion accessories like cufflinks. The clientele list of this ace designer is a long one, some being celebrities like Uma Thurman, Cindy Crawford, Pamela Anderson, Naomi Campbell and Anna Kournikova. Most of his fashion shows in India, New York, Paris and Singapore are sponsored by The Swatch Group and he is also the brand ambassador for their Omega Watches, since 2001.

 

Fashion Designers : Neeta Lulla

 

NEETA LULLA

Couture lines: Neeta Lulla Coutre, Neeta Lulla Nishq

From simplicity to royalty, Neeta Lulla has it all to her credit. Neeta Lulla has been one name which has been prevalent in the industry since two decades now. The designer has been an active contributor in giving the actors a look to die for. Her designs have not only been recognized in India, but have also acquired great acclaims globally. The designer has made a niche for herself, creating the costumes of the era long lost. The challenge to create designs for the high profile and larger than life movies like Jodha Akhbar and Devdas have been very well met by Neeta Lulla, who tuned them to the richness and charismatic period of the movies. From the elegant look of Chandni and the underdone colors of Yuva, to the majestic appearance of Paro and the recent Jodha, the talented designer has each time surpassed her own record, to create a new high.

Early Life
Neeta Lulla started as an assistant to the former Indian leading fashion choreographer, Jeanne Naoroji, in the late 1980's. After gaining experience and knowledge in the field, she started off with her first venture in Bollywood with the film Tamasha, with Kimi Katkar. However, the glare of publicity that brought her instant stardom in the fashion world of Bollywood came with the movie 'Lamhe'. The simple yet elegant look of Sridevi won her not only great accolades, but also a national award for designing great attires. Her journey in the fashion fraternity has no looking back since then.

Career and Success
The ingenious capabilities of Neeta Lulla has kept her going strong past two splendid decades, with almost over 350 movies to her credit. They have also won her national award. Globally, Neeta Lulla has done a number of shows in U.S., Canada, Monte Carlo and Rome. Apart from being the 'desi' style guru, she has also had impressive international victory. She was commissioned to design all the costumes for Omar Sharif and Peter O'Toole in the Hollywood mega film 'One Night with the King'. Neeta is also designing costumes for Gurinder Chadha-Paul Myeda's 'Mistress of Spices', with Aishwarya Rai once again in the lead. She is also working for Tanuja Chandra's English film and one more untitled Hollywood film.

Brand and Clientele
An expert in bridal trousseau and a national award winner, Neeta Lulla has a whole bunch of Bollywood biggies in her kitty as her clientele. From Sridevi, Juhi Chawla, Tabu, Mahima Chowdhary to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan the designer has roped them all. After designing for movies and the who's who of the industry, the designer has moved a step further and launched a flagship store in Mumbai. This two-storey showroom, made of ivory, dull gold and aquamarine, has two lines of collection. While the basement caters to the bridal lounge (Neeta Lulla Coutre), the ground floor holds diffusion line (Neeta Lulla Nishq).

Three Fab Spring/Summer Beauty Trends 2013

Spotted from the spring runways and red carpets, these are Style Factor's favorite (and easiest to do!) beauty trends.

 Pink makeup: Try rose gold shadows, or hot hot pink lips like Priyanka Chopra here and everything in between for spring.

 Center parts are back: Take a cue from Deepika Padukone here! whether sleek and smooth or tousled and bedhead-ish, this low-maintenance style looks great on just about everyone.

 Extra-thick brows: We’re not kidding girls! Put down the tweezers because bushy brows are back to the forefront of beauty this year. Uber fashionista Sonam Kapoor's sporting the look too!

Mens Fashion Trends: Style Tips To Make Any Man Look Good

10 Fashion Tips For Men To Look Out For:

The Colour Of 2013

 Navy blue was big for men’s clothing in 2012 and blue is still very much in. However, it gets a bit lighter and playful with solid mid-tones that are reminiscent of a crystal-clean lake in Ontario or the mighty Atlantic out on the East Coast.

Pattern

The emphasis on this 2013 fashion trend is in its plurality, meaning the dudes should get comfortable owning more than just plaid. By mixing and matching two different patterns (three is pushing it and might leave others confusing you with a fabric swatch), men can create an  interesting contrast in their look. Try pairing micro-plaid dress shirts with striped ties of similar colours to pull off a fun, business-casual look year round.

 

Winter Jacket

Last year’s winter was pretty weak with above-seasonal temperatures dominating much of the season. However, environmentalists are predicting a colder winter in parts of Canada this year so it’s a good idea to leave those trendy pea coats at home and invest in something that’s warm and stylish. Jackets with fur-lined hoods make a bold statement that’ll also keep you warm without the use of those awkward-looking ear muffs.

 

Watch The Watch

This one’s not so much a particular fashion trend exclusive to 2013, as it is a good style practice to keep up: change your watch’s wristband. Summer of 2012 saw lots of playful colours - subbing out steel links or leather straps to striped, elastic bands was a trend as hot as the blistering summer
heat. But now that summer’s over it’s time to change back to a strap that suits your personal style.

 

Military Jackets And Coats

If anyone saw the ‘Expendables 2’ this summer, movie-goers will notice how stylish Sylvester Stallone’s character was dressed for a mercenary. It’s hard to beat the manliness of military clothing (not so much on the camouflage patterning this season) so men can’t go wrong with a dark grey or
navy jacket. Pair it up with some dark boots and you’ll be good to go for a night on the town, just don’t be shocked if people mistake you from the nearest military base.

Footware

Speaking of footwear, dress shoes are out for 2013 and boots are very much in. Now, these aren’t your grandpa’s Hunters or swamp waders we’re talking about here. What men want to look for are long, leather boots (not winter, not hiking), preferably in a dark black or brown tone
(whichever best compliments your wardrobe). They’ll add a layer of complexity and versatility to any outfit and won’t leave your feet soaking wet when the rain and snow comes.

 

Fabrics

Cotton is safe but it’s boring and as common as a leaf on the ground come October. Instead, some fabrics to try out for 2013 will be tweed and wool. Tweed adds a rustic look to any blazer or sports jacket that will automatically jazz up any outfit. Wool also works with jackets and coats but goes
great as part of a sweater with a cotton blend to avoid that itchiness.

 

Jewellery

Men might shy away from the jewellery department but this is an area where guys can have a lot of fun and really set themselves apart from the crowd. One of last year’s most popular accessories was the leather wristband or bracelet. This year, guys will want to work with metals like
bronze or brass into rings, cufflinks or tie clips.

 

The New Look

One of 2012’s defining moments was the London Games and that pivotal event can still be seen in 2013 when it comes to men’s fashion. Still running off the high of the Summer Olympics, it’s never been a better time for guys to adopt a sporty look. Things like leather varsity jackets in the fall, striped tear-away pants in the summer and stylish windbreakers in the spring are just some of the ways you can incorporate the athletic or sporty look for 2013.

 

Suit Up

When it comes to suits, a three-button jacket is still very ‘90s. What’s more in line with 2013 is the two-button jacket since the placement of the buttons adds height and creates a slimming look. Also worth noting is the pocket square’s explosion in popularity. The rise of the pocket square may have kicked off in 2012 but it’s definitely something that men should get used to seeing in 2013. Not only can a pocket square add colour or texture to an outfit, it draws attention away from the belly which can also help with creating a slimming effect.

Men’s Hair Trends

Men’s Hair Trends For Spring/Summer 2013

 

   

We breakdown the 2 key men's hairstyles for spring/summer 2013. The slick side parting and longer, textured haircuts are the key men's hair trends for the season - see how to get the look, what to ask...

INTRODUCTION:

Predicting men’s hair trends for spring/summer 2013 is difficult because there doesn’t seem to be dramatic change from what we have seen over the past twelve months. We all know that new fashion trends are pushed and reported each and every season, but in the hair industry styles tend to evolve slowly over time and the turnover is not as continuous.
However, two men’s cuts are going to stand head and shoulders above the rest in the months ahead. The first is a move towards the slick side parting; with added internal length that helps to create an altogether more refined and formal look than what was prominent throughout 2012.
The alternative comes in the form of longer, textured hairstyles created with mattifying products like sea salt sprays – providing a natural finish, loads of texture and an increase in volume.
So let’s take a closer look at both of these cuts…

Looking Slick

The precise side parting is officially back – but did it ever go away?
For SS13, there is going to be much more emphasis on not only the cut but also the products utilised to style it. We will see a lot more shine, with pomades and gloss products being used instead of the matte finish clays that have become so popular of late. This classic cut will be very lean and tidy round the edges – think Don Draper in Mad Men.

 

The Cut

When creating this cut your stylist should maintain a decent degree of length on the top of the head whilst removing the length around the back and sides.
One major factor to take into account when taking on this style is just how high you want the hair cut at the back. The hair could be clippered into the crown to give a sharper, tighter look (making the length at the front look more exaggerated) or you could opt for a more classic take by having the hair tapered into the neck. Tapering means leaving more hair around the occipital bone (the curve on the back of the head) in order to create natural movement and more texture.
For a sharper finish, get the hair clippered on the sides – the higher it’s clippered the more dramatic the result will be. When choosing this style it’s important to decide if you want to have scalp exposure or scalp coverage through the sides and back, as this will determine what grade the stylist will use on the clippers.
For the length on top, the hair can be point cut to prevent the hair from becoming too heavy. You can also personalise the haircut with some internal texturising, which will help naturally support and push the hair back. This can be done by your stylist with scissors or a razor.
To give this haircut a modern edge, some clients choose to alter the balance of it by having the parting side cut higher. This results in exaggerated length through the front, which in turn gives the appearance of longer hair on top that looks more disconnected from the back/sides.