Educationist and designer Shruti Sancheti has built her label by resolutely working to revive near- extinct weaves.
SHRUTI SANCHETI ON GEARING UP FOR LAKME FASHION WEEK
"We are focusing on timeless, easy separates with a sharp bent on craft and heritage."
Showcased at Fashion Scout, London Fashion Week; India Fashion Week, Lakme fashion Week and Who’s Next -Premier Classe, Paris... Felix Bendish creations are handmade and hand embroidered.
FELIX BENDISH ON LONDON FASHION WEEK
"Londoners love breaking boundaries and creating their own unique styles. "
Some of the most exciting designers will showcase their ready-to-wear collections in the phygital edition!
RUNWAY SCHEDULE OF LAKME FASHION WEEK
Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI is gearing up for its first edition of 2023 at Jio World Garden in Mumbai.
Ashish Singh is living the dream... of excelling in sports, of joining the armed forces, of working in a corporate firm and of ruling the catwalk.
FROM ARMED FORCES TO THE CATWALK
"It is only the love for sport that makes you win; similarly, doing a show without interest will not bring the best out of a model."
A young, talented stylist who worked towards multifaceted goals in Fashion and is living the dream as a fashion designer.
FROM CELEBRITY STYLIST TO FASHION DESIGN
"I live and breathe design even if it's my body art. What you see on me can be seen in my collections and at our atelier."
Supermodel, anchor and actor. A karateka since twenty years — she won gold at the Commonwealth Karate Championship 2015 and and South Asian Karate Federation Championship 2017 — she empowers women with the art of self defence.
LOVE FOR THE CAMERA
"My life in front of the camera makes me high, almost orgasmic. "
Top couturiers will showcase their collection from July 22-31 at Taj Palace, New Delhi and at offsite shows.Â
WHAT TO EXPECT AT INDIA COUTURE WEEK 2022
The Fashion Design Council is back with the fifteenth edition of the India Couture Week...
Charu Parashar's calling card is handwork at which she excels and her collections are craft-focused exercises.
IN CONVERSATION WITH CHARU PARASHAR
"I would like to see the digital editions co-existing with the catwalks and get further empowered with its extensive global reach."
Fitness and wellness is a part and parcel of our lifestyle. Here we speak to experts.
SANDHYA SHETTY ON HER LIFE, HER RULES
"I love to defy the conventional ways of life, why be in a square box when the world is round and beyond?"
MP-based Science graduate Vaishali Shadangule shifted base to Mumbai to pursue her dreams of designing garments by injecting a modern attitude into traditional textiles. Today her label Vaishali S is steeped in powerhouse creativity. 
VAISHALI S ON HAUTE COUTURE WEEK
"India has at least three hundred hand weaving techniques, precious raw materials and amazing hand embroideries skills. This is what needs to be showcased."
In conversation with royal families.
LAKSHYARAJ SINGH MEWAR OF UDAIPUR
"New skills and re-learning activities may work wonders for daily wagers in normal times. In this pandemic era, the priority is to help all sections of the society to remain safe, healthy and not lose their confidence."
For millions of people, the lockdown that is protecting them from the pandemic has halted their work and income, leaving them to face an intensifying dire crisis: hunger. Team Khaana Chahiye is rose to the occasion with life-changing humanitarian work.
KHAANA CHAHIYE?
"We grew into a citizen-led movement within weeks and over two hundred and fifty volunteers ensured meals are packed, delivered and distributed."
Tehseen and monicka Vadera Poonawalla attempt to help each individual or hospital who tweet for help, bridging the chasm between the patient and the authorities transparently and following up each case until resolved. For the greater good.
POWER COUPLE HELPING INDIA BREATHE
They are here to make a difference… a difference that will impact social, economic and political change.
When one thinks of sexy, stylish masks, what comes to mind is 'Masks By Kavita' with its riot of neons, metallics and prints.
THE STATEMENT MASK
"Style is a big influence in our lives and both Sunny and I wanted design the masks with our favourite colours and prints"
Supermodel Lakshmi Rana is taking modeling to the next level by changing the narrative to inclusivity and body positivity.
CHANGING THE MODELING NARRATIVE
"It is important that we make sure body positivity and inclusivity is talked about and enforced and there is a real difference."
The label has its grip on the modern Indian aesthetic — steeped in Indian tradition and craft, designed keeping in mind the global Indian.
CANDID CONVERSATION WITH TARUN TAHILIANI
"Any kind of financial association with giants that understand scale and distribution, adds muscle."
Anjhula Mya Singh Bais wears several hats: supermodel, psychologist, social activist, Buddhist, philanthropist, Rajput, violinst.
IN CONVERSATION WITH DR. ANJHULA MYA SINGH BAIS
"I might argue for your right to freedom of expression but I will listen, consider or implement through factors like your experience, education, method, motive."
Alumnus of FIT New York, Ranna Gill launched her pret label two decades back.
RANNA GILL ON THE FUTURE OF FASHION
"Digital runways was long overdue as people have tight schedules and were shying away from attending shows."
The word "iconic" is overused in fashion but Varun Bahl, who balances craft, creativity and global relevance, is just that.
INSIGHTFUL CONVERSATION WITH VARUN BAHL
"While digital or phygital is definitely the future, I feel there will always be space for a more tactile, real experience."
It's not difficult to see the magic that lies in the country's artisanal crafts and textiles showcased with Indian designers' modern design aesthetic. Know Your Designer.
ROHIT BAL
Creative and romantic with modern sensibility, respect for tradition and sustainability… these elements describe the man, who Time magazine in its Special Report on India profiled as 'India's Master of fabric and fantasy.'
Vaishali Shadangule left the small town in Madhya Pradesh to study textile design in Bhopal and open a store in Mumbai with a loan of INR 50,000. Today, she is one of the most acclaimed sustainable textile designers worldwide.
IN CONVERSATION WITH VAISHALI S
"We are trying to use technology to the maximum while keeping the last mile as personal as possible, and while humanising it as much as possible.''
Padmashri Ritu Kumar's contemporary design characterises her aesthetic steeped in centuries-old textile tradition.
IN CONVERSATION WITH RITU KUMAR
"if we consciously source from within our country and shop styles which are sustainable and can last for a while, a strong message would be sent out"
Believing in giving back, the supermodel launched grooming classes to mentor the new generation of models, and instil values she fiercely holds onto, in them.
PAYING IT FORWARD
"I wanted to train girls specially those from smaller towns who had big dreams but didn't know how to take them forward."
"Hospitality Players" is a compelling look behind the scenes of the hospitality corridor from luxury hotels to Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrates the untold art of hoteliers, restaurateurs and chefs.
LEGENDARY RESTAURATEUR AD SINGH
"Our industry— directly and indirectly— supports about twenty million jobs and survival of the food and beverage industry is critical for the government"
Former Net Editor of Condenast India, Jasmeen Dugal is Founder Editor of EXPLOSIVE FASHION.
THE PRESSURE OF PERFECTION
"If you're successful, have a cult following and leading an enviable lifestyle, it's near impossible to reveal something is amiss…"
Joy Mitra keeps the look stylish, elegant and timeless, with an Indian soul often inspired by Rabindranath Tagore.
IN CONVERSATION WTH JOY MITRA
"We, as a nation, are known for our textiles, our hand embroidery, our art."
Ken Ferns designs for a rarefied customer, the kind who prefers a playful, smart look and pay for the privilege.
IN CONVERSATION WITH KEN FERNS
"Primarily associated with the entertainment industry, there is always hope of things bouncing back faster than usual..."
Taika By Poonam Bhagat is a label where indigenous fabric, artisan tradition and sleek design fuse to handcraft globally relevant collections.
IN CONVERSATION WITH POONAM BHAGAT
"We have to be mindful of not going back to the state we were in before Covid slammed our doors shut."
While an intellectual quality evolved as the hallmark of designers in the Eighties, Rina Dhaka balanced it with sexy, stylish design.
RETHINKING CORE BUSINESS PRACTICE
"E-commerce is the writing on the wall. Tie-ups with e-stores is the only point of sale."
The seventy- year old brand aspires to revive and retail Banaras' textile craft with smaller, authentic production and wealth creation opportunities for weavers.
WEAVER EMPOWERMENT WITH CREATIVE DESIGN
"Exodus of weavers from handloom is a shame because this is an art. If we lose this art, there will come a day when we will only have samples of lost craftsmanship.
Craft revivalist, textile conservationist and designer Belaa Sanghvi has been reviving indigenous textiles before sustainability became a buzzword.
INDIGENOUS HANDLOOM IS NEED OF THE HOUR
"I am a purist. I don't like to change the antiquated textile craft and technology because sticking with it brings out the result that has sustained itself since centuries..."
'Masks For Humanity' is a collaboration between the BMC and Karleo to design and produce non-surgical masks for sweepers and garbage collectors.
MASKS FOR HUMANITY
"We are utilising our design team's skills to create non-surgical masks—the most essential accessory these days"
Evelyn Mora, Founder, Helsinki Fashion Week stands for innovation, development and excellence in sustainable design; above all, transparency.
EVELYN MORA, FOUNDER, HELSINKI FASHION WEEK
"It's inspiring to give these designers a platform. People from different cultural backgrounds share this mindset but have different techniques of applying sustainability to their work"
Awarded Chairman's Scholarship 1998 at Wigan and Leigh, Elle India Graduates Award 2015, Runners Up at Vogue India Fashion Fund 2016 and finalist from India at Woolmark International 2016, Eka is reflective of Rina Singh's ethos of simple sustainable living.
SUSTAINABLE LIFE
Rina Singh speaks on mindful design, how sustainability comes naturally to Indians and the importance of a green wardrobe.
She is one of the few designers who has come full circle… from design student to costuming and couture to launching a fashion institute to give back to the business.
A CONVERSATION WITH NEETA LULLA
"As a designer I am greedy when it comes to grasping different concepts, formats and techniques; utilising that in costuming or couture comes with experience."
She is the most respected vintage luxury handbag collector. Owner of rare decadent pieces from Chanel and Hermes. Including the first Birkin!
IN CONVERSATION WITH CATHERINE B
"I have a passion for Parisian elegance and craftsmanship. I love stories and I enjoy being able to discover one when I find a treasure!"
Hers is the story of a girl who travelled to the US in 1952 to pursue Masters in Philosophy at UCLA, Doctorate at UC Berkeley, worked for UNESCO, wrote for New York Times and then opened her a fashion boutique and art gallery in Paris.
MOMENTS WITH THE LEGENDARY MOHANJEET
She was the very first to place Indian Fashion on the global landscape by crafting new modern silhouette with traditional handmade textiles.
Jaipur Rugs has added 40,000 artisans into its value chain with the sole purpose of elevating rural communities through hand-knotted rugs.
YOGESH CHAUDHARY, DIRECTOR, JAIPUR RUGS
"It is our aim to connect the rural weaver with the global customer; to reach out to rural artisanal communities and empower them with doorstep entrepreneurship"
Acclaimed for her ecologically sustainable label, she is making headlines with her debut menswear line and a showing in Paris.
IN CONVERSATION WITH PURVI DOSHI
"We try to pick up an art form, form our own cluster and give them work so they can lead financially sustainable lives."
This advocacy for mindfully designed collections marks Indian Fashion's most recent step towards inclusion.
IN CONVERSATION WITH GEETA CASTELINO
"if each store has a tailor in the alteration department who can make little changes in the garment… it could be a welcome beginning!"
Pankaj and Nidhi rethink the vocabulary of ready- to- wear with couture lens and intelligently apply their unique design aesthetic to each show narrative.
IN CONVERSATION WITH PANKAJ AND NIDHI
"We have always made our ready- to- wear collections with a couture lens"
Top model who has walked for YSL, Karl Lagerfeld and Giorgio Armani, fashion designer with a degree from London College of Fashion, "one of 20 people to watch in the millennium in Asia" cites Asiaweek and founder of "fashion for development".
BIBI IN RAJASTHAN
"What can be better for craftsmen and weavers if their art comes under the 'fashion' umbrella and is recognised worldwide? The exposure will increase their confidence and encourage them to stay rooted in their culture."
You've admired their presence onscreen or behind the lens. Now get to know them better.
IN CONVERSATION WITH NISHA HARALE
"Music has helped heal me..."
Celebrated for wowing Fashion with a mix of the precision-chic of Parisian couture and commercial potential.
AYURGANIC
"Ayurganic is like wearing a breathing mask for your body!"
Tina Chhatwal's career ascended so precipitously after she won an International pageant, she became the toast of Fashion. Today, she aspires to pay it forward.
FROM SUPERMODEL TO ENTREPRENEUR
"I was young when I won the pageant. If I had the support of an agency, my career path would have been different."
Amrapali Museum preserves the cultural heritage and time-honoured traditions of the nation through collection of rural, tribal and folk jewellery and objets.
IN CONVERSATION WITH AMRAPALI CEO TARANG ARORA
Amrapali Museum preserves our cultural heritage and time-honoured traditions through its collection of rural, tribal and folk jewellery!
It is rare to be a family business and a cult jewellery brand worldwide but Samir Andrea Kasliwal can lay claim to both.
IN CONVERSATION WITH SAMIR ANDREA KASLIWAL
"My dual culture broadened my vision which allows me to engage with people from different backgrounds..."
LIVE coverage and exclusive interviews of Cartier Concours d'Elegance which travelled to Jaipur for the sixth edition of 'Cartier Travel With Style'.
EXCLUSIVE CHAT WITH HH MAHARAJA GAJ SINGH JI OF JODHPUR
"Vintage cars are beautiful works of rare automobile designs; they represent different eras and have their own unique history."
Some people stay on in our minds... some conversations don't fade with time!
CARTIER TRAVEL WITH STYLE
Cartier Concours d'Elegance travelled to Jaipur for the sixth edition of 'Cartier Travel With Style'.
The Book Nook reviews books that add value to our spirit and our shelves. All book reviews are individual views of the person penning it and the website does not subscribe to the same.
THE VANITY FAIR DIARIES
Unable to detach author from diarist, Brown comes across as intoxicated with success and merciless about Manhattan elite.
Editor of Femina since 1993, Sathya Saran has made the magazine contemporary. Today she is Visiting Professor at NIFT.
ADVICE FOR WANNABE FASHIONISTAS
"Oh please! May I (as someone who hurts when I see a badly dressed person) offer little bits of advice to wannabe fashionistas?"
Interior Architect and Fashion Designer Nisha JamVwal is the quintessential aesthete!
BALANCING ACT
Remember the March Hare in Alice In Wonderland? "No time, No time, No time", he repeated as he buzzed about? He was prophesying the present.
Hailing from France, Veronique Poles is a luxury, lifestyle and fashion consultant living in India for over a decade!
THE GERMAN PRESIDENT VISITS COUSU D'OR
"The German President and his wife loved the exhibit and its global potential and invited the showcase to Berlin!"
From tennis and squash to F1 Racing in California and sky diving in New York, Rinaa Shah has done it all. Now it's Polo!
FOLLOW THE DREAM
"I am a big believer that one can fulfil their passion at a any age… you just have to want it badly... nothing is impossible!"
RockyS rose to unparalleled heights with star-truffled shows, styling celebrities worldwide, designing for brands and more!
THE BUSINESS OF FASHION
"I draw inspiration out of my own experiences and have a different story to tell each season."
Physically, mentally, digitally, I refuse to stay still. And I plan to get my life back on track with slow living at a nature retreat!
HOW I HEALED AT AURORA RETREATS
"It was the perfect place, with its positive energy, to journey inwards to my deepest self. And heal."
Chanel India provides Explosive Fashion with EXCLUSIVE editorial shoots and behind-the-scenes content of its International shows and campaigns!
PUMP UP THE GLOSS: AN EXCLUSIVE!
When I heard from Chanel that it would collaborate with Explosive Fashion for an EXCLUSIVE beauty shoot [once again!] I was thrilled beyond belief!!
Explore your city for a new perspective!
TOURIST IN MY CITY | PARANTHE WALLI GALLI
"It's vital to zig zag, always alert to jump to one side at the blast of a horn or the 'moo' of an irate cow!"
Konkana Bakshi is a national etiquette expert, sought out industry leader, and the owner of business, social and personal enhancement etiquette schools Savoir Faire and Tres Chic.
PARTY ETIQUETTES
Want be the toast of a party? Observe these social etiquettes by Savoir Faire's Konkana Bakshi!
The skyrocketing career of model Usama Ali Khan Khattak is a story of simmering success and chances are we'll see him in theatre and films soon!
POSTCARD FROM LAHORE
"People may feel it's my face or physique but what makes me different is my attitude. I'm very selective..."
Exclusive Interviews from Cannes 2016!
ANJHULA MYA SINGH BAIS: WOMAN ON A MISSION
"An event can be experienced two ways: shallow or deep. Everyone has narratives and away from all hubbub is true work, power and significance..."
Rajdeep Ranawat is an artist and designer. On graduating from NIFT he trained in Paris and NYC and then launched his label in 2004. To commemorate ten years in fashion, he sharees his experience from 2004 till date with weekly posts.
LAST 3 YEARS OF MY DECADE IN FASHION
"We complete 10 years in the fashion industry this month in October 2014"
In a season when the agenda of fashion is being rewritten by brilliant designers, all that a discerning shopper wishes for is a collection that makes a style statement. That's where Vijay Balhara comes in.
THE MAKING OF 'THE COVEN OF BLACK NARCISSUS'
"Before the shoot I just told one thing to Roberta: that I need her to give a part of her soul in every picture.."
Granddaughter of artist and photographer J.P Singhal, Payal Singhal grew up amidst films, fashion and art.
BEHIND THE SCENES OF PAYAL SINGHAL SS14 SHOOT
Payal Singhal blogs exclusively for Explosive Fashion while shooting the look book of her Lakme Fashion Week SS14 collection 'Lady Sahara'.
Muse for the hottest designers on the block. On the ball with latest styles.. shooting and blogging.. what more could a girl want?
THE ART OF PLAY
"While the world is out at work, we are out at play but it just so happens that our play; singing and dancing, acting, writing and dressing up, is our work..."