News and views about Fashion and Lifestyle in India

Weekly news updates on lifestyle trends in India

Indian fashion houses are adapting to ISO certifications to meet global benchmarks and have launched an organization for retailing. While fashion houses strive to keep with the times, some fads are veering towards retro - herbal smoking using the hookah is the lasted fad in Lucknow.

Chillibreeze Business Research Team

Indian fashion beckons international models

International models are increasingly modeling for Indian designers.

Indian fashion designers have matured and the country has become a profitable business destination for international buyers. Indian fashion designers who participate in top international fashion weeks include Rohit Bal, Manish Arora, J.J. Valaya, Manish Malhotra, Sabyasachi Mukherjee.

Six international models from Britain, Czech Republic, Brazil and Sri Lanka took part in the model auditions held in New Delhi for the Delhi Fashion Week, which will be held in the capital from Sep 5-9 and will see designers flaunt their Spring/Summer 2008 line. 3 of them have been shortlisted for final selection.
Jul 7, 2007
Source: MSN India

Modeling woes of Northeastern girls

Foreign models are gaining popularity on the Indian modelling circuit.

Young models from North eastern India find that they face discrimination and there is lack of opportunities for them in north east.

Companies into modelling talent management say that lack of sponsors makes model hunt difficult in north east.
Jul 7, 2007
Source: MSN India

Fashion Retail Biggies Create Umbrella Council

Nine of India's biggest fashion houses have come together to form the Indiluxe Retail Council of India, backed by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI).

The names include Sailja Tahiliani of Ensemble, Sanjay Kapoor of Saamsara, Sangita Kathiwada of Melange, Sanjay Shroff of Ffolio, Amit Dholakia of Amara, Gayatri Ruia of Mogra, Kavita Bhartia of Ogaan, Sushil Jhaveri of Fuel, and Pradeep Hirani of Kimaya.

Membership of the council is by invitation and it has categories for fashion designers, lifestyle and furniture stores, luxury leather goods, and Indian and international luxury brands.
Jul 6, 2007
Source: Newpostindia.com

Lifestyle launches shopping festival exclusively for Men

Lifestyle has launched a one of its kind shopping festival exclusively for Men called “Haute Trail” starting July 4th to July 29th (July 4th –July 22nd at Hyderabad and Bangalore) across all Lifestyle stores..
Jul 6, 2007
Source: Fibre2fashion.com

Hermes gets FIPB nod to set up shop

The Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) has allowed French luxury brand Hermes International of France to set up a subsidiary here through the single-brand retail window.

Hermes International holds 51% stake in a JV with Khanna Speciality Retail and Distributors, owned by Aashana Retail, an Indian company.

The multinational has been allowed retailing as well as wholesale trading and distribution. The French company plans to retail cosmetics, perfumes, readymade garments, leather goods, footwear, lifestyle products, jewellery, silk items and bags here to tap the booming demand for premium luxury goods.

Entry of Hermes into India comes at a time when FIPB is reviewing the policy on permitting foreign brands into India through the franchise route. The Hermes-Khanna joint venture has committed that it would adhere to single-brand FDI stipulations.
Jul 5, 2007
Source: Economic Times

Indian fashion goes for ISO certification

In their bid to go global, Indian fashion houses are applying for the ISO certificate.

The first to get this global stamp of quality is Kimaya Fashions Pvt. Ltd., and another house, Shantanu Nikhil Design Pvt. Ltd., is to get it soon.

ISO 9001, one of the best recognised quality frameworks in the world and used by millions of organisations in 161 countries, assures customers of quality.

It helps all kinds of organisations to succeed through improved customer satisfaction, staff motivation and continual improvement.
Jul 6, 2007
Source: MSN India

Herbal-flavoured hookahs are hot!

Hookah, the traditional tobacco smoking pipe, long known as an integral part of the royal Indian lifestyle, is making a comeback in Lucknow’s social circles.

A hookah is a multi-stemmed, often glass-based, water pipe device for smoking. A hookah operates by water-filtration and indirect heat. Herbal flavoured hookahs at lounges are gaining popularity with the young.
Jun 5, 2007
Hindustan Times

The need to counsel BPO employees

NASSCOM has asked BPO firms to counsel employees on healthy living.

The UN Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has urged companies and Nasscom should to voice concern and facilitate platforms to discuss the issues with the employees.
Jul 4, 2007
Source: MSN India

Tarun Tahiliani at Durban Fashion Week

Tarun Tahiliani, Neeta Lulla and Vikram Phadnis showcased their designs at the Durban fashion week.

Tahiliani showcased Signature drapes, bejewelled belts and dresses teamed up with churidars, Neeta Lulla had a riot of colors with flouncy skirts, frock coat ensembles, brocade minis and even some ball gowns and Vikram Phadnis Velvet coats with heavy zardosi, sparkling sequencing on little frock dresses teamed with leggings and dramatic headgears
Jul 4, 2007
Source: CNN-IBN via IndiWo.com