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Yesterday I had been to Bangalore Fashion Week and for the first time I noticed that the ramp was filled with ethnic Wear.

Generally in fashion weeks one can expect more of western costumes, cocktail gowns etc. Surprisingly enough, except for one designer the rest everybody showcased ethnic collection.

I must say that the fashion industry in India has come a long way! With concentration on Indian fabrics , im sure it has gone not just one step but numerous steps ahead. India is always know for its rich heritage and the fabrics and embellishments that you find here is just one of its kind! And, with designers flaunting it, it was nothing but a sheer delight. The cuts were stylish and every Indian girl would love to be seen in these designs. Fashion industry in India seems to be quite promising...

Sometimes the concept of bringing a celebrity as a show stopper gives me a chill

As a designer, I know how much of hard work is essential in bringing ones designs together and creating an impact. Once a show stopper comes, the attention goes to the celebrity and not the designs. After putting in so much of hard work, I would definitely want my designs to be talked about and not about the show stopper.

A good example is the recently held India Couture Week. Name it and the celebrity was right in the front. The media concentrated mostly on the names of these celebrities rather than the designs in itself and one can't blame the media.

When I think of Manish Malhotra I can't recall his designs, but only his muse Aishwayra Rai. Likewise, when I think of Karan Johar, the most vivid thing that comes to my mind, is the jig of the three superstars Amitabh Bachchan, Sharukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan on the ramp.

With due respect to all these celebrities, Im still wondering if it was essential. Well, publicity is required, but at the stake of forgetting ones designs ????

A baby doll dress is a short nightgown which is generally worn as a nightwear. It is often adorned with bows, lace and ruffles, staying true to its name. It gained popularity during 1956 when the movie ' Baby Doll' starring Carroll Baker hit the big screen. She wore childlike costumes in the movie and created a revolution by introducing a new form of dress. In due course the style evolved from a night dress to high street fashion where women of all shapes started experimenting the trend.

The style skims gracefully on the body emphasizing your best assets like a great pair of legs. They do not have a defined hip line or waist line. They just flow below the chest to create a free silhouette.

Baby doll dresses come in different fabrics like chiffon, satin, georgette etc. Certain styles are intended for day wear. They come in various styles, patterns, colors and designs. These dresses are also worn as lingerie or negligee in fabrics such as fishnet or mesh.

However, if the cut is not perfect on your body it can look horrendously frumpy. It is usually three to six inches above the knee. Nevertheless, too short is too tarty. Leave it for the teens and twenties. If you are above thirty, never opt for a short hemline.

Women with fuller thighs can team it with leggings, tights or skinny jeans. Opt for a pointed -toe shoe as they enhance the line of the leg making you appear taller and slimmer.

A bias cut style, trendy A-line cuts or sleeveless can be worn for an evening out. Pair it with a pair of high heels. It is also perfect as a beach wear. Team it with a trendy pair of flip flops to add the jazz.

Finally choose colors with care as they have invigorating effects and hidden messages in them.

Whether the fashion weeks that have recently happenning is for good or bad, it sure has played a major role in exposing young talent. It is surprising to see the various creative aspects of the young, emerging designers.

Earlier designer wear was just a dream for many. It was limited to the celebrities or the hi-class society. But, today every fashionista has got not less than five to ten pieces of designer wear.

To make things easy, the designers have come up with clothing that caters to the rich and not-so-rich. With all due respect to the established designers,I feel the emerging designers and gen-next designers are doing a geat job. The Lakme Fashion Week and WIFW is a great example in itself. They have proved that they are no less and in fact have been better than the big designers in terms of creativity, options and price.

This definately is a positive approach, to see India in a better place when it comes to fashion and trend setting. Indian crafts is something unique and I am sure the young designers will take it to great heights in the years to come.

If you have thick ankles do not wear flimsy, strappy heels. Avoid ankle straps which cut across the ankle. Stay away from ballerina -style shoes as well, as they make your ankles appear thicker than they actually are.

People with skinny legs should avoid thin, wobbling heels as they will only make you appear thinner. On the other hand, if your feet is too big, stick to shoes or sandals that cover them at their widest point. While wearing sandals, opt for ones that have small heels as they make your calves appear thinner.

If you are pear shaped [ thin on the top and large on the bottom half], shun the petite kitten heels. It will not balance your overall look. Jeans, pants and trousers should fall to the bottom of the heel.

You do not always have to wobble in high heels to look hip. Flat sandals or flip-flops look great when paired with the right kind of outfit. However, avoid wearing them with tailored clothes, like suits, formal skirts or trousers. Flats look best when teamed with laid back clothing such as cropped pants or jeans.

Black shoes look best when teamed with darker colors. Hence, avoid black shoes with light-colored clothing unless they are exceptionally exquisite.

Shoes and bags can complete your overall look. Make sure that they complement each other. A safe bet is to first take care of the shoes to make it work with your outfit. Then choose a bag that compliments the overall look.

Finally, assure that your feet is well-maintained. Chipped nail polish or dry skin is a big turn -off.

The latest trend that is catching up in the runaway is the balloon dress. Yes, it's not something new. It was the trend during the 60's and now has come back with a bang. In fact, fashion this season has been more of the revival of sixties trend, but has been put forward in a more trendy and contemporary form.

Balloon dresses comes in different shapes and lengths and fashionistas seem to be adorning this new fashion trend in parties and functions. They come as waistline dresses, off -shouldered dresses, hem-line dresses and fitted knee length balloon dresses that flare at the bottom. Designers give it an innovative touch. And as a balloon dress, whatever shape and form it takes, the bulkiness will be there to stay. It is a very comfortable attire and can be worn for almost all occasions; be it a glam party or a girl's night out.

But this form of dress doesn't suit every body type. It's meant for people with a slim frame. If you are on the larger side, a balloon dress can make you appear larger than you actually are, despite hiding the fat. Unless you are stick thin or have a slim frame, balloon dresses will only add to the extra bulk. In addition, it doesn't suit the shorter women too. Since, it adds volume and highlights the lower portion of the body, it doesn't look too appealing on shorter women . It's just meant for tall and thin frames. In fact, it suits the western body type more.

Sheath dress has a defined waistline and a figure hugging silhouette, typically flattering on a hour glass figure. I personally feel it is a great formal wear and an excellent alternative to a business suit. The dress comes with numerous necklines such as bateau, jewel, sweetheart or deep V-neck. If you are using it as a formal wear, avoid deep revealing necklines.

Sleeveless sheath dresses are perfect in an formal environment if your workplace allows. However, if you are not comfortable, slip on a fitted blazer. Avoid bold prints in an corporate environment.

The length can be anywhere from above the knee to mid calf. You can always wear it with leggings or tights if you are conscious about showing your legs. A thick belt in the waist further accentuates the feminine appeal. Its fitting silhouette creates an excellent base for layering trendy cardigans and jackets.

It also creates the illusion of long legs. High heels is probably the best footwear with sheath dress. Wear the highest heel you possibly can. It emphasizes the shape of your legs by flattering the curves of your ankles and calves.

The elegant style can be further enhanced with some great accessories. A metallic brooch, a diamond necklace or or a ornate bracelet can make the look exceedingly sophisticated. While basic black is suited for a corporate environment, you can choose bold and bright colors for other occasions. Here are few other ways to create different looks.


•To glam up as a party dress, pair it with classic accessories. Throw on a classic scarf or wear a statement making neck piece or carry a elegant bag and leave your hair down.
•Slip a t-shirt underneath a sheath dress and you can wear it as a jumper.
•For the colder days, wear a turtle neck beneath the dress. It's highly chic and classy.
•Wear a top, a shirt or a sweater on top of the dress and no one will ever know it is a sheath dress. It gives the illusion of a skirt.

As you see, you can try the possibilities to create different looks is endless. All you have to do is be creative and experiment with different styles. Unless you experiment you never know what flatters your body type and what will not.

Yeah, bows reminds us of little girls, but they are not babyish. Bows are actually hip, hi-fashion and can be found on everything from shoes to handbags, hats, tops etc. The main aspect is that you need the confidence to carry the look. With that said, here are few ways on how you can wear a bow.

•You can tie a bow to a scarf and wrap it around your neck.
•A tie or a trendy ribbon can be made in the form of a bow belt to wear it around the waist -it's sure to bring a hint of whimsy.
•Hair bands with bows appear cute and pretty. Bows can be worn on the hair in various ways, but again you need to carry the look otherwise you might appear immature.
•Bows on stilettos can be worn for an evening out.
•Clutches with bows look trendy and chic. Basically bows on accessories make a great style statement, be it on bracelets, earrings or watches.
•Bow brooches are ultra cool to pep up an otherwise boring dress. You can pin it up on the straps or bodice.

Kaftan or caftan dress [or top] is basically two lengths of fabrics that are joined together vertically with space left for the arms and neck.

It has become a stunner summer staple. The style can be worn as a figure hugging dress or stitched loosely like a flowing tent. It comes in various shapes and sizes and be worn short or long from tunics to long flowing gowns.

Short tunic dresses can be worn as a great cover -up on beaches. You can wear them clinched at the waist for an appealing silhouette. V-necks are flattering on big busted women. The best part is that it suits almost all body types as it flatters in just the right body spots.

To use it as an evening wear, team it with a pair of skinny jeans and a wide belt or a sash for a great style statement. Though flowing tops and dresses are great, avoid exceedingly loose ones which drown the figure.

What's better way to dress it up other than your favorite accessories. A classic tote bag and shades can jazz up your look instantly. Dress it up with chandelier earrings or chunky bracelets for a more refined look.

Wearing your loose hair or teaming it with a wide-brimmed hat is quite hips and classy as well. It's popularity lies in the fact that it suits all body types and ages. With that said, kaftan dress is fashionable, timeless and ageless - not a bad idea to have it as an wardrobe essential.

Manicure, pedicure, facial or eyebrow plucking for men have all become a passe. The latest trend that is making the rounds is mantyhose for men. It is nothing but the male version of panty hose. To make it more clear, it resembles the leggings or tights and men wearing it....

Recent fashion weeks haves shown men flaunting mantyhose. It is quite common with the European men. It's not it, to bring in the gothic look the men are seen wearing black nail polish in their fingers.

These trends can be seen in Paris, London, Milan or New York but not in India. Here, while women can afford to cross the line, men can't really. He would be considered as a homo sexual or a cross -dresser. However, few men regard it as a comfortable wear expecially during the winter.

But, it is still a big question mark as to whether this trend is a fad that will only be seen in the ramp or will it actually make it to the streets ?

It's for us to wait and watch and of course do let us know your views on this new trend...

Muffler is one of the most handy and versatile winter accessory. Both men and women can adorn it in the way they prefer. There are numerous ways to tie it - it can be worn snugly during the colder days and perhaps with a more trendy approach during the warm winter days.

•Wear bright colored ones with a single color outfit.
•The cowl effect is a great idea on people with shorter neck as it creates the illusion of a longer neckline.
•Trousers and a simple t-shirt can be made appealing with a vibrant striped muffler.
•Plaid and single tone mufflers can also be used as a formal wear, provided you pair them well.
•Try out various styles of wrapping to get different looks.

Boyfriend jeans is the latest buzz word. Katie Holmes created the trend by wearing hubby Tom Cruise's jeans and she sure sensationalized the fashion world. Whether its a fad or not, the issue is more about people getting it right. Personally, I don't think many can carry this look. However, here are few ways on how the look can be made chic.

•Opt for a straight cut than a flared or a boot cut style.
•Turn them up at the bottom exposing a bit of your ankle.
•Pair them up with a more feminine top or a tight tee and keep the top simple.
•A nice wide belt can enhance the look.
•The older a boyfriend jeans appear, the hotter it makes you look.
•Go for strappy sandals or killer heels to complete the look.
•And, you really don't have to wear your hubby's or boyfriend's jeans. The market is flooded with styles made for women, that reflect the look.

Has ripped or torn jeans ever gone out of fashion? Not really and even if it has, it's soon made a comeback. It was a rage in the 90's and later took the world by storm when Shakira danced in her brown pair of ripped jeans to ' Whenever Wherever.'

The ripped jeans is now very much in vogue. Indians term it as ' shabby fashion,' because of its unkempt cool look. It has worked well abroad and is fast catching up in India. Teenagers especially are crazy after this style and they sure know what looks cool on them irrespective of the latest trends.

The best part is that the look can be created by transforming old clothes. Just take an old pair of jeans and rip it. The rips should be on your thighs, knees and calves. Can fashion get more affordable during the time of economic meltdown? The trend is cool, stylish, chic and economical. They are great for travelling, lounging in or even for a casual meet with friends.

The style is all about attitude and how well you can carry the look. Body piercing, body art and tattooing are very much 'in' and a ripped jeans compliments the look really well. Ripped jeans can be worn with a simple T-shirt. For the retro fashion or a street look sport a messed-up hair. However, keep the overall look simple without any flashy or loud colors. But, the most important accessory with the ripped jeans is the ' I don't care ' attitude.