Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle

Update Your Summer Lookbook

It’s that time of year again, when you need to update your wardrobe with bright and subdued tones while storing your heavy winter garments. Summertime calls for a wide range of fashion statements that never go out of style, and new summer trends arise on a regular basis. For all summer lovers, the best season is finally here, and you’ll need lightweight bra tops, thick knitwear, and airy skirts in your wardrobe. There are a myriad of growing trends from across the world that are reworking old and new patterns thanks to social media and fashion influencers. Bidisha Barik takes note of various fashion remarks made by industry bloggers in order to predict summer trends.

Chasham Kaur – Chandigarh

Chasham, a Chandigarh-based fashion blogger, is revolutionising fashion with a plash of colour. She sees three big trends emerging, the first of which is the creative cutout, which have spread from dresses to tops and bodysuits. “Aside from the sex appeal, they’re interesting and unexpected this season,” Chasham says with a sense of surprise. The highlighter colours ‘lime green and hot pink’ are taking over every designer’s collection. “It’s taken over the runway shows, whether it’s colour blocking in highlighter colours or head to toe monochrome power dressing,” Chasham says. The next item on Chasham’s list is the mini skirt suit, which she describes as “the mini-trend about to take the stage but in the shape of suiting.”

What are your thoughts on sustainable fashion? And what can one do at home to support the movement?

Sustainable fashion is a paradigm shift from the fast fashion industry. It is promoting a way of living which can reduce our contribution to polluting the world. People today are making a conscious decision to eat healthier and put fewer chemicals in their bodies, so they are also shifting their clothing decisions to create a cleaner environment.

Coming to circular fashion; upcycling, thrifting, or wearing an outfit in multiple ways can be a small step towards sustainability. Restitching old clothes like taking your mom’s old saree and creating a beautiful on-trend ensemble is something we all can do to support this moment right at your own home.

What do you think is a big no-no in fashion?

I honestly think that there is no such thing as a big faux pas in fashion as it’s constantly evolving, and experimentation is at its peak right now. Denim on denim or wearing one color head to toe was always considered a major faux pas in fashion before and now we are seeing these trends ruling the SS22 runway, but wearing crocs with a perfectly well fitted and tailored outfit is just something I can never wrap my head around.

What’s your fashion forecast for Summer 2022?

1. Bold and bright colours are here to stay so experiment with eclectic colours and unique prints.

2. Platform heels: Although there will always be a strong lean towards sensible sandals, varying degrees of high heel platforms can be considered for work, for partying or just a brunch with girlfriends.

3. Y2k fashion: There is no escaping this trend, even in 2022. Exposed midriffs, low slung trousers/jeans, chunky boots, plastic jewellery and micro-mini skirts will be big this summer.

Any fashion trend you think we should leave behind?

Low rise denims were all the rage back in the 2000s and although they are back in trend in 2022, I just don’t find them comfortable or flattering. Of course, your style is completely your own and one should feel free to wear anything and everything one feels comfortable and confident in. These are my personal choices.

Top Three Must-haves in the wardrobe this season?

1. A structured, pop of colour blazer

2. Crisp white shirt

3. Tailored trousers

Preeti Sarkar– Kolkata

Preeti is a Kolkata-based fashion blogger who is passionate about fashion and lifestyle. Bright coordinates, statement trouser suits, sustainable fashion, and ‘leveraging the local’ are, according to her, are the primary trends for Summer ‘22. Fashion styles are ever-changing in the globe. With many ideas on how to create fashion styles to styling to your originality, the market continues to revolve around pop and statement trends.

1. What are your thoughts about sustainable fashion? What can one do at home to support the movement?

It’s a very basic concept of using whatever resources we have and keeping the rest for the future. Each of us can contribute it in a certain way if we really want to. For me, it’s all about discovering repurposing and recycling any which way you are promoting sustainability. It can be your bed sheet turned into an apron; as simple as that.

2. What do you think is a big No-No in fashion?

Following everything on-trend without knowing your personal aesthetic. In that way, one loses her/his identity.

3. What’s your Fashion Forecast for Summer 2022?

Summer trench and jackets are going to be in this year
Acid brights and cosy basics
Business casual

5. Any fashion trend you think we should leave behind?

Each fashion trend has its reason to be a trend. I don’t think of any trend that we should leave behind.

6. Must-haves in the wardrobe this summer?

Bright colours which you can colour block
Mini skirts
Oversized tshirts

Srishti Anchal – Chandigarh

Srishti Anchal’s fashion styles are characterised by subtlety, a hint of glam, and retro vibes. She has a talent for cosmetics and skincare in addition to fashion. According to her, this season’s trends will include oversized shirts, cutout dresses, colourful slacks, and tiny skirts. “They will all keep their volume in 2022,” Srishti says.

1. What are your thoughts about sustainable fashion? What can one do at home to support the movement?

It’s essential that we work towards a fashion industry that is working in a sustainable way as the fashion industry is one of the largest polluting industries in the world. We can always support sustainable fashion by shopping secondhand and vintage, investing in sustainable fashion brands, and try renting whenever possible.

2. What do you think is a big No-No in fashion?

Bralettes over shirts is a big no-no for me! It just doesn’t make any sense to me.

3. what’s your Fashion Forecast for Summer 2022?

Shopping smart and small is becoming a big trend and will grow with the coming time.

Other than that, 90’s fashion trends are definitely making a big comeback this summer!

4) What are your favourite fashion trends in the fashion industry?

Co-ords and Indo-western fashion has to be my top most favourite fashion trends! They both are hassle free trends which doesn’t need much of styling.

5. Any fashion trend you think we should leave behind?

The trend of cold shoulders is something that we can now leave behind!

6. Must-haves in the wardrobe this summer?

According to me, a floral maxi dress, a bright co-ord set and a fringe dress are must-haves this summer!

Riddhi Kiran Khosla – Mumbai

Riddhi Kiran Khosla, a fashion blogger and stylist from Mumbai who now lives in the United Kingdom, discusses the latest miniskirt and dress trends. “I think minis are back in full force. They look so stylish on any body shape,” she adds. It seems like pop colour is taking over the summer ’22 trends, as Riddhi points out that “hot pink, neon green, and vivid orange have significantly boosted the summer atmosphere.”

1) What are your thoughts about sustainable fashion? What can one do at home to support the movement?

For me, sustainable fashion begins from buying one statement piece that will last longer in my wardrobe and will never go out of style and can be paired in a thousand different ways. Second tip would be to recycle if not in use. Brands like H&M and Mango have started a recycling movement and I have been supporting it by donating my clothes for recycling and also getting brownie points for shopping next time. I would also recommend that one pass on their fashion pieces to the next sibling in the family.

2) What do you think is a big No-No in fashion?

As stylist, for me a big no-no is wearing silver jewellery with gold details on your handbag and shoes. That’s a disaster. Another thing that I absolutely avoid is glitter outfits with glittery make up; they can be a nightmare in fashion.

3) What’s your Fashion Forecast for Summer 2022?

According to me, pop colours, print on print, a silk scarf, strappy heels, loose and balloon sleeves, flowy sorbet colour silhouettes, and mini skirts are the trends of the season.

4) What are your favourite fashion trends in the fashion industry?

My all-time favourite is power dressing. I embrace all women in strong formal wear with bold chunk blazers and sharp looking shirts. Another trend that has been followed from history is the little black dress. It’s like if there is nothing, there is always a black dress. I love the ‘no make-up make-up look’ trend since I’m a fan of less make-up myself. And another favourite trend of mine is prints; any kind of print works for me.

5) Any fashion trend you think we should leave behind?

I think it’s the world of high waist jeans so we should leave behind low waist cut jeans. Another trend that I practically don’t understand is ripped jeans and jackets. They look very unpleasing to me. The last trend that I don’t really like are the heelless heels. It can lead to some major feet health issues.

6) Must-haves in the wardrobe this summer?

A mini skirt definitely, a sorbet colour top or dress just in case for you summer trip, a nice pair of vibrant orange flats or heels, oversized sunglasses for the extra drama and obviously, a clean white cotton shirt if you haven’t bought it.

April 5, 2022

bloggers, summerlook

Naeth: Contemporary Fashion by Kerala Designers Jithu & Vishnu

Founded by mechanical engineering graduates and classmates Jithu Gopakumar and Vishnu Girija Gopal, Naeth is a contemporary fashion label from Kerala that bridges heritage with modern design. Inspired by the state’s rich textile traditions, the duo transforms handloom into contemporary silhouettes through innovative fabrics, technical textiles, and thoughtful craftsmanship. Their vision is simple yet powerful: to make India’s weaving traditions relevant for today’s generation while preserving the stories behind every thread. 1.Tell us about your brand and how it is helping preserve and promote India’s rich handloom heritage. At Naeth, we reinterpret traditional handloom through contemporary fashion. Our collections transform heritage textiles into modern, wearable silhouettes that appeal to younger audiences while preserving the craftsmanship, stories, and cultural significance woven into every fabric. 2.Which weaving traditions or artisan communities do you work with? We work closely with the weavers of Balaramapuram, Kerala, a community renowned for its centuries-old weaving tradition. Their handcrafted sarees and mundus are celebrated for their precision, purity, and exceptional craftsmanship, making every textile a reflection of Kerala’s rich cultural legacy. 3.How does your brand support sustainability and responsible craftsmanship? Sustainability is central to our design philosophy. We upcycle traditional handloom textiles into contemporary garments, reducing waste while extending the life of these fabrics. Alongside direct collaborations with artisans and limited-batch production, we also experiment with eco-conscious materials such as bamboo fibres and recycled PET fabrics. 4.What is the biggest challenge facing India’s handloom sector today? One of the biggest challenges is changing the perception that handloom belongs only to traditional wear. We believe handloom deserves a place in contemporary fashion. At the same time, we’re working towards creating greater value for artisan communities by reducing dependence on intermediaries and promoting fair recognition for their craftsmanship. 5.What does National Handloom Day mean to Naeth? For us, National

Fashion

Kawaii by Lavika Singhvi | Udaipur

Founded by Lavika Singhvi, a Udaipur-born entrepreneur with a deep connection to India’s artistic heritage, Kawaii is redefining luxury sarees through the lens of wearable art. Inspired by Rajasthan’s rich cultural legacy, Lavika brings together rare handcrafted traditions from across India, including Pichwai, Ajrakh, Madhubani, Batik, and Bandhani. As a Pichwai Certified and ODOP Verified brand, Kawaii works directly with master artisans to preserve authenticity and support traditional craftsmanship. Each saree is envisioned as a timeless heirloom, celebrating heritage, artistry, and the stories woven into every creation. 1.Tell us about your brand and how it is helping preserve and promote India’s rich handloom heritage. Kawaii was born from my desire to transform India’s rich artistic heritage into wearable art for the modern woman. Growing up in Udaipur, a city surrounded by art, culture, and royal traditions, I developed a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and stories behind Indian textiles. Through Kawaii, we bring together diverse Indian art forms such as Pichwai, Madhubani, Batik, Ajrakh, and Bandhani on luxurious handloom fabrics. Our focus is on preserving authenticity while presenting these traditional crafts in a contemporary format. As a Pichwai Certified and ODOP Verified brand, we work closely with original artisans and artists, ensuring their skills are recognised, valued, and carried forward to future generations. 2.Which weaving traditions or artisan communities do you work with, and what makes their craftsmanship unique? We work with artisan communities across India, including Pichwai artists from Udaipur, Madhubani artists from Bihar, Ajrakh craftsmen from Gujarat and Rajasthan, Bandhani artisans, Batik artists, and traditional handloom weavers. Each craft represents generations of knowledge and storytelling. Pichwai is deeply connected to Rajasthan’s cultural and spiritual heritage, with artists creating intricate hand-painted narratives. Madhubani celebrates symbolic storytelling through detailed motifs, while Ajrakh and Batik showcase complex dyeing techniques perfected over

Fashion

GAURANG by Gaurang Shah I Hyderabad

GAURANG is one of India’s foremost luxury handloom brands, renowned for reviving and reimagining the iconic Jamdani weave. For over three decades, Gaurang Shah has worked alongside artisan communities across India, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design to create timeless textiles. Through its dedicated loom clusters, GAURANG has empowered over a thousand artisans while preserving India’s rich weaving heritage through innovation, skill development, and sustainable livelihoods. 1.Tell us about your brand and how it is helping preserve and promote India’s rich handloom heritage. For me, GAURANG has always been about textiles before fashion. My journey began with a fascination for handwoven fabrics and evolved into a lifelong commitment to preserving India’s weaving traditions, particularly the intricate Jamdani weave. Working closely with artisan communities, we have built loom clusters that strengthen weaving ecosystems, encourage innovation, and create opportunities for traditional skills to flourish. Through our collections and showcases across India and internationally, I strive to present Indian handlooms as timeless works of art that remain relevant to contemporary audiences while staying true to their heritage. 2.Which weaving traditions or artisan communities do you work with, and what makes their craftsmanship unique? I work extensively with Jamdani weavers and artisan communities across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and several textile clusters throughout India. Through the GAURANG loom clusters, we collaborate with artisans to develop fine cottons, silks, and innovative handwoven textiles while preserving the integrity of traditional weaving techniques. What makes Jamdani extraordinary is its painstaking process: every motif is woven by hand, thread by thread, directly on the loom. The precision, patience, and craftsmanship involved ensure that every sari is unique, carrying the unmistakable signature of the artisan who created it. 3.Sustainability is at the heart of handloom. What ethical or sustainable practices does your brand follow? Handloom is inherently sustainable, relying on

Fashion

5 Viral Shopping Apps Dominating Gen Z Trends

Gen Z shopping in India is fast, trend-driven and completely digital, with fashion apps shaping what’s in and what’s out. From viral styles to budget-friendly finds, these platforms make it easy to build a wardrobe with just a few taps. Here are five of the best shopping apps Gen Z is obsessed with right now, curated by Sunerii Vennam. Shopping today goes far beyond malls and offline stores. With just a few taps, you can build an entire wardrobe, whether it’s trend-led pieces or a carefully curated personal style. From Y2K revivals to ever-evolving microtrends, fashion is moving faster than ever. And somehow, our carts are filling up even faster. From aesthetic outfits to budget-friendly basics, these are the five apps Gen Z in India can’t get enough of right now. Savana: The Rising Favourite Savana has become a go-to app for people chasing trendy, Pinterest-inspired looks because it’s not just budget-friendly but also known for its new type of sales almost every week. This makes Savana one of the best apps for buying daily essential outfits or the best outfit maker for your next event. The app stands out because its collections often match current trends, making it popular among shoppers who enjoy experimenting with styles. Sunerii’s Favourites: Unique tops and versatile jewellery Newme: Fashion That Understands Gen Z Newme feels like an app built specifically for younger shoppers. The styles are bold, trendy and often inspired by what is currently popular online. The main fan favourites from this store are dresses and bodycons. Newme is expanding its base by also opening offline stores in multiple states across the country, such as Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi and more. If keeping up with trends is important, Newme has become a familiar name. Sunerii’s Favourites: Bodycon dresses and hoodies/ sweatshirts Littlebox India: