February 10, 2017
Rooftop, Quest Mall, Kolkata
ABHA DALMIA
Abha Dalmia has been working on the revival of the ancient craft of Benarsi weaving to support the talented weavers for the past 30 years. She has meticulously revived the traditional Indian art in weaving and embroidery, concentrating on the Benarsi silks.
ARJAN SINGH DUGAL
Arjan Singh Dugal had started his own line of clothes with his mother Simar Dugal, who is also a renowned designer. Arjan will showcase his spring summer collection with vibrant colours at Stylefile 2017.
ANJALI SWARUP
At ‘Anjali Swarup’, it is all about creating contemporary Indian wear, which is simultaneously chic and comfortable.
The designer label works with several traditional and modern dying, printing and texturing techniques in all its creations, specialising in Shibori, Hand Block Printing and Fabric Texturing. Shibori, is the ancient Japanese art of dying cloth. There are an infinite number of ways one can bind, stitch, fold twist, or compress cloth for Shibori, and each way results in very different patterns. Each method is used to achieve a certain result, but each method is also used to work in harmony with the type of cloth used. Anjali Swarup gives this ancient Japanese art – an Indian twist as it is applied to the finest materials to create modern ethnic wear.
Hand Block Printing is an ancient textile tradition that originated in the Rajasthan desert region centuries ago. It involves stamping designs onto fabric by hand using intensively carved wooden blocks. Block printing is a labour intensive, painstaking process that requires time, teamwork and a tremendous amount of skill. The designer uses custom designed blocks and highly skilled block printers to create contemporary chic wear of the highest quality.
In case of ‘fabric texturing’, Anjali Swarup adds texture to fabric through various means of fabric manipulation by creative folding, twisting, gathering and then stitching to enhance the pattern, colour and dimensional detail of the fabric. The designer label also uses screen printing, gota work, embroidery and mirror work to further enhance the creations.
MADHU JAIN
An impressive client list including the who’s who of the world, Madhu Jain is known as the First Lady of Ikat for her extensive work in revitalising and reinvigorating dying Indian crafts, especially Ikat. For traditional, organic textiles with strong Indian motifs, do visit her.
PANKAJ & NIDHI
A talented young designer duo who launched their label in May 2006, Pankaj & Nidhi are celebrated for their fresh and crisp sensibility. They are one of the few labels in the country which have struck the right balance of winning critical acclaim as well as being wearable.
PRAMA BY PRATIMA PANDEY
An NIFT alumnus and winner of the Grazia Young Awards (2011), Pratima started her label way back in 2004 with neckties called ‘Prama’. Fashion, to her, comes naturally as a passion from the day she travelled to Paris in school (when she was 13 years old) under the Indo-French cultural program. Since then it has been no looking back because she could see herself canalising her artistic energies to understand what it takes to be a designer. The ability to create something new and a strong aspiration to understand, capture and enhance beauty is Pratima’s never ending quest that gives life to her intriguing designs. Her eco-friendly label ‘Prama’ lays emphasis on natural fabrics and indigenous embroidery techniques.
SUNITA SHANKER
Inspired by the rich traditional craft of India, Sunita Shanker’s garments wear an earthy ethnicity with modern-day interpretations. Her designs are simple with meticulously thought-out detailing. Using special hand-woven Chanderi from Madhya Pradesh and combining it with Bandhini and Ajrak work from Kutch and Kantha from Bengal, Sunita’s work is a mélange of Indian crafts.
ANAYA BY KIRAN CHAUDHRY
Launched in 2014, ANAYA by Kiran Chaudhry was founded by popular artist and entrepreneur Kiran Chaudhry of Club Caramel fame as an off-shoot of her family textile business in order to innovate and add new revenue streams. The brand has very rapidly made a name for itself for providing not only a premium quality product line and high-end aesthetic, but also at a very affordable price point. It is one of the top brands operating in the wholesale market for ethnic wear.
ARCHANA RAO
From tailored jackets to contemporary Indian wear, Designer Archana Rao’s collection comprises clean, classic lines, mute tones and prints with quirky contrasts. Her collection at Stylefile 2017 is modern, wearable and built to withstand changing trends.
DEBYANI
Debyani is an Indian ethnic designer who uses classic designs contemporised with stylish twists and quirks. Painstaking craftsmanship, intricate embroidery and detailing make a Debyani outfit a must have! Couture meets chic, this year at Stylefile.
DIVYA GUPTA
Designer Divya Gupta’s new collection ‘Bezzaf’ revives the craftsmanship of fine ‘zardozi’ and ‘dabka’. The flow of the silhouettes beautifully blends the multicultural boundaries, taking forward the legacy of traditional cuts. For the very first time in Kolkata traditional meets modern world women with Divya’s collection at Stylefile 2017.
NACHIKET BARVE
An Indian fashion designer of Mumbai, India, Nachiket Barve’s eponymous fashion label was launched at the Gen Next show at the Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai.
A Bachelor degree holder in commerce from Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics, Nachiket Barve studied apparel and accessory design, at National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad. He was awarded a French government scholarship to study at École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD). There, he worked with haute couture ateliers learning handmade flower making, pleating, and working with feathers, leather and accessories. Barve completed his final project with mentors Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, and he was an intern at Celine, a subsidiary of Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy LVMH and with the textile designer, Neeru Kumar. In 2010, Barve received the British Fashion Council and Elle Magazine “Young Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year” award.
Nachiket produces bespoke fashions and Indianwear. The Barve Nachiket label has been sold in India, the US, Singapore and Nigeria. The label has also been sold at the Pernia pop-up shop, and the Rent: The Runway internet shop. Nachiket’s designs are inspired by his travels, science, nature and functionality. He experiments with fabrics, the joyous use of colour and the intricate surface detail. His philosophy is to challenge pre-existing norms and make fashion relevant to women no matter race, age, size or body type.
NAMRATA JOSHIPURA
Namrat Joshipura’s vision is that of a global aesthetic. Her clothing easily translates across geographies and other artificial constructs such as age, race and point of view. The Joshipura line fuses contemporary silhouettes with modern interpretations of artisanal embellishments. Namrata, a NIFT graduate, launched her clothing line in India in 1996 under the ‘Namrata Joshipura’ label.
Her clothes are retailed in India at her two own stores: The Emporio & Kila (Delhi) and D7 (Mumbai). She also sells to an exclusive list of retailers across India: Evoluzione (Chennai and Bangalore), Elahe (Hyderabad), Aza (Mumbai), Anahita (Hyderabad), Coral (Kolkata), 85 Lansdowne (Kolkata), Zenon (Kolkata). She splits her time between Vancouver and New Delhi.
NIDHI THOLIA
Nidhi is a bright and creative alumnus of NIFT and has worked with one of India’s leading export firms, The Creative Group which designs & produces for some of the biggest labels in Europe. She married Pankaj who is also a designer and together they have been honoured with several awards.
RARA AVIS BY SONAL VERMA
Designer Sonal Verma uses traditional leather techniques and hand expertise to produce bespoke fashion and lifestyle essentials that are further intertwined with tasteful style. She brings Rara Avis for the first time for Stylefile 2017. Her collection is about handcrafted timeless heirlooms with leather being the element ingredient.
SHANTANU GOENKA
Shantanu Goenka is a couture brand known for its exquisite craftsmanship and luxurious detailing. An alumnus of NIFT Kolkata’s inaugural batch and with an award for the most creative designer, he started his label specializing in haute couture, bridal and occasion wear for men and women. He is popular for his use of Swarovski crystals and exotic fabrics sourced from around the globe. His refined and laborious embroideries, classic styles and seamless finish have a loyal clientele globally.
SIMAR DUGAL
Based out of Delhi, Simar believes in the revival of old ancient embroideries and focuses on comfortable clothing which she believes is just as important as style.
ISHARYA
Isharya was launched as a passion project in 2004 when sisters-in-law Gauri and Radhika Tandon noticed a lack of high quality, Indian inspired fashion jewellery. Isharya is a premium Indian jewellery brand that strives to modernize India’s intricate and vibrant style.
VASUNDHARA
Vasundhara showcases her exclusive collection at StyleFile for yet another year. Drawing inspiration from the purity and serenity of Indian flowers, her carefully hand-crafted collection is all about spiritual significance.
NATTY MRKT
Natisha Saraogi, despite having no tech background, went on to independently launch Natty, a curated e-commerce marketplace for small-scale creative Indian businesses that make and sell unique products. Natty’s products range from meticulously handcrafted bags to exquisite stationery, from hard-to-find men’s accessories to all-natural beauty products, from quirky home décor to organic baby apparel and linen.
KOKOMO – BAGS
Kokomo is back in Kolkata with an all-new collection of clutches, cross body bags and fashion jewellery. Timeless statement pieces in velvet, Chantilly lace and vintage embroidery come together in a decadent and glamorous range that is classic, yet contemporary!
PRAJJWAL CHOUDHURY
A degree holder in Painting and Print Making from Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata and Faculty of Fine Arts, Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, Prajjwal Choudhury has participated in numerous exhibitions across the globe. His work currently features in The ESSL Museum, Vienna. He gathers his preliminary fuel from everyday objects that are taken for granted, to engineer his thought-provoking creations.
AVANTIKA SARAOGI PHOTOGRAPHY
Avantika is a graduate from Scripps College, USA and has double majored in Studio Art (Honors) with a concentration in Photography. Along with her education, during the academic 2012-13, she apprenticed with Swiss born photographer Serge Hoeltschi in Los Angeles. Inspired by fashion and commercial photography, her work is the culmination of her passions and experiences.
ARADHANA DALMIA
Get awestruck by the young and innovative Aradhana Dalmia’s art, who is debuting for Stylefile 2017. She recently launched project ‘Luminous’-An innovative style of oil painting. The beautiful pieces of oil on canvas become luminescent when exposed to ultraviolet light creating a plethora of visuals for the viewer to interpret.
ANUP MANDAL
Inspired by the socio-economic disbanding which is leading to an identity crisis, Anup Mandal’s work captures the rough and tough emotions of human existence. From leaving the village to the hanging future of urbanisation, he uses aluminium rods and sheets to bring out the starkness within the society we live in.
CERAMICS BY SHWETA MANSINGHKA
Shweta uses the intriguing process of saggar firing for creating her work. In this technique, each piece goes through many purifying stages to bring out the inherent shine of the clay. It then goes through its final test to withstand the enormous thermal shock as it’s taken out of a hot raku kiln to room temperature. The fire and smoke leave natural markings on the naked body of the burnished clay, transforming each piece into something completely unique. On display at Stylefile is her collection comprising of Silent Chimes, Prayer Wheels & Fruits Unique.
DEBASHISH DUTTA
Debasish Dutta is in-charge of Shimeesha Art Studio, Vadodara since 2009. Over the years, he has conducted three solo shows including one at Kala Ghoda, Mumbai and participated in many group shows. Over the past 14 years of his work life, he has had the opportunity to visit USA, France and Bangladesh.
DEEPJYOTI KALITA
Award-winning Deepjyoti has completed his studies in sculpture from Faculty of Fine Art, M.S.University, Baroda. His work displayed at Stylefile is reminiscent of the disconnect between our current selves and our roots. In colonisation, we have somewhere forgotten where we have germinated from and his work reminds us of just that.
GOPINATH S
Gopinath S has participated in several residency art projects, symposia and exhibitions, both in India and abroad. Throughout his career as a sculptor, he has showcased his work at several prominent art galleries and has won numerous awards. His studio is in South Bangalore and the piece he brings to Stylefile this year, is his interpretation of the purity of a lotus flower.
G R IRANNA
G R Iranna studied at the Wimbledon School of Art, London, graduating from the College of Visual Art and completed her MFA from Delhi. She has participated in many group and solo shows both in India and abroad. Apart from winning several awards, she has also published two books.
JAGADISH DHYAN SHREYAS
Jagdish’s work explores how sensitive and humorous streams alter our perception of representativeness and how a different experience can take birth. Apart from canvases and watercolour, he also practices etching, lithography and woodcuts. He believes that the present contemporary art scenario is very attractive, though crowded, and consists of new remedies and concepts. His work on display this year is about the inter-connectedness of natural elements coming together to bring life.
JAYANTA ROY
Award-winning sculptor Jayanta’s current pet project is his Ankhiali which started with a deep in interest in collecting old eye-glasses. Having missed one piece in an auction, he decided to use his training to create them on his own. Combining art and fashion, Jayantahas over 400 designs, out of which 150 are hand-crafted.
PRITI KAHAR
Priti’s work comprises of both, the material and the immaterial – objects and shadows which shift the visual experience into the cerebral area. She believes that text enhances the meaning of her artwork, hence it has been a significant feature in all her work. Her recent body of work is around the subject of wars in different times, places, geography and its effect on our globe.
PRAFULL SINGH
Prafull has done MFA from MS University, Baroda. He has received the Harmony Award (Reliance Industries) in 2004, Bendre-Hussain Award from Bombay Art Society in 2003 and Gujarat Lalit Kala Academy award in 1999. Most of his work displays surrealist overtones as he tries to transcend the everyday world of chaos and disharmony and reach a realm of peace guided by the practice of meditation.
