The Armoire aims to introduce new designers and offerings ranging across women’s apparel, accessories and lifestyle products through every Pop up. In keeping with the flavour, the eighth instalment of The Armoire ‘The Electric Room’ happened on 11th September 2018 at WelcomHotel. With a powerhouse of talent under one roof, The Armoire promises to never disappoint the discerning shopper. The collection of eclectic Indian, fusion and western ensembles and accessories made a fashion statement this festive season. From wardrobe staples to occasion wear, The Armoire offered something for everyone.
Returning designers Kavita Bhartia and Sonali Gupta are making a comeback with their latest collections, whilst Yashodhara, Malasa by Nimrit & Jyoti Gill, Isharya Jewellery and many more are showcasing for the first time in Chennai. So whether one is shopping for a Navratri or Diwali soirée, destination wedding or just looking to refresh their everyday wardrobe, one can be spoiled for choice at the pop up. As an added bonus, one can also shop select lines by the above mentioned designers at up to 50% off original prices.
Participating Designers: (personal interviews can be arranged for more info)
Kavita Bhartia: Kavita Bhartia has been one of the pioneers in the Indian fashion industry and the brand has, over the years, developed a global identity. Her collections are elegant with an irrepressible sense of fun and celebration. One can shop from her latest line of indo-western capes, draped dresses and light lehengas featuring a play of colours, fabrics, prints and embroidery. The blend of traditional techniques, innovative treatments, and modern silhouettes always brings an element of surprise to every Kavita Bhartia ensemble.
Yashodhara: Yashodhara’s forte lies in indo-western wear embellished with exquisite embroidery and vibrant colour palettes. Specializing in 3D floral embroidery, the design philosophy at ‘Yashodhara’ draws inspiration from nature’s flora and fauna. Shop from their latest collection of pastel indo-western outfits with subtle hints of fringe and frills in lightweight fabrics such as satin and organza.
Malasa: Popular with brides and bridesmaids alike, Malasa by Nimrit & Jyoti Gill is known for their beautiful, flattering cuts and their effective gold sequins and bead work. Contemporary cuts, fluid silhouettes and delicate embellishments constitute their signature style. Shop embellished crop tops teamed with palazzos and skirts and their signature line of pearl embroidered sarees at the pop up.
Sonali Gupta: The designer’s forte is luxe couture best seen on anarkalis and jackets. The signature features of her latest collection are Indian hand embroidery and intricate patterns of weaves. Moving from eternal ivory, black and gold to exuberant expressions of colours, her collection showcases contemporized Indian design thought.
Ease: New kid on the block, Ease is a minimalistic clothing label based in Mumbai whose identity is rooted in vivid colours, fuss free outfits and a modern take on ethnic clothing. They will be presenting their latest collection of two toned and tasselled maxi dresses, peplum kurtas and sarees in rich colours like crimson, burnt orange and mustard.
Lotus Sutr by Karishma Jamwal: Known for its soft flowing silhouettes amalgamated with flattering drapes and unique layering, Lotus Sutr by Karishma Jamwal is an established label from Mumbai. Her accessories also shine bright, as Karishma seems to have a knack of making exquisite necklaces out of the most unexpected mundane objects which we use in our everyday life.
Isharya: Inspired by India’s intricate and vibrant style, USA and India based ISHARYA blends modern techniques with heirloom details to create on trend, high quality, gold-plated costume jewellery that is provocative and sophisticated, yet available at accessible price points. From dramatic chandelier earrings to jewel encrusted cuffs and bold cocktail rings, each piece is designed to fuse an effortless California chic aesthetic with the glamour of Bollywood, making it the perfect accessory for the confident, modern day, jet-setting woman. Spotted on A-list celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Drew Barrymoore, Eva Longoria, Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor, amongst many others, Isharya is considered one of the top Indian inspired costume jewellery brands.
Kesya: Jaipur-based Kesya was established with a focus on re-invigorating an interest in traditional Rajasthani arts and crafts through a range of accessories for both men and women. Borrowing inspiration from the rich Rajasthani landscape and old colonial hunting scenes, Kesya offers sherwani buttons, pocket squares and costume jewellery that fuse modernity, tradition, history, and design. Each piece is handcrafted by highly-skilled local artisans using sterling silver. Delicate details are subsequently added using semi-precious stones and ancient techniques such as enamelling, hand painting and carving.
Also on exhibit at the pop up shop are ombre shaded asummetrical tunics by Meghna Panchmatia which are free from the confines of seasonal trends, age and shape, experimental mulberry silk sarees by Tuni in collaboration with third generation silk weavers, Ahmedabad-based Dyelogue with its range of bandhani resort wear, floral printed ‘dhoti sarees’ and jumpsuits by Pasha, tribal inspired boho-chic Indian wear by Ruvya by Ruchika & Divya and pom-pom embroidered pastel kurtas by ILK.
Other clothing designers to look forward to at the pop up are NEH, Skirt & Co., K.Anshika, Kanelle, Indegene, Anuradha Grewal, Adara, Aprere and Chennai-based Mint Closet. Also shop delectable clutches and potlis by Beau Monde by Kanika Chawla and Pretty Poppy and destination wedding jewellery by Prerto and Bijoux by Priya Chandna.
The Armoire is curated by founder Nandini Varshnei. After completing her degree in entrepreneurship at University College London (UCL) and a three year stint with a multinational bank, Nandini decided to follow her passion of putting together eclectic ensembles via her pop up shops. She asserts that The Armoire is very different from conventional exhibitions as it is personally curated, on trend, and offers customers a more refined shopping experience. She insists on limiting the number of participating designers so that her customers are offered only the choicest fashion of the season from trusted designers across the country.
