#TheBazaarCut: What's hot, what's next in Indian fashion

A lot has been happening in fashion recently—new launches, collaborations, collections, and more. Besides the recent fashion weeks in London, Milan, and Paris, the world got its very first glimpse of a Diwali Barbie doll made by designer Anita Dongre, sure to make for a heartwarming gift this festive season. Indian swimwear brand La Paz made India proud at the London Fashion Film Festival. Vaishali S took her collection to Paris with the launch of a couture store. Read on to find out all that you need to know about the latest in fashion.

Anita Dongre launches first-ever Diwali doll in collaboration with Barbie

For those wondering what Barbie would look like decked up in festive Indian attire, the wait is over. In a first for any Indian fashion designer, couturier Anita Dongre has teamed up with Mattel to unveil their limited-edition Barbie doll for Diwali. The iconic doll (priced at INR 1,999) is seen wearing a signature Anita Dongre Moonlight Bloom lehenga featuring a choli top, floral coatee and a lehenga skirt embellished with delicate motifs of dahlias, jasmine and lotus. The look is finished with a bindi, a pair of golden bangles and dangler earrings. 

La Paz makes history at the London Fashion Film Festival

La Paz has become the only Indian brand to be featured at the London Fashion Festival (LFFF) 2024 held at the Vue West End Cinema. Their latest film, Safari Dreams, earned the luxury swimwear label a spot in the top four in the category for the Best Sustainable Fashion Film Award. The film revolves around the life of a woman who sets out on a journey as she looks to connect with nature, leading her to self-discovery and growth. Featuring prominently in the film is the brand’s collection of swimwear and beachwear, crafted from responsible fabrics and embodying the essence of conscious luxury. On the red carpet of the prestigious Festival, Radhika Agarwal, the creative director and co-founder of La Paz, wore the brand's 'acacia' top—hand-carved from acacia wood by craftsmen from India. 

EKÁ takes its ‘Lived In’ collection to London 

Having dropped the ‘Lived In’ series three times, this time EKÁ’s fourth took the collection to the land of royals, the West End, art galleries, and museums—London. South Asian culture shapers turned muses for the label, including artist Amba Sayal-Bennett, actor Anjana Vasan, dancer Nikkita Chadha and film-maker, presenter and content creator Nadir Nahdi. The collection came alive in the heart of London as the brand chronicled each cultural practitioner's creative inrpirations, processes, and styles. 

Vaishali S opens couture store in Paris

From being the first Indian female designer to showcase at the Paris Couture Week to now opening her first international flagship store in Paris, designer Vaishali Shadangule continues to make great strides in the world of fashion. The store, furnished exclusively with upcycled furniture that highlights the label's dedication to environmental consciousness and innovative design, located at 188 Boulevard Saint Germain, showcases her most recent collections that see her blend the rich heritage of Indian craftsmanship with the elegance of Parisian style. One can expect to witness the best of Indian craftsmanship and couture at the new store. 

Couturier Amit Hansraj joins the Wendell Rodricks label as its creative head

The Wendell Rodricks label is in good hands. In good news for all fashion lovers, designer Amit Hansraj has been appointed its creative head, the label's owners announced in a statement. With all eyes on his first collection for the iconic label, Hansraj has clearly lived up to expectations. We’ve got a glimpse of what it looks like, and it's safe to say it’s truly spectacular. 

Sharing his thoughts about the collection, Hansraj said, “When I was conceptualising this collection for Wendell Rodricks, there was a clear distinction in my mind: I had to take his philosophy forward but not his literal inspirations. The collection had to be fluid yet functional—a reflection of the lives bubbling around me. There are no defined saris or gowns. A so-called shirt can be worn with a draped sari-skirt and a gown morphed into a formless shape, further abstracted by how the wearer accessorises it. No skin-hugging silhouettes. The collection, then, is an ode to the Goan Susegad way of life which prioritises ease and slow living.”

Lead image: Barbie

All images: Barbie / La Paz / Wendell Rodricks

Also read: This Indian designer is inspired by Chettinad and the Chettiar connect with Southeast Asia

Also read: All the highlights from Paris Fashion Week SS25