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The Iconoclast - lifestyle news by Ranjit Rodricks

@ranjitrodricks

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Writer/Journalist;
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Designer at @juicebyranjitrodricks

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Long before fashion discovered the phrase “global inspiration”, 𝐘𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 was already having a full-blown love affair with India; or at least, with his very glamorous idea of it!

Strangely, even though he was mesmerized by the colours and drapes of India, 𝐘𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 never actually visited our country.

Instead, he fell in love with India through books, paintings, textiles, photographs and the dazzling world of Maharajas, Mughal courts and Indian craftsmanship.

The result was pure Orient-meets-Occident fantasy.

Indian-inspired tunics, Nehru jackets, flowing drapes, sari-like silhouettes and voluminous lehenga style skirts began appearing alongside the sharp Parisian tailoring that made him famous.

He adored bold jewel tones and colours too like emerald, hot pinks, saffron, turquoise, ruby red and plenty of gold.

Then came the real glamour: ornate embroidery, brocades, paisley motifs, metallic threads and jewellery-like embellishment.

Turbans and princely references added another delicious layer of exoticism, while embroidery houses such as 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 transformed these fantasies into couture magic.

It wasn’t India copied onto a Parisian runway. It was Paris dreaming in technicolour about India.

Sensual, extravagant, mysterious and gloriously opulent.

#ysl #saintlaurent #parisfashionweek taken in Paris, France by @ranjitrodricks

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11 hours ago

From the looks of the first images, it could well be #Dior pret-a-porter by #JohnGalliano

But no, it's 𝗭𝗮𝗿𝗮 X 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗼.

Titled Re{form} Zara by John Galliano: Vol. 1, the collection takes familiar wardrobe staples and gives them a full Galliano-style makeover.

Think coats, shirts, slip dresses, tailoring and knitwear; but with the volume turned all the way up.

Drawing on techniques 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗼 is famous for, the pieces play with trompe l’oeil, deconstruction, exaggerated proportions and clever reconstruction.

Ordinary garments are sliced, twisted, repositioned and transformed into something far more theatrical.

The accompanying campaign, takes the fantasy even further, with exaggerated poses, dramatic styling and beauty looks straight out of 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗼’s wonderfully warped imagination.

And this isn’t just a one-season fling. The collaboration is planned as a series, making this first collection the opening chapter of 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗼’s ongoing experiment with 𝗭𝗮𝗿𝗮.

Basically, 𝗭𝗮𝗿𝗮 brought the wardrobe staples. 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗼 brought the scissors, drama and OTT dose of fashion madness.

Queue up! Queue up! This promises to be a sell out!

#Zara taken in Madrid, Spain by @ranjitrodricks

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a day ago

Designer 𝗩𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗵 made his London Fashion Week debut with 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗺𝗻/𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, staged at St. John’s Church, Hyde Park Crescent.

It was an introduction to a House that has spent more than a decade carving out its identity across Dubai, India and an increasingly global clientele — blending contemporary menswear, Indian craftsmanship and a distinctly modern take on occasion dressing.

“Monarch is built around one idea: the quiet dignity of a man who doesn’t need to raise his voice to be noticed,” says 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗵.

The collection moves effortlessly between tailored tuxedos, sharply cut blazers, fusion eveningwear and futuristic occasion pieces. The palette keeps things rich and restrained: cream, maroon, chocolate brown and black.

But the real drama is in the detail.

Metal thread, chains and other hard materials are painstakingly worked into embroidery entirely by hand. Each element is individually placed and constructed look by look, rather than printed or mass-applied, thereby giving the pieces an almost sculptural finish.

And the philosophy? Quiet power.

“Monarch isn’t about wearing a crown,” says 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗵. “It’s about the kind of man who doesn’t need one to be recognised as one.”

#londonfashionweek #varoinmarwah #menswear

Cover Pix and pic 16 by @helainastorey taken in London, United Kingdom by @ranjitrodricks

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2 days ago

BAD GIRL, RIRI?

Oh, honey. #ParisFashionWeek has apparently entered its “Who made everyone wait?” era.

A cryptic and suspiciously spicy post by Vogue Arabia’s @mrarnaut has sent the fashion gossip mill into overdrive.

According to 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐮𝐭, an A-list celebrity allegedly kept an entire fashion show waiting after arriving a whopping ONE HOUR LATE.

Yes. Sixty-three minutes to be precise.

The internet, naturally, smelled blood. And before you could say “Who does she think she is?”, speculation began pointing a perfectly manicured finger at none other than #𝐑𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚, who was reportedly attending the #MetiersFecales show.

Was it actually 𝐑𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚?

We repeat: allegedly.

Nobody has officially named the celebrity in question, so until the culprit steps forward, we’ll keep our gossip hats firmly on.

Still, the internet was not amused. Some questioned why an entire room of fashion professionals should be kept waiting for one celebrity.

Others went further, suggesting celebrities should simply be banned from fashion shows and the clothes left to do all the talking.

And before we get smug, India has its own version of this particular fashion crime.

Chief guests, showstoppers and celebrity invitees routinely arrive on IST - Indian STRETCHABLE Time - while everyone else sits patiently and contemplates their life choices.

Because apparently, being fashionably late is no longer fashionable.

Have you had such an experience because of a celebrity?

Share it with us in the comments . by @ranjitrodricks

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2 days ago

Walking the ramp may look easy-peasy, but trust us, it’s no child’s play.

And 28-year-old 𝗟𝗮𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝗩𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗵, who hails from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, is already getting pretty good at it.

He recently walked the ramp for #𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗿𝗮 at the #Mijwan show and it was a big moment for him.

“This was the first time I walked the ramp for Manish Malhotra Sir,” he tells us.

Nervous? Absolutely.

“I was a bit nervous throughout because there were so many Bollywood stars there! It was my first time walking in front of so many people from Bollywood,” he confesses.

But nerves aside, Veer had a blast.

“It was so good! Manish Malhotra’s team took great care of us!”

So, what goes through his mind when those spotlights hit and he’s strutting down the ramp?

“There's no time to think,” he laughs. “I just concentrate on how the designer wants me to present the outfit. Because when I’m on the ramp, I’m basically a glamorous salesman!”

And what’s next for this rising model?

“Acting eventually!” he says candidly. “But first, I want to work in some music videos.”

For now, the ramp is clearly his runway to fame and we’re wishing 𝗟𝗮𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝗩𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗵 all the very best! by @ranjitrodricks

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3 days ago

𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗔 JUST RECLAIMED THE MTV VMAs — AND SHE ROCKED!

After 23 years away from the MTV Video Music Awards stage, 𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗔 returned last night and proceeded to behave exactly as 𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗔 should: dramatically, provocatively, slightly chaotically and went home with seven awards in her handbag.

The Queen of Pop took home Artist of the Year, Best Collaboration for “Bring Your Love” with 𝗦𝗔𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗔 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥, Best Dance, Best Album for Confessions II, plus Best Long Form Video, Best Choreography and Best Cinematography for Confessions II – The Film.

And naturally, the internet had opinions.

Some viewers were screaming “MOTHER!” after her opening performance with 𝗦𝗔𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗔 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥 and 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗜 𝗫𝗖𝗫.

Others were dissecting alleged lip-sync slips and raising eyebrows at Madonna’s wonderfully unfiltered acceptance speeches.

At one point, she admitted she was “kind of unclear” what her Best Dance award was actually for. Honestly? That's so Madonna.

𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗔 performed at the very first VMAs in 1984, rolling off that infamous wedding cake in “Like a Virgin.”

In 1986, she became the first solo female recipient of the Video Vanguard Award.

Then came “Express Yourself,” “Vogue,” “Bye Bye Baby” — and, of course, that 2003 lip kiss with 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗬 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 and 𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗔 𝗔𝗚𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗔.

Now she has 26 MTV VMA wins.

The Queen didn't return.

She simply reclaimed her throne.

#Madonna #mtvvma #sabrinacarpenter #christinaaguilera by @ranjitrodricks

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4 days ago

#presleygerber #kaiagerber #cindycrawford

Cover picture @katielevinephoto for @papermagazine by @ranjitrodricks

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9 days ago

𝗗𝗼𝗹𝗰𝗲 & 𝗚𝗮𝗯𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗮’s Spring/Summer 2027 collection feels like someone raided a Sicilian grandmother’s wardrobe, a lingerie drawer and a jewellery box and then decided to wear everything at once.

And honestly? That’s the real fun.

The cuts are deliberately all over the place. Tiny skirts, corsets, lingerie slips, oversized denim, bloomers and floaty dresses create silhouettes that constantly switch moods.

Nothing feels too precious. One minute it’s bombshell, the next it’s boyish, then suddenly full-on Italian widow at a family wedding.

The fabrics keep the chaos going: delicate 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲, crochet, crisp cotton, tweed, sheer embellished surfaces and denim are thrown into the mix.

And then there’s the jewellery. 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘀, 𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀, 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗼𝘀, 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹, 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀 pile up like souvenirs from three generations of the same family.

The prints are equally unapologetic: leopard, florals, gingham and postcard-style motifs happily fight for attention.

It’s maximalism with a wink.

Messy, sexy, nostalgic and very 𝗗𝗼𝗹𝗰𝗲 & 𝗚𝗮𝗯𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗮.

#dolcegabbana #milanfashionweek by @ranjitrodricks

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4 days ago

Draped deliciously in diamonds, pearls and custom @manishmalhotra05 couture was @aliaabhatt who looked like an angel dropped down from the heavens as she glided along the catwalk at the Mijwan show in Bombay last night.

To say that Alia looked like a million bucks, is an understatement.

And she was a probably wearing a million bucks worth of MM bling as well.

But as we always say, you be the judge and tell us what you think in the comments section below....

#AliaBhatt #manishmalhotra #bollywoodfashion #bollywoodstyle by @ranjitrodricks

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5 days ago

Hollywood woke to heartbreaking news today: 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐆𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐞𝐫, the 27-year-old model and only son of supermodel 𝐂𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐲 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝 and businessman 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐞𝐫, has died.

Presley passed away on at a rehabilitation facility in Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.

And before the rumor mill starts spinning: the official cause of death has NOT been released. An autopsy is pending, so any claims about what caused his death remain speculation.

Presley stepped into the spotlight early, signing with IMG Models as a teenager and later walking for major fashion houses including Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana. But behind the glossy campaigns, he had also spoken candidly about mental health, addiction and recovery.

His sister, model 𝐊𝐚𝐢𝐚 𝐆𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐞𝐫, had previously discussed the family’s difficult journey with his struggles.

For now, the Gerber-Crawford family in a statement, is asking for privacy as they mourn a deeply painful family loss.

#presleygerber #cindycrawford #kaiagerber by @ranjitrodricks

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11 days ago

Have you noticed that fashion parlance changes quicker than the reigning trends?

One season, a particular bon mot is thrown around liberally by the fashion gurus and the next season, it is replaced by something far more pseudo-cool.

The past few seasons have seen words like ARCHIVAL and HOUSE CODES being used for any and every designer.

But what do these words (and many others like them ) actually mean?

Here's your guide to speak "Fashion" and sound cool at the next page 3 party.

You can thank me later... by @ranjitrodricks

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5 days ago

If there’s one thing ＭＯＳＣＨＩＮＯ knows how to do, it’s turn a fashion show into a full-blown spectacle.

And for #MilanFashionWeek SS27, @messinaloris and @𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞ri made their debut for the house with absolutely no intention of playing it safe.

Think exaggerated proportions, eye-popping colours, graphic prints and enough fringe to cause a small breeze.

Familiar ＭＯＳＣＨＩＮＯ codes were given a deliciously unexpected makeover, with the house’s archival irreverence turned up for a new generation.

But then came the real plot twist…

More than 450 people walked the runway—except they weren’t actually walking with the models. They were moving in the opposite direction, transforming the catwalk into what looked like the world’s most glamorous and slightly chaotic fashionable street.

People of every age, background, profession and relationship status became part of the spectacle, while the models strutted through the crowd from the other direction.

It was less “fashion show” and more “who invited the entire city?”

And somewhere up there, we can’t help wondering: would 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐨 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐨 approve?

Our guess? That level of delicious irreverence might just earn a very loud round of applause from above. taken in Milan, Italy by @ranjitrodricks

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6 days ago