Collections

13 Strings

Just as a catchy beat or a belted ballad brings you into the fold with your memories and emotions, Karleo’s 13 Strings sets up many a tone for harmonic resplendence, through 13 exquisite evening ensembles that evoke an octave of emotions. Florescent and neon splashes create an electronic spark with hot pink, while metallic elements meld the worlds of pop and rock. Jazz juxtaposes flat, printed motifs together, just as classical black-and-white flirts with the fiery flamboyance of rock ‘n’ roll. Pleated textures are joined by an accompaniment of acrylics and faceted sequins, along with radium thread-work and laser-cut details that raise the amplitude. While latex and leather-finished jersey make the composition strong, taffeta and the lamé really make it sing.

Royal Memoirs

Tales as old as time, true as they can be… The songs as old as rhyme play in harmony, as the princesses come together for a retelling of timeless classics. The Royal Memoirs by Karleo draws inspiration from all the stories, be it the love that lifted a curse, or the life of the ocean itself. As they take us on a magic carpet ride, it’s shining, shimmering, splendid indeed, with influences of Victorian grandeur, an infusion of Polynesian exoticism, a whiff of Arabian mysticism, and a reimagining of unlikely allies. Baroque patterns, sashes, jewelled elements, and crowning resplendence come together with integral details in smocking and cording, while velvet and duchess satin add dimensionality. And as frozen blue, champagne gold, silver, ruby, and oyster mesmerize, the magic of the princesses and their memoirs is sure to enchant us happily ever after.

Dream Girl

The dazzle of tinsel-town meets the oomph of the runway in a season to celebrate the timeless glamour of a world that keeps on giving. From the elegant flow of fluttering drapery to the sensual groove of a seductive silhouette, Dreamgirl by Karleo celebrates the everlasting iconography of leading ladies in cinema, the likes of Zeenat Aman and Sridevi. A tribute to the roaring 70s, 80s and the disco era, in a contemporary rendition of femininity that transcends time, this ode to the quintessential Bollywood heroine can be seen in couture and demi-couture avatars, including bridal creations and separates. Finally, for a dénouement laced with dramatic flair, Dreamgirl by Karleo entices with statement accessories. There are beaded sunglasses for heaps of attitude, and to bring out the diva in the Dreamgirl are jewelled headpieces with pearls and stars mounted on hair wire. And finishing the hat are the fascinators, elaborately decorated, for a touch of class exemplified by Bollywood royalty.

Garden Of Eden

Give in to temptation this season, as serpents draw you into the ‘Garden Of Eden’, with Karleo’s new collection of bridal couture that traps you in captivating paradise. The beauty of the utopia that gave life presents itself unassumingly, in soft hues, painting a canvas of cream, pale grey, ivory, muted pink, white, soft yellow, and mint. Each tone is paired with another for maximum impact, with intricate embroidery, sometimes on sheer, seen against the forms that made Eve the object of Adam’s desire. It’s where silhouettes of dramatic proportions meet simple forms, and structured façades encounter surrendering profiles. Staying true to a brand of new interpretations of classics realised through modern techniques, the Garden of Eden is layered and complex.

Noir Love

The line is resplendent with the opulence of traditional couture, in bursts, against a more modern, minimalist take on the valued principles of design and embroidery. A scattering of lines, in understated beads that blend into the structure of the outfits, reveals a mesh for rich and vibrant motifs, evergreen yet celebrated in the most contemporary way. While simple shapes are accentuated with clusters of beaded embroidery, floral motifs give in to the temptation of coloured and shaded sequins. Fabric is flirtatiously manipulated to provide a textural splendour of couture, while splashes of hand-painted accents reveal the hues of changing time. In this spectrum, darkness keeps the mystery alive with black, grey and midnight hues, while tones in white and nude reveal raw passion.

WHITE SYMPHONY

Karleo Bridal 2016 celebrates today’s growing norm-interfaith weddings-adding colour to the pristine palette of bridal white, ivory and eggshell. The bridal gowns have an infusion of different cultures, with other faiths represented through accents of colours other than white. Seen in the creations will be a touch of vermillion, a sparkling of emerald, a splash of champagne, or a sprinkling of jet black. The bridal gowns have another common thread-the abstract and subtle presence of birds as motifs. Additionally, each bridal outfit has a name that inspires its qualities and detailing, which would beautifully complement the personalities of brides wearing them.

ZODIAC

Astrology – The study of the movements and relative positions of celestial objects interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world. And the influence of the celestial objects has indeed been heavy on the garb of the season for KARLEO. Their autumn/winter 2014 collection draws wide, but distinct inspiration from various aspects of Indian astrology. From the sun-signs and what they represent, to the birthstones that represent the sign-signs themselves, the inspiration defines the collection’s colours, textures and patterns, interpreted with individuality in distinguished silhouettes. Bringing about depth in the colour palette of the collection are the visual perceptions of the 12 birthstones. The facets, iridescence, undertones and layers are realised through deep hues and rich detailing such as the antiquing and distressing of sequins. Outfits in lighter hues offer relief from the intensity. The colours and patterns are also inspired by starbursts, and dense overlays of astronomical chaos. With beaded eyewear as accessories, the outfits in georgette, tulle and crepe de chine, include asymmetrical dresses, a baggy sweatshirt, a high-low skirt, a fitting pantsuit, and a flowing kaftan.

SPICE

KARLEO’s summer-resort 2014 collection reflects contrast-cohesively blending elements borrowed from classic, vintage glamour and contemporary, edgy style. Drawing inspiration from Indian spices in form, colour and texture, the modern outfits even reflect interpretations of traditional craftsmanship techniques, including those seen in jewellery-making. Hand-painted patterns are offset against colours of spices such as bay leaf and mustard, while jewelled detailing, through gemstone-inspired beading and the use of materials such as crystals, adds richness to lean and elegant silhouettes. Primarily comprising gowns and dresses, with a few trousers and pants in the line-up, the collection features symmetric cuts and flowing fabrics like georgette and crepe de chine.