FashionForRoyals

Designer Diaries: Interview with Indian Fabric Emporium- Deepak Shekhar

Exclusive Interview with Farha and Deepak from IFE-Deepak Shekhar.

About Brand IFE-Deepak Shekhar

Brand IFE-Deepak Shekhar is a joint venture between IFE-house of vintage fashion– and the designer Deepak Shekhar. The label offers couture lehengas & kalidars and is inspired from ethnic & haute-couture reference into the Indo-Persian era, the Nizam period & the Renaissance. Established in 2012, the brand offers uncompromised quality, attention to detail in its designs, and thus an ever-increasing clientele Worldwide. Their work studio based in Kolkata is best defined as an ‘invention and innovation hub’ with an ensemble of creative artisans & seamstresses that amalgamate to form a unique design family with a vision to revive vintage Indian fashion.

1. Tell us something about your Fashion Brand.

Farha – Deepak & I share an interest in couture fashion, especially when portrayed in a vintage outlook. As an entrepreneur dealing in fabrics (Indian Fabric Emporium-IFE), I am particularly fascinated by the Indian handloom & its contribution to the global fashion market. Deepak is a graduate of the prestigious National Institute of Fashion technology (NIFT) & over the years has gained extensive experience as a couturier. In 2012, we combined forces to establish our first fashion consulting workshop & were officially open for business! A year later, the eponymous label ‘IFE-Deepak Shekhar’ came into existence.

2. What is the essence of your Fashion Brand?

Deepak – Our major objective is to revive the culture & ethnicity of vintage Indian fashion, both locally and internationally, to once again spread the global appeal of Indian fashion.

3. Which area of Indian fashion do you specialize in?

Deepak – Currently, we are focusing on couture kalidars & bridal-contemporary lehengas.

4. What is your favorite aspect of Indian fashion?

Farha – For me, it’s definitely its distinctiveness, or if you like, its character! Over the years, we have maintained the finesse of art work by human hand, which is often considered a luxury in the West. In Indian fashion, human ingenuity hasn’t been replace by machines and unlike the international fashion world, fashion in India is not a slave to general globalisation. A perfect example is the Indian Sari; a silhouette that has retained its ethnicity over the centuries. In my opinion, our biggest strength is that Indian fashion & its traditions share a similar platform.

5. As a designer & an entrepreneur, what are your biggest challenges?

Deepak – Being a designer, I strongly believe in experimenting with silhouettes & aesthetics. I feel that Indian fashion is restricted for a number of reasons, including the rather unfortunate conception of what constitutes a beautiful body, constraints imposed by social ethics & a general media portrayal of the body image. To me, the Indian woman can grace many silhouettes & I consider myself very fortunate to have the creative freedom to experiment with this. Another point to highlight is that our concept of a ‘modern’ look is more often combined with International brands. This reflects why luxury brands such as Christian Louboutin, Salvatore Ferragamo and Gucci among others are thriving in India. The question is are the Indian brands not luxurious enough? Are they not engaging with their people & fulfilling their demand? Or is the perception of the brand ‘Indian’, being less elitist, maybe a factor? Something clearly is holding us back.

I believe that our label should have a classic Indian status with a strong domestic & International presence. Why not integrate pencil-tight skirts with zardoz & dabka motifs or use exaggerated sleek silhouettes in bias-cut styles? As a designer, addressing these issues are perhaps my biggest challenges.

Farha – I would like to add to what Deepak just said. India is a goldmine of assets – handcrafts, artisans, and the works! We need to start focusing on the beauty of it, harness and utilize it. We have to flaunt it! For example, the latest Dolce & Gabbana autumn-winter collection in Milan, introduced embroidered chintz & filigrees into their collection. The entire workmanship is a breakdown of zardoz & Golden pitta motifs. The question is, why should I buy them, when the craftsmanship & the origin of this craftsmanship is right here in India? As an entrepreneur, I would like our brand to develop a product that focuses on these Indian excellences. The challenge would then be to gain global visibility for such a brand.

6. Where can one find your Collection?

STORES:

Jhoomar
6B Allenby Road, Elgin, Kolkata

Mokshaa
No 44, Cathedral Road, Opp. Stella Maris College, Chennai

Frontier Bazar
Karol bagh, New Delhi

Online: Indian Hanger – http://indianhanger.com/shop/category/ife-deepak/

For client abroad, we offer consultations via email (ife.deepak@gmail.com). Our team is happy to oversee all details of your trousseau and assist you with high-resolution images and arrange for shipment of fabric/embroidery swatches”

7. Tell us something about your latest collection

Farha – ‘The Alampanah’ is a eulogy to the past grandeurs of the Hyderabad’s nawabi culture & graces of the old-world ‘tehzeeb’ in the throes of changing times. By the choice of resham emboss & detailed zarkas, the clothing line revisit the aura of regal Hyderabad heritage in restrained aesthetics.

8. Do you take up custom design requests?

Farha – All our outfits are colour customized & made-to-measure fit. If the clients requests, we can also tweak the style to suit them – change the fabric, embroidery pattern, silhouette, neckline, etc. We happy to personalize the outfit just for you!

9. Any Fashion/Style Tip for our readers?

Deepak – Dress for style, dress for comfort, be yourself, experiment & more importantly, be confident!

Farha Shaikh Oka & Deepak Shekhar can be contacted by email at: ife.deepak@gmail.com
Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Indian-Fabric-Emporium/228116280577069

Be a Beach Beauty

Here is a step by step guide to get you ready for the golden sandy beaches with confidence.

Sun Safe – Whether you go for cream or oil, its essential to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Sun rays not only damage and age the skin but can also lead to skin cancer. Before you head out make sure you use a good sunscreen. Make sure you reapply your sun cream or oil regularly, especially after the dip in the water.
Nail It – Pretty Hues or Bold Bright nails look best on the beach. Before applying polish give yourself a manicure to make sure your nails are in a tip-top shape. Don’t forget your feet either, a nice pedicure and a beautiful pair of flip flops or open toed sandals in the evening will make you stand out in the crowd.
Protect Your Locks – Your skin isn’t the only thing that can get seriously damaged in the sun, your hair can too. All that sea salt, chlorine and sun can play havoc with your hair and turn your glossy locks into an unruly frizzy haystack. You either use a nice SPF protection for your hair or repair remedy to add back the lost moisture and repair any damage done throughout the day.
Smooth Skin – Pre Holiday, get your skin glowing by buffing and exfoliating. You can use a body scrub or use a body brush.
Minimum Makeup – Heavy makeup on the beach is a complete no-no, but if you can’t dare to bare, a slick of waterproof mascara with a sweep of subtle lipstick will keep you looking fresh faced and gorgeous. In the evening some bronzer and metallic shimmering eye shadow will enhance your tan and give you a healthy glow.

PCJ Delhi Couture Week Review – Series 2

Day 4

The 4^th day of the fashion week saw some sizzling collections presented by ace fashion designers Ritu Beri and Manish Arora.

Ritu Beri

True to her sensibilities, Ritu Beri, presented a collection inspired by her culture. Being a Punjabi, the colours and magnificence showcased in her collection were truly a treat to the onlooker. Titled aptly Punjabi Rock and Roll, Ritu Beri took the traditional attires to another level. The choice of colours ranging right from pastels, whites, dark and metallic with Swarovski’s, satins, silks, nets, rich brocades, etc. was ornately presented by Ritu Beri through the different ensembles. The fashionable look ranged from gararas, long jackets, gowns inspired by Sarees, Patiala Salwar, Kurtas and voluminous Ghagras.

Manish Arora

The last segment on Day 4 was presented by ace fashion designer Manish Arora through his traditional Indian collection. A combination of colours inspired by the baroque period and Buddhist temples along with his exquisitely designed jewellery; the fabrics and textiles ranged from chiffons, silks, crepe to beautiful hand-woven silk brocade. Georgettes were used to design the ornate display of ensemble that included Lehengas, Saris, Churidars, Anarkalis, etc. Each costume had a unique amalgamation of zardozi, metals, leather, stones and crystals beautifully fitted into them. A true delight to the viewer, the collection of Manish Arora ended day 4 with panache and grace.

Day 5

Day 5 was marked by the presence of world-class fashion designers Gaurav Gupta and Manish Malhotra.

Gaurav Gupta

The red carpet presentation of ‘Lightfall’ by Gaurav Gupta kept the audience captured with his exquisite designs and applique ensembles. The collection spoke for itself with beautiful gowns and offshoots of Lehengas and Sarees. The colour palette consisted of neon to moon grey to dust gold to teal and ecru with a collocation of variety of techniques of Indian craftsmanship.

Manish Malhotra

The Grand finale of the Fashion Week was by none other than ace designer Manish Malhotra. His collection inspired by the era of royalty- 1930’s, left the audience captivated. The colour palette was a combination of mustard, royal blue and beige, red and ochre all creating a vintage look. The Lehengas, Anarkalis, Sarees were beautifully crafted with ornate embroidery, zardozi, velvets, silver and gold thread work along with Chantilly lace that was used during that period were gracefully presented by Manish Malhotra. A finale with élan and opulence, Manish Malhotra truly brought the Indian Couture Week to a perfect end!

PCJ Delhi Couture Week Review – Series 1

Delhi Couture Week 2013 kicked off with style and panache on 31 Taj Palace Hotel. The first day saw two stalwarts of the fashion industry – Anju Modi and Sabyasachi Mukherjee – displaying their respective collections. Glitz and glamour were intrinsic elements of both the collections and it definitely lived up to the reputation of the opening day.

Anju Modi

Inspired by the mythological figure of Draupadi from the ancient Indian epic of Mahabharatha, Anju Modi’s collection epitomized grandeur and opulence. The main idea behind the collection was to portray Draupadi as a strong woman and this was made evident through the collection that featured warrior style blouses along with creatively draped dupattas, lavish ghaghras and strikingly bold makeup. The designer’s intention of portraying a woman’s strong character was beautifully displayed through the ghaghras that made a bold statement with their volume, tiered kurtas and one-shoulder draped dupattas. Anju Modi did manage to bring alive her tale with a rich amalgamation of bold colors, styles and fabrics laced with a dash of creative uniqueness.

Sabyasachi

Day one also gave the audience a beautiful glimpse of one of the finest designers in the country – Sabyasaachi. His collection named Opium was a fascinating combination of glitz and simplicity. He combined rich Indian aesthetics with the charm and panache of the flapper era, the 1920’s. The sarees and the voluminous skirts looked gorgeous with their combination of intricate lace and appliqué designs. The quilted sherwanis for the men along with the elegant golden embroidery and pagdis did create a royal effect. He deftly used Khadi to depict simplicity while relying on sequined detailing to add bling and glitz to the collection.

Day 2

While the first day was a representation of India’s rich heritage, the second day featured an amalgamation of Indian and western sensibilities.

Monisha Jaising

Monisha Jaising focused on featuring exclusive bridal wear for beach weddings and shades of aqua including lime green, blue, navy blue and ink blue were extensively used. She used a lot of velvet, lace and silk to design a complete bridal wardrobe ranging from bathrobe to bridal finery.

Anamika Khanna

Anamika Khanna also showcased bridal collection that was infused with Indian elements. Two were the main highlights were Lucknowi chikankari work and sari draped in Maharashtrian style.

Day 3

Varun Bahl

Varun Bahl named his collection as ‘Flight’ to epitomize India’s rich heritage of embroidery techniques, hand crafted embellishments and opulent textiles. This ace designer’s collection was a beautiful fusion of traditional and modern where chiffon, silk, wool-crepe and canvas were combined with silk net, gauze and organza to create gorgeous garments. He combined his signature embroideries with modern silhouettes to create a collection that would cater to the tastes of the modern contemporary woman.

Satya Paul

Satya Paul along with Masaba showcased their first ever demi-couture collection on the third day of the couture week. Masaba Gupta debut collection was about making a statement through bright, bold and beautiful prints. Furthermore, to add to the glamour and glitz of Satya Paul’s capsule collection, the glamorous models and stars were also adorned with PCJ’s sparkling diamond and polki jewelry.

Think Pink – Think Bold

Pink colored makeup is no longer for the young girls or the shade of the sugary pink tutu inspired shade it once was. Pink is back this season and with a bang. It’s time to take this piece of makeup out of the bottom of your make up drawer. The best way this season to get the pink perfection is to wear it loud.

Here are my top picks for you to get the pink perfect look:

Mac Pigment in Bright Fuchisa
This is a highly intense pink colored powder. Use it either as a eye shadow or a cheek blush.

Diorblush Cheek Creme in Bikini
Creme blush is always more easy to apply as there is no worry of spills. The coverage of this blush is very smooth and gives a pop of color to your cheeks

Mac Creensheen Speak Louder
Very smooth color with a good coverage. This is the creensheen range from Mac and the lip color has a subtle blue undertone and a soft natural creamy finish.

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Plushest Punch
The ones who are not comfortable with the bold pink colors, can opt for the Plushest Punch shade from Clinique. It’s a little lighter shade than the mac lip color mentioned above but is moisturizing enough to keep lips soft and supple all day. To add more color you can swipe 2 coats of the lip color.

Maybelline Express Finish Nail Color – Fuchisa
No makeup look is complete without the nail enamel and Maybelline’s Fuchisa does just that. Nail Color in Pink, is the most easiest way to carry off the pink trend this season.

India Bridal Fashion Week 2013- Delhi Edition Review

Here is a quick review of the collections that stood out to me at India Bridal Fashion Week 2013 – Delhi Edition

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Shantanu & Nikhil
Shantanu and Nikhil’s titled “To Die For” in India Bridal Fashion Week, 2013 lived up to its theme.
This collection was all about delicate grace and elegance, everything that a new age Bride needs to look chic but still create flutters in hearts. I loved the use gold leaf booti embellishments and the pastel colors giving the whole collection a very dreamy look.

Jyotsna Tiwari
Jyotsna Tiwari’s ‘ELOHIM’ rocked fashion week with her collection inspired by the fun and festivities associated with weddings. Fun, vibrant colours, flirty cuts and prints all made an appearance on the runway. This collection was perfect for those brides who want a modern look with a pinch of culture.
Jacqueline Fernandez was the star of the show as she graced the runway wearing a strapless hot pink gown with detailed embroidery on the skirt and a flirty slit down the middle to reveal black-cropped trousers with pink fringing.

Kotwara by Merra Muzaffar Ali
‘The Mughal Bride’ by Meera and Muzaffar Ali was a mix of detailed classic nude colours, finished with some traditional bridal bling. The traditional gold plated frocks and long kameez showed elegance and beauty and made for a crisp and clean collection.

Rohit Bal
Designer Rohit Bal showcased a regal collection with cream coloured lehenga choli’s with gold embroidery and kundan jewellery. His ‘MulMul’ collection had simple yet majestic designs with emphasis on full-length Indian Silhouettes.
Actress Sonam Kapoor looked great in a gold and white lehenga with a dupatta along with matching accessories. The plain colors worked beautifully together giving her a look of seductive indulgence.

Adarsh Gill
The collection showcase from Adarsh Gill was a vision of glamour and fusion were displayed on the catwalk along with geometric patterns, bold colours and statement motifs.
The gold plated corsets and simple trousers, which wrapped around the models and held together with a large motif showed a strong and empowering woman who wanted something very modern yet glamorous.

Suneet Varma
Suneet Varma’s collection was inspired from ancient Roman Empire with traditional headpieces and embellished lehengas. The collection was a regal mix of golden embellishments and was right fully called ‘The Golden Bracelet’.
I liked the silhouettes in this collection as it was a refreshing change from all the anarkalis, and flared lehengas in other collection, giving a bride to change to experiment with other dress forms.

Tarun Tahiliani
As the grand finale show at India Bridal Fashion Week in Delhi, Tahiliani’s show was epitome of elegance and understated bling. The collection mainly consisted of pinks, ivory, beige’s and understated reds, as well as a few modern ensembles.
Bride-to-be model Lisa Haydon closed the show. I Loved the usage of veil in last few ensembles which was a mix Indian and western influence.

All in all a great week with lots of new trends for the coming wedding season and lot of new ideas for all the brides-to-be.

Places to shop for your Wedding or an Indian Function in Delhi

I personally love Indian clothes more than anything else. Love their color, bright hues, intricate work and the royal look they give to a person when worn in the right style. Having lived in Delhi almost my whole life, I have been part of many wedding shopping trips for both friends to family. Here are some of my personal favorites, the places and shops I trust to go for, when the time is short at hand and I am looking for that perfect outfit.

Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk is one place I would recommend everyone to visit when they start their indian wedding shopping. Love the hustle bustle of the place. The market has wide range of shops from chabbra 555, Apsara Sarees to Om Prakash Jwahar Lal, are some of the nice shops to look for range of indian clothes. The most famous shop for lehenga shopping in this market is Om Prakash Jwahar Lal, though a little expensive, personally my taste for Lehenga shopping goes for more flared styles but still do check this place to see what’s in trend.

Shakuntalam
Great shop, I have visited their showroom both in Rajouri Market, Delhi and Ambience Mall, Gurgaon. The Rajouri showroom is much bigger and hence has a bigger collection to boast. Love their saree and suit collection. Specially the heavy embellished Sarees and Anarkalis. A great place to shop for evening dos and family functions or your wedding trousseau.

Frontier Raas, South Ext.
Love the shop and their wide variety. The shop is based on 3 floors, with almost everything you would need for a wedding or any Indian function. They have a wide variety of Saree and Lehenga collection. You will find here a huge range both from price and style point of view. They have everything from modern to transitional designs, to suit every taste. The great thing is they even cater for men’s wear as well in the same store.

Meenabazar
A great chain of stores to buy indian clothes that are in trend. Price range will suit even a budget shopper. They have multiple stores across Delhi andNCR.

CTC Moti Nagar
The only CTC that should be on your shopping list when planning your wedding list. You will find here everything from suits to lehengas, jewelry to sandals and can almost finish your wedding shopping in a day if you are really short on time. Great collection of Lehengas and Sherwanis. I like their full flare Lehenga designs though they can get a bit pricey.

Ushnak Mal Mool Chand, South Ext
Another shop that should be on your list for any Indian do or wedding, Some of the styles here are very ethnic, but you will find lots of evergreen styles in this shop. My personal recommendation to any bride is to definitely have few evergreen dresses in their wedding trousseau.

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Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm: Mightiest Maraschino – Review and Swatches

Chubby Stick Intense - Mightiest Maraschino Here is a quick review of my latest lip color buy, the Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm: Mightiest Maraschino

Chubby Stick Intense is what it says, as it has a much more intense colour than the normal Chubby Stick. It’s very moisturizing and stays on for a good time compared to a regular balm but less then a lip color. I like the whole Chubby Stick concept and hence now planning to buy another new shade soon enough. The product is great for day wear but just as good for evening wear. The pencil application is great and goes on easier than your usual lipstick.

Love the color, it’s a great reddish shade that works well for day wear and goes well with indian skin both fair and dusky/olive tone. I am always on the lookout for different shades of red and this product is right there on my top 3 red lip colors, so far.

Pros

Great coverage and color, works like a lipstick with two quotes
Moisturising and keeps lips soft and supple

Cons

A little pricey
Doesn’t stay long enough (4-5 hrs coverage)

How to Use your Old Lip Colors

How many lipsticks do you have in your old drawer or stack somewhere still saved away, all those impulse buys you might have done or shades that have now gone out of trend.You might have got a few of those as “gift with purchase“, “free sample“ lipsticks in there!

Well, whether those lipsticks are the wrong shade for you or texture, here is the trick I found in my search for that perfect shade that you can now use to create your own new shades and use all those lipsticks stacked away to create a new look for you.

1. Mix to Create new colors: It might seem really obvious once you read it but you can always mix two lip colors to make a new color Here I bought myself a new neon pink color and was really excited to try it but once home it didnt look as good as it looked when I tried it in showroom, all those spot lights should be blamed here 😉
I just wanted a little darker pink color and guess what came to rescue was the matt red color I mixed the two shades together and voila had the right color I actually wanted.

If a lipstick is too dark, all you need to do is mix the dark lipstick with something lighter; a lip gloss, a tinted lip balm, another lipstick, etc. and if the lipstick color is too light, then it only makes sense to mix it with a color that’s darker.

2. Use your old lipstick as a cheek stain. I have done this many times when I have forgotten to carry my own blush in my handbag

3. Create a tinted lip gloss using a leftover lipstick. Add Vaseline into the pot with the lipstick and mix well. If you want it to have a smooth and new finish allow it to sit somewhere warm for a little while and it will melt, then when you lat it harden again it will look like a brand new gloss!

Fashion Trend: Search for the Scarlet Lips

The perfect red lipstick is one of the fashion trend’s that will never date away.We sometimes hate it and sometimes love it almost like crazy. One movie star which comes to my mind when I think of red color lips is either Madonna or Anne Hathway.

Personally I always felt I can’t carry a rouge red color and hence always turned towards more dark brown red or mauves for occasion.But after doing some serious shopping this season for a personal family do, I thought why not give it a try to this elusive make-up essential.

I have tested many red colors before nailing down my own red color, and the ones that finally got on to my shortlist are:

1. NARS Jungle Red – its a bright red tone color with long lasting color. It is a mix of both matt and shine. So if you like a bright red color this is definitely a good choice

2. MAC Ruby Woo -This is a great matt red color lipstick. The color is thick and rich and lasts all day long.

3. MAC Russian Red – Another great matte, classic red lipstick from MAC. I personally felt russian red is more creamy and has a slight sheen to it on the lips

A red color lipstick is a must in every girl’s makeup box.

Style Tip: Wear your Red color lipstick with a matching nail color for that elegant and ultra glam look.

Fashion Trend : Digital Printed Sarees

Light yet Chic

The winters are almost over and the last thing you would want to wear is a heavy, embellished saree during the sweet spring weather. But if traditional is the theme for the party, a Salwar-suit would make you look underdressed while a plain saree in a bold color would be too understated. That’s where digital printed sarees come to the rescue.

They are perfect for spring to summer season

Digital printed sarees are usually made of faux fabric or georgette. Both the fabrics are really light and airy. Not too body hugging and yet, conforming to the natural contours of the body, these sarees look really chic as party wear.

There are a lot of interesting patterns to be had

There are limitations as to what an artiste can print by hand. But when it comes to technology, sky is the limit. There are a whole range of patterns available in digital printed sarees. Floral patterns as well as patterns inspired from nature are the hottest trend right now in digital printed attire. A stand out in this trend is patterns which depict a whole scenery on this nine yard wonder.

However, if you don’t want to look too last season, avoid going for printed sarees that use disjointed colors. Rather, the trend this season is prints which have colors that flow in continuation. For example, a combination of blue and grey.

They are ideal for women who are slightly heavy too

Women who are slightly on the heavier side can also benefit from this light and chic fashion trend. The lightness of the fabric used in digital printed sarees has a slimming effect on your appearance.

Don’t forget to accessorize it well

Like any fashion trend, getting the accessories right is important here too. If you are going for a minimal print, you can jazz up your look further with digital printed handbags. However, if you have an elaborate print on you, keep your accessories to a bare minimum. A solid colored handbag in a complementing color and minimal earrings complete the look in that case.

Vintage Lace Trend Revival

Did you know that it was Queen Victoria who spawned the trend of white wedding dresses, somewhere in the middle of the 19^th century? Kate Middleton seems to be following in her footsteps, with her wedding to Prince William likely to spawn another trend in wedding fashion; or rather, the revival of it.

Kate Middleton was seen wearing a wedding dress with a long train and lace sleeves on her D-day last year. Fashion experts around the world are already calling it the Kate Middleton effect, as numerous dresses inspired from Kate’s dress have already flooded the market.

Here is her wedding dress decoded step by step, and how you can get that look right, with slight variations of your own.

The long train

For those who want to feel like a princess on their wedding day, long trains are seeing a revival. Kate Middleton’s dress had about 2 m long train. Of course, you would need good bridesmaid to help you with that. But what you would also need is a full skirt with minimal embellishments. Too much glitter with a long train can spoil the look. If a well fitted, full, traditional skirt is a bit too much for you, a mermaid style gown also works well with the long train.

The lace effect

Kate Middleton’s dress had long sleeves with elaborate lace details. You could always add a little twist to that with an off shoulder dress with bell lace sleeves. For those wanting to look sexy and sophisticated, go for ¾ length lace sleeves with a v-neckline. You could also try a sweetheart neckline with a lace bolero which you can take off when you need to show some skin on your big day.

Transparent lace sleeves are another option you have, with look good with a V waist and square, ballgown style neckline.

The minimalistic accessorizing

Kate Middleton’s wedding dress was about elegance and timeless beauty. You need to compliment that with minimal accessories that don’t shout out loud on top of the dress. Go for subtle necklaces and bracelets; try to keep it as simple as you possibly can.

Color

With all said and done, you need to pay attention to the color tone as well. The traditional wedding white, which Kate Middleton wore, does not suit everyone. Make sure you take into account your skin tone to get a color that best compliments it.

Black and white: Timeless chic

While the trend of hot neons and bright tangerines may come and go, there is one fashion trend that is forever- the combination of black and white. Simple, elegant, sophisticated, fun, mischievous…there are a whole lot of looks you can achieve with this classic combination which been around for ages.

Black and white is for every season

Unlike pretty pastels and bright neons which are season centric, black and white can be worn regardless of the season or time of the day. For a hot day out in the sun, a white top with a black skirt works fine, while for a night-out, you can always reverse the combination.

Works for every occasion

The evergreen combination works well for every occasion. For a formal dinner with clients, pair a well fitted white shirt with tapering black trousers. Complete the look with a black jacket thrown on top. For a more glamorous look, you can never go wrong with an evening gown in black and white. If it is a little fun and in-your-face look you are looking for, geometric designs in black and white can create the desired optical effect.

When worn right, it can be slimming or add volume

Bright colors may not be for everyone, since they create the illusion of a wider frame. However, the classic combination of black and white can be tinkered around with to create the right illusion. If you have an apple-shaped body, black on top and white at the bottom gives you a symmetrical look. For a pear shaped body, the combination should be reversed.

Almost all accessories go well with the look

You don’t need to pull out your hair in order to accessorize your black and white look. While crystal and gold work best with this look, almost anything looks good with black and white. It depends on the appeal you are looking to create and the occasion you are wearing it on.

A pop of color is so in vogue

And if those reasons are not enough for you to go the classic way, here is another one- the pop of color that is trending these days. Pair your understated ensemble in black and white with a pair of bright heels in orange, burgundy or similar colors. Celebs around the world are going for the understated look with a dash of surprise.

Saree- An Evergreen Indian Fashion Trend

Almost all Bollywood divas have adorned it at one time or the other. While some like Rekha exude elegance in it, others like Sushmita Sen and Katrina Kaif give it the oomph factor. Yes, we are talking about the nine yard Indian wonder- Saree.

It is perfect for every kind of occasion

A saree is not restricted by the kind of event you are attending. If it is a corporate event, a minimal digital printed saree or something in chiffon would work well. If it is something more extravagant, a Banarsi saree with its heavy embellishments is what you are looking for.

It is cool and it is hot as well

A saree is available in a whole range of fabrics. For winters, you could opt for something heavy in silk or maybe a saree in crepe. For summers, go for the ones in cotton, while for everyday wear, a georgette saree is the best choice. There are a whole range of other fabrics a saree is available in, from Faux to Tissue, Chiffon, Viscose, Soft Crush etc. With so much variety to choose from, it can never really go out of fashion, be it any season.

There are tones of styles you can drape it in

Other garments may be restricted by the way you can wear them. There is only so much you can do with a spaghetti top or a pair of denims. With saree, however, the possibilities are endless. You can be understated with it by draping it in traditional Indian styles- Gujarati, Bengali and North Indian to name a few; or you can be boho-chic by going for a modern drape which is loaded with oomph.

Indian designers are experimenting with it all the time

Sarees have always ruled the runway, be it winter wear, Fall Spring or Summer collection. And Indian designers have constantly experimented with the traditional Indian attire, giving it the western twist. Saree with zippers, Trouser Saree, poncho saree, kimono saree…..everything is happening in the world of fashion.

Westerners are waking up to its wonder too

From A-listers to pop stars, Hollywood seems to have taken a love to the saree as well. Beyonce has adorned it, and so has Cameron Diaz, Angelina Jolie, Elizabeth Hurley and so many others. With saree taking the global stage with that international exposure, you may be well off hoarding your wardrobe with different styles, fabrics and patterns.

You can be rest assured it is never going to go out of fashion.

Bandhani Saree- Traditional Craft

There is nothing better than a Bandhani saree, also called bandhej saree, if you want to look ethnically traditional during the festival season. Originating in the western part of India, specifically in parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, Bandhani saree involves intricate craftsmanship.

The process is what gives it the name

Bandhani saree is called so because of the process involved in making this traditional piece of craft. The fabric is tied at several points, and hence, the term Bandhani, which literally translates to “tied.” The way the fabric is tied, leads to different patterns in Bandhani saree, some of the most common being Leheriya, Mothra, Ekdali and Shikari.

The history of it

Bandhani saree is considered as one of the oldest forms of tie and dye sarees. The craftsmanship involved in the making of it can be traced back to several centuries, when these sarees were worn by women of the royal family. It was also traditionally believed that Bandhani saree in a vibrant hue is supposed to bring good luck. The walls of Ajanta and Ellora caves stand testimony to the existence of this craft eons ago.

In modern times, the craft of making Bandhani saree is believed to have originated in the city of Jamnagar in Gujarat, the city itself being more than 4 centuries old. The skills have thus been passed down generations, and it has lately seen a revival of sorts with the focus back on traditional Indian arts and crafts.

The fabric, colors and styles

A bandhani saree is traditionally made out of muslin or silk. The richness of silk is what gives the saree the festive fervor. However, with changing tastes, Bandhej sarees are now made in georgette and chiffon as well for that contemporary look.

In terms of colors, “riot of colors” is what best describes Bandhej sarees the best. They are best when made in vibrant hues such as orange, yellow and other similar colors.

And the best is on display during the festive season

If you want to have a look at some of the best Bandhani saree styles, the best time would be the Indian festive season, especially around the time of Navaratris.

Cotton Cushion Covers for your Garden Furniture

Having sofa beds or wooden chairs alone may not be enough to spruce up your garden which you have so carefully got manicured. Accessorizing your garden furniture is essential, which is where cushion covers come in.

Throw them around for a casual, laidback look which is sure to put you at ease. But before you do that, you need to extra careful about the material you choose for your cushion covers. Since they would be outside all the time, you need something that is resistant to the weather elements. With regards to that, there is no better choice than cotton cushion covers.

Cotton cushion covers come with more advantages than one

To start with, cotton is a very lightweight fabric which is soft to touch. Since in all probability you would be lounging about in your garden, you need something that is not too harsh to cuddle. Cotton gives you that feel.

And since it is a lightweight fabric, it dries out pretty quickly too. Thus, if you cotton cushion covers get drenched in a surprise evening shower, you can be sure they would dry out by the time you are back from office the next day. Add to it the fact that it is an easily washable fabric, and you know taking the dirt off them is going to be easy task.

It is environment friendly too

Compared to other fabrics out there, cotton is an environment friendly fabric. Since you would be keeping your cushion covers amidst trees and plants,, there is every reason you should complement hat nature has bestowed upon us.

Available in a range of colors and patterns

Cotton cushion covers are available in every possible pattern and color imaginable. If you have kids in your house, or if you want to give your garden a more playful look, go for cotton cushion covers in pink or ones in interesting shapes.

For giving your garden a more sophisticated appeal without making it dull, choose cushion covers in bright colors such as green and yellow. And if you have contemporary styling in your house, it is best to go for cushion covers without frills. Contemporary design is all about clean lines, and that’s what you want to have for your garden as well.

Get the right Saree for your Body Type

Saree, the six yard wonder, stands for elegance and grace. Celebrities around the world have been smitten by this traditional Indian dress. However, if chosen wrong, it can be a disaster. The wrong drape on you can make you look like a box with embellishments walking around. And the drape depends on the kind of fabric that you go for.
Different fabrics suits different body types. Here is a lo-down on how to go about choosing the right saree for the occasion:

Apple shaped body- Apple shaped bodies are characterized by a wider bust than the lower part of the body. Thus, when you dress, you want to draw attention away from your upper body to give you a more symmetrical look. The best fabric in sarees that works for apple shaped bodies is silk. It drapes well and accentuates the lower half of your body. Sarees with embellishments and sequences around the mid-section also work for this body type. Stay up from chunky necklaces too.

Pear shaped body- This is quite the opposite of an apple shaped figure. Pear shape is characterized by wider hips and narrower shoulders. For women with a pear shaped body, lighter fabrics such as chiffon and crepe are ideal. They give you a symmetrical look.

For those with a fuller physique- For women who are slightly on the heavier side, it is best to avoid fabrics which stick out such as brocade, tissue or stiff cotton. Rather, sarees in chiffon, georgette or handloom cotton, which drape the body, are a better fit. Women who are short in height should avoid sarees with wide borders. In fact, it is best if they go for sarees with minimal borders. Wide borders give you a wider look and hence, make you appear shorter.

Slim women- Those with a slim physique are at a definite advantage, since most fabrics and saree types look good on them. It depends on the kind of look you want to go for. For accentuating your figure, go for chiffon or georgette. For a more fuller look, tissue and brocade work well. Women with a slim physique are the best fit to carry off heavy Kanjivaram sarees or traditional Benarsi sarees with rich embroidery and patterns. If you are tall as well as slim, large prints and geometric patterns would look great on you, since they add width to your frame.

Kundan Jewellery – A Trend For Ever

Coming straight from the tradition of ancient Indian art of jewellery making, Kundan has seemed to represent the traditional cultural heritage of the country over the years. With impeccable jewels and finest of gold being used to manufacture a unique class of jewellery, Kundan promises to be a trend for the years to come. The embellishment of only the royal class, now Kundan has assumed an important role in contemporary fashion circles too. Being inspired by the royal tradition, the Kundan jewellery art seems to surely inspire several fusion and haute coutre trends. With the grace of Maharani Gayatri Devi, the jewellery offers scope for a beautiful Elizabethan elegance.

Various Kundan jewellery options are now open for women who are not afraid to go back to their roots and add a dash of royal touch to their dressing sense.

1) Anklets and bracelets

A perfect accessory for any woman, anklets and bracelets in Kundan can be a vibrant add-on to an Indian attire as well as a Western one. Worn with sarees, they do add a tinge of grace to the traditional attire but with a Western casual outfit they offer a pleasant contrast and fuse well.

2) Necklaces

An assortment of colours across an intricately woven pattern of gold, necklaces in Kundan art form go well with only traditional attire. Teamed with lehengas, skirts, sarees, suits and bridal wear, they enhance the grace and poise of the woman. Brighter colours on lighter shades of clothes and vice versa help to add an intensity to the look. You can experiment with chokers and raani haars too. Chokers, in a minimalist work pattern can go with a Western attire like a tunic but raani haars should strictly be restricted to sarees to be worn on festivals, marriages or similar traditional occasion.

3) Jhumaka (earrings)

The Kundan earrings with the minakari work on them can go well with sarees and salwar kameez but you can take a leap in experimentation and team them up with Jodhpur designs with a bright skirt to achieve that perfect bohemian look. Excellent examples of Kundan craftsmanship, these jhumkas also go well along the traditional bridal wear.

4) Rings and Bajuband

While bajubands are restricted only to formal family occasions to be teamed up best with sarees and lehenga-cholis, surely you do not want to miss out on the fun of experimenting with the brilliantly embellished rings and teaming them up with a motley of dresses and co-ordinate a variety of styles with them. The idea of a sapphire embedded ring with a LBD is equally exciting as the possibility of wearing a navaratna ring with a white emroidered saree.

With the Old and Royal art of Kundan, the possibilities and further experimentation depends on your sense of style. Go for Kundan if you want to intensify the poise and elegance of your look with the never-exhausting range of colours and patterns.