Monthly Archives: November 2012

Label Lust: Sophie Hulme

29th Nov 2012

Sophie Hulme was on my list of ‘10 British Designers you ought to know’ for Strut 120. That and her win as the best emerging talent in accessory design at the British Fashion Awards last night prompted me to do a Label Lust post. Her collections are full of pieces that are beautifully made, classic with a masculine edge and totally wearable. Even though her clothes are making waves in the fash world, for me it’s still all about the totes and messenger bags that she first started the label with. Enjoy!

Messenger bag from A/w 12

A/w 12 at Austique

Hulme’s collaboration with Globetrotter.

S/s 13 from Telegraph.

Sonam Kapoor was spotted with a Sophie Hulme black tote last month see pic here

Images from Telegraph, Austique & Sophie Hulme website.

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Shehla Khan’s latest campaign ft. Sonam Kapoor

26th Nov 2012

Festivities are over as is the amazing week ‘the boy’ (yep still can’t say fiancée-sounds too grown up!) and I had in Barbados. After my hol, I’m very much back and raring to go. I have lots of new ideas and exciting blog posts coming up so keep checking in! For now I have to share the pretty as a picture bridal campaign by Shehla Khan ft. of course bestie Sonam Kapoor. I’m a big fan of Khan’s elegant signature style of soft pastel shades, feminine cuts and vintage lace & embroideries.

The image above is my favourite; the blouse detail is just gorgeoussssss!

And if you’d like to know how to get bright coral lips like the shade Ms Kapoor regularly rocks, then check out the video I made with make-up supermo Dipali Damji. Click here!

Images from IndianWeddingSite.com

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Homemade Diwali Cards: How to guide

11th Nov 2012

11th Nov 2012

My favourite time of year is upon us- Diwali!!! It’s a time of festivities, family, fireworks and FOOD! This how-to-post is inspired by the craft Queen, Momtaz Begum-Hossain’s post on decorative cards. I’ve added the Diyas to my cards to make them more Diwali-esque and assure you the cards are super easy and inexpensive to make. So whether you’re looking for a project for the kids or fancy getting a little ‘crafty’ yourself, give it a go!

What you will need

Pack of blank cards and envelopes

Photocopies of saris or anything with Indian motifs (red/green/gold are good festive colours to go for and will make your cards stand out)

A sheet of gold paper (I cut up a gold gift bag I had lying around instead)

A pack of bindis

Glue stick & scissors

Optional extras – sequins/gems (tip; this is a perfect way to use up beads from a broken piece of costume jewellery)

Step One – draw a pic of a Diya.

Step Two – photocopy your drawing and then cut one on the Diyas into four shapes as shown on the right side of the pic. These four piece become your templates to draw around

Step Three – cut out one of the sari photocopies so it covers the front of your card and glue on to the card.

Step Four – using the templates in step two, draw around and cut the pieces from the patterned paper. Use the gold paper for the flame shape.

Step Five – Stick down the four shapes on to the card

Step Six – Add a bindi in and around the flame and optional extra is to add a few gold sequins around…and that’s it. DONE!

Here’s some other examples I made mixing up the fabrics. I also made a few paisley designs. Again just make a template of a paisley and then put together in exactly the same way.

And for more craft ideas from Momtaz, check out her new book 101+ Things To Do With Glitter.

Hope you all have a wonderful Diwali and a happy New Year! : ) xxx

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Naomi Campbell’s ‘desi’ style party

I sooooooooo can’t get enough of the coverage from Naomi Campbell’s spectacular party for partner Vladimir Doronin’s 50th birthday! The three day extravaganza was held at the majestic 15th century Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur and included a Rajasthani themed party followed by a decadent 1930’s ‘Great Gatsby’ evening with the legend Diana Ross performing! The guest lists was OMG! And included fashion supermos Stefano Pilati, Zac Posen, John Galliano and legendary photographers Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott. Naomi’s supermodel pals also joined the fun with Kate Moss, Eva Herzigova & Karolina Kurkova looking like true Maharanis (Kate and Karolina wore Manish Malhotra !) Naomi’s pink & purple lehengha choli was by Manav Gangwani and she stepped out in the day wearing a stunning chikankari outfit by Malhotra’s Mijwan initiative.

Not the clearest of pics but fab to see Campbell supporting the Mijwan/Malhotra project

John Galliano and Manav Gangwani

Kate Moss in Manish Malhotra

Edward Enninful and Karolina Kurkova

Alexis Roche and Eva Herzigova

Naomi Campbell looking stunning as always in Manav Gangwani with the designer

Stefano Pilati and Edward Enninful

Mert Alas, Marcus Piggott and Naomi

Diana Ross!

Zac Posen and Mert Alas

Kate Moss!

All pics are from Mr. Enninful, W Mag Style director’s twitter feed! and Daily Mail. If I find more pics I will update! I want to see a pic of Vlad and Naomi together and to see pics of Demi Moore and Sarah Ferguson!!!

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Priyanka Gill hosts event at Aashni & Co

6th Nov 2012

Last week I attended the fabulous Pre-Diwali event at Aashni & Co. (the stunning new boutique in Notting Hill selling the hottest Indian labels!) The special event was hosted by renowned journalist & blogger Priyanka Gill in association with Pratham UK. Pratham is the largest non- governmental charity in India and provides quality education to underprivileged urban and rural children. Over the last three years Gill has helped raise a phenomenal three million pounds for Pratham and five per cent of all sales at last weeks event was donated to the charity.

Left- Aashni in Rohit Bal and Right- Priyanka in D&G

Yep, that’s right you can get Surendi by Yougesh Chaudhary fun pac-man prints in London!!!

Nida Mahmood yumminess.

Stunning jacket by Pankaj & Nidhi

It could only be Sabyasachi

Downstairs is home to traditional wear and accessories.

An interview with Aashni Shah the boutique’s owner is coming soon!

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Spotlight: Meera Sharma

2nd Nov 2012

Glamazon Goths were trending all over the WIFW S/s 13 catwalks with designers Rajesh Paratap Singh, Alpana and Neeraj & CUE leading the way. Think body con, leather & pvc with splashes of studs and spikes. I’d seen this tough super-heroine incarnation earlier this year at Meera Sharma’s graduate show. The collection packed a punch with Sharma’s strong statement silhouettes. I loved the layering of contrasting fabrics, unexpected cut outs and changeable shapes (garments could be altered by the wearer by pulling straps) I caught up with the designer to find out more…

Meera’s technical drawings

Describe the Meera Sharma label in one sentence

Innovative clothing for sexy, strong willed women!

How did you get into fashion?

I have always loved fashion since I was a young girl, whether it was designing clothes for my Barbie dolls or just observing what people wore. It was therefore a natural progression to enter the fashion industry and express my take on fashion with my designs. I believe fashion is a great way to gain an insight into people’s personalities and I find it fascinating to see how people express themselves through their wardrobes, and it is great to see how people interpret my designs when they wear them.

What’s your inspiration when designing for Meera Sharma?

I can be inspired by anything, be it a picture, a vintage outfit or a movie! Take my debut collection it was inspired by my love of comic book characters and the female superhero.

Tell us a bit about your latest collection.

My debut collection is based on the female superhero who to me is the ultimate female; she is strong, sexy and not afraid to stand up for what is right! I decided to design an all black collection as I felt black as a colour is powerful and striking and portrays these aspects of the superhero. Superhero’s often live double lives so I portrayed this aspect in my collection with the layers, contrasting and cut out fabrics. The patent leather straps that are contained in the garments can be pulled allowing the garments to change shape and create more drapes which again came from the superhero’s changing personality.

Congrats on the IAFA nomination, how do you feel about the nomination and about being the only non-Asian clothing designer to be nominated?

Thank you. I was completely surprised when I received the phone call saying I have been nominated. To be the only non-asian clothing designer to be nominated is quite exciting and I feel quite honoured. I also have admired the work of Manish Malhotra for years and to know that he will be watching my designs on the runway is quite surreal!

What’s next for the Meera Sharma label?

Well I am working on getting more stockists both here and abroad. I am concentrating on promoting my debut collection and then after that will start designing my next one but lets see what happens…..

Thanks Meera and good luck for the I.A.F.A’s

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Get your ‘tash on!

2nd Nov 2012

It’s Movember again and time to get your ‘tash on! November is the month that Mo Bros (guys that have signed up) raise money as well as awareness for men’s health in particular testicular and prostate cancer all by sprouting a moustache. I love this initiative and how it brings out the teenage competitive side of men! Also seeing as my blog has many readers in South Asia this is my way of spreading the word!


Image: Times of India, Bodice, Elle India, Paul Kanodia, Moschino Cheap & Chic

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