February | 2013 | the asian fashion journal

Feb 27 2013

The Angeli Foundation’s Manish Malhotra London Fashion Gala

27th Feb 2013

Grab a cuppa, this is going to be one looooonnng post! On Saturday night I went to the amazing Manish Malhotra gala show in aid of the Angeli Foundation. The fab event was held at the plush Grosvenor Hotel, Park Lane. Guests were treated to a sensational catwalk of over fifty looks by the infamous Bollywood designer with special guests Urmila Matondkar and Pareenti Chopra. Even though most of the collection shown was first seen in India at Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week over a year ago it was still amazing to see the designs in person. I’m keeping my intro short because it’s all about the pics! Enjoy! (My write up on the event for Grazia India is live too)

Angeli Foundation UK Chair- Ratika Puri Kapoor

Rohini Gehani, owner of Rivaage (a chain of designer boutiques across UAE) and one of the sponsors of the event.

Yep, managed to get a pic with Manish!

There was an auction at the beginning of the event and this beauty went for £5000

Here’s the show pics!

My personal highlights were the dreamy dip-dyes, delicate Chikankari work (which Manish has developed with NGO Mijwan Welfare Society), beautiful flowing full volume skirts and gorgeous sheer back detailing which included pintucks and placement embroideries.

Menswear silhouettes were structured and well defined with slim fit cut pants that looked oh soo dapper.

The colour palette worked through whites, greys, pinks, corals, reds, lime green, cobalt blues and blacks. All of which were brought together with metallic touches.

These sweet treats from Cakes4U were delicious- I had a chocolate brownie and a cookie dough choc chip type cake- yum

Nope, we weren’t special guests- the media tables were full so we joined this table!

Me and my AWKWARD posing (there’s a reason this will never be a style diary type of blog!)

Sweet treats from Sugar Mill Desserts

The night was finished off with the Punjabi Hit Squad boys working their magic on the decks! That kept people dancing till late. A fab event for a fab cause.

Image credit Angeli Foundation and ace photographer Pathman Ruthirapathy

And to all Manish Malhotra fans in the U.K. there is only one official stockists here – London’s Aashni & Co. The lovely team have a gorgeous range of the hottest Indian designer labels so head down to their pretty Notting Hill boutique!

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Tagged Angeli Foundation, asian bridal, asian fashion, cakes4u, london, manish malhotra, pareenti chopra, Rivaage, sugarmilldesserts, urmila matondakor, wedding fashion

Feb 26 2013

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Beauty, Events

Leighton Denny: Mine’s A Rose

26th Feb 2013

Over London Fashion Week, Love For Fashion blogger Meera Sharma and I popped into Fashion Monitor’s Style Lounge. Not only did they treat journo’s and bloggers with a chill out space at The Mayfair Hotel, they also offered a range of treats from getting hair done, a Bourjois make over, a massage or a manicure. I opted for the mani and went for the Mine’s A Rose from Leighton Denny’s S/s 13- The Riviera Collection. I think it’s the perfect nude shade for Indian skin. I usually find nude shades either too close to my skin colour or a little too pinky this one really is perfect.

Ignore the nail smudges that’s my fault for being too impatient and not letting the polish dry properly!

Images: Leighton Denny and Love For Fashion

Tagged fashion monitor, leighton denny, london fashion week, mayfair hotel, mine's a rose, s/s 13

Feb 25 2013

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Vietnam Part Two: Ho Chi Minh City

25th Feb 2013

Our second stop in Vietnam was Ho Chi Minh City (formerly know as Saigon) I preferred Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, there was more of a buzz and energy to the place. On the first day of sightseeing we opted for the cyclo tour which was a wonderful way to see the place, stopping off at the key sites with our guide. We visited the Reunification Palace, the War Museum, a Buddhist Temple and the old Post Office. We visited the Cu Chi tunnels on the next day which was an area outside the city where the Viet Cong dug a maze of tunnels and rooms underground during the War. It was a fascinating place and there’s option to crawl through a tunnel if you want (yep, crawl- the tunnels were tiny even though they’ve been widened for tourists!)

My sis and I on our cyclo’s- she’s in the left pic. I look like a kid in a pushchair!

In amongst the traffic

The Reunification Palace

Where we stayed: Rex Hotel- The Rex was the original luxury hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and is home to all the major European fashion stores from Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs and Chanel. I don’t think you could call it a luxury hotel any more, in fact I don’t think there’s been a refurb since its 1970’s heyday but saying that I found the kitch interiors and the ‘Faulty Towers’ type employees rather charming!

Outside the War Museum

Indian Propaganda poster

Cuban posters

At the Buddhist Temple

Where we ate: There’s a lot more choice of restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City our fav place was Givral in District One, the food was delicious esp the deserts and it’s a great place to people watch.

The Old Post Office

Inside the Post Office with a poster of Ho Chi Minh

Flowers were everywhere as people started to decorate for Tet festival

Me posing in a tunnel although its huge compared to the original tunnels which I refused to pose in- a girl no more than a UK size 12 got stuck and the guards had to pull her out!) the other pic shows how rice paper is made

Next Stop: Vinpearl Luxury, on the island of Vinpearl off the coast of Nha Trang- blog post coming soon

Tagged ho chi minh city, saigon, vietnam

Feb 21 2013

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Fashion

Micro Trend: Plastic Fantastic (Latest Post For Vogue India.com)

21st Feb 2013

Here’s a repost of my latest trend article for Vogue India.Com which went live recently Plastic Fantastic…

Let’s make it clear. That seems to have been the brief given to accessory designers for the upcoming Spring/Summer season, as bright colours and graphic prints on garments were pared down with neutral Perspex accessories.

Headband Donna Karan S/s 13, Perspex tote Simone Rocha S/s 13

Cuff by Cooee available at http://www.kabiri.com

Cuffs, bags, chunky block heels, even brims of floppy summer hats were treated with a cool plastic finish.

Karl Lagerfield led the way, sending high heels, cute brick bags and impractically fabulous sun hats with wide Perspex brims down the runway. Hussain Chalayan received the same memo, his beekeeper sun hats were given a space-age touch with neon plastic insertions.

Heels by Givenchy S/s13, Hat Chanel S/s13

Over at Simone Rocha, simple totes were made dainty with pretty broderie-anglaise style edging.

Sheriff & Cherry S/s 13 available net-a-porter, Barneys

Sunglasses are also an easy way to incorporate the trend, as was proved on the runways of Prada, Celine and new label Sheriff & Cherry. If you’re wondering about specific design inspiration, retro styling seems to be the most popular.

A Vogue stand-out accessory has to be the beautiful heels at Charlotte Olympia and Givenchy.

Charlotte Olympia S/s13

Remember how Cinderella lost her glass slipper? Well, she might have done better if she’d had them made in Perspex, like all the other cool girls.

Tagged chanel, charlotte olympia, cooee, givenchy, kabiri, karl lagerfield, louise gray, perspex accesories, plastic fantastic, sheriff & cherry, simone rocha, vogue india

Feb 20 2013

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Girl Rising

20th Feb 2013

I just watched a trailer for what looks like an extraordinary film- Girl Rising by 10×10. 10×10 is described on their website as

” a campaign to reach global audiences and inspire individuals to take action for girls. Stories about the power of educating girls are told every day through photos, videos, blogs, books, and sometimes in 140 characters or less.”

The film is out on 7th March and you can find out more here.

Tagged 10x10, educating women, girl rising

Feb 20 2013

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Bridal, Fashion

Band Baajaa Bride Season 3

20th Feb 2013

Last week Band Baajaa Bride season 3 kicked off in India. It’s a wedding reality show where a couple’s wedding is put together with the support of an amazing dream team led by Ambika Anand, Bharat Arora and design guru Sabyasachi. A staggering 8000 brides applied to be one of the lucky 13. The first of the season’s bride’s pics are up and I had to share them (I’m thinking I may end up sharing a few more bride’s pics as the season goes on!) Congrats to the happy couple!

Pretty mehndi!

Bride Deesha Sanghvi

The man making these brides dreams come true- Sabyasachi!

The big reveal

The groom’s looking pretty good too

Aaawww the wedding! (I couldn’t find a better pic of the couple together, will add if I do)

And here’s this season’s trailer.

Over here in the U.K the big reality wedding programme is BBC3’s Don’t Tell The Bride. I’ve recently been contacted by the producer of the show- who wanted a mention on the blog as they are currently casting for the new season. The selected couple are given £12,000 to spend on their wedding and the catch? The groom and his best man arrange the whole wedding. Yep, the bride gets NO input! (Kinda poles apart from Band Baajaa Bride!) If there’s a few brave brides out there contact Naomi Channell at this e-mail add dttb@applyfortheshow.com

Images from Sabyasachi’s facebook page

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Tagged Ambika Anand, Asian Bride, asian fashion, Band Baajaa Bride, bbc3, Bharat Arora, don't tell the bride, sabyasachi, season 3

Feb 19 2013

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Events

Vietnam Part One: Hanoi

19th Feb 2013

If any you follow me on twitter, you might have spotted a tweet or two while I was on holiday- yep, it was a lot of the ‘Gooddd morning Vietnam’ variety! Not quite original I know! It was a -Mum, Sis and me hol- which has become a yearly thing. With our family dynamic already changing since I moved in with the boy, it has become our way to keep close. Last year we went on a Holy Land cruise (I never got round to posting the pics!) and this year we went to Vietnam.

Hanoi, the capital was our first stop in Vietnam and my one word to describe the city is – bleak.

Room with a view

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Inside Ho Chi Minh Residence- take a look at the pics hanging up.

What we saw: We booked a private guide through our hotel and saw Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s Residence & the Temple of Literature with her. We went to see St Joseph’s Cathedral, Opera House, West Lake and shops in the Old Quarter by ourselves.

Tapestry like needlework

Bicycle display at the Museum of Ethnology.

Some traditional ethnic costumes at the Museum (loving the Pom poms!)

Shrine by the West Lake

Where we stayed: Hanoi Elegance Diamond Hotel. This boutique hotel is a real gem, fantastic location (its five minute walk from the West Lake) great room and exceptional service.

Some of the decorations for the Tet festival (New Year)

Pavements in Hanoi are for street food stalls not for pedestrians! image credit Vietnam Travel Online

Colourful Basket/Masks

Where we ate: Koto restaurant by the Temple of Literature. Sofitel in the French quarter & Da Paolo Italian restaurant. All of the above were great places to eat. The street food culture in Vietnam is very big but my Mum’s a vegetarian (A fussy one too!) so it wasn’t an option for us. And I have to add a place to avoid- the Green Tangerine -well I’d recommend going for a drink in the courtyard because it’s a pretty place but don’t eat there. The food is terrible!

Pretty paper cut postcards/cards

Vietnamese Lacquer work

Some vintage propaganda posters

Although I wasn’t a big fan of Hanoi, it’s an important stop in travelling around Vietnam. Many visitors travel to Sapa, Mekong Delta and Halong Bay from Hanoi (all are a few hours away) we didn’t though- out next stop was Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon)

Part two is coming up soon….

Tagged hanoi, ho chi minh, koto, masouleum, residences, street food, vietnam, west lake

Feb 16 2013

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Bridal, Fashion

Avari Couture

16th Feb 2013

I am super duper excited to introduce Avari Couture- my FAV new place to buy costume jewellery. I stumbled across this pretty boutique last year when I was searching for last minute sets to match outfits for my cousins wedding. I’ve never been a fan of the typical sets you find in Wembley/Southall and as owners Dee & Jay realised- there’s many women like me that are looking for something fresh and beyond the norm. I looovvvveee the statement Swarovski pieces and the stunning Rajasthani inspired sets. Enjoy the pics and the interview with Jay.

Owner Jay with a Bridal set. (This image is courtesy of BritAsia)

Image courtesy of Avari Couture

Describe Avari Couture in one sentence?

Fusion, exclusive and unique jewellery offering pieces of distinction

Selection of shoes that are found in sister store Kalpana London. Image courtesy of Avari Couture

L-R Egyptian necklace £210, earrings £40, bracelet £135. Pearl & Kundan set £155

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What’s the story behind the label?

It all started when we couldn’t find exclusive fusion/bridal shoes & handbags. Dee got inspired to open a retail outlet offering this (formerly known as Kalpana London on Ealing Road), he quickly found a niche market specialising in bridal and a Swarovksi crystal range. We figured if we couldn’t find it ourselves, there must be other people wanting and looking for this same thing. Now with over 10 years experience with Swarovski crystal, catwalk inspired designs and creations, and a multi-national audience, it was time to re-brand and Avari was born.

Avari came about once we realised that the exact same fusion look was required in jewellery. Using our knowledge of fusion designs and Swarovski crystal we created a jewellery collection which can appeal to all types of people for any occasion. Avari now encompasses and offers an end to end accessory collection, which can finish off any outfit!

Long necklace £210 purse £125
Bridal set £275
Gorgeous earrings

Where do you source the jewellery and do you design any of the styles in house?

We design many collections in house and source from around the world to bring unique pieces to match for any occasion, specialising in bridal jewellery. Inspired by eastern and western catwalk looks we aim to bring a true fusion collection for our customers. Also offering Swarovski crystal jewellery, which is hand made in England also means we can develop designs with our customers to provide customised pieces.
Bangles
Jay posing for me! L-R Blue Polki £20 Kundan £35, Pear £45 Oval £50 (I want the Oval!!!)

The boutique has only been open a few months, what sort of response are you getting and which are the most popular styles?

We have had a phenomenal and extremely positive response from the public. We have had a lot of comments like:
“Breath of fresh air and just what was needed in the area”
“Pleasantly surprised with quality fusion designs and price points offered”
“Good to see another jewellery store offering customised Swarovski pieces which are hand-made in England”
The most popular styles currently are bridal Mughul/ Rajasthani style jewellery, the American diamond collection and the statement Swarovski pieces.
Small Vogue £295
Large Vogue £2000 (this piece was featured in Vogue Germany)

Will you be launching an e-store?

Yes we hope to in the very near future. This will definitely help to expand and grow our business in the right way and reach out to a wider audience. It will also enable us to keep our customers updated with new collections and special offers.

Images mine unless otherwise stated

Avari Couture, 149 Ealing Rd, Wembley, Middx, HA0 4BY. Tel: 0203 632 4303 Email: info@avaricouture.com

Website: www.avaricouture.com

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Tagged Avari couture, costume jewellery, ealing rd, indian bridal, indian costume jewellery, indian fashion

Feb 15 2013

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Bridal, Events, Fashion

Manish Malhotra’s exclusive London show in support of Angel! Foundation

15th Feb 2013

India’s leading fashion designer Manish Malhotra will be making his UK catwalk debut at a Gala Fundraiser in aid of The Angeli Foundation, a charity that works to empower the Girl Child in India, at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Saturday 23rd February 2013, in association with Rivaage Boutique.

The multi-award winning designer who has been leading the way with his stunning collections for the past 18 years has a client list that reads like the Who’s Who of the Indian film industry and includes the Prince of Bollywood Shahrukh Khan as well as former Miss World’s Aishwarya Rai and Priyanka Chopra and former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen.

His reputation extends beyond the subcontinent, with his creativity and stunningly opulent creations having been seen on some of the most famous bodies from Hollywood including Demi Moore, Kylie Minogue, Reese Witherspoon, Karolina Kurkova, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.

Malhotra shot to fame in 1995 as stylist and costume designer for Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (DDlJ) – one of India’s most successful films, and having created the costumes and styled over 50 films, he is widely acknowledged as the man to have changed the face of Asian fashion in Bollywood films.

Malhotra selected The Angeli Foundation as the charity of choice for his UK launch after the horrific rape of Jyoti Singh Pandey in Delhi highlighted the shocking inequality and attitudes towards women in India. The Angeli Foundation works to ‘Save the Girl Child’ and redress the balance for women who are treated as second-class citizens throughout their lives. From female foeticide to limiting healthcare and education in favour of male siblings, to bride burnings, unreported rapes and acid attacks, inequality in India exists from womb to woman.

He said of his support for The Angeli Foundation:

“I work in an industry where women are revered and respected. I have had the privilege of dressing some of the most beautiful and powerful women in the world, but when I step out of the door and into the stark reality of India, I see the injustice and inequality all around me. The Angeli Foundation is providing an invaluable service to these girls and women. The charity helps them raise their self-esteem, confidence and ultimately value themselves enough to get a voice. Without women, I wouldn’t be where I am today and so I want to give what I can back to an organisation like Angeli that celebrates womanhood.”

Proceeds from ticket sales and an exclusive live auction will go to two specific projects run by The Angeli Foundation:
* The Gayatri Education Programme which provides girl students with the skills they need to succeed
* Mobile Medical Clinics to visit girl’s schools and provide heath checks on a regular basis
Ratika Puri Kapur, chair of the UK Chapter of The Angeli Foundation said of Manish Malhotra’s support:

“The Angeli Foundation was established in India eight years ago, but is in its infancy in the UK. The support of India’s most successful stylist and designer will help increase awareness of our work amongst the communities here and help us raise funds for these critical projects in India.”

The Manish Malhotra Fashion Extravaganza in aid of The Angeli Foundation and in association with Rivaage Boutique will be attended by a host of special celebrity guests from the worlds of international film, fashion and entertainment, with some very exciting surprise stars appearing on the catwalk!

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE

For the latest news, as it happens, follow us on:

Twitter: @AngeliFdn

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Press Release by Media Moguls.

Tagged Angel! foundation, Angeli Foundation, asian bridal fashion, asian fashion, bollywood, charity fashion show, manish malhotra, Media Moguls, Rathika Puri Kapur, Rivaage Boutique

Feb 14 2013

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Fashion

Tarun Tahiliani New Store

14th Feb 2013

I spotted these fab images of Tarun Tahiliani’s new Defence Colony store and his S/s 13 diffusion line on Vogue India. It’s exciting to see another couture designer launch a more accessible and versatile line. My favourites are the lunghi-style skirts and the pretty embroidered blouses.