Author Archives: The Asian Fashion Journal

Apr 07 2013
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Fashion

S/s 13 Huemn by Pranav Mishra and Shyma Shetty

7th April 2013

Another fashion week and another crop of emerging designers make their mark. Previously I’ve shone my spotlight on the print-tastic Karishma Shahani and Retarded Velvet and this time it shines on Huemn. Huemn by Pranav Mishra & Shyma Shetty’s paired down aesthetic, androgynous cuts and interesting details (esp. love the sheer paneling) are fresh and exciting. Here’s their S/s 13 lookbook which I’ve got to add is a beauty. So many Indian brands over complicate their lookbooks and forget the whole purpose of the images- to show off the clothes! I hope they’ll all be taking some notes from Huemn.

Huemn 1

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huemn 5

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huemn 7

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huemn 10

Image Credit: Huemn Facebook

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Apr 05 2013
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Beauty

3 Ways to Fight Acne

4th April 2013

Acne sucks! I know because I’ve been there. My teenage years passed by spot free but at the grand old age of 23 I developed Adult Acne on my face. The emotional and physical (yep I said physical- I found the lumps and bumps painful!) trauma can be devastating.

AnnaLynne-McCord-Make-Up-Free-tweetEven celebs can’t escape the dreaded spots. Cameron Diaz, Victoria Beckham, Katy Perry and AnnaLynne-McCord are just some of the sufferers. And how brave & inspiring is AnnaLynne to tweet her make up free skin?!

Get Help

The first thing to do is get professional help. Go to your GP and see what they can prescribe. My doctor gave me a topical lotion which reduced the inflammation but didn’t clear my skin. I was then referred to a Dermatologist who was in a word USELESS. I’m sure many of you will have come across many unhelpful GPs/Dermatologists but I’d advise you to persevere. I did and ended up seeing the fantastic Prof. Chu a dermatologist that specialises in treating acne. The treatment plan he tailored for me cleared up my acne in weeks.

simple alison williams image credit- www.ramanmedianetwork.co.ukSimple skincare range just signed Alison Williams of Girls.

Get Healthy

Eat well and exercise regularly. Try to maintain a diet full of fresh fruit and vegetables and hit the gym or go for a walk. Exercise releases serotonin the happy hormone and can help combat stress which can be a major cause of acne. Also make sure you ditch the fizzy drinks for water instead- keeping you’re body hydrated will help to boost energy levels and can help clear the skin.

bare-mineralsBare Minerals make up ‘so pure you can sleep in it’

Get the right skincare routine

Keep your skin clean by using a mild cleanser and moisturiser morning and night (I’d recommend the Simple & Johnson & Johnson ranges) and try not to touch or pick at skin! All you’ll be doing is spreading germs and disturbing the skin unnecessarily. As for wearing make up while you have acne opt for a mineral make up range that won’t clog your pores. The colours for darker skin have got a lot better over the years and I’d recommend the Bare Minerals range. Make sure you wash your make up brushes/sponges regularly.

Next week I’ll share the treatments I have had to reduce acne scarring as well as a list of the skincare products I use.

Image credit: Twitter, Raman Media Network and Bare Minerals

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Apr 02 2013
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Events, Fashion

Southbank celebrates India @ Alchemy festival

It’s just around the corner people! Yep, the Alchemy festival, Southbank’s celebration of music, dance, literature, design and debate from India, the UK and South Asia starts on 10th April through to 29th April. Here’s what the Southbank have to say about the festival

“There are dazzling events for everyone including the mighty Susheela Raman, Hariharan, Anoushka Shankar and circus and aerial performance from the Daksha Sheth Dance Company. See rising stars Harshdeep Kaur and Ash King, and Martin Simpson collaborates with Arieb Azhar. As well as the finest music, enjoy fashion, design, talks, film screenings, markets and incredible food from India”

alchemy 1

alchemy 5 Rickshaws

anuAnoushka Shankar’s Traveller 13th April

talvin singhTalvin Singh presents Bombay Talkies 14th April

I did my usual last minute.com timing (a.k.a Indian timing) and missed out on tickets for Anoushka Shankar’s performance : ( booooo! I did manage to get tickets for Mum, Sis & I to see Harshdeep Kaur & Ash King get there Bollywood Schollywood on! which I’m excited about. There’s a whole lot more besides music- I’m sure we will be making the most of the food market and Roti Chai’s ‘Chaat Shack & Chai Bar’ and I will def be going to the fashion show on 12th April presented by RIWAYAT showcasing some of Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh’s top designers.

foodRoti Chai pop up is open throughout the festival

alchemy 6The Alchemy Fashion show 12th April

alchemy 7.5What is Kathak? 11th April

The calender is choc-a-block with fab events and there really is something for everyone- so make sure you visit!

Nearest underground stations:
Waterloo (Bakerloo, Northern, Jubilee and Waterloo and City underground lines) step-free access
Waterloo East step-free access
Embankment (Circle and District underground lines)
Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo underground lines)

Southbank Centre
Belvedere Road
London
SE1 8XX

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Mar 29 2013
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Bridal, Fashion

Friday Fives: Lace sari blouses

29th March 2013

Long sleeve sari blouses have been back around for a while now and I’m smitten with the lace styles. Lace is much more flattering and forgiving on chunky arms and bingo wings then a fully covered style which may emphasis areas you may want to hide. Here’s my five favourite styles.

people magI adore this sari Neha Kapur wore at her wedding and the pretty pleated chiffon and lace sleeve blouse. Can someone tell me who the designer was?

kajol lkw manish malhotraKajol’s wearing a pretty metallic lace version by Manish Malhotra

manish malhotra ss13 lkwA simple jacquard style by Manish Malhotra’s 100 years of Indian Cinema at Lakme Fashion Week

masaba lakme fashion week ss13Masaba’s sheer blouse- ok it’s not lace but it’s still sheer!

Priyanka-Chopra-ritu kumar vogue creditAnd my favourite is this stunner of a blouse by Ritu Kumar worn by Ms Chopra at the Marrakesh Film festival last year.

Images: Vogue India, Lakme Fashion Week, People magazine.

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Mar 27 2013
3 Comments
Bridal, Fashion

Payal Singhal Lakme Fashion Week S/s 13

27th March 2013

Ok I haven’t even finished with posting my favourite collections from WIFW and here I am adding a Lakme Fashion Week post…oh well! what can I say I just had to share these gorgeous look book pics. Payal’s S/s 13 collection like many of the collections that have been shown in the last two weeks have been devoid of heavy embellishment and its pretty jacquards in cottons, silks and gttes that are adding richness and opulence to the collection. The silhouettes have also been simplified and there’s a relaxed flow to the garments that translate into a understated luxe vibe.

payal ss13 2This S/s 13 Taj collection has been inspired by Ancient Islamic architecture and the traditional patterns of floral, jaali and filgree work is seen in the fabrics and minimal embellishment.

payal ss13 3Love the refined colour palette of ochre, navy, ivory, earthy reds and matt golds/silver

payal ss13 4

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payal ss13 6

payal ss13

It’s a beautiful collection with a quiet elegance which seems like the new mood in Indian fashion right now.

Images: Miss Malini

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Mar 26 2013
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Fashion

Mega Trend: Through Colour (latest post for Vogue.In)

26th March 2013

Here’s my latest trend post for Vogue.in. that went live on their site last week. I’m a fan of this trend, I love bright colours and its a look that works best kept simple. Although I wouldn’t be brave enough to rock Topshop Unique’s yellow suit and am more likely to opt for a jumpsuit or tee & jeans in fushia or orange….

The fash pack are calling this trend ‘through colour’ and it simply means wearing the same colour head to toe. And no, head-to-toe black or navy doesn’t count! It’s more about making a statement through bright hues.

International designers present an array of Crayola colours from sunshine yellow and tomato red, to cobalt blue, fuchsia, emerald green and tangerine.

Here are some tips on how to get the look.

Colour me happy 1L-R Jonathon Saunders, Gucci, Topshop Unique, Stella McCartney

Colour me all the way

To wear the look at full-volume you can take inspiration from Topshop Unique and Jonathon Saunders and work a matching pant suit.

For a glamorous turn on the trend opt for a long sleeve maxi dress as seen at a Gucci. Or go for a Stella McCartney-inspired sweatshirt and pants combo, if you’re looking for something more relaxed.

Colour me happy 2L-R Atsu, Michael Kors & Reed Krakoff

Colour me some of the way

An easier way to work the trend is by showing some skin, like Anushka Sharma did in her bright yellow halterneck maxi by Victoria Beckham.

Atsu’s sleeveless trench set is another chic way to get the look.

Colour me happy 3L-R Iro & Victoria Beckham

Images: Vogue India

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Mar 23 2013
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Events, Fashion

WIFW A/W 13: Shantanu & Nikhil

23rd March 2013

Shantanu & Nikhil’s A/w collection was all about the menswear (although there were some stunning womenswear laser cut leather pieces too) For me Menswear is all about strong well cut separates, attention to detail and chic styling and this collection ticks all those boxes. I especially love the ethnic touches from the drop crotch pants, folk weave jackets, nehru collars and the fabbest of fab takes on a modern jersey draped kurta type shape.

1 shantanu & nikhilThere were some hot menswear holdall/clutch shapes- well with slim cut jackets and pants boys they need a bag, right?

2 shantanu & nikhil

3 shantanu & nikhilThis is what I mean about the attention to detail and fab styling!

4 shantanu & nikhilLove, love, love this jersey draped kurta!

5 shantanu & nikhilThe dapper duo take a bow

Images: Vogue India

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Mar 21 2013
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Fashion

S/s 13 Trend : Monochrome trousers

21st March 2013

Last month the lovely Jahnabee Borah of Strut120 asked if I’d like to put together a Real Girl story. (click here to see how I got on) I’m pleased with how the story turned out and think the mix of personal styles is fab. There’s geek chic Devi-Asha, fashionista Meera, hippie at heart Momtaz Begum Hossain and a few more girls including me. I’ve mentioned several times that I’m not exactly a natural in front of the camera but with a LOT of direction from my sis I managed to get a good enough snap for the story as well as a few extra for this monochrome trouser blog post. Monochrome is a huge trend for S/s 13 and wearing a printed pair of trousers is a good way to work the look. You can go for a contrast side panel pair or a vertical stripe pair (which creep me out because they remind me of the film Beetlejuice) or you can go for a pair of monochrome check trousers like I have.

1 nina patel 1I love these trousers. They were a recent buy from Topshop and I’ve named them my clown pants.

2 clutch detail 1This clutch is from Zara, bright shades make me happy!

me

I’d describe my style as kinda lazy. I like easy simple pieces that make a statement but not too much of a statement (does that even make any sense?!) For example. I love the monochrome check trousers but would always opt to pair it with either a plain white tee or block colour jumper (say orange or cobalt blue) than say a fussy blouse or contrast print top.

watch 2My watch is from Marc Jacobs, the spike bracelet is from ASOS (I love ASOS’ costume jewelry )

3 necklace detail 1This chain and pom pom necklace is from Topshop too and for the eagle eyed my nail varnish is Vendetta by Chanel.

4 slippers detail 1These embellished slippers are from Office. I like my flats, I’m 5ft 9″ and can get away with wearing them.

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Mar 20 2013
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Fashion

Born Glamorous- Bombay Times

20th March 2013

As an NRI blogger sometimes I’m often a little behind in coming across things because I don’t live in India. It’s a bit like watching Gangham Style for the first time when everyone else is Harlem Shaking (oh wait that’s prob done too, right?) Anyway even though this first went live in India over a year ago I’m still going to post this Born Glamorous- Bombay Times ad. Its genius and my fav shots are the embellished shoes amongst the champals and the sequined dress on the washing line amongst traditional kurtis.

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Mar 19 2013
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Fashion

Caroline Issa for L.K. Bennett kinda similar to Matthew Williamson’s style?

19th March 2013

When I first spotted the images of the Caroline Issa’s L.K. Bennett collaboration I had to do a double take. I honestly thought the pieces were by Matthew Williamson. Issa’s collection is pretty enough even if its not particularly fresh but my main issue is that I simply don’t get it! I know L.K. Bennett are trying to inject a dose of cool by getting Issa to design the collection but it’s such a world away from the brand’s usual offering. Will it really bring a whole new audience to the brand? or will the existing audience buy into this new look? and is this a one off? will L.K. Bennett continue to offer collaborations? and my other confused.com moment is that I wouldn’t readily identify the collection as pieces that Issa would wear. I’ve never seen her wear any ethnic embroidery, ok, ok I know the collection was inspired by her travels to Thailand- what I guess I’m trying to say is that if she had designed a collection more in tune with her ohh so fab signature style- I’d have been a lot more excited by the collaboration!

CarolineCaroline Issa, Fashion Director & Publisher of Tank magazine

1 ISSA W1Issa/L.K.Bennett

2 ISSA W2Issa/L.K.Bennett

3 ISSA W3 Image Credit-businessoffashionIssa/L.K.Bennett

5 MW3Matthew Williamson’s H&M collaboration 2009 (I think Issa’s collection looks like MW boho luxe pieces that the likes of Sienna Miller went mad for four/five years ago)

6 MW 2Matthew Williamson details from S/s 13 and Cat Deeley wearing a S/s 09 playsuit)

7 MW Image Credit - business of FashionMW detail S/s 13

On another note do you think we’ll ever get to a point where Western designers will design ethnic wear? Because I’d love to wear a sari blouse with MW stunning S/s 13 embroidery with a contrast colour tie dye silk sari. How yum would that be? Ok, I know Hermes designed some saris but it’s not really the same thing!

Image Credit: Matthew Williamson, Caroline Issa, Business Of Fashion, H&M

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