Category Archives: Bridal

Aashni + Co Wedding Show in association with Zouch & Lamare

19th December 2014

Aashni & Co, (yep that Indian designer boutique in Notting Hill that I constantly blog about!) is hosting what can only be described as the LARGEST and most EXCITING Bridal show London has ever seen!

Why is the show going to be more amaze balls than the dozen or so Asian wedding shows that have been announced for 2015? Well, its down to the huge variety of luxury Indian designer labels that are going to be showcased. I always get asked how Indian designer prices compare to the UK Indian designers prices and most people are surprised when I say that the cost of many of the designer pieces are actually on par with UK designers like Ekta Solanki & Mona Vora. The designer list includes Anamika Khanna, Anushree Reddy, Arpita Mehta, Ashima-Leena, Elisha W, Jaipur Gems, Kotwara by Meera and Mufazzar Ali, Manish Malhotra, Monisha Thahryamal, Nikasha, Pallavi Jaikishan, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Rimple and Harpreet Narula, Sabyasachi, Shehlaa, Sonali Gupta and Varun Bahl.

Below are a few non celeb pics of some of the designers work.

?????????????????????????????????????????????????? Pic of a bride and groom wearing Sabyasachi from Band Bajaa Bride show. Image Credit: The Purple Window. I actually got to meet Sabyasachi briefly. We’d gone in to his store to look at wedding lenghas for my sister and he was filming for Band Bajaa Bride’s new series.

band bajaa bride via wed me goodPic of a bride wearing Sabyasachi from the show Band Bajaa Bride. Image Credit: Wed Me Good.

The Aashni & co store is fab and stocks many of the designers listed above but as fab as the store is- it is small and carries maybe 100 pieces at a time. They do constantly have trunk shows and I bought my Sabyasachi wedding lengha after a show. Unfortunately I didn’t find anything else I liked and decided to do the rest of my wedding shopping in Mumbai. This show though will be giving brides to be way more choice. I’ve been told designers are bringing an average of 80 pieces each over. Yep, all bridal shopping can be done in London! and in one place! Details of the show and how to get tickets are below.

manish malhotra real brideReal Bride wearing Manish Malhotra. Image Credit: Manish Malhotra Facebook I wore a Manish Lengha for my Civil Ceremony- more details here and my Mum has ordered a couple of tilla work outfits from his store during our recent trip to Mumbai

Arpita Mehta clientsArpita Mehta via Arpita Mehta Facebook. I LOVE Arpita’s work. I wore one of her lenghas for my Mehndi and both me and my sis picked up pieces by her on our recent trip to Mumbai.

wedding sutra blogAnushree Reddy Image Credit: Wedding Sutra Blog. Anushree’s work is real girly girl. think florals and pastels- I bought two pieces of hers from Aza recently.

Here’s the all important details for the show! And follow the links to purchase tickets.

And just to let you know Manish Malhotra & Varun Bahl have both confirmed attendance. I will post any updates as and when I get the info! This truly is a show not to be missed.

Sunday 25th Jan 2015

The Dorchester
53 Park Lane
Mayfair
London
W1K 1QA

Tickets: £30 – General Admission*

Ticket purchase via:

Websites: www.aashniandco.com, www.wslondon.com

Store: Aashni + Co, 47 Ledbury Road, London W11 2AA

Via Email: weddingshow@aashniandco.com

Via Tel: +44 207 985 0155

Also via Anand Pan Centre:

229 Green St, London E7 8LL. Tel: +44 20 8472 4425

116 Ilford Lane, Ilford, Essex, IG1 2LE. Tel: +44 208 514 3800

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Think Pink Cancer Charity Ball @ Newland Manor

11th December 2014

A couple of weeks ago I attended the Think Pink Charity Ball at Newland Manor. I’d never been to the venue before but presumed since it was kinda near my old school I’d get there ok. Umm nope with an eerie fog descending I followed my tom tom round in circles through country roads or should I say tracks. I had to fall back on the classic – follow the car with Indian people to get to the venue!. So I rocked up an hour late because of my off road experience.

As soon as I entered the think pink magic was sprinkled all through the venue. The lighting, candles, flowers and decor set the tone for the evening. After cocktails and canapes guests were ushered into the main marquee for dinner and the catwalk show. Here are some pics from the evening…

photo (81)My blurry camera phone pic

photo (84)

photo (82)Dinner is served!

photo (83)The view from my table.

shyamal and bhumika think pink 2 Shyamal & Bhumika I loved all the Tinaya jewellery and will update the post with their contact link when I get it.

Shyamal and bhumika think pink 1Shyamal & Bhumika

Shyamal and bhumika think pink3Shyamal & Bhumika

Umar Sayeed think pink1 Umar Sayeed

_DSC1015 Umar Sayeed

The money raised was donated across three charities- Cancer Research UK, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital Pakistan and Indian Cancer Society, India.

Media partners were ARY & Sony Sab.

Event Managed & Produced by: Hajira Ahmad @ EBH

Fashion Show Credits:
Designer: Shyamal Bhumika
Jewelry: Tinaya

Designer: Umar Sayeed
Jewelry By: Opulence
Styling by: Nyla Ramji

Make up & hair by: Jawaad Ashraf & Team
Photography by: Shahid Malik
Fashion Against Cancer Credits:
Jewellery: Amishi London
Shoes: Kari C
Make up & hair by: Zaynab Mirza @ Provoke Cosmetics
Nails by: Nazila
Styling by: Nyla Ramji
Photography by: Shahid Malik

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Mani J : Lady in Red

5th November 2014

I’ve got mega love for designer & stylist Mani J. I’ve posted her work previously and I am crushing so hard on this recent gorg editorial she worked on for PRESS THE FASHION. The images speak for themselves- ENJOY!

Lady in Red Mani J

Lady in Red Mani J 0

Lady in Red Mani J 2

Lady in Red Mani J 4 My fav image from the editorial and I loved Mani’s caption to this pic on instagram – The Lady in Red says “I don’t give a F**k. Imma walk in my lengha on the street like a BAAUSSS”

Lady in Red Mani J 3

Photographed by: Jane and Jane Photography (http://janeandjane.allyou.net/453669http://janeandjane.allyou.net/453669)
Fashion Stylist: Mani Jassal (www.manijassal.com)
Model: Alex Lowe of Elmer Olsen Models
Make up and Hair: Tami El Sombati

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Images from Mani J & PRESS THE FASHION

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Mumbai Shopping Wish List…

4th Nov 2014

When you guys read this post I will be in thick of it- Yep, my wedding is done and dusted but my sisters is on its way and we will be shop, shop, shoppinggggg! I will be hitting all the stores that are on my Mumbai Wedding Shopping Guide plus hopefully discovering a few more places!

Here’s what I have my eye on….my sis is having a destination wedding that’s why my picks are all perfect for hot weather!!!

Ridhi Mehra Pink Love this cool skirt/pant/ crop Ridhi Mehra -actually if I’m honest I’ve got my eye on pretty much the whole collection. See below…Ridhi has assured me the full collection is available at Aza. Last time we went they only had a few pieces of hers left : ( my mum did pick up an anarkali but there wasn’t anything for me!

RM 1

sonam sonakshi raajAdore this sari gown by Sonaakshi Raaj (although may have to up the sit ups if I go for this! lol)

Son pant sariMy sis and mum went out a few days before me and my sis has already ordered this beauty at Sonaakshi Raaj above.

Anushree ReddyLoved Anushree Reddy’s A/w 14 collection but then again I still love the styles from her last collections!

anushree reddy 1

Vintage-Princess-by-Anushree-Reddy-1

I’ve also got my eye on several pieces by Manish Malhotra!

I’ll post on buys when I get back!

Images: Lakme Fashion Week Facebook, Miss Malini

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Asian Fashion, Wedding & Lifestyle Bloggers Meet Up @ The Book Club : Sept 14

12th September 2014

On the Sunday just gone I organised the first UK Asian Bloggers Meet Up. Saying I organised the event is a bit of a stretch- I just sent out a few tweets and the lovely ladies below responded! I’m still soooooo surprised by the turn out. I was expecting maybe 3 or 4 bloggers might tweet back a yes but we made it to double figures! Yeah baby! there were twelve us in total.

I chose the chilled out The Book Club in Shoreditch for our meet up- where we took over a long table and turned up the noise level in the venue (apologies to the other diners!) The afternoon was so much fun, I enjoyed gossiping about the highs and lows of Asian Fashion, Weddings and Beauty with people that love the industry as much as I do! I was also super excited that Toronto based super star designer and stylist Mani J was over in London. So I invited her to the bloggers meet too.

Here’s some pics of the event and thanks to @Ashichick (Nazma’s sis who took the group pic but can be spotted in the yellow jumper below!)

asian bloggers meet up 1

asian, India, Pakistan,Fashion, Blogger, wedding, Shaadi

asian bloggers meet up

asian, India, Pakistan,Fashion, Blogger, wedding, Shaadi

From L-R we have Mani J, Rabbia, Yasmin, Kayennat, Sharn, Nazma, Me!, Nigar, Raj, Sara & Mandavi

Mani J Mani Jassal

Asian Wedding Ideas– Rabbia

Pehrani– Yasmin

The Desi Dossier– Kayennat & Nigar

Desi Bride Dreams– Sharn

Asian Fashion Blog– Nazma

Secret Wedding Blog– Raj

Sara K Blog– Sara

The Red Notebook– Mandavi

The time flew by and by 4 pm we started to say our goodbyes : ( but one things for sure we will def be meeting again. Next meet up is going to be in Brum and we are leaving it to the gorgeous The Desi Dossier sisters (I want your hair Kayennat aka Rapunzel) to pick a venue!

The meet up is open to all bloggers so if you’d like to come to the next one please contact me or any one of us bloggers on the list! I’m thinking we should aim to double the number of bloggers for the next meeting!

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‘Many Hands Make Beautiful Work’ A Ritu Kumar Fashion Film

27th August 2014

I’ve seen a few snippets of the collections showcased at Lakme Fashion Week via twitter but I haven’t had the time to take a proper look and put together my usual trend posts. I have however been watching some of the short films presented at LFW. My fave is the ‘Many Hands Make Beautiful Work’ A Ritu Kumar fashion film by Mummy Daddy Media Pvt Ltd and Chintan Gohil, a budding artist and videographer. This is the first of the series of four films Ritu Kumar will be releasing celebrating the beautiful craftsmanship and rich textiles she uses in her work. A stunner of a fashion film.

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Manish Malhotra Store Review & My Manish Civil Ceremony Lengha

7th August 2014

I recently posted My Mumbai Wedding Shopping Guide and thought I’d follow up with some individual store reviews. First up is Manish Malhotra. He has two flagship stores opposite each other (address’ are below). One is for full on Bridal yuminess and the other houses his diffusion ranges. I was looking for something lighter to wear for my Civil Ceremony (I didn’t want a Western Wedding Gown) so choose a beauty of an Ivory Lengha from his diffusion store. Actually my Mum and Sis choose it and made me try it on. I was reluctant to buy another Lengha and had it in my mind that I’d buy an Ivory sari. My thinking was- if I buy a sari I’d prob wear it again.

Manish Malhotra, The Asian Fashion Journal, Nina Patel, WEdding, Lengha, Shaadi, MumbaiPic of the Diffusion Store via Manish Malhotra Facebook

Well they got me in it and that’s when I fell in love with the Lengha. Plus the sales assistant said I can get a Sari made to match the blouse as well as get an embroidered or embellished body made to wear with the skirt and Duppatta making it look like a gown! She said its what lots of customers do and when we met our tailor a couple of days later he said the same. Well you learn something new everyday hey? (or does this just show how clueless us NRI brides are!)

manish malhotra, India, Fashion, Shaadi, Wedding, Lengha, Sari, A snap I took before we left the store so I remembered what I’d ordered!

We asked if the sample could be adjusted so we could take it back with us and the asst measured away and said it could be possible but it wouldn’t be comfortable for me in the armhole and it would be much better to get a fresh made to measure piece done. Like I’ve said previously after hearing so many horror stories of brides ordering pieces while in India only to receive ill fitting outfits posted over I was a little reluctant but as it was only one order we thought we’d take the risk. Also we paid by credit card- hey you never know its better to have that security in case you things do go wrong and you need to dispute the charge.

manish malhotra, India, Fashion, Shaadi, Wedding, Lengha, Sari, Detail of the gorgeous thread work

We were given a delivery date and told to expect a phone call a few days prior to re-confirm delivery address. And guess what? Mansi rang us like she said she would when she said she would and the package came over on time.

The blouse fit was like a second skin, shaping and lifting in all the right places (if you know what I mean) even though it was essentially a tiny blouse. The skirt was really loose on me although I think that was down to the upping of pre wedding workouts- I had to get my tailor over here to adjust the skirt.

From the experience I had of shopping from the store I’d highly recommend shopping at Manish Malhotra. I would happily order made to measure pieces from the store in the future (just got to wait for my sis wedding now!)

Manish Malhotra, Real Bride, Wedding, Shaadi, Lengha, The Asian Fashion Journal, Nina Patel I’ve cropped my Hubs out as well as my head. As much as I’m fine with sharing pics of me normally- I’m just not as comfortable sharing my wedding pics.

MANISH MALHOTRA FLAGSHIP BRIDAL STORE
Showroom no 3/4/5 Vishnudham CHS,
Corner of 14th Road & Linking Road,
Khar West, Mumbai 400 052
T: +91 22 26050723 / 26050724
M: +91 9987719978 / 9167982755

MANISH MALHOTRA DIFFUSION STORE
Showroom no 3/4/5 Vishnudham CHS,
Corner of 14th Road & Linking Road,
Khar West, Mumbai 400 052
T: +91 22 26054674/ 26053673
M: +91 9821222355 / 9833946835

Of course he has plenty more stores across India- Here’s a link to the full list.

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Sabyasachi @ India Couture Fashion Week

18th July 2014

A couple of days ago Sabyasachi kicked off India Couture Fashion Week with his latest collection- Ferozabad. And I’m sooo sad that I couldn’t attend the show. Yep, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- blogging about Asian fashion a few thousands miles away in London can really suck sometimes!

Anyway back to the collection. I agree with some of the criticism the collections been receiving- it’s very similar to pieces he’s designed before BUT I’m in the mind if it ain’t broke… I love his soft pallettes, his romantic vintage florals and his gorgeous Zardozi and Parsi work. I love his silouette updates of deep v necklines, belted dupattas, crop tops and sheer embellished layers.

Can’t wait to see the collection up close…I’m sure Aashni & Co in London will be picking up some pieces and I’m hoping a trip to Mumbai might happen at the end of the year! Looking forward to checking out his new Mumbai showroom too!!!

Ferozabad, Sabyasachi, Sabya, India, Fashion, Couture, Week, 2014, Taj, Shaadi, Wedding, Fashion Sari, Lengha

Ferozabad, Sabyasachi, Sabya, India, Fashion, Couture, Week, 2014, Taj, Shaadi, Wedding, Fashion Sari, Lengha

Ferozabad, Sabyasachi, Sabya, India, Fashion, Couture, Week, 2014, Taj, Shaadi, Wedding, Fashion Sari, Lengha

Ferozabad, Sabyasachi, Sabya, India, Fashion, Couture, Week, 2014, Taj, Shaadi, Wedding, Fashion Sari, Lengha

Sabya 5 ICFW

Firozabad, Sabyasachi, Sabya, India, Fashion, Couture, Week, 2014, Taj, Shaadi, Wedding, Fashion Sari, Lengha My fave piece- absolutely STUNNING

Ferozabad, Sabyasachi, Sabya, India, Fashion, Couture, Week, 2014, Taj, Shaadi, Wedding, Fashion Sari, Lengha I also loved seeing the boys getting some more attention- why should girls have all the fun?!?!

Sabya 7 ICFW

Images Harpers Bazaar Bride India FAcebook and the Red Floral Embroidered Image via Miss Malini

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Harpers Bazaar Bride India: Crimson Bride

20th June 2014

I’m late to the I LOVE HARPERS BAZAAR BRIDE INDIA party! A whole magazine dedicated to all things Indian and all things Bridal- what’s not to love! I’ve seen gorg pics from the magazine’s editorials all over social media and its the stunning Crismon Bride shoot that I’m sharing today. Right I’m off to see if I can subscribe via Magzter! Have a great weekend : )

Harpers Bazaar Bride, India, fashion, bridal, shaadi, fbloggers,

Harpers Bazaar Bride, India, fashion, bridal, shaadi, fbloggers,

Harpers Bazaar Bride, India, fashion, bridal, shaadi, fbloggers,

Harpers Bazaar Bride, India, fashion, bridal, shaadi, fbloggers,

Harpers Bazaar Bride, India, fashion, bridal, shaadi, fbloggers,

Harpers Bazaar Bride, India, fashion, bridal, shaadi, fbloggers,

Harpers Bazaar Bride, India, fashion, bridal, shaadi, fbloggers,

Harpers Bazaar Bride, India, fashion, bridal, shaadi, fbloggers,

Images via Dreamers Events Blog – I was searching for the Harpers editorial and found them on the blog above- It’s a great find full of wedding inspiration so check it out Brides to be x

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Friday Fives : Cannes

6th June 2014

As always L’Oreal India’s beauties brought some mega watt glamour to Cannes recently and here’s my pick of their looks. As far a fav looks- its got to be Sonam Kapoor in Anamika Khanna and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Cavalli and nope I can’t pick a fave out of the two.

Sonam Kapoor @ Cannes 14 via L'Oreal Paris Facebook Sonam Kapoor in Anamika Khanna @ Cannes. Beautiful piece by Anamika Khanna and its fab to see an Indian designer getting exposure at international events.

Frieda Pinto @ Cannes 14 via L'Oreal Paris FacebookFrieda Pinto in Michael Kors

sonam in Ellie SaabSonam Kapoor in Elie Saab @ Cannes. Adore this colour

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Giorgio Armani PriveAishwarya Rai Bachchan in Giorgio Armani Prive @ amfAR gala Cannes. I love this effortless look- she looks stunning

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Cavalli @ Cannes Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Cavalli @ Cannes. I love this look because its those fab curves of hers that are making this dress- wow.

Images via Elie Saab Facebok, L’Oreal Facebook and Roberto Cavalli Facebook

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