Category Archives: Events

Jan 16 2013
Leave a comment
Events, Fashion

Sabyasachi Blogger-in-chief at Vogue India

16th Jan 2013

I’ve been loving the new look Vogue India website- especially the behind the scenes videos. January feature’s a film on their Space Odyssey fashion shoot and a short interview with this month’s cover girl Vidya Balan. Vidya looks gorgeous although if the mag was really pushing the shape issue it would have been good to see a full shot of Vidya on the cover- showing off those curves!

Well back to the reason for the post- Vogue India.Com latest fash offering made me ohhh and ahhh- Sabyasachi has been named Blogger-in-Chief for the month and has kicked off with the designer interviewing himself! It’s a fabulous spotlight and the illustrations that accompany the interview are just beautiful! I had to share them with you. Read the interview here
.

Sab 1

sab

sab 5

sab 4

sab 3

sab 2

Images Vogue India.Com

Tagged , ,
Jan 01 2013
2 Comments
Events, Fashion

2012: Indian Fashion, Trend and Style Review

1st Jan 2013

It’s review time! Here’s my Fashion, Trend and Style report for 2012

MY TOP THREE INDIAN FASHION SHOWS

It was an exciting year for Indian fashion in 2012 and here’s my fav three catwalk shows of the year.

1st PLACE: SABYASACHI

I adore Sabya’s work and the collection he showed at Delhi Couture Week simply took my breath away. To read more click here.

1st Jan 1

2nd PLACE: NAMRATA JOSHIPURA

I love the understated luxe that Namrata brings to her collections, her show at WIFW includes some of the hottest trends for S/s 13. To read more click here.

1st Jan 2

3rd PLACE: RETARDED VELVET

Both WIFW and Lakme Fashion Week have really championed new talent this year and Retarded Velvet are one of my fav new ‘ones to watch’ there print ROCK. To read more click here.

1st Jan 3

MY TOP THREE TRENDS

There were many trends in 2012 and I’ve struggled narrowing the selection down to my fav three. What do you think of my choice? would you have opted for something else?

1st PLACE: PEPLUMS

Everyone went peplum mad in 2012 (including me!) the super flattering style was worn by many celebs and these three looks are gorg.

1st Jan 4

L-R Neha Dupia in Victoria Beckham, Esha Gupta in H&M & Sonam Kapoor in a Jelin George skirt.

2nd PLACE: LONG GOWNS

Ohh there were soooo many red carpet events this year and these stunning gowns really made a mark!

1st Jan 5

L-R Anushka Sharma in Roberto Cavalli, Deepika Padukone in Gaurav Gupta & Frieda Pinto in Alexander McQueen.

3rd PLACE: POP ART PRINT SARI

The sari got a big injection of fun this year with these fun pop art prints which celebs went mad for.

1st Jan 6

L-R Hazel Keech in Aarti Vijay Gupta, Soha Ali Khan in Masaba Gupta, Sonam Kapoor in Surendi by Yogesh Chaudhary.

MY TOP THREE STYLISH INDIANS

1st PLACE: SONAM KAPOOR
Sonam has been wowing us with her stylish looks for the last few years and her 2012 choices have been amaaziiingg! Not only has this gorg lady been flying the flag for fashion at home but outside of India too. How amazing did she look at the Elie Saab show in a Deepti Pruthi sari? I also love the Anamika Khanna draped sari pant look she’s been championing recently, this girl knows how to start a trend!

1st Jan 7

L-R Anamika Khanna, Unknown, Deepti Pruthi, Cavalli

2nd PLACE: SAMEERA REDDY

Sonam had better watch out because Ms Reddy is hot on her heels! Her fashion choices before 2012 were suspect and I’m guessing there’s a rather talented stylist behind her fashion transformation but regardless of the reason- one things for sure she looked HOT in 2012. I LOVE the fact she’s supported Indian fashion labels this year from Shivan & Narresh, Kallol Datta, Nishka Lulla and newbies Huemn.

1st Jan 8

L-R Shivan & Narresh, unknown, AM:PM, Shivan & Narresh

3rd PLACE: DEEPIKA PADUKONE

Deepika always looks good but this year it just seems like she’s stepped it up a gear. Her off duty style of oversize tees, skinnies and chunky jewellery always works and her red carpet choices have been YUM. The red Gaurav Gupta gown, the green Gauri & Nainika gown and the stunning Dolce & Gabbana gold skirt all get an A* from me.

1st Jan 9

L-R Sabyasachi, Gauri & Nainika, Abu & Sandeep & Dolce & Gabbana

Images – High Heel Confidential, Strut 120, iDiva, Miss Malini, Fashion Cirqle, Vogue India

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Dec 20 2012
2 Comments
Events, Fashion

Vogue India!

20th Dec 2012

A couple of months ago I received an email from the uber talented Sita from Vogue India.Com (the AMAZING revamped website is down to her!!!) She’d read and liked my post ‘Retarded Velvet: Diary of a collection S/s 12’ and invited me to pitch any ideas/stories for the website. Ok, so my first reaction was OMG my blog was just read by VOGUE INDIA!!!!! And then it turned to OMG what am I going to pitch???!!!! Well here’s how I got on- my first two articles went live this week!- a write up of the Valentino exhibition and an interview with Aashni & Co.

This interview is a re-blog of the post on Vogue India. Com

PANKAJ & NIDHI, AMIT AGGARWAL NOW IN LONDON

Aashni Shah’s eponymous new store introduces the new faces of Indian design to this global fashion capital

vogue aashni 1

London’s Notting Hill just got a big injection of desi love in the form of fashion boutique Aashni & Co. Owner Aashni Shah is doing her bit to revamp the concept of Indian fashion in the global fashion capital by filling her store with eclectic labels such as Bodice by Ruchika Sachdev, Surendri by Yogesh Chaudhary and Pankaj & Nidhi.

Along with these labels that are making their debut in the English capital, the boutique hasn’t missed out on the classics: lehengas, anarkalis and saris from Rohit Bal, Sabyasachi & Manish Malhotra. In conversation with The Asian Fashion Journal, Shah talks about her love for Indian fashion and why she’s convinced its time to go international has come.

vogue aashni 2Aashni Shah next to a mannequin dressed in Bodice by Ruchika Sachdev.

What’s the story behind Aashni & Co?

International designers have been travelling to India for inspiration for years, but Indian fashion has never been celebrated in the same way as collections from France, or Italy, or Japan. It’s time for Indian designers to take centre-stage, and have a platform in London to showcase their talent. Our boutique is a selection of the finest that India has to offer while making it more convenient for people here. We plan to start our online portal in two months.

vogue aashni 3Ethnic wear by Sabyasachi.

Who is the Aashni & Co customer and how are they responding to the labels stocked?

Our Indian customers are delighted that their favourite brands are now accessible in the UK. We’re visited by international tourists and British customers who’re astounded by the talent that’s remained hidden from their knowledge and wardrobes. And, since we’re enthusiastic about colour, something many British brands shy away from, vibrant pieces made from luxurious fabrics have struck a chord with all our customers.

vogue aashni 4A bright Nida Mahmood jacket.

vogue aashni 5This gorgeous embroidered Pankaj & Nidhi jacket is center-piece worthy.

vogue aashni 6An array of bright colours and patterns by Pankaj & Nidhi

There’re so many exciting Indian labels out there, how did you decide which designers to stock?

India is thriving with design talent and the variety of choice makes it almost impossible to choose from. But I was determined for the store to have a clear story that still managed to cater to a wide demographic. I wanted to create a balance between well- established Indian labels, experimental collections and new talent. My vision is to incorporate a selection that is accessible to both Asian and non-Asian clients. We currently stock Rohit Bal, Sabyasachi, Gaurav Gupta, Shivan & Narresh, Nida Mahmood, Pankaj and Nidhi, Gauri & Nainika, Bodice by Ruchika Sachdeva and Surendri by Yogesh Choudhary. This month, we’ve added Manish Malhotra, Varun Bahl and Amit Aggarwal.

vogue aashni 7Eina Ahluwalia jewellery ethnic jewellery.

vogue aashni 8Indian accessories in eye-catching reds, blues and golds.

vogue aashni 9Modern Indian fashion in all its graphic glory.

Images courtesy Aashni & Co & Nina Patel

Aashni & Co is located at 47 Ledbury Road, London W11 AA; www.aashniandco.com
Continue reading →

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Dec 14 2012
Leave a comment
Events, Fashion

Friday Fives

14th Dec 2012

Hey guys- Friday Fives is a new regular for the blog where I pick out my favourite five things for the week. This could be anything from my fav five make up looks to my fav five winter coats of the week! I’m kicking off with my fav five celeb looks and with three uber glam parties this week (the Cavalli launch, Ensemble’s 25th anniversary and Hello! India Hall of Fame do) there were plenty of options to consider.

Sridevi’s style just keeps getting better and better! And she looked absolutely sensational in Prabal Gurung at the Hello! India Hall of Fame party

Sri Devi Hello! India Hall of Fame

I was kinda disappointed with the looks at Ensemble’s 25th anniversary party. The only outfit that stood out for me was Anu Dewan in Stella McCartney. The bronze pumps and skinny belt work well with the striking print but the bag was a duff choice.

Anu-Dewan ensemble stella mcartney

Madhuri Dixit looked amazing in Dior, its fab to see her in a gown instead of her usual anarkali/sari choice. Her hair and make up looked fresh and so now!

Madhuri Dixit at Hello! Hall of Fame

Ok, I already know this might come as a surprise choice seeing as Sonam Kapoor was Cavalli’s guest of honour and yes she looked gorgeous in the black lace gown but I just thought Jacqueline Fernandez look was just so effortless and the pop of colour just stood out!

JacquelineFernandez

Well how could I not include Ms Balan in the list? The talented lady got hitched to her real life leading man Siddharth Roy Kapur and look at that awwww look of love! Congrats to the happy couple!

INDIA-ENTERTAINMENT-BOLLYWOOD

Images from India Entertainment Bollywood, Vodue India, Hello! India Facebook.

Follow me on Twitter,
Facebook & Pinterest

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,
Dec 01 2012
3 Comments
Events, Fashion

Vogue India: Project Renaissance

1st Dec 2012

Well if there’s another reason to love Ms.Tewari this is it. The Project Renaissance initiative led by Bandana for Vogue India involved selecting the country’s finest handcrafted textiles and inviting leading international designers to- in her words ‘to mould them into something inspiring, something momentous. What you see is a sublime tribute to the historical, social and mythical magic of the Indian warp and weft.’

The results as you can see below are just beautiful and have importantly benefited both parties. Just as Hermes launched its limited edition saris and Gucci’s ‘Made for India’ collection, Project Renaissance has given these international brands an opportunity to engage with the Indian consumer in a more personal manner as well as enabled the welcome promotion of traditional Indian fabrics.

Burberry for Maheshwari silk

vogue India 1 burberry the asian fashion journal maheshwari silk

“I wanted to take our iconic trench coat and play with its unique identity. Like the trench, the Maheshwari fabric has an incredibly rich history and heritage, which I find truly inspiring.”

—Christopher Bailey, chief creative officer

Maheshwari silks are known for their distinctive geometric motifs, stripes and checks which are derived from the beautiful carvings from the Maheshwar Fort. I found these images on the Cluster Shop India which shows images of weaves and where their patterns originate from.

maheswar fort burberry

Alberta Ferretti for Kanchipuram silk

vogue india 2 alberta ferretti the asian fashion journal kanchipuram silk

“I reinterpreted this beautiful fabric to realise something different from the traditional sari— I wanted to show [its] versatility, richness and allure.”

—Alberta Ferretti

Kanchipuram in the Southern state of Tamil Nadu is commonly known as the Silk city. The famed silk sarees are known for their heavy texture and rich lustre which comes from its high denier threads and pure zari in a double warp and weft weave. Designs include suns, moons, chariots, peacock, lions, mangoes and coins. Below are some traditional examples.

kanchipuram silk feretti

Prabal Gurung for Benarasi Brocade

vogue inda 6 prabal gurung

“The design and draping process was incredibly romantic and poetic- it stirred up emotions and nostalgia of my time spent (in India) “

–Prabal Gurung

Benares brocade from the Northern state of Uttar Pradesh is made of finely woven silk with intricate designs including paisleys, flowers and fauna motifs. Anita Dongre latest collection had some beautiful examples

benaras brocade silk

DKNY for Bishnupur Baluchari silk

dkny

“The graphic red is so DKNY—vibrant, energised, colourful. It’s exciting to take something traditional and do something completely unexpected with it.”—

-Donna Karan, chief creative director

Bishnupur Baluchari silks are known for their detailed depictions of mythological and folk stories inspired by the temples of Bishnupur & Bankur of West Bengal. DKNY’s take like Burberry’s trench coat is a complete reinvention of a classic and are my fav’s from the project.

Bishnupur Baluchari DKNY

Here’s the fab video that accompanies project and shows all twenty of the designs.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Nov 06 2012
Leave a comment
Events, Fashion

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!

Check in with The Asian Fashion Journal on Twitter,
Facebook & Pinterest

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Oct 27 2012
1 Comment
Events, Fashion

GQ India: A Royal Affair

27th Oct 2012

It’s two weeks to go to the IAFA’s and I can’t wait for the event! The judge that I’m most excited to see (and fingers crossed hopefully meet) is GQ Fashion Editor, Antara Motiwala. I’ve seen the stylish lady pop up on many a street style blog for her effortlessly chic ensembles. Here’s the stunning ‘A Royal Affair’ editorial that she styled for the Sept issue. Brazilian model/ actor Thyago Alves smoulders his way through the shoot looking like one dapper Maharaja.

All images GQ India

Tagged , , , , , , ,
Oct 18 2012
Leave a comment
Events, Fashion

Aashni & Co : Official Fashion Film

18th Oct 2012

So you think you know Indian Fashion? Take another look…

AMAZING FILM!!!

Aashni & Co is the new boutique in Notting Hill stocking the HOTTEST of Indian labels- Interview with owner Aashni Shah coming soon!

Tagged , , , , , , ,
Oct 18 2012
Leave a comment
Events, Fashion

Wills India Fashion Week S/s 13

18th Oct 2012

Forgive me for this snapshot of a post on WIFW S/s 13– I’m suffering from Fashion Week analysis fatigue. I covered Lakme Fashion Week on the blog recently and have been trawling through all the London, Paris, N.Y & Milan coverage for the day job so I am one fashed –out girl!

Here are my fav five collections, they are not posted in any particular order.

Namrata Joshipura collection had a plethora of hot trends- sheer layering, oriental florals, iridescent
embellishment and uber hot 7/8th trousers. My fave pieces of hers are always the jumpsuits or trouser and shirt combos because she always manages to make traditionally masculine shapes ohhh so sexy.

Manish Malhotra collection was beautiful, I love the subdued colour palette of earthy tones with pops of fuchsia and amber. The chikan work pieces were timeless.

Okay all you socialites put down those Herve Leger dresses, here is luxury body con 2013 style- gorgeous textures and placements by
Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna

Kallol Datta 1955 collection was full of beautiful voluminous silhouettes and strong graphic prints.

I love the graphic prints, asymmetric hems and neon pops at Gaurav Gupta

All these collections have interesting textures & silhouettes with only a hint of embellishment in places which to me feels really fresh right now.

I might not have done a comprehensive trend report for WIFW but here’s a mini synopsis of some key crossover trends seen on the S/s 13 catwalks (London, Paris, Milan, N.Y, Lakme & WIFW)

Touch of the Orient (AM: PM, Prada & Arjun Saluja)

Graphic prints (Generally seen in Black & White at Marc Jacobs, Kallol Datta and James Ferreira)

Iridescence (Rajesh Pratap Singh, Balmain & Louis Vuitton)

Sheer (Haider Ackermann, Bodice, Namrata Joshipura)

Volume – fullness seen in sleeve heads through to full hips or in inflated cape shapes. (Ritu Kumar, Miu Miu, Kallol Datta 1955)

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,
Oct 14 2012
6 Comments
Events, Fashion

Jean Paul Gaultier Menswear S/s 13 channels Waris Ahluwalia

14th Oct 2012

I spotted Jean Paul Gaultier S/s 13 pics on Miss Malini recently and had to cover the collection too. Although she talked about ‘Singh is King’ references, I thought JPG may have been channelling the altogether more refined Waris Ahluwalia (jewellery designer/actor and general dapper man about town)

Above pics of Waris and below JPG’s collection

JPG’s infamous nautical touches didn’t hit the mark for me- the striped trousers, sailor collars and button up trousers were just blah! However the slim cut cropped sleeves suits paired with toile de jouy shirts & turbans as well as the tux’s paired with dropped crotch pants were super slick.

Images Style.com

Tagged , , , , , , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →