Category Archives: Fashion

Mar 23 2013
Leave a comment
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

Tagged , , , , , , , ,
Mar 21 2013
2 Comments
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.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,
Mar 20 2013
Leave a comment
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.

Tagged ,
Mar 19 2013
Leave a comment
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

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter!

Tagged , , , , , , ,
Mar 16 2013
Leave a comment
Events, Fashion

Step Right up! Selfridges: Shoe Carnival

16th March 2013

Love for Fashion blogger Meera Sharma and I popped into Selfridges this week and stumbled across Selfridges’ latest theme- Shoe Carnival. I wasn’t a fan of the whole No Noise theme they hosted previously but am loving the Shoe carnival. The windows are fabulously fun and the in-store events and exhibitions are fab.

selfridges poster

selfridges 1The windows are awesome!

selfridges 2

selfridges 3

There are many exclusives at the Shoe festival. Nicholas Kirkwood has created a beautiful four piece collection exclusively for the event inspired by Disney’s Oz: The Great and Powerful and there are other treats from Rupert Sanderson, Charlotte Olympia and Katie Grand x Hogan.

selfridges 4

selfridges 7

selfridges 8

It’s not all about the ladies though, the men’s event are equally fab and I’m sure Oliver Sweeney’s ‘Tattoo Your Shoe’ will be the most popular. A tattoo artist will be in-store to literally tattoo your Sweeney’s.

oliver sweeney

oliver sweeney 3

oliver sweeney 2

The event runs from 1st March- 21st April and for details of events click here.

Images: Windows- The Asian Fashion Journal, The Rest: Selfridges & Oliver Sweeeney

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter!

Tagged , , , , , , ,
Mar 14 2013
Leave a comment
Fashion

Masaba Gupta @ Satya Paul Wifw A/w 13

14th March 2013

The much anticipated Masaba Gupta for Satya Paul opened Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week A/w 13 yesterday. And what a show?! AMAZINGGGG! Masaba injected her fun, quirky and youthful style to the brand. The stunning prints revolved around pop art style telephone boxes and lipstick motifs as well as a Jackson Pollock-esque splatter print. The base colours were whites, blacks and greys with bursts of neon lime, pink and orange and silhouettes included saris, simple shifts, kaftans and a great range of accessories. This super commercial collection will fly out of stores and bring a younger audience to the great brand which is exactly what they hoped for by appointing Masaba as creative director.

1 masaba gPretty show invite

2 -in-Masaba-Gupta-for-Satya-PaulSonam Kapoor steps out in a lipstick sari a few days before the show

3 masaba-gupta-satya-paul-wifw-aw13-3Gorgeous lipstick print

4 masaba-gupta-satya-paul-wifw-aw13-4

5 masaba-gupta-satya-paul-wifw-aw13-2

6 Masaba

7 masaba-gupta-satya-paul-wifw-aw13-7

8 masaba-gupta-satya-paul-wifw-aw13-5

9 masaba-gupta-satya-paul-wifw-aw13-8Love the embellishment at the hem.

10 masaba-gupta-satya-paul-wifw-aw13-6

11 masaba-gupta-satya-paul-wifw-aw13 1

12 masaba-gupta-satya-paul-wifw-aw13-9

Images: Purple Window, Satya Paul Facebook, Yahoo India

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter!

Tagged , , , , , , , ,
Mar 09 2013
Leave a comment
Fashion

Michelle Obama, Katy Perry & Lady Gaga all love Indian designers

9th March 2013

I was explaining my blog to a non-Indian friend and she said she didn’t know of any Indian designers. And my response?

“you might not be familiar with the names but trust me you’ve seen plenty of Hollywood and Brit talent wearing Indian designers.”

Ok so I know there are no Indian equivalents of global designer brands like Gucci & Prada (trust me its only a matter of time before PPR and LVMH group start investing in Indian designers- the talent is definitely there!) but there are many Indian designers making an impact this side of the world too. Vineet Bahl is stocked on Net-a-Porter, Alpana & Neeraj have dressed Lady Gaga & Nicole Sherzinger (Sherzhy stepped out in her number on The X Factor) Manish Arora has dressed many international celebs and has been creative director at Paco Rabanne and then there’s Naeem Khan who’s dressed Michelle Obama and is stocked globally. See where I’m going with this? The list really does go on and on………..

Alpana & Neeraj1 9 march alpana & neerajL-R Kat Graham, Lady Gaga and Nicole Sherzinger

Shane & Falguni Peacock1 9 march falguni & shane peacockL-R Fergie, Cheryl Cole and Jessie J

Manish Arora1 9 march manish aroraHeidi Klum, Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry

Naeem Khan1 9 march naeem khanAlison Williams, Michelle Obama and Nicole Richie – and how exciting is it that Naeem Khan will be showing at Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2013 this month!!!

And Louise Roe of MTV Plain Jane fame has been quite a supporter of Indian designers- stepping out in Manish Arora, Pia Pauro and Falguni & Shane Peacock.

1 9 march louise roe

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter!

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Mar 01 2013
Leave a comment
Bridal, Fashion

Friday Fives: Manish Arora for Amrapali Jewels

29th Feb 2013

From one talented Manish to another, today’s Friday Fives puts the spotlight on Manish Arora’s stunning collection for Amrapali Jewels. The luxury jewellery brand is known for their exquisite jewels and fine craftsmanship and this new collaboration sees Manish put his spin on the traditional with enamelling in unexpected pastel shades as well as striking animal motifs. Love it all!

mEnamel Ring with mirror in the centre.

maTassel Bijou Earrings.

manRoyal Bengal Cuff

manish a 2Gazelle Enamel Ring

manish aroraGazelle Hand Harness. The coolest Hathphool ever!

Available from Pernia’s Pop Up Shop

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter!

Tagged , , , , ,
Feb 27 2013
3 Comments
Events, Fashion

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)

A courtesy of Angeli foundation (4) Uk chair Ratika Puri KapoorAngeli Foundation UK Chair- Ratika Puri Kapoor

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

CManishMalhotra23.02.12_0008Yep, managed to get a pic with Manish!

D Manish Malhotra sari that was auctioned at the event and sold for £5000There was an auction at the beginning of the event and this beauty went for £5000

Here’s the show pics!

1 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0154

2 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0307

3 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0153

4 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0304

5 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0313

6 courtesy of Angeli foundation (2)

7 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0166

8 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0173

9 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0168

10 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0186

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.

12 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0189

13 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0193

14 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0215

15 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0211

16 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0273

17 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0280

18 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0216

19 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0235

20 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0316Menswear silhouettes were structured and well defined with slim fit cut pants that looked oh soo dapper.

21 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0254

22 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0237

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.

23 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0271

24 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0238

25 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0250

26 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0277

27 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0203

28 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0202

29 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0228

30 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0204

31 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0286

35 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0210

37 courtesy of Angeli foundation

38 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0327

39 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0325

40 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0333

41 courtesy of Angeli foundation (3)

42 courtesy of Angeli foundation (5)

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

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

G ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0015Me and my AWKWARD posing (there’s a reason this will never be a style diary type of blog!)

I

J 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!

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter!

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,
Feb 21 2013
6 Comments
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.

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

PF1.5Cuff 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.

PF1Heels by Givenchy S/s13, Hat Chanel S/s13

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

PF3Sheriff & 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.

PF4Charlotte 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 , , , , , , , , , , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →