Tag Archives: asian fashion

Jun 25 2013
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Bridal, Events, Fashion

Bridal details at ‘Riwayat presents Pakistan Fashion Week 4’

27th June 2013

I was kindly given FROW seats at the recent ‘Riwayat presents Pakistan Fashion Week 4’. I didn’t think there were enough designers showing (there were 21 showing, several of which were lawn textile collections) for me to do my usual trend report. So, I’ve decided to put together a Bridal details/highlights report instead.

Headwear

Headwear came in the form of fascinators, elaborate Matha Pattis and stunning Mughal inspired pieces and made an interesting change to just seeing a draped dupatta covering the head. SRA’s headwear pieces were beautiful and the showstoppers piece made a huge statement.

Headwear 1L-R Bombay Stores, Gul Ahmed Textiles & Waseem Noor

Headwear 2L-R SRA- Sara Rohael Asghar The show stopper’s headpiece definitely made a statement. The head piece in the far right pic was my fav and the back detail was as pretty as the front.

Trailing hems

As I’m not so familiar with Pakistani fashion I don’t know if the trails at the back of the garment is something that’s been around for a while or not. I’ve picked out a few trailing hems which really were quite long. SRA had even added an extra flounce piece to the hems to add even more length to the garment.

TrailsL-R Naurangg by Uzma Shah & Moeezza Rabbani, Rana Noman & Rizwan Ahmed

Trails 2L-R SRA, Surrekham- Shehla Shaharyar, SRA

Velvets

Some rich velvet bridal pieces were shown in a few collections. I like the regal and luxurious tone the fabric brings to the pieces.

Velvet 2L-R Rana Noman & SRA

Velvet 1L-R Bombay Stores & Naurangg by Uzma Shah & Moeezza Rabbani

Dip Hems

I know dip hems (shorter at the front- longer at the back) have been around for a while and here’s some of my fav examples for PFW4

dip hemsL-R Naumeen Afreen, Rizwan Ahmed & Tasmiya

Back Details

The highlight of being on the front row was noticing all the details and there were some pretty back details. The split backs at Tasimayah and Zeeshan Bariwala and I loved Rana Noman’s sari blouse back detail (screams Bipasha Basu doesn’t it?)

Back details 1L-R Rana Noman, Rana Noman & Rizwan Ahmed

back details 2L-R Shakir Designs, Tasmiyah & Zeeshan Bariwala

I’ve got to finish my post with my favourite piece from PFW4. It’s by Nauman Afreen and the picture really doesn’t do it justice. The tone on tone embroidery was just so yum and that delicate shade of grey with a flash of fuchsia all made it so elegant. (yep I want it! Lol )

Nauman

Event produced by: Riwayat LTD London
Head stylist: Huma Tahir
Make up by Taniya Khan
Hair by Reena & Sonya
Photography by Shahid Malik

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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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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!

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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24 ManishMalhotra23.02.12_0238

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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!

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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!

Band Baajaa BridePretty mehndi!

Band Baaja Bride 2Bride Deesha Sanghvi

Band Baajaa Bride 3The man making these brides dreams come true- Sabyasachi!

Band Baajaa Bride 4The big reveal

Band Baajaa Bride 5The groom’s looking pretty good too

Band Baajaa Bride 6Aaawww 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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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.

23 feb 1

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.

23 feb

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.

23 feb 2

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.

23 feb 3

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

Facebook: AngeliFdn

Press Release by Media Moguls.

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Dec 06 2012
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Fashion

Masaba Gupta: The new creative director at Satya Paul

6th Dec 2012

This week it was announced that Masaba Gupta (yep- the one that does the super cool pop art type prints Sonam Kapoor always rocks) has been appointed the new creative director of Satya Paul. The Satya Paul brand was established over twenty five years ago and is known for its striking prints. It will be fab to see what spin Masaba brings to the brand.

masaba 3 the asian fashion journal

L-R Sonam Kapoor, Masaba Gupta & Mandira Bedi, Kareena Kapoor

masaba 2 the asian fashion journal

Satya Paul Ad Campaign

masaba 1 the asian fashion journal

Satya Paul

Another reason that I’m excited about this announcement is that it’s another cornerstone turned in the evolution of the Indian fashion industry. Established brands in the West have long been recruiting up and coming names to inject freshness, youth and a contemporary edge. Think Christopher Kane at Versus and Alexander Wang at Balenciaga. And likewise these young designers gain greater exposure and learn how to work on a larger scale within a bigger organisation, all skills that are vital in growing their own labels. Because who can forget it’s never just about the creativity- it is at the heart a business. I’m sure we will see this structure continue in the future hmmm I wonder who will be collaborating next. Kallol Datta and ?

Images from Satya Paul and Vogue India

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Nov 26 2012
5 Comments
Bridal, Fashion

Shehla Khan’s latest campaign ft. Sonam Kapoor

26th Nov 2012

Festivities are over as is the amazing week ‘the boy’ (yep still can’t say fiancée-sounds too grown up!) and I had in Barbados. After my hol, I’m very much back and raring to go. I have lots of new ideas and exciting blog posts coming up so keep checking in! For now I have to share the pretty as a picture bridal campaign by Shehla Khan ft. of course bestie Sonam Kapoor. I’m a big fan of Khan’s elegant signature style of soft pastel shades, feminine cuts and vintage lace & embroideries.

The image above is my favourite; the blouse detail is just gorgeoussssss!

And if you’d like to know how to get bright coral lips like the shade Ms Kapoor regularly rocks, then check out the video I made with make-up supermo Dipali Damji. Click here!

Images from IndianWeddingSite.com

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Nov 08 2012
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Uncategorized

Naomi Campbell’s ‘desi’ style party

I sooooooooo can’t get enough of the coverage from Naomi Campbell’s spectacular party for partner Vladimir Doronin’s 50th birthday! The three day extravaganza was held at the majestic 15th century Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur and included a Rajasthani themed party followed by a decadent 1930’s ‘Great Gatsby’ evening with the legend Diana Ross performing! The guest lists was OMG! And included fashion supermos Stefano Pilati, Zac Posen, John Galliano and legendary photographers Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott. Naomi’s supermodel pals also joined the fun with Kate Moss, Eva Herzigova & Karolina Kurkova looking like true Maharanis (Kate and Karolina wore Manish Malhotra !) Naomi’s pink & purple lehengha choli was by Manav Gangwani and she stepped out in the day wearing a stunning chikankari outfit by Malhotra’s Mijwan initiative.

Not the clearest of pics but fab to see Campbell supporting the Mijwan/Malhotra project

John Galliano and Manav Gangwani

Kate Moss in Manish Malhotra

Edward Enninful and Karolina Kurkova

Alexis Roche and Eva Herzigova

Naomi Campbell looking stunning as always in Manav Gangwani with the designer

Stefano Pilati and Edward Enninful

Mert Alas, Marcus Piggott and Naomi

Diana Ross!

Zac Posen and Mert Alas

Kate Moss!

All pics are from Mr. Enninful, W Mag Style director’s twitter feed! and Daily Mail. If I find more pics I will update! I want to see a pic of Vlad and Naomi together and to see pics of Demi Moore and Sarah Ferguson!!!

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Nov 06 2012
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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!

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Nov 02 2012
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Fashion

Spotlight: Meera Sharma

2nd Nov 2012

Glamazon Goths were trending all over the WIFW S/s 13 catwalks with designers Rajesh Paratap Singh, Alpana and Neeraj & CUE leading the way. Think body con, leather & pvc with splashes of studs and spikes. I’d seen this tough super-heroine incarnation earlier this year at Meera Sharma’s graduate show. The collection packed a punch with Sharma’s strong statement silhouettes. I loved the layering of contrasting fabrics, unexpected cut outs and changeable shapes (garments could be altered by the wearer by pulling straps) I caught up with the designer to find out more…

Meera’s technical drawings

Describe the Meera Sharma label in one sentence

Innovative clothing for sexy, strong willed women!

How did you get into fashion?

I have always loved fashion since I was a young girl, whether it was designing clothes for my Barbie dolls or just observing what people wore. It was therefore a natural progression to enter the fashion industry and express my take on fashion with my designs. I believe fashion is a great way to gain an insight into people’s personalities and I find it fascinating to see how people express themselves through their wardrobes, and it is great to see how people interpret my designs when they wear them.

What’s your inspiration when designing for Meera Sharma?

I can be inspired by anything, be it a picture, a vintage outfit or a movie! Take my debut collection it was inspired by my love of comic book characters and the female superhero.

Tell us a bit about your latest collection.

My debut collection is based on the female superhero who to me is the ultimate female; she is strong, sexy and not afraid to stand up for what is right! I decided to design an all black collection as I felt black as a colour is powerful and striking and portrays these aspects of the superhero. Superhero’s often live double lives so I portrayed this aspect in my collection with the layers, contrasting and cut out fabrics. The patent leather straps that are contained in the garments can be pulled allowing the garments to change shape and create more drapes which again came from the superhero’s changing personality.

Congrats on the IAFA nomination, how do you feel about the nomination and about being the only non-Asian clothing designer to be nominated?

Thank you. I was completely surprised when I received the phone call saying I have been nominated. To be the only non-asian clothing designer to be nominated is quite exciting and I feel quite honoured. I also have admired the work of Manish Malhotra for years and to know that he will be watching my designs on the runway is quite surreal!

What’s next for the Meera Sharma label?

Well I am working on getting more stockists both here and abroad. I am concentrating on promoting my debut collection and then after that will start designing my next one but lets see what happens…..

Thanks Meera and good luck for the I.A.F.A’s

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