Sunday 10th May
Date for the diaries girls! Aashni & Co are having a blowout sample sale next Sat!!! Head down for gorgeous pieces by Tarun Tahiliani, Anamika Khanna, Indian by Manish Arora (I hearted Manish’s designs worn by Sonam in Doli Ki Doli) Varun Bahl and many more. Even though I’m all set for my sister’s wedding I’m def going to have a browse. So see you there! x
Image Credit: Aashni & Co
27th March 2015
My most popular blog post of all time is My Mumbai Shopping Guide post. The majority of feedback I’ve had from the post has been incredibly positive. Although I have recently felt the raised eyebrow of a couple of my fellow bloggers who believe that my designer wedding trosseau is not in all brides budgets. Firstly I’ve got to say- I’m from the ‘each to their own’ kinda way of thinking. I don’t think my budget should be judged and as with everything in life its all relative… some people would think I spent a lot on my wedding shopping and others would think I spent peanuts!!! Secondly there’s this notion that Indian designer wear = super duper expensive. I always say if you can afford to shop in the likes of UK designers -Sonas, Mona Vora and Ekta Solanki whose bridal lenghas start at £2k up you can buy from the likes of Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi.
Ok, so I know the eyebrow raisers will say what if you don’t have £2k to spend…even with half the budget I’d still rather spend my money on designer- the thing is its completely different in India. There are a huge variety of designers all offering different price points. I’d rather buy a £800 Tamanna Punjabi Kapoor wedding lengha then a Sabyasachi knock off from the likes of Kalki, Seasons, Friendship etc in Santa Cruz for the same price….but that’s just me saying what I’d do…each to their own!
So here’s my list of designer stores in Mumbai that are more wallet friendly than the likes of Tarun, Manish, Anamika and Co….
Tamanna Kapoor Punjabi
Remember Cocktail? Diana Penty looks gorgeous in a Tamanna lengha
Tamanna store is small which is the norm for smaller designer stores -there’s maybe room for about 30-odd designs. My sis bought a gorgeous lime green gota work lengha for her Mehndi night for £800 from her. It’s an absolute beauty and I know brides have picked the same piece in hot pinks/red and oranges for their bridal lenghas. Sonaakshi Raaj recommended us Tamanna and we went in three days before we flew back home. In a day and a half she got the blouse made so my sister could have a fitting before she left and six weeks later as promised the lengha was couried over. Tamanna was fantastic and I can’t recommend her and her work enough!
Address: Gurmukh Sagar Bldg, 29th Road, Pali Village, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050, India
We didn’t have an appointment but would advise you to arrange one to make sure Tamanna is in-store.
Chamee and Palak
Again this designer duo’s store is small – maybe forty odd designs in store but they are all very pretty and youthful. They will custom make any of the designs in store and can work with you to design a special piece. We didn’t place an order from them as they were one of the last stores we visited and had already done most of our shopping. My mum’s friend had placed orders with them and has been happy with the service they provide. This store is by appointment only
5,Shubham apartment, Bajaj road,Vile Parle – west,Mumbai. contact: +919930782891 / chameeandpalak@gmail.com BY APPOINTMENT
Shruti Sheth
Another small store- again maybe thirty odd designs, I visited her store but didn’t buy anything but her designs are lovely esp her heavy blouses (a little Jade-esque I might add but without the Jade price tag).
Shruti Sheth– Hill Crest, 10th Road, Opp Absolute Spa, Juhu, Vile Parle West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India 400049
Again we didn’t make an appointment but would advise making an appointment when the designer is in store.
Fuel
Feminine florals of Peppermint Diva are available from Fuel
Fuel is another multi brand designer store and its on my original list. There are three stores across Mumbai and the store in Opera House is the biggest- actually its huge and if you’re short of time this a def a must visit store. Fuel also carries a real mix of price points and styles as well as some really fab accessories. Labels stocked include Sabyasachi, Peppermint Diva, Rina Dhaka & Rohit & Rahul Ghandi.
Prices start at £150
Address: Kantilal Karia & Co.Chowpati View Building, Opp. Sukh Sagar,Opera House
Tel: (+91) 22 23693131
Address: Lakshmi Niwas,Plot no. 450/B, 14th Road, Off Linking Road, Khar West
Tel: (+91) 22 26497878
Address: SV Road, Vile Parle, Juhu, Mumbai – 400049
Aza
Anushree Reddy is stocked at Aza
Aza is my favourite multi brand designer in Mumbai. It’s worth visiting all three stores- for my sis recent wedding shopping trip we picked up pieces by Anushree Reddy, Pankaj & Nidhi, Arpita Mehta and Ridhi Mehra.
Altamount Road 21, Altamount Road, Mumbai – 400026.Ph: +91 22 2353 0212 / +91 98674 51199 Email: altamount@azafashions.com
Shishir, 15-A, near Maneckji Cooper School, Juhu Tara Road, Mumbai – 400049 Ph: +91 22 2661 0091 / +91 98339 51198 Email: juhu@azafashions.com
Bandra, 24, Aza House, Tuner Road, Bandra West, Mumbai – 400050
Prices start at £250
Amara
Another multi brand store worth checking out. They stock the very popular Delhi based designer Dolly J as well as the likes of Namrata Joshipura, Gaurav Gupta and Vineet Bahl,
1/3/5, Kemps Boulevard, Kwality House, Kemps Corner, Mumbai – 400006, Near Crossword Book Store, Above Rudra Spa & Salon View Map
+(91)-22-23872537, 23872538, 23879687, 23875909
+(91)-22-23872538
Vandana
Vandana is a fabric store in Mumbai that I’ve already raved about. It’s my go to store to buy fabrics to make outfits/ saris for smaller occasions- like poojas or friends mehndi nights etc…they have hundreds and hundreds of fabrics and borders so you can be your own designer! Their sales assistants are amazing and will help you combine fabrics to create individual pieces. I had a crop top/high waist pencil skirt, churidaar pants and dupatta outfit made. Cost of fabrics was £100 and my tailor charged £30 for stitching. LOVE this store. Both my sis and I bought our bridesmaid saris from here.
304, 305 Rajdoot Chsl, Linking Road Khar West, Opp Rajkumar Jewellers, Mumbai 40005
I’m going to finish off by saying it’s worth noting that Indian designer shopping is very different to shopping in stores on Green St, Ealing Rd and Southall Broadway. The designer stores don’t carry large ranges (apart from the big designer names), everything is hung up and there’s no sitting in front of a wall of saris that are pulled out to show customers. It is much more time consuming shopping from designer stores but personally I think its worth it for the different pieces you find there.
Hope you guys find the post useful and Happy Shopping!
19th March 2015
It’s Lakme time again! I’ve been pouring over the yumminess over social media and while I can’t report from the shows in person I’m pretty glad to be bringing you the next best thing…A Guest blog by the VIVALUXE.COM team. VIVALUXE.COM is a new luxury e-tailer that brings Asian Designer Wear to a global audience. With the ohh soo chic Maheep Kapoor as fashion director the site’s edit promises big things (There are some more A-list names joining the site in the coming weeks) I will bring you more info on the site in a later post but for now enjoy their Guest Blog Post for me on Day 1 @ Lakme!
Fashion, fun and flower-power: A day in the life of LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK SUMMER/RESORT 2015
By Rea MM, VIVALUXE.COM for The Asian Fashion Journal.
Unless you’re a sartorial Scrooge; I think we can all agree that any LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK saunters into our lives like a mid-year Christmas, full of goodies giftwrapped painstakingly by designers to create their delicious new collection! This year though was particularly anticipated as LFW celebrated its 15th year and certainly did not leave the best for last, as the event opened offsite with Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s collection Big Love where he gave a new fashionable dimension to the saree! So, coffee in one hand and notepad in the other, the only way to take on this celebration of creativity is to head in with all guns blazing. Be prepared to have your brain, your instagram and twitter all work overtime for the next 5 days, as the sheer variety of colour, influences and drapes all vie for your top spot!
After a series of seriously intense model scouting days and fittings, inspirational Sabyasachi’s collection Big Love premiered at an unconventional venue – the fabulous rustic grounds of Richardson and Cruddas Mills in the heart of Mumbai.
The ramp was a never ending 200 x 20 feet, with high-tech multi laser lights, roving drone and camera mounted on gantry. It was the ultimate backdrop for a high-octane event worthy of a 15th year anniversary with the crème de la crème of the city in attendance as one of the best designers in India opened the celebrations with a spectacular show.
It was love at first sight for the audience as they witnessed a stunning presentation featuring 62 models and 105 outfits. One of the most sought after designers in the country and around the globe; Sabyasachi unleashed a collection of resort wear that paid tribute to the 70’s decade, which Sabyasachi adores. The designer revisited the era and showcased it with his distinct signature touches and recreated the power dressing period with unisex flower-power, long maxi-dresses, Lennon-esque sunglasses and heaps of glittery fabric. It was refreshing to see a shift from his usual bridal wear, and the enthusiastic applause at the end shows we’re not the only ones who think so! His eternal muse Rani Mukherjee and other Bollywood big shots like Kajol, Deepika Padukone and Sridevi were all present to show their support.
Back onsite, the 9th floor of Palladium Hotel had been transformed into a beachy haven. The grassy outdoors are now commandeered by bamboo-built bars and crocheted hammocks – lending the space an earthy vibe. They’re perfect for gathering on between shows too! Exposed bulbs hang down from jute rope, and come 6:00pm, they light up, illuminating the pretty faces and prettier clothes with a romantic yellow glow. Live DJ sets keep the stylish crowd pumped, and you can refuel yourself at the food stalls dotted along the premises.
Today saw the unveiling of collections that focused on Indian textiles, such as those by Vaishali Shadangule and Krishna Mehta, whose breezy drapes and mix of indo-western silhouettes made for an interesting watch and interesting shift from the usual glitz of Asian styling.
Vaishali S
Masaba’s innovative launch on instagram scores her brownie points for originality as one of the most popular and trendy young designers in India presented her colourful line first on popular social media platform, Instagram.
Finally, never failing to disappoint, Manish Malhotra proved his mettle as both, designer and humanitarian yet again, as the Blue Fashion Runway raised awareness for Gender Inequality. The peaches, creams and blues complimented the stunning metallic embroidery that featured on all his garments, with the off-shoulder white number being a particular favourite of ours:
What a day, folks, what a day!
Many Thanks to VIVALUXE.COM for the post!
Image Credit: VivaLuxe.Com, Lakme Fashion Week Twitter & Elle India
20th February 2015
I’m ridiculously late with this post…!!!
Last month the Grand Ballroom of London’s luxury hotel, the Dorchester played host to the first ever Aashni & Co Wedding Show with the crème de la crème of Indian designers and new gen talent. Aashni & Co’s Notting Hill boutique opened in 2012 and is already the leading store in London for luxe Indian designer wear. The wedding show provided an opportunity to showcase the store’s designers on a larger scale and to a larger audience.
I was lucky enough to join Aashni the store’s owner on BBC 94.9- Jo Good show that week to talk about Indian weddings and the wedding show. It was the first time I’ve been on the radio and the fifteen odd minutes we were on air seemed to fly by. It was a great experience and a big thanks to Jo, Nishy and Gurpreet @ the BBC for making the experience enjoyable. Ok back to the wedding show….
The line up at the show was pretty damn impressive with A-list design talent including Sabyasachi, Manish Malhotra, Tarun Tahliani, Anamika Khanna, Varun Bahl and talented new gen designers Sonali Gupta, Shehlaa and Arpita Mehta.
Image Credit: Adnan Qazi
Aashni Anshul Doshi the founder of Aashni & Co had this to say about the show
“ I am so, so, so humbled that these designers have taken that leap of faith and have actually come down here to be in one room with each other and be part of Aashni & Co. It is time people stopped travelling all the way to India to find their wedding outfits- we wanted to bring the best of India’s bridal to our doorstep.”
I got married last year and the exhibition was a perfect opportunity to connect (translate to get star struck) with some of the designers who I wore for my wedding which included Manish Malhotra, Sabyasachi, Varun Bahl and Arpita Mehta.
L-R: Anushree Reddy, Anamika Khanna & Arpita Mehta: Image Credit: Shahid Malik
L-R: Sabyasachi & Shehla Khan: Image Credit: Shahid Malik
L-R: Sonail Gupta, Tarun Tahilani & Varun Bahl: Image Credit: Shahid Malik
I caught up with Sabayasachi and asked him…
You already have a connection with London. How does the U.K bride differ to the brides back home?
“Yes, I do. I did a short stint at London Fashion Week and before I came to London with my Bridal wear. I used to also cater to the western audience here through Browns and Selfridges. So, I do have a good idea about what the girls in London want from us. They like being traditional and every single bride whether conservative, whether democratic, whether eccentric actually fantasises about looking like a princess on their wedding day. So we try and keep the fantasy in mind but make sure we keep ethnicity in mind too because of course she is an Indian Bride.”
I also asked him what tips he would give a bride when shopping for her trousseau.
“I’d tell her to do some yoga before you come shopping and get a little introspective because I think it is very easy to get swayed by other people’s opinion on what you should wear but at the end of the day its your wedding so just wear what you want to wear which means if you want to wear a GAP t-shirt and get married just do it.”
I love his answer because it’s so true wedding shopping can become stressful with everyone having an opinion on what you should and should not wear!
Tarun Tahiliani: Image Credit: Shahid Malik
Manish Malhotra: Image Credit: Shahid Malik
Varun Bahl: Image Credit: Shahid Malik
Yummy florals by Zita Elise Image Credit: Raj Dharar
Photo Booth at the entrance
Cakes by Krishanthi- these pics don’t do the cakes justice. The designs were sooo detailed and intricate. Image Credit: Shahid Malik
Getting a lesson on how to take a selfie by Kay from the Desi Dossier and Raj from The Secret Wedding Blog. Was good catching up with other bloggers at the event. Image Credit: Raj Dharar
The event was a first for London and it was lovely to see such a wealth of Indian craftsmanship and talent in one place. With U.K brides following the trends in India (albeit sometimes a little latter) weddings are becoming longer with more and more events to shop for. I really hope it becomes a regular event…are you reading Aashni?
Fab post event video by Aashni & Co.
Full list of exhibitors for Aashni & Co wedding show in association with Zouch & Lamare
– Anamika Khanna
– Anushree Reddy
– Arpita Mehta
– Ashima-Leena
– Elisha W
– Jaipur Gems
– Kotwara by Meera Muzaffar Ali
– Manish Malhotra
– Monisha Thahryamal
– Nikasha,
– Pallavi Jaikishan
– Rajesh Pratap Singh
– Rimple and Harpreet Narula
– Sabyasachi
– Shehlaa
– Sonali Gupta
– Tarun Tahiliani
– Varun Bahl
I have interviews with Shehla Khan, Arpita Mehta and Anushree Reddy coming up on the blog in the following weeks- so keep a look out!
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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…
My blurry camera phone pic
Dinner is served!
The view from my table.
Shyamal & Bhumika I loved all the Tinaya jewellery and will update the post with their contact link when I get it.
Shyamal & Bhumika
Shyamal & Bhumika
Umar Sayeed
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
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!!!
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!
Adore this sari gown by Sonaakshi Raaj (although may have to up the sit ups if I go for this! lol)
My sis and mum went out a few days before me and my sis has already ordered this beauty at Sonaakshi Raaj above.
Loved Anushree Reddy’s A/w 14 collection but then again I still love the styles from her last collections!
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
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!)
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!
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.
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.
Pic 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!)
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.
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!)
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.
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!!!
My fave piece- absolutely STUNNING
I also loved seeing the boys getting some more attention- why should girls have all the fun?!?!
Images Harpers Bazaar Bride India FAcebook and the Red Floral Embroidered Image via Miss Malini
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