The Making Of The Dior Addict

Today I am in exceptionally happy mood. I just got my hands on images for the making of the Dior Addict bag. There's nothing more I love than to share with you behind the scene images of how luxury handbags are made.

As I mentioned in a previous post, the Addict is Dior's new baby and is quickly becoming the latest IT bag. However, minus the IT bag status, the bag is just plain beautiful. The minimalist structure combined with the colour combinations (the bag, top handles and the charms are different colours) give a classic bag an extremely modern twist.



Emma Watson 

Jessica Alba

Sarah Jessica Parker

Here are a few simple yet extremely relevant facts that you didn't know about the Addict. Its unique shape, i.e. the way the leather folds on the side was inspired by the cuff on the sleeve from the Arizona coat first shown in 1948. Historical references just add so much character and charm to a bag. The handle tabs, which are usually of a contrasting colour and different textures (exotic skin) are actually inserted directly into the bag making it flat as opposed to bulky. The DIOR charms are more rounded in this model and come in three different colours, fuchsia, pink or green make the bag very now. Honestly, one look at this bag and it's hard not to fall head over heels in love with it.

Please enjoy some of the photos from the making of the bag and click here to watch the video. This just made my day. YAAAY!

Image courtesy: Christian Dior

Maithili Kabre - A New Jewellery Designer On The Block

I was surfing instagram about a week ago when I came across an Indian jewellery designer's account and started browsing her creations. I'm a sucker for crystal jewellery, especially colourful Swarovski crystals. Something about the way they shine get me all excited. I had never heard of Maithili Kabre until that day. I immediately commented on photo asking how I can get my hands on some of the jewellery that Shraddha Kapoor and Anushka Sharma wore for a Femina shoot. She replied almost instantly with her email address. I decided to randomly ask her for an interview and she was kind enough to agree.

Shraddha Kapoor

Shraddha Kapoor

Anuskha Sharma

Keep reading to find out more about this fabulous upcoming jewellery designer and discover the kind of materials she uses, the process that goes into the making of her designs and why the brand hasn't gone fully commercial.

Hanadi: Your designs are so pretty yet the brand is relatively non-commercial, why is that? I have heard of a lot of upcoming Indian designers, but had it not been for instagram, I would have never discovered you!

Maithili: We have just started in November 2013. We haven't gone fully commercial yet. But yes, once we are convinced  of the PR + Fashion week drill, we will get there. Trying to gauge and carve our own path is quite important.

Hanadi: Tell us about your latest collection?

Maithili: ​ The latest Collection for Spring Summer 2014 is Gardenia, which is literally inspired by the delicate forms & rich colours of Flowers & leafs​. It is Super fresh, ultra feminine and extremely easy, yet stylish to wear.

Hanadi: What kind of materials do you use in your designs?

Maithili: We love using Swarovski elements and other crystals. All jewellery is handcrafted in brass and gold plated.

Hanadi: Do you use any unusual materials like Perspex in your designs? I LOVE Perspex!

Maithili:

Yes, we have quite extensively. We love Perspex and the clean modern look it offers. They've done tremendously well in Magazines & TV features.

  Hanadi: Where do you look for inspiration for your new collections?

Maithili: Its possibly from all over. Urban culture, art movements, nature, personality traits, facets of being a woman are the varied themes we have played with.

Hanadi: What was the most complicated and time consuming collection you created?

Maithili:  ​The First main collection for Maithili Kabre was Heiress. Since we were working with techniques of handcrafting, bench work and soldering tiny pieces together to achieve impeccable finishing, it took quite a few samples to get there. 

Hanadi: Where do you get your craftsmen from?

Maithili: We have a workshop based  in Mumbai​.

Hanadi: Can you tell us about the making process?

Maithili: All jewellery is handcrafted by very skilled craftsmen. The process usually involves saw cutting, assembling, soldering parts together, finishing, buffing, plating twice and setting all the crystals by hand. It is quite a meticulous process, but the end result is  always worth it.

Hanadi: What is the label's USP?

Maithili: The jewellery is designed to stand out by complementing the wearer and not overpowering her personality. Its elegant, feminine, exquisite ,immaculately finished.

Hanadi: Tell us a little bit about yourself..

Maithili: I am a post graduate in lifestyle accessory design from National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. I am a trained architect and dabbled in handmade jewellery during college years but didn't think I would take this up as a profession till after NID. Starting with an Indian fashion jewellery label SWA in 2006, and after feeling well equipped and ready in 2013, Maithili Kabre was launched as a premium fashion Jewellery label.

Hanadi: What sparked your interest in jewellery design?

Maithili: The very fact that I could instantly create what was in my mind into reality was gratifying. Gradually, I've developed a better understanding, widened my knowledge and techniques base quite consciously towards jewellery. The whole process of design, from consolidating collections, to making samples and final products is very stimulating.

Hanadi: Do you have a mentor you look up to?

Maithili: I do not have a mentor, but I think two professors in the Design schools I have been to have added different facets to me as a designer. ​They've made me realise my strengths and weaknesses and that constantly helps me.

Hanadi: Have you started retailing on any e-commerce platform yet?

Maithili: Yes, we have just started retailing on a few retail platforms.

Hanadi: Where can one buy your designs?

Maithili: Currently Available at http://www.studiorudraksh.com/and few more portals. We also take orders on Email and Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/maithilikabre.accessories

Hanadi: Where do you see your brand in five years from now?

Maithili: Maithili Kabre will be known as a Premium Fashion jewellery label, made in India,  known for its exquisite designs retailing across the globe.

P.S, you can contact the designer on kabre.maithili@gmail.com for any inquiries.

Bag Review - Givenchy Antigona Medium In Blue Leather

If you've been following my instafeeds, you'll probably know by now that I've just emptied my bag fund account on a new Givenchy bag. I ordered a medium Antigona in bright blue leather (click here to purchase) and as always I am over the moon with my new bag!

The Antigona isn't really a new bag but for some reason, it just never rubbed on to me and I cant for the love of god remember why. Anyways so as I was browsing net-a-porter, looking for a new bag to invest it, I came across this model in blue and I was sold. Instantly.

I usually invest in classic models when it comes to big bags. I don't mind seasonal clutches, but for the bigger bags, I prefer a model that will be repeated season after season. The reason being is that when I pay a reasonably decent amount for a bag, I want something I can use for the next year or two. If the model is discontinued after the season is over, it feels out of date. Take the Celine mini shopper for example, I bought mine in 2010 and it's still one of the most sought after bags nearly four years later. I'm a happy camper.

Now for the review of my new baby, here goes:

I adore big bags, so the size of the Antigona is just perfect for me. It can actually be used as a weekend bag since it's so roomy. The width is 13 1/2 inches and the height is about 11 inches. I tried dumping a whole lot of stuff inside it (11 inch laptop, diary, wallet plus some other random stuff) and no problem in closing the bag. Although since it's not a laptop bag, I suggest you steer clear of putting your laptop in it! However, if you're going away for an overnight stay, you can easily throw in a change of clothes and some light toiletries. It's also the perfect bag if you're travelling. I just flew to Bombay and replaced my Celine trapeze with the Antigona to hold my airport essentials and felt it was a better choice. You know there's no open the flap then the zipper drama that comes in with my trapeze bag.

The bag is structured so it doesn't slouch in the least bit. Also, it has a shoulder strap which saves you the hassle of holding it in the nook of your arm with the top handles because the bag is a bit on the heavier side. I'm in this winged bag phase currently so the two small wings on this one give me some sort of cheap thrill. Inside, there's a zipped pocket and two other pockets to keep your things in place. Overall, even though its a classic, the shape is very modern, slick and a little edgy. Over the years, its become quite an IT bag and has been spotted on numerous celebrities. Just type the name in Google images and you'll see for yourself.

Now, for the cons, I don't like the shoulder strap length on this one. Its very weird. Once slung on the shoulder, it reaches my waist which gets a bit awkward due to the size of the bag (see picture below). I wish the shoulder strap was a bit longer. Secondly, the shoulder strap doesn't have that extra rectangular thing on top to keep the bag in place, so it keeps slipping. Also, the top handles are so close together it can be a little uncomfortable if you're in a hurry to open the zipper. Finally, if the bag isn't filled up, it has a bit of a dent so I have to tap the bag from the top so it gets back to its original shape or just fill it up with random stuff!

I find the length with the shoulder strap a bit odd

But despite a few cons, I still love my new baby and have been using it non-stop since I got it. I was contemplating between the Victoria Beckham Quincy bag (which was cheaper) and this one which was a tough decision, but there's always another time and another bag! The Antigonas are one of the most coveted handbags so I suggest you order yours soon because they tend to sell out fast. The black one is currently sold out on net-a-porter.

Till the next time....
XOXO

Anita Dongre's Varanasi Weaves At Lakme Fashion Week

As I was following minute by minute Lakme Fashion Week updates on twitter and instagram, the Anita Dongre show was one that I really fell in love with. The collection was extra special as it was all about celebrating rich Varanasi textiles. Its not only the Parisians that celebrate the "petites mains" behind their high fashion collections. Our Indian designers too are always promoting Indian fabrics, handicrafts and trying to save techniques that are slowly dying out.

This collection had a very sober colour palette of white, pale yellow and orange and powder blue. All of which are my favourite colours! Diya Mirza opened the show wearing a flowy skirt with an embroidered belt paired with a cropped top or should I say a revamped choli that functions as both. The sheer fabric on shoulders and sleeves had inverted triangles all over them making it very modern, very now.

Overall, the collection was very breezy and summery. Nothing too heavy which is great as it makes the clothes more wearable. Tight bodices with sweetheart necklines, sheer fabric with geometric patterns were seen on a bunch of silhouettes. The flowy skirts/lehengas were light, allowing for easy movement. A straight cut ankle length skirt paired with a cropped top was one of my favourite looks. Very sexy. Another was a skirt with pockets (YAAAY pockets) paired with a high collared white shirt buttoned up all the way. And how about the sheer kurtas paired with flared pants?! The best part was the clothes stood out despite their simplicity which I assume would be challenging.

This year, when I'm shopping for my Eid outfit, I know exactly where I'll be going!

Please enjoy some of the photos below or click here to see the entire collection.

Favourite Look

Favourite Look

Favourite Look

Images via And Designs India & vogue.in

Currently Trending: Anarkali With A Jacket

When my cousin got married in January, my mother and I were as usual running around like headless chickens looking for outfits for me. Naturally, since it's my first cousin, just the thought of repeating an outfit was enough to make my mother pounce on be like a big cat. So NO, repeating wasn't an option. We went through every designer boutique in Delhi and simple couldn't find anything. It always happens you know, whenever you're out to buy something fabulous, there's just nothing nice.

About two days before I was due to fly out to Mumbai for the wedding, we randomly decided to pop over to Ogaan at Hauz Khas village. Thanks to their amazing visual merchandising, (they had Anamika Khanna stuff displayed at the entrance so loyalists like us would be lured) we immediately ran inside. There they were, these lovely Anamika suits, which honestly are just so hard to find in Delhi. It's like they fly off the shelves within a matter of days. Anyways, so her latest thing was these amazing jackets with silver embroidery all over the front worn over a simple silk kurta or her floral anarkalis. I tried it on and lucky for me it fit like a glove, therefore no alterations required! We bought it :)

The jacket

The full suit

Sisters all dressed up for the cocktail. L-R: Sabyasachi, Anamika Khanna, JJ Valaya

I also tried another sky blue crushed silk kurta with an embellished jacket over it. There were no bottoms with that one so you could pair it with anything. And it was only 30,000 rupees (pretty cheap for an Anamika). I'm still cursing myself for not buying that one! I went back two weeks later to buy it for my in-laws' wedding anniversary but it was sold out.

What I love about the layering in these suits is that you can wear the embellished jackets separately and incorporate it in Western wear. I tried mine on over a white shirt and dark cigarette pants resulting in a pretty funky indo-western fusion look. Also, if you have a day function to attend. you can wear the anarkali sans jacket and you're good to go.

I eventually ended up wearing the floral suit on it its own for the in-laws' anniversary and it looked so pretty. I paired it with coral wedges from New Look and a bi-colour Victoria Beckham clutch (click here to purchase the clutch in another colour). Because it was a formal affair, I added big diamond chandeliers from Nothandas to glam it up a bit. It was the perfect choice for a winter luncheon.

With the husband. Wore the outfit without the jacket

Nothandas diamond chandeliers

It's not only Anamika who is doing these suits with jackets, a lot of other designers have some fabulous designs too. I checked out Pernia's Pop Up Shop and shortlisted a few to share with you. Here are my top picks.

1. Aharin Candy Pink Kurta Set With Jacket - Isn't the colour of this suit just so happy? I love the palazzo pants that complete it. The badla and dori work on the jacket make it perfect for the evening. Click here to purchase.

2. Biba By Rohit Bal Burgundy Crinkled Kurta With Waistcoat - I like the chanderi waistcoat with velvet applique on this one. The shape is kind of like a Nehru jacket and would look great worn over a shirt too. Very androgynous.  Click here to purchase.

3. Sonali Gupta Ivory Anarkali Set With Black Sequin Jacket - The jacket with this anarkali is just divine. Its embroidered all over with sequins in the front and intricate gold work at the back. So regal looking. LOVE! Click here to purchase.

4. Ridhi Mehra Light Pink Anarkali With Black And White Beaded Jacket - I love Ridhi Mehra suits, she's now turning into one of my favourite Indian designers. Her work is really intricate and the craftsmanship is exquisite. This jacket again is fully embroidered with beads and silver zardozi all over. Also, the colour of the anarkali is so feminine and just right for the summer. P.S, Deepika Padukone wore this at an appearance. Click here to purchase.

Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week FW 14 Schedule & List Of Participating Designers

Hi All,

In case you haven't had a chance to see the show schedule for the 31 shows yet, here it is (after I'm done talking that is). There will be a total of 119 participating designers, leading and upcoming, showcasing their collections through runway shows and exhibitions.

Mr. Sunil Sethi, President, FDCI, said, “This year, we have an impressive list of outstanding designers, who will showcase their work, setting an unparalleled benchmark of diversity and creativity. at the WIFW. Looking forward to yet another grand event and making it a success.”

P.S The venue is Hall no. 18, Pragrati Maidan, New Delhi

SHOW SCHEDULE

Day 1, Wednesday – March 26, 2014

3:30 PM  Opening Show by Tarun Tahiliani                                                                                
5:45 PM  Anupamaa by Anupama Dayal     
                Vineet Bahl

7:00 PM  Kiran Uttam Ghosh                                                                                                         
                Raakesh Agarvwal 

8:15 PM  Shantanu & Nikhil  

9:30 PM  Nokia presents Rina Dhaka     

Day 2, Thursday – March 27, 2014

2:00 PM  'Myoho' by Kiran & Meghna     
                Prama by Pratima  Pandey
                Vaishali S 

3:15 PM  ‘My Village’ by Rimzim Dadu                                                                                         
                 Kallol Dutta 1955

4:30 PM  Anand Bhushan                                                                                                               
                Nachiket Barve 

5:45 PM  Amit GT                                                                                                                             
                Charu Parashar 

7:00 PM  Ashima-Leena

8:15 PM  Malini Ramani       
                Nikasha

9:30 PM  Rahul Mishra                                                                                                                   

Day 3, Friday – March 28, 2014

2:00 PM  Pia Pauro                          
                Urvashi Kaur

3:15 PM  Akaaro by Gaurav Jai Gupta       
                Paromita Banerjee

4:30 PM  Vogue India Fashion Fund presents Archana Rao 

5:45 PM   Dev r Nil                          
                 Rishta by Arjun Saluja

7:00 PM  Payal Pratap     
                Sanchita

8:15 PM  Satya Paul  

9:30 PM  Twinings presents Abraham & Thakore                                                                      

Day 4, Saturday – March 29, 2014

12:45 PM Chhaya Mehrotra                                                                                                            
                 Josh Goraya
                 Rinku Sobti
                 Saaj by Ankita
                 431-88 by Shweta Kapur

2:00 PM  Hemant & Nandita       
                Tanvi Kedia

3:15 PM  Rajputana by Samant Chauhan        
                Zubair Kirmani

4:30 PM  Soltee by Sulakshana Monga                                                               
                Virtues by Ashish, Viral & Vikrant

5:45 PM  Mandira Wirk       
                Rehane

7:00 PM  Rabani & Rakha       
                Siddartha Tytler

8:15 PM  péro by Aneeth Arora   

9:30 PM  Fiama Di Wills show                                                                                                        

Day 5, Sunday – March 30, 2014

12:45 PM  Pinnacle – Shruti Sancheti                                                                                              
                  Tanieya Khanuja
                  Taurus by Dhruv – Pallavi

 3:15 PM   Jenjum Gadi        
                  Mrinalini
                  Sahil Kochhar

5:15 PM  Anita Dongre 

9:30 PM  Wills Lifestyle Grand Finale by Namrata Joshipura      

Stalls Only:

Krishna Mehta 
Niki Mahajan

Rajesh Pratap Singh

Ranna Gill

Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna

Wendell Rodricks

am:pm by Ankur & Priyanka Modi 

Gaurav Gupta
Gauri & Nanika

Geisha Designs by Paras & Shalini

Indian by Manish Arora

Kavita Bhartia

Mynah's Reynu Taandon

Ornate by Neeta Bhargav

Pankaj & Nidhi

Priyadarshini Rao

Taika by Poonam Bhagat

Varun Bahl

Annaikka by Kanika Saluja

11.11 CellDSGN

Alpana & Neeraj

Amit Aggarwal

Atsu by Atsu Sekhose

Divyam Mehta

Ekru by Ekta Jaipuria & Ruchira Kandhari

French Curve by Anjali Sharma

Manish Gupta

Masaba

Nakul Sen

Nida Mahmood

Not so Serious by Pallavi Mohan

Pallavi Jaipur

Rajdeep Ranawat

Ravage by Raj Shroff

Ritesh Kumar

Vivek Karunakaran

Aafreen by Rakesh & Vandana

Abhijeet Khanna

Autre by Gautam Gupta

Bhanuni by Jyoti

Bodice

Dolly J

Kartikeya by Nitin Kartikeya

Manoj Dubey

Ritu Pande

Samor by Pragya & Megha

Schon by Sakshee Pradhan

Shyam Narayan Prasad

The Next Episode by Shantanu Singh

5x by Ajit Kumar

Accessory Designers:

Art Apparel & Accessories by Shelina & Camelia

Ezma

Felix Bendish

Isharya

Janavi

Jyoti Kant

Malaga by Malini Agarwalla

Meera Mahadevia

Nitin Vijay

Pinky Saraf

Shalini Art

Whatever by Abhishek Kankaria

5 Elements by Radhika Gupta