The Stars Shine Down (title coutesy SS): Cannes Red Carpet 2013 Ladies

Amongst the most glamorous star-studded red-carpet affairs counts Cannes, status-elevated even more due to our large desi-brigade of glitterati attendance. Year 2013 rolled out for the 66th chapter in full glory once again replete with flair and panache and disasters. 

Vidya Balan: The muse has gone too far!
Beginning close to home, do you guys think Vidya Balan's gone a little too far in attempts to be non-streamlined with convention? We wonder if it is on purpose -- where in her alternate reality, outstanding in a negative manner is great too. I know she's one of the most brilliant actors of modern-day Bollywood with super-talent galore... Yet, damn me for saying this, but her stints are kind of a national embarrassment. Out of the plethora of spectacular heritage inspired fashion unlike any other in the world at her disposal, she chooses these! And I am absolutely disappointed to know that Sabyasachi could even create such abominations. Sabya I believe is one label that is losing it's signature's charm. The media is deeming Vidya's ensembles 'matronly', 'horror' and what not. I would like to say something is delusional and seriously wrong. If it was the regal sethani vibe Balan-Mukherjee duo were going for with an added dash of fervent Bengali style, the quintessential muse sadly dies a tragic death (My colleague Priyanka says Chandrakanta).

In Sabyasachi, Opening Ceremony, May 15, 2013

In Sabyasachi and jewellery by Amrapali

Balan arrives at Hotel Martinez in Sabyasachi

In Sabyasachi, Sujana pearls, and Salvatore Ferragamo handbag at the premier of Un Chateau en Italie

In Sabyasachi at the Cannes Jury Photocall

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Splendour style
Coming on to Aishwarya, I remember back in the days when I had a very neutral opinion on her. I didn't notice much either way. Then came a day when I had the opportunity to meet her at a Longine's launch where I was representing our magazine -- all my non-chalance did a U-turn and how! Let me tell you this my dear readers, here is one woman who is surreal. She literally generates an aura of magical luminescence around her (and I am not exaggerating). The post-pregnancy weight... the ghastly Abu Jani/ Sandeep Khosla's... the teapot poses for the paparazzi of her former years -- all fly out the window. And from that day on, I am in extreme awe of Mrs Rai Bachchan, so much that who cares about red-carpet blunders when you are the most beautiful woman in the entire universe.

And blunder it was not for her this time at Cannes. The visions began with her looking ultra-stylish in an ensemble consisting of a crisp white shirt by Saint Laurent and a mermaid skirt by Zac Posen paired with an Armani belt as she cuddled baby Aaradhya.  Later, she embodied chic once again at the premiere of Inside Lewyn Davis in an Elie Saab noir gown. Radiance was her, as she sashayed down under camera glares working a wavy hairdo (alright, you must have realised by now that I am a fan girl here). Even a Sabyasachi gold and black number lent her a very resplendent charm which she wore on the evening gala celebrating 100 years of Indian cinema and the filming of Bombay Talkies. For photo-ops, she donned a black pant-suit with lace accents. The red lips were dazzling. And we are not quite complaining about the Jani/ Khosla floor-length anarkali she put on for the premiere of Blood Ties.

In Sabyasachi

In Zac Posen skirt, Saint Laurent shirt and Armani Belt

Elie Saab couture gown with beaded work

Black pant-suit for photo-ops

In Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla

Sonam Kapoor: Dash of freshness as usual

Quirky and breathless, Sonam is a universal red-carpet favourite. She once again enthralls in her outfits that span a wide variety of silhouettes and I love how each is such a surprise. From the black and white Shehla Khan lehenga paired with Chopard jewels to the voluminous Dolce & Gabanna number she wore to one of the premieres; Sonam did it all right so far. And even though critics panned her Anamika Khanna couture sari that she wore in The Great Gatsby screening, I beg to differ -- she looked flawless with the long jacket-styled encounter, and the nath (nose-ring) which I usually consider trashy looked fabulous on her.

In Shehla Khan with Chopard jewels for the Trophee Chopard party

In Anamika Khanna, Jimmy Choo shoes (not seen here) and Sunita K Jewels

In Dolce & Gabanna with Sunita K Jewels for the Jeune & Jolie premiere

And some more:
Sherlyn Chopra shocks with this sheer number for The Blind Detective screening. Attending this year for her film Kamasutra 3D, where's the fun and drama without such stints?

Some sheer black bodysuit-dress thingy with a bikini and neck jewels

I must say, Mallika Sherawat looked good in her Dolce & Gabanna although she should have donned an updo. Playing safe never fails, especially after her previous lehenga-choli fiasco.

Mallika Sherawat in Dolce & Gabanna

Frieda Pinto put on a lusty, risque slitted twenties-style gown for the Jeune & Jolie premiere. She paired it with Jimmy Choo Lance sandals. On day one, she had worn a romantic Gucci gown.

Day one in Gucci

Well that's all folks; I am too lazy to write about the men.
 

Equestrian Lovin'

"No hour of life is wasted that is spent in a saddle" - Winston Churchill

I’m married into a family whose love for the equestrian sports runs deep in their veins. My father in law is a champion rider and was majorly into tent pegging. At the age of 76, touch-wood he still rides a few times a week. My husband at some point in his life wanted to join the Indian army’s horse regiment (61^st cavalry) so he could play polo all day long, thankfully reality kicked in! Both his siblings are also great riders; in fact his sister recently acquired a horse that belonged to Sheikh Mohammed.

I've noticed, whenever my father in law goes riding, he is very particular about the way he dresses; his polo tees (virtually wrinkle free) tucked neatly into his well fitted breeches and his squeaky clean riding boots as opposed to my husband who dresses like a complete jhalla! I bought the pati an Hermes whip for his last birthday, it still lies unopened in the orange box it came in!

Anyways, so riding is a very regal sport and the emphasis on appropriately dressing is justified.  Be it tent pegging, show jumping, dressage, polo or any of the equestrian disciplines, one must always be well dressed before mounting a horse.

Of course for me whatever the sport, it all sums up to being stylish; be it the clothes or accessories! Check out some of the essentials I would “need” if I were ever to ride!

1.       La Martina Standard Helmet – I've noticed that riding gear is usually in neutral colours which can sometimes be slightly bland, which is why this yellow and red helmet is just perfect to add that splash of colour. Anyways waking up at 5 am to go to the club is such a pain; one does need something bright to start the day at such a ghastly hour! Click here to purchase.

2.       Joules Balmoral Gold Sash Polo – Okay so my eyes are exhausted from seeing Ralph Lauren polo tees all over Delhi and in my house (the husband has the tees and shirts in every possible colour you can imagine), so when I came across this Joules polo I was in love. The embroidered gold crest is just so regal. And the best part about riding gear is that it’s not limited to the sport. I can totally wear this during a day out and about. Click here to purchase.

3.       Holland Cooper Herringbone Jacket – Uh Oh, I can vision the supplementary credit card being maxed out and me having to hear the monthly lectures about my spending habits from the husband. Well, what am I supposed to do when I see such a beautifully cut jacket (you all know I’m obsessed with jackets right?) with an ostrich skin collar and fox suede trim?! So maybe I’m not going hunting like they do in Downton Abbey and the blazer isn't really required in my wardrobe, but I’m sorry, it’s just too gorgeous not to have. Click here to purchase.

4.       Hermès Cavale Saddle – If you’re participating in a show-jumping competition, naturally you need to invest in a fine saddle. The saddles at Hermès are made from the finest leather and can be customized to fit your horse. Check with the Oberoi boutique on 011-43607780 for availability of saddles and other equestrian products.

5.       Ariat Pro Circuit Low Rise Slim Breeches – I think breeches are really cool and I can totally wear them with a pair of boots and not even be a rider. However, if you have been looking for a pair that make your thighs look slim then these are perfect. Breeches can be slightly tricky due to their tight fit and how morbid to be seen in a pair that accentuates your thighs and not in a good way. Anyways, this brand is not available in India, however most Delhiites will be flocking to the US so you can order them accordingly. Click here to purchase.

6.       Hermès Saumur Riding Gloves – OMG aren't these lambskin gloves just beautiful?! Who better than Hermès to protect your hands from the reins? And trust all that lovely leather to give you a better grip when riding. The way I see it, you can so wear them on a cold winter night too for a better return on investment.

7.       Hermès Riding Crop – So this was the whip I gifted to the pati last year which has never been used even once! Anyways, if I ever start taking lessons, I’m definitely using it even if he doesn't want to.

8.       La Martina Pro Zip Polo Boots – Hmm, so I don’t know much about playing polo, however if you or your man are players, then these made to order La Martina boots are a great investment. Click here to purchase

Must Have Handbags!!

Carrie Bradhsaw once said, "I’m thinking balls are to men, what purses are to women. It’s just a little bag but we’d feel naked in public without it." I have to say, I totally agree with her. Sometimes I feel when I die, I want to be buried with my handbags. Okay I know that’s a bit far-fetched, but there’s something about a purse with that buttery soft leather (the smell of it too) and the delicious hardware, that just makes my heart beat faster.  Oh how I mentally calculate every penny I need to collect to buy a bag (currently I’m saving up for the Celine Trapeze or the Celine Phantom), and of course there are the strategic plans that are also in motion which involve convincing (more like whining everyday)my husband as to why I absolutely “NEED” the bag.

Men don’t understand that concept. I can’t keep explaining how I need a new tote because I've used my Celine shopper for a few months already and how I need a new clutch because five clutches really aren't enough. I’d sooner die than be seen wearing the same arm candy time and time again. Of course then I have to try and make him understand the whole “OMG this shape is so hot right now” or “OMG I so need that color blocked bag” or “I don’t have an embellished clutch! My old ones are so banal.” Okay fine, they weren’t banal when I “needed” them a year ago. Bite me. Anyways, whatever, the point is, I need it. And I DON’T have to justify it. So just hand me the credit card and I’ll be on my way.

Now I've noticed women in Delhi also love their purses. Usually, more than ready to wear, I see women buying bags and shoes. So I decided to compile a list of purses I currently “NEED” and trust me, so do you!

1.       Alexander McQueen knuckle duster clutch. I don’t think anyone can do bling better than Alexander McQueen. Just look at the gorgeous Swarovski studded apple and hummingbird clasp and the multi colored embroidery on the black satin! I rest my case. This is a must have for any glitzy night out. I suggest pairing with a minimalist outfit so that the clutch really stands out. Click here to purchase.

2.       Charlotte Olympia Marry Me Pandora clutch. I have been going absolutely crazy over Charlotte Olympia’s Perspex purses and her super fun designs. Isn't the engagement ring clasp just so adorable?! Oh and it comes with three removable fabric pouches, my favorite being the “just married” one. Click here to purchase

3.       Olympia Le Tan Jane Eyre book clutch. OLT’s signature book clutches are any season’s must have and have been the rage amongst celebs for a while now. So I’m not a literature loving girl, but hey, who needs to read the whole book if I've got an embroidered book clutch?! Click here to purchase

4.       Jason Wu Karlie clutch. This super pretty box clutch with pearl and crystal embellishments on black is a classic yet fun piece. Trust first lady, Michelle Obama’s favorite designer to always get it right! Click here to purchase

5.        Louis Vuitton Noefull MM. Ever since I saw their SS 13 video I was totally in love with this adorable floral printed canvas bag and it instantly wants to make me go on a holiday! Not to mention, floral prints are very hot this season. What I really like about this bag is that it’s roomy yet comfortable and stylish. Available at Louis Vuitton in DLF Emporio.

6.       Hermes Steeple bag. Okay this bag isn’t really new, but I just love the whimsical take on the brand’s equestrian roots. I was getting slightly bored of the usual grained leather Birkins and Kellys and the new briefcase and the bla bla bla. Please don’t hate me, I LOVE Hermes but sometimes you gotta give us something a little more fun and a little less auntyish. The last time I fell in love with an Hermes bag was when I saw the Evelyne and now its this bag. The Steeple is so cute with top handles that resemble their riding whips (goat skin and wood) and the printed horsey on it. Currently sold out at the Hermes Oberoi boutique however you can contact them for more information on availability on 011 43607780.

7.       Dolce & Gabbana Sicily bag. No bag page is ever complete without a timeless classic and that’s exactly what this top handle tote is. The textured leather and the gold hardware paired with its classic silhouette make sure that this bag isn't going to fade with passing trends. No bag wardrobe is complete without a collection of classics. Speak to Manasvani at Kitsch in DLF Emporio for more details (011 46098212).

8.       Lanvin Arpege clutch. Remember one thing, I love EVERYTHING Lanvin! Anyways, this perfume bottle shaped Arpege clutch is a tribute to the perfume bearing the same name created in 1927 and is this season’s rage. Slightly on the more expensive side, but trust me it’s worth every penny. Click here to purchase

9.       Sophie Hulme leather tote. Hello! Have you seen this delicious orange colored leather that is soft enough for you to fold this into an over-sized clutch and the contrasting gold hardware?! Need I say more? I NEED it! Click here to purchase.

10.      Proenza Schouler Journal Two-Tone Shiny Leather bag. Okay this bag is just fabulous. Firstly the shiny black and white (also available in red and black) and secondly the funky metal hardware. I can’t seem to figure out exactly what the metal stuff is but I know it looks really cool. Click here to purchase

11.     Celine Edge bag. At a glance you might think what a dull and boring looking bag. But if you look closer you’ll see that the zipper is actually not on the top of the bag but about a few inches below from the top! That is just really EDGY! I love how Phoebe Philo creates bags that achieve the IT bag status in no time. Sadly it’s not available in Delhi yet, but most of you travel during the summer so you can inquire about it on your fabulous summer vaca!

Hot Indian Summer weddings, and some pocket-friendly desi online shopping

I am sure all of you would agree with me when I say Summer Indian weddings are terrible! On top of heavy stifling ethnic wear, the air-conditioning almost always seems to fail in huge gatherings, your makeup melts off your face, your hair goes frizz/ limp crazy and Lord save you if it is outdoors whether day and night. And that brilliant and polished look that we associate while playing dress-up -- for both men and women -- goes for a toss. I personally just attended one last week of a close friend's sister, and as soon as I entered the main arena, I got hit by a mist fan so bad that the hours of hardwork my stylist put together in doing my hair and face were history... and instantly!

Save for small blessings though, the least you can do is have it easy outfit-wise. I have put together these two looks, contemporary and ethnic since it is indeed wedding season in full swing:

Contemporary

Black and white no doubt! The hottest trend of SS13 that brings the war of opposites to a delightful glory is versatile, no-fuss and breezy! This pyramid print satin vest paired with this flowy pair of silk-chiffon palazzos, both by Ankur and Priyanka Modi can easily switch from bruncheon-chic to glam moments on the night floor with superb flare. I love the label's minimalistic approach towards fabulous cuts -- and would definitely recommend you to check out their entire BW collection. A python print clutch with snake-shaped hardware (shop here) by Bansri, These stunning uncut diamond and pearl drop earrings by Bharanys Jewellery, this antique silver tribal-inspired cuff by Amrapali, and a sky-high pair of Charles & Keith heels that you can buy here completes the look. I have kept the look entirely monotone; some way want to add a loud pop colour.

Ethnic

I know you might groan that Masaba Gupta and prints go hand-in-hand but how about working one her plains -- this lusciously candy pink sari that you can pick here. This is teamed with this brocade blouse by 9rasa, super-chunky clutch by Gayatri Chopra available here, earrings with rose motifs from Valliyan by Nitya from here, and a pair of rock-studded surprise twist by Steve Madden that can be bought here. Put on a slim mixed-metal watch such as this DKNY, and nothing more.

As the 'Best Editor in the World' (mine) likes to say, Lets have some rounak shounak!

Punk: Chaos to Couture

If any of you happen to be in New York between 9th May - 14th August, you will be lucky enough to catch the highly anticipated Spring 2013 exhibition, PUNK: Chaos to Couture organized by The Costume Institute of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The exhibit examines the impact of the punk movement on couture from its origins in the 70’s to present day. For years now, there has been a strange relationship between punk clothing and high fashion. Both couture and punk exhibit individuality in their own ways which is the common denominator in this eccentric affiliation. Designers have often drawn inspiration from the punk culture. We have seen the spikes on Burberry jackets, Stephen Sprouse’s graffiti for Louis Vuitton and how can we forget, the Versace safety pin dress. 

Elizabeth Hurley in the Versace safety pin dress

Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton

Punk dressing was characterized by ripped clothing held together with safety pins or normal clothes that would have shock value through the use of the whole DIY concept (spray painting t-shirts, etc.) or even with political propaganda printed on it. Razor blades, spikes,chains, tattoos, tartan trousers, lots of vinyl and leather and Dr Marten boots were all a major part of the punk philosophy. What fascinates me is how this almost anti fashion culture ended up on the runways and became one of the most popular trends.

Zandra Rhodes was one of the first designers to bring punk style into limelight. Her 1977 “Conceptual Chic” collection featured shredded dresses, skirts and shirts held together by safety pins and chains. Vivienne Westwood is another to have been deeply influenced by the punk movement. Her initial designs were inspired by bikers, S&M and even prostitutes.

A Zandra Rhodes Dress

For this MET Costume Institute exhibit, think safety pins, razor blades and spikes! Of course Zandra Rhodes and Vivian Westwood’s clothes play a significant role here. Some of the other designers include Rei Kawakubo, Gianni Versace, Riccardo Tisci, Martin Margiela, Dior, John Galliano, and Nicholas Ghesquiere amongst others.

Punk: Chaos to Couture at the MET Costume Institute

Punk: Chaos to Couture at the MET Costume Institute

100 designs for men and women ranging from original punk garments to modern day haute couture and ready to wear will be on display showing the influence of punk on fashion. One of the seven galleries will be a tribute to the notoriously famous CBGB club (a club dedicated to punk music). The next two galleries were inspired by Vivienne Westwood and her husband’s boutique in London.

Punk: Chaos to Couture at the MET Costume Institute

Punk: Chaos to Couture at the MET Costume Institute

The last four galleries (D.I.Y Hardware, D.I.Y Bricolage, D.I.Y Graffiti & Agitprop, D.I.Y Destroy)will feature the use of studs, spikes, chains in couture, the use of random objects in high fashion, the use of graffiti, agitation and propaganda as popularized by the punk rock band, The Clash and finally analyzing the concept of shredded clothes. The exhibit will also include various forms of multimedia to heighten the experience.

A Moschino dress made out of plastic shopping bags at the exhibit

The use of DIY hardware in fashion

Some, who previewed the show, were not impressed and felt it was too sanitized and lacked the negative aspects of punk, whilst some loved it. I’m just sad I can’t be there to see it!

Who wore what to the MET Gala

The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art hosted its annual gala to celebrate the opening of their PUNK: Chaos to Couture exhibit. This annual MET gala is pretty much the Oscar equivalent for the fashion industry and is one of the most important society events of the year. Rumour has it Kim Kardarshian sucked up to Anna Wintour for an invite (I cannot stand Kim and thought she was the worst dressed at the event).  Anyways, my favorite part of this event is to see who is wearing what keeping in mind the theme. And this year’s theme was PUNK!

Some came dressed to the part and some didn't really make that extra effort and then there those who were simply pathetically dressed. Let’s talk about the dresses that caught my eye.

Sarah Jessica Parker, Sienna Miller, Christina Ricci, Jennifer Lopez, Vivienne Westwood

Some of the major head turners included Sarah Jessica Parker in her Giles Deacon gown with tartan boots and her Mohawk esque Philip Treacy hat (LOVE times 3!), Anne Hathaway in Valentino with her super funky hair do and Miley Cyrus in Marc Jacobs (apparently the spikey hair took nearly five hours to complete).  Socialite Julie Macklowe looked super cool in her Zang Toi gown! I totally loved her fiery pink hair, the studded choker and clutch.

Blake Lively and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley looked stunning in their Gucci gowns whilst I didn't care much for Jessica Biel’s Giambattista Valli outfit (mind you, I’m a huge Giambattista fan but this one just didn't do it for me). I have mixed opinions about Diane Kruger’s Chanel Haute Couture dress too.

Blake Lively, Cameron Diaz, Anna Wintour, Amanda Seyfried

Nicole Richie and Jaime King went high street punk for the event by getting custom made outfits from Topshop. I think Nicole’s silver hair and spikey earrings were a total HIT!  Cara Delevingne and Sienna Miller did justice to the punk hardware in Burberry so did Cameron Diaz in Stella McCartney (the deadly belt with spikes was AWSOME). Supermodel Gisele Bundchen looked super chic in her chain linked Anthony Vaccarello mini dress and Constance Jablonski’s Wes Gordon dress with metal tissue and a harness was as punk as it can get!

Although I think Madonna rocked the punk look better than anyone else. Trust the Queen of Pop to show up sans pants in a Givenchy Haute Couture ensemble featuring a studded tartan jacket, a metal choker, fish nets and LOTS of chains paired with hot pink Casadei heels. Christina Ricci also for that matter stayed true to the theme in her tartan Vivenne Westwood gown paired with Casadei heels (okay I need to get a pair of those!). Speaking of Vivienne Westwood, she certainly raised some eyebrows with a badge that had a picture of Bradley Manning and the word Truth written on it.

Minka Kelly, Nicole Richie, Anne Hathaway, Madonna, Miley Cyrus, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Okay I know people are going to hate me for saying this, but I’m sorry Beyonce’s head to toe Givenchy Haute Couture ensemble was too much baroque in my face. How is baroque even close to punk? I understand that the whole monochrome look is very “IN” but really, the same fiery or baroque print on the gloves and the boots was a little too much! And putting on a studded belt just seemed so random and haphazard.

Beyonce, Gisele Bundchen, Jaime King, Diane Kruger, Constance Jablonksi

While I loved Jennifer Lopez’s hair do, I didn’t think her leopard print Micheal Kors gown was really punk style. I mean yes, it was a gorgeous dress, but a little far away from the theme in my opinion (there were lots more like that). Same goes for Katy Perry in FW 2013/14 Dolce & Gabbana. The duo’s fall collection was based on biblical mosaic so I’m not sure how that falls into the night’s theme (still loved the dress though). Funnily, Anna Wintour’s Chanel Haute Couture dress was also more couture than punk and ditto for Amanda Seyfried in vintage Givenchy couture. Minka Kelly for that matter also didn't meet the punk mark in her FW 13 Carolina Herrera gown and neither did Kate Botsworth in her Balmain. Make no mistake, I love each and every one of the dresses I have just mentioned, but I just felt that they were more Oscars than punk.

Cara Delevingne, Julie Macklowe, Kate Botsworth, Katy Perry, Jessica Biel