India Bridal Fashion Week 2013: Day Three

I am an avid fan of the 'Peacocks'! Falguni and Shane's super eclectic touch to everything they create without ever going the weird route, and extreme femininity appeals to me to no ends. And just like their ensembles donned by international stars on red-carpets, their bridal wear also stands out. The versatility just about begins summing up the beauty of it all -- the quick switch from funky, feathered, geometric and futuristic numbers to a refined and traditional focus -- what flair does it show! A lot might not agree with me though, as I have heard it from quite some fashion writers about how they are over-hyped and OTT -- yet if I were to dress myself in bling OTT for 24 hours, my stop would be Falguni and Shane.

Day three began with the duo's show titled Garden of Eden. Florals, being one of the greatest trends on global runways these last few seasons found perfect homage in their creations that floored all with dainty fabric texture treatments. A palette ranging from deepest wines to rose gold and beige to a liberal dose of reds allowed the minimalistic silhouettes to do their work greatly. Neha Dhupia, played showstopper to the hilt -- and do I trace a beautiful goth influence in her gown? -- I did not go through the press release on this collection; I wanted to do a review completely on my own.

Falguni and Shane Peacock with showstopper Neha Dhupia at the India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

A lot of designers including Jyotsana Tiwari and Shantanu-Nikhil had peplum influences, and so did the Peacocks combining the contemporary element within an ethnic silhouette.

Creations by Falguni and Shane Peacock at the India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

Feathers and Swarovski crystals being signature trademarks of the house were seen in abundance on gowns, teamed signature shrugs, and on sari pallus. Fabric textures ranged from intricate laser-cuts to sheers, gota and silks.

Feather details, Falguni and Shane Peacock, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

Day three's next presentation was by Raghavendra Rathore who has totally worked the neo-minimalistic approach to Indian bridal wear in silhouettes that screamed delight to me me. A super comeback after almost four years, Rathore presented an array of styles -- anti-fit, draping with structure, dainty shrugs, and absolutely tasteful embellishments -- within a decor setup that accentuated his traditional Rajasthani roots.

Raghavendra Rathore, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

I loved the use of silk, and how he left this classic fabric to it's own devices of creating a magnificent impact. The pairing of jackets with gowns also seems like a trend that is here to stay - so cosy for those chilly Indian winter weddings in Delhi.

Details, Raghavendra Rathore, Indian Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

The very dapper Anil Kapoor walked the ramp for the designer looking casual-dashing in a black and white kurta-churidar ensemble with a signature-style vest.

Raghavendra Rathore and Anil Kapoor, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

India Bridal Fashion Week 2013: Day Two

Meera and Muzaffar Ali played host to the first show on the second day of the bi-annual event. Themed Pearl of Orient, I totally loved how the ensembles brought about an air of understated elegance. Noir-golds, shades of off-white, and even pistachio against reds formed the palette of the Kotwara collection that was enveloped with beautiful influences of the crafts of Awadh.

Kotwara by Meera Muzaffar Ali, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013

Rina Dhaka's collection presented some very loud colours (I loved it!) brought to life by majestic phulkari work within styles that were titled Free Spirited Bride. Loads of jharokha embroidery and a fine play on textures. I especially loved the unusual patterns on the silhouettes; a very refreshing change. The real cherry on top to me was how light the clothes seemed despite being a bridal collection. It's so hard to wear such heavy clothes and having to mingle with people during your wedding days. Nothing tires a bride out than a 10 kg lehenga! I think Rina Dhaka is going to be the go to designer for the up coming wedding season for brides who really want to enjoy their wedding minus all the drama of super heavy clothes. Showstopper Sophie Choudry looked absolutely lovely in a colorful sharara paired with a strapless blouse with mirror work on it. The dupatta looked so chic yet light at the same time (a heavy dupatta can really give someone a headache). All in all, a fantastic and refreshing bridal collection.

Rina Dhaka, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013

Jyotsna Tiwari's collection on the other hand, I wouldn't say that I am head over heels in love with. I am not an Indo-Western fusion outfit fan so the dresses didn't strike me much. Of course I'm sure the embroidery on it was intricate and all that, but I think Indian designers have a long way to go before they perfect the art of dressmaking (and i mean dresses). Moving on to the Indian wear, the waist length choli with peplums was not particularly great and neither was the kaftan paired over the lehenga. The whole collection just seemed like the designer was trying too hard to look "different". The karigari on the clothes was very nice and is completely wasted on the silhouettes. In fact, Jacqueline Fernandez's outfit seems to be somewhat copied from Raf Simons debut couture collection for Christian Dior where ballgowns were paired with cigarette pants.

Jyotsna Tiwari, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013

India Bridal Fashion Week 2013: Day One

A dual-city annual grand soiree (Delhi and Mumbai), the July chapter just wrapped up in the capital city with a five-day spectacular showcase of what India does best -- ethnic couture @ The Grand, Vasant Kunj. With dewy-eyed plans of organising my own wedding hopefully sometime soon, I am ever fascinated by the level of fantasy, hours of hand-labour, and an abundance of daintiness Indian couture garments incorporate. Irrespective of whether any of it adheres to your personal sense of style or not, one cannot help but be mesmerised by the grandeur of it all, and the visual-sensory impact these ensembles invoke.

 Day one of the show had master craftsman JJ Valaya kicking off the event, within opulent sets designed by installation artist Sumant Jayakrishnan. The set brought to life indeed, what one might presume the aura of a royal court shall seem like, and the collection aptly titled The Maharaja of Madrid played muse to crafted cupolas, stunning arches, and even boats! Kabir Bedi and the very beautiful Kangana Ranaut walked the ramped as show-stoppers.

JJ Valaya, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013

Valaya with showstoppers Kabir Bedi and Kangana Ranaut

Asymmetric hemlines, an overload of chenille, stand-out 'bootas' and a leaning towards Pakistani silhouettes describe the ensembles, yet I am still wondering a little about the Spanish influences in the collection besides the obvious art-forms.

Day one's second serving was by duo Shantanu and Nikhil, presenting their flair for laces, luxe and everything lavish in the form of beautiful gowns, in a collection titled To Die For. Evident was the incorporation of heavy Baroque influences within styles that define the new-age contemporary bride. Loads of drapes, focused embellishments, and layering could be seen at play enthusing romantic vibes that capture feminine essence.

Shantanu & Nikhil, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013

Sabyasachi - Delhi Couture Week

Me in a pink and green Sabyasachi

A few days ago a friend of mine happened to have passes to the Sabyasachi show at Delhi couture week and was kind enough to take me along with him. I don’t often get invites to see the shows, so when I do, I of course jump at the opportunity. And this was Sabyasachi one of my favourite Indian designers so I bailed on the initial dinner plans I had with my friends. I wore one of his lovely creations for my engagement, and my sister wore one of his couture outfits for my wedding and my mom and I are perpetually on the hunt for another Sabyasachi.

My sister in a maroon and gold Sabyasachi Couture

As expected, the venue was filled with the usual Delhi socialites and their respective husbands, some wannabes, some fabulously dressed people and of course the very cool Bandana Tewari. There were a lot of people actually dressed in his outfits which I think is always fantastic to see. I especially saw a lot of women wearing his headbands, and I think I should buy one too simply because they’re just adorable; black with gold embroidery on them.

The buzz before the show was about the set which apparently had some crazy number of plants, so I couldn’t wait to get in and check it out. Once inside, the set was truly adorable. It was a very rustic setting, with plants all along the runway, and a little corner with some props, my favourite being an ancient piano.

Then the music started; Bibo No Aozora followed by Exit Music For a Film and at some point a track by The Cinematic Orchestra (track name is Arrival Of The Birds And Transformation in case anyone in interested)  and it was almost as if I was sitting at a Royal court somewhere in Europe; i.e. it was beautiful. Along came the models and my eyes were glued; everything else around me was non-existent.

I was expecting something completely different from the collection, you know the signature Sabyasachi; the greens, reds, etc. Not this time around. This time it was a collection fit for royalty in every possible way. I had never seen so much gold in his collections ever, but he did with so much class. None of the gold looked over the top or blingy, it just looked so elegant. I loved the color palette of beige, blush and light blue. I can’t delve into detail about the craftsmanship as I don’t have much information on it, but I can say one thing, none of it looked easy. A little birdie told me the collection was a result of hours and hours of intricate work by master craftsmen on every garment which is evident once you see the clothes. One of my favourite looks was a blush/coral embellished kurta paired with a simple checked churidar and another favourute was a pale colored lehenga with blue floral embroidery on it. The saris and lehengas were on another level and I wish I could get a closer look to inspect the work and report back to you guys!

I see a lot of shows online to stay in touch with what’s happening around me in the industry, and whilst a lot of them are good, once in a while you end up seeing a collection where your jaw drops and after the collection you just want to jump up and clap. In my opinion this was one of those collections. 

Must Have Handbags

It’s been a while since I’ve documented a post on “must have handbags” and I have now decided to make this a monthly post if not every fortnight. Us girls are always on the lookout for the perfect purse, despite numerous “perfect” purses taking up most of the closet space. IT bags, seasonal bags, clutches, funky bags, exotic skin bags; they’re all there in our closets, yet the search for bags continues. At least for me it’s on a daily basis. Here are some of the clutches and bags that are currently on my mind.

1. Balmain Embroidered Silk Clutch - I'm usually not a big fan of the bling, but somehow this one caught my eye and my heart. I love the intricate embroidery and the leather lining is an added bonus. This clutch is perfect for upcoming wedding season come Fall. Click here to purchase.

2. Kotur Mr Miaudiere Clutch - Off late, I have seen myself getting more and more attracted to playful clutches, especially this one. The whimsical surrealist style mustache really makes this baby a head turner oh and it also comes with an optional chain strap. Click here to purchase.

3. Charlotte Olympia Royal Pandora Clutch - What better way to celebrate the new prince's birth than with this fairy tale inspired Pandora clutch! It comes with three satin pouches; a mushroom like print, an enchanted forest and another forest like print with our favorite fairy tale animals on it. I love how every season she comes up with more fun arm candy to give to us. Click here to purchase.

4. Alexander McQueen Embroidered Silk Knuckle Box Clutch - I can never have a bag post without including an over the top McQueen knuckle clutch. This applique work is just exquisite and the angels on the clasp reminds me of Florentine Renaissance art (my favorite!). All in all, a real beauty and again, just perfect for the shaadi season. Click here to purchase. Or you can check Kitsch in DLF Emporio.

5. Valentino Rockstud Nappa Leather Clutch - The Valentino Rockstud series have been the rage for the last few seasons and continues to do so. Simple yet edgy with a cool detachable wrist strap, this clutch is a must have. Click here to purchase.

6. Urania Gazelli Queen of Hearts Clutch - Ladies, please meet the hottest new clutch designer on the block, Urania Giourmetaki. Her plexiglass clutches are made in her homeland of Greece using the finest materials and craftsmen. The Queen of Hearts clutch is really perfect for for the Diwali season which isn't too far away. How cool to show up at a cards party with this fabulous clutch. Sadly it's not available online right now, however keep checking online for availability and of course, if you do manage to find out where it can be purchased please let me know too! 

7. Oscar De La Renta Embellished Satin Clutch - The color on this clutch is just so delicious and the embellished clasp is so pretty and feminine. Perfect for a lovely garden party during the day, or a cocktail at night, this piece is a classic and will be in style for years to come. Click here to purchase.

8. Saint Laurent Paris Cassandre Tassel Leather Clutch - Currently I am going through a serious YSL obsession. I've got a Belle De Jour wallet, a Cabas Chyc Tote and a Chyc clutch, yet I cant stop but be in awe of this clutch. The YSL logo and the tassels are just so chic and the classic silhouette means it can be used season after season. Click here to purchase. Or you can check Kitsch in DLF Emporio

1. Chloe Baylee Tote - I've been wanting to buy a Chloe bag for a while but thought that there were already too many Marcie and Paratay bags all around. Enter the Baylee tote! I love the color blocked leather (the back of the bag is black), the slouchy structure and especially the gold hardware. The chain detailing on the zip can also be used a bracelet (double bonus!) and the optional shoulder strap is perfect for those days when you just cant be bothered to carry the bag on the nook of your arm. Ah, the perfect day bag. Click here to purchase.

2. Marni Vinyl and Leather Shopper - Every monsoon season in Delhi I live in the fear that my precious handbags might get rained on and pretty much stop using them which is not the ideal scenario for me. Therefore, just a few weeks ago I went on and ordered a Lanvin nylon shopper so that I need not worry about ruining the leather on my bags anymore. This Marni shopper is just brilliant for the current monsoons. The vinyl wont get all messed up yet you have a stylish black and white shopper to go out with too (the black and white trend is continuing into the fall ). Sometimes I'm amazed at how brilliant I am. Click here to purchase.

3. Nina Ricci Marche Suede Paneled Leather Tote - I've never been a fan of Nina Ricci bags, but that's not the case this time. I'm really digging this paneled leather tote especially the non fussy and simple structure of the bag. The texture seems buttery soft and the contrasting chocolate brown suede is yummy. It comes with a detachable pouch and the bag is adjustable from the sides too. Click here to purchase.

4. Roger Vivier Medium Prismick Suede Shoulder Bag - If there was one way I could describe love at first sight, this bag would be it. Vivier's Prismick bags have been spotted on numerous celebrities since the collection was launched and are extremely coveted. The bag has the potential of becoming a real icon. Click here to purchase.

5. Victoria Beckham Liberty Shopper - By now you all must have known my love for Victoria Beckham as a designer. Her clothes are just fabulous and you know what, so are her bags! The Liberty shopper is definitely on my list of bags to buy. I love it's minimalistic silhouette and that it's virtually logo free. Click here to purchase. Or you can check Kitsch in DLF Emporio, 

6. Sophie Hulme Envelope Mini Floral Print Leather Shoulder Bag - I've been eyeing this British designer's bags for a few months now and I must say, her bags are really impressive. This floral printed bag is great for the day and even at night (once you remove the shoulder strap, the bag is now a clutch!). Couldn't ask for more. Click here to purchase.

The Rodnik Band - Fashion... with a dash of insanity!

When it comes to outlandish and edgy designs, I have to say, British designers really do have a knack for it. Maleeka and I are always looking for some funky designers to feature on our blog and this time I’ve been eyeing Philip Colbert of The Rodnik Band (Giles Deacon is next on my list!).

Described as “the godson of Andy Warhol” by Andre Leon Talley, Philip’s art, music and fashion inspired designs have led to some super quirky and fun creations. One of my favourites from the brand was an Andy Warhol artwork inspired dress; it really gave a fun new meaning to his Campbell’s tomato soup painting! I also love the fact that the designer doesn’t compromise on fabric (who wants to wear polyester!).

Of course any avant-garde creation is incomplete without a hint of insanity. A dress that looks like a urinal or even a banana; that’s eccentric on another level!

The urinal dress!

If any of you want to purchase the brand's clothes, check out the cartoon inspired FW 13 collection; bombs that are about to explode and skeletons on dresses carved out of cotton, silk and jersey. The accessories are really cool too and the hats looked adorable with sequences on them (the bomb on the hats being the real focal point). www.asos.com stocks The Rodnik Band, however with limited stock. You can keep checking the website to see what's available.

FW 2013

FW 2013

FW 2013

How cool would it be to attend the Wills Fashion Week in Delhi wearing one of these creations? That person is definitely getting photographed non-stop!

The Little Black Book Of Vintage

I just realised that in all my posts, I haven’t written a single piece about vintage products. I am a big vintage fan and am constantly on the prowl to find unique purses, jackets or jewellery that one doesn’t get to see often. I don’t necessarily hunt for designer goodies; just anything that exudes character and individuality. One of my favourite sites for affordable vintage is www.vintagevixen.com, they have a lovely collection of charming purses and jewellery (they’ve got clothes and shoes too, but I don’t usually buy vintage clothes unless they’re either fur jackets or designer blazers). Oh and they deliver internationally too.

What attracts me most to vintage bags is how each era has a different shape which is very unique and it’s very rare to spot someone with the exact same bag. Even embroidery and hardware differ from decade to decade making the accessory really stand out. Personally, I stick to purchasing clutches as most of them can be pulled off with ease without looking out of style. 

If you’re looking to invest in vintage designer bags, I must warn you not to buy from the first website you come across. A plethora of websites claim to sell pre-owned designer goods, especially Chanel purses which more often than not are counterfeit. One of the key things I keep a lookout for is if that site has had any press coverage; if so, then you know the website is credible. Vintage designer bags come cheaper than most of the purses you buy straight from the boutiques, but once again, try and stick to classic silhouettes.

Say for example you find a Gucci bag from the 60’s for about 250 dollars, please inspect the shape of the bag as you don’t want to end up with a Gucci bag that looks outdated which will be of no use to you. Another instance would be if you happen to get a great price for a vintage Louis Vuitton Speedy bag, compare that price to the current market rate and if it’s a good bargain, from a trusted source then go ahead and buy it as the Speedy is a classic.

Now, if you’re looking for a pre-owned Chanel bag, most of them, especially the 2.55 sell out as soon as they are listed on the website (YES, everybody wants a Chanel!), however, there are some currently available on www.thevintagecontessa.com so you can check them out. This e-commerce vintage site has a fantastic collection of Chanel purses, Chanel jewellery and an exquisite range of Hermes bags including numerous Birkins.

An Hermes Birkin currently listed on www.thevintagecontessa.com

A Chanel Quilted Flap Bag currently listed on www.thevintagecontessa.com

On another note, I do suggest you view this informational video posted by http://www.vintageheirloom.com on how to identify a fake Chanel 2.55.

When it comes to exotic skin and fur jackets, and the hefty price tags don’t suit you, then once again, non-branded vintage or pre-loved is the way to go. Designer items will come pricier than others of course, but it’s still cheaper than current prices. Vintagevixen.com sometimes has non branded exotics for a price that will leave anyone drooling (snakeskin clutch from the 60’s for 18 dollars!). Check out www.etsy.com as they sometimes have listings for some pre-owned fur stoles and jackets. Just type in fur in their search engine and the list will pop up. You can also register on www.vaunte.com to shop for some fabulous recycled luxury goods from various people’s closets.

A 1930's fur coat on vintagevixen.com

A 1950's lizard skin bag on vintagevixen.com

A vintage mink stole listed on etsy.com

A Red Valentino fur jacket on vaunte.com

Also, keep a lookout on www.archivevintage.com for some great designer exotic skin bags for a reasonable price. At the moment they don’t seem to have much stock, but they keep adding new stock so the trick is to keep checking. Currently, they have a few gorgeous vintage blazers online, so if you are keen on purchasing one, I suggest you order soon as they get snapped up fast.

An Ungaro jacket on archivevintage.com

A stunning Yves Saint Laurent jacket on archivevintage.com

The same rules above apply to jewellery and/or clothes. So to summarize the tips; shape, era, functionality, authenticity of the website and price are all factors to consider before purchasing vintage goodies, designer or non-designer.

Vintage Chanel earrings on thevintagecontessa.com