Coffee Table Book Addiction - Dior Glamour By Mark Shaw

As I was sitting on my chaise lounge enjoying a lovely Delhi evening a few days ago, oohing and aahing over images from my Valentino coffee table book by Rizzoli Publications, I get an email from Dior pr informing me about their new coffee table book launch. Of course, being an avid fashion coffee table book collector I was immediately intrigued and had to know more.

Some of my fashion coffee table books

The book, Dior Glamour by Mark Shaw is not just A book, its a fairy tale. Featuring rare images by legendary photographer Mark Shaw, that have never been seen before as they were only recently discovered inside a secret vault in his estate, this book is a a masterpiece. Shaw was famous not only for photographing the Kennedy family album, but he also changed the face of fashion photography and was the first to photograph the Paris fashion scene in color.

As I go through some of the images from the book online, I am left awestruck and taken to somewhat of a fantasy land. Mark was given exclusive access into the couture house where he captured rare behind the scenes photographs during fittings and runway shows inside Dior's Grand Salon which are presented in the book. The volume also contains over 200 images featuring actresses, socialites and models in iconic Dior ballgowns, day suits and haute couture collections.

A Mark Shaw photograph from the book

If you want to see Monsieur Dior's "New Look" up close and personal, the stunning clothes from the most iconic Vivante (1953), H (1954) and Silhouette De Demain (1960) lines, it's all there in a book that gives a new meaning to the word beautiful. Releasing on the 29th October, I am definitely getting myself a copy and anyone who loves fashion history and photography should too.

A Mark Shaw photograph from the book

WIFW SS 14: Anupama Dayal and Masaba Gupta - Shows we love!

The much-awaited event kicked off this month in Delhi with shows by Anupama Dayal and Masaba Gupta on day one. Anupama's ensembles were a repertoire of dreamy colours that revisited the ever evolving floral-print trend. Oversized blooms and fancy creepers were seen in fun summery cuts in a palette ranging from hot pinks to oranges, to lime and ochre. Silhouettes had a very 'resortish' feel.

Masaba Gupta too played her signature funky print forte to the hilt. Alia Bhatt walked the ramp for the designer -- in a pink and black dress -- with an interesting floral detail on the striped sleeves. The designer kept the palette of the collection within light pastels interspersed with bold black motifs. Sarong-like shift dresses, saris over loose fitted pants, midriff peeks, and sheer accents played a large role in the ensembles.

 

 

Anupama's picture credits: BCCL 2013

Diwali Essentials

With Diwali just around the corner and all those card party invitations you've got piled up, a closet full of clothes and shoes that have already been "seen", suffice to say you're running around like a headless chicken. Oh wait, now I'm not sure if I'm talking about myself with reference to my BFF's wedding and my clothes drama surrounding it! Nonetheless, we all know the month before Diwali there's just one night out after another and EVERYONE here in Delhi loves nothing more than to show off their clothes and accessories.

Here's what't trending, AKA my never ending wishlist!

I've often noticed that during Diwali parties, the color palette stays true to fall colors; black, crimson, oxblood and so on. Funnily for me, irrespective of the season, I have a penchant for corals, oranges and pink, hence no surprises there that three of the outfits that struck my eye belong to this color family! Besides, I always feel the lack of bright colors in diwali parties so I thought why not change things around a little bit this year.

1. Manish Malhotra Peach And Pink Kurta Set - Okay so this "technically" doesn't fall into the Diwali essentials category since its only available 4-6 weeks after ordering but somehow I just had to show it to you guys. I love love love love this suit. The border is so pretty, the color is so bright and happy and the sheer patches in between are sexy. Oh and it comes with a bright green dupatta. Isn't it just the perfect outfit to cheer you up on a foggy winter night in Delhi? Click here to purchase.

2. Ridhi Mehra Orange Dori Work Kurta Set - This is such a classy suit and will definitely stand out amongst all the salma sitara type suits people end up wearing to card parties. Sorry ladies, I'm just not much a of "in your face diamante" suit type person. The simple gold collar and cuffs paired with the flowy chiffon makes this a really elegant outfit. Click here to purchase.

3. Varun Bahl Red And Gold Chantilly Lace Sari - Man, I'm such a sucker for Varun's designs, especially his sequinned stuff. I love this sari's sequinned border and I totally adore how this is brighter shade of red as opposed to the ones leading towards maroon. Click here to purchase.

4. Anamika Khanna Indigo Crushed Silk Kurta Set - As you all may have seen by now, I am a "less is more" kind of person. And while I may be cursed at for wearing such a simple outfit to a diwali party, I personally thought this was my most favorite outfit on Pernia's Pop Up Shop. The simplicity means I can pair it up with some super funky accessories and the dark blue colors are perfectly in tune with the winter. Never mind the once overs that women will give you, trust me, if paired with the right accessories, you will turn heads. This outfit is just fabulous. Click here to purchase.

5. Masaba Coral Pink And Off White Fan Print Sari - I really really wish people started experimenting more here in Delhi. I get so annoyed with people wearing the same old boring stuff to parties. I mean if you're out almost every night to some fancy do, wouldn't it be more fun when you walk in wearing a bright coral sari with a whimsical fan print on it. Masaba Gupta is really changing the face of the traditional sari and I worship her for it. Click here to purchase.

Finally, if none of these suit you, I suggest try something slightly outlandish like pairing a gorgeous Nehru jacket with dhotis. I wore this combo to my BFF's cocktail and no jokes, I had like random people come up and complement me on the outfit. I was totally gushing. I also accessorized it by stacking bracelets from high street brands.  Here's me dabbling with androgynous clothing!

With the husband who is also wearing a Nehru Jacket!

Nehru Jacket: JJ Valaya
Dhoti: Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla
Clutch: Alexander Wang Pelican Clutch
Shoes: Micheal Kors

Moving on to the shoes, now some things I believe should be according to tradition like metallic footwear for Indian festivities. But we surely can have fun with the designs can't we?

1. Aquazzura Cannes Chain Trimmed Mirrored Leather Sandals - Before I say anything, I just have to say that I am absolutely crazy over Edgardio Osorio's (the genius behind the label) designs. The brand has taken over the shoe world with a storm and has been seen on countless celebrities. This pair is a classic design but with a cool snake chain winding along the straps giving it a modern twist. Oh and there's a golden pineapple at the bottom of every pair to pay homage to his birthplace, Colombia.  Click here to purchase.

2. Charlotte Olympia Take 110 Metallic Leather Sandals - So if you end up wearing a suit paired with ankle length pants to a party, what better than to pair it with these silver colored sandals resembling a classic film roll. It's just such a cool pair, and not to mention eye catching. It would be refreshing if people started experimenting with footwear here just a tad bit, it's so fun. God I just love Charlotte Olympia designs. Click here to purchase.

3. Musa Embellished Leather Sandals - Man, my feet are so sore from wearing heels all day and night as my BFF gets married and sadly the one thing I lack in my shoe closet are embellished flat sandals. Which is why I spotted these online and figured there are many who feel my suffering. This pair in gold leather and multicolored crystals  is the answer to all those aching feet out there who still yearn to be fabulous on a night out. Click here to purchase.

4. Valentino Studded Leather Sandals - So imagine you bought the blue Anamika Khanna suit I featured above, and now imagine these stunning sandals from Valentino's super coveted rockstud series. I can just close my eyes and see how amazing it looks! Besides, these rockstuds are a must have just generally also. I am in the process of saving up. Click here to purchase.

5. Jimmy Choo Strappy Pebbled Metallic Leather Sandals - Aside from the glitzy silver color, I love the pebbled leather and the design of the straps on this pair. Click here to order.

Of course one can never walk into a party empty handed. I'd sooner die than leave the house without my precious bag or clutch. Since most of the outfits I featured were on the simpler side, I thought why not pair with some slightly blingy clutches to complete the look.

1. Anya Hindmarch Valorie Glitter Finished Clutch - Don't you just love the glittery backgammon board inspired stripes?! The perfect shiny accessory to hold the wads of cash to play with! Click here to purchase.

2. Dolce & Gabbana Embellished Brocade Clutch - When I saw the gold filled FW 13 collection on the runway a little while back, it took my breath away; from the clothes to the floral cage sandals to even the gold crowns that are pretty much sold out and now this crystal and bead embellished clutch.  I love anything inspired by ancient history, so when I read that this particular clutch was inspired from the mosaics of a Sicilian cathedral I was sold. This ones a keeper season after season. It comes with an optional chain strap. Click here to purchase.

3. Jason Wu Bead Embellished Box Clutch - Jason Wu's signature box clutches are a must have and this one especially with it's gunmetal frame and black and white beads on it. Click here to purchase.

4. Oscar De La Renta Goa Bead Embellished Satin Clutch - My first thought when I laid eyes on this beauty was how exquisite the embellishments are. I've actually never seen anything like it. It reminds me of couture for some reason, except on a bag! LOVE! Click here to purchase.

Now that we've covered the most important essentials, i.e. clothes, shoes and bags, it's time for something extra.

1. Alexander McQueen Flower Enamel Brooch - The next time your favorite salon girl uses one of those big fat pins to tie up your sari, hand her this gorgeous enamel brooch filled with pearls, Swarvoski crystals and the McQueen skulls on it. Isn't it just the perfect way to hold up the sari pallu. Click here to purchase.

2. Eugenia Kim Poodle Gold-Tone Headband - Whenever I put on a headband, I love how girly it makes me look. Try this one for a sophisticated yet whimsical spin with the cute gold poodles on it. I know it seems a bit eccentric to wear a headband to a Diwali party, but really there's no harm in changing things around every now and then. Once you do so, people will simply follow. Click here to purchase,

3. Lanvin Playing Cards - You all know I'm obsessed with Alber Elbaz's funny sketches right? I've got the notebook, the Alber Elbaz X Lancome Mascara, and there's no way I'm not buying these. Whilst you can't wear these, you can certainly gift this to someone who absolutely loves fashion. Look at these adorable sketches on the playing cards. It's a perfect Diwali gift (hint hint, feel free to gift them to me!). Click here to purchase.

Paris Fashion Week - My Two Favorite Shows

Whilst trends were plenty in Paris, I've noticed that the clothes presented there are always ahead in terms of techniques. Not to say that Milan, London and New York weren't any better but I have always felt Paris has the upper hand in that area. So for example, the signature Chanel tweed was reinvented through the use of some other fabric (I don't think anyone knows that top secret fabric!) that was woven with tulle. Same goes for Kenzo with that high tech shiny fabric. Whilst we're talking about technique, what I loved best about the Paris shows was the spectacular display of craftsmanship in a lot of them, especially at Alexander McQueen. I was completely blown away by the collection, which is nothing new because I'm always left with my jaw open every time I finish seeing the show. Don't worry I'm getting to the Louis Vuitton show too in case you're about to hurdle some curses at me! Besides the laser cut leather skirts and the crocodile leather bra tops at McQueen, the checkerboard and ostrich feather silhouettes were just marvelous. Endless hours of workmanship by craftsmen who are nothing short of artists resulted in a collection that was couture like in every possible way.

Alexander McQueen

Moving on to Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs's final collection for the house was glorious to say the least. There's something extremely sexy about darkness. And that's what his show was, all black. And it was genius. First up, those theatrical Stephen Jones hats, then it was Edie Campbell in overly long jeweled handcuffs and a g-string with the Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton logo all over her body, then there was the all black carousel, elevators, escalator and the fountain. The embellishments, oh the sparkly embellishments on everything from biker jackets to dresses to leggings and of course lets not forget all those gorgeous feathers we saw. Honestly, this show was truly one of the best shows I've ever seen. Boy I feel sorry for whoever replaces Marc.

Louis Vuitton

Paris Fashion Week SS 14 - Trends We Love

Hello everyone, I'm finally done going through all the Paris shows and am reporting back with my trend report. Oy Vay that took long enough!. The Jewish expression stems from me watching too many reruns of The Nanny in the last couple of weeks hence Sylvia Fine is rubbing on to me.

Okay back to the trends. Here goes.

1. Fringes. Aah, The Great Gatsby trend is really catching on. I thought it would stop by the end of this year but apparently not. A LOT of designers did fringes. Some reminded us of the 1920's and some of the wild wild west and in the case of Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu, the fringes came with embellishments. How will you wear it next year, Gatsby chic or bohemian chic?

L-R: Jean Paul Gaultier, Junya Watanabe, Louis Vuitton, Chanel

L-R: Maxime Simoens, Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu, Moncler Gamme Rouge

L-R: Dior, Sacai, Valentino, Zadig & Voltaire

2. Pretty Pleats. Don't knife pleats remind you of high school? I used to wear a pleated skirt to school and I remember loving it. In fact, just this summer i bought a gorgeous red crepe dress from Joseph which has these lovely pleats from the waist down to the knees. It moves so gracefully when i walk. I feel all girly in it. I love these pleats on dresses too, it's so much more comfortable to wear a pleated maxi as opposed to  free flowing one which you end up stepping on again and again. So please don't start discarding your pleats just yet as they're going strong all the way till next year.

L-R: Chloe, Dior, Dries Van Noten, Givenchy, Celine

L-R: Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen, Rochas, Vionnet

3. Prints. We may have covered this trend previously, but I really cannot not mention it again, simply because I love the inspirations behind these amazing prints. I loved the way the Kenzo prints sent out a message against over fishing and Celine's giant paint brush strokes were pretty awesome and of course the very artsy face print at Jean-Charles De Castelbajac. I absolutely adored the Henri Rousseau inspired jungle prints at Hermes. So ladies, don't shy away from wearing bold prints next year. They're so fun! 

L-R: Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, Celine, Hermes

L-R: Jean-Charles De Castelbajac, Jean Paul Gaultier, Kenzo, Miu Miu, Vivienne Westwood

4. Metallic. So there was this whole metallic theme going on in Paris, especially at Lanvin where Alber Elbaz showcased a parade of models in head to toe metallic silhouettes.  Personally I am not a huge fan of the metallic trend. It somehow reminds me of a Quality Street candy wrapper. But hey, that's just my opinion. If worn correctly, it can look stunning like the dress by Valentin Yudashkin.

L-R: Jean-Charles De Castelbajac, Dior, Dries Van Noten, Lanvin

Rochas, Saint Laurent, Dior, Valentin Yudashkin

5. Longer Hemlines. Nothing says summer more than mini dresses and mini skirts, but this time around I noticed that hemlines are dropping to midis and maxis for SS 14. 

L-R: Balenciaga, Celine, Chanel, Giambattista Valli

L-R: Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Hermes, Jean-Charles De Castelbajac

L-R: Stella McCartney, Valentino, Veronique Leroy, Paul & Joe

6. Shirtdresses. This was my absolute favorite trend. The first time I fell in love with a shirtdress was when Sarah Jessica Parker wore it in Sex & The City season 3 episode 18. After she fell into the lake she goes to dry up at Mr Big's apartment and leaves wearing an over-sized white shirt cinched at the waist with a simple Hermes belt. I remember being amazed at how a simple white shirt can look so fabulous so you know how happy I am to see these trending big time. I'm going to get my hands on a shirt dress ASAP. Or better yet, try my luck at wearing one of my husband's Thomas Pink shirts with a belt (he's 6"3 so I'm pretty sure it won't be too short). I'm attaching a picture of SJP in that white shirt. Please ignore the picture quality as I couldn't find one online so I made a shoddy attempt at taking it with my phone whilst pausing the scene on my laptop.

L-R: Balenciaga, Dior, Sacai, Viktor & Rolf, Veronique Branquinho

Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex & The City

7. Stripes. Horizontal, vertical or embellished like at Givenchy and McQueen, stripes will be pretty hot next year too.

L-R: Emanuel Ungaro, Givenchy, Hermes, Dior

L-R: Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Sacai

We LOVE Sweatshirts!

As I wait for Paris Fashion Week to finish in order to complete my trend report from the city of lights, I thought I'd give myself a break and do a product page on statement sweatshirts. Since Kenzo started the statement sweatshirt rage with their tiger last year and the super cool EYE this year (both of which I am a proud owner of), it has become one of the hottest trends and will continue to do so.

Of course now Kenzo isn't the only brand to do so, the Givenchy Bambi sweater is pretty much sold out everywhere and Brian Lichtenberg's sweatshirts have also started creating a storm. So for the coming Delhi winter, I think it's time you fabulous ladies make space in your closet for one too. Pair it with skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans or skirts and shorts, these sweatshirts are not only a wardrobe must have but have become a wardrobe staple. Isn't it amazing how comfort is making it's way into high fashion? 

When shopping for a sweatshirt (to wear out and about and not to laze at home in!) make sure you pick one which is eye catching. So for example, look for the ones with embroidery on them or color blocked or even something with some fun writing on them. Here are my top picks in both luxe and high street. 

Luxe Sweatshirts

1. Brian Lichtenberg Homies Sweatshirt - I love these iconic fashion houses inspired logos on Lichtenberg's sweatshirts, they're so fun. Homies for Hermes, Feline for Celine, Ballin for Balmain; how tongue in cheek! I was never a fan of the logomania, but I have to say, this time around, I'm loving it. The black one is currently sold out on net-a-porter but click here to put yourself on the wishlist to be notified when its back in stock. Or simply pick up the pink Feline one!

2. Kenzo Lotus Eye Embroidered Sweater - First the tiger, then the clouds and now the eye;these sweatshirts have achieved a cult status. By the way, I waited 20 minutes in line to pay at the Kenzo boutique in London because all the staff were so busy fetching these for every single person who was in the store. IMAGINE. There were women even buying the sweatshirts for their babies! Click here to purchase.

3. NO. 21 Floral Print Embellished Sweater - If logomania or a larger than life eye isn't your thing, then this very feminine yet sporty sweatshirt might be. Isn't the crystal embellished collar just so pretty? Click here to purchase.

4. Moschino Cheap & Chic Cashmere Catwalk Sweater - Whilst this isn't really the sporty types, I still had to feature it because I love the brand's whimsical approach to fashion season after season. Besides, cashmere sweaters are so boring sometimes, so if you love cashmere I suggest you get this one with this playful cat on it. Click here to purchase.

5. Opening Ceremony Elvis TCB Embellished Sweater - If you've been a die hard Elis Presley fan, then this "Taking Care of Business" sweater is just for you. Opening Ceremony, in collaboration with the Elvis Presely Foundation have created a capsule collection for Fall 2013 to pay homage to the legendary rock star. Click here to purchase.

6. Givenchy Fab Sweater- I know, I know how devastated you are that you can't get a hold of that damn Bambi sweatshirt.Is is quite the tragedy. Although you can try checking Barney's, you might find it there. Moving on, this one isn't any less fabulous! Love the rose print on one side and the flames on the other. Click here to purchase.

Now that we're done with the one's that will max out your credit card, lets move to the pocket friendly clothes. God knows, I could really use some stuff that doesn't pinch my pocket. My recent trip to London involved spending a whole lot of money on home decor items I brought back (Jenny Worrall lamp, feather cushions and expensive upholstery for two chairs, bla bla), therefore, I'm pretty broke! 

Pocket-Friendly Sweatshirts

1. Mango Landscape Print Cotton Sweatshirt - I really really like this sweater from Mango. The landscape print looks very watercolor esque and the colors are perfect for a night out. Click here to purchase or simply head to the store at DLF Promenade or Select City Walk to check it out personally.

2. Zara Jacquard Safety Pin Sweater - Oooh, doesn't this remind you of the Moschino Cheap & Chic one I featured above. Even though it isn't cashmere, its still a fun print and for 2500 INR it's fabulous. Click here to check it out online and I'm sure it will be available in one of the Delhi stores.

3. House Of Holland Viva La Vibe Sweatshirt - Okay so this doesn't really fall into the whole pocket friendly category all the way, but for 95 pounds and free worldwide shipping from ASOS I think its almost pocket friendly. Whaaaat.... Shipping does get expensive, ask me, I once ordered a Diane Von Furstenberg dress to Dubai and paid like 60 dollars on shipping! Anyways, click here to purchase.

4. H&M Embellished Sweatshirt - I am totally digging the adorable jeweled crown on this! And the price doesn't hurt either. Unfortunately we don't have H&M in India, but if you happen to be travelling anytime soon or even have someone coming in from Dubai, London, etc, I say you ask them to pick it up for you! Click here to check it out. 

In case you're wondering how to pair your gorgeous new sweatshirts, here's two photos of how I paired it. Never mind how weird I look as I wasn't really planning a photography session. My husband just took these for me because I wanted to see how I looked. But you can see just to get an idea. I paired the black Kenzo eye sweater with a part leather skirt and high heels for a fabulous night out and once I paired the grey Kenzo Tiger sweater with skinny pants for an off duty look for a day out and about.

Sweatshirt: Kenzo
Skirt & Shoes: Zara
Clutch: Saint Laurent Paris Chyc Clutch

Sweatshirt: Kenzo
Pants: Zara
Bag: Lanvin Les 10 Ans Grosgrain Tote
Spectacles: Tiffany & Co.

Anamika Khanna @ PCJ Couture Week 2013: The Creative Details

I have been a huge fan of Anamika Khanna's fusion of ethnic influences within Goddess-like cuts and styles. I also love how she uses muted tones to her advantage and harmonises them together for some dainty spectacular impact. Here's my favourite ensemble from Anamika's PCJ Couture Week 2013 collection -- up, close and personal. The first picture is the bodice ornamented in looped silken yarn stitched in a row and dull-gold threadwork:

The yoke at the back gave way to this zardosi embroidered motif:

The hemline had similar looping work alongside a tad bit of bling:

And it all, paired with dhoti-style dull gold pants, led to a fabulous number on the ramp: