Bag Review: Burberry Bloomsbury Tote - Too Big To Handle

 

Christopher Bailey sent down one of his best collections for Burberry till date for the Fall. Hand painted clothes and accessories were the style du jour for the fall at Burberry. Who wouldn't want a revamped Burberry trench coat, a sheep skin jacket, or gorgeous ankle boots with hand painted motifs on them. Bailey has certainly revived the brand that was on the brink of being written off as old and boring. I mean lets face it, eventually one will get bored of seeing the checks. I like how Bailey has mixed the old with the new.

Now when it comes to Burberry hand bags, I've still got my reservations. The Bloomsbury is the brand's newest bag for the fall and has already been said to be the IT / MUST HAVE bag for the season. I beg to differ.

The bags are really beautiful to look and are crafted out of a combination of some interesting materials like wool, cashmere and leather or jute, viscose linen and so on and feature unique artwork (done by hand) on each bag. Agreed these are all very special qualities and will definitely make the person carrying it feel special. But have you seen the size of the tote? I can make do with the medium sized tote and find the hand painted ones really nice but the large one is about 16.9 inches in height! I mean I have enough trouble with the size of my Givenchy Antigona, the Bloomsbury is another level of big. Not to mention structured. So you've got this giant, structured tote, now what? Apart from the artwork, in terms of functionality its saving grace is the optional shoulder strap which might make it easier to lug around. Also, I'm not really caring for the whole tapestry/blanket theme. Furthermore, I'm not feeling very inspired with the shape either. It reminds me terribly of the Louis Vuitton Alma, just a more elongated version of it.

Louis Vuitton Alma

The artsy Bloomsbury bags start at USD 3,195 on their website. A little pricey for a shape that isn't that appealing. Truth be told, if I really wanted to spend that much on a bag that reminds me of tapestry, I might as well go to Jaipur and buy a Persian inspired rug that is handmade in Kashmir. With respect to the painted totes, I can instead buy myself MF Husain serigraphs for that much money too. Sometimes, artistic handbags just don't work. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem in spending that kind of money a on a bag, but just not this one. Click here to check out the bags.

Images via: Burberry & Louis Vuitton

Save The Date (And Some Money) - The Pink Post It Returns On September 6th!

Okay everyone, I'm going to tell you exactly how you're spending your Saturday afternoon. At The Pink Post It's fall trunk show taking place at The Grand in Vasant Kunj! Don't worry, not everyone needs to show up with wards of cash to shop. I love that the girls work with a great price point range starting from INR 1500 to INR 100,000 ensuring there's something in store for everyone. Furthermore, not only is this trunk show a place to shop your favourite designers which you may not find in India, but it is a fantastic platform to showcase the talent of fresh new Indian designers such as Arpita Mehta.

Also,  as Sharnnamli mentioned in her interview, the Outhouse jewellery collection from Lakme Fashion Week will be in Delhi for the first time and exclusively with TPPI. Being a sucker for statement jewellery, it is a bit sad I wont be attending the trunk show. From DVF wrap dresses to Micheal Kors bags to crop tops and pretty floral skirts by Sonal Kalra Ahuja; TPPI has become one of the best trunk shows in Delhi. Please shop some from me too whilst I'll be enjoying some Russian architecture! And above all, HAVE FUN!!

Here are some photos on what you can expect to see on Saturday.

Outhouse

Outhouse

Sonal Kalra Ahuja

Arpita Mehta

 

Catching Up With One Of The Co-Founders Of The Pink Post It Before Their Upcoming Trunk Show!

 

Sharnamli (L) & Mitali (R)

Hello Everyone! As you all may or may not know, The Pink Post It, Delhi's coolest trunk show is back for the Fall. However, before I share details on their Fall trunk show, I got down to catching up with one of the co-founders, Sharnamli Mehra Adhar to understand what exactly TPPI was all about, how she and Mitali Wadhwa came up with this concept, sourcing, price points, etc. I am a bit of a nosy parker and love digging deeper (no pun intended!). Besides, it's always interesting to learn what goes on behind the scenes and I love that fact that they're young entrepreneurs. Here goes!

P.S, Mitali also added her input in the second question :)

Hanadi: What is The Pink Post It?
Sharnamli: The Pink Post It is a series of curated shopping experiences. We wanted to provide a platform to young brands that gives them a credible space to showcase their products. Having said that, we noticed that there was a gap in the affordable luxury space wherein customers wanted fresher brands that moved away from the usual brands they see at various trunk shows and exhibitions.

Hanadi: How did this concept come about?
Sharnamli: Mitali and I are hard core shopaholics like the rest of us ;) Having studied in college together in London and upon returning to Delhi after our degrees, we felt that everyone seemed to dress alike and there was a huge lack of personal style due to unavailability of affordable and innovative designs in the market. We then thought of showcasing clothes and accessories where people like us would come to shop for brands which they would not be able to find or scout for on their own. In addition, affordability was always an intrinsic part in this process.

Mitali: Being a designer myself, I participated in various exhibitions and found that due to the high volume of exhibitors, no one was really selling. Furthermore, these events were not well curated. The owners were taking every designer that approached them. For instance, there were more than over twenty designers in the same category at one exhibition. Eventually, no designer really stood out nor did well.When we started, the exhibition business was in a nascent stage with only two/three players in the market.We felt there was a need for a well curated event where only a handful of designers were picked and everyone we selected, specialised in a category thereby providing each of them with a platform to be able to showcase their collection to a niche audience.

Hanadi: How hard or easy was it to execute it and make people aware about it?
Sharnamli: Its been a very exciting journey so far and we’ve learnt a lot from it. It just seems easy to execute from the outside but we went through a lot of meticulous planning to make sure that when customers come in they should find brands that excite them. A lot of times when we are stuck and can’t make a decision we put ourselves in the place of the customer to see whether we ourselves would buy the product. Making people aware initially was through our personal circles but we soon realized that we cannot just rely on that and have used social media to our advantage. We believe in not over advertising but advertising right. Therefore, our marketing channels are very targeted and focused in getting the people who are excited about fashion & shopping.

Hanadi: How do you choose what international designers you would like to feature at the trunk shows? And how do you forecast what you think will sell?
Sharnamli: International designers that we feature are usually more niche brands that are not necessarily available in the country. We always reach out to brands through reliable distributors and stores like Le Mill which we know sell official merchandise. Our forecasting technique is based again more on the research we do online and reading articles and blogs. A lot of times it is influenced by our travels. We always keep in mind the season and the buying mentality of Indian buyers who are very well heeled and travelled now. So the brands and products need to be updated with latest trends and in addition, have some sort of novelty factor attached.

Hanadi: How do you go about sourcing international merchandise?
Sharnmali: So far most of the international merchandise has been sold through brands like Le Mill, Moon River, Koovs amongst others. We always consult with their teams to give them a better understanding of the customer base we have. These stores are also renowned  for quality and authenticity.

Hanadi: What price points do you work with?
Sharnamli: We generally work on a price range from Rs 1500 up till 1 lac, thereby showcasing something for everyone.

Hanadi: How do you choose what Indian designers to tie up with for the trunk shows?
Sharnmali: The Indian designers we showcase are a mix of the known and fairly new names.We make a decision after a careful screening process keeping in mind the current trends, quality, prices and the brand's prospective growth in the market. We also make sure we know where the product is available and where the designers showcase as we don’t want overly diluted brands. We want customers to be excited by the names. In fact,  a lot of brands have also supported us and exclusively showcase with us :)

Hanadi: How often do you have these trunk shows and in what cities?
Sharnamli: In Delhi we only have the show two times a year once in Feb/March (for summer ) and once in Sept/Oct (for the festive season), so far we’ve been to Chandigarh and are looking to expand to Kolkata, Mumbai and maybe even Dubai soon.

Hanadi: Tell me, what is on your must have list from the upcoming trunk show in Delhi?
Sharnamli: On my lust list is definitely an Indian ensemble from Arpita Mehta's new collection from LFW. I'm also super excited to buy Outhouse's new collection, The Column being showcased in Delhi for the first time exclusively with The Pink Post-It. Oh, might I add, It is straight off the LFW runway!  We also have really quirky and interesting home décor finds this time specially curated for Diwali and the festive season ahead so there is definitely a lot to choose from!

I hope you guys liked my interview with Sharnamli! Stay tuned for some photos on what you can expect to see (and buy) from their trunk show on the 6th September later today. For now, I'm going to go check out the Faberge Museum in St. Petersburg!

 

Monisha Jaising - India Couture Week 2014

Whilst I know India Couture Week finished over a month ago, I still want to talk about my second favourite show. As I mentioned in the Anju Modi post, I attended only three days out of which I thoroughly enjoyed only two shows. Anju Modi and Monisha Jaising.

The show started with some interesting Indo-Western style full skirted gowns made out of silk at the bottom half. The bodices were either leather, or had rococo style embroidery on a burgundy fabric or gold stripes entwined into the bodice. I've been obsessed with leather clothing, so naturally the gown with the leather bodice really got me excited. Another favourite silhouette was the pale pink saree with the embroidered cropped jacket on top. Pairing a cropped jacket over a saree isn't a new concept, but the look was still lust worthy. It had an air of nonchalance to it.

Now for the real piece de resistance, it was the sherwanis that really stole the limelight in my opinion. Meticulous garment construction paired with luxurious fabrics like heavy wool crepe and intricate embroidery inspired by the peacock gate of the City Palace courtyard, I am yet to see a better shervani in the last few seasons. Personally I am a huge fan of the bandh gala jacket/shervani or whatever you may like to call it and swear by my JJ Valaya couture jacket. I have no doubt that the Monisha Jaising ones are going to be an instant hit with a long client list waiting to order them. When paired with contrasting embroidered leggings, the look is a little blingy, but good bling. Not tacky but just really fresh and playful. The colours used such as pale pink and powder blue were just perfect.

When it came to the saris, whilst most of them were great, one in particular caught my eye. An ivory coloured saree, with mukaish work and silk embroidery on it. The edge was decorated with ostrich feathers. Ostrich feathers are so graceful and I love how they waft when you walk and it is exciting to see Indian designers incorporating them into their designs these days.

Finally, it was Lisa Haydon. Oh what a bride she made. In a leather lehenga with traditional gold embroidery paired with a fitted shirt. How can anyone forget that look. Even though the stunning Lisa wore it, the beauty of the lehenga outshone Lisa. The whole black leather lehenga was sheer genius.

Although, in all honesty, I wonder how well this piece will do commercially. Sorry I wasn't trying to kill the mood, but I just thought, most brides end up being so traditional because parents and grand parents are equally involved in wedding planning. How many would actually be able to wear this to their wedding? Just a fleeting thought.

For the longest time, just like Anju Modi, I never really checked out Monisha's clothes before. I am so thankful for attending India Couture Week because it truly changed my perspective on the Indian couture scene. A collection that was globally inspired, yet steeped in Indian tradition in every possible way; Monisha managed to get a perfect blend of Indo-Western. Here's to many more successful collections for this fabulous designer!

Image Courtesy: The Fashion Design Council Of India

Bag Review: Dior FW 14 Clutch - The Fashionable Vs. Functionality Debate

There comes a time when one must make the ultimate choice in handbags (same goes for shoes and clothes). Fashionable Vs. Functionality. That is exactly the case for this latest Dior offering for the Fall. I'll be honest with you, I have a biased opinion when it comes to Dior. I pretty much love everything Dior but since it is a bag review I am going to try and leave some of the bias at home.

So this bag/clutch hybrid as I like to call it is really cool and quintessentially Raf. With the colour blocking and the edgy loop handle; Raf's detailing is always beautiful.The bag comes in two colour variations. One in white, bright green and black (runway model), the other in pink, black and bright yellow. I've always been a fan of Raf's love for bright colours. Crafted out of supple lambskin, the bag is squishy so if you do happen to purchase it, please ensure it remains stuffed to retain the shape when you're not using it. I like the hardware in particular on this. First it's the big rivets that are used to attach the loop strap. And secondly, its the clasp to close it. Finally, the bag doesn't open straight out. It kind of opens up to form a rectangle.

But, for the first time I'll use a but with a Dior bag, I have to admit, I don't think it is very functional. It's neither here nor there in terms of size. I think it is a little too big to be used a clutch and the loop handle isn't functional enough to make this a day bag. Even if you move the loop to the side and put your hand on top of the metal hardware, the clasp sort of digs in to your skin and your wrist will hurt after a while because of the odd angle.

With that being said, a lot of us forgo the functionality factor when it comes to a killer style quotient. We put on uncomfortable heels that look mind blowing but were made to kill feet. We wear dresses that can be so fitted that one wrong move and the sleeve will rip. It is no different for bags. I have over the years collected a few bags that wouldn't be rated the highest in terms of functionality, but man they're gorgeous to look at.

The clutch/bag hybrid is beautiful no doubt. If you're willing to let go of a few shortcomings here and there, I say you go check it out at DLF Emporio. In the meantime, I photographed the bag for fun. Hope you like the photos.

Notice how it opens up

 

 

 

 

Official Product Image Courtesy: Christian Dior

Bag Review: Salvatore Ferragamo FW 14 Handbags - Thank God For Reinventions

Please don't mind me saying this, but for the longest time, if there was one brand I would avoid checking out for handbags it was Salvatore Ferragamo. I always felt they were just either too mature or plain bland. Also, seeing a million of those bows around Delhi gave me a bit of an eye sore so I stopped entering the store all together. I remember the last time I was madly in love with a Ferragamo bag it was the Faberge egg shaped clutch. Now that was really cool and so were those astrakhan boots. After that it was a bit of a downer. At least when it came to handbags. However, things seem to be looking up this Fall. As I was checking out their Fall handbags, I have to say, I am impressed with Massimilano Giornetti's new designs for the brand. Here are the two bags that I really like.

Micole Leather Bag

Take the Micole Leather Messenger Bag (also seen on the runway) for example. The detailing and clever use of hardware has got me quite excited. The exaggerated signature Gancio hardware has been so coolly placed on the leather flap closure. So when you open the bag, the flap is in the shape of the Gancio. Fun right? The optional shoulder strap means you can wear it has a messenger bag or take it off and hold it as a clutch. I love bags that can be so easily switched from day to night. Click here to check out the bag or pop over to their boutique at DLF Emporio. It is also available is gorgeous calf hair on their website.

Foldover Tote

Foldover used as a clutch

The second bag from the Fall I have taken a liking to is the foldover tote. The Gancio has been used as a top handle which inserts into a rectangular shaped gold hardware to close the bag. More than anything, I like the minimalist shape. It's extremely understated and very slick. Also, if you look closely, the edges on top are slightly turned up which add to the detailing. Despite being a square, the bottom is rounded giving it a soft as opposed to a rigid look. Finally, the cherry on top is the whole foldover thing it has going on. Use it as a day bag, or fold the buttery soft leather to carry as an oversized clutch. Personally, I would rather use this as a clutch. Despite the leather coating on the handle, I really can't use bags without shoulder straps anymore. And carrying it at the nook of my arm isn't even an option. Plus it looks really edgy as a clutch. Click here to get a closer look at the bag.

 

The Dearth Of Maternity Clothes In Delhi

For the last few days, I have gone through some ups and downs as I enter my 16th week of pregnancy. I don't really blog about my personal life or anything apart from luxury fashion, but sometimes I need to talk about things that are important to me. Even if it may be slightly personal.

As someone who has maintained a certain level of fitness in the last 5 years or so, it has been a little challenging accepting the weight gain that comes with pregnancy. I have had a bit of a downer the past week because I went through my closet to find clothes that fit, and, well, there were probably three items I could put on. Jeans are tight, fat jeans (one size bigger ) are tight, dresses which were also a size bigger are tight. Nothing fits, which is inevitable. So I told myself very reluctantly it is time to buy maternity clothes. Period.

Now, I wouldn't have been all hyper about going maternity shopping if I wasn't heading off for a babymoon with the husband on Monday. As someone who generally likes to dress well, when I go on a holiday, I have to look good too. I love dressing up (even if its casual dressing) to head out to explore a new city. I love looking back at those photos and telling myself "damn, I looked good". However, this time things seemed a little bleak. I didn't have any clothes! I could manage a few frumpy tops here and there but what about my jeans. There was nothing for my bottoms other than tights. And lets face it, I cant wear tights everyday!

So I decided I had to go maternity shopping. I googled some stuff online, but in vain. I then decided to take a round of Select City Walk and the DLF mall next to it to find some maternity shops. I came home extremely sad and disheartened. In a city where malls are springing up at the speed of light, with all sorts of international brands (high street and luxury) it is extremely dreary that there isn't a single decent maternity shop. There is Mothercare. Yes, with probably 5 pairs of jeans, 3 ugly as hell tops, sac like culottes and some maternity bras here and there. I kept looking out for a shop called Mom & Me which I heard might have decent stuff. Turns out, that store has shut down forever in Select City Walk. The other branches were way off the map for me to look out for. Can you imagine, with the number of malls we have in this city, I couldn't find half decent clothes to wear during pregnancy.

Another aspect I would like to add is that Delhi gets fairly cold in the winter.  Where do women get maternity winter jackets from? By December I would be 7 months and pretty big. Exactly what do I wear to shield myself from the cold? Should I start shopping at Zara Man? Considering the fall lines are all inspired my masculine clothing, it doesn't sound so bad. Still, I'd like to have some options. Should I freeze my backside off? Should I wear those old ugly woollen sweaters that would not only make me look like a cow, but also feel hideous?

Is there a message the city is giving out to me that I'm not being able to decipher? Are pregnant women supposed to dress like sacs and garbage bags? Thank you GOD for Zara where I found those stretchy skinny pants with the elastic waist band that I can finally wear till I get a little bigger. Speaking of Zara, you will not believe what I did at Zara yesterday. I was browsing some clothes there, when a pregnant woman (about 6 months or so) came in and started browsing too. I, with all my frustration ran up to her and asked her "please dear god tell me where I can buy maternity clothes" and she looks at me and tilts her head and says "nowhere in Delhi!". Apparently one has to travel abroad to be able to buy decent clothes. Is it that hard to find a decent pair of jeans, a nice silk blouse or a cute dress to wear??? The only other place I managed to find some solace was jabong.com. They had some Dorothy Perkins jeggings which I ordered.

I am lucky enough that I travel to Dubai on a monthly and can shop from there. But what If I didn't travel so much? What if I, like most others travelled every six months or so? I can't tell you how frustrated I was to not find anything remotely nice to wear right now. Thankfully I have a day in Dubai before heading for my holiday. I have discovered plenty of maternity shops there. What's more is that there's a fancy shop selling 7 For All Mankind and Citizens Of Humanity maternity jeans too along with some lovely dresses made from non synthetic fabrics that I can wear on a night out.

Seriously, this is just really sad. I wish people here felt that we pregnant women were worthy of wearing nice clothes and someone opens a classy boutique with fun stuff for us.