The Etihad Experience

I don't usually blog about my flying experiences since I almost always fly Emirates, so there's really nothing new to report about (except their service which for some reason is on a decline now).
For our current holiday, the husband and I booked ourselves on Etihad, so I thought why not share the experience on the blog. It was our first time taking another airline apart from Emirates which is what we have been flying loyally for years and years. However, for Morocco, we got a killer deal with Etihad and thought why not try it out. We were extremely apprehensive as we are so used to the Emirates terminal and lounges in Dubai airport and are so familiar with all their aircrafts and features. Furthermore, I had never even been to Abu Dhabi airport!

Anyway, so we got to Abu Dhabi airport and did the check in, etc. which was relatively smooth and made our way to the lounge. Featuring modern furniture with bright coloured accents, a few bar areas, a six senses spa with a nail bar, the lounge was indeed very nice. However, it was much smaller than the Emirates one we are accustomed to. For such a busy lounge, there was barely any space to sit and they didn't have a separate first class lounge which I found a bit weird. Moving on, the food was exceptional. Fettucine Alfredo, spicy beef noodles, sushi and a dessert bar (the chocolate panacotta, strawberry cheesecake were happily settled in my tummy); before I boarded my flight, I was going to explode! After eating, we made our way to the smoking room which was not very impressive. A tiny room filled with smoke made it difficult to sit inside for more than five minutes. Meanwhile, over in Dubai, the smoking section of the lounge is more like a gentleman's bar if you're flying from concourse A or like a big coffee shop in concourse B where you can help yourself to some coffee, alcohol or snacks.

Despite the average lounge experience, we didn't want to board the flight with preconceived notions. I had done my research on seatguru.com about the seat layout and size so I wasn't too worried. Once we were on board, I was totally blown away. The seat pitch was 73 inches (6'1) which is extremely generous and much bigger than Emirates. The seat width was 20 inches whereas Emirates is 18 inches. And the bed reclined to a full 180 degrees which, in the Emirates Boeing 777 is slightly angled. Plus, there was a cushioned box in the front where you can rest your feet on during take off and landing when your seat has to be upright. Under that box is a small storage compartment to keep your shoes or maybe a small handbag. The blankets were cosy and fluffy (better than Emirates) and I couldn't wait to pass out since it was a 2:30 am flight. After taking off, naturally I reclined my seat into a flat bed and fell into deep sleep for a few hours. 

Food too, was excellent on the flight. There were two menus: one with three or four breakfast options and one with an all day dining menu consisting of yummy sandwiches and ice cream. I ordered the scrambled eggs with sausages and beef bacon and pretty much gobbled it all up.

Overall, this was one of the nicest flights we have flown. I have been on various long hauls with Emirates and this was by far one our best experiences. Great food, massive seats and fabulous service; I fully recommend flying with Etihad.

I find taking photos in flight really tacky, but since I was going to blog about it, I did manage to take some really random and goofy pictures!

The lounge - my shoes match the bar stools!!

Nom Nom

Hangin'

 

Winter's Most Wanted Bags

It's been a while since I talked bags on the blog and so much has happened since I went MIA the last few months. So many new bags to talk about all at once. Of course, I won't discuss every single bag that's been out in one post, but for now, here are the purses that need to be in your closet like NOW!.

Chloe Georgia Mini Leather Bag - Looks like saddle bags are making a comeback in the form of this gorgeous Chloe bag. I'm really loving the shape on this one. The double flaps make the purse so unique and it's suede lining means luxury inside and out. The hardware is subtle and as always, I like that it comes with an adjustable shoulder strap so you can wear the bag cross-body to be hands free. Click here to purchase.

Loewe Puzzle Bag - I knew this bag was going to make waves the second I saw it on the runway for SS15. The shape is without a doubt one of the most unique ones I've seen in a while. The panel detailing make the bag stand out and also have an impact on how the bag folds. The best part is that it's also really functional; lots of room for all your essentials, an exterior zip pocket, a top handle and an optional shoulder strap. All in all, the perfect bag. Click here to put yourself on the wish list for this coral colour.

Mark Cross Grace Leather Box Bag - Inspired by Grace Kelly's overnight case in Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window, the Grace bag is most certainly a must have. Although it's been around for a while, the label has been reinventing it in so many variations that you don't know which one to choose! For now, I've got my eyes on a simple, yet chic red one. I adore the clean and fuss free design and the 18k gold plated brass hardware is the cherry on top. The bag opens up like a tiny brief case which is so fun and it's compact size means it can easily transition from day to night. Click here to purchase.

Celine Mini Belt Bag - This is another bag that's been around for a while but I've fallen so head over heels in love with it that I just had to talk about it. Part Phantom, part Mini Luggage and throw in a bit of the trapeze... et voila! As always, Phoebe Philo has created another must have purse. I adore the simple detailing on the bag like the geometric flap and of course the belt. Click here to purchase in India from Rock'n'Shop.

Anya Hindmarch Ebury Maxi Men At Work Bag - Anya Hindmarch's fun and quirky bags are always a fun addition to your closet and are quite popular with the fashion flock. From cereal and chewing gum inspired box clutches to traffic signs for this season, the designer infuses a playful everyday charm to luxury. This tote has already become a celebrity darling (Anna Dello Russo has a men at work clutch). Simple, streamlined and lightweight, the bag is roomy and perfect for everyday use. It's protective metal feet means you don't need to worry about ruining the soft leather when you put the bag on the floor. And of course, the sign is a sure shot head turner. Click here to purchase.

Gucci Dionysus Bag - For some reason, I had become slightly bored of the Gucci bags until a few months ago. I just couldn't see the WOW factor in them anymore. I don't deny their exquisite craftsmanship, but I wasn't loving the shapes. Enter the Dionysus and poof, boredom gone. A fabulous shape (even if it resembles the Bvlgari Serpenti Forever bag) with some even more fabulous details. First up is the flap. I like how it's very cleverly layered. Under the main front flap, there's sort of another vertical layer which is usually in contrasting coloured suede in the canvas version. The lining is also in suede with monogrammed canvas on the pockets. However, the tiger spur closure is what really makes this bag unique. Such a beautiful piece of hardware. Space wise, the double gussets make the bag roomy and it's shape make the bag great for the day and night. Click here to purchase.


 

Amazon India Fashion Week SS16 Round Up

Fashion week was very low key for me this time. I wasn't able to attend all the shows as I have been super busy with my nine month old munchkin. I did however catch a few shows on the last three days and wanted to jot my thoughts down about whatever shows I did see.



L-R: Eka, 11.11, Debarun, DollyJ

The one designer I was really looking forward to was Anamika Khanna as she was showcasing her ready to wear line Anamika. Whilst the weather was lovely for an outdoor show, the organisation was not that great. I had to fight with a bouncer to be able to get inside the seating area as he claimed it was only for photographers! Luckily I did manage to get inside and get a seat too! Yay me! Once the show started, I was pleasantly surprised as it was totally different from what I expected. No anarkalis or heavily embroidered silhouettes or bridal wear. There were Anamika's version of athleisure clothing which was a breath of fresh air. Adidas like stripes were seen throughout the show; on track pants like pyjamas, floor length silk kurtas, on a sporty bandhgala and a dupatta too. Ancient Indian architecture prints made their way into the show and so did a bit of heavy embroidery. An embroidered jacket paired with jeans is a look I've played with before and it always looks great. The best part about the show; all the looks were paired with sneakers. And it worked really well.

At Lovebird designs, silhouettes very minimalist and oversized. Beautiful fabrics in subtle summer colours (powder blue, pastel pink, pristine whites) were seen in the form of flared pants, loose dresses and boxy shirts. Detailing was key to the collection. A blue circle on an abstract hemmed black shirt,  a contrasting colored patch pocket on a dress or various patches of fabric in different colours on a tunic were prime examples. My favourite was a blue dress with an uneven hemline that had layers of fabric sort peeking out from underneath each other. Overall, it was a very wearable and a very interesting collection.

Next up was Rina Singh's Eka which was not only a lovely collection but also a lesson in sustainable fashion. Featuring simple looks consisting of loose midi dresses, comfortable linen trousers and striped tunics, the collection was crafted entirely from hand woven fabrics. Colourful stripes, blue checks and polka dots made the clothes very happy and very summery.



L-R: Tanieya Khanuja, Geisha Designs, Saaj by Ankita

11.11 was my absolute day four favourite. I had never heard of the label before so I was quite excited to see what was in store. Here was another label that prides itself with it's sustainable fashion practice. The collection, named The Khadi Way showcased clothes made from locally sourced materials (organic khadi) which were coloured with organic dyes. It may not have been in your face luxurious but I feel that just by using pure and organic fabrics, the clothes end up being luxurious. There is such a craze for fast fashion these days that brands just don't care for ethically sourced garments. High street shops churn out mass produced clothes almost at the speed of light and most of them are created from synthetic fabrics which I am not a fan of. Moving on, there were some really clothes at 11.11. Case in point: The dresses which had a jacket like detailing on one side and jumpsuits with complex draping. Bandhini, which I have always associated with traditional sarees had been modernised and crafted into casual tops and even worn as a cropped top in one look.

My last show of the day was Geisha designs. After seeing a lot of boxy shapes and oversized looks, Geisha design's sexy clothes were a refreshing change. Lots of skin was bared through the use of laser cut leather, sheer and lacy fabrics. A bandage style leather corset and a barely covering your butt cheeks skirt were a favourite.

Day 5 started with Debarun which was nice I guess. Very summer/resort style clothes in bright coloured fabrics and various geometric prints. There was nothing new happening there so not much to report on the blog. There were the usual maxis, sarees, mini dresses which didn't have much of a wow factor (at least not to me).

Saaj by Ankita on the other hand was extremely nice with a colour palette consisting mainly of white, lemon yellow and light brown. Silhouettes were feminine and the designer played with layering, adding a bit of fun to the clothes. Dresses were flirty with lace like embroidery and most of the looks came with capes attached to them. I really liked how Ankita added a bit of utilitarian glamour by using large pockets on some of the jackets.

However, my number one show for this fashion week had to be Tanieya Khanuja for her exceptional tailoring and meticulous garment construction. I also enjoyed her use of geometrics and houndstooth in the collection. Clothes on the whole were sexy with plunging necklines, slits in the dresses and even pants and bare backs. The flowy cape like backless tops (especially what Sonalika Sahay wore) and an ankle length black dress with a thigh high slit and a slight cut in the midriff are sure to be seen on the Indian red carpet. But the cherry on top was the jacket in the final look; a low cut V-neck number with beautiful detailing on the border. Thick fabric was rolled and made to stick up for a sort of 3-D effect throughout the border. All in all, a fabulous collection.

My last show before the finale was Dolly J. I have to say, she made a solid attempt at creating lovely red carpet gowns in neoprene (watch out Gauri & Nainika), complete with ruffles, feathers and a wee bit of sparkle. Some of the clothes featured interesting work like one big layer of fabric folder over and attached to a button on of the dresses or the crisscross look on one of the tops. Now, if only it didn't resemble the Carolina Herrera SS15 collection (especially the last looks) so much.

And there's my round up for Fashion Week SS16.

The Opening Of The New Fendi HQ In Rome

The New Fendi HQ

Today will go down as a very important day in the history of Fendi. As the brand gets ready to celebrate it's ninetieth anniversary, they are also relocating their headquarters to a stunning Roman palace, Palazzo Della Civilita Italiana. Commissioned by Facist dictator Benito Mussolini and designed by architects Giovanni Guerrini, Ernesto Bruno La Padula and Mario Romano, the monument opened in 1942 for an International Expo that was cancelled because of World War II.

Fendi is very devoted to it's beloved city of Rome and is committed to restorations of iconic monuments with the palazzo and Trevi Fountain being the most recent ones. After going through various renovations, the Palazzo is now ready for the big move. The label has signed a fifteen year lease and will be paying an annual rent of 2.6 million Euros. The building includes office space for 450 Fendi employees, fur ateliers, Fendi archives along with an exhibition space and a café.

This evening, the label will celebrate it's move the new HQ in a spectacular way with a never seen before light installation called Poem of Light by artist Mario Nanni. "A rising sun, characterized by a deep red, will appear from the stairs and, beating time, it will become white at midday.  The same night it will also unveiled the new permanent lighting of the Palazzo, conceived always by Mario Nanni: an architectural light with increasing shades and intensity will illuminate the columns of the building, creating a unique effect on the light perspective" quotes the press release. The best part: The entire event will be live streamed tonight at 7:45pm CET on www.fendi.com. For now, please enjoy a teaser video I'm posting below of the new Fendi headquarters.

#FendiHQ

 

Fendi Shearling Mania!

 

As if Karlito bag charms and the new micro bags weren't causing a frenzy amongst the fashion flock, Fendi has now gone a step further and released a whole bunch of Shearling goodies. Yes, you heard me. For the FW15  Fendi has used mainly shearling to revamp some of their icons like their Peekaboo bags, the micro peekaboo and baguettes and the 3Baguette chain. The range also includes ankle boots and some outerwear that is simply to die for. The brand has released a super fun video to celebrate this collection which I am posting below. Go ahead, join the #ShearlingMania

 

 

 

 

 

Dior SS 16

Set within a magnificent mountain like 43,000 square foot tent covered in 400,000 stalks of Delphinium flowers (courtesy Bureau Betak), the setting for the Dior SS16 show was nothing short of a spectacle. Inside, the feminine, floral décor was juxtaposed with a futuristic runway and seating of all white with four swivel arms covered in fifty projectors. And this juxtaposition was exactly what the clothes were all about. Masculine versus feminine, future versus the past.

The show opened with a cotton lingerie style top and shorts in all white, featuring scalloped hems. Worn under stiff organza dresses, sweaters and jackets, this look was recurrent throughout the collection. What I loved about the collection were contrasts seen. The masculine bar jackets came with flowy micro pleats at the hems. There were Raf's versions of parka jackets. He stripped them from their utilitarian and rugged status and instead made them soft, girly and desirable as hell. Who wouldn't want to wear a pleated silk parka? Scallop hemmed and cropped sculptural sweaters featuring oversized and rounded shoulders paired with feminine organdie shorts or a high low shirt dress further proved the designer's love for contrasts. Finally, a Dior show is never complete without exceptionally tailored suits. And so there were three piece pinstriped pantsuits (one worn with a funky leather top)and extremely trendy short suits.

Meanwhile, the accessories will end up being the season's most coveted. No surprises there. Scarf like chokers with dangling 1947 and the number 8 metal charms will be seen on every IT girl and replicated by every high street chain there is. New bag shapes were also seen, one being a tube shaped purse with the cannage detailing on the sides which is now on my wishlist.

In an era that is fuelled by fast fashion, Raf took the road less travelled. His focus was on garment construction and techniques. He wanted to create clothes that won't be replaced. "My heart goes very much to trying to concentrate on a wardrobe that you can evolve with," explains the designer on an interview posted on Dior Mag. And that is just what he delivered. 

J'adore.

Dior Seoul

From France to Tokyo to Seoul, Dior's voyage through Asia continues to grow. Seoul, South Korea is the couture house's latest destination. On the 20th June, Dior opened it's doors to their very first freestanding boutique in Seoul's Chungdam Dong district. And the reason I chose to blog about this is because this wasn't just any boutique opening. This was fashion, art, architecture and haute patisserie all in one magnificent building and is something to be talked about. Designed by architect Christian De Portzamparc, the six - storey building (also the largest store in Asia) is truly unique. The entire journey, from research to construction took four years and was far from easy. The curvy part of the building was inspired by the movement of fabric. "This white softness is like the couturier’s toile when he’s at work. It has a sense of movement that plays with light. This sculptural suppleness was my starting point" explains De Portzamparc in an interview for Dior Mag. What I found extremely interesting was the Dior Homme structure which was rectangular and boxy featuring the house's signature cannage pattern on the outside. I loved the whole curvy and geometric contrast.

The interior of the boutique is equally stunning and was designed by Peter Marino. Upon entering, visitors are greeted with a suspended glass and aluminium sculpture by Korean artist Lee Bul. Various materials like leather, lacquer and woods come together to create an exquisite shopping space. The boutique also houses an art gallery showcasing the works of contemporary artists.

Finally, the cherry on top is the Pierre Herme café on the top floor. I'm a huge fan of his macarons and really love the way he experiments with the wildest flavours churning hits after hits. For Dior by Pierre Herme, the patissier created a special menu comprising of ice creams, drinks and some surprise items. Everything served in this chic café is created out of the highest quality ingredients with utmost attention to detail and creativity. I'm already salivating.

I don't think there could have been a better way to acknowledge the booming luxury market in South Korea than by launching this artistic new boutique and the Esprit Dior exhibition that followed two days later. J'adore.