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.

Sue Mue

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure to attend the launch, or re-launch rather of a lovely boutique tucked away inside Green Park market. Sue Mue (pronounced as sueee, the Indian term for needle), a label started in 1968 by the current owner Mohita Gujral's parents is a must visit. 

The first thing I noticed when I entered the store was their lovely pret-a-porter line. Simple, yet beautiful Pakistani style suits with pyjamas, embroidered pastel coloured kurtas, flowy kaftan style dresses, all crafted from pure fabrics were meticulously stitched and not a seam was out of place. If the karigars and masters have been with the brand for over 40 years, one can't expect anything less than perfection. Their pret garments are priced at INR 4000 (for linen shirts) and upwards. 

I was curious to know why the label was being re-launched so I got to digging deeper. "Sue Mue has been re-inventing itself for the past 47 years to stay abreast with new retail trends and to fulfil growing customer needs. The newly furnished store boasts a dedicated floor for our bespoke couture line and a separate section for traditional handwoven Banarsi weaves" explains Mohita. 

I made my way up the staircase to explore the couture floor. There, amongst gilded Louis XV style furniture were racks of skilfully crafted ,colourful couture garments displaying intricate hand embroidery like zardozi, aari and shadow work on luxurious fabrics. The brand has an in-house team of designers who look after Sue Mue's bespoke line.

If you're looking for new additions to your summer wardrobe or do some bridal shopping, Sue Mue should definitely be on your list of boutiques to check out. 

The Couture Floor

Ready To Wear

L-R: Mahima (in Sue Mue), Moi and Snigdha

L-R: Mohita Gujral and a friend, both wearing Sue Mue

Sue Mue Couture

 

Where is Karlito?

If you've been obsessed with Fendi's Karlito bag charm, Fendi is launching an insane capsule collection with Karlito on clothes and accessories to further fuel your obsession. The icon is seen on sweatshirts, jeans and shoes in embroidery and fur appliques, complete with a Karl Loves Fendi signature or in nappa leather and fox fur iPhone covers or even on a hat, shopper and backpacks. This capsule collection is going to be sold out before you know it. Trust Karl to create yet another frenzy amongst the fashion flock.

To launch the line, the label released five super fun videos with models Joan Smalls, Nadja Bender, Lily Donaldson, Doutzen Kroes and Kendall Jenner wearing the limited edition goodies and looking for Karlito who basically is everywhere! Check out the Nadja Bender video above. And click here to be directed to the European Fendi website if you want to shop the stuff NOW! Or simply wait for it to hit the boutiques at some point this month. 

Karlito Jeans & Sneakers

Karlito Fleece

 

A Not So Traditional Look For An Indian Wedding Reception

It's not very often I blog about my looks since I'm not much of a style blogger. But once in a while, I come up with a cool look and love dissecting it on the blog. Recently, I was to attend a wedding and I wanted to look fabulous. Not for anyone else but more so for myself. I am still holding on to some baby weight due to which I'm not always feeling so pretty.

The major question was what to wear. Nothing fit me and whatever did was kind of outdated so it was a bit of a task. I don't wear very traditional suits or saris so it was a bit tough to decide my outfit. The Nehru jacket and dhoti look had been over and done with, the heavily embroidered vest that came as a part of my Anamika Khanna was worn a few times (not to mention super tight now too), I wasn't in the mood to wear my JJ Valaya couture anarkali and neither was I in a Sabyasachi mood. Initially I thought I'll just put on a simple sequinned with suit but I wasn't loving it. Finally, it struck me. My Valaya couture skirt that was part of my wedding sangeet outfit from over four years ago! A beautiful, dark blue piece, with metal rings inside to give it a structure and layered frills to add a bit of grace; this skirt was perfect. I've always wanted to channel the whole Carolina Herrera look (signature white blouse and a ball gown skirt), so I wore a white, high collared Zara shirt over it. Although this wasn't really a traditional Indian wedding reception look, I didn't really care. It was working for me and I loved myself in it. I didn't bother getting my hair done. For some reason I just hate looking so made up. So I just tied it up like I usually do and left a few loose strands to give it a slightly messy feel.

Next up, jewellery. I've always wondered why us desis find it imperative to wear gold, diamonds, or any sort of fine jewellery to wedding functions. Anytime I've considered junk jewellery or statement Swarovski necklaces, I seem to get a disapproving nod from either my friends or family. Quite frankly, I'm sick of seeing people at weddings dripping in diamonds. It's so boring and far from fun. Very clichéd don't you think? Nowadays, Indian clothes aren't so traditional anymore. All our designers are constantly evolving and giving us some fabulous indo western clothes. Shouldn't we be evolving as well? Why run to the bank locker before every wedding?

I had made up my mind. I wasn't going to be seen in a single diamond (minus my engagement and wedding rings). I chose to wear Dior jewellery. A stunning statement Mise En Dior necklace with Mise En Dior earrings.  I just wanted to do something fun. Finally, to complete my look, I carried a pastel pink, mini Be Dior purse. Everything came together really well. I couldn't get over how gorgeous the necklace looked. It's not always fine jewellery that steals the show!

What do you think of my look?

Mise En Dior Jewellery

 

 

Bag Review - Dior's Diorama

I know an IT bag when I see one. It's an instant connection. Like finding THE ONE in the bag world. That's what I felt when I saw the Diorama during the SS15 show. I instantly messaged my girls at Dior to know more. Of course I couldn't talk about till I was given the go ahead once the season kicked in. Now, I sit here playing with this fabulous arm candy and writing a review on it.

Unlike the very curvy Miss Dior, the Diorama boasts a boxy shape, structured silhouette and very architectural details. However, what really attracted me to the bag was the crest-shaped clasp. It adds a very contemporary vibe to it. The iconic cannage top stitching on some of the Dioramas is three dimensional which I thought was really cool. Don't you just love it when icons are reinterpreted? Moving on, the adjustable shoulder strap (you can wear it on your shoulder or cross-body) is part leather, part chunky chain links. Very edgy. Space wise, the large model can accommodate your basic daily essentials like a big wallet, keys, phone, etc., whereas the small one can fit your credit cards,  and perhaps a few small make up items. It also comes in a medium size. Because the purse isn't very big to begin with, it can easily transition from day to night.

In terms of design, there are plenty to choose from. Oversized 3-D cannage in various colours and skins, quilted with embroidered flowers and badges or smooth calfskin with fun decorations. Classic bags can sometimes border on being boring, but these playful elements ensure that the Diorama is far from that. Finally, as always, the purse is handmade in France by meticulous craftsmen that are nothing short of artists. Please ensure you see the "know how" video posted below.

All in all, the Diorama is a beautiful combination of the old and the new making it a bag you will cherish for years to come. It's no wonder Vogue named it one of the IT bags of 2015!

 

The Fendi Micro Bag Theory!!

 

This is my first official post since I've given birth and I'm so happy that it is about this season's coolest must haves, the Fendi Micro Bags. As always, Karl has a way of driving the fashion flock into a frenzy with Fendi collectibles. So much so, that there was actually a wait list for the Karlito bag charm. This time around, the latest offering from the couture house (this July, Karl will present the house's first ever haute couture collection) are these super fun micro bags. Just when bags started getting smaller, Fendi took it to the next level by making them teeny tiny and we are loving it. In miniature versions of iconic Baguette and Peek-a-Boo's these tiny babies can be used as either a bag charm (my favourite), as a clutch or even worn cross-body for those who like to carry just the basic necessities.

2 Ways To Wear Your Micro Bag!

What's the theory behind these Micro beings you ask? Today, the brand will be releasing a quirky 40 second video titled "7 Theories About The Origin Of Micro Bags" exclusive to Fendi.com. However I will be sharing with you a 15 second clip of theory 7: The Racket Theory. Check it out below and get in touch with your local Fendi boutique to get your hands on this season's IT bags!

 

The Return Of The Baby Mamma

It's been over two months since I wrote my last blog post and if you've been following the blog's instagram account you probably know that a teeny tiny infant has been keeping me busy. Now that baby Rania is nearly 7 weeks old, it is time I slowly get back to the usual: working out, writing and perhaps a little socialising every now and then.

It's not going to be easy going back to living life the way I used to. I can't just get up and walk off to the gym or make spontaneous lunch plans just yet or start writing whenever I feel like it. Every move I make that involves being away from my hungry baby involves meticulous planning paired with a considerable amount of guilt. But one has to start somewhere.

March brings in Amazon India Fashion Week and while I may not be able to attend it from afternoon to nightfall, I will definitely catch some shows and write my reviews. Moreover, SS 15 collections have hit the stores so there will definitely be some bag reviews coming your way starting with the much talked about Diorama bag and Loewe's Puzzle Bag which has become the latest IT bag.

So with baby steps and a LOT of expressed milk stored in the fridge I will return to the blog and talk about what I love the most. Fashion.