Bollywood Stars who Nailed the Navratri Look

You gotta love bollywood stars and the elaborate shows that the directors put up in movies. And one of the most colourful ones tends to be around the Gujarati festival of Navratri. What is Navratri you ask? And how to nail your look for the festival? Read on!

Navratri, as defined by wikipedia, "is a festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deity Durga. The word Navaratrimeans 'nine nights' in Sanskrit, nava meaning nine and ratri meaning nights. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Devi are worshipped. The tenth day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami or "Dussehra" (also spelled Dasera). Navaratri is an important major festival and is celebrated all over India and Nepal. Diwali the festival of lights is celebrated twenty days after Dasera."

The festival is celebrated in gusto around India, but one of the endearing traditions is the Garba, which is a lot of fun and often portrayed in Bollywood movies. This is a colourful festival that involves a lot of dancing, so naturally all of us want to look our absolute best!

How do you dress for such an event? Let us look at Bollywood for some much needed inspiration and see how some movies and stars absolutely nailed their looks.

Who can forget Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and their famous grab routine on Dhol Baaje (I list all the videos at the end of the article). I dont like Aishwarya's style, but salman in his kutch mirror work waistcoat for me absolutely nails it. The style is quirky and yet a nod to the origins of garba in Gujarat.

Deepika and Ranveer in Ram Leela's famous grab scene. I think Ranveer's look is meh, but deepika looks stunning and has nailed it! The beautifully detailed blouse and the flowing skirt are perfect for the garba season. The colours and the freedom of movement are absolutely stunning and perfect!

Nimbooda was a cult classic again from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, and Aishwarya had the perfect look. A nice vibrant colour and classic styling touches - this is perfect inspiration for a more traditional look that is going to impress. Note the jewellery and accessories - they complete the look in my opinion.

Gracy Singh in a very simple style from Lagaan. I particularly like this style because sometimes you just need to keep it simple so that you can easily dance the evening away without feeling like you are weighed down by 10 kg of accessories. The vibrant colour is important, and she absolutely nailed it.

What do you think? You Agree?

Videos for all the songs / movies listed above:

- Dholi Taro Dhol Baaje (Video Song) - Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam

- Nagada Sang Dhol - Full Song - Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-leela

- Nimbooda Nimbooda (Video Song) - Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam

- Radha Kaise Na Jale - Lagaan | Aamir Khan | Gracy Singh

Get to Know the Best Online Shopping Portals for Indian Clothes

How about buying Indian clothes with just a click of mouse? Yes! Online shopping has become very popular in this day and age. With Internet services growing at an unimaginable pace in India, online shopping provides the convenience of getting your desired stuff at your doorstep.

Online shopping gives you benefits like huge variety and great discounts and that too at comfort of your home. From your grocery requirements to clothing, online shopping gives you super easy, convenient, fast and exciting shopping experience.

You don’t need to survey the markets and face traffic issues, all you need is your laptop and Internet and of course your comfy couch to order the things you want. But the question here arises, which portals are safe and reliable to buy your things from. Worry not; we have jotted the names of few dependable portals for online shopping for Indian clothes. Let’s have a look.
Amazon.in
Amazon is the world leader in online shopping. This dependable portal provides anything and everything from your daily needs to big gadgets, name it you get it. Also, the site gives you an opportunity to buy good Indian clothes.

Gorgeous sarees, suits and kurtis are very much available on Amazon.in. Amazon recently started its operations in India and in a short span of time has gained the trust of Indian buyers. Good quality, great prices and free shipping (on some items) are some of the highlights of this reliable site.

Flipkart.com
This e-commerce website is a great example of success. Started in year 2007 with mere Rs 4 lakhs is now a company worth crores. Calling it a hub of products won’t be an exaggeration. Not just books and electronics, Flipkart is a one-stop-shop for buying Indian clothes.

A huge number of vendors sell good quality branded Indian clothes on Flipkart. It provides variety and availability of sizes of ready-to-wear clothes. Also, this online shopping portal offers great deals and coupons for an interesting shopping experience. Pocket-friendly prices and exclusive product launches are its other highlights.

Snapdeal.com
Next on our list of reliable online shopping portals for Indian clothing is Snapdeal. Snapdeal has become a household name due its mass acceptability. This trustworthy and one of its kind website offers great products including Indian clothing for both men and women.

Not just this, Snapdeal has also ventured into premium designer-wear segment named ‘The Designer Studio’ and has launched the collections of ace designers like Manish Malhotra, Ashish N Soni, Malini Ramani and many more. Along with it, people love to buy lifestyle deals on restaurants, spas, salons and even on travel. Snapdeal not only offers competitive prices but also free shipping option.

Ebay.in

Ebay.in is the Indian version of Ebay.com catering to the needs of Indian consumers. This online shopping portal is one of the most trusted website to buy both used as well new stuff. Ebay has helped many small businesses and vendors to kick-start their venture by providing them the trading platform.

Not just this, Ebay also provides international shipping. All in all, this online shopping portal for Indian clothes is a complete package as it provides safety, security, variety and convenience.

Jabong.com
Jabong.com is exclusively an Indian fashion and lifestyle e-commerce portal. All your fashion needs from clothing to footwear to accessories are met here.

Not just this, Jabong offers deals and discounts on home décor, beauty products and other lifestyle products. The company’s headquarter is situated in Gurgaon. Jabong offers all lifestyle related products under one roof.

Myntra.com
Headquartered in Bangalore, Myntra is another leading Indian e-commerce portal that offers amazing Indian clothing and other lifestyle items at discounted prices. Myntra offers both formal and casual Indian wear catering to the fashion needs of Indian consumers.

Myntra started its operations in the year 2007, with the purpose to offer a vast variety and personalised gift items to the buyers. Later, it shifted its effort to online retailing of branded apparel. Now Myntra has merged with Flipkart to compete with the online giant Amazon.in.

Shopclues.com
Shopclues.com came into existence in the year 2011 and happened to be the 35th entrant in the Indian e-commerce business at that point of time. It is the subsidiary of Clues Network Inc which is a US Corporation.

Shopclues deals in lifestyle products and clothing. What made this portal popular was its ‘Jaw Dropping Deal’ launched in 2012 which offered unbelievable heavy discounts on the listed items. It was rewarded as the best deal of 2012.

Strandofsilk.com
Based in London and Mumbai, Strand of Silk is a leading online retailer of fashion garments. This fashion forward company gives an ample opportunity to shop Indian designer wear by both established as well as upcoming designers.

It deals in premium quality clothing and caters to the high-end fashion needs of both Indian and International buyers. All the products are hand-picked by their talented team of fashion connoisseurs. Also they offer an incredible service of customising your desired garment to suit your needs and occasion. Look no further than Strand of Silk to meet your need of a traditional yet contemporary designer outfit.

Above mentioned are few reliable and trustworthy e-commerce portals that provides opportunity to shop for Indian clothing online without the hassle and worry of being getting cheated. So, get set to shop your heart out. Happy and hearty shopping folks!

Image Sources: www.amazon.in, www.fossbytes.com, www.stuffled.com, www.brandsdisplay.com, www.bgr.in, www.smokynotsmudgy.com, strandofsilk.com

Festive Saree - Drape Over India’s Pride

Saree is one of the most sensuous as well as comfortable attire of Indian women. India being a country of diverse geography, culture and religion has varied adaptations of this nine yard wonder.

Every state and region has its own style of saree which is not only popular in India but also across the globe as people are becoming increasingly interested in India’s this ethnic wear due to its style and comfort. Saree is indispensable part of any Indian woman’s wardrobe. 

It suits every body shape and age. Saree is the most preferred garment worn by Indian women on religious as well as festive occasions. So, without further ado, let’s have a look at variety of festive sarees of India.

Banarasi Saree
Banarasi saree is the first love of any Indian woman. The holy city of Banaras which is now known as Varanasi is the home of these gorgeous sarees. The city produces the finest quality of Banarasi sarees with intricate embroideries, weave, zari and brocade work. These traditional and age-old sarees can be worn on both religious as well as festive occasions.

Banarasi saree has the signature fringe like pattern along the inner and outer border called Jhhalar and elaborate engravings of figures, floral patterns, animals and other architectural ornamentation. Such patterns display craftsmanship of Mughal era and has let the tradition keep alive. Banarasi saree is the perfect blend of premium silk and rich embroidery. This piece of art is a must-have for every saree enthusiast.

Silk Saree
The silk fabric is considered as the best for sarees. There is huge variety of silk sarees ranging from region to region. Silk saree looks glamorous and rich as silk fabric has inbuilt luster in it. Commonly known as Resham, silk thread is extracted from the silk worms and is woven to make the fabric.

Silk saree is known for its texture, color variety, print and designs. Famous silk sarees include Bhagalpur silk, Mysore silk, Kanchipuram silk saree, raw silk, pure silk etc.

Kanchipuram Saree
This saree needs no introduction. This silk saree grace every Indian woman’s closet irrespective of the region. The saree is named after the small town Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu which is its place of origin.

The main characteristic of this saree is its gold dipped silver thread woven over best quality of silk. It’s traditional and classic and never goes out of vogue. It is highly expensive due to its durability, premium quality of thick silk base and of-course its beautiful adornments. It’s a popular wear for weddings in South India.

Jamavar and Organza saree
Both these sarees are originated in Uttar Pradesh. Jamavar has a typical zari thread work and jacquard weave. Generally, the weave is done in bright colors like green, orange and red. Jamavar looks extremely stylish if draped properly.

Another popular festive sari of this region is Organza saree. This is also called as Organdy. Organza sarees are made of light weight and transparent cotton and is adorned with chicken and Lukhnavi embroideries.

Chanderi Saree
Chanderi saree is the blend of silk and cotton fabric. Originated in Madhya Pradesh, it’s very ideal as its light weight, translucence, airy and easy to carry. The weave and designs on chanderi saree is subtle and minimalistic and is usually made in pastel colours.

Chanderi saree has a signature striped border and small butties all over the saree. Perfect for summers, chanderi sarees has two variants like cotton chanderi and silk chanderi and both are equally popular. With its graceful texture, chanderi saree makes a good option for festivities.

Tant Saree
Another famous festive saree includes Tant saree which was originated in West Bengal. Tant means, ’Made on the Loom’ and is hand-woven. These are not only beautiful but also a source of income for many underprivileged people living in districts of West Bengal.

The best part about having a Tant saree is that it serves both the purposes and can be worn on casual as well as formal occasions. Available in large colour palate, this light, fluffy, transparent and crisp muslin saree with silk thread border is preferred by women not only in West Bengal but pan India. If you love cotton sarees, this one is for you.

Sambalpuri Saree
Known as ‘Pride of Orissa’, Sambalpuri saree speaks volume about its grace and beauty. This is pure joy to wear as it is made of silk and cotton and is a handloom saree. This saree needs five weeks just to dye its fibres that too with natural colours.

Imagine how long it will take to be a finished product. It is the oldest form of textile decoration in the world. Also, known as ‘Ikat’, this saree has a traditional strip of an unstitched cloth from 5 to 9 meter in length. The purpose of this fabric is that it can be wrapped around the body in as many styles as you want. Ikat weave generally has geometric patterns of threadwork pallus and borders.

Chiffon Saree
Chiffon saree is the most elite saree among the lot. Chiffon fabric is a blend of synthetic fibre along with silk and cotton.

Chiffon sarees come in myriad designs, colours and embroideries and are apt for parties and other formal functions. Its flowy drape makes it the first choice of young girls.

Shaded Coral Chiffon Saree

Net Saree
Net sarees are a rage among young women. This is far beyond traditional saree and has a modern appeal to it. Net fabric comes in both soft and hard material and is dyed in different colours.

The embroidery on net saree looks amazing. It’s classy and glamorous and that is why net saree is loved by young girls and ladies.

Golden Net Saree

Georgette Saree
Georgette saree is affordable and beautiful at the same time. It’s evergreen in terms of season and occasion and can be worn on formal events.

The best part about having a georgette saree is that is easy to maintain and can be washed at home. It comes in variations like semi-georgette and pure georgette with different types of embroideries, borders and stylish pallus.

Neon Pink Georgette Saree

Bandhani Saree
From the heart of royal state of Rajasthan, Bandhani or Bandhej saree is one of the most loved festive saree. This saree is known for its tie and dye designing.

There is huge variety of colors and patterns in tie and dye are available and it is a pocket-friendly saree. Jaipur is the hub of Lehariya, Bandhani and Garchola sarees.

I’m sure you are well aware now about the different types of festive sarees of India. So, what are you waiting for? Get a fabulous saree of your choice and soak your soul in festivities!
Image Sources: www.shop.tamilnadu.com, www.craftsvilla.com, www.chanderisarees.in

Designer Anita Dongre at Lakme Fashion Week Winter Festive 2014

One of the best-known Indian designers at the forefront of the Indian fashion scene for over 20 years, Anita Dongre, was present once again to display her latest collection at Lakme Fashion Week Winter Festive 2014. She participated not only as a designer but she is also on the Advisory Board of the event. Indeed her experience and her knowledge are incredibly valuable for the management of such an event. 

As her passion to contemporise Indian heritage, she showcased her latest beautiful collection called “India Modern” on the third day of Lakme Fashion Week Winter Festive 2014. This collection celebrated Indian crafts and textiles in a modern context with contemporary designs and shapes. Anita Dongre brought to the runway beautiful Indian clothes such as bridal lehengas paired with crop tops, embroidered pants, couture gowns etc. All made with fabrics, colors and techniques that show the talent of the Indian craft with the modern touch of the designer. It is described as a reflection of an assured 21st century confident woman, who is sensuous, determined and knows exactly what she wants, yet cherishes her Indian roots.

The show was presented by the tea manufacturer Taj Mahal Tea. Anita Dongre loves drinking tea, in particular she likes the Taj Mahal brand's teas and that is why she said, “I think it is a good association”.  But not only about her tea preference but this association it is also linked with her passion for Indian heritage and that is what she explained: “It is heritage yet contemporary and is a connoisseur's choice, which is why I have associated with the brand."

Let’s have a look on the beautiful pictures of this remarkable show:

 

Anita Dongre on the runway with models

Want to see more videos about Lakme Fashion week? 

Salwar Kameez - Popular Indian Fashion Apparel

If you are the type of woman who finds wearing jeans and tops too suffocating and modern apparel not flattering enough for your figure, then Salwar Kameez wear is the ideal option for you. It is commonly believed that Salwar Kameezes are normally simple with plain patterns. This is not true there are plenty of different and exciting patterned Salwar Kameezes.

Salwar Kameez came from the Mughal reign. Other clothing items from this region are churidars, sharara and lehengas. It is thought that Salwar Kameez is the conventional dress of Punjab.

Traditionally Salwar Kameez has been worn with knee length Kurtas. Today the tradition of wearing them has been modernized and girls have started wearing them with bandeau tops and long shirts.

Salwar Kameez has been made popular in the west due to the Bollywood celebrities wearing them to high profile events. These traditional dresses are often made with a variety of rich fabrics, silk, tissue, Crepe, Chiffon and Georgettes. There is often beaded work on the neckline and shoulders. Extensive sequins are also used combined with patterns and colours that capture the eye.

Often there are different Salwar worn in the outfits, for example a churidar salwar is a baggy drawstring trouser. Wearing this item with a Kameez Kurta creates a classy, cool and sophisticated look.

See also how Indian and Western styles can be combined together!

Indian Clothing over the decade!

There is no doubt that the fashion industry is one of the fastest moving industries in today’s time. Also, it cannot be denied that the Indian clothing has evolved tremendously over the past decade.

Traditional Indian Clothes

The traditional Indian clothes for a women included Saree, Salwar-Kameez , Ghagra Choli(Lehenga).Jewellery was an integral part of a traditional Indian woman’s attire. It depicted ones status.  The traditional Indian men’s attire included Dhoti, Kurta, Sherwani and Turban. Even back then colour played an important role in the Indian fashion. Rich Indian fabrics with intricate hand woven embroidery were a beauty to look at.

Cine Blitz magazine (1970)

Dimple Kapadia in the Film Bobby (1973)

Indian Movies played a major part back then to influence the Indian audience regarding the fashion trends. In the 1960’s, the Bollywood actresses pretended to play shy and modest roles so were their clothes.  1970 -80’s was one of the most influential years, a turning point of the Indian clothes industry. The 70’s started trending bold designs. Bollywood actresses were spotted in bikinis and skimpy outfits on screen. For instance : Bobby (Bollywood Movie)   The fashion trending in the 70’s era was transparent synthetic material like georgette and chiffon saree’s with small pallu ,different type of blouse designs like halter , low neck-line and noodle strip blouses etc . For instance : Sholay (Bollywood Movie) The Indian clothes for men were cotton printed shirts, cloth and leather jackets, trousers with flare, shirts with butterfly collar and big sunglasses, etc. Three piece suits also gained a lot of popularity during the retro era.

Amitabh Bachan in film Agneepath

StarDust Annual (1980)

 In the 80’s disco era, the attire got bolder as women started strutting in strappy sandals, fitted denim/pants and the traditional saree’s were plain and simple. The change in the Indian clothes industry was caused of the influence of western fashion. The men were seen in complete head –to-toe white attire. The evolution was huge not only for the Fashion industry but also for the Bollywood industry in India.

Isqh (1997) 

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) 

The 90’s was the old school style ,where the men’s wardrobe included baggy pants, oversize shirts  with t-shirt underneath them, waistcoats, printed ties , coloured denim pants and dungarees. On the other hand, the women were spotted in colourful bandani outfits, chunky jewellery, shoulder pads, hair bands, high waist skirts, long dresses, shorts etc. Their make-up included matt lipsticks.

Kaho na… pyaar hai (2000) 

In the 20^th century, the Indian audience was introduced to the concept of Indian designer wear with contemporary clothing. Indian men were spotted wearing tight fitted jeans/pants, shirt and t-shirt.  Women’s fashion in India had become classy and sophisticated by this time. Women started wearing short dresses, designer clothes and grooming themselves.

Dhoom 2  (2006) 

Aisha (2010) 

Ever since then the Indian designer wear in India has been booming. Today, people have become so brand conscious and fashion alert. The urban crowd is very well aware of the latest trends in fashion. The fashion industry in India has also created its own unique space in the international market: thus even Western people started to wear Indian dresses. The Indian fashion industry is an amalgamation of ancient Indian craftsmanship along with contemporary designs.

See also the history of Indian floral patterns!

Read more about Indian fabrics :

http://www.squidoo.com/indian-fabrics-ancient-history-of-quality-and-tradition

Ritu Kumar’s New Collection of Indian Clothes

Ritu Kumar showcased her new collection of Indian clothes inspired by the Himalayas at the Lakme Fashion Week A/W 2013. The Indian segment included different styles of anarkali suits with variable lenghts. Various fabrics like leather, wool, tussar silk and khadi were used to give a contemporary and modern look to her creations.

The designer maintained a very good mix of western and Indian clothes, in fact the new collection included also coats, trousers, leggings, wrap around skirts, jackets, dresses, kaftans and capes.

We can’t wait for shopping them!

Picture of the Day: Kajol In Indian Clothes By AM:PM

Kajol recently attended an event promoting a children’s cause and chose perfectly appropriate Indian clothes. The actress was wearing a satin draped dress by AM:PM which she accessorized with brown pointy-toe heels from Zara and a gold necklace. 
Her subtle make-up and braid added a graceful touch to her silhouette.

Other amazing earrings!

Shilpa Reddy’s Debut: Refined Collection Of Indian Clothes

The talented Shilpa Reddy already enchanted us with her exclusive collection of saris.

Probably she was so satisfied about the results that wanted to challenge her creative mind one more time designing an entire line of Indian clothes!

The line will represent Shilpa’s debut at Lakme Fashion Week.

We are sure that the collection will collect a fairly good success. Colours are different and mixed in an expert way, precious embroideries are perfectly embedded in the fabric, but the unique characteristic of these unique styles of Indian clothes is the shoulder structure: each dresses or jacket has this special and trendy shape.
At least one piece of this collection should enter in your wardrobe both if you love Indian clothes or not!