A lot of people are going to say that their favourite shows were the ones by the bigger designers like Tarun Tahiliani or Manish Malhotra or Sabyasachi. These shows were great and gorgeous as usual. They showcased beautiful clothes and on display was the vision of each of these legendary designers.
But none of these were my favourite. Why you ask? Let me tell you, but some highlights from these shows - only because they deserve respect.
Tarun Tahiliani
Sabyasachi Mukherjee
My favourite show? The All Plus Size show that was styled by Little Shilpa (you see the contradiction here already?!). The show itself was amazing because of the over the top vision of Little Shilpa.
After all, what is the point of a fashion show if not to delve into the mind of the designer. The clothes are part of the vision, but that is just one part. The theatre and drama are equally important.
Now, does this mean that plus size is now going to be the norm on Indian catwalks and in India? Far from it. I think this is a good first step. But it has to be clear that this is just that - a first step. It is going to take a long time for perceptions to change. And perhaps far longer for acceptance by the general public of the concept of plus size fashion.
Traditionally this segment has been ignored, shunned and even swept under the rug. But this is the first breaking out. And I loved the show for showing the courage to actually address this segment. May there be lots more shows and even more stylish looks to come!
Participants from different cities around the world and very different backgrounds have in common a passion for fashion. We talk about a lot of things including Fashion, Lifestyle, Bollywood or news about collections from around the web, but especially related to India and Indian fashion.
Beautiful Indian wedding venues
A lot of my friends are getting married over the next year, so I though I'd take a quick breather from fashion and dive into wedding season.
Gone are the days when Indian weddings were a humble affair organised at the ancestral home, farmhouse or at a marriage palace. Nowadays people prefer to make their wedding an event to remember and cherish for a lifetime. Some like to take their vows at sandy beaches while others prefer saying ‘I Do’ amidst mountains. Some like to go overboard by celebrating this once in a lifetime affair at a regal Indian wedding venue and make the most of it.
On this note, let’s have a look at some of the best Indian wedding venues that will materialise your dream wedding fantasy into reality.
Neemrana Fort Delhi-Jaipur Highway
If you want an over-the-top and insanely grand wedding, look no further than Neemrana Fort on Delhi-Jaipur highway. This 15th century old majestic fort is one of the oldest palaces in India and is converted into heritage hotel. Spread over more than five acres, Neemrana Fort offers a picturesque venue for beautiful Indian wedding. Its gorgeous gazebos, courtyards and huge lawns make a perfect backdrop for any wedding. Whether you choose a sunset view or a star-lit night, Neemrana happens to be a breathtaking and ethereal venue.
UmaidBhawan Palace Udaipur
Royalty and Rajasthan go hand-in-hand. Royalty and regality are the very essence of Rajasthan. This princely state offers a variety of Indian wedding halls, UmaidBhawan Palace in Udaipur being one of the most prominent wedding venues. This 15th century palace offers you authentic Rajasthani flair and ambience. This gorgeous heritage hotel symbolizes grandeur at its best. One can inculcate the elements of Rajasthan like the colourful Rajasthani culture, puppet-show, elephant-ride, finger-licking good Rajasthani food and Rajasthani folk music at one’s wedding ceremony at UmaidBhawan. Calling it a fine example of affluence won’t be an exaggeration. So, make your special day even more special by booking UmaidBhawan as your wedding venue and feel like a Maharaja.
Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur
Another star attraction of Rajasthan state is Jai Mahal Palace situated at the Pink City, Jaipur. This heritage property evokes opulence and luxury. Its jaw-dropping beautiful architecture and 18 acres of Mughal Gardens makes it a perfect spot for an Indian wedding. This Indian wedding location gives you the liberty of choosing indoor or outdoor venue for your D-Day. If you are looking for a Rajputana style wedding, this is the right choice.Make your wedding day, an unforgettable event by making reservations at Jai Mahal Palace.
Park Hyatt, Goa
If you have always dreamt of a wedding with a beach backdrop, Park Hyatt Goa will give wings to your imagination. Park Hyatt has the most stunning Indian wedding halls and enchanting landscapes. Other highlights of this venue include lush green seaside lawns, the gorgeous boathouse and artistically decorated indoors. The tastefully done architecture of the hotel along with the serene nature of Goa,together creates nothing but the magic. Soak your soul in tropical ecstasy at Park Hyatt.
Palace Grounds, Bangalore
Owned and managed by the Royal family of Mysore, the Palace Grounds in Bangalore is one of the most sought-after wedding venues down south. This is an ideal spot for those you want an elaborate wedding without going too far from the main city. The place screams lavishness and sophistication with its beautifully done lawns, Durbar hall and ballroom. Apart from extravagant weddings, the Palace Grounds are also ideal for other private parties, office conferences and cultural events.
The Leela Resorts,Kovalam
The beauty of Kerala state needs no introduction. Everyone is familiar with the fact that this state oozes tranquillity. No wonder why it is called ‘God’s own country’. And if you happen to be a nature-lover and want your wedding amidst peaceful nature, the Leela Resorts at Kovalam is your go-to choice. This exotic resort with palm trees and beautifully manicured lawns is to die-for. Who wouldn’t want to say ‘I Do’ in the lap of nature where it brings best to the platter in the form of white sand and crystal clear blue water as the backdrop. So, without giving a second thought, book this heaven on earth as your wedding venue.
Taj Falaknuma, Hyderabad
Since wedding day is the most crucial day of one’s life, making it big and memorable is everyone’s dream. We picture ourselves exchanging vows in the most exquisite way. And if you want to convert this fantasy into reality, the venue should be nothing less than the splendid Taj Falaknuma, Hyderabad. Every corner of this historic palace speaks of the charm, flamboyance and glam quotient of Nawabi culture. Located at 2000 feet above the city, the palace boasts its marble staircases, huge fountains, Venetican-inspired chandeliers, hand-painted Victorian ceiling, big lawns, gold-hued Durbar hall and 101-seater dining hall. No wonder these major highlights make it an ideal choice for a big fat Indian wedding.
City Palace, Udaipur
Amidst the sun-kissed sand-dunes and camel rides, the city of lakes ‘Udaipur’ offers another breathtakingly beautiful wedding venue i.e. City Palace. This centuries old fort now a heritage hotel site happens to be the most romantic wedding venue where you can materialise your dream of a grand wedding. The impressive courtyards, vast lawns and lakeside view are some of the features that differentiate this place from others. Also its capacity to hold large crowd makes it a perfect spot for big weddings. The fort has ‘ManekChowk’that has the capacity to hold 1000 guests and ‘ZeenaMehal’ can accommodate around 500 guests, making it one of the best venues for nuptial ceremony.
The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
If there is an epitome of love, it is Taj Mahal. This historic monument makes us believe in the power of love. And if you have always pictured yourself getting married at a place overlooking Taj Mahal, make reservations at the Oberoi Amarvilas hotel right away. This 5-star property provides you the best view of Taj Mahal along with other excellent facilities. Nothing can be more romantic than exchanging vows with Taj Mahal in the backdrop.
Image sources: www.tripadvisor.in, www.enticingtour.com, www.makemytrip.com, www.travelland.in, in.bookmyfunction.com, www.shaadisaga.com, www.lonelyplanet.com, www.booking.com
Best dressed Bollywood celebrities to Follow on Social Media
We are all fascinated by Bollywood celebrities and what they wear. They are setting us goals and also give us guidance on the styles that are the most fashionable.
With so many stars, how can you keep up with the most stylish? Sure you are following all of them on Instagram and Twitter, but who should you be paying attention to? Let us help you on that front! Our list includes stars who we think are great and those who are good, but we don't think they are relevant for regular folks like us.
Sonam Kapoor
We love her style and she often wears very edgy things. She is seen on important events both locally and internationally wearing a lot of Indian designers. She also wears a lot of international designers like Ralph and Russo etc.
While we love her style, most of the pieces she wears seem to be custom made for her or otherwise are from very expensive collections. This is great if you have plenty moolah to spend, but not on a budget.
We recommend following her for inspiration and style direction, but not to identify brands worth buying.
Pernia Qureshi
This "Bollywood actress" is also a fashion designer. She has very good taste and you can also see that on her website Perniaspopupshop.
While she is also seen in expensive designer clothes all the time, she also wears younger and more affordable designers sometimes.
We say that you should follow her.
Alia Bhatt
Alia has not traditionally been considered a fashion icon as such, but she is increasingly asserting her style quotient through magazine cover features, editorial features and the like.
She has a quirky and fun style that is often cute and stylish. Mind you, the girl can also bring on the oomph when she wants to impress.
A must follow in our opinion !
Sunny Leone
This Bollywood starlet is usually in the news for the wrong reason. She used to be a porn-star, is no longer, get over it.
This girl gives us serious style goals. She really knows how to carry herself and usually has a very nicely put together look. She is also experimental and wears young Indian designers. Her looks can often be re-created on a budget, and still look stylish.
Must follow in our opinion.
Travel Light With These Travel Fashion Essentials
Travelling is fun, no doubts about that!
But packing for vacation is indeed an uphill task. Generally we end up over
packing our stuff, reason being we don’t pack the right things.
This can be due to a number of different reasons such as not packing for a variety of weathers, or just being unsure of what activities you'll be doing day-by-day. It is essential to check the weather, be prepared for a variety of activities so as not to limit your options and to ignore that incessant need to take everything.
So, take a look at the following comprehensive list of travel fashion essentials which will hopefully act as a useful guide and ensure you save space and
time.
Clothes
The first and
foremost important thing that strikes our mind while packing for a vacation is
clothes. Since holiday clothes are different from our routine clothes, it does
need your attention. There are many factors that are needed to be taken into
consideration regarding what to wear when travelling. The first thing that you
should keep in mind is the season. Whether you are going during the summer, winter,
spring or rainy season, pack accordingly. Second priority must be given to the
fabric and colour of the clothes. For
long trips, make sure the clothes you are carrying can be washed and dried
quickly and easily. If you are going somewhere sunny, be sure to pack bright coloured clothes as they
match with your cheerful mood and holiday photos, and of course will look great in the sun. Let’s have a look at the essential holiday clothes for women.
Always carry
multi-purpose tops that can be paired with denims and skirts alike. Light and
breezy tops like noodle straps, tank tops, bardot tops, t-shirts or sleeveless
tops are appropriate for summer travelling whereas heavy knitted tops and
cardigans are perfect for winters. You can mix and match with denims, skirts,
shorts or even palazzos for the right combination.
Bottoms
Taking the right bottoms are
as crucial as tops. Wearing a
comfortable pair of jeans or shorts on vacation will allow you too fully relax. If you are on a beach destination, a pair of cotton shorts or synthetic
shorts will help you enjoy the sea water. Also, capris, flowy skirts and
palazzo will make a great option for outdoor activities. Of course if you are going somewhere rainy and will be doing lots of outdoor activities then waterproofs are always advisable.
Dresses
Women’s holiday
clothing is incomplete without dresses. It is very important that you carry the right style and number of dresses while on a vacation. Start by packing a cotton maxi dress as it
not only looks stylish but is comfortable attire too. Other than that, keeping
a short knee-length dress is a wise idea. Don’t forget to pack a sundress and a
party dress if you have a formal evening get-together planned on your vacation.
Other crucial
items that are a must on your packing list includes undergarments, swimsuit and
sarong (if you are going on a beach destination), long coat or jacket for the winter season, socks, handkerchief, a night-suit or two and a towel. These things
might sound obvious, but they can be easily forgotten
Accessories
Accessories can
make or break the look. The amalgamation of the right accessories is a key to looking uber chic on your vacations. You need not carry everything from your wardrobe, but carrying a few things and smartly pairing it up with two or three garments
is a better option. For e.g. you can carry a tan or black coloured belt and wear
it over your dress or along with your denims as these colours are neutral and therefore go well with almost any outfit. Also
make sure you carry your chunky jewellery like earrings, neckpieces or bracelet
to be worn along with your choice of garment.
Other
accessories which you must pack are a summer hat, a pair of googles, a scarf, a
wrist watch and of course a nice tote or a handbag.
Footwear
Footwear is perhaps the most important travel essential, because if you don't have the appropriate footwear you could potentially end up miserable and in pain for the duration of your trip. Wearing comfortable shoes
while you are on a vacation is a something you can’t ignore. One must keep the
right pair of footwear if your travel involves a lot of outdoor activity. For
e.g. if you are an adventure-lover traveller and love doing activities like
hiking, trekking or cycling you could be prevented from doing these things if you are not appropriately prepared.
Just as importantly, don’t forget to keep a pair of simple rubber flip-flops and strappy
sandals if you are going to a beach destination. Carrying heels or shoes around with you is never as nice!
Make-up and cosmetics
On holiday you of course want to look your best, which makes having make-up and cosmetics to hand a must. However, you can’t carry your entire make-up box while travelling, so make sure you just pick out your most used and vital products.
So whatever you do, don't take more than you need because otherwise you will have to spend your whole holiday lugging around a huge case. Take the above mentioned essentials and you'll be more than ready for holiday!
Favourite Looks from India Couture Week 2016
Every fashion week brings a plethora of new
designs and trends that are sure to leave you spellbound.
Just like other incredible fashion weeks, the
much-talked-about India Couture Week 2016 just got a wrap up and has charted
out the course of fashion for the upcoming wedding season. The five-day extravaganza laid some solid
fashion trends in haute couture. The eclectic designs and mesmerising
silhouettes marked the prominence and dominance of India’s fashion in global
domain. Let’s have a sneak peek into the latest trends in Indian fashion.
Bardot
blouse
Bardot tops or cold-shoulder tops are not
restricted to western wear only as the Indian couturiers have beautifully
weaved this ultimate fashion trend into contemporary Indian wear. None other than the most celebrated designer
Manish Malhotra introduced gorgeous bardot blouses along with the heavily
embroidered lehengas. The ace designer showcased his collection named ‘The
Persian Story’ that included some of the breathtakingly beautiful dresses.
The regal collection had the old-world
charm and the effects of royal Persian architecture. The combination of heavy embroidery, velvet
fabric and bardot style silhouette of the blouses made the entire collection, a
dream come true. Also Deepika Padukone being the showstopper enhanced the grace
of collection with her never-ending charm. She wore a stunning red highly
embellished lehenga with red off-shoulder blouse which romantically exposed her
toned shoulders and carried it with all the poise. This indeed was one of our
favourite looks from this year’s India Fashion Week.
Pop Hues
Anita Dongre is known for her out of the
world designs. Everything from the choice of fabrics to colors and to
embroidery makes a statement. This year too Anita presented her collection
named ‘Epic Love’ which included some of the finest dresses for the forthcoming
wedding season. Her signature ‘gotapati’ work when blended with bright pop
hues, created a lethal combination.
The lehengas in striking red, hot-pink,
eye-catching orange, sunshine yellow and electric blue caught everyone’s
eye. Apart from this gorgeous trend, we
witnessed a lot of dresses with fringes like fringe blouses, fringe-edged saris
etc. This really made the entire
collection a perfect marriage of Indo-western.
Anita does know how to make an eye-ball popping collection and it was
indeed on our list of favourites.
Serene in White
Today’s bride does not shy away from
experimenting with her bridal attire. From colours to fabrics to silhouettes,
they don’t mind trying new concepts. Keeping this in mind, designers too give
wings to their imagination and bring out fresh and all new designs. We witnessed gorgeous bridal wear in pristine
whites, creams; ivory and beige rule the ramp at this year’s India Couture Week.
With lot of detailing and white as the base colour, the collection truly stood
out. If you are someone who likes to break the monotony and take the road less travelled,
the bridal wear in ivory and gold is your go-to choice. Names like Rahul
Mishra, Rimple and Harpreet Narula and Anamika Khanna presented a real ethereal
muted hued collection and made everyone appreciate the understated yet
crowd-pleaser ensembles.
Ruffles & Tassels
The high-voltage five-day long fashion
festivity had so much to offer that it became literally impossible to choose
the best among the rest. Day 4 of India Couture Week unfolded some of the spectacular
trends. Designer Gaurav Gupta and Varun Bahl presented their splendid
collection that refined the contemporary fashion. The highlights of the day
included use of sheer fabrics for blouses and saris. The pastel hued sheer
fabrics were used to create some stunning blouses with floral motifs. Even the
net saris with floral motifs looked divine. Also his progressive designs
included unusual silhouettes with fluid drapes that let everyone talking.
Another trend that caught our fancy was the
extensive use of embellished headbands by the models. The bejewelled headbands
in varied designs and styles added to the overall grace of the garment. It added the much needed sparkle and gave a
finishing edge. Also the trend of aesthetically using pearl tassels and fringes
on saris and gowns caught our eye. The modern silhouette with vintage tassels
made a perfect garment. Last but
certainly not the least, on the list of our favorite was the ruffle gowns. Strapless ball gowns with romantic ruffle
detailing looked chic and sophisticated.
The international trend of ruffles was given Indian tadka by adding it
to the sari gowns. The elaborate ruffled
gowns looked dramatic as the models walked the ramp with panache.
Mirrorwork
and Black Magic
Day 5 of the fashion week was a pure bliss
for any bride-to-be because the vast display of majestic lehenags and other
bridal wear was every bride’s dream.
Designers RohitBal and ManavGangwani brought forward their bridal
collection which was high on aesthetics. The heavily embroidered, thoroughly
embellished and intricately designed bridal wear was a delight to look at. A lot of mirrorwork, Kashmiri kani work and
zardozi work on heavy fabrics were to be seen. Deep-hues like maroon and black
ruled the ramp. Showstopper Kangana Ranuat made heads turn wearing one of the best
creations by Manav Gangwani from his Begum-e-Jannat collection which was a deep
maroon lehenga with off-shoulder mirror-work blouse.
Talking about the celebrated designer
Rohit’s collection named ‘Kehkashaan’, it was sheer opulence. The royalty of
the entire collection was hypnotic and never-seen before as models sashayedregal
things like tiaras, hand-carved walking canes, crowns, belts, sashes, capes, bejeweled
footwear etc.And the way they carried the fierce expressions on their faces did
complete justice with the royal collection. RohitBal like his every collection
essayed a new colour palette for this season, black being the dominant colour.
Models wore wonderful garments like lehenags with cape jackets, anarkalis with
robes and bandhgalas with jodhpuris, all in black. Not to forget the touch of
royalty came with the wide range of headgears.
All in all, calling it an awe-inspiring collection won’t be an exaggeration.
India Couture Week 2016 took us on a ride
that portrayed influence of different cultures on fashion under one umbrella
like Islamic influence, inspiration from Russia and Persia, heritage and legacy
of Mughal era, the royalty of Rajasthan and much more and its effect was truly
spell-binding. Many new things in the world of fashion made an effortless entry
and old things got a revival make-over. Amidst all the glitz and glamour, the
magic of fashion was at its peak!
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