Tag Archives: tradition

Blurring Fashion Borders

Standard

Meher and Riddhima

Meher and Riddhima


Meher and Riddhima, an evening-wear brand launched in 2002 caters to fashion that reflects delicately influenced rich heritage and tradition of a region. They produce gorgeous evening gowns, cocktail dresses, formal jumpsuits, accessories and children’s wear. Based out of Dubai, the label also has offices in New York and India. This venture is a creative alliance between Meher Mirchandani and Riddhima Whabi.

Meher and Riddhima

Meher and Riddhima


The designer duo’s design philosophy revolves around combining contemporary shapes with traditional influences. It is an evening wear brand with couture attention to detail. The brand has a balance of western sensibilities with eastern influences in the design. The inspiration for the collections is derived from art, architecture, music, travel, interiors and prominent women in history.

Meher and Riddhima

Meher and Riddhima


Define your label and forecast some upcoming trends…

Our label is made to make the wearer feel special, happy and beautiful. For the upcoming season, we would recommend fashionistas to look out for bright floral prints, crop tops, flowy skirts and pop-colored dresses.

Meher and Riddhima

Meher and Riddhima


Who has been your role model during your formative years and why?

I would say my mother as she is perfect in everything she does; she is a successful entrepreneur, loving mom and dedicated wife and great human being. She inspired me to express my fashion sensibilities through my designs and reach out to many…

Meher and Riddhima

Meher and Riddhima


How different is Indian fashion industry in comparison to its western counterparts?

Indian fashion industry focuses more on ethnic Indian wear, which again reflects a lot of Indian influences on fabrics, colors and embellishments; whereas, the western industry is all about minimalistic styling and contemporary, luxe fabrics.

Boho Caravan by Hemant & Nandita

Standard
Boho Caravan by Hemant & Nandita

Boho Caravan by Hemant & Nandita

How inspiring is Kashmir! Timeless architecture, undying techniques, delicate embroideries, scenic beauty and extravagant handicrafts and clothing that are all spotted under one big roof. The duo’s long visited expedition has yet again given them a chance to paint their next canvas with the flashing memories of this picturesque destination.

Boho Caravan by Hemant & Nandita

Boho Caravan by Hemant & Nandita

For Autumn/Winter 2015, Hemant & Nandita project their love for ethnicity through the art of storytelling. While folk and regional tapestry outlines this collection, Boho Caravan entwines ancestral tradition with bohemian glamour.

Boho Caravan by Hemant & Nandita

Boho Caravan by Hemant & Nandita

Clustering floral thread embroideries, swirling ethnic prints, rich earthy tones with an intricate texture treatments, this collection echoes sheer wilderness. Cozy blanket overcoats and capes are tied on to dainty maxi dresses and pants, assorted with detailing of swaying fringes and tassels.

Boho Caravan by Hemant & Nandita

Boho Caravan by Hemant & Nandita

This collection is deeply rooted into muted tones of dusky brown, smoke grey, olive green, mustard, and dull reds. With comfortable tweeds, plaids, velvet and felt highlights, Boho Caravan reflects true sense of a nomadic woman who is a free-spirited leader with effortless elegance.

Embrace the Royale Collection

Standard
Polki for Bridal from RK Jewellers

Polki for Bridal from RK Jewellers

Elegant, sophisticated, composed and raring to go, RK Jewelers are bringing together the rich diversity and splendor of Indian Royal history in its various hues and facets to create Royal jewels of heirloom quality that can be passed on from generation to generation.

Chandbali earrings from RK Jewellers

Chandbali earrings from RK Jewellers

Through this collection they honor our Indian Royalties who have nurtured and molded the rich Indian art and craft of jewellery making.

Zistatva collection by RK Jewellers

Zistatva collection by RK Jewellers

The collection composes of all traditional pieces of jewels including tiaras using old Indian techniques of jewellery making. Their team of jewellery artists have researched and travelled to create these pieces inspired by Indian Monarchs from early mythical and later documented rulers and dynasties who have ruled a portion of the Indian subcontinent.

Chandbali earrings from RK Jewellers

Chandbali earrings from RK Jewellers

The collection uses rare gemstones, coloured and colourless diamonds, pearls and traditional polki set in hallmarked gold. These are all available at South Ex, New Delhi.

The varying colours of Indian and Tibetan arts & crafts

Standard
Dastkari Haat Samiti 2015

Dastkari Haat Samiti 2015

Jaya Jaitly, President of Dastkari Haat Samiti brings the best of Indian and Tibetan art at the 29th edition of Dastkari Haat Craft Bazaar at Dilli Haat, INA.

Dastkari Haat Samiti 2015

Dastkari Haat Samiti 2015

The Dastkari Haat Samiti is once again gearing up for its annual display of the finest handicrafts from all corners of India. The hugely popular craft bazaar has an added attraction this year—the intricate and beautiful handicrafts from Tibet, ancient craft handed down through generations of painstaking work and dedication.

Dastkari Haat Samiti 2015

Dastkari Haat Samiti 2015

The Dastkari Haat Samiti, now in its 29th year, is the brain child of Ms Jaya Jaitly, a renowned social activist who has dedicated four decades of her life and career to crafts and innovating newer ways to sustain craft and its people. She has also been a founding member of Dilli Haat, a single platform for craftsmen from the remotest areas the country to display and sell their finest wares.

Dastkari Haat Samiti 2015

Dastkari Haat Samiti 2015

Hundreds of items, the best of products of Indian and Tibetan artisans have been specially selected for the bazaar. This is also a great opportunity for the artisans to exchange their views at the Tibetan-Indian crafts and skill exchange workshop. The special feature every year is a workshop for International artisans. This time Tibetan crafts persons will engage in work with Indian counterparts from Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Dastkari Haat Samiti 2015

Dastkari Haat Samiti 2015

Visitors will also get to enjoy traditional music and dance performances. Traditional Ramdev folk singers from Kutch, Chhau dancers from Jharkhand and Tibetan traditional dancers will enrich the atmosphere throughout the day.

Dastkari Haat Samiti 2015

Dastkari Haat Samiti 2015

What- Dastkari Haat Samiti’s 29th Annual – Dastkari Haat Craft Bazaar

When- 1st to 15th January 2015

Where- Dilli Haat, INA New Delhi

Time- 11.00am -09.00pm daily

Entry- Rs 20

Creation of unique jewels by Bvlgari

Standard
Necklace in yellow gold with 7 emeralds 129,48 cts, garnets 95,15 cts ,1 drop of emerald 3,90 cts, round brilliant cut diamonds 36,85 cts ,pear shaped diamonds 9,12 cts ,diamond baguettes 1,20 cts and round brilliant cut diamonds 1,45 cts

High Jewellery necklace in white gold with emeralds (141,97 ct), sapphires (149,31 ct), rubies (95,42 ct), round brilliant cut diamonds (34,13 ct), baguette diamonds (4,78 ct) and pavé diamonds (14,99 ct).

The Bulgari High Jewellery Collection is a collection of exquisitely crafted jewels, created on the basis of drawings especially developed for gemstones of extraordinary quality. The essential element for a piece of high jewellery is the stone, or set of stones, around which it is composed. A profound knowledge of gems and cuts is therefore an indispensable skill for developing a collection of high jewellery, and in this area Bulgari boasts a tradition of excellence that goes back more than a century. Searching the world market for gems of the right cut and colour requires time and great expertise from Bulgari’s gemologists. And then there is the talent and taste required from Bulgari’s designers to compose these magnificent stones and finalise the design. At last, the master goldsmiths create perfectly crafted gold settings, links and clasps giving every Bulgari jewel their exceptional suppleness.

Serpenti bracelet in 18K Pink Gold 57,5 grs with 1 Rubellite and 221 Mounted Pave Setting 7,85 cts

Serpenti bracelet in 18K Pink Gold 57,5 grs with 1 Rubellite and 221 Mounted Pave Setting 7,85 cts

Each type of gemstone has its geographical origins: the most prized emeralds, for example, come mostly from Colombia, though by now they are rare even there. The finest sapphires are found in Kashmir, while the main producer is Sri Lanka, source of the majority of the sapphires bought by Bulgari, which has become one of the world’s largest buyers in terms of overall carats. The best rubies come from Myanmar, and though Bulgari has never acquired them directly from that country but rather on the international market, it nonetheless requires that suppliers can guarantee the provenance of its rubies. As for diamonds, Bulgari purchases cut stones only and collaborate continually with selected suppliers in countries that comply with the Kimberly Process.

Necklace in yellow gold with 7 emeralds 129,48 cts, garnets 95,15 cts ,1 drop of emerald 3,90 cts, round brilliant cut diamonds 36,85 cts ,pear shaped diamonds 9,12 cts ,diamond baguettes 1,20 cts and round brilliant cut diamonds 1,45 cts

Necklace in yellow gold with 7 emeralds 129,48 cts, garnets 95,15 cts ,1 drop of emerald 3,90 cts, round brilliant cut diamonds 36,85 cts ,pear shaped diamonds 9,12 cts ,diamond baguettes 1,20 cts and round brilliant cut diamonds 1,45 cts

The signature feature of Bulgari style, immediately recognizable all over the world, lies in its use of coloured stones. Since the 1960s – the decade in which Bulgari definitively broke with the French school to establish its own style – Bulgari jewels have distinguished themselves for their surprising, unprecedented combinations of precious and semi-precious coloured stones.

High Jewellery Serpenti bracelet in pink gold with 2 pear brilliant cut diamonds (0.83 ct) and pavé diamonds (50.49 ct ).

High Jewellery Serpenti bracelet in pink gold with 2 pear brilliant cut diamonds (0.83 ct) and pavé diamonds (50.49 ct ).

The use of semi-precious stones like tourmaline, amethyst, citrine, coral, pearls and garnets, often juxtaposed with rubies, emeralds and sapphires, enabled Bulgari to draw from a much broader palette of colours than usual, including new and unexpected hues like purple, pink and orange and a whole range of deep reds, greens and yellows. The result is a practically infinite number of possible chromatic combinations, from the most vividly contrasting to the most delicately nuanced.

Amrapali’s gorgeous ‘Festive Fervour’ collection

Standard
Silver multi-stone beaded necklace by Amrapali

Silver multi-stone beaded necklace by Amrapali

Celebrate the festival of lights this season with Amrapali’s ‘Festive Fervor’ collection capturing the true essence of Indian tradition and heritage.

Silver multi-stone crescent earrings by Amrapali

Silver multi-stone crescent earrings by Amrapali

Amrapali offers a range of exquisitely handcrafted silver and gold-plated chandbali’s and statement neck pieces to complement your festive ensembles.

Silver chalcedony carved pearl bangle by Amrapali

Silver chalcedony carved pearl bangle by Amrapali

If you are fond of coloured jewellery, work the multi-stoned crescent earrings in bejeweled silver/gold-plated turquoise, pearl, crystal, blue and pink glass earrings into your outfit. Graceful in soft pink, the pink stud earrings and necklace will add a hint of shimmer to your outfit.

Silver crystal and ghungroo earrings by Amrapali

Silver crystal and ghungroo earrings by Amrapali

For a simpler, subdued option, choose the crystal and pearl ghungroo earrings oxidised in silver complemented with rubies and emeralds. Similar in line, are the handmade pearl-beaded earrings, which are oxidised in silver with orange glass and go perfectly well with your traditional wear.

Silver pearl crystal earrings by Amrapali

Silver pearl crystal earrings by Amrapali

For those who favour classic, flaunt the multi-stone beaded necklace carved with crystal to add some much needed elegance and charm.

Of eccentric cuts and asymmetrical silhouettes – Alpana & Neeraj

Standard
Alpana & Neeraj at the Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Alpana & Neeraj at the Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Alpana & Neeraj took the audience by surprise at the Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015, with their quirky take on Japanese culture. Their collection brought forth a rather unusual amalgamation of eccentric cuts and asymmetrical silhouettes. What stood out the most was the atypical yet bold usage of the bow motif.

Alpana & Neeraj at the Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Alpana & Neeraj at the Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

The designer duo seemed to be obsessed with everything cute or Kawaii (in the context of Japanese tradition). Their chosen colour palette was bold and vibrant—electric blue, scarlet, black with hints of beige, golden and whites. The subtle interplay of fabrics made the outfits stand out. Sheer, raw silk and satin interplayed well to surface patterns, and multiple layers of frills with undertones of minimalism and clean lines.

Alpana & Neeraj at the Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Alpana & Neeraj at the Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Sharp linear structures are softened with bows and scallops. Harajuku-styled aprons skirts are worn over sharply-cut pants, large floral patches are sewn on to long linear dresses, and black gets special attention with obe add-ons and structured tie ups. Roundness of compositions, childlike proportions and interesting choice of colours make the collection look like little dolls’ clothes.

Jewellery at ‘The Big Door’–For the love of Festivities

Standard
Jewellery at The Big Door

Jewellery at The Big Door

Reminiscing Indian Heritage is a store located at the heart of Bombay, dedicated to rich Indian heritage, collectibles, pure silver furniture and heritage jewellery. Enter ‘The Big Door’, a 7500 sq ft concept store marked by a spectacular and imposing 25 feet high antique-inspired green door, to provide one-of-a-kind experience to its patrons with every square foot donned with limited edition hand-selected pieces that insinuate colonial India.

Jewellery at The Big Door

Jewellery at The Big Door

The Big Door showcases Mughal, Nizam and Rajput inspired jewellery ranging from precious and semi-precious jewellery, set in gold, silver and gold-plated silver, to Victorian, polkis and jadau pieces—each of these mesmerizing creations are unique and design oriented.

Jewellery at The Big Door

Jewellery at The Big Door

These delicately crafted masterpieces exhibit fine workmanship, tradition and exclusiveness. The jewellery at The Big Door constitutes heirloom pieces that can be passed onto generations to come.

Jewellery at The Big Door

Jewellery at The Big Door

The collection of gold jewellery comprises of neck pieces, cuffs, earrings, rings, bangles (kadas), forehead jewellery pieces (maang tika) and Bandhgala buttons for men. These jewels are made with precious stones such as rubies, uncut diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, south sea pearls with a combination of enamel on the pieces.

Jewellery at The Big Door

Jewellery at The Big Door

The silver jewellery collection comprises of tribal statement pieces with intricately carved out details. The stunning ornaments are encrusted with semi-precious stones like Amethyst, Rose quartz, Cornelian, pearl, Green onyx, Turquoise and Garnet.

‘Rouka’ by Sreejith Jeevan Presents a Monsoon Story

Standard
Floating Boat Pants by ROUKA

Floating Boat Pants by ROUKA

Paper boat races, playing with grandfather’s crook-handled umbrellas, ambassador cars passing by the green fields, rubbing out some space in the misted glass windows to watch the rain and the cyclist’s balancing act while pedaling through puddled streets; were just a few of the many inspirations of this clean-cut, super chic monsoon collection by designer Sreejith Jeevan.

It's raining culottes by ROUKA

It’s raining culottes by ROUKA

This collection brings forth an aesthetic amalgamation of the vibrant Indian tradition molded in layers of contemporary hues with an ever-elusive empowering zest of the weaver and the wearer. Stitch by stitch and seam by seam—this collection is sure to strike a cord or two amongst fashionistas.

Rouka Green Doodle Shirt

Rouka Green Doodle Shirt

From muted tones to darker juxtapositions, a tale of powder blue to blending hints of parrot green, this collection is a true visual delight. The cuts, silhouettes and fabrics look easy on the eyes and super comfy on the skin.

P.S- If you want to lay your hands on these gorgeous outfits, do click on NETE.IN

Organic fashion takes centre-stage at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014

Standard
Anavila with Showsopper Konkona Sen Sharma

Anavila with Showsopper Konkona Sen Sharma

‘Mohenjo Daro’ by Anavila Sindhu Mishra– Anavila Sindhu Mishra’s collection ‘Mohenjo Daro’ took the spectators back to an era of sheer magnificence at the fashion week. She brought back the various strands of life from a beautiful bygone time. Taking direction from various objects found at the excavation such as the culture, regional artifacts and the art remains, Anavila painted a beautiful visual picture for the collection. She was also inspired by her muse Konkona Sen Sharma, who portrayed this era gracefully.

Anavila

Anavila

The major highlight of this compilation was the handiwork of treatments done on hand-woven textiles. The fabrics used were linen, cotton and silk, which were dominant at that time. Stitching techniques like extra weft weaving, block printing and ikat gave prominence to the Indus motifs. Over-dyeing and printing had also been used to create an aged, rustic look. Ajrak printing, featured at Mohenjo Daro, was an important aspect of the collection. The becoming creations had gorgeous colours like mehendi green, gold metallic sheens, off white, navy blues and rust reds.

Anavila

Anavila

Other garments that stood out were the cutout sari with the rust/red blouse and garment detailing, which included line texturing in the form of embroidery and elephant prints along with a tan-belted sari that really brought out the visual appeal of the textile. To add to the ethnicity of the entire collection the accessories were made of beaten metal, terracotta and leather.

Purvi Doshi with Showstopper Sonal Chauhan

Purvi Doshi with Showstopper Sonal Chauhan

‘Chavi’ By Purvi Doshi- Purvi Joshi showcased her creative side at the fashion week by bringing in harmony between two cultures for her collection ‘Chavi’. Inspiration was drawn from the ever-famous African Aztec prints, which are trendy all over the world. Purvi converted these prints to turn them into a desi offering of glamorous fusion wear. This change from international to hometown material was created with brilliant merging of the prints into mirror embroidery with subtlety of Kutch and Gujarat beaming through.

Purvi Doshi

Purvi Doshi

The garments looked melodious in sound hues of saffron, blue, chili red, green and white that effortlessly flowed into the silhouettes. The handwork on the garments was the reflection of a dying art of mirror work by the rural crafts-people who were struggling to keep this tradition afloat.

Purvi Doshi

Purvi Doshi

This collection had maxis, saris paired with short kurtas along with flared blouses, tie and dye skirts as well as long kurtas with flared pants. This collection had variety of detailing like pleats, layering, gather and keyholes. It was colourful and eclectic just like its mirror work. Other enchanting ensembles were the anarkalis that were rich in blue and had colourful edging details. Rajasthani bangles were also a major statement making accessory style that was adopted to complete the collection. Sonal Chauhan was the showstopper for her collection.

Sashikant Naidu and Showstopper Shreya Saran

Sashikant Naidu and Showstopper Shreya Saran

‘Separe’ by Sashikant Naidu– Sashikant Naidu brought the limelight onto 21st century women with his collection ‘Separe’, which is French for ‘Separates’ at the fashion week. The underlying idea was to create separate pieces that would look divine with already possessed items in every lady’s wardrobe.

Sashikant Naidu

Sashikant Naidu

A wide range of dresses, jackets, skirts, scarves, stoles to dupattas, lehengas, saris and blouses was the essence of the collection. The brilliance of a collection such as this would only stand out by using silks, Dupion, fletcher, ikat and khadi along with crepes. The look commenced with light, layered and textured outfits, all made in khadi with embellishments such as handmade accessories and tribal jewellery to bring out the rawness of idea.

Sashikant Naidu

Sashikant Naidu

Hues like metallic grey, flower prints, lime green, emerald green and rust reds had exquisite detailing like pom-poms and pleats. Majority of the colours of this compilation were in shades of red, green and blue dawned on silhouettes like body-fitted maxi dress, sleeveless high low cardigan, sequined edged kurtas and asymmetrical handkerchief maxi skirts. Another ensemble that stood out was the midi dress, which was layered with box pleats and had long flared sleeves. A technique of hand painting was used with only eco-friendly paints and was contemporary for the style and silhouettes of the collection. Adding just a hint of shimmer in the embroidery, Sashikant ensured that the artisans incorporated the temples of South India and embodied nature in the designs. Bollywood star Shriya Saran was in a polished emerald green blouse with a red sari along with exaggerated nose jewellery, which was a perfect ending to the radiant collection.