#BRIDALTRENDS: Back to Basics.

Published in Women’s Own (Oct ’13)

Three-page spread article as published in Women’s Own Magazine. (Oct ’13)

As appeared in print version of the magazine.

There is indeed an odd sense of identity in the deeply-rooted traditional jamawears, ruffled chundris and a banarsi bodice. Fashion has evolved over the years and so has style. So with the emergence of traditional bridal wear, we all now, have the perfect excuse to dust off those ittichees and get all the vintage joras altered!

1. THE CHOLI: 

Initially, Gagra Choli was the traditional attire of women in Punjab before the advent of the shalwar kameez. It boomed among the Rajistani and Gujrati women in 1872 and was worn to cool off in summers. The long-lost choli has now, however, seen the light of the day in series of Couture Weeks along with being modeled by celebrities at various events. The choli, is a name given to mid-riff baring, cropped top with a voluminous ankle length skirt underneath. It’s a outfit that is effortlessly voluptuous and sophisticated, all in one go!

2. MATHA PATTIS: 

Matha Pattis are elaborate head pieces adorned by royalty and Goddesses in ancient Hindu scriptures. It is a piece of jewelry made up of quirky colored precious and semi precious stones that are often festooned with artful marvels. Its a trend not only followed by contemporary jewelry artists and brides but this unequivocally chic creation has been bedecked by the friends of brides alike!

3. ANGARKHAS: 

Angharka has descended down from threads of history and monarchy. Usually an attire worn by Rajisthani men on festivities, over the years, its sartorial detailing has swayed its way into women’s wardrobe. Angharjka is a long sleeved, full skirted upper garment of varying length, generally open at the chest and tied on the front with an inner flap or parda. Undoubtedly, with its flared culottes, Angharka is a retro and timelessly classic ensemble.

4. KAMDANI: 

Kamdani is a name given to gold and silver ornamentation made on a fine fabric. It seems that the designers have ditched the sequin and diamante work and reverted back to the traditional shamrocks, roses, thistles and duchesse patterned bodice with delicate kamdani thread-work. A silhouette enhanced by kamdani is most-definitely a wardrobe perennial that whispers luxury in their very warp and weft!

5. LENGHAS: 

To say the least, Lenghas are epitome of elegance. They have rich craftsmanship with thread and wire embroidery, bead-work and motif embellishments. It has an equally enamoring dupatta to match which makes for the most auspicious wedding ceremony. Lengha is what’s surely make you feel like royalty. And to fit the varying  trends, both, long and short blouse is a style statement!

6. TRADITIONAL JEWERLY:

Its time to hunt down mother’s jewelry box and make use of the gems that were locked away and sworn never to be worn again: the iconic Nathni and Kundan jewels have made a comeback! Simply put, a Nathni is a big nose rings, often embellished with color stones to match a bride’s dress, where as, Kundan is a traditional gem set with gold foil in between stones and its mount. Along with that, glinting precious stones encrusted in chunky gold choker is also fashion’s favorite!

7. GOTTA WORK: 

Gotta is a narrow ribbon or strip woven with gold or silver thread used for appliqué work and has seeped into our tradition from the Mughal Royals. A hand-woven work was through history, sported by Mughal Princess, which with the passing time,  became the bridal wardrobe-essential. With clean line and soft construction, gotta work is seen on latest series of Couture Weeks, as gathered, tucked, embroidered or falling loose in rumpled luxury!

8. PEARL WORK: 

After Miuccia Prada’s lavish costume designs for Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby –  the audiences were enthralled and the fashion industry went on rampage for pearls! The 1920’s era of fur tippets, diaphanous fabrics and colors has made a comeback – with pearls in tact. To name a few, giant names like HSY, Karma and Ali Xeeshan have incorporated the mix of swankiest, black and white pearls into their fine tailoring.

Vanity Affair!

AS PUBLISHED IN WOMEN’S OWN (OCT ‘ 13)

Article as published in the print version of the magazine

Getting hitched opens doors to new set of relationships and expectations. It the fine-threaded path, that once stepped on, needs caution at every step forward. But, who says all of that, and much more that comes as a combo-package to getting married, can’t be done with style?

As Henry Wadsworth Longfellow puts it “In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.”

Which is why, here is a simple breakdown of ten essential things that needs to be packed in your vanity box, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse!

1.      Concealer:

A creamy, thick formula of a concealer can do wonders for those unwanted blemishes, zits and dark circles; its like a fairy godmother’s wish-wand for everything undesired! So spread it around stubborn spots and watch them disappear!

2.      Foundation:

The markets are swarming with all types of foundations. From the liquid, cream or powdered to oil based, oil free and water based – they seem to have it all. There is no need to slather the entire foundation on your face, though! Just apply it on uneven skin tone or discoloration to see immediate effects.

3.      Translucent powder:

Translucent powder, also know as a compact is a light, quick dusting powder that sets the makeup right. Being light weight and portable, it can be kept in purses and used to freshen up, form time to time.

4.      Blush:

Now who doesn’t like a soft-summer glow? A blush is perfect to apply the pop of color to those apples of your cheek. Remember, less is always more to highlight that perfect sun-kissed look!

5.      Mascara:

A lash blast mascara does more that just define your eyes. It enhances and thickens the lashes, making them appear mile-longer and model-esque, with just swipe of a wand!

6.      Eye-Liner:

Liners are available in liquid, sticks and even markers, allowing you to experiment with your eyes. A simple black or a colored eye-liner could help you create a retro look that’s sure to make a style statement!

7.      Eye-Shadow:

Going to a romantic dinner-for-two or to one of the many wedding-dawats, you most definitely need to dress up. An eye-shadow palette in makeup kit, can be an added arsenal and give you the perfect excuse to play around with colors. Go for the warm brown or the charcoal gray for a smokey look or keep things afresh with a neutral beige or white!

8.      Brushes:

For those who think makeup can be applied with the use of bear hands and fingers have got it all wrong. You need the perfect set of brushes to spread the powder, dab you cheeks and blend all the shades together!

9.      Lipstick/lip gloss:

For the final touches, lipsticks and lip-glosses are absolute beauty essentials. Pucker those lips with lacquer red or coral pink for the perfect antidotes to those endless blahs!

10.  Make-up Removal creams:

At the end of the day, make-up is clogging up all your pores, giving you a damaged, acne skin. Removing makeup afterwards, however, should be taken up as a ritual, for attaining that after-glowing and  flawless skin. Various cleansers, skin moisturizers, face wash and wipes available in markets, will help you in just that!