Real Bride: Destination India - Heirlooms, Tradition and Royalty
I don't know about you, but I am accustomed to think of Indian fashion in terms of lenghas, saris, and shalwar kameez. But, in a nation of over a billion people, it should come as no surprise that the way we dress is so much more varied than that.
Take for example the bride in these pics via FotoWala by Sephi Bergerson Photography. She is wearing a traditional Hydrebadi dress called Khadda Duppatta, made of a rosey pink benares silk woven with pure gold thread. Since her in-laws to be are members of a former princely state, some elements of her outfit are passed down for generations, such as her jewels and ghunghat (chunni or duppatta), which belonged the groom's grandmother. To read more about it, or see all the pictures from this wedding, click here.
Take for example the bride in these pics via FotoWala by Sephi Bergerson Photography. She is wearing a traditional Hydrebadi dress called Khadda Duppatta, made of a rosey pink benares silk woven with pure gold thread. Since her in-laws to be are members of a former princely state, some elements of her outfit are passed down for generations, such as her jewels and ghunghat (chunni or duppatta), which belonged the groom's grandmother. To read more about it, or see all the pictures from this wedding, click here.
Click on any image to enlarge.
Click on any image to enlarge.
Sephi Bergerson combines the keen eye of a photojournalist with the artistic sensibilities of a lifestyle and wedding photographer. He works all over India, so if you are planning to get married there, consider looking into his services. To see more of his work or to visit his website, click here. I personally recommend checking out this post featuring Sephi's fave 10 wedding photographs.
Color Theory: A Hot Color Concept from Umrao Jaan
I tend to play it safe in my own personal style and whenever I'm buying accessories I always end up picking stuff that's the exact same colour as the material of my suit. I always wish that I had picked something that was complementary to my outfit rather than matching it. But I worry too much that someone will say, "That doesn't match!"
If I wasn't so chicken, I'd probably go with a colour scheme like this one. The cool of the blue really tempers an otherwise warm colour scheme.
If I wasn't so chicken, I'd probably go with a colour scheme like this one. The cool of the blue really tempers an otherwise warm colour scheme.
Picture Credit: Screenshots are my own
The Basic Bride: Get your nails done!
A friend of mine was engaged for four years. When you are engaged for four years, you have a lot of time to plan your wedding. She scoured every possible webpage for ideas and had several folders full of pictures on your desktop. Nothing escaped her planning fervor. She refused to allow her burdensome, judgemental family in on too much, and handed over most of the work to a wedding planner.
So it was no wonder that I was sure my friend had it together completely and she would be ready for her big day without a hitch. Until of course, we realized that she'd forgotten to plan out her own beauty routine. And then, at 10 o'clock the night before her wedding day, she was on the phone to her makeup artist, frantically trying to find nail bar that opened late. She found one, and got her nails painted to a beautiful shade of magenta-ey coraly pink to match her sandals. Not a moment too soon.
My point? Don't forget to get your nails done. Especially if having them painted a certain colour is integral to your look.
So it was no wonder that I was sure my friend had it together completely and she would be ready for her big day without a hitch. Until of course, we realized that she'd forgotten to plan out her own beauty routine. And then, at 10 o'clock the night before her wedding day, she was on the phone to her makeup artist, frantically trying to find nail bar that opened late. She found one, and got her nails painted to a beautiful shade of magenta-ey coraly pink to match her sandals. Not a moment too soon.
My point? Don't forget to get your nails done. Especially if having them painted a certain colour is integral to your look.
Worth Noting: Fit for a [Mughal] Prince
Mughal Princess, Ziggi Studio recently showed a selection of sherwanis at the Asiana Bridal Show for your hubby-to-be that will perfectly complement your theme. Click here to head over to the asian fashion blog and check them out.
Bollywood Bride: Aishwarya Rai in Umrao Jaan - Part II
This is a continuation from a previous post, please click here to see the first part
Perhaps in an attempt to recreate the blockbuster success of Devdas, or because they afford her the big-budget production values she no doubt feels entitled to, Aishwarya Rai's most recent roles have been in elaborate historical movies. Her reasons notwithstanding, the people working on these films spare no expense or effort, and the result is a cinematic extravaganza that is a treat to watch. As far as I'm concerned, the clothes in this film are works of art.
Perhaps in an attempt to recreate the blockbuster success of Devdas, or because they afford her the big-budget production values she no doubt feels entitled to, Aishwarya Rai's most recent roles have been in elaborate historical movies. Her reasons notwithstanding, the people working on these films spare no expense or effort, and the result is a cinematic extravaganza that is a treat to watch. As far as I'm concerned, the clothes in this film are works of art.
oooh...sexayyy...sorry, couldn't resist. Aishwarya Rai as Umrao Jaan and Bacchan the younger as Nawab Sultan
Aishwarya Rai as Umrao Jaan as she reminds her lover not to be unfair with her just cause of who she is (a courtesan/glorified prostitute).
Okay, can we stop and talk about this outfit? I personally feel it is amazing, with it's stunning colour combination of vibrant orange silk and magenta with gold embroidery and a surprise addition of lapis blue that complements it beautifully. It suits the scene and the movement of the jewels as she dances to express her indignation. This look is not for the faint of heart.
Aishwarya Rai as Umrao Jaan as she mournfully dances for a new patron, who is played by Sunil Shetty.
There's the double layer lengha skirt that I was talking about in the last post. Although the colour of this outfit is not particularly my favourite, the iridescence of the material actually make it quite beautiful, and would be lovely for an evening reception (it's corny, but think of moonlight).
All these images are from my copy of the 2006 film produced by J. P. Films Motion Picture Producers. I'll leave with you a few more screenshots from the film to give you an idea of some of the other beautiful costumes to be seen in this epic production.
Bollywood Bride: Aishwarya Rai in Umrao Jaan
Hello everyone, I apologize for my relative silence, hopefully I shall be back to form over the next few days. But don't worry, I didn't forget you guys completely, and I was hard at work on some great posts. Ordinarily I hate when bloggers split posts to score more hits, but I've split this one in two because it would be too long otherwise. You know how Indian movies are...everytime I thought it was over, there was more.
Umrao Jaan was actually not a bride, but a courtesan in the last days of the Mughal Era. In the 2006 movie version of this classic Pakistani novella, Aishwarya plays the famous beauty of Lucknow's royal court. The whole movie is a visual feast, and Aishwarya Rai's outfits are exquisite. There are plenty of ideas here for the Mughal princess bride in choosing both her outfits and her decor.
Aishwarya Rai as Umrao Jaan at her debut to the Lucknowi Royal Court
Her makeup in this particular scene is my favourite in the whole movie, and I really think it's a look that many brides who are wearing gold this summer will want to copy. The dress itself is an embroidered crushed silk anarkali suit with a typically pakistani vest on top. The dupatta is a net material with zari work, which seems to be more popular, as brides are looking for more low maintenance styles. As you can see from the last picture, anarkali suits move beautifully and can make for some dramatic pictures.
Aishwarya Rai as Umrao Jaan at a special party for her lover-to-be, Nawab Sultan
In this scene, she is wearing a lengha with a longer shirt top. The costume designer for this film clearly choose to go with rich fabrics and use embroidery for effect rather than allowing it swallow up the outfits. Although the screenshots don't show the skirt, it is flounced, with the bottom part being more flowy than the top. I'll point out this style again in the next set of shots.
Just so you know, all these pics are screenshots from my copy of the 2006 film produced by J. P. Films Motion Picture Producers. I'll be back in a bit with more pictures from the movie.
Worth Noting: Kismet Magazine
Kismet Magazine, from the organizers of Kismet Wedding Show, is a showcase for vendors who want to reach the North American bride. Carrying over 250 pages of glossy advertising and articles, it's standard fare for these type of magazines. When I picked up a copy this weekend, however, it stood out to me for one reason: at $9.99, it's one of the most reasonably priced South Asian Bridal magazines on newstands. You can get your copy at Chapters.
Love at First Sight: Crystal-Studded Courts From Unze London
While working on this post, I found these:
I think you understand me when I say they speak for themselves. Price: £59.99 from Unze Shoes of London.
Burgundy, Crystal-studded, Peep-toe Courts. Picture Credit: Unze
I think you understand me when I say they speak for themselves. Price: £59.99 from Unze Shoes of London.
The Accessorized Bride: Kundan Jewellery
Kundan Jewellery, a style of jewellery where semi-precious (update: the original text did not contain the words semi-precious, but I added them here to clarify, as precious gems are a different category) gemstones are set into the gold using a goldfoil or silverfoil backing, as opposed to the claw setting which is more common today, gained patronage in the Mughal era, during which time the technique was perfected. The setting, together with the signature large pendant, has become synonomous with regal splendor. I suspect that with the rising price of gold, this style will become increasingly popular once more. To read more about Kundan Jewellery, check out this post on Wedding Sutra.
Picture Credits from the top left: "Jodha Akbar" inspired imitation pearl set from Fusion Jewels/Kundan sets one, two and three from Bargello/Mughal style Kundan ring courtesy of Google Images/
Check out my Onscreen Bride post about "Jodha Akbar" to see another stealable jewellery look for the Mughal Princess bride.
The Inspired Bride: A Mughal Princess
"The Princess" watercolor painting. Picture Credit: Exotic India Art
The Mughals came from Persia and ruled most of India for over 300 years, bringing with them their education and wealth, forever changing the face of India and Pakistan. Their influence on our art, history, culture, food, and politics is still a constant undercurrent in our identity today. The anarkali suit and the paneled lengha are good examples of that influence in fashion. If you choose a mughal theme for your wedding, expected to see a lot of richly coloured silks, precious stones, and elaborate decor. Here is an outfit I think would be perfect for a Mughal princess bride at her mehndi.
Picture Credits from the top left: Designer anarkali suit from Trends of India/ Kundan Jewellery via Google Images/Opi nail lacquer in "Curry up and Don't be Late!" via slapiton.tv/Zardozi pillows from Berber Trading Co./
The Zen Bride: The Groom is not a Prop
I don't like the term bridezilla because it's unfair. If brides obsess over every detail of their wedding day for months, It's because they are excited. This is their day to look beautiful, express themselves, and celebrate the most meaningful relationship of their lives with their nearest and dearest. That being said, some brides go too far in controlling their husband's role in the festivities. Most guys are happy to let their brides take over most of the planning and preparing, but where they want to be included, or where it concerns them, think about how you want to handle it.
A wedding is a time to recognize and celebrate your marriage, and it sets the tone for your relationship in so many ways. The financial, familial, and emotional issues that come up in the course of wedding planning often continue to come up later on in marriage.
Each relationship is unique, but no relationship where one partner stifles the other is healthy.A wedding is a time to recognize and celebrate your marriage, and it sets the tone for your relationship in so many ways. The financial, familial, and emotional issues that come up in the course of wedding planning often continue to come up later on in marriage.
Picture Credit: Ice Yellow Jamawaar Sherwani from Bargello
The Accessorized Bride: Sandals with Socks
...are always a fashion faux pas? Not if you wear them like this:
Bodee + Patrick's Wedding. The Bride is wearing hot pink heels from Dior.
Picture Credit: Green Wedding Shoes
Picture Credits: all ladies' sandals from Unze by Shalimar, and all men's socks from Ted Baker Accessories
*Update* my original intention was to be a bit tongue-in-cheek with this post. I fell decidedly flat on my face, as according to my hubby and sis, this post is not clear. my idea for the accessorized bride was that it would be cute if she coordinated her sandals with her groom's socks.
The Basic Bride: Work Out
I'm going to be a hypocrite today, and advise you guys to work out. Srsly, this is where I fall short in all my healthy lifestyle stuff. Lucky for me, I don't have a car, so I have to walk. A lot. Pushing a stroller, and sometimes carrying a three year-old. And that's why I don't work out, because my life is a very tough personal trainer, so I don't need a gym.
This week, however, I will join the gym with my sister, who is finding that at the tender age of 23, her bones are aching, and her circulation is poor. She's actually rather slim, so she doesn't need to lose weight, but the benefits of excercise go way beyond weight loss. She is just frail and often very tired from work, so she wants to build up her strength.
For the most part, gyms make their money from ppl who pay but never show up. So instead of joining a gym, make your initial commitment to working out cheaper, possibly in the form of a good song and your empty living room, or a stretch band and youtube.
This week, however, I will join the gym with my sister, who is finding that at the tender age of 23, her bones are aching, and her circulation is poor. She's actually rather slim, so she doesn't need to lose weight, but the benefits of excercise go way beyond weight loss. She is just frail and often very tired from work, so she wants to build up her strength.
For the most part, gyms make their money from ppl who pay but never show up. So instead of joining a gym, make your initial commitment to working out cheaper, possibly in the form of a good song and your empty living room, or a stretch band and youtube.
Love-ly Locks: A Villa in Greece
Clockwise from the top left: Blake Lively, Jennifer Lopez, a random model, and Amanda Bynes.
Picture Credits: Google Images
Grecian style hair is a combination of one or two elements, such as the braids, the loose, flowing curls, a ribbon or other element weaving over the hair and binding it, and, in the case of an up-do, curls crowning the back of the head, rather than tightly wound.Picture Credits: Google Images
Pair it with a shimmery lipgloss, some tanning cream, and you are ready for some fun in the balmy, greek sunshine.
The Accessorized Bride: A Modern Bouquet
Malibu wedding with Modern Style. Picture Credit: Style Me Pretty
The bride's bouquet, and that of her bridesmaids was wrapped in a beaded lace. Picture wrapping your own bouquet in a piece of trim left over from the sewing of your lengha, instead of the standard florist's satin ribbon. It would be the perfect traditional Indian touch to a very modern bouquet of white cymbidium orchids.
Pulled-Together Bride: Perfect Ponytail
Goody Stay-Put Elastics. Picture Credit: goody.com
I get really antsy when my ponytail goes loose, and I used to constantly untie it and re-do it to keep it tight, until I found the stay-put ponytail holders from Goody. They have these rubbery nubs that grip the hair. For a good up-do, a tight ponytail is essential, so these can come in handy.
Hair bungees. Picture Credit: myhairdressersearch.com
I recently discovered that hairstylists use something called a "hair bungee." It has two hooks on either end of an elastic, which can be hooked and rehooked to tighten the ponytail without upsetting the entire hair-do. I made the home-made version shown in the video below, and it works well enough, but for someone like me, who is very clumsy, I find it a little unwieldy. Still, on your wedding day, someone else will be doing your hair anyway, so it works
Color Theory: A Villa in Greece
When I think of Greece, I think of villas whitewashed to a brillant white with vibrant blue domes. This architectural feature complements the surrounding geography perfectly in form and function. I sometimes think that it is testament to the artistic temperament of the Greeks, who brought the sea home in their beautiful houses.
The top picture is a view from the rooftops of Santorini, the bottom pic is a shot of Jennifer Lopez from the 2007 Oscars.
When my friend decorated her own apartment, she was inspired by a paint of Santorini, Greece, and used a brown, blue and white color scheme. At first thought, this doesn't work, but whenever you work from colors in nature, the look will always fall into place. You can find more inspiration for this colour scheme on the site of Atelier Isabey, a stationery company based out of NYC.
Update: My hubby, who sometimes proofs my work, pointed out that I didn't make note of the fact that the first color scheme is with silver and the second is with gold. I wanted to show that it works for both.
Update: My hubby, who sometimes proofs my work, pointed out that I didn't make note of the fact that the first color scheme is with silver and the second is with gold. I wanted to show that it works for both.
The Inspired Bride: A Villa in Greece
A village in Santorini, Greece...Saaantoreeeenee *sigh* even the name sounds warm and sunshiney.
Picture Credit: Vincent Bourrout Photography via theodora.com
Scenes like the one above make me ache for summer. Even though here in Toronto we have been relatively unscathed by winter this year, I am still holding my breath, waiting for spring, praying that this year at least we get away without any serious snowfall. And I am dreaming of summer and a vacation in the Greek Isles. I give you my "Ode to Greece" in the form of an inspiration board.
Picture Credits from the top left: Turquoise Unze Lengha from Bargello/ "Class Act" earrings from R. J. Graziano Jewellery at HSN/ OPI nail lacquer in "Pearls of Wisdom" via temptalia/ Michael Kors "Yulissa" gladiator sandals from Zappos/ A bouquet of Stephatois Flowers/ "Class Act" cuff bracelet from R. J. Graziano Jewellery at HSN/
Zen Bride: Taking Chances
Everytime I visit the UK, my mother-in-law thoughtfully sews a couple of outfits for me before I arrive. One year, she gave me a suit, saying that she liked it, but no one else would give it a try. It was the colour of orange soda, so I was skeptical, but I tried it on because I didn't want to offend her. To my surprise, it looked nice.
More than nice...it made my skin look creamier and my hair darker. It suited me perfectly. Now when I see orange on the rack, I am more likely to pick it up. I took a chance with my style, and it paid off.
Big or small, some chances are worth taking, and some gut instincts are worth following. Some will work out, and some won't. What kind of chances are you taking on your wedding day, with your look, the food, the venue, or anything else?
Picture Credit: Orange Michiri Lengha from Bargello
Worth Noting: Scotiabank Suhaag Bridal Show
Okay all you GTA brides-to-be, this weekend is the Scotiabank Suhaag Bridal Show at the Toronto Congress Centre. Doors open Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm. They are reputedly going to host a fashion show featuring 12 of Toronto's biggest fashion houses. I hope to check it out, and post some pictures for you all. I'll keep you posted.
Oh yeah, and in honour of this event, Scotiabank is having a very desi contest: you could win one of four 1oz bars, or one of three secondary prizes of 5 gm gold bars. Now how brown is that? Nothing like gold to get us asians jumping.
Didn't end up going, if anyone has pictures to share, or they wanna talk about what it's like, I'd love to hear about it.
Oh yeah, and in honour of this event, Scotiabank is having a very desi contest: you could win one of four 1oz bars, or one of three secondary prizes of 5 gm gold bars. Now how brown is that? Nothing like gold to get us asians jumping.
Didn't end up going, if anyone has pictures to share, or they wanna talk about what it's like, I'd love to hear about it.
Real Bride: Pearls and Silk
Montreal is a city with old-world, european bones, and a vibrant, young, new-world heart. This juxtaposition of ideas is the same mood that sets apart the photos of my next real bride. Dressed in a blush pink, silk lengha and bedecked with pearls, she is a soft beauty standing in the hard, urban background of Montreal's downtown. Proof that not all good wedding photos have to be set in a garden.This wedding was sent to me by Shaima of Shaima al-Khalili Photography.
Shaima al-Khalili Photography offers wedding, portrait, and event photography. To view more of Shaima's work or contact her, visit her flickr page or her webpage.
Shaima al-Khalili Photography offers wedding, portrait, and event photography. To view more of Shaima's work or contact her, visit her flickr page or her webpage.
Worth Noting: Asiana Bridal Show 2010
I'm missing it this year since I'm in Canada right now, but the pictures on Asian Fashion Blog from the show in Birmingham and those at The Asian Wedding Editor's Guide from the show in London were good enough to make me feel like I was at the runway show myself.
An Announcement: My New Address
Aaina Bridal is moving to its own URL! Please update your favourites, and if you follow me on google, it should take your directly to my new address.
Love-ly Locks: The Retro Bride
Deepika Padukone in "Om Shanti Om". Picture Credit: Screen Shot
I normally make it a rule not to post more than twice daily, but this one's a freebie because I should have posted this wih my retro bride inspiration series. I hate it when things get out of order, but I don't want to not post it at all, so here it is. Better late than never, I guess.
Deepika Padukone in "Om Shanti Om". Picture Credit: Screen Shot
If you are contemplating going for an old bollywood glamour look, the movie "Om Shanti Om" has some good ideas. I particularly like this hairstyle that Deepika Padukone is wearing.
Hema Malini. Picture Credit: Bollyadda.com
Compare it to a picture of my muse for this series, Hema Malini. Hardly any difference, and yet, Deepika's look is still beautiful, and wouldn't look out of date even today.
Deepika Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan in "Om Shanti Om" (hahaha check out Shah Rukh's nerdy old-man-suit). Picture Credit: Screen Shot
I think the key to keeping the look vintage is the pronounced bangs framing the face, as well as those curling around the ears. The other key element is the row of small flowers on one side. That has clearly been pulled directly from pictures of old bollywood heroines.
Tricks of the Trade: Sweet Modesty
Although, I love make-up, I don't wear a lot because I feel it's not approapriate with my hijab. However, I do make the occasional exception for weddings, or parties. Even then, I keep it very neutral and use it more to even out my complexion, or give myself a glow, or a little gloss on my lips. I think of my make-up bag as a beauty toolkit, not a paint-by-numbers set.
If you choose to wear hijab on your wedding day, I would advise you not to go overboard with your makeup. Hijab is still a holistic approach to your modesty, and just cause you're getting married, it doesn't mean you should wear hot pink eyeshadow or deep red lips. Even if that's how you feel inside.
Picture Credits from the top left: Bridal lengha from Sublime by Sara at Imani Studios/MAC eyeshadow at La Bella Vita Studios/Fresh Bloom All-Over Colour from Clinique/MAC lipstick from their "Warm and Cosy Collection" at Glimmer, Gloss, Glow/ Bare Escentuals makeup at Sephora/
I recommend going with a nude lipstick in a neutral shade. Find a shade that is almost the same shade as your lips, with a bit of gloss, or shimmer, or frost. For skin, I use a mineral make-up foundation, because I love powder foundations. Another good bet is to mix a good foundation with your favourite moisturizer and apply it with a WET sponge.
For eyes, go with shades of brown and pinky-beige, with a gray black liner or blue, depending on your eye colour. Apply your mascara with a light hand, and rely on your eyelash curler for most of the drama.
If you choose to wear hijab on your wedding day, I would advise you not to go overboard with your makeup. Hijab is still a holistic approach to your modesty, and just cause you're getting married, it doesn't mean you should wear hot pink eyeshadow or deep red lips. Even if that's how you feel inside.
Picture Credits from the top left: Bridal lengha from Sublime by Sara at Imani Studios/MAC eyeshadow at La Bella Vita Studios/Fresh Bloom All-Over Colour from Clinique/MAC lipstick from their "Warm and Cosy Collection" at Glimmer, Gloss, Glow/ Bare Escentuals makeup at Sephora/
I recommend going with a nude lipstick in a neutral shade. Find a shade that is almost the same shade as your lips, with a bit of gloss, or shimmer, or frost. For skin, I use a mineral make-up foundation, because I love powder foundations. Another good bet is to mix a good foundation with your favourite moisturizer and apply it with a WET sponge.
For eyes, go with shades of brown and pinky-beige, with a gray black liner or blue, depending on your eye colour. Apply your mascara with a light hand, and rely on your eyelash curler for most of the drama.
Love-ly Locks: Sweet Modesty
I thought I should include a post on how to style the hijab that a muslimah bride would wear on her wedding day, as she will obviously be giving some thought to that as well. Ordinarly I am not a huge fan of going overboard with all this hijab styling, I feel like it's kind of iffy in terms of halal-ness, but I guess on your wedding day, you want to look nice, so it's okay to make an exception.
Gold Turkish Hijab. Picture Credit: The Canadian Muslimah
I posted a turkish silk scarf as part of my "Sweet Modesty" inspiration board because I felt it suited the lengha nicely, but also because I feel that this style of hijab is the easiest to carry, since it is pinned the tightest around one's head, and requires the least wrapping.
Here are two useful videos on how to wear this style. The first video gives you a breakdown of how to wear it to begin with, and the second one shows you how to pin and drape it in the back to add a little bit of glamour to your look. I recommend practising this and trying different styles of pins to figure out what suits you, similar to the way you would have a try-out of your hairstyle. At the end of the second video, I believe the lady is spraying starch on the scarf to make the fabric stiff and ensure it holds.
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