Trendspotting: Lakme Fashion Week Winter Festive 2011 Roundup

Days 1-3
I must admit, fashion weeks have made me a bit lazy lately...I feel like they have all come at once this year, and I'm completely unprepared.  Especially after being spoilt silly by all the luxurious decadence on display at Synergy1 Delhi Couture Week.  So, I decided that instead of going into a frenzy blogging about it, I would just sit and watch this year's show at my ease, and take in all the designers, established, emerging, legendary and superstars alike, just enjoying the parade of gorgeous clothes.  There was, as there always is, so much to see at Lakme Fashion Week, I couldn't possibly do it all justice.  Here is an overview of what I loved, and didn't necessarily love, from the first three days. The rest of the show plus a review is to follow.  Enjoy.

All images Courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week Website.

Vendor Love: **GIVEAWAY CLOSED** Indian Hanger PLUS A Giveaway!!!

Indian Hanger is the e-tail boutique run by writer and blogger Mallika Singhania, who has guest blogged on my site, to check it out, click here.  Her store carries a hand-picked selection of India's top designers, and thanks to Mallika's insider's view on the industry, she's able to carry some of the best, including Neeta Lulla.  I also discovered a brand called Kisneel through her site, which I am really loving for their romantic fabrics and colours.  I've included one of their sarees in my picks from the site.  After you check out my picks,  don't forget to stick around for the giveaway!



THE GIVEAWAY!!
Mallika and the rest of the lovely people at Indian Hanger have very kindly agreed to give one lucky Aaina Bridal reader a gift certificate for 25 GBP (or 50 USD)!!

To enter, just leave comment below, and we'll randomly select a winner some time next week.

***Please Note: This contest is open internationally. Please limit yourselves to one entry per reader to give everyone a fair shot. All prizes are furnished by Indian Hanger and partners. AAINA Bridal did not receive any compensation, monetary or otherwise, for hosting this giveaway (just spreading the love!)***

Good luck to everyone who participates!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED! THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED AND KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR MORE FAB GIVEAWAYS ON OUR BLOG!

Tricks of the Trade: Bridal Looks Unveiled by Lakme Studio

These Bridal makeup looks were unveiled last week by Lakme Studio to coincide with Lakme Fashion Week. The three looks are supposed to represent major regions of India and their cultural references.  Punjabi, Muslim (north Indian?) and Tamil. They fall a little short originality, as far as I'm concerned, but I do like the Tamil look, since I like the berry tone lips and the setting of the flower garlands.  To read more about the unveiling, check out Corallista's article here.

All images via Corallista.

Sunday Afternoon Pretty: Such Stuff as Dreams are Made of...

Sonam and Ranbir Kapoor in Saawariya with director Sanjay Leela Bansali. Photographed by Patrick

Demarchelier for his Vogue India Cavalli Photoshoot, 2007 (Click to enlarge for detail).  Via Papermode.

Real Bride: Toronto Summer Wedding with Beautiful Bouquets by Berries and Blooms

I first met Natasha from Berries and Blooms Flowers and Decor at Bridalicious and I liked her immediately. At the time, I had been contacted by a bride who knew what she wanted but couldn't find a decorator to pull it off.  I described the bride's concept to Natasha and she got it straight away, and gave me a breakdown of exactly what she would use and how she would place it to make the bride's vision come true.  I found her easy to talk to, and very friendly.  So I jumped at the chance to showcase some of her work from this past summer, and since I love flowers, and I am firmly in the camp of flowers are okay for a desi bride to carry, these pictures were right up my alley.

If you love flowers, I say, carry flowers.  Don't let anyone tell you can't pull it off.  As this bride and her beautiful smiling bridesmaids clearly prove, it's all in your hands.  Natasha also does decor, rentals and other floral services, for a full listing, check her website or contact her via facebook.

My Weekend: Marriage, Dual Nationalities, and a Happy Medium

 Images via Meagan Cignoli Photography

Hello everyone!  So, this weekend, both India and Pakistan celebrate independence day, and at our place it's a bit of a double milestone.  My husband is Pakistani, and I'm Indian and we are both proud of our cultural heritage, but not blindingly so.  Being married to a Pakistani has allowed me to experience first-hand the incredible beauty, diversity, heart-aching pride and unique culture with all its nuances of this amazing country.  Being Indian myself connects me to a part of something bigger than myself, gives me a history and  a cultural heritage that enriches my life on a daily basis, from the food I eat, to the things I love.

My husband and I have found many similarities in our nationalities, and have had a lot of fun discovering how different we are too.  He teases me that as a Gujurati, I have to end every sentence with "che" and I tease him that as a Pakistani, he is unteasable...lol.  Marrying someone outside of my culture and nationality has made my life a little bigger and taught me a lot about relating to others.  And that's what love, marriage, and patriotism should be about, right?

Sunday Afternoon Pretty: Independent Woman

Happy Independence Day Pakistan! Fahad Hussayn via Anais Events

The Bride's Lookbook: Modern Indian Bridal Beauty Inspiration Shoot from Hana Ahmed Photography

Today I'm posting an editorial bridal beauty shoot coordinated by Orlando-based photographer Hana Ahmed.  Last week, I posted one of her weddings, in which the bride looked totally model-like, and today, I'm gonna show you why she got such great results.  Hana's experience with fashion photography makes her very suited to bring out the best in every subject she photographs.

The clothes, from Apna Andaz boutique, and the make up is by Devan Crittenden. The whole look comes together really nicely, with the dramatic deep green makeup set off perfectly by the orange tones in the red suit.  The second look, in tones of light blue and peach, is soft and pretty, a completely contrast to the bold drama of the first outfit.

Here's a lowdown on some of the awesome South Florida talent that collaborated to make this stylish photoshoot come together so nicely:

Photography:
Hana Ahmed is an Orlando based photographer. She specializes in fashion photography and brings this unique perspective when shooting weddings and brides. Her work has been published, featured in local shows and won several awards.
Model:
Ayesha Sheikh, BMG Models, Orlando division

Clothing:
Apna Andaaz is an exclusive Pakistani boutique and full service family salon based in Orlando, FL. They take pride in customizing all bridal beauty needs and fashion orders to suit your taste in every aspect. For a completely unique and satisfying experience for your all your wedding/fashion needs Apna Andaaz is your one stop shop!
via e-mail / (407) 859-0020 / Apna Andaz on Facebook

Makeup:
Devan Crittenden is a freelance makeup artist working out of Orlando. She is experienced in makeup for proms, fashion shows, photo shoots, and weddings. She is pleased to provide you with the stress-free convenience of coming to you.
Devan on Facebook

Trendspotting: Fancy Nail Art for Brides

I was in the mall very early the other day, hoping to be super-productive and get some errands done, but since malls aren't necessarily designed for productiveness, and nothing is open till ten, I was left to window shop for a while.  I stopped outside of Sephora and took a look at their latest window installment, which, I don't know if any of you have seen, but is all about nail art from Sephora, O.P.I. and Sophy Robson, a london based manicurist and nail artist.

Sophy Robson for Sephora via SophyRobson.com

With late eighties, early nineties trends seeing a resurgence, nail art is coming to the forefront and products like the "crackle" nail polish are back in.  I actually feel like these trends could go really well with desi style, especially Indian bridal style, since it's all about glitter, and accessorizing and patterns anyway.  Whether you go all out and get a custom set with glitter and stick-on stones, or just add a touch of whimsy with a little added flair to the classic french manicure, there's a unique idea for every bride to add a custom touch.

ZMolu Photography via Maharani Weddings.

Trendspotting: India International Jewellery Week 2011

 Amrita Arora for Agni Jewels, CVM Exports

 Zarine Khan for Dwarkandas Chandumal, Dwarkandas Chandumal

 IGI, Jewels Emporium

 Jewels Emporium, Johara Jewels

 Johara Jewels, Laxmi Exports

 Shradda Kapoor for Anmol Jewelers, Sonam Kapoor for Boucheron.

All images via Vogue India

Vendor Love: Sari Closet PLUS a Giveaway!! (Contest Closed)

Hello everyone, and I hope you are all having a wonderful Monday, whatever time of day it is where you are!  I'm really excited today, because I'm going share a vendor I love with all of you, and host my FIRST giveaway!

It's half way through the summer and wedding season is only just picking up fuel for many of you.  I always find that start to run out of things to wear, and even with three sisters who wear my size or similar, I still can't seem to find new outfits for all the pre- and post- wedding events I've been invited to.  Not to mention all the other social events that inevitably crop up!

All images courtesy of Sari Closet

So when I was introduced to Sari Closet, I loved it straight away.  This easy to use US based service is the brain child of a few friends who decided a girl can never have too  many clothes (ummm...who could disagree with that??).  Every few months they travel to India and bring back a sampling  of the latest styles, which you can then rent from them along with a petticoat for a fraction of the value of the sari! Brides, you can rent packages for your bridal party!  The site is easy to navigate, and the staff, whom I've had the pleasure of dealing with personally, are friendly, eager for your business and committed to ensuring that you get your sari on time and love your choice!  I seriously can't imagine a more convenient and affordable  way to stay in style all wedding season and beyond.

THE GIVEAWAY!!
To Celebrate the upcoming anniversary of Independence day, and as a special offer to AAINA readers, the lovely people at Sari Closet are giving one lucky reader a rental for only $19.47!!  That's 75% off the regular price of a rental!!

To enter, all you need to do is visit Sari Closet website, select your favourite sari, and come back here and leave a comment telling me which one you chose, along with where you would wear it!  I'll announce the winner on August 15th, India's Independence Day.  Good luck and happy shopping!

***Please Note: This contest is open to U.S. entrants only.  All prizes are furnished by Sari Closet and partners. AAINA Bridal did not receive any compensation, monetary or otherwise, for hosting this giveaway (just spreading the love!)***

Trendspotting: Mani Kohli's Khubsoorat Collection at Ardanghini Indian Wedding, Destination, and Lifestyle Show

On July 15th, the Kensington Olympia in London was host to "Ardanghini," the Indian Wedding, Destination, and Lifestyle Show.  Thankfully, fashion photographer Shahid Malik was on hand to cover the event, and there are lots of great pics from the show.  It's often difficult to cover these events because of the sheer lack of good coverage, but this time was completely different, and I recommend you check out Shahid Malik's facebook page for more pics from the show.

Among the collections on display was Mani Kohli's Khubsoorat Collection.  Before fusion eveningwear became the rage on the Continental Indian design circuit, Ms. Kohli had already seen a demand for good fusion design suited to the European and North American Palette, and spent many years creating unique pieces that combined the structural elements of Western bridal gowns with the dramatic and detailed embroidery of Eastern lenghas. The collection displayed some of her signature pieces and has also been caught on video, which I really recommend you check out by clicking here, since seeing the way these pieces move is quite a different experience.  Mani Kohli has locations in London, New York, and New Jersey, for more information, check out the website.  In the meanwhile, check out my picks from the show.

  

All Images couresty of Shahid Malik Photography