The Uncensored Household
Wow, what an amazing renovation to a crumbling old castle that was once home to no less than three queens!!
Astley Castle won this year’s most coveted award in architecture, the Stirling Prize. The castle in Warwickshire was renovated by Witherford Watson Mann architects at a cost of £2.5 million. The architects married amazing contemporary features with the original 800 year old stone work
Who can say regardez-moi, the loudest? On one monsoon evening in Delhi two of Indian fashion’s most entertaining designers presented their couture collections. Both have strong associations with Paris but the words chalk and cheese were never more relevant. The first was Ritu Beri, India’s 80s Paris-trained girl wonder whose show included a live band and a couple of designers she worked in collaboration with.
Before mean old Mount Vesuvius erupted and engulfed Pompeii it was an exquisite, sophisticated city and home to some of the Roman period’s best arts and crafts. Pompeii provided the romantic backdrop to veteran Indian designer Suneet Varma’s bridal couture collection entitled ‘The Golden Bracelet’. There weren’t too many gold bracelets on display, however, there was a stunning gold bust that I absolutely must get my hands on.. it looks about my size…
Remember when Big and Carrie got married in Sex And The City? The second attempt, that is…the understated but elegant vintage outfit and small registry…That is the opposite of what was on offer for the gal that nothing short of fairytale and fantasy would do. Both Ashima Leena and Rohit Bal showed bridal collections for princess brides albeit from slightly different inspirational eras.
One of the few Indian designers that can include mega international celebrities on his client list, Rohit Bal’s bridal collection was entitled The Mulmul Masquerade.
If every Englishman’s home is his castle then every Indian’s wardrobe is his or her majestic palace such is the dominance of royal inspiration in Indian design. Couturier Raghvendra Rathore belongs to the royal family of Jodhpur (also known as the blue city) and thus has a vast archive of influences to draw from.
The press notes cite the 1920s as inspiration and this was clear in the pretty and attention-grabbing accessories.
Charming and dapper young design duo, Shantanu & Nikhil presented their couture collection titled ‘To Die For’ aiming to capture the decadent renaissance in its most contemporary form with an emphasis on the different shades of gold. The sheer strength and buying power in the Indian bridal market renders it irresistible
The Maharaja of Indian couture, JJ Valaya’s opening show for AAmby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week was as spectacular as to be expected from a designer who spares no expense in executing his vision.
JJ’s previous couture collection was inspired by his visits to Turkey resulting in an exquisite fusion of silk route couture. The Arab empire ruled in Spain for over 700 years before
Nude was the predominant colour on display at Armani Privé. Brushing aside the fashion industry’s heated discussion, I think last year, about the colour description of nude after Michelle Obama wore it, it is a colour that Giorgio Armani excels in. Mr Armani can’t have failed to notice that Planet Hollywood
Atelier Versace opened Paris Couture Week and it oozed a naughty sexiness seldom seen in couture. Gianni Versace gave us That Dress (and Elizabeth Hurley fame) and now his sister gives us the next stage and only those with perfect bodies need step forward.
Pandering to our inner rock star and confident flirt, the collection teased
Freedom is the theme of this year’s Asia House Festival of Asian Literature, the seventh annual event. From 7-22nd May, some of Asia’s greatest literary exports will join some of the best British Asian writers and thinkers to discuss freedom in all its forms: freedom of expression, education, travel, justice, freedom to read the truth and to live in our chosen ways.
Taking place in a few venues in Central London the programme and events for adults and children is varied and wonderfully diverse. Want to know how to get your work published in Asia or the UK? Want to see a curry demonstration from Michelin-starred chef, Atul Kochhar?
Where was the sea of nude, white and gold dresses? Whilst dresses in these shades inevitably came down the red carpet the number was significantly diminished. Instead a rainbow of colors were worn by the Hollywood beauties and it was such a welcome change.
Jennifer Aniston above in Versace and Olivia Munn in Marchesa (literally fresh off the catwalk from last week).
The Chatterjis Blog 