The Uncensored Household
Samant Chauhan WIFW AW 2014
‘Some travels take you so far that even when you return you are gone forever…probably it’s then they call it a journey’…the Rajputana Traveller.
Samant Chauhan WIFW AW 2014
Designer, Samant Chauhan grows in confidence each season with new chapters from his Rajputana fashion series. Continually drawing on inspiration from his native Indian state he keeps the collection looking bold and structured yet incredibly feminine.
Couturier Manish Malhotra needs no introduction. Whilst Manish was inspired by the princely states and regalia of the 1930s, contemporary royalty in the form of Shah Rukh Khan and Bollywood princess Deepika Padukone walked the ramp for the designer. The beautifully coiffured hair underlined the inspiration with silhouettes and embroidery echoing the splendour of Indian – European architecture. French shoe designer Christian Louboutin
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.
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
Elizabeth Taylor’s very first wedding dress sold at auction this week for a whopping £122,000. This dress, worn by an 18 year old Elizabeth for her marriage to Conrad ‘Nicky’ Hilton Junior, is a classic Cinderella gown and shows off her teeny tiny waist to perfection.
Fond of lovers, divorce and marriage… as lovely as this gown is, Liz Taylor’s subsequent choices
Over at Rajesh Pratap Singh’s show the catwalk had been transformed into an Autumnal woodland. Rajesh Pratap Singh is the current brand ambassador for Woolmark and the show was sponsored by them.
The ground lay strewn with rust coloured foliage and bleak trees glowed with pod lights. The effect was magical.
Dear Diary,
These vows ring in my head as a commode is delivered to my front room. In all my married years, I never thought that the day would come where I could not look after my husband anymore, but today, I feel as if I am come to the end.
I know it isn’t the end, but it is how I feel.
Day 4 of PCJ Delhi Couture Week 2012 presented two shows of opposite extremes. Both designers referenced bridalwear but whereas Shantanu & Nikhil’s fantasy bride was gothic and dark, Manish Malhotra’s was a fluttery sugar-dipped princess.
Shantanu & Nikhil’s show notes were far too deep in reference points especially since they threw in the towel and conformed to produce a bridalwear collection. Why not simply state that you want to do a different type of couture collection?
JJ Valaya’s couture collection was called The Azrak Collection, The Realm of The Sultan. Azrak translates as rare and uncommon from Turkish and we were treated to a colour palette and silhouettes invoking the glorious Ottoman Empire whilst showcasing the skills and dedication of the Indian master craft workers at his disposal. The essence of true couture
I have just been to my first “Bring a Bottle” wedding and I am not so sure if the idea really works or is even acceptable at a wedding.
Usually, you would bring a bottle when you go to someone’s house for dinner or maybe a party, but does this translate to a wedding where you have already paid for flights, accomodation, presents etc…?
With just over a week to go, people in London are talking about the Royal Wedding. At the hairdressers today, Kate and Wills were a part of everyone’s conversation. “What are you doing?”, “Are you watching it?”, “Have you seen her dress” etc… One customer was discussing the street party they have organised.
Whether you are a royalist or not, the Royal Wedding is a topic of conversation. So what will you be doing? Are you interested? Are you going to get away and escape the Royal madness?
The Chatterjis Blog 