2016 Bridal Trends: Fashion Designer Sabyasachi Reveals His Fashion Tips

Sabyasachi is revered as one of the top bridal fashion designers of our country, and correctly so. He has styled the weddings of the likes of Bollywood superstars Vidya Balan and Rani Mukerjee.

Planning on getting married soon? The wedding preparations driving you crazy? We have put together a list of advice from Sabyasachi himself to help you navigate through the labyrinth that is an Indian wedding wardrobe.

1.       Having a destination wedding? Stick with the Maharani blouse. The biggest hassle for attending a destination wedding is to pack lightly while still packing all the necklace sets, chandbalis and kamar-bandhas to be decked out for a large Indian wedding. The solution: the signature Maharani blouse designed by fashion designer Sabyasachi. These blouses come with full-length sleeves and high-neck. There is heavy, intricate embroidery and kadai around the neckline and sleeves which do double duty as statement necklaces, kada and bangles. Just pack some chandbalis and bindis and you are good to go.

2.      Stay consistent with your fashion designer groups. What Sabyasachi means is that wearing many incompatible designers for your mehendi, sangeet, reception, etc. can make you end up looking less of a blushing bride, and more like a bridezilla. Therefore consistency is the key. Pick outfits for each occasion from one top fashion designer or many designers who share the same aesthetic. This way you can avoid looking like an eyesore. For example if the mood of your wedding wardrobe is “earthy Indian ethnic”, then pick clothes from the likes of Anamika Khanna, Sabyasachi and Anuradha Wakeel. If your style is more Bollywood glitz and glamour, then take your pick from Shantanu & Nikhil, Gaurav Gupta and Manish Malhotra.

3.      Another top fashion tip for brides is to stick with monochromatic colors. You don’t want to look like a Diwali fireworks or christmas tree by wearing a riot of colors. The top designer, Sabyasachi, wishes he could take back the trend he started of wearing contrasting green blouse with red sarees. Sticking with monochromatic color palette like red-gold or just beige or red can help streamline the look and make the bride stand out from all the people wearing a riot of reds with their pinks and oranges and greens.

4.      Another little trick to make it easy for you to plan your outfit is to work backwards from your lehenga to your jewellery or from your heirloom jewellery to lehenga. This way you can create an harmonious outfit. For example, if you have a busy, loud lehenga, go for a linear jewellery set. But if you are going for a monochromatic lehenga, then you can go a little wild and experiment with your jewellery. For heirloom jewellery pieces, again stick with simpler outfits to make your jewelleries stand out.

5.      If you plan to wear a golden fashion designer lehenga or saree, you can really go all out with your jewellery. Even things like jadua, panna, manak or even navratan won’t take away from your outfit because everything will still be monochromatic. If your lehenga or saree is colorful, then it is better to keep the jewellery simple and stick with linear jewellery. But if you really want to wear a statement jewellery piece, then go with a simpler lehenga.

Have you started planning for your wedding? What outfit are you planning to wear? Leave us a comment below.

8 Up and Coming Women Dress Designers You Need To Know

All of us can name french, italian and a few Indian designers off the top of our heads. So, today to expand your knowledge, we bring you these up-and-coming Indian women designers that you need to know. These are the fresh faces of the Indian fashion scene who are changing the game.

Every time we think of Indian designers, we only imagine them designing elaborate wedding lehengas and sarees. But these designers are a tad different. These designers specialize in bringing contemporary clothing like dresses and trousers and giving them a wholly Indian twist. Sometimes it’s the fabrics they use, like handwoven cotton or linen. And sometimes it’s the motif of Indian village scene that they display on the dresses. And sometimes it’s the cut of the dress in a traditional silhouette like a saree.

 1.       Anomaly: First on our list is Anomaly. Launched in 2015, it is the brainchild of woman dress designer Medha Khosla. Medha graduated from Pratt Institute and has worked with brands like DKNY. The mission of Anomaly is to provide minimalistic wardrobe essentials like silk blouses, shirt dresses and linen trousers for the modern Indian women. Each piece in her collection exudes a quiet elegance.

2.      Lovebirds:  Started as a vintage store by the dress designer Amrita Khanna in 2010, the brand has grown into a design house that creates unconventional architectural garments. The other half of the design duo is Gursi who came from a background of designing cafes and restaurants. Together they create garments with an urban Indian aesthetic while using indigenous fabrics and unexpected details. All their collections incorporate clean, simple, and balanced lines; grids that define the garment and minimalistic silhouettes that require no layering.

3.      Bodice: Another brand that espouses minimalism is Bodice. Founded in 2011 by Ruchika Sachdeva, all their devil is in their details. The brand’s trademark is its reinvention of classic Indian garments through modern tailoring and the use of indigenous fabrics handwoven by Indian artisans. Their collections give off a modern, tailored vibe all the while being anchored by edgy, unexpected details.

4.      Urvashi Kaur: Urvashi Kaur, the brand, is the brainchild and namesake of Urvashi Kaur, the woman dress designer. Urvashi wholeheartedly endorses the alternate fashion movement. All her collections incorporate Indian traditional handwoven fabrics, natural dyes and locally produced organic textiles. All of her garments give off an eco-conscious vibe. Not only this, this aesthetic is further enhanced by the use of muted, earthy colors for the garments.

5.      Rashi Verma: It is easy to spot a Rashi Verma creation. Her collection is made up of graceful sarees that combine the ease of putting on a dress. Her saree dresses are a dream to drape. You can get everything from classic, single toned sarees to one’s with patterned borders.

6.     Payal Pratap: Launched in 2010 by dress designer Payal Pratap Singh, the label is geared towards the modern Indian woman who is simultaneously deeply rooted in traditions. The muse of this brand revels in vibrant colors, rich heritage and timelessness of traditional Indian garments. The brand was declared a runner up for the 2012 Vogue Fashion Fund.

7.     Pero: The brand was launched by woman dress designer Aneeth Arora in 2009. The brand’s trademark of frumpy, oversized yet chic clothing has gained a following in India as well as abroad. It is all thanks to the in-depth insight of Aneeth Arora in constructing garments out of unusual textiles. Most of her designs are inspired by the local people of her hometown of Jaipur, whom she considers are effortlessly stylish.

8.    Eka: This is a less of a fashion brand and more of a lifestyle. The Eka women  believes in a simple, pure in form and organic way of life which is reflected in her choice of clothes. Each piece in the collection is lovingly handcrafted with indigenous textiles like khadi, linens and silks.

Which one of these is your favorite woman dress designer? Leave us a comment below.

Top 8 Latest Designs Of Skirts For The Winter Months

Winter months signal a drop in hemlines. Gone are the short summer dresses and skirts. It’s all about pants, tights and trousers. But the drop in the temperature shouldn’t mean you should completely stop wearing your favourite skirts. We scoured the designer runways and fashion magazines to bring you the latest designs in skirts for the winter months. Be comfortable and warm without sacrificing your style. Cruise through this list and pick your favourites.

1.       Midi Skirts: This Fall/Winter season, fashion runways saw a flood of midi skirts. Midi skirts not only have longer hemlines to keep you warm but also skirts in fabrics like wool and felts have the added advantage of making you feel like you are wrapped in a blanket. Dying to try one out? Give the Corfu skirt in white a try. This skirt is by Payal Pratap from her Umbar collection. Pair it with a turtleneck fuzzy sweater, a long trench coat, woolen leggings, ankle booties and a jewel toned beanie. For night out, swap out the trench coat with a black leather jacket.

2.      Two piece skirts: Skirt sets are the latest fashion designs gifts from God. These are the easiest outfits for looking put together with zero effort. Along with that, you get two outfits in one. Wear the crop top with a pair of high waisted pants, thigh high boots and warm jacket. And wear the skirt as a midi skirt. If you want to style them together, pair it with warm jewel-toned tights, ankle booties, a thick knitted cardigan, woollen scarf and a wide-brimmed fedora. Say goodbye to the cold!

3.      Accordion skirts: Holiday season is round the corner which calls for Christmas and New Years party appropriate skirts. And nothing screams festivities like the latest designs of accordion skirts in metallic fabrics do. Put a little sparkle back in your life with these skirts. Pair this shimmery skirt with a contrasting pair of leggings or go all out with a paneled leather pants. Throw on a moto jacket, a red lip and a black choker for your night out on town.

4.      Work skirts with a twist: Wearing the same pencil skirts in neutral colors to work, gets old very fast. Switch up your office skirt game with a latest fashion pencil skirt in a fall-appropriate oxblood color on beige. Or try one with a interesting pinstripes pattern instead of a boring, solid colored one like the one by designer Ragini Ahuja for IKAI. This one has the added bonus of having an obi-like belt to keep your workwear from being boring.

5.      Sheer skirts: You might be wondering why we would include sheer skirts in a list for the latest fashion designs for winter wear skirts, but hear us out. Sheer skirts mean you can go for the model off-duty pants under skirts look AND you get an extra layer to keep you legs warm. Pair this sheer skirt with warm woolen leggings or panelled leather pants, a turtleneck fuzzy sweater, a shearling jacket and ankle booties or closed-toe heels.

6.      Wrap skirts with front slits: This latest fashion long skirt is perfect for your winter wardrobe. The front slit keeps the skirt from being too boring. Pair it with a graphic pullover, flat knee high boots, warm socks, slicked back hair and a bold, red lip.

7.      Graphic pencil skirts:  Elevate your work wear basics to the next level by going graphic. Pair it with a simple white shirt, neutral toned leggings, brown oxfords, a cardigan and a pea coat to complete the look.

8.     Tulle skirts: Bring out your inner princess with these fashion designs tulle skirts. Wear it as a high-waisted skirt with a ribbed cropped sweater. Thrown on a pair of warm tights under the skirt without anyone being the wiser. Pair it with a cropped moto jacket and heeled knee-length boots to make it the perfect sunday brunch outfit.

Do you wear these latest designs in skirts for the winter months? How do you style them? Leave us a comment below.

10 Must-Have Designer Dresses To Throw On In A Rush

Had a really late night yesterday? All you feel like doing the next morning is to hit the snooze button repeatedly, trying to squeeze in just 5 more minutes of sleep. You sleep in 5 minutes too many and now, you’re officially late for office. Finally, you drag yourself out of bed and then you’re in a rush to just get out of the door. You throw on whatever’s within arm’s reach and hope that you look presentable for that client meeting. For these occasions, we have compiled a list of dresses that you can just thrown on and be out of the door.

1.       This is a classic black fashion designers dress by EKA. Made with 100% linen, this dress is perfect for the mornings you don’t know how to coordinate your separates and want to thrown on something fuss-free. Throw your hair in a simple bun, put on a classic red lipstick and slip into a pair of nude heels. Accessorize with some dainty gold studs and you’re good to go.

2.      This line toes the line between plain and interesting. This fashion designers shirt dress with floral embroidery from the collection by Pero. This dress exudes effortless style and will surely become one of your wardrobe staples. Like the previous look, keep the makeup simple and minimalistic to keep it office appropriate. For accessories, go with a simple silver ring or small diamond studs.

3.      Another must-have from EKA, this is minimalistic Indian fashion designers dress with berry tone stripes. This can very easily be dressed up or down to match your personal style. Wear a dark-olive green blazer with it and dainty gold earrings. Complete the look with a pair of suede matte-black heels.

4.      Not feeling the colors? Go all white with this pleated, empire-line white dress by Pero. Pair it with suede dove-gray or nude pointy toe heels or flats. Like the other looks, keep the makeup simple and accessorize with a dainty gold necklace and studs.

5.      Hit the snooze button one too many times? Getting late for that important client meeting? Throw on this T-neck rib designers dress by Bodice for a effortless, yet put together look. This dress also comes with pockets which is a definite plus in our books. Again pair it with a pair of nude or dove-gray heels to complete the look. Put your hair up either in a high ponytail or in a bun. For makeup, wear mascara and a nude lip.

6.      This is the perfect go-to dress for those of us who are minimalist at heart. This is another creation by Bodice. The simple, clean lines and asymmetrical hemline are what makes the Indian designers dress stand out from regular white dresses. The fabric is cotton silk which ensures you’re comfortable while you look stylish throughout the day. Pair it with black or brown oxfords and a nude lip.

7.      Part of Eka’s S/S 2016 collection, this yarn dyed dress features the classic Eja stripes and pops of colour. This Indian fashion designers dress for women is great layered over pants/trousers as well. This dress will look good with a pair of classic oxfords and a simple red lip. 

8.     This is perfect for the days you want to look like a lady boss but seriously are running out of time. Thrown on this fashion designers dress with a pair of black killer heels. Put up your hair in a high ponytail and wear a nude lip. Made with ‘Audrey’ alpaca wool by Rahul Mishra, this should become your go-to dress for the upcoming winter months.

9.      This is another one of Eka’s beautiful handwoven linen dresses. Throw this on with a pair of leggings, oxfords and a nice woolen scarf. Top off the look with a nice blazer. Accessorize with dainty gold rings and necklace. Put your hair up in a bun and you are good to go.

10.  Keep this for those lazy days when you don’t want to put any effort into getting ready for work. An elegant white daisy tunic, this will look sophisticated with a pair of leggings and a blazer. For shoes, go for simple heels or oxfords.

Which is your favourite Indian fashion designers dress to throw on in a rush? Leave us a comment.

6 Indian Designer Blouses Every Woman Should Own

Bored of the same-old blouse designs? It’s time to switch it up. Bollywood and red carpets are filled with blouse inspiration. We have compiled a list of the hottest blouse trends of 2016 to get you ready for all the upcoming weddings you’ll be attending.

1. High-neck blouses

Following in the footsteps of Maya Sarabhai from Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai, this is the single best and classiest designer blouse for women. Rather than plain, high-necked blouses with just quarter-long sleeves, go full out in full-length embellished sleeves with Nehru jacket style collars. If you want to take it a step further, extend the blouse into a long kurta style with slits running down the side. You are sure to stand out in the crowd.

How to pair:

●       This should become the go-to blouse for all the winter weddings you will be invited to.

●       Confused about what color to go for the blouse? Get yourself acquainted with a color wheel. Pick blouse colors that are on the opposite end of the color wheel from the color of your saree color. And don’t hold back yourself on the zari work, especially for blouses you’re planning to wear with plain sarees.

2. Velvet blouses

Velvet in becoming all the rage in the fashion industry. Try a plush velvet blouse with silver/gold zari or embellishments. Look like a royalty by wearing the velvet in a structured, cap-sleeve jacket cut with a small collar. A single velvet fashion designer blouse in a basic color like black can be paired with many a saree from your closet.

How to pair:

●     This should become another staple for those outdoor winter weddings.

●     Pair a heavy, stylish velvet blouse with lighter fabrics like plain chiffon or net saree with simple designs.

●     You can accessorize with statement earrings like chandbalis and big jhumkas. The bolder, the better.

3. Wrap-up blouses

This is the epitome of elegance. Rather than going all out with embellishments, stick with interesting cuts and designs in vibrant colors. For example, try braided blouse straps for a modern aesthetic.

How to pair:

●     Stay away from embellishments and stick with a monochromatic palette. Keep the Indian fashion blouse in the similar shades of reds, blues, pinks, etcs as the saree. This will ensure you look sophisticated and not cartoony.

●     Pair with lighter, sheer fabrics like net or georgette to maintain balance in the ensemble.

●     Play around with accessories. Try contrasting them with the color and shade of your saree.

4. Matka blouses

Who cares about the winters? You’re the kind of gal who is ready to brave the elements in the name of style. Then, the matka blouses in backless cuts are just the thing for you. Flaunt your sensuous, toned back in these. These blouses make even the most simplest of sarees, party ready. Add tassels to take this Indian designer blouse to the next level.

How to wear:

●     This should be your go-to blouse for all the pre-wedding ceremonies you need to attend. For the mehendi night, wear one with Phulkari-kutchi work. For the sangeet, try one in chanderi with heavy embellishments.

5. Potli button on blouses

Potli buttons are those tiny, round buttons with run along the back or front of kurtas. Bring this style to fashion designer blouses. Keep the blouse completely plain in one solid, bright color or go all out with heavy but smaller golden zari work. This is the perfect blouse for your office parties and afternoon luncheons.

How to pair:

●     Since these blouses are usually worn for occasions like luncheons, stick to simple, light sarees. If you are feeling a little adventurous, you can try a printed saree or one with a more elaborate border.

6. Scalloped blouses

Runways are filled with this Indian fashion designers blouses for women. For a sweet and feminine look, try your hand at classy chikankari or lace blouse with scalloped edges. The scallops should be on the hemline or sleeves edges. Mix this style with the other above mentioned styles to suit your personal style.

How to pair:

●     Instead of sticking to the same color family, go with contrasting colors for the blouse. Or you can pick blouses in neutral colors like black and silver.

 Which one do you think the best Indian fashion designer blouse for women? Which one do you wear most often? Leave us a comment.

Sarees For The Workplace

Sarees may seem like an outdated option for workwear but hear me out. There is nothing more elegant, simple yet commanding that a classic nine-yards. So we have put together a list of sarees that will be perfect for your office wardrobe. All the sarees in the list are a neutral color palette to make it office appropriate with little or no embroidery. Be it a client meeting or afterwork happy hours, there is saree to fit the occasion.

1.       Called the Black Gita Saree, this is a minimalist’s dream saree in striking black with resplendent silver border. This Indian fashion designer saree is designed with handwoven cotton-silk by the renowned saree design-house, Raw Mango. To pull together the look, pair the saree with a striped, high-collared blouse with long sleeves. For makeup, wear a simple red-lip and for accessories, wear simple diamond studs and a pair of silver heels.

2.       This is a Tattva Sari by designer Urvashi Kaur. Part of Urvashi Kaur’s new collection, the saree packs a relaxed, alternative and eco-conscious vibe. This ombre printed fashion designers saree in sheer chanderi with muted, earthy grey highlights displays innovative tailoring and a modern aesthetic. Style it with a grey khadi blouse and white heels. Just like the previous look, keep the makeup minimalistic to make it office appropriate. As for jewellery, go with a simple silver rings or diamond studs or a dainty pearl necklace.

3.      Part of Anavila’s new collection of earthy linen meets metallic zari details, this saree is 100% handwoven linen. This fashion designers saree is the epitome of effortless elegance. And with the right kind of blouse, it can be dressed for day or night. The most interesting feature of this striking saree it’s metallic charcoal pallu. Wear a simple dark-olive green blouse with it and dainty gold jewelleries. Complete the look with a pair of matte-black pumps in suede.

 4.      Aptly named the Firouzeh, this is part of the saree collection of Indian fashion designer Payal Singhal. In this collection, Payal Singhal has combined clean, minimalist cuts with intricate and exquisite pearl and mukaish embroidery. The sarees seamlessly bring together the traditional and the modern with their use of clean silhouettes with scalloped hemlines. This piece in particular is a black number in silk mul. Pair it with a boxy choli in white with polka dots.

5.      Mix-up your work saree wardrobe with this ivory and blue striped number by Anavila. Anavila, the Indian fashion designer, is famous for her simple, elegant light linen saris that are a dream to drape. Look ethereal in this one in an ivory base and blue-lilac stripes in Anavila’s trademark handwoven linen. Pair it with a cream, boxy blouse and gray, suede heels. Keep the makeup simple and accesories with dainty silver jewelleries.

6.       This one is perfect for your office parties. Part of Peachoo's latest collection that combines her classic palette of blacks, whites and sands in beautiful ways. Although the base is a minimalistics champagne tone, Peachoo elevates it to elegance by adding a horizontal striped border and tonal sequins. The fabric is handloom cotton which ensure the comfort and wearability of this piece. Pair this saree with a champagne and gold boxy blouse.

7.      Command the boardroom in this white textured Indian fashion designers saree by Anavila. Part of Anavila’s collection of elegant handwoven linen saris in the softest, most delicious of colours with silver and gold zari details. This piece so as light as the clouds and lovely to drape. Pair it with a dove-gray t-shirt blouse and suede heels.

 Do you often wear Indian fashion designers saree to work? How many workwear sarees do you own?

Accessories For Your Indian Traditional Wear

Looking for the perfect quirky, beautiful, statement jewellery pieces to spice up your traditional Indian wear? It can be very difficult. Even more difficult is to decide whether to wear statement necklaces or modern earrings, or should you stand out in the crowd by donning a golden septum ring or a colorful, bejewelled maang-tika or just keep it completely simple and wear a stack of bangles. To help you make a decision, we have put together a list of Indian and modern jewelleries to spice up your Indian traditional outfit.

1.       Clutch - One of the most basic of Indian costume jewellery/accessories is an embroidered clutch. Choose either one in a quirky pattern like the Rara Avis clutch with a handsewn beetle or one with an unusual color palette like the Rara Avis clutch in forest green & gold leather. Make sure that the clutch complements the color and style of your outfit. For a plain, modern ensemble, choose a clutch with quirky patterns to draw attention to your outfit. Also don’t forget to select clutches in complementary colors of your outfit. Go for classic color pairs like dark blue - pastel orange, dusky pink- soft green, etc.

2.     Bangles - No Indian traditional outfit is complete without costume jewellery like bangles and churiyas. Either you can pile on a bunch of thin gold bangles, mix it up with different metals or go with a classic, elegant cuff. No matter your taste , there is a bangle  for you. Looking for something fancy? Wear the bangles studded with replesdent turquoise or embellished with tiny pearl clusters just like the ones made by Zarin.

3.     Belts - You must be thinking that belts are an odd choice for traditional Indian clothes but hear me out. Wearing a traditional Indian costume Kamarbandha is the perfect way to accentuate to your curves and make you look a lot more slender and curvy. Trust me, there really is nothing like it. You can select from a wide range of gold, silver or stone-encrusted one. Feeling a tad bit adventurous? Why don’t to give modern embroidered belts a spin?

4.     Earrings - I know you own endless jhumkas, chandelier, chandbalis, and modern-statement earrings. Pretty much anything goes when choosing earrings. You can either match your Indian costume jewellery earrings with the color palette of your Indian traditional outfit. Or wear an intricate, extravagant jhumka to add life to your monochromatic desi-lehenga. Or you can try wearing minimalistic-statement earrings in bright colors with geometric designs for a more edgy and modern look.

5.     Rings - Just like the trend of stacking bangles, the latest fad is to stack rings. And lots of them. Go bananas and stack rings of different sizes and shapes. Wear thin gold ones on each finger, one or two larger statement pieces from and a few midi-ringers thrown in the mix. You can go modern or traditional for this. The trick is to pile your costume jewellery rings on and stop only when you feel it’s too much. Try everything from glass studded pieces to ones in geometric shapes to ones with precious and semi-precious stones.

6.     Hair Accessories - To add something extra to your outfit, give hair accessories a spin. Put your hair up in a high ponytail and add a thick, golden clasp to it. Or wear thin headbands in the shape of a thin, golden crown with leaves detail. Want to keep it more traditional? Just go for more simple hairpins with jewelled ends.

Share your favourite traditional outfit with us in the comments below. Which is your favourite place to buy Indian costume jewellery online?