KAPRAY SHAPRAY: Satya Paul does Disney

I'm surprised no one has done this before, but of all the sari designers, I'm not surprised that it's Satya Paul's brand which went for it. I came across these while searching for sari ideas, and found this collection - Masaba's last venture with the iconic Satya Paul brand, teaming up with Disney for a stylish retro-modern collection called 'Disney Mono Pop by Satya Paul'

I thought some of these were really cute, and an interesting novelty idea for someone who wants something different in a sari. I'm a fan of re-interpretation and art and I love that it's been applied to the classical sari (although this collection also has tops, bags, scarves and other apparel in the collection).

They look really stylish on a few of the Bollywood celebs who helped launched the collection back in December 2014, although it's been spotted on a few other celebrities since then too.

You can buy some of the saris on Satya Paul's official website here - what do you think of this collection?

GLAMOROUS ACCESSORIES: The Bata Shoes

So surprisingly, I've never had anything from Bata before (nor did my parents, I think, but I could be wrong), so I never used to see these in the house.

Having said that. I now have my very own Bata chappal shoes from a brand which is actually quite trendy, and has moved on from the cliche styles that we used to make fun of! I also like the fact that their designs are becoming in-line with high street and designer trends, so that they don't remind you of your parent's slippers!

I picked up this pair from, of all places, TK Makk (I believe it's know as TJ Maxx in America), in a pretty powder blue colour which really appealed to me because I though it was a lovely shade to have for summer. I also like the fact that they're slightly sandals-y, and have a slingback look which makes them feel more casual too.

I've already manage to try them on today and wander around up the street (to the nearby, teeny park with my DSLR for a few minutes, and then back!) and they're super comfy. One of my sisters said they're too pointy and that she didn't like them, but what does she know.

I'm already thinking of different outfits I can wear this with to work (or on a holiday!), and I'll be sure to post my results!

Dian Pelangi's Hijab Styling Workshop at London Fashion Week

I've been busy for a few days, this week, but I haven't been lazy! I managed to catch a Hijab Styling Workshop a few days ago with reknowned Indonesian designer Dian Pelangi, as part of a showcase for London Fashion Week. It was a very last-minute, unplanned trip which I managed to go to because I was in the area anyway, but it was a great opportunity to meet other bloggers, photographers and designers and certainly other hijabi fashionistas!

I 've been following Dian Pelangi for a couple of years now, her designs are beautiful and very, very hijab-friendly, and I love the amazing fabrics, embroidery and cuts she uses. I also love the fact that each of her designs are unique from the next, and that no two design are ever the same, with a very eclectic boho-chic style to it - you can check out some of her designs here and her Instagram page here.

Part of Dian Pelangis' appeal is that she not only designs her outfits, but acts as stylist as well, and also showcases and models her outfits and designs herself as well. She's certainly built up a following from her style, which I can see is part of the ever-growing market of modest fashion and hijab styling which is becoming very big these days.

This is Dian Pelangi at the show wearing one of her latest designers from her 2015 collection, I love that it's a maxi dress that can be compared to Pakistani fashion - I can certainly imagine wearing this to a wedding function!

During the workshop, Dian showed a few ways that of tying hijabs and scarves, in a turban style, a looser draped style, and the more Arab styles as well. I don't have clear pictures because the lighting wasn't great, and the I didn't have my DSLR, and I didn't get to make a video either, but I'm sure you can find the videos online in a few days! I did manage to speak to the designer after her show to compliment her though, and also managed to get a close-up photo of her two beautful models, who were also wearing Dian's designs.

After the workshop, I also had a look at the designs on display at the exhibition in the building, which was very interesting because it had designs from all over the world.

I even managed to find a contribution from a Pakistani designer, Hamza Bokhari, whose design combined Western Style with beautiful Eastern embroidery.

I also managed to meet a few well-known bloggers who were attending the show to support Dian Pelangi, and managed a quick chat with some of them. Below are the bloggers and hijab stylists I met, I didn't get to speak to everyone and I'm sure there were a lot more:

Amena of Pearl Daisy
Yasmine of Yaz the Spaz
Nadine of Nadoona
Fatima of Muslimah Style Guide

There were definitely a few more (and I'll update as I remember!) but these were the ones I remember most, all very lovely women who were very friendly, and very helpful when speaking to them about blogging!

I definitely had a good time, it was nice to meet other bloggers and I certainly spotted plenty of style. It was a bit of a last-minute dash from work for me, and I'd like to go to a longer event in future, but it's good to see how big the modest-wear market is getting, and the different women who are part of it.

An Indian Take on Disney Brides

You may have already seen this floating around on the internet, but I thought this was a really fun photo shoot and thought I'd repost. Amrit Grewal, of Amrit Photography took the idea of Disney Princesses and re-thought the idea, with really pretty results.

The sets were designed by Universal Decor Events, and the photo-shoot was conceptualised and directed by Jasmine Nijjar, marketing manager for Wellgroomed Designs, which is an Indian couture bridal salon in Vancouver. I love the end-result for this, the photographer captured the dreamy look well and it was nice to see a range of maxi dresses, lenghas, saris and beautiful jewellery and styling.

While not everyone may want to go for a princessy look for their wedding day, I really like the fact that this photo shoot shows it can be done, and that there can be different interpretations to an idea (I liked the fact that for once Jasmine gets to wear a dress and not Ali Baba pants). My favourite is probably the Sleeping Beauty one though, I love the beautiful surrounding flowers, the dreamy setting and the amazingly luxurious dress.

What do you think of this photo series, did you like the costumes?

 Image source

KAPRAY SHAPRAY: Beautiful Creams, Golds and Blues by Muse

I've been looking at more simpler designs more and more, lately. Here's one reason why - these beautiful dresses and kurta shirts below by the wonderful Muse. I'm a big fan of off-white and light blue (what my mum calls ferozi) together, because it's such a lovely colour combination. 

The designs below have added some light-gold work as well, and I think it works well because it gives a pretty, fresh look which feels very in, without trying too hard. It's definitely inspired me for some looks in the summer-time, I've been looking for pretty designs like these which are all about a simple cut and pretty colours.

My favourite out of all of these is the first one, I can really imagine it being an idea outfit in the summer which needs no added glamour or embellishment, just throw on some pretty heels or sandals and you're done :)

All images from Muse Facebook group

GLAMOROUS ACCESSORIES: Mrinalini Chandra's Funky Chair-Motif Kalire

I saw a few pictures of Mrinalini Chandra's submission for Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Summer/Resort 2014, and thought her collection was a very funky one. The designer showcased her collection, called "Please Have a Seat", incorporating a chair motif into some of her jewellery (there was a bangle cuff which had a chair design entwined into it, and a bangle with a dining table and chairs for example!)

Among the designer's collection was this set of kalire, also with the same motif of chairs set around glass pieces dangling from the wrists, which I though was a very interesting idea. I'm not sure how wearable this is for a real bride, but it's certainly an interesting interpretation of such a traditional accessory, and I like it veers away from the norm.

While not everyone will like these (my sisters hated it), I think it's certainly very funky and different - it may just be something for a bride looking for something different, or it could just be a statement piece which doesn't necessarily have to be worn. I'm not so sure I'd wear something with chairs in it myself, but I do like miniature things so I'd probably just end up having it on display somewhere!

What do you think of these kalire (and this collection?)

 Images from here and here

DESIGNER MODE: MORA by Ritika

I've mentioned before my love for quirky, boho and out-of-the-ordinary garments, so I thought I'd post another designer who has caught my eye. MORA by Ritika Mittal ('Mora' meaning 'mine') is a company which designs beautiful saris, skirts, shawls and even home furnishing and similar drapes, using home-grown Indian fabrics and textiles, and drawing on the techniques of weavers in small towns and villages.

I love the fact that the MORA looks at different dialects, customs and traditions of India, and bounds them together in their rich printed and embroidered designs:

"Mora designs are an eclectic collage of influences from various regions of India: a handful of Ahomiya jungle mist, the tickling laughter of Kutchi women, the spicy wet earth of Kerala and the booming railroad whirring of Punjab’s song and dance."

Focussing on North East Indian weaves, the fabrics used are beautiful, natural products which aren't heavily embellished, looking comfortable, traditional and beautiful. I love the fact that the women who model these clothes are beautiful too, but not in an air-brushed, model sort of way - these look like real women in India, women of all shapes, ages and sizes, which makes the brand even more likeable and worth supporting because of their ethic. It's easy to forget the small tailors and weavers trying to support their small business amongst all of the huge labels and designer brands in the clothes industry, and it's nice to see something different out there too.

MORA saris and drapes are available to buy here (or you can message the designers via Facebook) and you can also check out the Ritika's blog here.

 

All images belong to MORA