Priyanka Chopra - Bollywood Fashion Icon

Many people familiar with Bollywood tends to think Aishwarya Rai as the Bollywood queen but fans of bollywood knows the truth. Aishwarya Rai may have won Miss World price but she is no comparison to Priyanka Chopara, the real beauty of the the Bollywood. In fact Priyanka is also former Miss World and acts in Bollywood films.

Priyanka made her first film in Tamil or as in Tollywood, Thamizhan in 2002. Film didn't do so well but star emerged, she showed her real acting and beauty in Anil Sharma's "The Hero" and "Andaaz", which went on winning Filmfare best Female Debut Award. She is very versatile actor, Her win for Filmfare Best Villain Award for "Aitraaz" proves this. She established herself as popular actress after Best Actress Award winning performance in film "Fashion". On other hand, Aishwarya Rai has won only handful of Awards and many are not critically acclaimed.

Priyanka became Miss India World and later Miss World in 2000, fifth Indian to.

When Chopra won the Miss World crown, she became the fifth Indian woman to win the title. In year 2003, "The Hero: Love Story of a Spy" was released, despite of being c+ grade film, the film went on grossing highest collection for year 2003. Her next film, Andaaz with Bollywood mega star Akshay Kumar was a huge success, earning her a Filmfare Best Female Debut Award and a nomination for Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award. Her biggest success came in Dharma production film, Dostana, staring Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham, she literally ruled hearts of young people in that role. Priyanka began 2009 on another high. She was awarded the 'Best

Female Actor' at the Star Screen Award 2008 for her role in Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion and also adjudged the 'Best Actress' at 15th Lion's Club Awards.

Priyanka Chopra is not only queen of Bollywood but she has also signed many promotion contracts with private and public retail firms, making her queen of "Endorsements" for year 2008. She leads the youth brigade as the face of brands like Lux, Ponds, Sunsilk, Hero Honda, Nokia, Tag Heuer, J. Hampsted and Virgin Comic.

Priyanka Chopra is shooting for another luminous year, with 2 big films set for releases in 2009, namely, Kaminay directed by Vishal Bharadwaj and What's Your Rashee? directed by Ashutosh Gowarikar. One can measure her popularity by referring Google search trend which shows significant increase in search for Priyanka and her upcoming movies. Youtube has around ten thousand video tagged with Priyanka Chopara.

Indian Designer Scarves

Scarves have come to be regarded as one of the essential fashion accessories, as it has a larger role to play than just accentuate a simple garment. It goes beyond making the wearer look chic, charming, elegant, sophisticated, trendy, cool, all according to the way she uses it. In fact scarves are being used as protective gear against the harsh rays of the sun, the dry weather, dust and pollutants.

There are a number of designers across the world, who specialize in creating innovative scarves. Apart from new patterns and color schemes, they also evolve varied ways in which these designer scarves can be worn. Sometimes they work hand-in-hand with the dress designers to create an ensemble. They create scarves that would go with the garments.

Indian Designer Scarves are steeper than the original ones, but are definitely trend setting. The designer would probably come up with new cuts. For instance instead of the simple, straight hemline, they could create something with cutwork or lace. Then different types of danglers can be hung to create the gypsy look. Some designers create patterns and designers that just need to be fastened, rather than have the wearer take extra pains to fold it or pleat it and then tie-it.

The main difference between indian designer scarves and others is that the former are innovative and not available in bulk. They are in fact out of the ordinary. For instance, designers combine the use of a couple of fabrics to create a scarf, such as net, silk and crochet and then probably add stones or embroidery. All this to create an exquisite piece of clothing!

Top Indian Fashion Designers

Top fashion designers in India include names like Manish Malhotra, Ritu Kumar, Ritu Beri, Tarun Tahiliani and many more. These designers have changed the fashion trends of the country. Manish Malhotra has designed for most of Indian actresses off screen as well as on screen.

His designs were worn by Kareena Kapoor in the film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001). He designed for Sushmita Sen in Main Hoon Na (2004) and he has designed for Rani Mukerji and Preity Zinta in the film Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006). He also showcased his new collection in April 2006 at Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai.

Amongst the other top indian fashion designers is Ritu Kumar, who began with hand block printers and two tables in a small village near Calcutta, and in the last 28 years, her team of dedicated workers have progressed to produce some of the country’s most exquisite garments and accessories in cotton, silk and leather.

Ritu Beri has been the most talented indian designer because of her popular and unique style and modernized work. Her this quality has made her so very vastly popular and demanded by the Indian as well as the Hollywood film industry.

Another name in the top indian fashion designers bracket is Hemant Trivedi. He is also a renowned fashion Stylist, choreographer, design professor and undoubtedly, one of India's foremost and most important fashion designers.

Apart from these few names, there are numerous others who are contributing to making India one of the forerunners in the world of international fashion.

Indian Fashion Designer

An Indian fashion designer is much in demand all over the world. Some of the Indian designers have established themselves all over the world. They are invited to fashion weeks outside India to witness as well as to display their collection.

There are a number of Indian designers, who are invited to present their garments at events showcasing international names. They have been working hard to take Indian fashion all over, as well as bring back the latest trends abroad.

Their designs are not only liked by Indian celebrities but also International celebrities. These designers have also succeeded in opening their showrooms at various places around the world along with in various malls across the country.

Today, with hard work and creativity the Indian fashion designer does not have to restrict himself or herself to the domestic market. Their talents and knowledge have helped them go beyond designing the typical Indian garment to creating global fusion designs. They have finely adopted western styles in their designs.

Fashion Institutes in India

List of fashion institutes in India:

Arch Institute of fashion & Design / Arch Gemology & Jewelry Institute: Plot No.9, Malviya Nagar Institutional Area , Malviya Nagar, Jaipur. Tel: 91-141-2702163

Rai University, A-41, MCIE, Mathura Road, New Delhi – 110044 Tel: 91-11-51560000, 51570000

National Institute Of Fashion Design (NIFD): Zone F-3, Hauz Khas Enclave, Adjacent to Laxman Public School, New Delhi. Tel: 91-11-26968868, 51655729

National Institute Of Fashion Technology (NIFT): NIFT Campus, Near Gulmohar Park, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016 Tel : 91-11-6965080, 6965059

National Institute Of Fashion Technology (NIFT), NIFT Campus, C A Site No: 21, Sector - 1, 27th Main, Bangalore. Tel: 5727695

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT): GH - 0 Circle, Gandhinagar. Tel: 91-79 23240832

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT): NIFT Campus, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Taramani, Chennai. Tel: 91-44-2542755

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT): NIFT Campus, Sector 4, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. Tel: 91-22-7565549

College of Creative Arts: Ganga Dham Comm. Phase I, Sr. No. 612 - 615, Lullanagar Bibwewadi Road, Market Yard, Pune. Tel: 91-20-24209166

Institute Of Fashion Technology And Hotel Management, KM-2 Kavi Nagar, Ghaziabad. Tel: 716902

How To Tie A Scarf

A beautiful scarf adds glamour, class and sophistication to a simple attire, which maybe a dress, skirt and blouse, formal shirt and trousers, casual jeans and top or the Indian salwar kameez. But then it is all about how you wear it. Though sometimes one is required to let it just fall over the shoulders as the entire garment get up requires it, most often it is tied in a way to further enhance the basic style.

If you are one who likes wearing indian scarves then you should learn how to tie a scarf. Some companies where it is a part of the dress code are taught how to tie a scarf, as there should be no difference in the knots and style. This is more so in the airline and hospitality industry.

However, here are some ways in which you can tie a scarf for that complete look.

You could tie a small scarf around your neck with the knot either in front or on either side

Your triangular scarf could be draped with one pointed end at the back and the other two ends tied together in front, making it look like a cape. Alternatively you could tie it over one shoulder with the free pointed end falling over the other shoulder.

In formal settings where you are required to wear a indian scarf over a shirt, it is preferred that you tie it the cowboy style. This is where the scarf is either triangular or a square folded into a triangle, the pointed end is in front, with the knot tied behind under the collar.

You could wear it around the waist like a belt

You could tie it around your wrist like a bracelet or around the upper-arm like an arm band

You could tie it around the ankle below a skirt of any length

You can tie it over your jeans just for show.

Your scarf could be tied onto you handbag with a double knot or bow.

You could tie your hair up into a bun or ponytail using a scarf. In fact many people prefer a scarf for this purpose as it does not do damage to the hair or pull it out when being removed unlike clips and bands

You could tie it as a head scarf either to make a fashion statement or protect your hair from damage.

There is so much one can do with this piece of clothing. In fact it is more exciting when you accessorize it.

Indian Scarves

Introduction to Indian Scarves - The fabrics used for scarves are numerous and varied. These include silk, cotton, polyester, rayon, acrylic, nylon, wool, cashmere, lace, etc. They maybe woven, knit, crochet, printed, embroidered Common printed patterns are paisleys, floral, animals and geometrical designs. This piece of clothing is generally square, circular, oblong or triangular with edges that are rolled, hemmed or tasseled.

The variety in scarves depends on how it is worn. These include:

Ascot, which is usually in a triangular shape and either knotted in front or the ends are placed together with a brooch. The name is derived from the famed racetrack of England, Ascot, where people wore scarves in this fashion.

Bib is a square scarf that is folded to form a triangle. The point is in front with the knot behind the neck. It is mainly worn while dining to prevent the clothes getting stained. This is also known as the cowboy scarf.

Necktie also known as a cravat is a piece of clothing tied around the neck

Jabot is a pleated, ruffled or embroidered piece of cloth worn around the neck. It is more like the Indian dupatta.

Indian Muffler is an oblong knitted or woven scarf that is worn to protect one’s throat in the cold season.

Indian Shawl is a scarf variation that is generally woven, knitted or crochet. It is generally larger than the scarf.

Stole is a long scarf, which maybe cut out any fabric or made of fur.

Generally scarves are worn in dry and dusty climates or where pollution levels are high. It is used to cover the face and head, preventing these uncovered parts of the body from any kind of harm. Apart from its protective role, some cultures prescribe the use of scarves as a compulsion. For instance, many Muslim women are made to wear a headscarf known as a hijab or khimar.

Sarees from different regions of India

The core of any good saree wardrobe is to have at least one traditional saree from every region from India. In addition, there should be some plain, single coloured sarees, to show off accessories – be it elegant jewellery or a shawl to perfection.

A range of gorgeous sarees come from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh and Western Madhya Pradesh. The dominant characteristic of the saree of these regions is obtained by dyeing rather than weaving techniques. In fact, the three major forms of Indian resist-dyeing – block printing, tie & dye and ikat have evolved here.

Playing with colour, fabric, weave and embellishments can create an exquisite look to the trousseau wardrobe.

Sarees from West India:

1. Bandhani

- These are sarees created by dyeing the cloth in such a manner that many small resist-dyed ‘spots' produce elaborate patterns over the fabric.

- The traditional bandhani market has shrunk however, because of the rise of low-cost silk-screened imitations and most modern bandhani sarees are made with larger designs and fewer ties than in the past. There are varieties available in two contrasting colours, with borders, end-pieces and one or more large central medallion called a pomcha or padma (lotus flower). Red and black is the most common colour combination but other pairs of colours are also found. For instance, the panetar saree is a Gujarati-Hindu saree of satin weave and Gajji silk with red borders, central medallions and a white body, which may contain regularly spaced red tie-dyed spots.

- Single colour sarees and odhnis with white spots are also common. The most famous of this type is the Gujarati saree called Garchola It is usually red, but occasionally green, and is divided into a network of squares created by rows of white tie-dyed spots or woven bands of zari. The Garchola is a traditional Hindu and Jain wedding saree, which used to be made of cotton, but is now usually in silk. The number of squares in the saree is ritually significant multiples of 9, 12 or 52.

2. Patola

- The most time consuming and elaborate saree created by the western region is the potole (plural patola) which has intricate five colour designs resist-dyed into both warp and weft threads before weaving.

- Double ikat patola saree is a rare and expensive investment. A cheaper alternative to double ikat patola is the silk ikat saree developed in Rajkot (Gujarat), that creates patola and other geometric designs in the weft threads only.

3. Gujarati Brocade

These are extremely expensive and virtually extinct. The main distinguishing characteristics of the Gujarati Brocade Saree:

- Butis (circular designs) woven into the field in the warp direction instead of the weft, resulting in their lying horizontally instead of vertically on the saree when draped.

- Floral designs woven in coloured silk, against a golden (woven zari) ground fabric. Although such ‘inlay' work is a common feature in many western Deccan silks, the Gujarati work usually has leaves, flowers and stems outlined by a fine dark line.

4. Embroidered Tinsel Sarees

- The western region also has a rich embroidered tradition, made famous by ethnic groups such as rabaris and sodha Rajputs.

- The saree with zardozi, the gold gilt thread embroidery technique, at one time patronised by the Moghul emperors and the aristocracy, is today an inextricable part of a bridal trousseau.

- Balla tinsel and khari work are the cheaper variations available in metallic embroidery, which have also become quite popular.

5. Paithani

- This saree is named after a village near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Now also woven in the town of Yeola, these sarees use an enormous amount of labour, skill and sheer expanse of material in their creation.

- Distinctive motifs such as parrots, trees and plants are woven into the saree. The shades vary from vivid magenta, peacock greens and purples. In the pallav, the base is in gold and the pattern is done in silk, giving the whole saree an embossed look.

6. Chanderi and Maheshwari

- The Chanderi saree from Madhya Pradesh is light and meant for Indian summers. It is made in silk or fine cotton with patterns taken from the Chanderi temples.

- The Maheshwari sarees are also both in cotton and silk, usually green or purple with a zari border. The traditional block-printed tussar can also be found in contemporary designs nowadays.

- Balla tinsel and khari work are the cheaper variations available in metallic embroidery, which have also become quite popular.

7. Gadwal

- Gadwal saree is made in cotton in a style influenced by the Banarasi weaves. While the ground of the saree is cotton, there is a loosely attached silk border.

- Copper or gold-dipped zari is generally used in these sarees. The motifs of the murrugan (peacock) and the rudraksh are popular.

- Traditional colours for these sarees are earth shades of browns, greys and off-whites. However, brighter shades have been introduced for the North Indian buyer.

Sarees from North India:

1. Banaras Brocade

- This saree from Banaras is virtually mandatory in the bride's trousseau. These sarees vary tremendously as weavers create different products to suit different regional markets and changing fashions.

- Most brocades usually have strong Moghul influences in the design, such as intricate intertwining floral and foliate motifs, kalga and bel. A characteristic found along the inner, and sometimes outer, edge of borders is a narrow fringe like pattern that often looks like a string of upright leaves called jhallr. This is almost a signature of Benarasi brocade.

2. Kota Doria

- Kota in Rajasthan, India is the home of the famous Kota Doria saris made in small villages around the Kota city. "Kota Doria" is a super transparent yet stable cotton or cotton/silk weave consisting of varied guages of yarn, creating an almost graph like pattern called khats (squares formed between the different thicknesses of fibers). The intermittent heavier guage yarns give the fabric enough weight and lateral stability to fall very gracefully, yet it is incredibly airy and transparent. Generally, these pieces are worn in the heat of summer.

- The chequered weave of a Kota sari is a prized possession of many women. The gossamer-fine fabric Kota dorias are the finest weaves in India - so fine that they are almost weightless. The spinning, dyeing and weaving are done by skilled artisans and it takes many men hours to do so. The Kota region's craft is exquisite in its perfection. The Kota Doria weave is very special; the warp and the weft use a combination of threads creating a fine chequered pattern where the cotton provides firmness while the silk lends the gossamer finish to the fabric.

- Besides the chequered pattern, there are other weaves in complicated designs in a combination of silk and cotton. The standard Kota doria yardage, in sari width, is always woven in white and later dyed in different colours. Some of the weaves also have a narrow border edged with Zari. In the case of saris with designs, the threads are dyed prior to weaving. Ideal for hot summer, this is a muslin fabric woven with alternating threads of silk and cotton in both warp and weft in an open weave.

3. Other Sarees from this region

- The region is also famous for producing ornate sarees such tanchois, amru brocades, shikargarh brocades and tissues. Abrawans (literally meaning flowing water)- Tissue sarees, usually woven with the finest silk thread are also quite popular. A classy design in Abrawans is tarbana (woven water) with a fine silk warp with a zari weft giving an almost metallic sheen. Kincab or Kinkhwab sarees are the most popular of the brocades and are so covered with the zari patterning that the underlying silk cloth is barely visible.

- Jamawars also come from Uttar Pradesh. These silk sarees are embellished with zari threadwork. The popular theme is a jacquard weave in ‘meena' colours like orange and green.

- Tanchois (in zari) are another item from of Uttar Pradesh and have different designs, not just Moghul motifs.

Another type is the kora silk saree which is starched as brittle as organza.

Sarees from South India:

1. Kanjeevaram Saree

- No Indian bridal trousseau is complete without the ‘Kanjeewaram' saree, characterised by gold-dipped silver thread that is woven onto brilliant silk. Kanchipuram is a town in Tamil Nadu with more than 150 years of weaving tradition – completely untouched by fashion fads.

- Kanjeewarams are favoured for their durability. Kanjee silk is thicker than almost all other silks, and is therefore more expensive. The heavier the silk, the better the quality. Peacock and parrot are the most common motifs. Though lightweight kanjee sarees are popular as they are easy to wear and cost very little, the traditional weavers do not like to compromise. While Korean and Chinese silk is suitable for light-weight sarees (machine woven), only mulberry silk produced in Karnataka and few parts of Tamil Nadu, is right for the classic Kanjeewaram.

2. Konrad Saree

- The konrad or the temple saree is also a speciality item from Tamil Nadu. These sarees were original woven for temple deities.

- They are wide bordered sarees and are characterised by wedding related motifs such as elephants and peacocks, symbolising water, fertility and fecundity.

- Traditional colours for these sarees are earth shades of browns, greys and off-whites. However, brighter shades have been introduced for the North Indian buyer.

3. Others

- Pashmina silk, kota silk, Mysore crepes, pochampallis and puttapakshi sarees are also popular South Indian sarees.

- Typical wedding sarees from Kerala are the nayayanpets and bavanjipets which usually have a gold border on a cream base.

- Traditional colours for these sarees are earth shades of browns, greys and off-whites. However, brighter shades have been introduced for the North Indian buyer.

Sarees from East India:

1. Baluchari Sarees

- This saree from Bengal is usually five yards in length and 42” wide in flame red, purple and occasionally in deep blue. The field of the saree is covered with small butis and a beautiful floral design runs across the edges. The anchal has the main decoration depicting narrative motifs. Taingals and kanthas are other speciality items from Bengal.

Indian Saree

Every time we see an Indian woman wearing a brightly-colored saree, we can't help but be amazed by how graceful and womanly they look. We marvel at how the cloth's colors and the way the saree drapes and falls in folds about an Indian woman's body, seem to embody her femininity. We gape and can't help but be awed at how even the slightest movements of their bodies seem to speak volumes as they move about almost sensuously despite the voluminous quality of the saree's cloth wrapped around the waist. Then, we wonder, what is exactly the mystery behind the saree?

A saree or sari, as it is commonly known, is a piece of clothing traditionally worn by Indian women that is as long as nine yards in length. Aside from the cloth though, an Indian woman wears an upper garment that is made of the exact same cloth or has the same design or depicts one of the colors of the saree. This upper garment could either be cropped short baring some skin from the midriff down to the navel or longer, that which it could be tucked in to the saree's waist. From the waist down of the saree, an Indian woman wears a petticoat, to lessen the sheerness of the saree's fabric, which is mostly woven cloth or silk.

The allure of the saree comes not only from the way it hints at a body's curves but also in the way it is draped on an Indian woman's body. This draping could actually be done in several ways. The most common way is when an Indian woman winds or wraps the saree around her waist and then drapes the extra cloth over her shoulder and lets it fall down over her right breast.

There are other ways or styles to drape a saree and one of this is the kaccha nivi style. An Indian woman who uses this style will have to pleat the saree cloth and pass it through her legs before tucking it into her back at the waist. This type of draping is used by an Indian woman, who would like to have her legs covered while she moves around freely. This style is more of the traditional way of draping a saree although there is now a modern nivi style that is used by most Indian women.

The modern nivi style is done by an Indian woman tucking one end of her saree into her petticoat's waistband. She wraps the fabric of the indian saree from her hips down just once and gathers it into pleats below her navel. She also tucks these pleats into her petticoat's waistband. This type of pleat is called as kick pleat in the West and makes movements especially walking, easier. The Indian woman then drapes the saree's loose end over her shoulder, from her right hip over to the left shoulder. When wearing a cropped blouse, the Indian women show a peek of her midriff through this draping style. Sometimes, this type of saree draping calls for an Indian woman to just adjust the loose end to either show or hide her navel for a more sultry look.

There are still other types of saree draping that an Indian woman uses. These styles differ though are based on what part of India she is from and on what traditional style of draping she is following. An Indian woman sometimes wears a saree not only as a piece of clothing but also to show where she comes from.

How To Wear Saree?

HOW TO WEAR A SAREE, HOW TO WEAR SARI, HOW TO DRAPE A SARI, HOW TO DRAPE A SAREE

Hold one side of the upper edge of the Saree with your left hand around your waist to feet on your back side leaving free the pallu side on other end.

Step1: Tuck the top border of inner of the Saree in to the petticoat in such a way so that the Saree may fall up to the floor level.

Step2: Drape the Saree around the front keeping it on same height.

Step3: Tuck the little top edge of the Saree into the petticoat keeping on same height.

Step4: Make the fold of few straight plates from the right side and tuck it into the petticoat so that the bottom edge of the Saree should touch the floor level.

Step5: Bring around the other end of the Saree in your both hand and keep pallu put on left side shoulder allowing the pallu fall on your back.

Over the centuries, there have been changes the Saree is still holding its grace and beauty. Even in this modern era a feminine dress Saree is not forgettable. Several important occasions in Hindu Culture witnesses the importance of a Saree . The Saree has attained great importance among other feminine dresses and has maintained it's elegant and beauty till now. Even on the occasion of marriages in different states of India the cultural as well as modern occasional dress of the bride is Sari .

Ladies dressed in Sari reflects women's style, grace, sense and elegant. Sari enhances an increases the beauty, personality and importance as a lady. It is important to drape a Sari in proper manner so as to look perfectly dressed. Properly dressed Sari has greater appearance.

Few Tips on Wearing a Saree: -

Slim women should wear Cotton Sari , Tissue Sari , Tapeta Silk Sari , Tussar silk Sari , so that they may look beautiful, attractive and Healthy.

Healthy women should wear Georgette Sari , Chignon Sari , Maysoor silk Sari , or Chiffon Sari so that they may look beautiful, attractive and slim.

Shorter women should wear the Sari with small borders or no borders and in dressed position the lining on Sari , if so, should appear horizontal to the earth so that they may look beautiful, attractive and tall.

Longer women should wear the Sari with big borders and in dressed position the lining, if so, on Sari should appear parallel to the earth so that they may look beautiful and attractive.

Fair complexion women should wear dark color Sari so that they may look beautiful, attractive.

Dark complexion women should wear light color Sari so that they may look beautiful, attractive.

Casual Indian Wedding Dress

Away from the crowds and only immediate family with the closest of friends is a casual indian wedding. And for such a casual wedding ceremony, surely the bride does not intend wearing a dress that would weigh a few pounds. She would surely opt for something casual, and yet eye-catching.

Yes, there are those who get married so casually that they simply wear their jeans and t-shirt, sign at the court the marriage certificate, visit a temple and return to work, as though its like any other day.

The moral of the story: your marriage can be as casual you want it to be and as formal you want it to be.

But then, for those who would prefer to go traditional, one does not have to go searching for a casual Indian wedding dress. Instead, one could go to any boutique and pick a designer salwar kameez, or then a silk sari. Even though it maybe a small and casual event the dress one could pick up would be in the range of Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000.

The main advantage of the casual Indian wedding dress is the repetition value. This implies that after the wedding, this dress can be worn for other occasions, as well in any other type of formal setting. This is far more sensible than spending tens of thousands of Rupees, just for that one day.

Aavaranaa’s Summer Cool Collection

Simplicity with a dash of ethnicity is Aavaranaa’s ongoing philosophy for this summer.

If you are a college goer and eyeing for something different yet stylish or, may be, want to break free from the monotony of teaming casual denims with tees, here’s the best bet for you. Aavaranaa’s wide range of salwar suits has something for everyone and for all occasions too. Still yearning for more?

Well, how can anyone miss on whites - the ever trendy colour of summer and Aavaranaa introduces them with a twist! Made especially for the summer, these salwar suits come in shades like beige whites and creams with two-tone pants and a similar dupatta. Also, the zebra collection, inspired by zebra lines is really hip and sensual.

Also, available at the store are Kalamkari appliqués salwar sets in slightly earthy shades like maroon, earthy green and orange. These salwars have hand painted Kalamkari motifs appliquéd on cotton depicting various designs and extracts from various epics, a truly Indian collection. On the other hand, the neckline collection boasts of exquisitely designed necklines on a plain or simple designed salwar with a block printed bottom and dupatta.

Aavaranaa also houses an organdy color collection in unusual combos like khakhi and magenta, yellow and beige, purple and black and a lot more.

So, come girl, shed those hard denims and get ethnic today, the Aavaranaa way!

Bollywood Fashion

As Bollywood fashion goes, so goes South Asian fashion. For the past decade, the designers of the largest film industry in the world have been shaping the fashion of Indian and Pakistani clothing. Recently, Bollywood fashion is transcending and making a major impact on Western style as well. Things weren’t always this way. Let’s learn more about the cultural phenomenon that is known as Bollywood.

Until the late 1980s, Hindi films demonstrated limited sense of style. Clothing was either everyman clothing or way over the top garish. Bollywood designers came to the limelight ever since Manish Malhotra did those catchy numbers for Urmila Matondkar in Rangeela. It was all upwards from there. Bollywood fashion became a force to be reckoned with. When Sushmita Sen appeared in flowing saris in a recent hit, this traditional dress got a big boost into urban style. Shamita Shetty made the sharara a hit with aptly titled “Sharara Sharara”. Finally, Priyanka Chopra made the red dupatta (stole) synonymous with Bollywood fashion.

Hindi films may have inspired Indian style over the last two decades, but the fascinating phenomenon is the transcendence of Bollywood fashion to the West. The recent tunic top craze is one example. Everyone from tween to grandmother is dying to get one. The recent bohemian or ethnic clothing wave is driven by Indian, and hence Bollywood fashion. Most of all, there seems to be no end in sight. TIME, MSN, and even Bella Online are unified in their praise of the hot ethnic trend. The comfort, elegance, and especially the versatility of Indian clothing are not lost to the western public. For instance, various kurtas (tunic tops) can be worn to the beach, a tea party, the mall, or even a grand formal!

Where should you look for hip Bollywood fashion? A local Indian boutique is not a bad start. Another good place is the web. Plenty of sites such as Benzer and Seasons offer good choices. TheSarees.com offer silk embroidered high quality wears not available anywhere else. What sets us apart is the creation of designer haute couture that is delivered to your doorstep. These designer outfits are of the same quality that prevails in Bollywood scene today.

Wedding Dress Patterns

Though there are innumerable designers dotting the county, as well as your own home town, yet you can experiment at designing your own wedding dress. Or get a little innovative and blend various wedding dress patterns and create your own.

Another thing to be kept in mind is that reputed designers charge a lot for their creations. In fact, most of them are unreasonable. So, instead of purchasing something that is very highly priced, maybe you could get a clipping from their fashion books and have your tailor or a local designer create the same style at more than half the price.

There are a number of wedding publications that carry the latest wedding dress patterns and designs with listings of all kinds of designers to suit the budget you have in mind. It is all a matter of doing a little homework.

Apart from that if you have a wedding planner then he/she would recommend a designer, who will fall into your price estimation, yet giving you what you would like. Deciding on wedding dress can be time consuming. But remember, you cannot afford to take too long, as the work does take time and then you may need a couple of trials for the perfect fit.

Ideally, prior to deciding on the final pattern, visit a couple of designers and ask them to make some sketches. Finally, from all that you have in front of you make your choice. And it helps to have near and dear ones help you decide, keeping in mind varied factors; especially when the n-laws are rather traditional.

Designer Indian Dresses

Every individual is unique in his own way. But clothes make his personality even more pronounced. So he tries to accentuate his style with something different. Something what his neighbour does not posses or the man across the street is not wearing.

Indian Dress designers cater to such individual needs. They offer something different than the standard me-too products. Moreover designer dresses are meticulously made so not only do they offer a uniqueness but also durability. Their durability translates into quality.

They attract the attention of buyers who would rather pay an extra rupee to get something better than buy a dress that would turn pale the next day. Designers like Wendell Rodricks, Rohit Bal, Ravi Bajaj, Ritu Kumar and many more have taken Indian fashion international. Moreover their exclusiveness has helped them build a credible list of clients for themselves.

Movie stars, celebrities and the tinsel townies have select designers who carve a niche for themselves with their quality clothing. Dress designers are much wanted by the upper crust as they give them a definite look that blends with the body contours and their personality. Thus enhancing the overall look of the person.

Indian Designer Dresses give the wearer a sense of pride too. Some individuals even display their loyalty to some brands by wearing only a particular brand. Today designer clothing is become more of a style statement and sent by relatives to dear ones as a gift to india . And as they are not out of reach and available to the common man more and more people have begun to indulge in this new trend. Its easy accessibility and economic price range give the common man an upper hand to posses them.

Indian Designer Dresses always offer newer trends and are updated with international styles. Their innovation in fabric, colour and cut make them a class above the rest. And they pass down this feeling to their clientele.

Salwar Kameez

Salwar Kameez is the most popular traditional attire worn by the women in India. It is called the Punjabi Suit or Salwar Suit also. This popular Indian Dress evolved as a comfortable and respectable garment for women in India, but is now immensely popular in all over the world. There are many reasons wear Salwar Kameez such as it is modest, great value, elegant, graceful and the bottom line is that it is comfortable. Salwar Kameez gives decent yet stylish look to a teenager as well as a woman. Designer Salwar Kameez or Churidar look smart for casual family gatherings or even for a wedding ceremony.

The Salwar is a baggy pajama type of trouser, which has legs wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. The Kameez is a long top or tunic, which often reaches up to the knees. The length of the Kameez can vary depending on the latest fashion in style. The Salwar is stitched very differently. It has pleats at the waist and is held up by a drawstring or an elastic belt. The middle portion of a Salwar is very wide and baggy, but it gradually tapers down around the ankle. Another variation in Salwar is the Churidar style which is a somewhat like a tight trouser, but with its fabric ending in various small folds around the ankles. Usually Indian women also wear a dupatta across their shoulders, over the Salwar or Churidar Kameez as a symbol of modesty.

Indian Sarees

The Saree is a traditional garment of India. Majority of women wear Sari in India. Teenagers and some mid age women also wear Salwar Kameez or Kurtis. The Saree is a long piece of fabric about 6 Yards in length. The Indian Saree is worn with an under skirt of a similar shade and a matching or contrasting Blouse or Choli. The Indian Saree is wrapped around the skirt two/three times and tucked into the under skirt. Sari of different designs and fabrics are available in a variety of colors. It is made out of Crepe, Georgette, Chiffon, Silk and other synthetic materials. The price of Saree varies according to the quality of fabric and Embroidery or Handwork done on it. Nowadays designer Saree with contrast Choli blouse is in fashion.

Designer Wedding Dresses

For the most important occasion in your life you want to dress the best. And the wedding attire is the crux of the function. To grab the spotlight all through the day couples indulge in designer dresses.

Dresses designed by designers have a charm of its own giving it a classy, unique look. Designers use textures that have an even fall on the body. They take into consideration colour, height, weight, and every minute detail to make that one dress. After all these components are crucial to give that magnificent look.

Women have more designer wedding gowns at hand. Simply because of the advantage of the mix and match of colours and cuts a woman can wear. The trend of heavy work on the lehnga or the sari or other wedding dresses is declining. To be simple yet suave is in vogue. Hence designers always engross themselves to bring out styles and designs that make the bridal couple look the best on their day.

But of course it all comes at a cost. Designer wears displays a tag with a high bill attached to it. In the beginning designers could cast their spell only a select crowd. But now times have changed. Even the middle class is getting fashion conscious and don't mind giving that extra buck to gain uniqueness.

A few of the Indian designers that have taken the Indian fashion to the international ramp are Ritu Kumar, Rohit Bal, Hemant Trivedi, Ravi Bajaj and more. With due recognition there is a burgeoning class of Indian designers, as they know how to manoeuvre through traditional wear and give it the international flavour.

Designer wedding dresses are more in demand these days. After all the bridal couple need all the attention to make it the their most memorable day.

Bollywood Celebrities in Sari (Saree)

Shilpa Shetty in Indian Sari


Rani Mukherjee in Indian Saree



Sushmita Sen in Indian Sari

Deepika Padukone in Indian Saree

Deepika Padukone in Indian Saree

Deepika Padukone in Indian Saree

Aishwarya Rai in Indian Saree

Amrita Arora in Black Stylish Indian Saree

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Red Indian Saree

Lakme India Fashion Week – A Review

Lakme India Fashion Week – A Review by Gaurav Doshi

India is becoming the latest fashion hub for the fashionistas. Indian designers are no longer confined to the domestic fashion and apparel market, they are gaining recognition and fame from all over the world. The various government policies and a boom in fashion industry have made it possible. One of the major breakthrough provided to Indian designers to showcase their talents are through the medium of fashion shows. Lakme India Fashion Show is the most popular fashion show celebration of India where the talents of already established and upcoming designers are showcased.

This event is a fashion celebration laced with lots of glamour and national as well as international media coverage. This time lakme India fashion week was held at Mumbai from 31st Oct- 4th Nov. Many high profile designers as well as audience witnessed this fashion fiesta. Famous bollywood celebrities were part of it.

Eminent designers like Surily Goel, Narendra Kumar, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Nalandda Bhandari, Nandita Mahtani, Anand Kabra, Abhishek Dutta , Wendrell Rodericks, Anupama Dayal, Vikram Phadnis, Chaitanya Rao, Sanchita, Savio Jon, Payal Singhal, Sanjay Malhotra, James Ferriera, Priyadarshini Rao, etc presented their spring/summer 2007 collection. Also South African designer duo Sun Goddess and Clive Rundle presented their collection.

Brief descriptions of some designer’s creative work are as follows :-

Nalandda Bhandari

Nalandda Bhandari designs simple yet attractive and wearable collection under the brand name ‘Nasha’. She named her spring/summer 2007 collection ‘Free Spirit’. She covered all patterns and styles of contemporary women clothing, dress patterns like- tunics, kaftans, tube dress, skirts, shirts and burnt gold evening gown dominated her show. She played with glamour clad fabrics like chiffon, silk, georgette, voile, cotton and crepe. Her collection was largely ruled by animal prints and embroideries like African embroidery, sequin embroidery, etc. She also presented her men collection. She included her logo of rose embroidery in almost every outfit.

Narendra Kumar

The very famous designer Narendra Kumar presented his spring/summer collection 2007 at Lakme Fashion Week. The collection was named as ‘Love Touches You’. He presented a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary designing paired beautifully with each other. The women’s line of western collection had smocked & pleated skirts, balloon skirt with shirt dress, half collars, bloomers, chiffon with appliqué sleeves, etc which were created with the designer’s unique touch and detailing. The preferred fabrics by the designer were cotton, georgette, net, silk, mull and linen. The collection was unique but wearable in terms of design and pattern.

The men collection was very stylish and appealing in nature. Men models walked the ramp with elaborate embroidered batik styled shirts paired with stylish trousers completed with patch pockets and shiny zippers. Fun element of, feminity to male garments was provided by showcasing sophisticated floral printed baggy tops paired with tight fitting pants and capris. The choice of colors was dull jade, beige, blue, brown, saffron and white. Complicated embroidery, smocking, appliqué work and shadow work were part and parcel of his creative designing. The fun element was when the famous model turned actor John Abraham walked the ramp with white linen suit. Thus he complied every bit of creativity and entertainment aspects to his collection which gained him standing ovation by the audience and showering of red carnations.

Surily Goel

Surily Goel is young and talented designer who even designs for film personalities. Her latest creation on big screen was for actress Preity Zinta for the film ‘Jaan-e-Mann’. Her collection presented the carefree and sensual side of women’s clothing. This year’s collection was marked by knee-length skirts of georgette, crochets, chiffon, light silks and organdy, highlighting pleats and waist gathering with satin belts. Also single piece bubble outfits created in wide range of colors and fabrics. In this time’s collection she used more of small colored stones.

The presence of film personalities like Dino Morea, Sonali Bendre, Neelam Kothari, Fardeen Khan, Sameera Reddy and Tara Sharma in the audience during her collection put the star element into the show.

Chaitanya Rao

Chaitanya Rao’s collection was like early morning breeze with booming petals of budding roses. The delicate fabrics like georgette and chiffon provided that sexy feminine look to her collection. As her signature, she included moth in the form of embroidery or appliqué in all of her garments. The models took over the ramp with her mesmerizing feminine collection comprising of hem blouses with theme embroideries, pleated mini skirts with batik prints, moth appliqué blouses, long frayed double hem dresses, pale grey chiffon tunic, cream color chiffon bubble dress, dolman sleeved hipster blouses, the list goes on. To accessorize her collection she used thin and broad belts.

Sanchita

Sanchita’s collection presented in Lakme Fashion Week was bold yet wearable. She divided her collection into three segments- Punk chic, Copacabana and Swinging deco. The stunning designer pieces of bikinis and pareos, Hawaiian inspired kaftans, small balloon skirts, floaty dresses and minis provided the feeling of the beaches of Copacabana, St. Tropez and Riviera to the audience. Her collection was quite glamorous consisting of outfit like grey T-shirts with silver leggings, lycra T-shirts having sleeve ornamentations, strapless dresses accompanied with necklaces, earrings and brooches.

The men collection was marked by casual wear T-shirts, poplin trousers with detailed embroideries and white tuxedo jackets.

The garments were decorated with semi precious stones or with attractive patch works. Her line of collection was dominated by colors like white, apatite, agate, jade, opal and black onyx. The garments were accessorized with intrinsically crafted jewelry and bags.

Savio Jon

This designer emphasized heavily on the comfort factor of the garments. Savio Jon is well known for his simple yet attractive clothing lines which are high on value and seductive quotient. Unlike other designers he preferred his garments to hang loose around the body instead of body hugging/tight fitting clothes. He used free flowing fabrics like fish net, mul, chiffon, georgette and crepe.

Pinafore silhouette, long lean maxis, oversized blouses, deep shoveled armholes, low back and front necklines, were some types of garments he presented. In evening wear he glamorized the tubular silhouettes with shimmers. The ranges of colors choosed by him for his collection were beige, grey, brown, black, pale yellow and white. Thus the colors were also sober and subtle.

Payal Singhal

Payal Singhal for the first time presented her collection in Lakme Fashion Week. Her designer collection for women were designed keeping in mind today’s working women’s needs and comfort level. Stylish yet affordable was the key element associated with her collection. She beautifully used cutwork, satin, georgette, jacquard, tulle, cotton, crepe, taffeta, brocade and seersucker in club and partywear for dresses and tunics. Her display of outfits on ramp descended gracefully from daywear to glamorous evening wear. She started her showcasing of designs in oyster white color then, tea rose, yellow, coffee, watermelon to grapefruit color. Display of tunics and blousons were coupled with melon, gold or silver tights. The signature outfit was the oyster white kaftan embellished with golden embroidery.

Sanjay Malhotra

Sanjay Malhotra named his spring/summer 2007 collection –‘Dejavu’. The key phrase which inspired him for this collection was –Life through my rose colored glasses. He instead of sticking only to free flowing usual feminine fabrics, even experimented with fabrics like fur, leather, voiles, denim, suede and laces which were highly appealing to today’s power packed independent women. The beautiful mix-n-match of these fabrics in sober as well as striking colors presented a collection that was bold enough yet stylish and wearable. Few of the many outfits displayed by him were- ivory colored mirror jacket with chiffon sleeves, colorful corset skirt accompanied with net petticoat, tunic with fur edge, etc. His collection was for the woman who likes to seek attention of the crowd and be different.

Clive Rundle and Sun Goddess

Clive Rundle and Sun Goddess were two international South African designers who presented their collection at Lakme Fashion Week. Fusion was the key style of their outfits. Extravagant layered dresses and skirts, jackets, evening wear, loosely fitted shirts and trousers, long coats and tops were part of their garment showcase. Their choices of colors were mainly creams, cherries, plums, peaches, sapphires, maroons and mauves. The free flowing pleated and layered outfits depicted the south African culture and fashion essence through them.

James Ferriera

James Ferriera made his debut at Lakme Fashion Week. He named his collection ‘Bombay Tokyo’. His collections were inspired by Maharashtra’s rich textile heritage.

The collections were divided into seven segments which were even named. The sari, an ode to devnagari, the hardy traditional towel, black magic, the sholapur story, warli and diwali were the seven names given to the segments.

Traditional warli paintings and paithani motifs were done on the clothes. Very uniquely he transformed the traditional forms of maharashtrian clothing into contemporary designs, like nine yard saris were intelligently converted into tunics. Marigold and leaf motifs were used on black shirts with cowl necks.

To describe in a nutshell his collection used ethnic fabrics and designs on garments with style and attitude. The outfit presented during finale had black georgette garments with glittering Paithani embroidery designs on them.

Conclusion

This event is marked by presence of celebrities and traders all across the globe. Also it provides a platform for the budding designers to show their talent and establish themselves into the high profile fashion industry, for the already established designers to show their collection and maintain their popularity level. The above mentioned review is for few of the many prominent and talented designers. The nutshell description of the designers suggests that this celebration of fashion and style is a sure shot success for India’s designers and promote the export business too. The very presence of film stars on the ramp of their favorite designers and in the audience is the crowd puller factor of this celebration. Lakme Fashion week is extensively covered by media and promoted also.

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Bollywood celebrities at Lakme India Fashion Week 2009

Bollywood celebrities at Lakme India Fashion Week 2009

Lakme India Fashion Week 2009

• Genelai D souza on the ramp ofLakme India Fashion Week 2009 Photos
• Ghajini actress Asin ,sridevi and her daughter ,deepika padukone at lakme india fashion week 2009
• Ghajini Actress Asin at lakme india Fashion week
• Deepika padukone at lakme india fashion week 2009
• Sridevi and her daughter at lakme india fashion week
• Ghajini actress Asin and a designer at lakme india fashion week
• Ghajini actress Asin at lakme india fashion week
• Actress Genelia d souza at lakme india fashion week
• Actress Genelia d'souza on the ramp of lakme india fashion week 2009
• Ghajini actress Asin at lakme india fashion week mai mumbai aka my mumbai show 2009
• Asin and actress at lakme india fashion week 2009 my mumbai
• Deepika padukone at lakme india my mumbai aka mai mumbai show

Indian Bridal Wear

The wedding is the most cherished occasion in every family. Everybody puts their heart and soul into this once in a lifetime occasion. Everything needs to be perfect. No flaw is compromised. With new emerging times steps are taken to make the wedding and in it the outfit grand yet economical.

INDIAN BRIDAL WEAR: The Indian bride is beautifully adorned as she sets to grab the limelight. But the bride in India differs from state to state. Like the North Indian bride is normally dressed in red in contrast to a South Indian bride who dresses in green or yellow. The Rajasthani bride prefers a lehenga while the Punjabi bride takes on a salwar-khameez or a kurta, salwar and odhni. The nine-inch sari completes the indian bridal wear for a Maharashtrian. The Gujarathi bride normally uses shades of red, white and gold while onion pink with a red or gold border is the Bengali's prerogative.

Formal indian bridal outfits in the North and North-West can include a lacha with zardozi work, channya choli, lehenga cholis, sari's etc. The Punjabi bride loves to wear a red parandi
Flowers form a vital part for the South-Indian but they are not mandatory in the North. White flowers are sported decoratively around a bun in a Bengali and Maharashtrian bride. The south Indian brides get pink, orange and white flowers around her neatly braided hair.

Purchasing the right indian bridal wear demands a lot of time and energy. Shopping also encompasses purchases of formal, western formal and semi-casual. Casual dressing has no place in the agenda, as matrimonial occasions mostly demand formal meetings. Moreover the conventional shopping style is to bite the feminine look to the core. As one can wear the traditional sari and yet look modern. Today making a bold statement while keeping the effeminate bridal look in mind is in vogue.

Pastel shades and metallic tones along with the routine red and maroon always make its way to bride's wardrobe. Also nets, transparent textiles are in vogue.

Like the father of house accessories are topmost in bridal attire. The bride is normally loaded with chunks of jewellery to make her look more beautiful. However living in a post-modern world gold is losing its importance. Today fashion commands silver and white gold as awe striking. Simple designs woven in fine threads adorn the neck most beautifully. Matching it are simple long or dangling earrings and bangles. In the artificial section jadau jewellery, meenakari work or jewellery with a metallic look etc. is extensively used.

On the other hand applying mehendi on the bride's hands and feet is a ritual in the North but not comprehended in the South.

To an Indian bride her dress is most important. So be it a North Indian bride or a South-Indian bride the dress is given every minute detail to look extravagant.

Indian Wedding Dress

The wedding dress to an Indian is of prime importance. It is the core aspect of the entire auspicious occasion. The bride or the groom, their wedding ensemble steals the limelight.

The sari is the national dress of the Indian woman but it is not a mandatory bridal wear. The indian saree is a long rectangular cloth, normally 6 meters except for the 9-yard Maharashtrian sari. The indian designer saree is no longer worn like the days of yore with heavy embroidery. It is given a subtler yet extravagant look.

The ghaghra-choli is more commonly used besides the sari. The ghaghra is a long skirt and the choli is a short blouse that leaves the naval open. There is a long cloth rectangular in shape that is tucked in the right hand side of the skirt so that it falls from the right shoulder to cover the choli and to give a handsome look. This is the dupatta.

For the brides of North or the West there is the bright red ghaghra-choli. This richly embroidered red outfit is one of the most striking bridal wear. The nine-yard sari in bottle green is the wedding dress of the Maharashtrian. The Tamilians like the maroon and gold border called the koorap-podavi. The Sindhis have the gold or the white sari, which is similar to that of the Keralite.

Coming to the groom's attire, the shervani with a churidar are mostly worn by the North-Indian groom. They also like the bandha gala. The western 2-pice or 3-pieve suit is also commonly used. The Turban is a popular headgear in the North. The sehera is adjoined to the turban like a veil of flowers. The South-Indian groom wears the traditional veshti (dhoti) and jubba (kurta)

Although the traditional style of marriage is followed, it is being totally revamped. The traditional colours of the bride's dress of red and pink are being replaced by peach, wine and burgundy. Colours and fabrics that blend with the skin are given more importance. Stiff silks are fading away to give rise to softer fabrics like crepe, satin and chiffon.

The garments are tailored to give the bride a more feminine and slimmer look. Heavy embroidery is replaced with simple sequins like swarovski crystals and other glamorous stones that are merged with the garments.

Overall, the Indian wedding dress of the Indian is going through a metamorphosis stage. Simple style is replacing the heavy work to make the couple look the most beautiful on their most important day in life.

Indian Dresses

Every country has its history to relate. And in a colossal country like India, its every dimension has an epic of its own. Even our clothes reflect a particular culture. And this can be pre-dominantly observed in the villages of this country. The Indian dress differs from North to South. From South to South West. In the North, mens fashion consist of full-length kurtas and pyjamas that are loosely woven. Self-colours with white, as an all time favourite is the male prerogative. The Punjabi male also winds a self-colour turban around his long hair. A religious tradition followed by generations.

The female counterparts too wear salwar kameez similar looking to that of the men. Except that they are more fitting and colourful. Bright prints matched with a variety of styles like the patiala or the chuddidar are indulged to bring out a pleasing garb. A fine cloth synchronizing with the shades of the outfit is hung between the shoulders. This is the dupatta. It can give the entire salwar suit a different, more magnificent look.

Variations in these outfits are observed as we track lower to the centre of the country. In the west ghagra (a long colourful skirt) and a choli (a blouse) is pre-dominantly seen. Once again the dupatta exists. Colourful and extravagantly embroidered with extensive mirror work is the charm of every ghaghra choli. Heavy accessories in plastic and oxidized make the outfit perfect. The men here wear a fine muslin or cotton kurta and a dhoti. Many women wear indian sarees too.

Again a variation of the ghaghra choli is viewed down South. But the colour and extravaganza is toned down. Simple long skirts with broad borders and a matching blouse accompanied by a dupatta in contrast makes the traditional South Indian couture. Sarees too are worn. But the borders are broad. Gold in contrast to green or maroon are appreciated.

The Indian dress is found to differ from place to place, season to season and you can get a wide choice in summer dresses & winter wear. The more you understand it in depth, the more you will learn of the vast variety it inherits.