high-low hem at manish malhotra autumn/winter '12

wow, it's been so long since i last posted hasn't it! but here's an update for today - high-low hemlines are all the rage it seems - from dresses to skirts and now, even indian wear. lovin' this piece from manish malhotra's latest collection - i think it's a fun trend with lasting power.

source: pinkvilla.com

sonam kapoor at elie saab couture, spring 2012

interesting fusion look. i don't know how i feel about it, though. it's definitely 'thinking outside the box,' but i'm feeling a bit of a grandma vibe with the shrug and sari together. on their own though, each piece is great - the gorgeous mandarin collar sari in pretty pink, and the delicate yet stunning elie saab shrug.

source: www.modepilot.de

pastels galore @ elie saab couture, spring 2012

source: style.com

Chanel's Indian-inspired fashion show in Paris

a lavish fashion show, inspired by india, complete with exotic jewelry, fabrics, and silhouettes. absolutely stunning! check out more pictures from this amazing fashion show at style.com.

source: dailymail.co.uk

gowns galore

i've been enjoying the summer months to the fullest, and i hope you have been too! that said, i have no real updates for today, except for posting these beautiful gowns by elie saab and marchesa. aren't they exquisite? i don't expect much less from these two designer labels, anyway.

sources: this is glamorous, a glamorous little side project

edgy lace - jason wu fall 2011

who doesn't love lace? it's a beautiful fabric. and so much can be done with it...it can dyed to cool, striking colors...layered ontop of heavier fabrics for a whole 'nother dimension....dazzled up with intricate beading and sequin work...it's manipulations are endless. lace has a unique, specific look, but can be used in so many different ways. and one way that i really like it, is when it's edgy and dark. a far cry from how we usually love the fabric, in all its romantic-lovely-airy-glory, edgy lace is bold and powerful. i think jason wu presented that idea wonderfully in his fall 2011 rtw collection. 

sources: style.com

keep it simple, stupid

isn't it interesting how this small phrase applies to so many things in life? :) including fashion -- but of course!

source: starbucks and jane austen

long skirt trend

i've been seeing this trend here and there, and i must say, i'm liking it a lot! i haven't seen long skirts done in the winter for a very long time, so it's a revival of sorts...but in a fun and modern way. it's most appealing to me when done monochromatically, as michael kors did in his fall 2010 rtw show. tone on tone with a cool, easy, hip-slung belt and you've got a look that's incredibly chic.

source: style.com

sabyasachi couture 2010

just now getting a look at all the images from the 2010 sabyasachi couture show, and all i have to say is "wow." besides the amazing mix of patterns and prints on exquisite fabrics, take a look at all that layering...especially in the 2nd image. for starters, you've got a long kurta (tunic) with floral designs and paisley-looking motifs combined together. then, long, patterned net sleeves give it some air and freshness, while a small heavily embroidered vest gives the look a fun vibe. not to mention, i think i see some hints of velvet on the bottom border of the kurta, as well. and we're only at the top portion of the entire outfit so far. sabyasachi has placed this kurta with a lightly patterned full a-line skirt, printed churidar (leggings) beneath, and a long chunni (scarf) beautifully draped on one shoulder.

there are so many elements to this one outfit, but somehow they all go together with such ease and beauty. oh, and check out those very much on-trend platform oxford booties...quite the unexpected with an outfit like this!

i have always loved sabyasachi, but this collection was brilliant. it might not translate as well in real life, but it just shows how well of a mix-master, genius designer he is. the whole look -- in its earthy colors, absence of bling, and even zero makeup, still manages to look far more royal than any other crystallized in-your-face outfit normally seen and expected from indian designers. looking forward to seeing these pieces in some great editorials. (aishwarya rai is already featured one such editorial, by HiBlitz magazine. check the pictures on high heel confidential.)

source: vogue.in 

grandior

these vivid, sumptuous looks from dior are divine -- and thank goodness for some opulence -- getting tired of seeing all the minimalism as of late.

while a simplistic style can be just as striking, especially in real life, sometimes grandand over-the-top looks are what we need to give us a pop of energy and fun in fashion again.

the intense colors, intricate embroidery, exaggerated makeup, and extravagant jewelry of the show is all so exciting to see. 

source: style.com