Ram-Leela: Costume Spotlight

As a bit of a confessed Bollywood geek, I recently went to see Ram Leela, I had heard much hype surrounding this movie, the story was engaging, but the shining moment of this movie was the costume design and jaw dropping jewelry. With Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Anju Modi on hand as costume designer and Amrapali leading the way with stunning accessories it was match made in heaven. The stunning looks in this movie will be a source of huge style inspiration to any fashionista out there.

Throughout the movie we see the movies leading actress Deepika Padukone (Leela) dressed and draped in Gharga-Choli after Gharga- Choli, but who's complaining, when there as beautiful as the ones in the movie. The reasoning behind such a choice may solely have been to keep in tune with the theme of the film, but has left many yearning to get one in there wardrobes and wearing one as soon as possible. Now our confidence and aesthetic sensibilities may be weary of donning the ever so tiny, sultry backless numbers worn by Leela, but by all means take some inspiration, with longer blouses and more demure designs, the Gharga- Choli is a trend that certainly going to be more predominantly seen in the future.

The detailing on the blouses of these gharga cholis is the work of a genius, we saw a great mix of different embroideries and as a huge fan of any work of traditional origin, this was a feast for the eyes: patchwork, mirror, dabkha and zaari blended with classic banarsi materials were all used in tasteful abundance throughout the film.  These elegant and rich embroideries and material will also work beautifully on kameezs paired with either churidars or salwars; small accents of mirror work paired with classic silhouettes will also give you a Ram-Leela inspired look.

One of my favourite features in this movie was the use of a layered lehenga, which epitomises the modernised version of a traditional outfit, its been seen on the runway and is a feature that after seeing this movie, I cannot wait to see more of! Layered Lehengas not only add effortless volume but also add drama, interest, texture and colour to a classic look. Leela was seen sporting various different shapes and types of lehengas but my favourite was a red and white-layered lehenga (you can see an image below) during one of the many musical features. This is a technique that is easy to try and one that we shouldn't be afraid of! Stick with rich classic colours, like red, burgundy and greens for example and simple embroidery work if your trying this look for the first time, I think the saying, less is more takes precedent here!

Now I couldn't talk about Ram-Leela and not talk about the Jewelry, so last but by no means least, I just have to say that throughout this movie I was in awe of the jewelry, I was literally coveting every piece I saw, and I mean how could I not, with Amrapali on hand to compliment Anju Modi's wonderful creations. When I first heard that Amrapli has worked on this project I knew I was in for a treat, and I wasn't let down in the slightest. From the gorgeous rings to the practically iconic earrings worn by Leela and the regal necklaces seen, I wouldn't know where to start, but the key message here was clear, statement jewellery is a trend that is here to stay. The big Amrapali earrings worn by Leela are large and lavish in size and are gaining so much buzz on the Internet, and its not surprising why, and to me owing a large pair of earrings like these are a wardrobe staple. But be careful, there is such a thing as wearing too much jewelry, the basic rule here is, choose one statement piece and let that shine and choose simpler accessories that compliment that one statement piece. So if for example you choose a statement necklace, choose smaller earrings rather than large chunky ones that add to look rather than detract from it!

I would love to hear what you thought about the movie and more importantly the costumes! 

Take a look at a few of my favorite looks from the movie...

Amrapali's ring and earrings in this scene made a lasting impression! I only wish I owned them! 

Anju Modi layered a Red and White mulmul material to create a stunning lehenga... 

By far my favourite accessory of the film and therefore deserve a close up shot, these earrings are to amazing, classic in design and demonstrate perfectly how to wear statement jewellery...

The Sari Update...

Sari's are one of my all time favourite type of Indian Wear, Its because to me they just ooze quintisential elegance, I mean think about it, there is something seriously flattering about the simple draping of a Sari and the complex simplicity it exudes. This garment is so diverse, as it it literally flatters women of any age. 

I started wearing saris when I was 17, now 22, it's something I jump  at any chance to wear, and with the recent renovations it's been getting it's my go to choice of Indian wear. Masaba Gupta famed for her talented use of eclectic prints, has led the pack, with her famous Pac Man print sari, Lipstick print sari for Satya Paul, her Fan & Machine print clad clothing both recently debuted at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week. Masaba dared to stray further from the classic idea by introducing knit wear blouses paired with contrasting colour and print saris. These bold changes scream youthful fun, and as someone in there early twenties it something I'm always looking for In order to keep things fresh. 

Designers such as Atsu. Payal Pratap, Anamika Khanna and Sonakshi Raaj are also mixing up this traditional Indian garment, incorporating more western designs, Atsu showcased long line blouses and Peter Pan collars and Sonakshi Raaj, mixed complicated body pieces with simple Pallu's. Changes like these are fun and daring and challenge the basic concept of a sari. 

Take some inspiration from the images and give it a go when getting ready for an event next....

Payal Singhal's quirky one sleeve blouse & sari is look your love or hate, personally I love it! 

Deepika Padakoune in a Sonaskhi Raaj creation...

Payal Singhal's elegant creation looks incredibly effortless...

Atsu's long line blouse, is classic, with the waistline embellishment and contrasting stripe sari is sleek and sophisticated...

Tarun Tahiliani's beautiful high collar saris, look timeless...

 

Sonam Kapoor in Sonakshi Raaj unique sari, which looks sensational...

How to Wear Headpieces with Indian Wear...

Headpieces have been around for decades and as the fashion wheel churns on the Headpiece has made a massive comeback, and I have to say I'm uncertain in my opinion of them! I think it's because I've seen some Headpieces look truly stylish and other times a complete disaster, resulting in a look that is more slightly awkward then chic.

Headpieces are a really diverse accessory, and can accentuate any type of type of Indian outfit when worn the right way. The fact that there are so many different styles and designs means there are endless possibilities to choose from. 

I've noticed a lot of young women lately, mixing this accessory with Indian Wear and hats off to you girls for taking a risk, because when it works it looks super sassy and sleek. 

There are some basic do's & don'ts in my opinion for wearing Headpieces, especially when pairing it with Indian wear so I thought I share them with you!

Let me know what you think and if there's anything you'd add to my list!!     

Don't

• Don't choose a style that doesn't suit your face shape or size of your face,  if for example you have a  a petite face, then steer clear of large bulky headpieces that  have a centre piece that is big, choose something that is simple and dainty that adds to your look rather than take away from it, and if your face shape is the opposite than you can be choose a design that is bolder and defined... 

• Don't pair the headpiece with the wrong hairstyle, making a headpiece work depends on amalgamation of both a great headpiece and a stunning hair do. The key here is to choose a hair style that is relaxed, effortless and natural, don't scrape those luscious locks back keep is simple and fun, I think messy waves are a great way to work this accessory and they are a great base for any updo hairstyle... 

• Don't forgo a hair parting, these accessories often require a parting of sorts, whether it be middle or side choose the right one for the style of head piece... 

Do

• Be adventurous with the style of the head piece, there is an exodus of options out there to choose from which means there is pretty much something for everyone...

• Choose a piece that matches the style of your outfit, if your paring it with an anarkali or sari, then make sure the headpiece compliments the embroidery work and design, whether it be Stone, Gota, Aari or Polki work for example, the accessories should always compliment the outfit not distract from it! 

• Be Brave!! Wearing a head piece can be a daunting and daring choice of accessory especially if you've never worn one before, so don't be afraid of it, embrace it! It is after all, an accessory that has its origins in the East, so pairing it with Indian wear a natural look that has been around forever!

A bold and striking design such a this headpiece, makes a serious statement and would look incredible with a simple sari or anarkali, in may a regal red, maroon or green...

This beauty shot from Sabyasachi has been seen on my blog before but it shows how incredible these accessories look when
 paired with a relaxed updo hairstyle that makes the headpiece look like its just meant to be there! 

A low hairstyle like this shows how to make an accessory like this sit beautifully...

Dainty and classic designs like this piece worn by Nichole Richie goes with anything and everything and gives your outfit a chance to do all the talking!