New It Girl on the Scene...

Friday 20 December 2013


Neelam Johal is the new girl on the scene and is fast becoming the one to watch.  Johal is a young and stunning 18 year old Indian Model and in an industry that has suffered previous criticism over racial diversity, she is a welcoming and refreshing sight. Neelam Johal is conquering the fashion circuit with a real gusto and her first and most notable platform was when she first walked creative genius Christopher Bailey's Burberry Prorsum Spring/Summer 2014 Runway show with the likes of new age supermodels, Jourdan Dunn and Cara Delevingne. 


With her distinctive model features, the runway is hers to claim and earn the title of 'supermodel' with the likes of Karlie Kloss, Cara Delevingne, Joanna Smalls, Karen Nelson, Coco Rocha and Chanel Iman. Neelam clearly made a lasting impression as Christopher Bailey cast Burberrys first Indian model in their Iconic Spring/ Summer 2014 campaign alongside actor Jamie Campbell Bower and the young Lady Jean Campbell, shot by the legendary Mario Testino. After seeing the shots from the campaign not only am I left with a serious case of wardrobe envy and wavy-hair envy, but I am also flawed at how worldly this young 18 model year old looks and its no wonder Models 1 snapped her up. This young model is certainly one to watch... 


Burberry Prorsum Spring/Summer 2014 Ad Campaign featuring actor Jamie Campbell Bower, Leo Dobson, Matilda Lowther, Neelam Johal, Callyum Ball and Malaika Firth






Neelam walking Burberry's Spring/Summer 2014 Runway in one of two looks




Backstage at Burberry Prorsum Show with designer Christopher Bailey


 Supermodels Cara Delevingne and Jordun Dunn also walking Burberry Prorsum Spring/Summer 2014 Show


Johal backstage with Harry Styles and Jordun Dunn











Style Hunting...

Sunday 8 December 2013

Hi all, sorry for the brief hiatus in blog posts, but I'm currently travelling through India, starting in Punjab and journeying all the way down to New Delhi, Jaipur and finally Mumbai, I'm on what you might call a fashion adventure and to say I'm in fashion heaven is an understatement! 

If you have any recommendations for places to go, please do let me know! I would love to hear from you! 

So check back soon, for more of my fashion discoveries and blog posts! 

Ram-Leela: Costume Spotlight

Tuesday 26 November 2013

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...

Friday 15 November 2013

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...


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