by luxemi | April 4, 2013 · 11:16 am
It’s spring, and you know what that means, Luxe fans – it’s time for a fashion overhaul! Sunshine means bright colors, shorter hemlines and experimentation galore. Luckily, last week’s Lakme Fashion Week turned out some real trendsetters. Here’s Luxemi’s exclusive glimpse into what you should be wearing this spring – and how to get the look.
TURBANS/HEADGEAR
Maybe this is because of the unbearable heat of a sticky, humid Indian summer. Or maybe the head is the next frontier of fashion. Whatever the case, Lakme churned out some creative ways to dress up your noggin – from vibrant turbans that recall desert shepherds to stick-on halos to fishermen-inspired straw hats. Top your mop for an easy way to dress up a lazy day or take your outfit to a whole new level.
Tarun Tahiliani’s collection featured origami-inspired turbans that looked like flames. Take that, Katniss.
Lazy Sundays require only a straw hat to be chic. Simple, effortless, and easy peasy.
Feeling royal and princess-y? Dress up a gown with regal headpiece studded with jewels and become the belle of the ball.
Toughen up a girly sari and braids with a halo that’s more funky fashionista than demure angelic.
Karishma Shahani’s show featured a turquoise turban to offset a gypsy chic flowy dress.
Blouses have continued a cycle of reinvention this year. Designers have refocused attention from sleeves to include different lengths that go from tunic inspired to accessorizing with a bling-y belt. Or how about working just a single, sheer sleeve? From bikini tops favored by the latest Bollywood siren to proper collared shirts any office would be lucky to hire, the blouse is getting a mad makeover.
Why do dresses get all the belt love? Snap on this encrusted piece just below a high-cut blouse and you’ve got a belly chain that’s moved your sari from the trenches of drabness.
Grab a polo instead of your standard blouse and pull on your go-to geek specs for a look that screams chic nerd.
Sexy doesn’t mean showing as much skin as possible. A single, sheer sleeve is even more tantalizing without getting tawdry.
New-age saris take an otherworldly approach with a fishnet blouse that shows off a strapless blouse. Two blouses in one and fearless – we love the clash of demure and seductive.
Who said a sari has to go over your shoulder? Cradle the pallu and show off a spiffy tunic for a cool version of a skirt and top.
Indian street fashion has usually been relegated to two types: the sari or a jeans/kurti combo. Only recently has street fashion become more diversified – we’re talking fusion ensembles that pair parachute pants with Nehru-collared tops, floral embroidered shifts, and a prints-a-palooza. Whether your style veers retro or goth, there’s a little Indian sentiment that can be infused into your outfit.
Don’t think gold and silver can live together? Pile them on as a sewn in necklace on a fiery red dress and watch the magic.
So you have a basic pencil skirt and a top. How to jazz it up? With a fringed and studded belt plus a statement necklace, of course.
Pantsuit, meet jumpsuit. Prevent this from looking like a onesie with minimalistic, strong colors and a statement bag.
Shorts and a tank become dressy when splattered with sequins.
Top a maxi dress with a sequined cap-sleeved top to take an outfit from daytime casual to nighttime elegance.
That most classic of pairings evokes films from another era, zebras, and high contrast. Make it a neutral this season for an adventure in fashion. Layer on color through statement jewelry, or try texturizing with lace, brocade, or velvet. Keeping it basic is anything but this season.
Punch up black and white with a red accent!
Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn with a white top tucked into ankle baring pants. Plus points for interesting shirt architecture.
Go from boring to stunning with this simple update to the summer staple shift.
Saris get glam with banarasi work in gleaming thread set against a black background. Simply elegant.
Your nani might have insisted that white saris were for older people. But white saris are fresh, clean, and – with swoops of black – disarmingly chic.
Eyewear isn’t just for nerds and those shielding their eyes from the sun anymore. We’re talking doodads that have rhinestones plastered on them or gold aviators that take the classic into chic territory. Feeling a little adventurous? The runways featured masks and eye patches, but we’re reaching for the nearest neon eyeliners for pupils that pop. Dress up those peepers and see the world differently.
Where in the world are my glasses? No worries – they have a map on them. We’ll stand by eyewear with funky prints like this, no prescription necessary.
Ok, so we won’t be walking out in a mask. But this inspires us to try some thick black eye makeup come summer night for some drama with a slinky dress.
Spice up your sunglasses with red shades, cathedral-esque stained glass, and big jewels for a surefire statement.
We may not reach for an eye patch. But let’s admire how she takes an elegant outfit to edgy new heights with this sparkly accessory.
Put a little mystique with a summery ensemble with some black eyewear; perhaps a dramatic fascinator will help?
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All photos courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2013.
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by luxemi | April 1, 2013 · 12:01 pm
Payal Singhal is making waves in Indian fashion circles
It’s a hard world for Indian fashion out there: you’re walking a tightrope between traditionally intricate motifs and embroidery with minimalistic Western lines and cuts. But Payal Singhal seems to have gotten the balance just perfectly, with industry insiders at Lakme Fashion Week excited about her take on modern Indian fashion.
This isn’t your standard saree shop collection, Luxe fans. We’re talking edgy takes on traditional salwars & anarkalis with tons of lehengas thrown in, all with a healthy dose of traditional “jaali” and filigree work (floral designs dating back to the Mughal empire) for bold global statements.
We’re totally digging the long-sleeve saree blouse (we wrote a how-to-wear guide here before) and Payal’s effortless way to make a saree everyday accessible with a tunic and statement jewelry, as seen below.
So what’s Payal’s thought process in making these effortlessly glam getups? Here’s what the designer had to say about the influences behind her most recent collection, tips for accessorizing outfits, and her uniform for hanging out in the city.
Luxemi: Tell us about your inspiration for this year’s LFW collection and why you felt it was important to integrate swadeshi (locally made) textiles?
Payal: The inspiration started from a book I was referencing for work. It was a book on Islamic architecture where all the textures and patterns were inspired from monuments; the Taj Mahal is the epitome of that. We always use a lot of Indian textiles in our collections because the brand motto is to make Indian clothes with Indian textile, but in a global context.
Luxemi: Describe the Payal Singhal girl – Who is she? Where does she live? What’s her style?
Payal: The Payal Singhal girl can live anywhere, but she’s confident and not afraid to experiment with her style.
Luxemi: What do you think the trends will be for spring/summer wedding fashion this year?
Payal: I think minimalistic, earthy glamour is what will be in fashion this year for the summer brides: cool colors like sand, cream and grey with pops of warm colors like red and yellow and gold tones. It will be more about style than embroidery.
Luxemi: You split your time in New York and Mumbai. What’s your go-to outfit for a night out on the town in New York? Do you change it up when you’re in Mumbai?
Payal: In New York, it’s easy. I usually put on leggings and Frye boots and any wrinkle-free tunic from DVF (something that doesn’t need to be ironed!). I don’t do much different in Mumbai, except switch out the boots for some peep-toe pumps.
Luxemi: Your name is Payal, which refers to the Sanskrit word for “anklet.” What are your rules for accessorizing Indian outfits?
Payal: I always have one focal accessory and don’t over accessorize, so either a statement earring or necklace or ring – but never all 3 together.
Looking to inject a little Payal playfulness in your weary wardrobe? Try pairing an ornate blouse with high-waisted pants. Or drape your salwar in pretty patterns that are elegant yet chic. Neutrals in black, gold and white are anything but boring when your inspiration is the Taj Mahal!
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If you love Bollywood movies and the glittery embellished sarees, lenghas, salwars that are in them, chances are you’re a Manish Malhotra fan. Known as the Bollywood designer to the stars like Kareena Kapoor Aishwarya Rai & Katrina Kaif, Manish knows that when it comes to glamour more is never enough.
Manish debuted his Fall/Winter 2013 collection at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week in Delhi this past week. The collection, aptly titled, “Threads of Emotion” was full of traditional phulkari embroidery, a technique originating in Punjab. In a color palette of burnt oranges, deep burgundies, royal blues, and pea greens this collection marked a return to understated elegance that infused the best of Indian craftsmanship with modern details and contemporary silhouettes.
Love phulkari and wondering how you can incorporate the look? Don’t worry, we got you! Here’s a sneak peek of Luxemi’s own phulkari scarves that you can get right here starting tomorrow. Throw it on with your favorite leggings and cardigan for a look that screams ‘global chic’ or pair it with your go-to salwar to give it an instant update. As evidenced by the man himself, it’s an investment worth making because tradition never goes out of style.
Update: Phulkari Scarves are available to purchase now.
All runway photos c/o Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week
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Tagged as Aishwarya Rai, India Fashion Week 2013, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Luxemi Phulkari Scarves, Manish Malhotra Fall Winter 2013 Fashion Week, Manish Malhotra Fall/Winter 2013, Manish Malhotra Phulkari, Manish Malhotra Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week FW 2013, Phulkari Embroidery, Phulkari Lengha, Phulkari Salwar, Phulkari Saree, Phulkari Scarf, Phulkari Scarves
by luxemi | February 20, 2013 · 7:00 am
Courtesy style.com
New York fashion week is one of those phrases that conjures up thoughts of highly stylized women in towering heels, fashion gliteratti air-kissing whilst holding glasses of champagne, endless parties hosted by the newest “it” girl, and 10 minute runway shows that suddenly make your life feel very pedestrian because you can’t think of a single place to wear these outfits even if you could afford to. Well, we’re here to tell you that all of those thoughts are entirely valid — but don’t worry, we’ve endured the blisters and late night parties (torture, we know!) to give you our take on NYFW, Luxemi-style.
Showing up looking anything less than tres chic is a fashion week faux pas. From the models rocking their “MOD” looks (models off duty) to the street style celebs bringing their fashion A-game, one thing is certain: you must be camera ready at all times. That’s why we’re grateful to BirchBox and their amazing team for putting together a beauty lounge at the ultra swanky Soho House. Between hairdos by Ojon and Shu Umera, makeup by Lancome, and nails by Color Club, we could face the camera at any angle even if we did stay out past our bedtime.
If you haven’t heard about Birchbox, now is the time to get acquainted. For your own monthly treat, sign up here. You’ll thank us later, we promise!
You may have seen our previous post on the Naeem Khan FW 2013 collection, but we didn’t show you everything. We were lucky enough to get a front row seat, and we definitely had one of those “pedestrian moments” mentioned above. From embroidered caftans to beaded separates, every single piece was pure perfection. The crowd was clearly into it, as evidenced by the audible gasps from even the most jaded fashion showgoers. The standing ovation at the end pretty much said it all!
And just between us, sometimes the best show is off the ramp. Check out Vanessa Hudgens, Brooke Shields, Matt Damon, & Shay Williams sitting front row. What do you think Vanessa and Shay are texting about?
Bibhu Mohapatra is one of those names on everyone’s lips, and for good reason. After leaving a Design Director post at J.Mendel, Bibhu started his own label that blends the best of Indian textiles with glamorous evening wear. Influenced by Man Ray’s photographs and nods to Dada and Bauhaus, Bibhu’s collection was very reminiscent of the 1930s with the use of sumptuous fabrics, jewel-toned furs accents and graphic prints. Our favorite piece? It’s a tie between the gold broadtail and raccoon coat and the gold sport crepe draped shoulder gown.
So…who’s inviting us to a fabulous party?!
Speaking of fabulous parties, we had the pleasure of stopping by celebrity stylist Jason Bolden’s capsule shoe collection for Brazilian shoe company Schutz. You already know we appreciate a good shoe, and Bolden’s didn’t disappoint. What else does a fashion party need, you ask? How about uber designers Rachel Roy & Alexander Birman, and Academy Award nominated actress Taraji P. Henson?
Courtesy Johnny Nunez
Courtesy Johnny Nunez
Courtesy Johnny Nunez
Check out more pics from NYFW, including these backstage shots from Reem Acra! And as always, keep checking back with the LuxeReport for the latest news, trends and Indian fashion inspiration.
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by luxemi | February 15, 2013 · 12:18 pm
It goes without saying: a Naeem Khan runway show never disappoints. That’s why we were so excited to be front and center at his Fall 2013 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week show in New York. Here’s a recap of the Naeem Khan collection for all our Luxe fans who couldn’t be at New York Fashion Week with us.
Naeem Khan has been channeling Old Hollywood a lot lately, but the Indian designer took his art deco glamour to the next level in his Fall 2013 collection. With rich silvers, golds, crèmes and blacks as his foundation, the designer crafted a line of intricate, streamlined Red Carpet-ready gowns with plenty of his signature opulence. Pulling from the illustrations of 1920′s Erté to the grandeur of the byzantine empire, Khan took us on an unforgettable high fashion joyride. He showcased a little bit of something for everyone, with the glittery gowns you might expect, and separates that surprised and delighted us. Here are some photos of our favorite looks from this stunning collection, including some Luxemi originals you won’t be able to find anywhere else!
Stay tuned for Luxemi’s full Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2013 recap next week!
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