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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by luxemi | May 15, 2012 · 12:04 pm
Spring is blooming all around us, including in our closets. Roses, daffodils, daisies and orchids are by far the biggest fashion trend of Spring 2012, popping up in designer collections from Prada to Prabal Gurung and Dolce & Gabbana to Valentino. Here’s our take on the best florals of Spring 2012.
As soon as the Spring 2012 Oscar de la Renta line hit the runway, the fashion world was swooning over its standout look, a romantic, vintage-inspired strapless gown with poppies and daffodils decorating its bodice and full skirt. Paired with a twiggy, flowered headpiece, this nostalgic look updates 1960s flower power for the modern fashionista.
Another design powerhouse to create floral romance is Valentino. Valentino’s Spring 2012 Collection features too many beautiful dresses to mention, but one memorable look was a wispy long-sleeve knee-length gown featuring an ethereal rose silk fabric that will be just as sophisticated decades from now.
One reason we love the floral trend is that it offers a ton of versatility. Valentino’s line went romantic with flowers, but other designers used florals in a vibrant, flirty way. Case in point? Proenza Schouler, whose mixed floral separates are punchy and super modern, Prabal Gurung, whose mix of blazers and blouses feature a bold purple floral print, and Altuzarra, who uses an edgy blend of leather and Hawaiian-style flowers.
The floral trend is also springing up on some of our favorite celebs. Kudos to Sonam Kapoor for looking both elegant and flirty in this floral and onion dress from Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring 2012 Ready To Wear line. Other A-Listers who love florals: Jessica Alba, Shailene Woodly and Beyonce.
To snag your own whimsy floral look, Luxemi loves this Tonal Anarkali with Floral Gota Work. What makes this anarkali so stunning? The way its designer used gota work to make these flower motifs both intricate and bold. This look has the same soft tones as a lot of the standout gowns in Valentino’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection (which isn’t surprising, considering pastels and sorbet tones are also making a comeback this season).
For a punchier floral that features a brighter color palate, try this Floral Cotton Gota Salwar. This light and airy salwar has embroidered flowers winding perfectly around its seams, a style used in a lot of our favorite Oscar de la Renta Spring 2012 looks.
And if you want the ultimate artisan floral saree, this Handknit Flower and Rich Pearl Saree is breathtaking. Hand-knit red and pink flower blooms wrap gorgeously around this piece’s high-quality netting, and delicate pearl work gives the piece a haute couture feel. It’s romantic, unique, and the epitome of why florals are the perfect look for spring!
Whether it’s Proenza Schouler’s flirty florals or Valentino’s sophisticated blooms, Luxemi loves how flower prints merge Mother Nature with runway fashion. There’s no better time to let your inner flower power shine!
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Tagged as altuzarra spring 2012 floral, anarkali, beyonce floral pants, celebrities wearing flower prints, couture saree, dolce gabbana spring 2012, fashion trends spring summer 2012, floral salwar, floral saree, flower power style, flower print saree, flower print trend 2012, flower prints trend, indian fashion summer 2012, indian inspired floral, jessica alba floral, Oscar de la Renta, Oscar de la Renta spring 2012, prabal gurung, prabal gurung spring 2012, proenza schouler, proenza schouler spring 2012, salwar, saree, shailene woodly proenza schouler, sonam kapoor dolce gabbana dress, sonam kapoor floral, spring 2012 floral trend, spring summer 2012 runway fashion, spring summer 2012 trend flower, summer 2012 fashion trends floral, summer 2012 trends, valentino floral, valentino spring 2012, Valentino summer 2012 flower
by luxemi | May 3, 2012 · 3:21 pm
Enterprising, optimistic, chatty and intellectual, Zodiac air signs crave fashion that balances their brains and flair for fun. Are you an Aquarius, Gemini or Libra looking for a new spring outfit? It’s time to check out your Indian fashion horoscope!
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Represented by twins, Geminis are famous for their multiple personalities. They’re quick-witted, can adapt effortlessly to new situations, and are full of energy. Given their upbeat vibe and dual nature, it’s no surprise the Gemini is closely associated with violet and multicolored patterns. If you’re a Gemini, you share a sign with celebs like Angelina Jolie, Heidi Klum, Nicole Kidman and Natalie Portman.
With a punchy pattern and an energetic vibe, this Blue and Magenta Hand Painted Saree by Satya Paul is a fashionable way for any Gemini to show off the many sides to her personality.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Libra is known for being peaceful, graceful and diplomatic. Often symbolized by pastels such as rosy pink or peach, the Libra is also the Zodiac’s true hopeless romantic. Want to channel Libra’s softer side? Luxemi’s Flowing Net Anarkali with Embroidery by Kisneel has a powdery peach hue that puts a softer spin on this outfit’s modest neckline and cut. It’s a look we can imagine on celebrity Libras like Kate Winslet, Gwenyth Paltrow, Gwen Stefani and Catherine Zeta-Jones. And to strike an understated yet glamorous note, we love pairing the anarkali with these Lacroix-inspired Cross Shaped Crystal Quartz Earrings.
Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)
Independent, intellectual and friendly, the Aquarius is grounded in ideas and concepts more so than emotions. This outgoing air sign is depicted in electric blue or turquoise, which is a color that we see Aquarius celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Alicia Keys and Oprah Winfrey wearing a lot this season. We think this Turquoise Chiffon Saree with Gold Sequin Buttas is the perfect fit for Aquarius’ outgoing, bold style.
There’s nothing better than wearing clothing that feels like “you.” No matter your sign, Luxemi has the perfect saree or salwar to match your personality. Need a few suggestions? We’d love to help you pick out a look! And while you’re surfing the Luxe Report, be sure to check out our recap of the three earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn).
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Tagged as anarkali, aquarius fashion, clothing trends, gemini fashion, indian fashiion, indian style, libra fashion, salwar, saree, sari, spring 2012 fashion, spring 2012 fashion trends, western style trends summer, zodiac inspired fashion, Zodiac signs
