pink rickshaw

fashion friday

"People come up to me all the time and say 'you should be a model,' or 'you look just like a model,' or 'maybe you should try to be a man who models.' And I always have to laugh because I'm so good looking. Of course I'm a model."-Derek Zoolander

Happy Fashion Friday! New York Fashion Week is in full swing this week. It runs thorough Feb 18, so we're only a few shows deep, but here are some of the looks that have caught my eye so far.

Top (from left to right):
1. Marissa Webb
2. Sachin and Babi
3. Sonia by Sonia Rykiel

Bottom row (from left to right):
4. Creatures of the Wind
5. Tadashi Shoji
6. Yeezy Season 3  (Note: This line is a bit of a head scratcher for me but it is of course, the much hyped Kanye West show and was the release of his new album, "The Life of Pablo". I'm pretty sure there is much more discussion to come on both topics. )

If you need more for your fashion fix, here are some fresh images from today's shows including Jason Wu and CG.

image source: runway shots  via NY Mag's The Cut

-SD

fashion friday

Believe in your inner Beyonce -Rachel Corcoran

For being the shortest month of the year, February is jam packed with a lot to get excited about (birthdays, Valentine's Day, Super Bowl Sunday). It is also a fashion-filled month. Fashion Week in New York starts next week, awards season is in full swing with red carpet fashion to ogle at and all the spring lines are hitting retail stores. So it only seemed fitting to be sure to feature a few fashion happenings weekly. Since most of the month will be focused on Western fashion with upcoming Fashion Week and the Oscars, I wanted to start off the series with some whimsical, fantasy fashion from India.

Fashion Flashback--Sabyasachi does shoes: India is gearing up for their own fashion weeks later in spring, so to get excited I was looking back at some of my favorite looks from last year. At the top of the list has to be the insane Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Christian Louboutin collaboration used for Sabyasachi's Autumn/Winter '15 Couture show. Eighty pairs were made for the "Bater" collection in August and Sabyasachi described the collaboration in interviews as “extremely Parisian footwear with an Indian baroque sensibility.” The line featured Christian Louboutin’s Devibroda and Victoria styles, with Sabyasachi’s "signature acid-dyed burned-sequin embroidery and tea-dyed cotton threads" on the heels. I'm personally feeling the tasseled pair. Unattainable eye candy in its sweetest form. 

Fashion Now--Beyonce does Bollywood: Have you seen the Coldplay/Beyonce Hymn for the Weekend video? It casually dropped last weekend and quickly stirred up the cultural appropriation versus cultural appreciation debate. Honestly, I am on the fence on how I feel about it. It's so complicated, it makes my head hurt. The video is no doubt stunning visually and seems earnest about capturing the beauty and spirit of India. But, does it play up to stereotypes? (aka fire breathing, Holi playing street children..is it always Holi in India in music videos? I'm confused. And my personal favorite, the levitating swami) Yes, it does. So, I definitely do not want to make light of the debate since it is a serious topic but I did want to briefly move away from the heavy stuff to remark on the incredible fashion in the video. Beyonce stuns in her Indian designer gear. (Note: Her looks in the video are also a significant part of the controversy but there is no denying how amazing she looks. I don't care where you stand on the issue. Bow down to Queen Rani B and the team that created her gorgeous look. It should also be noted that Beyonce was dressed by some of India's finest fashion designers which in my opinion, should be appreciated for being collaborative and inclusive.) 
Beyonce is in a custom design from famed Indian designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla. In most of her scenes, she is wearing the duo's plunging gown embellished in gold sequins and crystals and is also wearing a gorgeous floor length cape over the dress. The coat/cape according to Khosla's Instagram is hand embroidered in Gota, beads and multicoloured resham and appliqué work. Bollywood starlet Sonam Kapoor also makes a brief cameo in the video and is seen wearing Indian designer Mayyur Girotra and jewelry from Amrapali and Apala by Sumit. Beyonce and Coldplay, of course, are performing in the half time show this Super Bowl Sunday and so it is very likely we will hear the song then. However, I'm pretty sure in light of the controversy, Bey's going to leave the face chain and heavy dupatta at home.  

P.S. If you read the Taxi Fabric post last summer, you'll notice in the video that Chris Martin is actually riding around Mumbai in a Taxi Fabric cab featuring the work of artist Samya Arif. Congrats to the artist and the project for the major international exposure.

image source: Christian Louboutin, Elle India, stills from Hymn for the Weekend by Coldplay featuring Beyonce 

-SD

trend: gladiator sandals

"You don't get to run. You're a gladiator. Gladiators don't run. They fight. They slay dragons. They wipe off the blood and they stitch up their wounds and they fight to live another day. You don't get to run."-Olivia Pope, Scandal

Is a melodramatic Olivia Pope quote on gladiators enough to get your attention on this summer footwear trend? Good. Gladiator sandals, like Ms. Pope, are high drama and need your full attention this season. So heed Olivia's advice when you're donning a pair of these stylish sandals. Remember, gladiators (err..gladiator sandal wearers) don't run. (They leisurely stroll through farmers markets' looking effortlessly chic) They fight. (Usually for a table at brunch) So, before I stretch this any further and start discussing slaying dragons, here are nine reasons to give these chic leg-wrappers a try.

9. The style is (NBD) thousands of years old. How can you not love footwear with a history like this?
8. If like me, you bypassed this trend last summer (or years past because it just seemed like a music festival fad), try them now. I regretted not getting a tall pair last summer (opting instead for ankle length Sam Edelman ones) and was thrilled that high sandals were back this season and wear a pair almost every weekend. The style is at the height of popularity which means that there are tons of variations and materials to choose from (at all price points) and there is a style that is flattering for every leg type. I promise. (If your legs are thinner, try something a little chunkier or with buckles. If you're shorter, try the thinner strapped ones which will create the illusion of longer legs.) If last year was all about practical sandals like Birkenstocks, this summer is definitely being ruled by various forms of the gladiator sandal. The tan sandals I am wearing in the picture (inset) are Steve Madden.
7. Two words: warrior princess

6. Gladiator sandals elevate the simplest dress or outfit. They work best with a flowing, simple dress (midi or mini) and for an edgier look, pair them with denim shorts.
5.  The footwear trend ruled Spring 2015 runways but was also spotted on Fall 2015 runways as well, indicating lasting power into autumn
4. Two more words: shin protection
3. Feel as powerful as you would wearing heels (but with the comfort of flats)
2. No matter how tall you are, they will make your legs look about 12 times longer
1. No one will think twice when you introduce yourself like this

A few favorite sandals (shown above):
Top row: Stuart Weitzman / Steve Madden / Schutz / Stuart Weitzman
Bottom row: Valentino /  J. Crew* / Schutz* / Rebecca Minkoff 
(*A few shorties if you're not quite ready to go knee-high)

image source: outfit images (left to right) Pinterest, Atlantic-Pacific (in the very popular Stuart Weitzman pair), Vanessa Hudgens and Kourtney Kardashian (Wire images)

-SD

india fashion week: part 2

"Every day is a fashion show and the world is your runway."-Coco Chanel

Closely following Lakmé Fashion Week in Mumbai, fashion lovers' attention quickly turned to the ramps in New Delhi last week for Amazon India Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2015. (It was the first year for Amazon to be the title sponsor so it will be interesting to see if next year the models are replaced with drones. What? You know I had to throw in at least one lame Amazon joke.) On a more sartorial note, the fall lines are the most anticipated and well-known names like JJ Valaya and Namrata Joshipura did not disappoint. It was also a great showing for up-and-coming designers. Here are some of the best looks from the runway.

india fashion week: part 1

"A woman's dress should be like a barbed-wire fence: serving its purpose without obstructing the view."-Sophia Loren

 

It can get a little difficult to keep up with all fashion weeks around the world. I usually start losing interest early in "fashion month" somewhere between London and Paris. But after a bit of a runway slumber, I do make sure to mark my calendar for India's two fashion weeks in Mumbai and New Delhi. In the past, it was one of the only ways to get a glimpse of the latest in ethnic Indian wear (saris, lehngas, bridal wear) from well-established Indian designers and a chance to see the hottest Bollywood celebs walking the ramps. But over the years, both cities' fashion weeks are showcasing younger, edgier and new Indian designers who are not just showing their modern takes on traditional wear but also contemporary styles. (Interestingly, one thing that has not changed is the number of celebs that still walk the shows).

Indian designers are getting international recognition and it is no surprise when you take a peek at some of these inventive lines.  Today in Part 1, is a  recap of  the Summer-Resort edition of Mumbai's Lakmé Fashion Week. (Later this week in Part 2, will be a look at Amazon India Fashion Week that just wrapped up Sunday in New Delhi.) 

The contemporary lines really showcased some of the budding creativity amongst Indian fashion designers. One of the highlights was Jatin Varma's line of  bold hued, structured dresses with beautiful laser cutwork. (The dresses are made of the it-material: neoprene). Also, notable were the fun designs from Pankaj and Nidhi whose line can be found here in the US at Anthropologie. Pankaj and Nidhi's fall line shown in New Delhi is amazing (more on that in Part 2). The crop top trend was also very prominent in numerous lines. (This actually made me think : Duh! Of course, Indian designers would embrace the crop top. After all, wasn't the sari blouse like the world's first crop top?!?)  
Pictured above: 
1. Ridhi Mehra 2. Harpar's Bazar Inspires Mulmul show (various designers) 3. Jatin Varma 4. Mirage by Parul Bhargava 5. MadSam TinZin 6. Pankaj and Nidhi 7. Sahil Aneja (Reboot by Anuj Bhutani and Dhruv Kapoor and Sahil Aneja show) 8. Pankaj and Nidhi 9. Babita M 10. Sahil Aneja (Reboot by Anuj Bhutani and Dhruv Kapoor and Sahil Aneja show); Inset: Sabyasachi Mukherjee

met gala 2014

"Say what you want about long dresses, but they cover a multitude of shins. "-Mae West

It was definitely difficult to focus on eating my Cinco De Mayo guacamole last night when all the glamorous pictures from the Met Gala kept pouring into my Instagram feed. With award season long gone, it's a sweet taste of red carpet fashion that is in a category of it's own. The best part about the Met Gala along with the best dressed, is some of the more adventurous looks of the night. Unfortunately, Lupita Nyong'o, made her first big fashion misstep in Prada and dare I say it, Beyonce in Givenchy was definitely not one of my favorite looks (I know it's not wise to speak ill of Queen Bey, but I'll take my chances with the Beygency)

But for all the bad (Katie Holmes, Kate Upton), there was plenty of good.  There are best dressed lists everywhere today but in case you missed some of the gorgeous dresses, here were my personal favorites of the night (pictured above).

1. Liu Wen in Zac Posen (Sarah Silverman also looked amazing in Zac Posen.)
2. Emma Stone in Thakoon
3. Blake Lively in Gucci

Honorable mentions go to Selena Gomez (in DVF) who played it really safe but it worked (and I'm just really partial to purple) and Rihanna (Stella Mccartney) who never plays it safe, and it also seemed to worked in her cool Rihanna way. Diane Kruger in Hugo Boss didn't seem to get a lot of attention from all the lists but I thought it was a beautiful dress.  And also worth noting is the always perfect Charlize Theron in Dior Couture accessorized with a chic tuxedo jacket.

image sources: Getty and Wire images

-SD

 

statement necklaces

"People will stare, make it worth their while."-Harry Winston

The statement necklace may have started as a trend a few years ago but has since become a wardrobe staple for most ladies. Think of it as that chic exclaimation mark to any holiday event outfit.  This season's statements pieces take a cue from the necklace color trends of the summer (neons, pastels, yellows) but with more emphasis on richer jewel tones and sparkling crystals and rhinestones. Sure, diamonds might be a girls best friend but a good, inexpensive crystal necklace is like a fun pal (that also happens to transform any simple outfit). Here are a few of my favorites that are bold (without being too loud) and most of them are very kind to the ol' pocketbook.  

Top row: Bauble Bar/Bauble Bar/Ily Couture/J.Crew
Bottom row: Kendra Scott/Loren Hope

-SD

hermes saris

"I think it (sari) covers the right amount, and exposes the right amount. It's such a tease and I like teasing."-Bollywood actress Vidya Balan

Famed French brand Hermes announced last week that they are launching a collection of silk saris. It's been quite the buzz in the fashion and business world, since it is the first time a western luxury brand has stepped into the traditional clothing market in India. According to reports on the topic, the news is not shocking since India has a booming luxury market (about $2.2 billion dollars in domestic sales..wowsers!) but it is still interesting since most non-Indian brands have shied away from designing and selling the iconic sari.

If you are a fan of that famously chic Hermes silk scarf, the saris are based on them. According to the company, it's the first time that their special printing techniques will be used on such a long, continuous fabric (a sari is about 6 meters long). Yes folks, that's a lot of scarves. Hermes has seemed to have quite the love affair with India with a 2008 collection and ad campaign inspired by the sub-continent and a collection of Indian themed scarves.

If you're looking to get your hands on one of the silk sari creations, it will set you back anywhere from about $6100 to $8400 (like I said..a lot of scarves) and sari, the collection is currently only available for purchase at the Hermes flagship store in Mumbai.

image source: Sari collection (Hermes via telegraph.co.uk), Hermes elephant ad and scarf (Hermes)

-SD

trend: neons and neutrals

"Miami beach is where neon goes to die."-Lenny Bruce

  

According to Aristophanes in The Symposium by Plato, humans originally consisted of four arms, four legs and a single head with two faces. Zeus feared their power and split them all in half condemning them to spend the rest of their lives searching for their other half to complete them. It seems, like all true soulmates, great pairings need some time to find each other. It was not until the early 20th century before meatballs found spaghetti, 1976 before Laverne found Shirley and this summer that neutrals have found neons.

Pops of neon combined with neutrals were first spotted on the runways for Spring and Summer in the Burberry Prorsum and Jil Sander shows and it is a very wearable way to incorporate this summer's trend du juor. The trend of brights first started with color blocking which is still popular and fashion bloggers have it down so well, but frankly, if I were to wear orange and hot pink together, I would scare most of my family and friends. Mixing in a pop of neon with neutrals is a lovely way to bring in some fun summer color without blinding anyone.

 

The trick to this trend is to keep it simple. Pick one neon item as your statement piece and temper it with neutrals like pairing a tan dress with a neon yellow-green necklace or a neon yellow-green tank with beige shorts. If this is all just too 80's for you, just dip your big toe into the crazy neon pool with some fun nail polish or shades.
1. Zara Mini Skirt with Pockets
2. Forever 21 sunglasses
3. ToyWatch Neon Plasteramic watch
4. Shimmi Bandeau Bikini
5. Forever 21 Neon Stripes Skirt
6. Zara Neon Canvas Platform Sandal
7. Essie (Braziliant) nailpolish
8. ModCloth Highlight-her Necklace
9. Splendid top
10. Jades24 Pleasure Doing Business Skirt
11. Zara Lurex Dress
12. Essie (A Lot of Shekels) nailpolish
13. Forever 21 Matelot Linen Shorts
14. Zara Two-Tone Dress
15. Lanvin Dear Danae Cabas Shoulder Bag

More inspiration:
Who What Wear: Looks We Love
College Fashion's Summer Trend Alert
Refinery 29's Tips and Tricks for Wearing Neon

image source: top image:(blog) atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com, (runway) style.com (Burberry Prorsum and Jil Sander), (Jessica Alba) whowhatwear.com (Getty image); collage: zara.com, essie.com, modcloth.com, net-a-porter.com, forever21.com, toywatchusa.com, jades24.com

-SD

meet: luxemi.com

"If money can't buy happiness, I guess you'll just have to rent it."-from This is the Life, Weird Al Yankovich

  
While surfing the web, you can rent a Hermes handbag, a Prabal Gurung mini dress and a copy of Blue Valentine, so why not a new designer Indian outfit for your cousin's wedding? Chicago gals Swathi Narra and Swapna Chandamuri thought the same thing after getting five Indian wedding invitations in three months and wondering, "What the heck are we going to wear?" That's how Luxemi.com was born. Think of it as if Net-a-Porter and Rent the Runway were to have a South Asian fashionista love child. The website specializes in chic Indian clothing and accessories that can be borrowed for a specific event or purchased for your own personal wardrobe. The name Luxemi plays off of the combination of luxury and Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess that embodies beauty, grace and charm. The site launches to the public this week. Pink Rickshawhad the pleasure of speaking to founders Swathi and Swapna to learn more.

PR: What are some of the designers we'll find on the site now and in the future? Do you have any personal favorites?
SN: Currently, we feature lines from Satya Paul, Kisneel by Pam Mehta, Nikasha, and Wild Orchid. I love all of them! I will say that I'm obsessed with everything we have from Nikasha by Nikasha Tawadey. She just gets it. Her clothing is festive and beautifully tailored but shows a certain amount of restraint. She knows that you don't need 1000 crystal stones on a blouse to make it stand out. In the future, you might see lines from Anita Dongre, Anand Kabra and many more. You'll just have to keep checking back with us.
SC: I love the romance and drama of Pam Mehta's Kisneel line--uber feminine, flirty, and flattering. Additionally, we scoured India to find stand-out pieces from emerging designers and local karigars(craftsmen). I have so many favorites that really round out the Luxemi line including the navy bell sleeved salwar with zariwork (the silhouette is super flattering, pictured left), the purple ombre saree with aria pitta work (the detailing is truly remarkable, pictured below), and the brocade salwar with cutout applique (simple elegance at its best, pictured above).

PR: What are some of the biggest trends in Indian clothing this spring?
SN: The anarkali style salwars are still going very strong and we're seeing a lot of muted/neutral colors which I'm personally very drawn to. The very traditional ethnic motifs and prints are always in fashion and there are a lot of variation to choose from on the runways.

PR: How do you think Western runways are influencing Indian fashion and vice versa?
SN: I think Western and Indian fashion both draw from each other at different times but they don't necessarily mimic what is happening at a given time. Color blocking is huge from the Western runways for spring but that hasn't translated to Indian fashion...yet. Of course, we Indians love bright color and always use it so maybe it's just the western world is late to the game. We actually have a post on our blog, The Luxe Report, that talks about ombre dyeing in sarees and its parallel in western fashion and beauty.

One feature of the site that may appeal to busy gals needing to get together a complete ensemble quickly is that Luxemi.com recommends coordinating accessories when browsing for an outfit. The site offers an extensive collection of traditional and modern jewelry.

PR:  At Pink Rickshaw, we love mixing in Indian-inspired accessories with western wear. Any suggestions for how to use some accessories from Luxemi with some of your regular wardrobe?
SN: While we definitely carry a lot of traditional ethnic Indian jewelry, we made it a point to also offer other pieces that can be mixed easily into your western wardrobe. We have a pair of sterling silver (gold finish) engraved earrings that go with everything. I wear mine with long boho maxi dresses and they just complete the outfit. The diamond bangles (they come in a set) could easily be worn with any black tie gown to elevate your look.
SC: No fair! Swathi took my answer. I do love those engraved earrings, a fact that my Facebook pictures will attest to, but I also have my eye on this turquoise and white sapphire bracelet that will provide a pop of color and fabulousness to any spring outfit. For some reason, I think of Cameron Diaz when I see it. Also, we have so many necklace sets that really elevate and change the mood of any cocktail dress in your closet. One that my girlfriends especially love is the gold kundan collar.