LEADING LADIES IN INDIA

This year the world saw a remarkable transformation in the Indian Republic Day. I am sure most of us are visualizing US President Obama sharing the podium with Prime Minister Modi. Well, there were more surprising elements this 26^th January. Naari Shakti was the premise of our republic day this year .This day was dedicated to women who have empowered and struggled to proof the real significance of Indian women, who have been assumed to be homemakers till a long time. Not only have they been suppressed but also have been deprived of many rights that should have been claimed long ago. This day has clearly penetrated the preconceived notions of our society when they saw women commanders leading the march or when Wing Commander Pooja Thakur escorted President Obama .Indian women not only have the capability to shower warmth to her children & family but she can also be an authoritative leader and be responsible for growth & profit of an organization. Yes, my friends Indian women are transcending horizons and breaking the walls of prejudice. 

 In India women are playing essential roles in every sector and industry. Let’s start with the bankers whose poise and professionalism is being spoken by everyone across the peninsula. Chanda Kochchar, CEO and MD of ICICI bank, is one of the most powerful woman in India. Parallel to her is Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson of the State bank Of India. Both are pioneers in banking industry, holding the most powerful positions. Another inspiring woman is Kiran Majhumdar Shaw, one of the leading woman entrepreneurs of India. Her diligence and efforts to make Biocon what it is today. These women are epitomes of power, talent and grace. Along with flawless work, they have shown incredible success stories.

Some renowned names associated with artistic work like Ekta Kapoor, Faraha Khan and Gauri Shinde have directed the most celebrated movies of the century. There work has been applauded not only by the audience but critically also. In the arena of sports Sania Mirza, Mary Kom and Saina Nehwal have been the most talked about women lately. Even in journalism women like Bharkha Dutt have taken the audience by surprise. Their work is so impeccable that these women are leading are country in international standards and institutions.

If we observe keenly we will notice a very interesting quality propagate by all of them. These leading ladies have kept an Indian woman alive in them. These women have no doubt been very victorious but what really distinguishes them is that they have managed to keep the Desi Girls alive in the most elite and fashionable way. Right from the CEOs to the artists to the writers, they all flaunt their sarees and salwar suits with the same elegance & grace that they flaunt their work. They complement their work with wonderful choices of dress code whether it’s in the form of ethnic or formal wear. Attire has always distinguished women, how a woman dresses to the office or a party; she is not only noticed but judged on the basis of her  styling. How women in leading positions put on their attire and carry it with utmost grace makes a big difference. Even the accuracy with which women pleat their sarees or drape their aanchal speaks a lot about her. A short message for all aspiring women  out there,

 “YOU Be the change, YOU live in the change and YOU earn the respect!”

- Abhishikha

Traditional, back in fashion!

Indian history is embedded with rich culture and heritage and is deeply rooted in traditions. As a result, traditional Indian clothing has always been in vogue.

From Chanderi to Patola, there is a wide range to choose from. ‘Traditional’ is now the new fashion trend, as the fashion sense evolves by the day.

The traditional Banarasi or Kanjivaram can be now used in fusion with the new look. Indian fashion is now hitting the ramps abroad as well; be it Paris or New York, they are all stunned.

Sarees in India come up in a variety of sari fabrics, graceful styles, beautiful prints, incompatible patterns, along with beadwork and studded stones with a palette of rainbow colors.

The imaginative fashion designers of today are in a lookout for ethnic designs that take us close to our cultural roots and remind us of the glorious past. 

Traditional Kanjeevaram sarees - sarees that are never out of fashion, and are saris with a touch of class and grace. Elsewhere, the single & double Ikat Patola sari has been developed keeping in mind the emerging new trend and demand in the market.

The wedding saree or bridal saree is given a lot of importance in India. Previously it was compulsory for Indian brides to wear heavy Banarasi saree for her wedding but now it is not so. But still brides prefer to wear saris for their wedding because of the vivid and graceful look it gives.

Now-a-days net sarees are in fashion, so combination of pattern blouse with a net saree looks fabulous.

Wearing traditional is not at all considered old fashioned in today’s era. In fact, girls today look out for such wear to compliment their off-beat sense of fashion.

Bangles, anklets and silver ear rings go best with traditional wear, and add a distinct beauty to those wearing the same. Western fashion can never match this blend of simplicity and sophistication at the same time.

Not just saris, lehangas are a huge hit with Indian women - be it marriages, or other family events, they love to flaunt their lehangas with gusto. No other wear encompasses their sheer scale and beauty like a lehanga does.

Another aspect about Indian fabric is that it’s very light on the body. Intricate hand-work can make it look real heavy on the outside, but on the inside it will always remain light and easy to put on.

Given the vast range of colours to choose from, once can match it with accessories like dupatta, jute bags, bangles, wooden locket and even a classic Kohlapuri chappal; the rustier, the better!

Indian weaves are also wash friendly; repeated wash will have little effect on it’ pattern and longevity. In fact, they are low maintenance, and last as long as you want them to. They are resistant to day-to-day wear and tear as well.

The simplest way to look beautiful is by picking our favorite traditional wear, and leaving its grace and class do the rest for us!

Wedding Vows – glamorous Indian weddings

Every girl dreams to be a beautiful bride. Here are few ideas to make you sparkle on your big day -

 

-          Some brides in India opt for their mother’s wedding saree for their own D-day and passing on the jewelry is an Indian tradition followed by all the families. Always trust what your mother has saved for you all those yearsJ. They speak volumes about your heritage and a beautiful way to let people know about your legacy.

-          When it comes to traditional dresses for brides, there are not many rules that one needs to follow. The only thing that is should be taken care is to avoid the color black. Today Indian brides are opting for bolder designs and have an abundance to choose from. Saris, Lehenga, Sharara, Salwar Kameez a bride can select any of the aforementioned, in brighter shades like blue/green.

-          Red has been a favorite for centuries but magenta, pinks, orange, golden, yellow, magenta and even peach can be opted for.

-          Lehenga style saris are very trendy where the saree is draped in order to look like a lehenga.

-          With prices of gold reaching sky high, it is quite impossible to afford a full blown gold set.

So Indian brides are opting for gemstones, silver and even pearls instead of gold.

-          Kundan jewellery designs are very much in demand for their glorious appeal.

-          A Maang tika on the forehead is a must for all Indian brides. 

-          Today fashion is about being yourself and wearing what makes one feel confident and comfortable. From Chikankari to Phulkari, from Bandhani to Lehriya, there is a wide range to choose from. The key is to glow in happiness no matter what you wear, for it is the most important day of your life!

 

Indian groom have it relative easy, when it comes to decking up for their marriage.

Some common traits are -

 

-          Sherwani is oft chosen as the wedding ensemble of choice for groom across the country.

-          More tradition Dhoti-Kurta too has a lot of takers, especially down south. This look adds charm and a sense of responsibility every groom must exude.

-          No groom has ever looked shabby in a chic suit, black, grey or white, it never fails.

-          Of late, grooms are experimenting with Bandhgalas and Jodhpuri suits becoming a rage.

-          Even a Nehru coat does wonders for those who like to keep it simple and classy.

-          A sleep pair of shoes or sandals is a must to match the attire. Shoes in black and sandals in brown are mostly preferred.

-          A matching tie/stole is paramount to go with the suit/sherwani, light colours getting preference.

-          Grooms must wear minimal accessories on their big day, with all the rituals to follow. A classy wristwatch and a leather belt/wallet should do the trick.

 

Weddings happen once in a lifetime. We must go the extra mile to look our best and enhance the beautiful memories.

Today, when I woke up in the morning the day planner started barking at me my entire schedule. Yet I managed a quick jogging session at 6 and by the time I completed my chores I knew I was late for work. Then I started the big battle with the giant and unkempt wardrobe of mine. What I pulled out were black trousers and a dark color blouse which definitely didn’t complement each other. And to add to the fashion disaster I did not put on a single hint of makeup and a funny hairdo which I didn’t care about. As I rushed to my office things turned out to be worse my boss greeted me with scorn, I knew I was late. Meetings sounded dull with no major contribution from my side. Presentations seem to be never ending. It was a monotonous day .I knew this could not go on for a long time, so I decided to bring some change. Next morning I did get late again, but I wore a lovely yellow patiala & duppatta and black kurti with a pair of jutti .Accessorized a little and let my eyes be attractive with a hint of kajal and glossy lips. I reached office and my boss smiled, I was stunned. Later that day I spoke in every single meeting with confidence. The presentations seem to become more attention-grabbing in the company of my input. People started to observe and comment my work. That reminded me of a Bollywood quote “ kapde badal jaane se insaan badal jata hai”. Funny as it sounds but it was true. I was more confident, more jovial and more attentive of myself and my thoughts.

We women are running around in our life like crazy dancers, trying to perform bharatnatyam and hip hop at the same time on the same music. In the entire frenzy styling gets compromised. But I feel without a fashion presentation there is no room for a power point presentation.  I believe it’s a vital choice what a woman wears during those hours of 9 to 6.

In India, ethnic wear has seen a tremendous transition. It has caused a trend among working and professional women.  This transition from the traditional ethnic wear to modern ethnic touch has seen a great enthusiasm in Indian work culture.  More and more women are preferring kurtis coupled with leggings or patialas and duppattas. Many women, especially in  higher posts, have appreciated the traditional sarees. Anarkali suits with multicolored patterns have also taken a toll on the fashion world. Pairing up the ethnic wear with right set of accessories is very graceful. Right from jhumkas to tops to rings are available in vibrant colors shapes and sizes. Traditional wear gives variety of occasions of color contrasts and mix &  match. There are amazing collections of kurtis that complement leggings, churidars and at the same time denims. This season red, blue, yellow, peach and multicolored kurtis have been in high visibility. Long skirts are the best catch of the season. Specially, women in creative jobs can flaunt their long skirts with short kurtis or tops. Long skirts look very delicate and extremely elegant. Traditional occasions and parties in offices will now not only see women in sarees but also in long skirts.

It’s imperative to add flavor in food, in the same way it is important to add colors and variety in your style quotient. Girls let’s juggle our wardrobes, make room for the trending ethnic wears and surprise our colleagues with our fashion statement. Somebody has rightly quoted,” What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today when human contacts go so fast. Fashion is an instant language.”

Abhishikha

Work Ethnics!!

Getting dressed for the office doesn't mean leaving your personal style behind, you still can look awesome if you dress appropriately. First and foremost, colors play a big part in professional image. Traditionally colors are classified as - red (offensive), navy (reliable), gray (orthodox) and black (smart).

Most of these colors work well with suits, skirts, pants, shoes and mix easily with softer feminine colors like sky blue, lilac, soft pink and ivory. So we should ensure that along with the choice of dress, the colors should also be taken care of.

Apart from clothing, the accessory we carry along with it matters too. Excess jewelry like dangling earrings or stacks of bangles is distracting; instead stud earrings or single bracelets can be worn.

Keeping the following in mind can go a long way to ensure that you are adhering to the work ethnics!

• -          Select clothes that are comfortable and at the same time communicates a professional attitude.
• -          Choose some of your existing business wardrobe and combine it with casual clothing, for example, try wearing a button-down shirt with khakis and loafers.
• -          Clothing should be clean, pressed. Shirts need to be tucked in (few women blouses are made in way that it is not required to tuck in, however, and this is permitted).
• -          Body piercing which can be seen by the client (with the exception of earrings) is not permitted.
• -          Hairstyle should prim and proper so that it gives a professional appearance: clean and well-groomed.
• -          The cloth worn should not be too loose or too tight, fitting should be taken care of diligently.
• -          Take your day's schedule into account when you are dressing. Keep an extra jacket, in the office for unexpected meetings.
• -          Clothing that reveals too much of any part of your body or your inner wear is not appropriate for a place of business, even in a business casual setting.
• -          Certain days business casuals are allowed, generally on Fridays. On these days, jeans and t-shirt or a top can be worn.
• -          Suits are a must have for office going men. A two-button navy suit is serious, sharp and appropriate, for all kinds of meetings.
• -          Formal shirt is the building block of every man's wardrobe. A spread collar white shirt can never go out of style and always means business. Wrinkle-free or no-iron shirt is a must have as it stays crisp and takes only 15 minutes for drying.
• -          Solid-color silk ties are always good for boardroom meetings. Wool/cotton blend matte mix can be a good break away from the shiny silk tie. Warm spring temperatures can be accompanied with a comfortable linen tie. The straight fold and puff are great ways to wear a pocket square.

Trying out fancy stuff on ethnic days and festivals works fine as long as HR policies of the firm are firmly kept in mind! Remember, it’s your workplace, dressing sharp and sensible is the way to go at all times.

Alisha Sehgal

Welcome New Year in style

It’s time to party and celebrate; time to be hopeful of even a better next year.  New Year celebrations have now become a trend, one that is celebrated across the world religiously like a festival. From Bollywood celebrities’ participation to make the night even starier with their exclusive performances to people hitting the dance floors to some just staying back in the cosiness of their homes celebrating the eve with family; the New Year is welcomed in a zillion ways. The idea is to ensure that the next year gets a happy start, like they usually say that you end up spending the entire year the way you begin it so make sure the beginning is AWESOME.

Shopping spree during this time are inevitable but you can start your very own boutique at home to save all the running around and at the same time dress up in fresh fashion of your own. Design the new for you to flaunt during the party season. In our last blog post Revamp your wardrobe we mentioned about reusing the clothes, the ones you no longer need or don’t know what to do with them anymore, especially the sarees.  Don’t just get rid of them, recreate them. Well, what better opportunity you can get than the party season.  You can turn the traditional sarees into ‘I am ready to hit the dance floor’ kind of short dress with the border cleverly used to add the party bling or the sophisticated long gown with a knee length slit, again with judicious use of the exclusive elements of the original saree. Whatever you create, remember to consider your body type. A few pointers below might help you finalize the cut for your New Year’s party dress.

Pear shape is a very common body type in the India. Here your lower body, i.e. the part of the body under your waist is wide compared to the upper half.  Wearing a slightly darker shade as bottom will make you appear leaner. For such body types try keeping the top or the upper half of your dress a little more dressy – more colours, patterns, details, etc. around the neckline will take the focus away from the pear shape of the body.

Heart shaped body types have leaner bottom. The focus here should be to give an elongated look to the upper body to bring a balance. V necks work very well on the heart shaped bodies. These make your neck look longer and lengthen the overall appearance.

The trick for the box shaped body is to work on the dress around the waste. Get the fitting of your dress in a way that it gives the appearance of a curve at the waist. Round scoop neck is a good option for the dress neckline if your body comes in this set.

People with hourglass body types are the blessed lot. If you’re amongst this set then most necklines will look fabulous on you. So get your dress made in just any style.

Just remember to keep the make-up balanced and of course accessorize it well.

Happy New Year!! 

By

Alisha Sehgal