Prints from the roots

Tradition in literal terms means the passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation. It is this connects with the past that compels today’s youth to be so fond of tie-dye suits, leheria pattern kurtis and other traditional ensembles. If it comes to ethnic clothes there are a variety of patterns and design techniques which produce really amazing designs and prints that transform simple clothes into unique ones.

Majority of the prints that can be seen in stores today are basically from Jaipur (Rajasthan) & from the smaller towns & villages around.

Block printing has been a traditional way of enhancing textiles so that it can be used to produce the wonderfully original skirts, jackets and dresses that you see in high street stores.

As a part of betterment in the Indian textile industry, some of the prominent fashion designers have taken up textile printing and started working on reviving the traditional hand block printing techniques.

The basic idea behind this technique is that a carved block is made of wood in a traditional pattern or a distinct design. Later, this block is dipped in an ink or color to print a pattern all over the piece of fabric.

The reason this technique is unique is because depending on the amount of ink used on the block, the pattern will seam into uniformity ensuring that every garment made from the same piece of fabric and yet will be completely individual in its pattern.

The prints are usually printed in a combination of red, black and indigo with highlights in green and yellow. Along with block printing, other beautiful techniques include tie-die and leheria patterns.

Tie-Dye is the process in which basically folding, twisting, pleating, or crumpling fabric or a garment is done and tied with string or rubber bands, and then dye is applied on the fabric. Tie-dye is characterized by the use of vibrant colors and bold patterns which includes the spiral, peace sign and mandala. This tie-dye print is used in sarees, suits, shirt, kurta etc.

One more form of tie-dye is leheria; this form printing technique originated in Rajasthan.  Conventionally seen in bright colors it has a very distinctive striped pattern; truly translating to the term wave-like. Depending on the skill and inventiveness of a worker, every fabric gets a new look, with imperial colors, fresh patterns and exuberant designs.

These days, the leheria pattern is a part of both apparel and accessories. You will find this style on ethnic and casual clothing, bags and sandals, as well as on scarves and cravats. It is very good that trend from an era gone by has become the new fashion lingo.

In fact, to get the best out of one’s wardrobe, a right blend of modern along with contemporary and traditional is always a safe bet. Whilst we can wear the first two on most occasions, it is special occasions like marriages where the traditional printing techniques really come to the fore.

Here’s hoping you trying something traditional later this summer!

When thread becomes an art!

Whoever said ‘old is gold’ was a genius! We have whole heartedly accepted the western fashion but the exclusivity of the traditional products cannot be surpassed. Traditional Indian handwork has a flavour of different regions and its handmade factor makes every product unique. Our country has a very rich variety of handwork and handicrafts. Here are a few popular forms of Indian embroidery. 

Chikan Embroidery - Hailing from the city of nawabs, Chikankaari is a very prominent embroidery work. Traditionally it was done using white yarns on colourless muslins but today the choice of material has diversified. Youkan now pick up a Chikankaari work for you on the material of your choice – chiffon, georgette, cotton and others. This form of embroidery involves intricate detailing and delicate work. From clothing to now home furnishings, the popularity of this embroidery has only become more widespread

Toda Embroidery – Distinctive and intricate, Toda embroidery hails from the southern state of Tamil Nadu.  Nilgiri Hills are home to many tribes, one of them being the Todu community. They have a specific style known as the pugur which mean flower and their traditional costume is called poothkuli. It is pre dominated by red and blank bands, using long continuous length wise bands. 

Mirror work – Who doesn’t like a little bling! Mirror work originates from Rajasthan where people are spotted wearing vibrant clothes. The mirror work adds a whole lot of vibrancy to the entire fabric and work because along with the shiny stuff it also involves work of bright threads. 

Kutch embroidery – Also known as Sindhi stitch, Kutch embroidery has its roots in Gujrat. Traditionally this embroidery was used by village women to stitch their own clothes and for their families to bring in the festivities. This form of embroidery has a very detailed and spread across the area presentation and is a preferred form for home furnishings. Kutch embroidery has various different forms but a very popular one is Ari embroidery which is done with silk threads using a hook

Kasuthi – This is a traditional form of embroidery that can be spotted in Karnataka. This includes designing patterns like palanquin, gopura, chariot, lamps and conch shells. This involves intricate and laborious thread work and you will usually spot these on Kanchivaram sarees

Kantha – Talk of Kantha work and beautiful folk and floral motifs along with animal and bird patterns. This type of embroidery is practiced in Bangladesh and West Bengal. Kantha sarees are very popular and loved for its work.

Phulkari – If it is from Punjab then it is a given fact that it will be vibrant and exciting. As the name suggests, Phulkari embroidery includes bright colour on flower motifs. This embroidery covers the entire fabric.

Kashmiri embroidery – Coming from the heaven on Earth, Kashmiri embroidery is the epitome of colours and exceptionally beautiful patterns. You can adorn your favourite Kashmiri embroidery product in various forms- shawls, jackets, phirans, bags, scarfs, sarees and more. A lot of pastel shades are used in this along with the bright ones. So there is something to suit every woman’s taste.

If you haven’t yet, then start building your collection of these exclusive embroideries!

-Alisha 

Too Hot to Catch Cold..

Winters can be a great opportunity to experiment with the recent fashion blends. Sweaters and jackets can be a great addition to one’s wardrobe. Comfortable cotswool in colors like charcoal gray paired with oversized scarf and gloves make for a classy combination.

So do jackets in bright colors like red, green and blue. Colored gloves can add a spunk and attractiveness to your style. An overcoat can be a great addition too. It can be made of warm wool, camel hair or cashmere. Bottom-line, no season like the winters for those who love to dress up!

Following are the must-haves for men during winters –

-          Getting hold of a classic winter hat (warm and chic in equanimity) to begin with.

-          It’s not winters yet until you pull out that dark ‘leather’ jacket of yours; avoid the shiny ones.

-          A bright colored sweater adds a bit of spunk to your otherwise mundane look; decide between a full-neck tunic or a crisp half-sleeved vest, or both!

-          Men these days are confident enough to pull off a scarf or two. Matching the checks with the trousers might just to the trick on your first date!

-          No other season allows you to try a nice boot; works wonders if it’s in sync with that dark jacket!

Few gaffes to avoid, always –

-          Too many clothes can take the sheen off you; buy authentic wool to ensure less is more!

-          Doing a size check on your old clothes is a must before heading out on that public gathering!

Likewise, few tips for women to pay heed –

-          Matching the shoes with the belt is an unsaid rule of sorts!

-          Anything goes with black, even more black does; avoid flimsy pinks and greens per say.

-          Best season to try dull and laid-back colours/combinations; reflects the inner you.

-          Socks! Try all your fantasy colour combinations down there; always keep them woolen though.

-          A cool cap never did anyone harm. The key is to find one which is cool, and helps beat the cold.

And the must-not’s –

-          Silly as it sounds, never wear two pair of socks at the same time (people tend to, thus).

-          No earmuffs, they just suck.

Other things to keep in mind are the well being of your clothes read: maintenance. Year on year, we tend to ignore how must dust a silly sweater can accumulate. So before embarking upon any winter season, we must get all the clothes washed, sun-dried and dry-cleaned (in case of suits, coats etc).

Making sure that you bring out the best in you for the upcoming Sunday brunch, ensuring that you are healthy is equally important. Just in case you have caught flu, a freshly washed kerchief can help it keep low key. Also emphasis on not wearing tight (read: ill-fitting) clothes too is important; for too many clothes can cause uneasiness in a jiffy.

All said and done, get set and keep it classy this winters!

Ambition

I want to be a painter....an architect...a pilot...a musician...a dancer...a journalist....

Do these words a ring a bell? Have you ever been in a fix about your goals in life ,when you were 6? We all had random, but interesting ambitions in our childhood. I wonder how many of us have stuck to our age old ambitions and fulfilled them. If I am not mistaken, it will only be 2% of the public. Most of us have deviated from our childhood dreams and become more realistic. We are more pragmatic now, when we think of our goals, some of us want to be good parents, some of us want to earn for their parents, and some only seek happiness in life while some are still figuring it out!

Imagine what Mrs. Indira Nooyi’s life would be today, if she wasn’t the CEO of PepsiCo. Doesn’t it sound too bare and simple without the tagline of CEO PepsiCo.? Well, being a mother to two daughters she still chose to make a powerful career. Her personal life got compromised too many times because of her growing professional career. In a recent festival, she had said, “Women can’t have it all-and can only pretend to. Most of us must be thinking that’s so true. This woman is practical and yes she has spoken rightly but she didn’t give up on her dreams to become what she is today. Becoming a mother isn’t an easy task, but taking charge of a multinational company and bringing up two daughters is worth applause. Challenges in life are what keep us going, without them we will be so satisfied that we will enter a state of boredom. 

Accept challenges and always give it a short...without thinking of the end result!!

Each of us has have dreams, but just dreaming about it will not solve the purpose. Ambition is the first step to success, second step is action. Believe in yourself and your potential and work towards it as diligently as possible .Be a part of a crowd with dream and desire while you keep away from people who belittle your ambition.

 Life is too short to do something, and it is too long to live without a purpose ...without an ambition. Be a part of a dream and chase it till you accomplish it!

-Abhishikha

WOMEN IN COLLEGE – THE BEST DAYS OF THEIR LIVES

Yesterday, I was visiting a doctor and while I was walking down the street I made some interesting observations. I was passing by an engineering college where I saw some young girls standing outside their college gate and laughing...screaming...teasing each other. Carefree and cheerful was the only emotion visible to me.

Some fifty steps away, I was crossing an MNC building. Two women were sitting in a car dressed in formal attire and juggling their files and papers . Tension was written all over their faces and irritation made them look grumpy. They were extremely restless and uncomfortable in each others company.  And that’s when I realized ,why college life is so special and  memorable.

This is the time in your life when one has the privilage to make mistakes and learn from them. College isn’t about finding who you are , it’s about creating what you want to be.   Each day is an experience in itself. There are friends who lift you up after each fall and show you the right path. Staying in the hostel is like a sleepover every night with your friends. The word “lonely” never exists in college life. Your girlfreinds and friends are always around to make fun of  your stupid ideas and take your case in every single way possible...haha!

 Life for women change drsatically once she leaves college. She is always running , handling home and work at the same time.  She can never again be that carefree girl she used to be. It’s a crazy journey after college. Social life, almost gets terminated for many women as their work schedule and household chores keep them on their toes. College life is a balance between academics and art work ,It is gossiping till late at night  to studying till 6 in the morning, catching the first day first show at PVR and endlessly working on the project daedlines. There don’t seem to be any restrictions to thinking and to nuturing our thoughts. There is ample of time for street shopping and flaunt it via facebook and whatsapp.

College is also the best time to explore your style quotient. Everyday you can experiment with looks and be the fashionista in your college. Today, girls in college have developed a new concept called“bold styling” , flaunting the weirdest of combinations and clothes . When it comes to being bold, Mix match is the most trendy way to style.

Neon colors are very eye catching and that’s the trick to stand out in college crowd. Girls with lovely figures flaunt their torso in super skinny jeans paired with jackets. After watching Kareen kapoor in Jab we met, haram pants made it to the top dressing attires for girls. All the pretty faces make their appearances in floral prints . Accessorizing is in vogue when it comes to college girls. Right from earings to cuff bracelets to anklets , everything is being experimented with.

College life can be so awesome ... you can just wear anything from pajamas and flipflops to kurta churidar and enter your campus , setting a new fashion movement.  Each person who has outgrown their college years must be wondering ,”what I could have done differently in my college days?”Well, my friends college is  one hell of a roller-coaster ride , hold on tight and who knows you might end up in disneyland! ;-)

-Abhishikha