Riteish & Genelia’s Grand Wedding Affair

An the cute couple of Bollywood has finally got hitched. Riteish & Genelia have got married in a traditional Maharashtrian tradition at the Grand Hyatt in Mumbai. Riteish was dressed in a white bandhgala while chirpy Genelia wore a ‘Neeta Lulla’ designed saree. Here is a glimpse of how the couple looked on their big day. Genelia wore a ‘Falguni & Shane Peacock’ Lehenga at the grand reception. Here is wishing the couple a lifetime of happiness.

Riteish & Genelia at their Reception

Celebrities at the Wedding Ceremony

Shahrukh Khan, Leander Paes and Rhea Pillai

Ashutosh & Sunita Gowarikar

Sajid Nadiadwala with wife, Akshay Kumar, Karan & Hiroo Johar and Sajid Khan

Asin

Neeta & Nishka Lulla

Jaya & Abhishek Bachchan, Ajay Devgan & Kajol

Maria Goretti

Amrita Rao

Celebrities at the Reception

Amitabh & Jaya with Aishwarya

Sridevi & Boney Kapoor

Madhuri Dixit

Sophie Chodhury

Sushmita Sen

Neeta & Mikesh Ambani

Kangana Ranaut

Jay Mehta, Juhi Chawla & Rekha

Chetan Bhagat &  wife, Alvira Agnihotri, Arpita Khan and Atul Agnihotri

Ayesha Takia

Kiran Rao & Aamir Khan

Anushka Sharma

Zarine Khan

Saif Ali Khan with Kareena Kapoor

Photo courtesy : Yahoo! India

Celebrity Sightings this Week

This week witnessed loads of celebrations due to Diwali festival and this week also saw a lot of celebrity sightings. Here is the best from the week.

Lady Gaga arrives in style

Lady Gaga has arrived in India as she will be performing at the Grand Prix, but what I love about her that she like a chameleon can adapt to any style………….one moment she is a rockstar, then suddenly she turns up at an event looking like a ‘Diva’. She did surprise me in this beautiful ‘Naeem Khan’ designed one shoulder gown…………she looked splendid while she flaunted in this outfit accessorized with diamond jewelry and ‘vintage’ look sunglasses as she attended a press conference in New Delhi. Love, love. love…………

Kareena Kapoor unveils her wax statue at Madame Tussauds

Kareena Kapoor unveiled her wax figure at Madame Tussauds in London. The figurine was dressed in ‘Jab we Met’ avatar and definitely is a high-point in her career to be recognized internationally as well.

As for me, I still think the original one looks much prettier in her ‘Manish Malhotra’ saree………groovy baby.

 

Ekta Kapoor’s Diwali Bash

 Kangana Ranaut took some inspiration from the 1960s to dress up in this peach ‘gotta’ work saree with side swept hairdo and a mini ‘Birkin’………..all the beautiful things put together unfortunately fell flat. Next time skip the bag and opt for a classy clutch. A bit of drama helps but too much of it actually spoils the look.

Someone seemed to be in some hurry………….Tusshar Kapoor was seen attending this bash in a olive green bandhgala which seemed way to body fit………Go easy on the fit, we don’t want celebrities gasping for fresh air due to tight clothes……:-)

Sophie Choudry is definitely emerging to be my favorite on the red carpet……she wore this fabulous ‘Sabyasachi’ gown to the bash and looked absolutely flawless. The understated Bottega Veneta clutch with strappy shoes complete her Anarkali look.

Samir Soni and Neelam did look color co-ordinated except for the jazzy big clutch. Though I  like her shimmery shoes……….

Spotted designer Nandita Mahtani in this hot pink saree with floral detail all over. Love the saree, hate the way it is draped and accessorized……..sigh.

Bachchans throw a Diwali Bash

Bachchan’s held a Diwali party at their residence in Juhu where many celebrities made their way to attend this event. Among the invitess were Neil Nitin Mukesh, Sonali Bendre, Raveena Tandon, Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar, Simi Garewal, Zayed Khan and many more. But what was good, that we people got to have a sneak peek of mum-to-be Aishwarya welcoming guests.

Photo courtesy : www.ibnlive.com, Naeem Khan’s FB page, www.ndtv.com

Aamby Valley India Bridal Week – Day 3

Show stopper Kangana Ranaut and the face of the Aamby Valley India Bridal Week 2011 walked down the ramp in a fully crystal embroidered lehenga and choli with a sheer net dupatta. She did look very graceful in the pink lehenga.

Pink was the centre of attraction as Jyotsna Tiwari unveiled her gorgeous bridal wear collection to open Day Three at the Aamby Valley India Bridal Week 2011.

The white cutwork panels in graduating heights and the filigreed backdrop was the ideal start to the all pink collection, a colour that is loved by every woman in the world.

Using influences from Victorian art and vintage décor, the garments were opulent with the most gorgeous fabrics as the base. Silk, chiffon, Chantilly lace, tulle and velvet along with rich handlooms sparkling with gold and silver came together for the glittering saris, lehengas, floor length ensembles and ankle skimming gowns.

Opening the show with a tiered ruffled gown with a marked Spanish influence worn by, Jyotsna continued the theme with a draped bodice gown with sparkling crystals. Moving into the lehenga section giant Indian motifs were placed creatively over the flouncy lehengas while one of the absolute stunners was the lacy embroidered bridal creation

Jyotsna Tiwari’s collection will be available at her Juhu store ‘Jona’.

One of the pioneers of glamorous fashion in India, the name Pallavi Jaikishan is a “must have” in every bride’s wardrobe.

Divided into four segments the garments catered to the various bridal events. The Gossamer range was in delicate lace, which glittered with French tape, shaded ribbons and sequin. La Russe had inspirations of Russian prints and lush velvets in rich tones were turned into kurtas, jackets, saris, blouses and gilets. Royal Splendour was a line of the most exquisite saris in tulle and georgette in pastels and vibrant tones, matched with seductive cholis. Finally, Adornment was a collection for the wedding day with  multi coloured  lehengas in tulle, lace, Duchess silk and Dupion embellished with resham, French tape and sequins. This was a section that had everything that a bride dreams of and much more. Pallavi ended the show with Rachel in a very regal red fully embroidered panelled lehenga with a gold choli and red net dupatta.

For creations that can turn into family heirlooms which will be handed down generations, Pallavi Jaikishan’s latest collection will provide the most unforgettable garments.

Do check out the collection of these two talented designers in our next post.

Courtesy : Tandem Communications

IIFA Awards 2011 – Day 1

The Bollywood Oscars which some people address it as has kicked off with so much of hooo hallaa in Toronto yesterday Night. There was the premiere of Double Dhamaal also held at IIFA. Day 1 was for Press Meet with the stars attending the IIFA.Here is our feedback on Fashion at the IIFA.

Mallika Sherawat

Mallika Sherawat posing for the shutterbugs at the IIFA press meet in ‘Anita Dongre’ Resort/Summer collection…………..all I can say she looks flawless. I love it when she is dressed more in style than crying out loud for attention in revealing outfits. She gets my attention in this anyways without the outfit being loud…………..two thumbs up for Ms. Sherawat………….your choices are better these days than they were………

Anil Kapoor also came in dressed in grey pin stripe suit with blue undertones which somehow did no justice to his handsome being. I feel he would have looked much better had he opted for a darker shade. I am no fan of this look…………..Anil, you have two stylish daughters so please take their expert advice before stepping out for a major event like this.

Bipasha Basu was also present at this press meet where she wore a lace ‘Gauri & Nainika’ mini dress and nude heels plus her trademark loose curls. Bipasha as usual is always dressed to the nines though she could have given a better surprise by wearing something unique or different than her usual style of mini dress and I not a fan of lace.  Lace I feel is a bit tricky when one has to wear it……..best suited as an under shirt with a blazer or a gown with detail work.

Kangna Ranaut

Kangna Ranaut reminded me so much of the 1950s Hollywood Glam era in this amazing one shoulder gown in pink. Double Dhamaal held a world premiere at the IIFA Awards in Toronto. The classic hairstyle, the dark lips, the glittery clutch……..she oozes omphh on this green carpet.though I am not a fan of the gown especially the fit of the bustier but Kangna seems to have done justice to this outfit with styling. The dress I think might be Monisha Jaisingh since it looks pretty similar to what Malaika Arora Khan had worn to Filmfare this year.

Lisa Ray

It was a happy sight to see Lisa Ray healthy and fit making a public appearance at IIFA……….after battling Cancer, she sure looked ready to party at the event in this gown though the army print was quite a let down stylewise. Plus a beautiful face like her needs something more feminine than military. I wish she would have opted for a bright colour to stand out on the Green carpet at this event.

Aashish Chaudhary

Aashish wore a sleek grey suit which was very ‘Resort’ type in true sense and looked amazing. I am all for his gelled back hair, the tinted glasses and the French beard with that suit…………though I wish I could get a full length pic of the same. Perfect dressing for the summers and thankfully not over the top.

Ritesh Deshmukh

Ritesh Deshmukh can dressed in a weird biker jacket, ripped denims and a tie…………….and I am totally numb seeing him in this attire. When will he start acting his age at least at such events. Why do some people always mess up the loads of golden opportunities that they are given to be a true celebrity. On this one, I feel he was absolutely the worst dressed for the event. Ritesh please take your dressing style more seriously.

Arshad Warsi & Maria Goretti

I wonder why Arshad loves shiny outfits……………like even this suit is an eye sore but the saving grace to this look would have to be the perfect arm candy in wife Maria Goretti.The browny points which Arshad lost were made up by his cute wife in this all ruffle dress but the satin pink ribbon is quite a distraction.

Photo Courtesy: http://www.daylife.com, http://www.ibnlive.com

Red Carpet Review – Pantaloons Femina Miss India 2011

PFMI 2011 was held on 14th April, 2011 in Mumbai where Kanishtha Dhankhar [centre]  has been crowned Pantaloons Femina Miss India World 2011, Hasleen Kaur [left] was crowned Miss India Earth 2011  and  Ankita Shorey [right] won Miss India International 2011.

 
At the grand finale, the jury consisted of Kangna ranaut, Dino Morea, Fardeen Khan,  Ritu Kumar, Shiamak Davar, Leander Paes, Tarun Mansukhani, Sajid Nadiadwala and Prachi Desai.

Here is our say on what the celebrities wore for the event and how did they fare???

Kangana Ranaut

 Kangana Ranaut who was one of the judges looked like a dream in the navy blue off shoulder gown with the necklace………..the styling though looked very 1990s, but Kangana carried it off effortlessly. The only hitch would be the shoes which were not that impressive. With such a designer gown, one should have worn a stilettos with any detail since the length of the gown is till the ankles. But nonetheless the hair, the clutch, the jewels and the dress make it up for the look.

Dino Morea

Dino Morea came dressed in a basic black blazer paired with from what I can see are denims…………….though I have already declared this style as ‘out of vogue’ but dino still manages to charm me with that shirt and the well set hair. Hmmm…………..i wish he would have worn a pair of black trousers. On the whole, strictly like it………..

Ritu Kumar

Designer Ritu Kumar came dressed in one of her recent collection, the knee-length sleeveless Anarkali with silver detailing absolutely works for her. The silhouette is very age appropriate plus the silver buttons draws the attention hence the accessories were better subtle.

Fardeen Khan

Fardeen Khan came dressed in a black suit sans tie look, he looked like a thorough gentleman………………I must say he does make an effort to dress up well for the red carpet events. No complaints here, the dude looks super classy.

Shiamak Davar

Dance Guru Shiamak Davar gave me a surprise wearing a white blazer with an upturned collar…………..since I have mostly seen him wearing a shimmer jacket or shirts. If it was anyone else, I would have laughed and called the person ‘Butler Cadbury’………………..but Shiamak with his killer smile makes the outfit work well.

 Leander Paes

Leander Peas who was also on the panel of judges, walked on to the stage in an all black attire………………….I need to see some colour and the only one I see is on the outfit of the girl escorting him on the stage…….Such a handsome man with such a disastorous red carpet look. Leander do take some style tips from Mrs. Peas…………I am sure that will help.

Prachi Desai

Prachi Desai does look cute in a black halter neck gown with a lace clutch and dazzling earrings……………a more colourful gown would have been better since she is still young and can very well experiment with her looks on the red carpet. Even this simple look works for me………..

Photo courtesy : www.ndtv.com, www.nowrunning.com

Maharaja of Couture – JJ Valaya

‘Grandeur’ I suppose is the correct word that I use to describe JJ Valaya’s creations, the richness in the detail work leaves me breathless at times whenever I see JJ Valaya’s outfits on the ramp. He has for years kept up to his image of creating collection all of which have a lot of ‘Regal Air’ about them……………..I am sure if we still had Royalty ruling our Nation, JJ Valaya would have been their official Designer. But for the neavue rich, JJ Valaya’s clothes do the work of adding the much-needed ‘Class’ to your wardrobe as well as style.

The designer born in the culturally rich Rajasthan, raised in a family with army background and travelled to different parts of India due to his father’s postings. He along with his brother TJ Singh who looks after the operational part of the business started the label ‘House of Valaya’ way back in 1992 and since then there has been no looking back for this talented designer. His designs have won his accolades from around the globe…………….yet the designer stays down to earth as far as possible.

 

He is an alumnus of National Institute of Fashion Technology better known as NIFT, Delhi. He was the first Indian designer to win Prix D’ Incitation in the year 1990 which is an International competition for young designer held in Paris. From 1993 onwards after the success of starting his first store, JJ Valaya expanding his business in India as well as abroad in London, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong & Bangkok. He is also the only designer in India to have a single designer store of area as vast as 1 acre all to his creations…………pheeewww thats a lot of creations I must say.

He has dressed Bollywood also for starry occasions but he has fashionistas chasing him in order walk down the runway wearing one of his creation. But only the stylish ones are choosen to walk for him. Dimple Kapadia, Kabir Bedi, Neha Dhupia and most recently Kangana Ranaut have graced the runway for JJ Valaya. They have also worn his clothes off the ramp too. His creations have been worn by Victoria Backham on the cover of international ‘Vogue’ magazine.

Despite dressing up stars, JJ Valaya has focused more on expansion of his label and presenting newer collections to the audience. His designs have regularly featured in magazines and newspapers across India and every person up north and in west are very well aware of his name. His bridal collection is to die for with elaborate detail work and embellishment, my eyes are wide open with awe whenever he showcases his latest designs. His creations have amazing finishing along with smart styling does wonders on the runway. His mind is always looking out for new ideas which he can explore creatively that maybe his love for clothes, photography or art………….he does everything with passion.

He now has a range of brands under his belt : JJ Valaya Muse – creations prepared on request or customized, JJ Valaya – Opulent and timeless Luxury & Trousseau Collection, Valaya Home – Soft Furnishing for Home, Valaya Base – Luxury Ready to wear, Valaya Quantum – Contemporary Indian wear.

  

  

JJ Valaya creations on the Runway

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why have I chosen JJ Valaya as the Designer of the Month???? The reason is simple enough since his creations are Original to the core, Classic yet very contemporary and absolutely Indian. He is one of the pioneer of our Indian Fashion Industry and has helped to shape the same. I have seldom seen the fabulous creations that speak volumes about it’s creator. If I never wrote about JJ Valaya, I bet my teeny tiny blog will remain incomplete………………..need I say anymore. I hope his legacy continues forever…………….

I met him once only in my lifetime, even though people surrounded him for the renowned designer he is……………..must say he never showed off any airs and was very, very approachable. I believe he lets his work do the talking, rather than himself.

Visit his official website www.valaya.com to know more about him.

Pearls Infrastructure Delhi Couture Week 2010 – Day 4

Day 4 saw Bollywood not just cheer for the designers but to also walk down the runway for them……..Kangana looked fabulous in the JJ Valaya designed bridalwear and Anil Kapoor along with his home production ‘Aisha’ gang rocked the ramp………….though I must admit that I missed Sonam a lot since the father-daughter duo would have looked very cute on the ramp………..

Anamika Khanna

Anamika Khanna is surely very creative in her work and that reflects in her designs…………..but sometimes the mix-n-match of outfits just does not give the desired effect. Well to some extent that is what happened with her new collection…………where the pieces if worn individually would have looked much more appealing. The western designs were classy the problem was the Indianwear fused with western……………..I can say overall I was just merely satisfied by the creations since I have seen Anamika’s earlier works and feel the lady has loads of talent. But she made Anil Kapoor look so good on the ramp in the Achkan combined with churidhars. Loved that look which I feel Anil can sporton the red carpet too since even at this age he is the most graceful actor in Bollywood. As for the rest of cast of ‘Aisha’ …………..Amrita Puri & Ira Dubey looked good………the outfits suited them well but Lisa Haydon’s outfit needed more refinement since it looked like combining leotards with a glamorous dupatta………..my apologies to Anamika but that was just not appealing. I would have looked amazing it Anamika would have combined black trousers with another dark shade top and then the dupatta comes in. Overall my verdict is………’Yeh Dil mange more’ …………….hope Anamika gives us more next time around.

Photo courtesy : www.daylife.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JJ Valaya

For people who want to see the detailed embroidery on Kangana’s Bridal attire can click on the pic below in order to zoom in. Check out the beautiful work which is by far the best work seen in this fashion season. The lehenga and the dupatta seem to have resham dhaaga embroidery combined with colourful stone & gotta work. Simply Awesome.

 

JJ Valaya new collection ‘Alika’ has proved that he indeed is the Guru of modern Indianwear…………..I was really happy to see his stunning creations this season which were breath-taking and definitely better than his earlier season which he had presented at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Show. But the menswear certainly confused me since the kurtas which were long enough to touch the model’s toes????? I am certainly going to overlook that fact since the detailed embroidery work was the best that I have seen so far in this fashion week……………….thumbs up for choosing the beautiful Kangana as the show stopper………she truly did justice to that gorgeous bridal lehenga and vice versa. Styling was perfect on the models and the show stopper……………sarees and cholis for the Lehengas in metallic hues…..now that is a first one, loved it. Overall this collection will go a long way and I am so happy for JJ Valaya got his groove back.

Photo courtesy : www.daylife.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to dress in your 20s!!!

Dressing for Indian Woman in her 20 – Bold & Beautiful

Dressing of Indian women have been constantly in change from yester-year Sarees to Salwar Kameez to the contemporary western wear…………………..the transformation was rapid.  I feel Indian women have unlimited options to wear when it comes to dressing since they can choose the western attire or go for more traditional choice. But these days it is necessary that a woman should always dress her age and not try to dress in order to look younger. Who says that a woman in her 20s is only allowed to experiment where as the woman in her 60s has to stick to a traditional Indian outfit only………….well times have changed drastically and for better.

Ahhhhhh……….the twenties where so much happens in a woman’s life-like falling in love, getting your first job, having a fairytale marriage, having your first child, going on a dream vacation, making new friends…………..but also coming out of your protective family shell and entering into the ruthless world as an individual…….well honestly the world is not that bad a place. But the twenties also turn a girl into a woman in terms of fashion. A lady has to bid goodbye to her teenage look and discover a more sophisticated mature look in her 20s. This decade is also an introduction to style and class in one’s wardrobe. I remember giving up the early 90s  baggy pants to fit into the new trend of boot-cut jeans after I crossed the 20th year mark………I think at this age a girl starts to feel comfortable as a woman and may be that reflects in her style of dressing.

A woman in her 20s can wear a jeans with a well fitted shirt or a top for a casual laid back look, go flirty with a short skirt, display seriousness in formal wear like a shirt combined with trousers. wear a saree/salwar kameez for a occassion or look demure in a little black dress for an evening out. At this age she can experiment with everything right from hair to make-up to shoes………….take full advantage while you are still young. My favourite in clothes is a short dress for women in their 20s. Wear as much high heels as you can for parties, night out, a date or if you are comfortable…..everyday. Experiment with make-up but make sure you don’t end up looking to made up……………at any age subtle make-up is the key to look like a ‘Diva’……………

The plus point of this age group is that today’s designers design their collection for this age group most of the times so you have a wide variety. As for Saree please invest in some classy designs which you can wear for years to come but experiment with the blouse like have a halter neck stitched, spaghetti straps, strapless tube kind………sexiness is the essential word here…………….you need to look elegant avoid looking too trashy by opting for too much of glitter. Some women in their 20s end up looking in their 30s by wearing grandmother’s era type of blouse………….even the look of saree is ever-changing so please try to keep up with the ongoing trend…………only some vintage outfits look classy in today’s high fashion world. You can keep your grandmother’s saree but please toss the decade old blouse and get a new one stitched.

Try going in for funky bags at this age – denim bags for a casual look, leather wear bag for daytime, a shimmer clutch for night-outs………….it does not have to be a brand only, elegance combined with utility and comfort is what you should look out for while buying a trendy bag. And yes it is ok to repeat your bags and outfit…………believe me it is no big deal if you end up wearing the same outfit or bag on different occasions. As for jewellery, keep it to the minimal and try to concentrate on one piece of jewellery to look fabulous and not too made up. One can go with small earrings, a chain with pendant and a bracelet for daytime but change if with longer earrings and a dazzling ring during night-outs. Keep the heavy Indian Jewellery for the occasions and wear them with Indian attire. Avoid trashy jewellery stick to minimalistic style during daytime with earrings, a chain with pendant and a bracelet. Try longer earrings for evening but wear heavy gold jewellery with Indian attire. Diamonds and other precious stones can be worn by anyone at any age……………..they are timeless. Concentrate on one piece of jewellery in order to get that undivided attention………too much of big  jewellery will make you look more of a ‘show-off’. In today’s bollywood world I am happy to see the young ladies who have a fresh face and their own unique style thanks to many talented Indian designers and stylists. Here are some of the women in their 20s whom I admire for their statement making style.