Arimmira - Indian Fashion and Lifestyle trends

Sonam Kapoor:Brand Ambassador for L’Oreal Paris

Fashion Experts — Wed, 13 May 2009 05:16:12 +0000

World’s leading beauty brand L’Oreal Paris has announced Sonam Kapoor as a part of the L’Oréal Paris dream team. Raising the toast to celebrate the association, Sonam Kapoor was welcomed as the youngest member to join the L’Oréal Paris team that includes beauties such as Aishwarya Rai, Penelope Cruz, Naomi Lenoir, Andie MacDowell, Beyonce Knowles, Laetitia Casta, Kerry Washington, Milla Jovovich, Michelle Yeoh, Eva Longoria and Scarlett Johansson According to L’Oreal, the values of the brand shine through in its choice of ambassadors from across the globe, Sonam Kapoor will now symbolise the synergy between superior products and outstanding personalities. Sonam will endorse products from the skin, makeup and hair care portfolio of L’Oreal Paris. Speaking on this association, Vismay Sharma, director, consumer products division, L’Oreal India said, “With her talent, beauty and charisma, Sonam is highly aspirational and an ideal choice as the new L’Oreal Paris spokesperson for the Indian market.” “The name is immediately evocative of the brand’s signature phrase ‘Because I’m worth it’. The brand has been always been an inspiration, I love the brand because of the confidence it inspires in women through their products which combine path breaking technology and latest trends. Representing L’Oreal Paris as a woman and an artiste is an honour and a privilege, and the pleasure is mine!” added Sonam Kapoor. 2009 will be a highlight year for the L’Oreal Paris brand in India as both it’s spokespersons – the iconic Aishwarya Rai and Sonam will represent Indian beauty and talent oversees at the Cannes Film Festival alongside other members of the dream team.

Manish Arora designs for Swatch

Fashion Experts — Sat, 09 May 2009 05:25:58 +0000

After designing for International brand Reebok, Manish Arora stricks a code with the renound Swiss Watch Manufacturer SWACTH

Visit: www.swatch.com

BLING BLING BLING.. a girls best friend..

Fashion Experts — Sat, 09 May 2009 04:59:19 +0000

We all look to our Hollywood stars for the latest and hottest styles in fashion and jewelry. We watch them on the red carpet, imagining what it would be like to be a gorgeous Angelina escorted by a hunky Brad Pitt or wondering whatever possessed Sarah Jessica Parker to wear that awful feathered hair piece at the opening of Sex and the City. We watch, we gossip, and we want what the stars have. So here are a few ways to achieve celebrity fashion and not break the bank… Diamonds are a girls best friend…Marilyn Monroe had it right, but in a pinch, you can still look glamorous wearing any piece of cubic zirconia jewelry. Check out these drop cz earrings that many a starlet has been seen wearing on the red carpet. Or, here’s an awesome bling cocktail ring for your next social event. When in doubt, wear silver…Gold jewelry is for some, but silver jewelry is truly for everyone. Definitely more affordable then gold, and it usually goes with anything. Or if you really want a gold necklace, go gold vermeil… Hoop, hoop, de-hoop, hoop, de-hoop hoop, de-hoop-de-hoop-de…It works for J-Lo and it will work for you. Simple, elegant, and perfect for any occasion – hoop earrings are a great and affordable piece for any jewelry collection. No girl with an earring fetish has less then one pair of hoop earrings. And last, but not least…designer inspired jewelry…I don’t think I need to say any more. Only if you want that Tiffany bracelet or theDavid Yurman ring that you saw on Lauren Conrad, there’s a lot of designer style jewelry out there at affordable prices. It’s easy to be fashionable and not spend a whole lot…you just need to know where to look…

Star Studded IPL..

Fashion Experts — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 03:47:06 +0000

As a popular holiday destination and film-shoot location, Cape Town is no stranger to the rich and famous, but with the glamorous Twenty20 tournament due to start here Saturday, the city is set for a different sort of invasion. The eight teams in the Indian competition are owned by some of the biggest Bollywood stars and richest people in the world, who will stay at Cape Town’s new five-star hotel, One and Only. Officially opened by local hotelier Sol Kerzner just two weeks ago, One and Only was built with celebrities in mind, and extravagant rooms cost between 610 and 3,880 dollars per night in the low season. The IPL task team are camped at the hotel as the tournament approaches, and confirmed that celebrities were expected to arrive from Tuesday. All the franchise owners, Shah Rukh Khan, Shilpa Shetty, Preity Zinta, Neeta Ambani, Vijay Mallya will be seen cheering their respective teams. SRK is one of Bollywood’s biggest stars and owns the Kolkata Knight Riders, while the glam Shipla Shetty with London-based Millionare boy-friend Raj Kundra co-own Rajasthan Royals. Fellow actress Preety Zinta is part-owner of the Kings XI Punjab franchise and will jet in from Port Elizabeth where she has been watching the team train and attending the fourth ODI between South Africa and Australia. Business tycoon Mukesh Ambani is the head of the fourth-richest family in the world, and owns the Mumbai Indians through his conglomerate Reliance Industries. If that weren’t enough, the various wives and girlfriends (WAGS) of the players due to compete in the IPL opening weekend will add extra sparkle around Cape Town. England batsman Kevin Pietersen will return to his homeland Thursday with wife Jessica Taylor, a reality TV star who recently competed in the English show Dancing On Ice. Bollywood actress Lakshmi Rai is expected to spend some time in Cape Town watching India’s heartthrob captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, with the duo rumoured to be dating. Celebrity watchers will hope Andrew Symonds’ girlfriend Katie Johnson, recently voted Australia’s top WAG in an online poll, will add some Australian flavour by following his exploits with the Deccan Chargers. And there’s the local contingent, with Jacques Kallis’ model partner Shamone Jardim and actress Jeanne Kietzmann, girlfriend of Dale Steyn, set to represent the host nation at gatherings set to dazzle South Africa’s fairest city.

Shoes to kill for!!Trends this Summer ‘09

Fashion Experts — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 05:05:23 +0000

Spring/Summer will soon be with us and we have to think about shoes to wear in this really beautiful season. The spring trends are more or less predictable but there are some new tendencies that you should be aware of. So, here you are the styles which are going to be in vogue in the forthcoming season:

Pinks & Oranges Fans of neutral shoes, take heart, light tans and beiges will be out in abundance this season — but if you are looking for a bit of color, try orange, pink or red shoes for Spring 2009. While orange clothing is difficult for a lot of people to pull off, wearing the citrus shade on your feet keeps the dynamic hue away from your face, allowing you to pair it with skin-friendlier shades like blue and white. Still don’t see yourself as a type-orange person? Don’t worry, pink shoes will be just as prevalent, in shades ranging from barely-there blush to full-on fuchsia.

Cut Out Boots Designers found a way to extend the life of booties by cutting away parts of them. This trend actually started catching in the Summer of 2008, and this trend will be continuing in Spring 2009. Whether it’s open-toes, cut-away sides, or cut-out heels, high cut shoes will take you from Winter to early Summer in style. And booties aren’t the only Fall carry-over. Apparently, the powers that be want to milk Fall’s fringe trend just a little bit longer, since sandals, flats and heels with fringe accents are hitting the shoe store shelves for Spring.

Gladiator Sandals I don’t think it’s possible for gladiator sandals to be any bigger than they were in 2008, but from the looks of things, 2009 is going to have its fair share of Greco-Roman footwear. Heavily strapped heeled versions are still readily available, and the boldest of this season’s colors should make them extra dynamic. And if you look closely, you might notice a similar trend emerging: heavily woven heeled sandals. While some shoes are distinctively one or the other, other styles are combining both gladiator and huarache elements on one shoe. However you slice it, you’ll want to order this season’s high heeled sandals with an extra helping of straps on the side.

Flower Power

Spring 2009 will see flowers popping up on our shoes as well as in our gardens. Floral embroidery, embellishments and prints will be available on every kind of shoe you can imagine. What’s especially nice about print shoes being “in,” is that they can be paired with so many different colors in your wardrobe.

Flat Sandles

Of course shoes of this season are mostly heeled but flats are also presented in collections.And it is no wonder as designers feel many women like and prefer wearing flat shoes rather than high-heeled stilettos despite all that sexy look they give.

Variety of Materials

You’ll see a lot of mixed media like canvas and leather side by side, as well as ultra-soft leathers and more patents. A lot of brands are also using printed fabrics and textiles.

Designes from his heart…Asif Sheikh

Fashion Experts — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:58:45 +0000

About Asif.. In search of my own Identity, I found the word - Quality, this is how we describe our designer of the week. Asif Sheikh. Asif Shaikh was born in Ahmedabad, a city know for its rich textile culture and heritage. Though educated in Interior Design, Asif’s true love and passion is emboidery. From exquisite metal to resham, Asif has the expertise and knowledge to fashion them all. With his background and aesthetic, he has managed to fuse fabric and embroidery into art pieces each as unique and breathtaking as the other. Asif was chosan to revive the Paris gara embroidery for UNESCO-PARZOR and alsoby Victoria and Albert Museum, London for reviving 18th century aari work. He gives a contemperory look to his creations with traditional embroidery. He has also used traditional embroidery in modern style and has created garments in Bandhani, Ajrakh print, Chikankari, Kamdani, Kalamkari, etc. Asif’s list of products include women’s wear, men’s wear and home furnishings and accessories. Each product is designed meticulously, befit for royalty. His list of clients include local, national as weall as international individuals. As an artist he dose Pencil striplings drawings in his free time. Owner of his private label Asif’s, he also supplies his products to stores like Amethyst, Chennai and Creative Bee in Hyderabad. Recently Asif has ventured into design of the events for his selective clientele. Asif is previewing at the Lakme Fashion Week, Oct 09. You will be able to see more of Asif’s signature Katchi work drapes here. We wish Asif ALL THE VERY BEST!! For details about Asif Sheikh please contact - customercare@arimmira.com

Priyanka Chopra on the cover of GRAZIA

Fashion Experts — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:29:41 +0000

With so many top notch International Faces adorning the cover of Grazia now its our own Priyaka Chopra on the cover of this months India edition. Check her out in a sunning bright Manish Arora grown. Earlier faces such are Sonam Kapoor, Deepika Paudukone have been featured on the cover of Grazia India. Internationally Nearly every face in hollywood has been on the covers, namely Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz, Angelina Jolie, Madona.. the list in endless..

Freida Pinto, ‘Worlds most beautiful Women’

Fashion Experts — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 03:42:43 +0000

Indian actress Freida Pinto is now being feted as a modern ‘Helen of Troy’ by ‘Vanity fair’ magazine which is conducting a poll to find the world’s most beautiful woman. The magazine has given out a list of 19 names, out of which one will be adjudged the world’s most beautiful woman. Although names of Hollywood superstars like Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman are missing, debutant Pinto has found a place on the list. “Of the billions of women on this planet, only 19, we believe, could start wars. These modern-day Helens of Troy come from both hemispheres and include legends and ingenues,” said the magazine about it’s chosen list. The list is a eclectic mix of personalities. From Hollywood, actresses like Halle Berry, Cate Blanchett, Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow, made to the list. While from the political circles, Queen Rania of Jordan and France first lady Carla Bruni stand tall to give a tough competition. Interestingly two of Leonardo DiCaprio’s girlfriends also feature on the list, Gisele Bundchen and current love interest Bar Rafaeli.

Lessons in Sari Drapping Style..

Fashion Experts — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 06:47:45 +0000

India has been known to have wonderful dresses and costumes. The most common and accepted attire is the sari. For a single length of material, the Indian sari must be the most versatile garment in existence. A sari is a rectangular piece of cloth that is five to six yards in length and sometimes nine yards. Yet, this dress is worn by millions of Indian women and is, by far, the most elegant. It is not merely an outfit but an ornament, lending both grace and glamour to the wearer. Sari is for all purpose - party wear, daily wear, bridal wear and so on.

Saree Draping Styles

1.Nivi: This style is worn in Andhra Pradesh. It is held in place by the tucks into the petticoat waistband and the pallu is hanging over the shoulder. In case of ‘Kaccha nivi’ , the pleats are passed through the legs and tucked into the waist at the back allowing free movement.

2.Maharashtrian: In this type of draping a saree, the centre of the saree is placed at the centre of the back. The ends are brought forward and tied neatly. Again the two ends are wrapped around the legs. An extra-long cloth is used and the ends are then passed up over the shoulder. The difference between this type of saree and the male maharashtrian dhoti is this long cloth only. The traditional type of nine yards saree is worn by the Brahmin women of different Southern states of India.

3. Bengali: This style of draping a saree has no pleats. The pallu has a bunch of keys that falls over the shoulder. Puffy or balloon sleeves will give perfect bengali look same as Devdas and Parineeta bengali sarees worn by Aishwarya, Madhuri and Vidya balan respectivly.

4.Dravidian: In this style, it is pleated rosette, at the waist. It is worn by Tamil nadu women.

5.Gujarati: In this style of draping, saree is draped over the right shoulder in the front rather than over the left shoulder. The modern non-Gujarati women wear this type in social occations with the eye-catching magnificent pallus.

6.Coorgi: In this style, it involves tying the pleats in the rear and a small portion of the pallu is placed over the shoulder.

7.Mundum Neryathum: This style is worn in Kerala. It made of unbleached cotton and decorated with gold or colored stripes and borders. It is also called as the two-piece saree.

8.Gond: In this style, the cloth of the saree is first draped over the left shoulder and then it arranged to cover the body.

9.Tribal Styles: In tribal styles, saree is tied firmly across the chest covering the breasts.

Simple Saree Draping Style

Celebs looking sultry in the beautiful 6 yard garment called the Saree

Kolkata Fashion Week 09

Fashion Experts — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 03:41:29 +0000

Kolkata, Apr 4 - Bollywood actor Minisha Lamba walked the ramp sporting a scintillating collection of traditional and contemporary jewellery at the Kolkata Fashion Week last evening. The collection comprised exclusive bridal jewellery sets made of gold and diamond meant to match with bridal designer dresses. Lamba said she was thrilled to present the exquisite collection. “I think the collection is fantastic. India ranks number one in the world as far as gold jewellery and inventive design are concerned,” said Lamba. The dazzling jewellery collection left the audience awestruck. “Kolkata has hosted this show for the first time and it is because of this that I have also attended it. I was really star struck. They were so beautiful. The dresses were also very nice,” said Chayanika, a spectator. The theme of the fashion week is ‘Return to Roots’ in line with the United Nation’s Food and Agricultural Organisation declaring 2009 as the ” InternationalYear of Natural Fibre. The fashion week also focus on the cultural heritage of Bengal, especially that of the weavers. At least 35 of the country’s top models will sashay down the ramp during the four-day show. Calcutta school of fashion From top: Designs by Anamika, Sabyasachi, Kiran and Vivek Calcutta was all over Mumbai — at Lakme Fashion Week, that is. Stretch it to include Anamika Khanna’s delhi showing at the finale of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week last month and it is safe to say that the city has taken the lead in the fashion race, beating its more high-profile counterparts delhi and mumbai. Some might say that we have always been the design den of the country, so what’s new? lots, actually. Traditionally known for craftsmanship, cheap labour, embroidery and textiles, now the focal point is aesthetics. the Calcutta school of fashion has a new improved image. t2 explores the city’s changing style equity… How it all started Calcutta hit the fashion headlines decades ago when Ritu Kumar, the first lady of fashion, began her journey as a young bride. A lot has changed in the past three decades. Designers agree that the city has been established as a fashion hub for the past six-seven years, with the validity of the claim growing stronger with every passing season. “Everything goes through an evolution cycle. Just how important a state is at any point of time is reflected in the other aspects as well. Bengal is in the news industrially, so other things like fashion have also gained importance. It’s the same reason why India is doing well globally. Indian designers are suddenly accepted because India is now accepted,” explains designer Anamika Khanna. It did take Calcutta a while to match the sheer numbers of Delhi (“and great talent”) and Mumbai’s fashion exposure and Bollywood bounty, feels Anamika, but now things are better than ever. “Calcutta always had one or two important names but with the influx of more people doing strong work, everyone automatically takes notice.” And taking notice they are. International Herald Tribune’s Suzy Menkes applauded Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s and Kiran Uttam Ghosh’s collections, mavericks like Narendra Kumar joked that LFW has turned CFW (Calcutta Fashion Week) and Harmeet Bajaj, fashion director of Marie Claire India, stressed how big Bengal now is. (She even changed her return ticket to Delhi to catch Sabya’s show!) These “important names”, as Anamika says, put Calcutta on the global map but now the new brigade is also becoming a rage on the runway. “People have been fearing the Calcutta contingent because of Anamika and me and now the newer designers have to perform better because of peer pressure. They know they have to be intellectually stimulating,” says Sabya. With the intellectual tag following this town wherever it goes — deservedly or not — it has also become the defining factor for the Calcutta school of fashion. City-based designers’ collections are expected to be as thought-provoking as beautiful. “All Calcutta designers have an intellectual or a ‘student-lectual’ appeal. Everyone is trying to prove that they’re worthy of being a Calcutta designer,” feels youngster Kallol Dutta. Designer Abhishek Dutta rewinds to when Calcutta was first caught on the style radar — in 2002, when Sabyasachi presented his models in bindis, turbans and glasses for his collection Return to Kashgaar Bazaar. “Since then, all of us have to style our shows to live up to that legacy,” he says. Brand new USP Embroidery, textile, skilled labour… A for Arty has always been a key strength but now there is slick silhouette and super styling too. Calcutta has a new look, a new ID. “The perception about Bengal designers has changed,” stresses Sabya. There are great expectations from GeNext and so far, they have given us no reason to worry. High on last week’s phenomenal response in Mumbai, they are all upbeat: “Our seniors had their own niche and we youngsters are adding a new flavour with our different style sensibility,” says Dev from Dev R Nil. The new “style sensibility” includes creative pattern-cutting, innovative styling and new-age texturing. Anamika says Calcutta’s strength lies in its seclusion. “And because of this, what is done here is very different from the work other designers do in Delhi and Mumbai.” They say a Calcutta garment can be told from a mile away. The techniques are unique and so is the treatment. Emerging designer Soumitra Mondal adds that Calcutta stands apart because of the experimental attitude. “It’s not that designers in other cities do not innovate but the percentage here is higher. Our effort is noticeable.” Monikangana in a Kallol creation Kiran Uttam Ghosh sums up Calcutta’s USP. “Unlike Delhi or Mumbai where uniforms prevail, Calcutta breaks away. Whether it is a quirky colour or cut, Calcutta designers put in a piece of themselves in each of our garments. We contradict global mass-making norms.”