Spring 2012 RTW | Chanel Paris-Bombay in B+W

I realize that I'm a bit late on posting about Paris-Bombay, but hey, I was busy preparing for finals during its debut. Fear not, I too spent my study breaks ogling the gorgeous clothes and accessories from every angle and website possible. Instead of posting the whole collection, I'll leave you with a few gorgeous black and white shots from the collection, via Purple Diary. Fear not, this wont be the only post about this collection!! :)

Take it away, Mr. Lagerfeld!

{Images via Purple Diary}

Pre-Fall 2012 | Jason Wu + Oscar de la Renta

New shows, yay! Thus far, two designers have stood out more than others for me - Jason Wu and Oscar de la Renta. I loved they kept the clothes simple and elegant, and used vibrant, rich colors perfect for those chilly winter days. Here they are!

Jason Wu

Oscar de la Renta

{Source}

Preserving Africa's Wildlife Through Photography

Yesterday on Tumblr, I came across a beautiful set of photographs shot by Nick Brandt. The photographs are simple, breathtakingly beautiful, and powerful. See them for yourself!!

{See more photographs here}

The Lust List | Mawi Jewelry

A couple of weeks ago, I discovered Mawi jewelry from a new favorite blog - the Republic of Chic. 

Mawi jewelry personifies my style -- classic, with an edgy and unexpected twist. The pieces are modern and vintage at once, recalling Victorian stone settings and Indian jewelry, with modern cuts and shapes. It effortlessly combines the contemporary and the vintage, the old world and the cutting edge. I love it!

Feast your eyes!

Mawi by undercoverdiva featuring flower rings

mawi 2 by undercoverdiva featuring skull jewelry

Mawi 2 by undercoverdiva featuring gold jewelry

Mawi - Necklaces! by undercoverdiva featuring a star necklace

You can shop Mawi pieces directly from their e-shop here. 

{All Images from the Official Mawi Website}

Weekend Pretty | Tarun Khiwal Photography

Two days ago I chanced upon Tarun Khiwal Photography...and boy did I fall for it! He has a very unique eye for capturing the scenery, and he has worked with note-worthy clients like Elle, Marie Claire and Chanel. Check out more if his work at his website and Viisual Pro.

Without further ado, here is a little peek at his beautiful editorial photography, from a spread called Fashion in Palaces:

{Images via Anais Events}

Throwback | A Vintage Lehenga from 19th Century India

A girl from a Jaipur zenana, circa 1859. 

The zenana refers to the women's quarters or apartments in a fort, palace, or other household. It was a lovely surprise to see this photo on Saree Dreams - I love vintage Indian photographs! It's very cool to see the old styles of draping and cutting, the embroidery and jewelry. Most of all, it's great fun to imagine what the colors and textures of the textiles were, and how they looked in person! 

{Originally Posted on Saree Dreams}

Spring 2012, Continued!

After many fashion weeks across the globe, here are some more of my favorite shows from Spring 2012!

Elie Saab makes some gorgeous gowns, and I was thrilled to see the bright colors used in this collection - bright orange, tangerine, royal blue, emerald green and deep yellow. Love! 

 Seems like orange is the color for Spring 2012! Christian Dior had some very wearable dresses in soft prints and bold orange, as well as some beautiful gowns that will surely show up on the red carpet. 

Hermès showed off a minimalistic collection, with minimally constructed silhouettes and bold color combinations. Loved the colored shoes (I'm quite obsessed with them) and the bright doses of color in the collection! 

Stay tuned for more from Spring 2012, coming soon!

{Image Source}

Nostalgia | Durga Puja

Shines up by Grace of God, a photo by Kuntal Gupta on Flickr.

On Tuesday, I went to the temple yesterday after my classes, for Maha Ashtami Puja. It is the 8th day of Durga Puja, almost towards the end (only two more days to go). It so refreshing to sit in at a puja after quite some time. The sounds of women ululating, the clang of the bells, the booming sounds of the dhaak playing. The tinkling of the priest’s ghonta bell mingling with the verses and chants that he recited for the blessings and protection of the people of the world. The smells of incense, fresh flowers, and oil lamps. Getting drenched in shantir-jol (holy water that brings piece to those showered by it - literally translates to peace-giving water). And finally, the delicious bhog or offerings that we ate afterwards — hot khichuri and luchis and sweets. It was just lovely. 

Today is the actual last day of Durga Puja, Vijay Dashami. Today all over India, the statues of Durga are immersed in bodies of water, and it is said that she returns to her home in the Kailash Mountains. 

This weekend we will be celebrating Durga Puja in my local Bengali community with much pomp and grandeur. New clothes to wear (new saris!!!), good food, and all of my good friends and family. I can’t wait! :D

Spring 2012 | Alexander McQueen

FINALLY!! My heart literally leapt when I saw the collection posted on NY Magazine's Fashion central. I really liked the collection - it's the edgiest that Sarah Burton has done so far, and has definite throwbacks to  McQueen himself. Without further ado, here it is!!

{Source}

Miss Representation

A very interesting watch, and sadly, very true. A must watch!!

Miss Representation 8 min. Trailer 8/23/11 from Miss Representation on Vimeo.

New York Fashion Week | Marchesa

Yes, Marchesa gets its own post, because the dresses were just too beautiful to not showcase fully!!

My favorite dress in the whole collection :)

The dresses were as beautiful as ever -- muted hues, flowing silhouettes, fringes, embellishments, yards and yards of tulle, an impeccable craftsmanship and aesthetic made the collection both elegant and whimsical. Some people might think that it's the same old -- but you cannot deny the how intricate and each piece is! 

Check out New York Magazine's Amy O'Dell interviewing Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, the two lovely ladies behind Marchesa. 

                           

{All photos from New York Magazine}

New York Fashion Week | Trends Part 2

Andddd the Fashion Week recap continues! Enjoy!

Bibhu Mohapatra showed a clean, edited collection with dresses, gowns, harem pants, and clean-cut tuxedos. The collection was perfectly minimalistic without being boring, with a soft, muted palate (dove grey, dark grey, black, beige, pale pink, mauve) with the occasional refined embellishments and shots of yummy orange. My favorites -- the combination of grey and orange (grey top and orange harem pants, first photo), the orange gown (in the first photo), the elegant evening gowns that were just the right amount of glam, and the awesome chain print. Basically, there wasn't anything I didn't like in this collection!

Monique Lhuillier's collection was replete with dresses and gowns, accented with latticed stilettos. The dresses and gowns were clean-cut, with classic, flattering silhouettes and a variety of colors. I especially liked the all-black dresses with their colored panels (middle set of photos), the black-and-white dresses, and the glamorous yet simple evening gowns.

Really liked Carolina Herrera's flowing dresses with their cheery prints and bright colors -- perfect for spring!

Cynthia Steffe had some easily wearable dresses and separates in bright spring colors. Fuss free chic = I like! Love the printed maxi dress (third from the left).

Naeem Khan provided some GLAM to the spring shows with lots of sequins, bright colors and embellishments. Love the draped grey gown (bottom photo), the embellished top and orange skirt (bottom photo) and the gorgeous white kaftan (top photo).

So that's almost it from me for Fashion Week! What were your favorite shows?

{All photos from New York Magazine}