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.