WITH WEDDINGSUTRA ON LOCATION- ADITI GULECHHA
May 25, 2013 Fashion & Bridal Wear
Last month, as part of our new initiative ‘WeddingSutra on Location’, we invited three brides-to-be for a unique experience at JADE (by Monica and Karishma), the fashion studio in South Mumbai. Starting with a Style Consultation, a Makeover and a Photo shoot, each of the three participants got to interact with some of the best names in Bridal & Wedding services on how to create their Wedding Day Looks. Here, in the third of the three-part series, bride-to-be Aditi Gulechha blogs about her experience.


“For as long as I remember, I have been dreaming of a perfect wedding look. And now that I am getting married, I realized how fantasizing about the lehenga is fun, but the search in reality is quite difficult. Soon after my engagement I started thinking even more about my wedding day look, I visited a few stores, but wasn’t quite happy after the trials. While going through WeddingSutra’s page on Facebook, I came across ‘Wedding Sutra on Location’ and thought this would be a great opportunity for me to try out something new. I wrote in to them, quite unsure if I would be selected but luckily I received a call. When I arrived at the venue- Jade, I was introduced to ace Bollywood Stylist Nisha Kundnani. I had a brief chat about my likes and dislikes, and based on my inputs, Nisha suggested a few outfits which would suit me. I actually quite liked all the outfits at Jade, and each and every outfit which Nisha selected so I had no clue which would suit me best. Nisha told me to try one, and I was quite comfortable in it. I then proceeded for my make up with Makeup Artist Amrita Sanghavi. She recommended smokey eyes and a side bun. I had never tried a side bun so was a little unsure but at the same time I wanted to try something new. And I was so happy I went with Amrita’s recommendations. I felt my eyes never looked so beautiful and the side bun added a little drama to my look. And yes I could carry it off!”


“The Makeover was followed by a Photo shoot with Dev Purbiya. Nisha and Dev suggested different poses for the photos. I was very pleased with Dev as he encouraged me to pose without making me feel uncomfortable. Overall, it was a great experience. WeddingSutra on Location gave me what I needed – the confidence to try something new.”
If you’re getting married in 2013 and would like to be a part of ‘WeddingSutra on Location’ write (weddingsutra@gmail.com) to us with your name, contact no and wedding date. Three lucky winners get a complete ‘Bridal Wardrobe Look’ consultation on how to pick the wedding outfit complimentary to your body type & personality and experience the look you prefer with a trial makeup and photo shoot in the makeup look. Location and Date- To be decided (City- Mumbai)
Aditi’s Look:
Outfit- JADE (by Monica and Karishma)
Wardrobe Consultation & Styling- Nisha Kundnani
Makeup & Hair- Amrita Sanghavi
Photography- Dev Purbiya http://cam-dev.in/
Tags: Aditi Gulechha, Amrita Sanghavi, Dev Purbiya, Nisha Kundnani, WeddingSutra on Location
Royalty inspired Indian Jewellery
May 17, 2013 Fashion & Bridal Wear
By Akshay Chavan
Indian jewellery has strongly been influenced by primarily two factors, religion and royalty. Infact, despite considerable variations across regions of India, even today, Indian jewellery remains a fine synthesis of religious and royal motifs. And these designs are timeless. A clear link can be seen between the jewellery seen in paintings of Ajanta, Pallava sculptures, Chola bronzes, Mughal miniatures and modern Indian jewellery sold by designer houses today. While designs may vary, metal and stones may vary, but the central idea or theme behind the piece remains timeless. This is the enduring appeal of Indian jewellery.
Your jewellery can be stylish and contemporary and yet represent an aura royalty. Exquisitely and intelligently hand crafted jewellery pieces can effortlessly transcend the past, the present and the future to make the wearer’s appeal timeless. Some of such pieces can be seen below, which are very modern and avant garde but represent a thousand year old royal jewellery tradition.

Satlada Inspired Necklace
Among the most exquisite is this ‘Satlada’ inspired necklace. Traditionally ‘Satlada’ was a seven-tier pearl necklace with woven filigree gold work. It was unique to the collections of the Nizams of Hyderabad. The necklace represented auspicious number ‘7’and covers different layers from neck to navel. This ‘Satlada’ necklace is interestingly paired with ‘karan phool’ or ‘jhumka’ earrings traditionally worn by North Indian aristocracy.

Chintaak Inspired Necklace
‘Chintaak’ or ‘Jadavi Laccha’ is again a very traditional Hyderabadi necklace popular in the court of the Nizams. It primarily consists of round choker made of seven layers of gold sheets and emeralds or ruby drops below. The above choker is a designer gold variation of the Chintaak paired with Karan Phool/Jhumka style earrings.

Royal Rajput Style Choker
In contrast to the Hyderabad inspired designs of the previous choker, this choker is clearly inspired by the exquisite necklaces worn by the royal ladies of Rajasthan. The necklace is traditionally designed in such a way to perfectly compliment a Rajasthani ladies ‘poshak’. This necklace set is hand crafted with fine filigree work and seven central flower motifs. It is complemented with a variation of a traditional Rajput style ‘kangan’ bracelet and pair of earrings.

Patta Haar inspired necklace:
‘Patta Haar’ is a very popular royal Rajasthani necklace wherein the necklace represents the leaves and flower motifs. Interestingly, the ‘patta’ or ‘leaf’ themes were equally popular in South India as well. It is complimented with very modernist take on a traditional Indian ‘bazuband’ or an armlet.
Akshay Chavan is a Mumbai based writer and lifestyle enthusiast who blogs about Indian Royalty and Heritage
The Jewellery creations featured above are by Azva http://www.weddingsutra.com/
Tags: Akshay Chavan, Azva, Chokers, Indian, Jewellery, Royal, Royalty
With WeddingSutra on Location- Payal Sadarangani
May 14, 2013 Fashion & Bridal Wear
Last month, as part of our new initiative ‘WeddingSutra on Location’ we invited three brides-to-be for a unique experience at JADE (by Monica and Karishma) in South Mumbai. Starting with a Style Consultation, a Makeover and a Photo Shoot, each of the three participants got to interact with some of the best names in Bridal & Wedding services on how to create their Wedding Day Looks. Here, in the second of the three-part series, bride-to-be Payal Sadarangani blogs about her experience.


“It is every girls dream to look her best on the wedding day and very few get lucky with a chance to live the same before it comes. Like I did thanks to WeddingSutra. The location was Jade where I got to interact with two very talented professionals, Nisha Kundnani, the stylist and Amrita Sanghavi, the make-up artist. When we saw the beautiful outfits on display, there was a little confusion as to what would suit me. I tried some outfits and then we decided on a pink ensemble. A raw silk lehenga paired with a silk blouse and a fresh green dupatta.
For accessories Nisha recommended traditional and elegant jewellery pieces. The set we chose was floral inspired, bangles with textured petals of gold and sunflower shaped earrings which I wore as a maang tika. Amrita did not have much time to do makeup since the photo shoot was scheduled in thirty minutes, so in twenty five minutes my makeup was done, and it was much better than I imagined it would be. Now it was time for the photo shoot with Photographer Dev Purbiya. It was the most fun part of the day, more fun than choosing outfits too. Initially, I was a little shy, but in about five minutes I became less conscious and started enjoying the experience; now I know I must be relaxed while facing the camera on the big day. I loved being with WeddingSutra on Location Jade that day, and will remember this unique experience always.”


If you’re getting married in 2013 and would like to be a part of ‘WeddingSutra on Location’ write (weddingsutra@gmail.com) to us with your name, contact no and wedding date. Three lucky winners get a complete ‘Bridal Wardrobe Look’ consultation on how to pick the wedding outfit complimentary to your body type & personality and experience the look you prefer with a trial makeup and photo shoot in the makeup look. Location and Date- To be decided (City- Mumbai)
Payal’s Look
Outfit- JADE (by Monica and Karishma)
Jewellery- Azva http://www.weddingsutra.
Wardrobe Consultation & Styling- Nisha Kundnani
Makeup & Hair- Amrita Sanghavi
Photography- Dev Purbiya http://cam-dev.in/
Tags: Amrita Sanghavi, Azva, Bridal, Brides, Consultation, Dev Purbiya, Jewellery, Makeover, Nisha Kundnani, Style
With WeddingSutra on Location- Ankita Popat
May 6, 2013 Fashion & Bridal Wear
Last month, as part of our new initiative ‘WeddingSutra on Location’ we invited three brides-to-be for a unique experience at JADE (by Monica and Karishma), the fashion studio in South Mumbai. Starting with a Style Consultation, a Makeover and a Photo shoot, each of the three participants got to interact with some of the best names in Bridal & Wedding services on how to create their Wedding Day Looks. Here, in the first of the three-part series, bride-to-be Ankita Popat blogs about her experience.


“From the moment I walked in to Jade I felt very welcome and comfortable. I was pleased to meet the WeddingSutra team in person, since I have been following their Facebook page www.facebook.com/weddingsutra for so many months. They introduced me to the three specialists they had invited for this event, well-known Stylist Nisha Kundnani, Makeup Artist Amrita Sanghavi and Candid Photographer Dev Purbiya. The session start with a consultation with Nisha Kundnani. What I loved most about her is the time she spent to understand my tastes and styles. While talking to her I didn’t feel I was having a ‘consultation’, it was all so relaxed and her sense of humor put me at ease. Nisha shared a lot of tips on what I should remember while shopping, and what suited my body type and skin tone- the colors, the embroidery styles and the silhouettes.


For the photo shoot– Nisha recommended a purple and pink lehenga with a gold blouse after which she helped me choose jewellery- we chose a gold beads necklace set embellished with petal-shaped designs. Post the selection of the outfit and jewellery began my consultation with Amrita Sanghavi. Since I don’t use makeup on a daily basis, I didn’t know what to ask Amrita, but as we began talking I had so much to ask her, the time period to talk was short though, since she had to do my makeup and hair before the scheduled photo shoot. Amrita then began her magic, I didn’t ask her much about what she was using, I was sure she knows what suits me best. When I was ready, I looked at the mirror and I smiled, happy that what I saw in the mirror was a ‘very stylish me’.


Next was the much awaited photo shoot with Dev Purbiya. His warm attitude made me feel confident and I looked up and posed. After the first ‘click’ I was excited, I couldn’t wait to see the photos, and show them to my fiance and parents.
Every time I think about the day, there’s just one word which comes to my mind ‘Pampered’. I felt so pampered that day.”
If you’re getting married this year and would like to be a part of ‘WeddingSutra on location’ write (weddingsutra@gmail.com) to us with your name, contact no and wedding date. Three lucky winners get a complete ‘Bridal Wardrobe Look’ consultation on how to pick the wedding outfit complimentary to your body type and personality and experience the look you prefer with a trial makeup and photo shoot in the makeup look.
Location and Date- To be decided (Mumbai)
Ankita’s Look
Outfit- JADE (by Monica and Karishma)
Jewellery- Azva
Wardrobe Consultation & Styling- Nisha Kundnani
Makeup & Hair- Amrita Sanghavi
Photography- Dev Purbiya
Tags: Amrita Sanghavi, Azva, Dev Purbiya, Jade, Nisha Kundnani, WeddingSutra on Location
Payal Singhal’s Summer Bride
May 2, 2013 Fashion & Bridal Wear
Payal Singhal’s ‘Taj’ collection is inspired by the fine detailing and intricate patterns of filigree, jaali work and floral inlays seen in Islamic architecture. The silhouettes include silken Sufi falda pants worn with structured cholis, buttery mul saris with free-flowing kurtas, short anarkali kurtas with voluminous salwars and asymmetric tunic-blouses with traditional saris in silks, katarva cottons and benarasi and mul silks. The delicate detailing of the patterns are embellished with resham, silver and gold taar, pita kora and filigree or jaali work in trellis patterns.
Payal explains, “This collection represents an authentic summer bride that exudes elegance and tradition – her style statement though is experimental with an edge.”
Payal Singhal’s collection in NYC!


Date:
May 3rd, 2013: 11.00 am – 7.00 pm (rsvp only)
May 4th, 2013: 11.00 am – 3.00 pm (appointment only)
At Peepul Consulting
57 West 57th Street
(6th ave between 57th and 58th street)
4th Floor
New York, NY 10019
Contact for rsvp:
payal@payalsinghal.com
Deepal: 917-716-3087
Real Grooms, Real Style
Apr 29, 2013 Fashion & Bridal Wear
Businessman Swapnil from Nagpur is tying the knot soon, and for his Destination Wedding he was looking for clothes that blend international fashion with Indian sensibilities. Swapnil’s friend, a Mumbai based Creative Entrepreneur suggested he visit Studio Aboutir in South Mumbai’s fashion hub Kala Ghoda. Says Swapnil: “My friend mentioned they have what it takes to make a style-statement on a special occasion. So I made a trip to Mumbai to visit Studio Aboutir and was truly impressed with their trend-setting designs. And they have just what I was looking for- Sherwanis and Kurtas with an international feel.”

Nehru Jacket- “Stylish and masculine with a sense of fun” is how Devinaa Chohan of Studio Aboutir describes the linen creation, a reversible jacket in shades of blue and lilac. Team it with a knee length kurta or a Chinese collar shirt. And for trousers- breeches or a slim fit pant or a traditional salwar. Perfect for day as well as evening functions.


Jodhpur jacket- Classic Elegance. In a refined ivory shade, not only looks classy but feels comfortable too. Pair it with the breeches or pencil thin pants for a day or evening look.

Timeless Classic- Bandhgala. A brocade bandhgala in black with a hint of gold. Wear it with breeches or slim pants to look stylish and glam.




Studio Aboutir- Sassoon Building, Next to Fab India store, Kalaghoda, Mumbai.
Photos Courtesy- Dev Purbiya
Tags: Grooms Wear, Jacket, Studio Aboutir, Swapnil Munde, trends
The Gentleman with the Magic Brush
Apr 15, 2013 Fashion & Bridal Wear
By Jaspreet Soni
Guru (Gursewak Singh) is at work, a young and creative guy wielding the brush to prepare the bride for her special day. A Sikh gentleman who makes brides and models even better than perfect, Delhi based Guru earlier worked with MAC and is now a freelance Makeup Artist. His great sense of humor, passion for make-up and his unique identity makes a perfect combination for a good conversation.

Guru at work
Gursewak studied fashion designing and as he passed out, all he wanted to do was make-up. He says, “While studying fashion designing, you get to be a part of lot of shows and exhibitions. I was always interested in what happened in make-up so I used to take care of the make-up section. Colors and beauty always fascinated me. So when it was time to intern, I did not want to intern with a designer but just pursue make-up. I got my first break with ‘Make up Forever’ and within three months, I became a trainer with them and was posted at their first store in Bangalore.” Later on, he was a part of the team that worked on Miss India 2009 and Lakme Fashion Week and then he took up a full-time job with MAC. He owes his success to MAC. He says, “MAC has given me a lot of exposure, experience, skills, professionalism –everything. They sent me to Turkey on an international meet where every country is represented by two artists and I was privileged to be chosen.” But now that he is freelancing, he says it is more fun. “When I am freelancing I get to meet more people, real people, the challenges are more and hence life is more interesting.”

Bridal Makeup by Gursewak Singh
A Sikh gentleman in the field of make-up is unheard of. People do get more interested in his appearance as Gursewak narrates an interesting incident, “I was in Istanbul doing make-up and people instead of focusing on what I was talking about were busy asking how long was my turban and when I told them it was 5 meters, they sprung up in surprise and said that it makes a full bed sheet. So sometimes it becomes a distraction but I don’t mind. I make sure that their attention is diverted back to the make-up and not my appearance.” Initially it was a barrier but since he has been in the industry for more than 5 years, he knows how to break the ice and he infers, “At the end of the day, it is your work that speaks. Brides and other clients are least interested in your identity or whether you are male or a female, what matters is what you are giving them. It is not what you are but what you give.”
His idea of make-up is very simple. “When you say make-up, you don’t have to paint the face but accentuate the features. So for me less is more.” His inspiration is Mickey Contractor and Alex Box whose make-up is truly an art. He says, “While Mickey is my guru in the true sense, Alex Box is artistry personified. Whenever I look at her, I feel immensely inspired. I can just keep listening to what she has to say.”
Gursewak concludes with his advice for WeddingSutra readers, “Hire the services of a Makeup Artist only if you’re comfortable with him or her, and after you have left your Makeup in his hands, be open to ideas or be sure about what you want.”
WeddingSutra on Location
Apr 12, 2013 Fashion & Bridal Wear
Getting married this year! Want to discuss ideas on your wedding day look. WeddingSutra is giving three to-be-brides a unique opportunity- a Complimentary one hour bridal consultation with Ace Stylist Nisha Kundnani, Makeup Artist Amrita Sanghavi and Candid Photographer Dev Purbiya.
Get a complete ‘Bridal Wardrobe Look’ consultation on how to pick the wedding outfit complimentary to your body type and personality, experience the look you prefer with a trial makeup and photo shoot in the makeup look.
Location- JADE by Monica & Karishma, Peddar Road, Mumbai.
Date- Thursday, 18th April, 2013
To win* this unique experience email weddingsutra@gmail.com mentioning your wedding date and contact nos.
*We will accept emails till Saturday, 13th April (12 noon). We expect to receive many emails, but can give the opportunity to three to-be-brides only. Those who are selected will be informed by Tuesday, 16th April (12 noon).

The Vogue Wedding Show 2013
Apr 6, 2013 Fashion & Bridal Wear
The Vogue Wedding Show is a specially curated event featuring the most luxurious brands and personalized wedding related services.
Date: Saturday, 6th April, 2013
Destination: Taj Palace, New Delhi
By Invitation Only. For your invite please call+919920275113.


Indian Bridal Couture
1. Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla
2. Anamika Khanna
3. Pallavi Jaikishan
4. Sabyasachi Couture
5. Suneet Varma
6. Tarun Tahaliani
Jewellery
Mumbai
1. Anmol Jewellers
2. Heeramaneck & Son
3. Kothari Fine Jewels
4. Nirav Modi Jewels
5. The Rose
Delhi
6. Bharany’s
7. Hazoorilal Jewellers
8. Khanna Jewellers
Bangalore
9. Ganjam
Hyderabad
Krishnadas & Co. and Vijay Vithaldas
Jaipur
10. Gem Palace
11. AMER by the House of Suranas
Kolkata
12. Raj Mahtani
International
13. Damiani
A fun and chic collection
Apr 4, 2013 Fashion & Bridal Wear
Joy Mitra showcased his collection at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Autumn/ Winter 2013. This collection is fun- quirky- chic and a tribute to old Bollywood movies. Joy designed dresses, saris and Anarkalis and the color palette was very interesting, mix of black, green, maroon, dark red and mustard.
Brides-to-be may find some interesting pieces here for their trousseau.







