Monsoon Style Tips by Designer Soojata Kothari

Jun 23, 2011 Fashion & Bridal Wear

Everyone loves to dress at their best for a wedding. But what do you do if the weather is hot and humid? Bridal wear specialist Soojata Kothari lists some must-knows and must-avoids.

Fabrics and Colors

Velvets, thick silks, heavy brocades are a no-no as they don’t allow the body to cool. Pick georgettes, chiffon, net, crepe brocade or lace in light and pastel shades.

Brocades, satin, spun silk and velvet in dark colors are perfect for winter.

Embroidery

Avoid over-the-top diamante work or creations with heavy zardozi and big stones. Pick creations with small Swarovski stones, kardana, aari (fine zari) and kundan work.

Silhouette

Go for free flowing ensembles, preferably with one layer. If you’re wearing a fitted ensemble choose a fabric that is softer, to avoid allergies.

Grooming, Accessories and Fragrances

1. Always use a talcum powder before you use a deodorant and before you wear a heavy saree or grand ensemble. Wear the powder/ deodorant or perfume on your clean skin only and never apply it on an expensive outfit.

2. If you’re getting a sleeved outfit ask the designer to fit sweat-pads. Else make sure you buy sweat-pads (now available at most large departmental stores in India)

3. Always dry-clean the outfit after you wear it for the first time. This is because the outfit has passed through several hands, before it is delivered to you.

4. Avoid lots of flower on the hair or heavy eye-shadow and make-up.

5. Pick lighter jewellery for the neck, so you feel comfortable, and can avoid any possible skin allergy.

Soojata Kothari’s studio is in Khar, Mumbai. She specialises in custom-made Bridal wear and also offers Personal Shopping services. She can be reached on 9820072979.

Tags: Bridal Wear, Monsoon, Personal Shopping, Soojata Kothari, Style, wedding

Wedding People – Personal Shopper Soojata Kothari

Feb 13, 2011 Wedding People & Planners

Welcome to our new column called “Wedding People” where you can get up and close with People who are part of the Wedding Industry. In our first post here, we are profiling Personal Shopper Soojata Kothari.

Soojata Kothari, the highly talented bridal/ trousseau designer has launched a new service– Personal Shopping/ Styling for Brides. Soojata’s customized excursions include personal introductions to exclusive boutiques, embroiderers and visits to bridal beauty and accessory stores & services. Soojata explains: “Most of my brides look for a personal touch to their shopping sprees and need styling ideas. I research the shops based on her style preferences, budget and her future lifestyle. And then help her choose keeping in mind her body shape, skin tone and personality.”

Soojata’s consultancy charges start at Rs 5,000. “It depends on the duration I have to spend with the bride, and the locales we have to visit”, she says elaborating how a service like this can help a bride save lots of monies. “Most brides or for that matter women spend money on clothes they’ll rarely wear. Many of the expensive clothes don’t fit them well. And quite often they don’t really love much of their occasion wear? I help a client build a wardrobe that she will love, and ensure that she doesn’t make those unflattering or impulsive purchases.”

Soojata believes her extensive experience in designing Indian wear gives her the unique edge, to make brides feel comfortable when she is in their personal space. What advice would she like to share with WeddingSutra readers? Here’s what she thinks every to-be-bride must-know.

• Most Indian women look best in Indian and Indo-Western ensembles. So if you love Indian wear, stick to it and don’t experiment with Western wear for wedding functions unless you’re sure it looks good on you.
• Since most Indian families have exquisite jewellery, decide on your outfit, based on your jewellery– for e.g. kundan, polki, vilandi work well with kundan & mirror work lehengas, diamond jewellery team well with Swarovski & diamante embroidered sarees and lehengas.
• Regardless of what trendy outfit you select, know what embroideries are in vogue. Right now, raised sequence work, gota with kundan work and diamante with cutwork are ‘in’.

To get in touch with Soojata Kothari visit www.soojatakothari.com

Tags: Bridal Wear, Brides, Embroideries, Personal Shopper, Shopping, Soojata Kothari, Styling, Tips