the fashion rookies' jar

long long time ago

2008-11-20T12:05:00.001-08:00

maternal love

2008-03-25T02:53:00.000-07:00

a.) My mom found this salmon sheath (Calvin Klein!) in her cupboard and has kindly donated it to my worthy wardrobe.
b.) The black dress which incidentally was also my new year outfit; is by Mothercare for to be mothers obviously. I suppose I should be embarrassed but of course I'm not! I love it too much to care.
To Mothers! Hear! Hear!

the underskirt

2008-03-25T02:12:00.001-07:00

It's almost always worn under a saree. It's starchy, costs about Rs.50 (that's a dollar & some cents) and is available in most colours on the colour wheel. I couldn't help falling in love.

(in case anyone was wondering, (in case) I still cannot expose my legs. And don't try to figure out the contraption on my head in the last ensemble.)

the poor relative

2008-03-15T01:15:00.000-07:00

hup one two three

2008-03-13T12:27:00.000-07:00

I feel so completely out of the loop. Lots of blog reading to catch up on. So you can expect me to stop by, yes you!

yes we do.

2008-03-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

on the white stairway

2008-03-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

i must be dreaming

2008-03-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

i have missed this.

2008-03-13T12:03:00.000-07:00

84 hours later

2008-02-26T23:56:00.000-08:00

We went to the beach, ran along playing catch 'n' cook and built a shrine for my shoes apart from other things. An adorable mongrel stopped by to watch and patted my hand warmly, giving us his approval of our spontaneous, juvenile behaviour.

The next evening Mawster Zachary (he deserves his very own fashion blog) and me walked along the promenade. I had muddy chocolate icecream, a chicken shwarma roll and salty lemonade. He just looked on. The background score- somebody's happy/boisterous wedding band.

Monday night- drinks and dinner with Kimbo (the costume designer), Paul (the visiting theatre artist), Rads (the drama queen) at my favourite jukebox place. Zachary was there too, but he was having a "bad bad bad" picture day so I hath been forbidden from putting up his picture.

My new old wayfarers. Obviously popular from the look of the pictures.

The day after I saw Kimbo off to a lunch date. Her outfit made me imagine that she was going to bid a tearful, romantic farewell to her sailor love. Which is NOT what she did.

I hurried to go visit my grandparents thereafter. Grandfathers are great and but grandmothers are my favourite. My grandma thought I was getting chubby but she made sure I stuffed myself anyway and gave me pocket money!

(I'm hilarious when I skulk around trying to fit in the picture frame.)

p.s. I'm more of a photoshopper that photographer. I miss my laptop, I shall never ever leave behind again.

leaving in a blue bus.

2008-02-22T02:39:00.000-08:00

Wish me luck, I'm leaving home to pursue my "dreams and all that."

oh the mayhem!

2008-02-11T07:21:00.000-08:00

memory lane

2008-02-09T09:52:00.000-08:00

and look what I found!

she had a bad day.

2008-02-02T08:51:00.000-08:00

But I didn't!
Jello on springs and Masala Chai made my day by nominating me for the "you make my day" award. It's plain to see how thrilled I am!

I'd like to nominate-
Cotton candy
Diary of a third world fashionista
Dreamecho
It's a bit personal
Jello on springs
Masala chai
Nonsense on stilettos
Self destructive rebel a.k.a Baliga
Tango Pirates and Absinthe
The clothes horse

All who make me smile, laugh, think and discover something new everytime I visit their blogs.

woman at work

2008-02-02T08:29:00.000-08:00

being tagged is hardwork.

2008-01-30T05:47:00.000-08:00

Almost a month back I was tagged by Jello on Springs to reveal the inside story of my blog. I'm sorry it took so long. Here it goes.

1. What is the story behind the name of your blog and your nickname?
I have this childish fascination for all things alliterative and silly rhyming. I made a list of all the probable names, took a poll amongst family and friends and ‘the fashion rookie’s jar’ turned out to be most popular (‘studious stylist’ was runner-up). Of course, the idea is that if you said fashionrookiesjar really quick it might sound like fortunecookiesjar. It doesn’t mean much but if you really dig deep, then all you’ll get is that I’m putting forth snippets of my style (like the little notes in fortune cookies) and that when it comes to fashion, art, etc. I’m like an eager intern, always wanting to learn.
My nickname Indi is an almost anagram of my real name. It is what my grandma came up with; she refused to wear dentures and found it hard to pronounce my name. Indi was easy and soft on her tongue.

2. Why did you start blogging in the first place?
I started my first blog when I was away from home. Since I’m not much of a talker, blogging seemed the ideal way to get things off my chest.

3. What has been your best blogging experience? What about the worst?
Receiving encouraging comments from bloggers all over the world that serve as incentive for me to keep my creative juices flowing, is by far the best experience. Worst, I suppose, is when things turn nasty on the comment space of anyone’s blog (mine has been spared so far). The whole point of blogging is freedom of expression, but when opinions are put across in a rude, vindictive manner, it is upsetting.

4. What do you think will happen to your blog in 2008?
Most of my blogging is dictated by my mood swings, which means I have absolutely no inkling of what I may do next. However, I'm going to try very hard to my disappearing act less often.

Sometime later Dreamecho asked me to spill the contents of my bag.

I think the only item that requires explaining is the piggy measuring tape (which a very dear friend gave me, knowing my love for pig things). I've been toting that around because I'm in charge of the renovation of my home. Of course, I'm taken so seriously when I whip that out.

As for tagging others, I think I've been such a late latif that most on my list have been already tagged. But for those haven't done this yet, I've just tagged you!

new camera, new green walls, good ol' sister.

2008-01-22T00:52:00.000-08:00

She's my favourite model albeit a very reluctant one.

Tolerant, generous to a fault and silly.

Some of my long-limbed loved one's lovable quotes -

* " Oh look! They are cracking bursters!"

* " Vaseline makes your lips shiny hence it is make-up, a false illusion. I don't want to wear make-up."
* " C'mon, let's go. What do you feel like eating today?"

And the reason why this post is dedicated to her is because, she is buying me

despite the fact she's thinks I have way too many already.

yesterday, actually.

2008-01-19T01:45:00.000-08:00

whose?

2008-01-16T05:42:00.000-08:00

loops and rounds

2008-01-12T04:53:00.000-08:00

cinnamon green tea

2008-01-03T00:31:00.000-08:00

holiday hangover

2008-01-01T22:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas. Green eyes and I hammed it up for Dee. How could we not? Buzzing with rum cake and... the rose. The rose. The mood was set.

I had a long cosy holiday.

masala chai

2007-12-18T22:37:00.001-08:00

A brand new art blog Masalachai by enterprising Pav. She's on a mission to recognise and appreciate talented young Indian artists, illustrators, textile designers, photographers, etc. She has already featured some great new artsy folk (including me, I was thrilled!). Definitely worth a dekko!

shipshape

2007-12-18T22:35:00.001-08:00

last night

2007-12-16T22:22:00.000-08:00

*ing green eyes

distracted by ye mistarshers

2007-12-13T04:50:00.000-08:00

Apart from what they do for a living; which is fantastic by the by, my appreciation for facial hair on men is on the rise leading to numerous “Hello there!! What have we here?!” moments. Signs of me growing up. Maybe.

carrot top

2007-12-11T04:56:00.000-08:00

guess who

2007-12-06T05:01:00.001-08:00

tough blueberry cookie

2007-12-02T21:58:00.001-08:00

bogged by baggage

2007-11-30T02:05:00.000-08:00

I put together all the bags I own, inspired by lc at fops and dandies. I've always been quite a bit of a bag lady, but my love for leather bags is quite recent. At one time I was into matchy-matchy then it became contrasting and now it's more of neutral blend but I've always loved frame bags. I hope I have enough of nieces, goddaughters and other kinds of female (or male if any of these bag rocks his boat, so be it) kin to carry on the legacy. Four sizing categories.

twirl in the dark

2007-11-28T05:02:00.000-08:00

doodle II ( there might be more to come)

2007-11-28T04:07:00.000-08:00

doodle got carried away

2007-11-25T01:21:00.001-08:00

slouch chic

2007-11-23T00:25:00.000-08:00

googlyeyes

2007-11-22T00:09:00.000-08:00

There are times when I go seriously wide-eyed when I see something I'm lusting after. This post is not about those times. It's about the times when I get googly eyed because my senses have gone off kilter due to an arrangement, combination or proportion.

Let me demonstrate.

Case number one- booties, boots, brogues.

A five star rating for heeled brogues revealing the perfect amount of ankle. My senses feel harmonious.

A four star rating for mid calf boots that meet the coat exactly.

Googly eyes when ankle boots cover an awkward amount of ankle to create an illusion of short legs, when clearly that cannot be true.

Case number two- Gold. Silver. Together.

Ouch.

Case number three- colored jeans

My rigid mind believes in staying true to the indigo roots of denim.

I've tried to cure myself. Bought myself red all stars hightops to begin with, which eventually got sized down to low-bottoms. I sometimes manage to survive wearing clothes and bags with gold and silver hardware, as long as I don't have to face too many reflective surfaces. Brrrr... but I still won't touch crayon denim. I have to climb stairs to reach home. I'd never make it with blurred eyesight.

Images used purely for illustrative purposes from style, facehunter and denimology. You need not have to agree to what I say although it would be nice to have someone second my opinions.

new muse

2007-11-13T09:17:00.000-08:00

I know it's early still, but my inspiration for New year's- Morticia Addam on a slight trip.

handy pose ripped off my friend Mr. Z. I know he would want me to acknowledge it.

walking the line

2007-11-13T08:22:00.000-08:00

When I started Fashion Rookies' Jar I was, in a way, looking to express what it is like to be part of fashion in India. There are a lot of misconceptions and often no opinion at all of what my country's style quotient is all about. It is very unfortunate that the Indian culture that often provides inspiration to designers, stylists, fashionistas, etc. abroad fails to find proper representation of the current fashion scene. Truth is that it is practically impossible to slot Indian fashion especially street style, mainly because there is no homogeneity in any urban community. While my peers and I may be able to recognise a lot of international fashion names, we also, shamefacedly, sometimes look down upon the Indian fashion scene for not being 'with it' enough. Similarly we face criticism and are misunderstood for 'westerners' because of our outlook and dressing sense. I'l be honest whatever I do, even if I do manage to draw that fine line between indigenous and foreign, I'l always feel like little bit of an outsider. Nonsense on stilettos was on the lookout for a blog by an Indian author in India. She happened to spot me and has featured me with much excitement on her blog. Sure, I'm thankful but it is a little discomforting to be the only one. So far.

Correction: I'm not the only one! In fact Nonsense on stilettos herself had already set the ball rolling on fashionable Indian blogs!

under uniform

2007-11-02T00:24:00.000-07:00

I'm under house arrest for an indefinite period of time because of an allergy I've suddenly developed. Being at home has its privileges especially after being away from it for four years. But somehow I'm not very moved to push my stylish instincts when the audience consists of just my family who thinks I'm cute even if I wore a potato sack. In fact I can imagine the gushing and pinching of cheeks if I did just that. ("anything goes as long as your hair's out of your eyes." so mama says.) Worse still are the wardrobe constraints- no jewelry or metallic elements, no synthetic fabrics, no hair removal! I'm most comfortable when my elbows are covered and my knees are exposed, but slowly and steadily I'm inching towards wearing pants again as long as they are cotton. Keeping all of the above in mind some items of my cupboard have been on rotation mode catering to my fussy needs. I feel like I'm in uniform everyday, one because I see these clothes so often in a week,two it makes me feel like I'm back in school with its restrictions and three because of the structure of most these items. I figured atleast if I sort of catalogued it I might come up with a new ensemble everyday. So here goes, a week's progress!
(click to see enlarged version)

Balenciaga's bringing the bustle back?

2007-11-01T23:43:00.000-07:00

The first farthingale was seen in the 1500's and universally acknowledged as the Spanish Farthingale or Vertingale which constituted of hoops made of wire, wood or whalebone, growing larger towards the bottom ot the skirt. Then the Elizabethan period of the 1600's saw the emergence of the French or the wheel farthingale. Shaped like the wheel with the woman standing right in the centre of it so an all round width was achieved. Then came the Italian one or also known as the bum roll farthingale wherein a sausage like roll was wrapped round the woman's waist with more cushioning at the back. This particular one had a shorter shelf life than the others because the exaggerated emphasis on the behind was considered... ahem.. vulgar. I suppose the tight corseted bosom was distraction enough! In the 1700's the hoops made a comeback only this time instead of the focus being on height, it was width that was considered the height of fashion. The basket like construction was focussed on creating a shape so wide that it was impossible for two women to walk through a door at once or share a couch. Then came on more debate on the indecency of wearing a bustle. Well, this arose largely because sitting down in a bustle would lead to the extreme see-saw like rise of a lady's petticoat. Thereafter which fashion began to take on a silhouette following the natural contours of the body.

That was until now, because the bustle/ farthingale/ hoops - whatever you may call it seems to have gotten a re-kindling by Balenciaga. For some reason it has a very avante garde feeling despite being based on strong historical elements. Probably because of the fabric, the bell pepper shape, the shorter lengths and the lesser layers of petticoats. I dont know but I wonder what happens when you sit in these?

be right back

2007-10-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

i'm having internet trouble, which should get sorted in a day or two. Il be back with who's bringing the bustle back, my uniform dressing and do some blog browsing. See y'all soon!

winter wardrobe

2007-10-25T07:35:00.001-07:00

the tea party

2007-10-18T05:44:00.000-07:00

Last week I went to Aunty Carla's tea party, quite the fancy affair. But the best bit was that I managed to smuggle some of the polariods taken at the party. I was most amused to read what Aunty Carla had to say about the Looker family. I thought I might as well share the snippets but for the record I think the Lookers' are a lovely family.

the chosen ones

2007-10-12T05:51:00.000-07:00

To make things somewhat clearer in my mind I decided to photograph some of my favorites things from my wardrobe. These made it to the coveted list. Yes, I love monochrome at the moment, I wish I was a black and white picture.

luggage strap often used as belt hugging broken computer, skinny white belt, rectangular egg shaped vintage clutch, skinny black belt, pointy flat pumps, patent strappy sandals, mother's kitchen timer.

quaint bicycle mobile, drawstring dress, lucky number, patent doctor bag.

wandremani- the cross dressing teddy, bow shirt, leopard tee, pencil skirt, argyle socks, lyla the teapot.

georgette poncho like top, grey beads, black pearls, white pearls, button- i shuffle hanging on for its life.

shower head, grey poloneck tee,grey/white victorian tee, timer/ button pendant, grey pencil skirt with ruffles at the back (back view).

round toed pumps on v.i.p. seat.

india in vogue

2007-10-12T05:18:00.000-07:00

This october saw the launch of the Indian Vogue. It is exciting no doubt and quite reasonably priced too. But most of the better shoots and articles were contributed by international Vogue staff. Hope it's just part of the induction process and the next issue showcases more work by the Indian team.

on the cover from l to r- bipasha basu (actress), gemma ward (doll face), priyanka chopra(actress),monikangna dutta (model), preity zinta (actress) and lakshmi menon (model- i wish we saw more of her)

shot on the sets of indian movie "saawariya'

the enchanted garden, rajasthan. gorgeous pictures. i love sasha p.

objects of desire- feat. traditional indian jewelry

pictorial evidence of all things indian from Vogue's archives.

trend- skinny jeans, cigarette pants or what we call churidhar pants.

churi = bangles

churidhar = like bangles (the folds around the ankles are supposed to resemble bangles.)

on the prowl

2007-10-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

question

2007-09-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

unforunately

2007-09-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

I laid my hands on the first Indian edition of Vogue QUITE some time back. I have been wanting to put up my favourite bits. Present future tense.

cabbage patch

2007-09-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

tagged

2007-09-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by dreamecho who has an enviable sense of style and a brillant fashion diary. I thought it as bad news because I cannot not possibly have seven interesting facts about myself to tell. But I had a day full of nothing to do and went to deep self intropection. Here the final seven hopefully intriguing snippets of myself worth printing.

1. I get very uncomfortable in open spaces, around open windows and doors, strong winds,etc. I prefer dark, boxy spaces.

2. I detest making or receiving phone calls, even to or from my closest friends and family. I rather have conversations in person. I have to plan what I intend to say when making a phone call and generally have the urge to put down the phone the moment I say hello.

3. I secretly wanted to be a baton twirler or a gymnast when I was growing up. For very obvious reasons I did not become one.

4. I cannot, yet, bring myself to buy an expensive garment though I would willingly fork out the amount for shoes. My most expensive piece of clothing is striped jersey dress (Rs.3000=$75). Totally not worth it but it was a desperate situation.

5. I have two tattoos and a love/ hate relationship with them.

6. Every month when I'm PMSin, I devour a sappy romance novel in two hours, think happy thoughts for a while then chastise myself for being so corny and banish the book from my sight. Every month. I'm part of a vicious cycle.

7. Nothing makes me happier than a cup of tea. Anytime, anywhere and any kind.
So as to continue the chain I'm tagging
baliga for she always speaks her mind and it might be interesting to hear what she has to say.
diana at so fash'on who is a seamstress, photographer, stylist, artist, owner of a huge fashionable wardrobe. lovely.
and i'm going to leave it at these two.

the week that was

2007-09-17T00:35:00.000-07:00

I'm becoming such a pro at procrastination. India just had the first of its two, (yes we have two) spring/summer 08 fashion weeks. Wills Lifestyle India fashion week (Delhi) celebrated it's tenth year, while Lakme fashion week (Mumbai) to be held sometime in October is a more recent development.

For years, Indian fashion fraternity have been doing what they are best at. Indian embroideries, lots of embellishment, sequins and largely ethnic attire consisting of the salwar kurtas, churidars, sarees, ghagras, etc. But slowly the western ideas, silhouette and ways of living have filtered in. Thus, designers are now are trying to amalgamate the rich history of Indian culture and the easy urbane styles of the west. Not very convincingly yet, but then I cannot imagine it is easy. India has often provided inspiration to the west, but still a long way before it is reckoned as one of THE fashion capitals. For one, very few Indian designers have a trademark by which they can be identified season after season and because of which it is difficult to create a loyal fanbase. Second the styling and accessories tend to be lacklustre or blatantly "inspired". But I'm sure given some more exposure we will get there soon.

Just to throw some more light on what Indian designers are doing, I picked nine designers worth a dekko.
Varun Sardana

I think it's his first time at fashion week, but he shows remarkable promise. His collection called 'The Grammar of Seeing' was inspired by the philosophy of Austrian painter & architect Hundertwassen. Embellishment designed to create organised chaos and graphic representation.

Aparna & Norden Wangdi

Primary coloured and stark. Pouchy paperbag like silhouette. Infused with childishness, with literal inspiration from ragdolls. Upbeat ethnic texture.

Varun Bahl

Largely, a metallic dusky colour palette (a huge trend) and fabrics like linen, muslin, crepe and mesh. Overall "pretty futuristic" and clearly spelling SPRING.

Namrata Joshipura

Her show was slightly predictably sweet. Clean lines and spotty sequined prints. Elements of retro pop. And I will not pretend to ignore the last seasons' Versace and 3.1Philip Lim-like shoes.

Rajesh Pratap Singh

He is always quietly creative and this time was no different. Muted grey with subtle underlinings of red, lime green, yellow. Sheen on fabrics, techno edged and the rare androgyny.

Gauri & Nainika

I wouldn't be surprised if Carolina Herrera was on the list of favourites of these two sisters. Sharp lines and Mondrian inspired prints but moulded into feminine curves. High maintenance petticoats and layers of tulle make them obviously occassion wear.

Tarun Tahiliani

One of the stalwarts of the Indian fashion, Tarun Tahiliani loves his drapes and adds the opulent touch to all his creations. This is time it is Kutch to Kenya with tribal influences of both places, models marching like brave warrior princessess. Lots of ivory, beige, peachy skin, jersey lycra and washed linens.

Shantanu & Nikhil

Banares provided inspiration to this duo if form of the rich fabric and the sacred thread tied on the wrist. Generous dollops of all kinds of yellow. But compared to their last season's collection this was a bit of a letdown. I hope they spring back soon.

Rohit Bal

His show got the coveted finale spot. His inspiration was the city of Constantinople and the Byzantine. Again ivory tones that progressed into litmus blue, citrus green, brown and black.Origami folds and huge frothy tulle shapes. Indulgent and over the top, but he missed expermenting with the men's silhouette. Also the occassional appearance of superwoman costumes which I'm still trying to figure out why.

Overall I'm quite disappointed with this season's collections. Last season had more sign of creative brillance. A lot of my other favourties did not show. And apparently business was poor because of the close proximity of the New York fashion week. Maybe Lakme Fashion week has some goodies in store.

streaks of nature

2007-09-14T04:15:00.000-07:00

highly waisted

2007-09-11T07:04:00.001-07:00

jealous much.

2007-09-11T06:52:00.001-07:00

pic from facehunter.blogspot.com

How does mr. facehunter meet so many visually stimulating people in a day?

Anyway, I am completely in awe of the simplicity and confidence of the lady in green. Layering is easy, often anything and everything goes. The challenge according to me is walk out of my home wearing just a single piece of clothing. My natural urge is, "Isn't it too little? Why do I feel so underdressed?". As I reach for an accessory or garment to add on to my ensemble, I hope someday I feel good enough about myself not to depend on the extras.

mondrian

2007-09-11T06:26:00.000-07:00

A Dutch painter, Piet Mondrian provided inspiration to one of fashion's greats, Yves Saint Laurent for his iconic collection in 1965/66. Piet Mondrian started out with landscapes but proceeded to be inspired by the foundation of nature to create deceptively simple "compositions". These compositions as he liked to call them consisted of rectangles of primary colours- red, yellow and blue, and white or black, outlined by bold black lines. Intrigued by Cubism but not exactly a member of the movement, he belonged to the movement of neo-plasticsm which believes that art should not be a copy of real objects but the expression of the absolutes of life. And the absolutes of life according to them are horizontal and vertical lines.

He said "I construct lines and color combinations on a flat surface, in order to express general beauty with the utmost awareness. Nature (or, that which I see) inspires me, puts me, as with any painter, in an emotional state so that an urge comes about to make something, but I want to come as close as possible to the truth and abstract everything from that, until I reach the foundation (still just an external foundation!) of things…
I believe it is possible that, through horizontal and vertical lines constructed with awareness, but not with calculation, led by high intuition, and brought to harmony and rhythm, these basic forms of beauty, supplemented if necessary by other direct lines or curves, can become a work of art, as strong as it is true."

In 1965/66 Yves Saint Laurent showcased his Mondrian collection to audience who loved it. It paved the way for colour blocking and high contrast in garments and spawned many look-alikes. If you get lucky on E-bay and land one of the originals in high quality geometrically blocked wool jersey, good for you!

facehunter snapped these ladies sporting mondrian and mondrian like art.

from old maid to eye candy

2007-08-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

brogues, oxfords, and all of that jazz

2007-08-29T03:35:00.000-07:00

I love borrowing from the men. I love androgynous dressing. And for women like me, gents' inspired shoes help complete that look. To perfect that charming man-woman swagger try these.

Brogues:

Brogues find their origination in Scotland and Ireland. They are low heeled made of leather and distinguished by the wing tips (the W formation on the toe cap) and the perforations.

Derek Lam's take on brogues.

Oxfords:

More traditional, formal and plain than brogues. These dress shoes mostly include the little piece of leather stitched at the toe cap.

Look what Miu Miu made for us.

Again, we owe Coco Chanel who brought the two-toned pump into existence for women. She didn't see why men should be so comfortable yet so well dressed all the time and was inspired by a black and white Oxford shoe.

Jazz Shoes:

These dance shoes have a split sole just like ballet shoes. They have a longer vamp and is secured to the foot with lacing or elastic. Usually they have a low heel.

pic from www.facehunter.blogspot.com

Winklepickers:

Winklepickers have been around from the 1950's, largely seen in the teddy boys' cultures. It soon found itself adorned by both male and female British rock n roll fans. Winklepickers have a very sharp and long pointed toe and gets it's name from the needle that is used to take out winkles (sea snails) from their shells. Currently a huge fave amongst the Punk/Goth/Emo people.

pic from www.facehunter.blogspot.com

Lastly, you MUST take a peek at Queen Michelle's (Kingdom Of Style) enviable collection of shoes that includes a lot items from above. Click on the link below.

http://kingdomofstyle.typepad.co.uk/my_weblog/2007/08/shoes-glorious-.html

sloth

2007-08-27T04:44:00.000-07:00

sorry i'm back after a break and i'm LAZY. tut tut indi......

black is back

2007-08-27T04:32:00.000-07:00

Ye Gads! I love what these beautiful people are doing with their black.

pictures from facehunter.

heart

2007-08-25T11:21:00.001-07:00

2007-08-17T10:05:00.001-07:00

my bad. trompe l'oeil is pronounced as trompe l-eeeee... thanks janu im glad you speak french!

pirouette

2007-08-13T06:27:00.001-07:00

the lines

2007-08-13T06:24:00.000-07:00

starting from today

2007-08-13T06:18:00.000-07:00

i'm not sure if i do it subconsciously but there are days, after i'm dressed i slip into a character not necessarily myself. Literal interpretations of my mood, inspiration or agenda for the day. Pun always intended.

nautical

2007-08-06T03:14:00.000-07:00

It is a large umbrella term that encompasses all that is related to marine and naval life. It is easy to spot in terms of interpretations because of the obvious motifs, shapes and silhouettes

Some of them are:
Pea coats, double breasted jackets, shiny brass/gold buttons, (inspired by the captain of the ship's uniform) contrast piping

Sailor stripes, collars and pants

Rope/ cording, anchor motifs

the colours navy blue, white and red

Cable knit sweaters

deconstruction

2007-08-06T02:35:00.000-07:00

In the late 80's a new breed of independent thinking and largely Japanese designers came into force. They were influenced by the minimalism of their own art and culture, and other philosophies which included the literary philosophy of deconstruction by Jacques Derrida. I've tried reading up on the theory of deconstruction, errrm but I'm afraid it's going to take me a while before I get the hang of it... its complicated, understatement. But the base is- to undo/deconstruct/ reconsider/analyse the true meaning of a text which might be repressed otherwise because of the vastness of the language. I suppose it opposes diplomacy in language and stresses on calling a spade a spade, but then again i might be over simplifying the concept.

The designers- Yohji Yamamoto, Rei Kawakubo (Commes Des garcons), Issey Miyake and the non Japanese- Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Maison Martin Margiela largely pioneered the fashion revolution and the love for black.

Ann Demeulemeester

Rei Kawakubo for Commes des Garcons

Dries Van Noten

Maison Martin Margiela

Yohji Yamamoto

These designers delved into history, ecology, physical and cultural changes, progressive thoughts and portrayed their conclusions or emotions in the process of garment construction. They wanted seams and garment components that were previously invisible to be seen.

Though deconstruction early on was largely unfinished and rough around the edges, a newer concept like reconstructed deconstruction has the output looking more whole and finished.

p.s. I doubt one brief post would suffice on this topic. Will probably add more later once I can study in deeper detail.

muffin top

2007-07-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

muffin top is the excess flab that spills out of a waistband that happens to be a tad too tight. this word has been in existence since 2003 and originated in Australia, clever mates, and seen all over the world. low waist jeans actually might be better if you want avoid looking freshly baked and ready to eat.

and this guy thinks its cute sometimes... http://www.whowhatweardaily.com/website/full_article.php?id=393
im not sure if he's the exception or the majority of the male population.... anyways doesnt matter too much me thinks, opposites will attract as per laws of nature. ("you dont like muffin top? "asks female," i am it, so there!' i bet they lived happily ever after.... besides who dresses for men these days? hmph!)

trompe l'oeil (tromp lowel)

2007-07-30T09:08:00.000-07:00

derived from the word french word 'tromper' which means to deceive and 'l'oeil' means the eye. trompe l'oeil is quite a challenging form of art wherein an optical illusion is created on a 2D surface. as always art inspires fashion and vice versa. elsa schiaparelli,(a brave, eccentric designer and arch rival of coco chanel) largely taken up by surrealism first experimented with trompe l'oeil in fashion.

her bow sweater created a stir because it was such an unusual concept. she continued to experiment with trompe l'oeil and surrealism as seen above in the form of the shoe hat and many more.

pics from www.facehunter.blogspot.com

looks like a hot favourite for those who want that second glance.

Ombre (am'bruh)

2007-07-30T08:31:00.000-07:00

apparently also a card game, ombre in textiles & fashion is shading or the merging of dark and light or different colours. if used cleverly it can create illusions of slimmer bodies... or if you are lucky enough not to want that, you can use to create imaginary wider shoulder or a bigger bottom!

john galliano created a custom gown for dear gwen stefani using the ombre technique. i think it suited gwen stefani's personality perfectly with the shocking pink hem rebelling against the usual norms followed for a wedding dress. also how this term came to my attention is, it was quite one of the favourite statements that a lot of designers like prada and louis vuitton chose to make this fall. click on the link below to see the interpretations.
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/stylehunter/content_5786

warming up

2007-07-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

il be starting regular posts in a couple of days, you can dip in then.! bye!