Category Archives: Accessory Reports

Statement Jewellery F/W 10-11

When it comes to winters, the colors in our wardrobes go subdued and snug in the grays, chocolates, blacks and navy shades, but what pops out, are the dazzling, exquisite & ornate jewels that are a woman’s best-friend. And with the Fall Winter trend of Statement jewels, it is sure to keep you warm and excited.  

The jewelry this season goes from big, bigger to huge… the chunkier – the better.  From oversized earrings, to huge bold necklaces, to chunky large rings, to most elaborate anklets, and stacked or layered bangles, all of these pieces can help you create ‘The Statement’ that suits your style and accentuates your personality with much élan and exotic charm. This isn’t the season to pick up something that’s understated. Instead, finding pieces of jewelry that is even louder than your clothing will be the way to go.

Large Geometric – almost Futuristic jewels: As goes the fashion trend for garments, futuristic, architectural & geometric remain the trend in jewelry as well. This rare trend of eye grabbers and avant-garde pieces can really set you apart. Go for molded unique acrylic chunks, large gems cut angularly, and unusual plastic forms like bubbles, graphic motifs, animals etc. 


Feathered/ fringed pieces – Fringes have been in vogue – on bags, waistcoats, jumpers and boots, but this season feathers and fringes make for one of the biggest jewelry trends. Elaborate pieces mixed with layers of chains n beads, at times even ombrey-ed, make for a sexy bohemian statement. 


Biker/rock inspired junkies – Metal is the key to this huge trend that has been going on and will be with us for a while it seems. So invest in some shiny plated chunky pieces or go for burnished and textured surface for antique feel. Big studs, overwhelming chain layering, screws, coins, giant plates, all are good ideas and can also be fused with pretty beads and striking crystals. 


Indian vintage heavy jewels – Lots of traditional looking gold, kundan, polki, precious stones & gems, might sound routine but they look incredibly exotic and feminine when worn in the right amount and with the right attitude. Combine heavy gigantic pieces with neutral garments like an LBD, or a white/nude blouse, and you could look like a fashion goddess without refrain. Vintage brooches, gemmed anklets, chandelier earrings and large stone rings are just the pieces with which you can begin exploring this trend. 


Bib/Collar style neck pieces – These one-piece jewelry forms can be just added on to any garment and can transform the whole look of the ensemble. Detailed collar jewels and gemmed bib pieces are all the rage this season. With festivities soaring high, invest in these bold gemmed jewels and have a dazzling winter!

 
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Scarves for Men

Winters in a way or other are a perfect oxymoron in themself. The brutally romantic, freezing-ly warm or soulfully carnal, this time of the year comes with the smell of smoking tandoors, lights, colors and gifts of Christmas, hugs of wraps of garments and ironically, the wintery guillotines. So now when the winters have bared its fangs lovingly, its high time to embrace as many wraps and layers as you can in all wintery hues and with ‘you-can’t-touch-me-without-my-consent’ attitude, blowing the raspberry to the winter storms. 

Actually, during this time of the year, when it comes to dressing our best, robust jackets and boots hold your manly fancies so much that the accessories like scarves are pigeon-holed or we don’t know the ‘hows’ and ‘whats’ of this stylish clothing essential. Scarves actually, complement the entire look by adding texture, colors, patterns and undoubtedly, warmth, provided you must know how to carry it.

This fall winter 2010/11 scarves for men are all about adding a stylish layer to your ensemble in different ways elegantly keeping your masculinity intact. The long scarves in silk, cashmere, knit, wool or chiffon in paisley prints to plaids to solid patterns, all are vying for attention depending on the look you are wearing. Besides, square or cotton silk scarves and circular scarves can also be wielded to create winter wonders.



Try to opt for neutral colors this winter as they go with every thing. The beautiful Banana Republic wool scarf in modern plaids is perfect to render you the casual yet elegant look. Team it up with quilted jacket or waistcoat to magnetize the gaped glares. Whereas the Basile reversible long pencil stripe scarf can flesh out your formal look Actually, scarves are very much unisexual in their approach and the one by Alexandar Mc Queen in cashmere blend with light brown skull motifs is perfect to rock and roll. And, for that million dollar winters look toss this long Roberto Cavalli long fringed herringbone patterned wool scarf but with a style.



Winters bestow that bulky layers on layers look in all monochromatic blues, blacks and greys. So add a bit tad of color like red or other bright shades (if you can carry). Besides, avoid pairing long thin scarves as they spoil the look. The Gucci multi hued silk scarf is meant for the man with taste and panache. Wrap it well with a thick knot for classy look. The striped red Dries Van Noten with long tassels render that laid back look. Whereas, the knitted Bottega Veneta scarf with a leather bag and denims are practical yet trendy.
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Style Fling A/W ’10

For a person like me who is not very fond of winters, I know here I am posing a question mark for the majority that is simply in love with the chilly winds. Though you would all agree despite of the fact that you are in love or not in love with the cold weather is that it can definitely be renamed as the gray weather. With all the ounces of heavy fabric laden on you how do you bring your personal style into limelight from beneath the fur coats and how to add the little fling in your wardrobe to ensure a bold style statement? 

So now what could be more in sync with the season’s best accessory other than the stockings and gloves? Fashionfad.in has shortlisted some of best pieces from the best designers to dress up in colour and panache outdoing the greys. Three varying lengths of gloves from Dior, Armani and Jean Paul Gautier present a platter for you to choose the definite line. Armani’s classic brown tan leather gloves have a semi-circle cut at the fist. Dior chooses the colour brigade with a pair of bright orange gloves in loose fit that rest way below the elbow. Sticking to basics or the classic are the black gloves from Jean Paul Gautier. 



A trend picked up from the schooldays makes groovy moves as Dolce and Gabbana and Marc Jacobs pronounce to wear your dress sleeve a little too long covering half your finger lengths. While D&G has a netted sleeve with a printed faux fur dress Marc Jacobs’ is metallic feast sequined sleeve. A stray casual and yet a powerful look dictates Chanel’s distressed knitted finger mittens. 



Leather stocking with grunge details is picked from the collection by Valentino worn with perky pointed lacy ballerinas. The elbow length well fitted leather gloves by Marc Jacobs in a shade of beige transcend the attitude of an heiress. Burberry has chosen volume for underplay and the fur lining persist in the leather wedge boots emphasizing on the thin legs in stockings. 



However my personal favorite from the entire clan are the knitted stocking with a flush of accent colour that lays off the winter blues. Here are knitted knee length stockings from Prada with and external cable in blood red. Chanel celebrates on the Art Nouveau prints, a little loose fit sock and well below the knees. And the circular knits molds firmly over the legs in the Dolce and Gabbana number with glam shine shoes. 


 

Murses For Men

Last night was fun! The rounds of beer on house, back slaps, buttock spanks, boastful brinkmanship and finally you got laid with ummmm…..ummm….whatever! but post coitally you loved Barney in his Prada suit. The very next morning, drenched in hangover you find only booze stained shirts and wrinkled pants to amplify your giddiness as you are already running late to your office and still to figure out who was she last night. Somehow you manage your dapper self well but pockets bulging with wallet, keys, handkerchiefs and blah blah which make you look more like a well polished garbage bin. 

Yeah, I know you don’t give a damn because you will get the beer and ‘whatever’ at the end of the day. But man, life is not an eleven minutes of battle at six inches of frontier. It has more to it. Though your evolution from primitive ages and stiff stereotypes has traveled a long way but now it’s high time to polish your style quotient, as you worth it. I am not beating you around bush to put lipsticks and wear heels but carrying a snazzy handbag will nowhere offload your masculinity. Instead, it’s going to complete your wardrobe with a lot of glamour, style and definitely, the utility. 

Say goodbye to those stuffy pockets and messy silhouettes playing spoil sport to your du jour ensemble and adopt diverse chic yet manly handbags perfect for different occasions. Whether you are on a long holiday or partying at the nearest pub, there is a bag to accommodate your all essentials. For travel purposes, there is Holdall or Carryall or Duffel bags to house all the items from your ipods to a pair of jeans to only ease your trips. If the word travel bag reminds you of those big bulky and rickety bags, then take a deep breath as the sleek and stylish bags with polished leather exteriors and handles give them a classic look. The two toned Gucci oversized duffel bag in alligator prints with buckle and leather handles perfectly exemplify the modern travel bags.  



The very next in the line are Messenger bags, crutching and serving your hang outs with out a mess. Often made from canvas and leather these manly murses with a large strap are swung over the shoulders. Exuding a laid back casual vibe these bags are equally stylish and sophisticated. The solid messenger bag by Loius Vuitton in tan brown with a huge leather flap and a cross strap to carry it on a shoulder personifies the elegance at its best. Whereas, the trendy yet classic Bottega Veneta leather messenger with big flap in checks is for any hang out with oodles of style in your satchel.



The old boxy briefcases are passé and look good resting your closets only. The very uber and business friendly modern day Briefcases with straps, buckles, leather exteriors and practical interiors have overcome those old sharp cornered cloyingly rectangular briefcases.



The Backpacks or Knapsacks are no longer a fashion faux paus. Once akin to frat boys with big mouth and swear words these bags are redux in their new avatars with extensive functionalities, high aesthetics and utility with top handles, lined top flaps and piping like the one in Bottega Veneta. Being very easy to carry on both shoulders with dual straps are practical as well as comfortable to be flaunted as a fashion accessory.          

 
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Bag Fetish 2011

As soon as the mist clears and the morning sun wakes a little earlier in golden rays the first thing you do is fetch for your bag and run outdoors to grab the first look of spring. Spring is welcomed with hints of bright colour, reminiscence of woody grandeur, potlis and drawstrings. Art inspiration, tribal art and craft with a reflection of the art nouveau style is complimented with a futuristic approach.

The Clutches laid out in this assortment takes you through a journey along a meandering path of history, contemporary and future. Jimmy Choo draws tribal inspirations in this bright hued clutch in contrasting colours of red white and black sizzled with multi coloured pompoms hanging from the end. The mirrors of art nouveau shine brightly in the box silhouette clutch by Versus. An excellent mark of luxury and fashion is the wooden clutch by Donna Karan before we place the floral spring dipped pouch clutch from Jil Sander. And finally here is a peep in the future in metallic hues and web mesh clutch from Chanel.



The Shoulder bags for spring bounce with street smart energy and gets a little grudge and raw this season. Here is a grey bag by Alexander Wang in textured leather flaunting the shape of a rug sack. The look is raw also for Bottega Veneta but certainly not rustic as in this beige bag which collapses and relaxes from the silhouettes of picnic baskets. There is a lime green colour patchwork stripes of dull gold in another bag pack with tassels at the ends of the drawstring in the bag by Diane Von Furstenberg. Colour blocking predominates the design of the Fendi bag that rest on a black base and thin tan leather handles. An absolutely minimal line caresses this bag with zipper seam in classic brown by Celine. 



The Tote bags are less blocky and much fun forms and shapes outlined. Balenciaga spells leaf green with pink short handles that arise from a blue frame pasted on the body of the bag. Emilio Pucci extracts from abstract art and tribal motifs for the sunshine hues with cord straps that ends in tassels and also has a metallic fixture handle inset in leather border. It is minimal again with Emporio Armani in a dull grey trapeze bag with fine lines of leather corners and steel framework. A jhola inspired tote with geometrical drawings is placed on the rack form Hermes. And the rock and roll is back in the golden tote with quilted boom design by Miu Miu. 


 
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Shoe-Ly Staple

Who says winters are cold? Instead it’s a season of warmth and love – the season of free hugs and self cuddles. There is something quaintly mysterious in winters specifically when you are living in Delhi – that brewing coffee in smoggy mornings, kissing sunny afternoons and nightly intimate whispering between the sheets.  Now, winters have knocked again with the running noses, blooming cheeks and freezing feet asking for wintery fashion staples. So, its time to dig out your closets for those lovely booties, I-am-your-man shoes and forever complaisant boots besides those huggers – your cardigans, capes and jackets raise the dipping mercury with fashionable heat.

The frost bite this winter is no where at loggerheads with fashion. The mutual allegiance is standing for utility, comfort, simplicity and elegance. Fashion has gone nostalgic this season – enough reminiscent to club its memories from 50’s and 70’s with a modern twist. The kitten heels (1.5 to 2 inches) are back with classicism and sophistication of Audrey Hepburn. The low pointy slingbacks is giving a ladylike look a la Valentino. The 6 inch heels with a caution note, ‘You can falter anytime’ has stumbled to let the more practical and wearable low heels with studs or zipper details to rule the fashion roost. From Stella McCartney to Prada to Christian Loubatian heels are not standing tall this time. Wear them with woolen or knitted ankle to knee length socks for that pleasing warmth which fashionably victimized legs have always been deprived of. The cropped jeans or tapered pants will perfectly justify the elegance of them with modernity.



The global slowdown has turned into The Christ of fashion. It preached the (fashion) folks to be more frugal, accommodative, inclusive and non-conformist. So abiding by the lores of the once in a century financial phenomenon, androgynous or unbiased fashion is suggesting for The Mannish Shoes to all the fashionistas. Wear them with floral or plaid dresses or skirts and ankle skimming socks to get that cute school lass look. Add up the glam and get a matured superwoman look of today team these brogues, loafers or lace ups with cropped jeans or pants and a crisp white shirt with a bit of skin show at ankle. The fall winter 2010/11 collections by Marc Jacobs, Salvatore Ferragamo, Daks and Mui Mui adopted this androgynous fashion with bright colors and sturdy heels.



The next in the line are forever new and fashionable boots. The above knee thigh high Boots are here to shield you from the brutally staring winters like a protective lover. Up the fashion mojo with your kicks all sheathed under leather and suede boots. Get the I-know-you-are-watching-me-but-I-don’t-give-a-damn Equestrian look all in the veil of a Dior woman. So its time to embrace them with Jodhpur pants (with a well tailored jacket) or a woman’s best friend, LBD with oversized cardigan. The ubiquitous look can be seen at the shows of Roberto Cavalli, Burberry Prorsum, Salvatore Ferragamo and many more.



Though fashion stands for the dissents, followers are rut-chasers, but the very dissents or leaders have their comfort zone which they often love to land at. Such are The Booties, every fashionista’s harbour. This fall booties are again back as always in diverse styles and patterns. From Clogs (shoes with wooden souls) to Mukluks to lace ups all are felicitating the winters with a lot of warmth and style. Go for Chanel fur booties or Mukluks if you are planning for North Pole this Christmas. Or, wear them in Delhi but with a lot of attitude. The lace ups like of Dior with the buckles and metallic detaling are high on practicality, wearibility and of course a lot of ‘it’ and ‘oomph’. Pair up your pretty yet sturdy booties with nice knee high socks and cropped trousers and leave a spoor of fashion. 


Bags for Fall

It’s that time of the year again when the seductress lures in colourful fingers, trinkets peeping out from trench coats and the profound glitter of gold, diamonds and silver in visible silhouettes of bags, clutches and purses glamorously strung from your gloves clad hands. The Fall Winter 2010 unveils the no mess look of straight line geometric boxes in our bags on one hand, and in the very next glimpse rejoices in paper bag relaxed cuts but predominantly maintains a monotone colourway.

Geometric precision:
The geometric lines of precision brings forth boxy silhouettes, square, rectangular and trapeze forms with neat clan of lines as is visible in this bright ochre tending towards orange leather bag with suede patch pocket by Fendi . With and edgy high is the grey bag by Jil Sander that hatches a grid of sheen with thin lines in dark grey and super thin handles. Louis Vuitton offers a very basic structured bag with contrasting handles and a dark melody of lacre colours along with the signature LV symbols. Ralph Lauren infuses masculine power to the checkered bag with lock and key fixture and school bag buckles. And here we have picked up from the ramp Indian designer Rohan Arora transferring print shots from epic movies on rectangular box bags with rope handles.
 

Clutch Fix:
The most sexy fixture accessory to walk along with you from evening cocktails to late night parties is your clutch. So here comes a bejeweled box clutch for the wild party night from Alexander Wang with vintage details and a skull lock with red eyes. And next we choose another box clutch from the house of Armani with absolute sheen and futuristic appeal in washes water colour effect. The gold trinkets and medallions and coins hang from this clutch by Dolce & Gabbana. It’s the snake’s skin golden clutch with long tassels by Gucci that set envious eyes for an eclectic evening. And an ikat fabric potli clutch with leather flaps by Missoni would provide the perfect companionship during the winter afternoons.

Minimal Obsession:
The selection suggests a cleanliness freak thoroughfare with minimal intermingling of lines or patchwork or any sort of ornamentation. Here is this exclusive grey in Balenciaga with small details at corners and sleek finish handles. And the woody finish leather bag with no zippers but edge support and double handles of varying length makes debuts from Burberry. The purple bag hold strictly on to the reins of minimalism but advocates a very dull plastic feel and chains arise from eyelets and small steel chips peep from the front flap. Back home we see pull out a similar design line from the collection of Rajat K Tangri in hot pink. And finally the extra luxe red bag oozes with glamour and claims to be the hottest commodity to beat the winter chills from Versace.

Relaxed Perch:
This definitely compliments the ever so straight tall lines for Fall Winter 2010 with relaxed structure but still with minimal, uniform or no embellishments. The tan leather draw string bag by Chloe is a sure traveler’s delight and has a very classic appeal. The black carry bag form Givenchy where the bag gradually molds itself into the handle is studded with black pearls in definite geometric grid. The Michael Kors vintage look washed leather substantiates with ample buckle and zipper details. The croco leather duffle bag from Nina Ricci gathers in tiny pearls and ornaments. And Stella McCarteney again brings an edgy look with an all encompassing grey studded bag with chain handles.

Explosion of Tribal Looks

This summer, jewellery leaves behind the woes of gold weight and diamond prices. The idea transcends into statement designs. Bold and big are the way to go this summer. Financial pressures are wading off and families return to what matters most, roots and culture, in fashion as well. Such a return to ‘essentials’ is triggered by a sense of searching for one’s identity in the labyrinth of a fast-paced life. Also, such a turn is not restricted to teenagers or middle-aged women but rather spans through the wide spectrum of age groups.

The ethnic bohemian trend spans across all accessories. There is penchant to exotic-ness. There are strong influences from Morocco, Africa and India. Materials too have witnessed unusual blends. Wood is extensively used with semi precious stones in silver. This is continues to be the most exploited ensemble of the trend. Everything is bold and big, be it Statement necklaces or stacking of bangles of different shapes and sizes. The colour ways of canary yellow, fuchsia and sunset oranges are the prominent languages of artistic communication.

For the Sunny Days

With spring just around the corner, the time has come to choose the perfect pair of shades for the season.  There is a frenzy of designer shades available but luckily we are here to suggest a few of our favorites.

The Alexander Wang for Linda Farrow Spring 2010 sunglasses collection is finally available.   Wang has taken classic looks like the Wayfarer and their equally classic cousins to the next level in his first ever sunglasses collection.  With an aptitude for designing cool accessories, he churns out some looks with “zipper hardware, catlike shapes and bronzed resin frames.”  Prices range from $325 to $365.

Who wouldn’t want to own a pair of sunglasses appropriately titled, “Sun Gods?”  Give it to Karen Walker to create some of the hottest shades of the season.  Always tastefully chunky and guaranteed to transform you into the hottest thing under the sun, visit Karen Walker Eyewear to find where you can pick up a pair just in time for a sunny day in spring.  What’s better, her glasses are absolutely affordable-not a pair costs over $200, with prices starting at $170.

Stella McCartney has teamed up with Milan-based eyewear manufacturer Luxottica to create some timeless eyewear for her latest spring collection.  After her previous experience with designing eyewear collections back at Chloé, Stella knows that when it comes to sunglasses it’s "important to make lightweight, comfortable sunglasses that are not a chore or cumbersome to wear." With prices ranging from $180 to $250, Stella McCartney’s collection is full of specs that are going to last years and not months in your wardrobe! 

Bags, Shoes and Spring

This spring summer is infused with water, life, air and style. The fashion quotient does not let the temperatures rise above pleasure as the trend rules in transparency, whites, straw bags, flower power, strings, ribbons and osho comfort. Fashion leads the new way of ultra style and luxe in colours and comfort as the silhouettes of bags get relaxed and you can shove in your entire world as you go out. And of course if you thought gladiator slip-ons were out, hold on for a second as you watch for its new avatar. Now let’s unravel the straps and peep through the laces to discover the hottest shoes and bags for Spring Summer 2010.

No parallel drawn to the ultimo of sexy ribboned wedges from Christian Dior. This red shoe is laden with luxury which allows to slip the most beautiful of toes laid in minimalistic trench. Next on the pave of simplistic oomph is the powder pinky beige platform carved in peep toe and the light muslin ruffled in between drapes the sensuality. More to the strappy is the classic Armani strap heels in black and streak of aubergine glaze mingled with transparency draw the neat lines. For the fun and frolic twist is the plastic green heeled Jimmy Choo with ankle covering and cording all over, promises a lot more for the overnight parties.

Purple and mauve interlace the Roberto Cavalli gladiator tie-up. Its relaxed, comfort and fashion, as you jump into the extra white outfit with the equatorial sun right on top. Ferragamo known for their shoe style statements have designed mustard yellow slip-on with ankle strap and calls to pair up with your hot hotpants and little skin show. The aerodynamics makes you float in the black little kitten heels by Marc Jacobs. Its wood, its canvas and it is home near to the soil, expels the ankle hugging boat shaped slip-on from Calvin Klein.

The bags this season have gone a little organic in shape and form, settled in relaxed postures and with a lot of things happening all around them. The silvery white shoulder bag with trinkets of glitter through the ruffles is by Burberry. Something that reminds of your picnic basket as a kid has been re-visoned in the Christian Dior bag. It’s the optical illusion that has seeped on the tote bag by Givenchy for Spring Summer. And the all new rug sack is no more dust wiped as Louis Vuitton has put on racks the fashion must have with tassels in leather trims.

The crystal clear water calls for inner peace and outer glow with the clutch by Fendi and an all transparent plastic clutch bag by Prada. The spring of colour creases from Versace’s art deco inspired sling clutche. And yet again we trace the livelihood of raw and closer to our being in the basket clutch with black lacing by Dolce & Gabbana.