India's Finery

Salwar Kameez

Also spelled shalvar kameez, shalwar kameez, or shalwar qameez, is a traditional dress worn by both women and men in South Asia and specially Pakistan and India. It is sometimes known as "Punjabi suit," in Britain and Canada. Shalwar or salwar are loose pajama-like trousers. The legs are wide at the top, and narrow at the ankle. The kameez is a long shirt or tunic. 

When women wear the salwar kameez, they usually wear a long scarf or shawl called a dupatta around the head or neck. For Muslim women, the dupatta is an alternative to the burqa. For Sikh and Hindu women the dupatta is useful when the head must be covered, as in a Gurdwara or a temple, or the presence of elders. For other women, the dupatta is simply a stylish accessory that can be worn over one shoulder or draped around the chest and over both shoulders.

Source

Passion for Shoes

Paduka of India

These are shoes with an interesting history. I have a some in leather (not a fan of leather, so I can't wait for a vegetarian alternative-wood anyone) and will say they are super comfortable. At first, I wasn't too sure about a post between the toes, but once on it was a "WOW" moment.

Enjoy, and have a great weekend!

The Men's Edition

Of Sherwanis and Nehru Jackets

I do not undertand why sherwanis (which are more for formal and wedding occasions) and Nehru jackets are not worn more often by Indian actors at events? Maybe they are but the cameras usually catch some man thown into ill fitting jeans, open shirt and brown sandals. 

In my humble opinion, many Indian actors do not know how to properly wear blue jeans and button down shirts. They look like poor lost swingers from the 1970s and 80s. I really want to post the offenders, but there are too many out there.

By the way, Thursdays shall be dedicated to men's ethnic wear because there's more to life than blue jeans and t shirts.

What other suit can a man wear with intricate embroidery
and strands of pearls?

Thinking of Fall

Preeti S Kapoor

If this doesn't make you think of fall, I don't know what will work.  I will admit that I tolerate, no, hate summer, oh please, I was born in the summertime!  But there is something about fall. This outfit says fall: flow of the fabrics, earthy colours, and the beadwork. And let's not overlook the bare feet. Perfect.

Do You Henna?

Henna/Mehndi Art

I'm not into tattoos for two reasons: one, they are permanent, and two, my tastes change from day to day. So a tattoo would be a very, very bad idea.  What can one do when they want a tattoo but not the committment?  Simply henna/mehndi Art.

Strictly speaking for myself, it's the best thing to have for someone that can go from preppy to boho chic to bag lady all in one day.

Besides, it adds a beautiful ethnic flair to whatever one wears.  Of course, the biggest decision would be is if they want an Arabic or Indian henna design. Oh, such decisions!

Ethnic Women Designers

Southeast Asia's Goldmine

This is purely my thoughts on this subject, so I'm going out on a limb to say this:  Southeast Asia (more specifically India) has a stupendous amount of female designers. The more I look into India's fashion houses, the more women designers I find, and it is fantastic!

Sadly, in my humble opinion, American and Western European women designers are not at the forefront, they exist but it's hard to name a few. Sure, there are celebrities with clothing lines, think Gwen Stephanie of No Doubt, but men dominate.

So it's quite refreshing to see so many prominent women designers flying solo or part of a team like: Neeta Lulla, Ritu Kumar, Ritu Beri, Rabani & Rakha, to name just a few.

Neeta Lula

Ritu Kumar ©Viral Bhayani

Rabani+Rakha

WAFRICA

African Prints + Japanese Kimonos

If you haven't seen these designs, then where have you been hiding! These designs are from the Serge Mouangue.  Visit the website to relish the fusion of African and Japa, and learn the fascinating history of how this came together.