Culturally Chic: Passage to India

Coming from Trinidad, I have been exposed to a plethora of different cultural influences. I have met countless people of mixed backgrounds, combining European genealogy with Asian influence and Creole culture! It's absolutely wonderful- a definite plus coming out of globalization! Resulting from this fusion is a limitless pool of texture, colour and design combinations.

I myself am of East Indian descent (Well as far as I know I am- My dentist said something about me having Caucasian genetic traits and my mother is convinced she had a French Creole grandmother). Nonetheless, I am really drawn to Indian inspired styles. I am in awe of the draping, the labyrinthine embellishments, the vibrant colours, the complex patterns... AH! It's all so good. Even the customs are so intricate and focused. I can lose myself in their religious teachings as though it is poetry. The traditional music is so emotional and raw. India is truly an abundant source for fashion and plays a demure muse. No wonder designers (such as Chanel, Marchesa, Diane Von Furstenburg, Louboutin) have been zoned in to the area these past couple of seasons.

As Divali is tomorrow, I thought I would delve into some Eastern themed styles that one might want to wear to attend the celebrations. To decorate the head and face, there are soooooo many options!

The Turban has been making a HUGE comeback recently. 

The Indian trend is kicked up a few notches by pairing it with 

over-sized gems like in this necklace, or perhaps a bright bindi.

Take a note out of Chanel's book and go for darkest black  cat-eye shadow
and what we call a "Maang Tikka" to draw attention to a flawless face.

Trinidadian designer Meiling did some really rich designs for the Bombay Dreams 3 Fashion show, where traditionally patterned silk sarees were used to create garments in Western silhouettes. I always love when people make this combination of using these lustrous fabrics to create an unexpected look.

Aside from Meiling, some of my favourite fashion designers have jumped on the saree bandwagon and are sending ethereal looks down the runways.

 Marchesa

 Chanel

I find a lot of celebrities are also partaking in this look. Indian jewellery can easily make it into anyone's wardrobe, once they enjoy opulence and glamour. Headbands, bangles, earrings, necklaces- You name it! Indian inspired accessories are a go-to for a formal function or a frocktail with some stylish ladies.

   

Of course I cannot be talking about the land of Paisley without mentioning the breathtaking prints. Applying the heavily printed garments to different parts of the body can draw onlookers' eyes to exactly what you want to exaggerate. If you want to distract from wide hips, go for a bright, printed top. If you want to downplay broad shoulders or a round mid-section, focus the print on some straight- legged cigarette pants. The ideas are endless :)

Topshop

And for the "toe" in this Head to Toe India blogpost, Christian Louboutin got the memo and created some really stunning pumps, adorned with metallic thread embroidery and mirrored pieces. Don't have that kind of budget? (I definitely don't) I have seen styles just like this at many an Indian Trade Fair or at the popular Indian Fashion stores throughout the country.

Christian Louboutin

So with wishes for a Shubh Diwali, I encourage you to incorporate a little cultural inspiration in your next look.