sarees and sun glasses

Ok, may be not this one, but sarees and sunglasses go well together. By that I mean, ghagra and sun glasses do not work too well together. But a contemporary saree with sharp sunglasses – can be in the same theme.

Jewelry Designs by Asha Kamal Modi

I think the most beautiful saree can only look its best with the right accessories to accompany. Asha Kamal Modi’s Art Karat jewelry collection contains some of the most beautiful pieces I’ve seen and has been featured in more than 10 Bollywood films including Devdas, Monsoon Wedding, and Kama Sutra. I’ve watched these movies countless times and every time ohhhed and awwwed at how stunning the costumes and jewelry were. It wasn’t actually until I did a little research into Asha Kamal Modi’s designs lately that I realized she was the master behind those ohhs and awws.

The Art Karat collection features traditional styles as well as more contemporary pieces, something to suit every taste, as long as your tastes are slightly on the expensive side. All pieces in the collection are made from silver, coated in 22k gold, with precious and semi-precious gems inlaid. You can learn more about the collection and its inspiration on her site www.artkarat.com.

Here is a little blurb about Asha and the Art Karat collection from her site:

“Asha Kamal Modi launched her line in 1988, a time when the concept of designer jewelry was unheard in India, in face of acute cynicism she has carved a niche for herself as one of the most recognized jewelry designers of India. She draws her inspirations from the basic elements of nature together with the rich Indian heritage, studying its changing moods and traditions. Each of her designs is different in style, mood and craftsmanship, made to perfection by some of India’s finest artisans.”

Madhuri Dixit in Devdas wearing jewelry by Asha Kamal Modi

Here are a few pieces from the Art Karat collection that I personally like. My tastes tend to lean towards simplistic with a touch of elegance. Nothing too large or gaudy.

A red quartz, kundan, and fresh-water pearl necklace – $580

Simple and elegant earrings with Faceted Pear Amethyst, Pear & Round Zircons, and finished in white gold – $150

Annoyed by same old gold jewelry

These gold jewelers and “world gold council” folks really get on my nerve. The same old same old gold jewelry year after year! Not an ounce or a tola of creativity!

India is one of the largest gold consuming nation and we are being force fed the designs from 70s and 80s!

Tanushree and Chaity at jewelery exhibition

Tanushree and Chaity in Vivah Jewellery collection launch at Hyatt Regency Kolkata on August 12, 2009.

Saree and Hijab at an Indian wedding

Zleen, wrote about attending her friend’s wedding.

At the wedding they came up with a  “Saree Gang”, and the results are fantastic.

I really liked the whimsical ad:

For other hijab posts, see http://www.sareedreams.com/?s=hijab

Safety Pin – an essential accessory for the saree – sigh….

Safety Pin – an essential accessory for the saree!

Safety Pins and duck tapes make the world go round – literally!

Haven’t I written about this before? Sania Mirza – on using a saftey pin for a saree

Saree with belt and high collared blouse

I am not a fan of a belt with a saree; the best thing that saree has is its fluidity and I think the belt constraints it. But aesthetically I don’t think belt looks out of place.

I especially like the blouse thought; the high collar look wonderful and self embroidery work is very detailed and very pleasing.

Oh, how much do I hate matching purses with Sarees

I really really hate it! She took the fabric from the blouse and made a little “thaily” out of it! And she thinks she looks so mod and fashionable with it.

Blouse design is not clear here, but looks like sleeves might have been an afterthought as well.