Geeze… enough with this large bindis… such an un-bengali thing to do…

I know, it is supposed to be “Bengali” tradition… and this is Miss Kolkata 2010, so you got to have traditional attire. I get it. I know all about the Durga connection…

But this ever expanding bindis have to stop! Enough already. No oversized-large bindis please!

I also think that this is very “un-bengali” thing to do. A bengali woman is a sophisticated woman who has a sense of style and how could they possibly let a bindi that is out of proportion to their face touch their forehead?

This is no longer a tradition, it has become some sort of caricature.

Just look at the picture. I fully applaud the saree choices but the bindis are turning this image in to some sort of cult image bringing out all the bad jokes about bindis. Enough already!

I wrote about this when Bipasha did this, an oversized bindi in a Mona and Pali saree.

Ok, here are the rules, the oversized bindi only looks good if it is accompanied by the white bindis on both sides that cover the whole forehead.

This is OK

But just the bindi without the additional embellishments – use this size. An oversized un-proportioned single bindi doesn’t look so good.

Want to rant about this post? Leave a comment.

Nice to see gorgeous turban designs

Nice to see beautifully designed turbans for men.

Sort of inspires me to write short stories about a crime fighting duo of a turban wearing handsome detective and his pretty saree clad apprentice, where inexplicably they find that everyday, the saree and the turban designs are somewhat coordinated… Hmmm..

OK, it is a poor take off on some stories that I read a long time ago where the dress of the secretary and the tie of the detective was matched.. Bella Roy or something? Anybody remember them?

Does give me an idea of creating some coordinated set of saree, chunri and turban.. I think it will be visually pleasing… Key word here is coordinated, not “matched”. I am NOT going to take two sarees, embellish one of them, take the second saree and make a chunri out of it and from the left over fabric make a turban… no, I am not going to do that…

Saree Purses and clutches

Some of these saree purses are so delightful and an art form in itself. It is just a pleasure to hold them and admire the color and the detailing.

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