milgayi style diary

Meet & Greet Accessory Designer – Suhani Pittie

This is the accessory section of our Meet & Greet Designers from Lakme Fashion Week Spring Summer 2011.  Meet Hyderabad based accessory designer Suhani Pittie.  A lot has been said about her exceptional artistic endeavors.  Suhani is best known for creating fabulous pieces of jewelry from hardware materials such as steel, copper, brass, plastic and plated copper. Her collection for LFW SS 2011 “Urban Folk” is an impersonation of transitional landscapes of her hometown on jewelry. The styling is strong, funky  and art nouveau.  Suhani often refers her jewelry as “wearable art”. 

 
What I love about her work is how unconventionally Indian the look is and how one collection is amazingly different from the others but still retains her signature touch. More with Suhani:

Inspiration for this collection – This collection is mostly a reflection of what’s going on in Hyderabad at the moment, in terms of the city undergoing a massive makeover where newness and globalization is taking place at all corners of the city. 

 
Accessory Trends for 2011 –Accessories should have a bit of everything in them be it bold color, a strong personality, a sense of humor or a vintage look – one should have fun with their jewelry and accessories, then the whole ensemble becomes interesting.

Favorite Designers – I love the work of Stella McCartney.

Future Plans – Our agenda for this year is to ramp up our already highly successful e-commerce business. 

 
You can find more of her work here.  Psst:– Her sister is renowned fashion designer Anamika Khanna. No wonder, artistic style be it jewelry or fashion runs in this family for sure.

My City, My Home, My Top Shops in Delhi!!

A fortnight in the city, meeting family and friends, being thoroughly pampered at home, catching up with girlfriends in between spa appointments and shopping at my favorite hotspots – I’m totally revived.  That’s what coming home does for me! 

 Delhi is one of my all time favorite shopping destinations in India. Known for its stunning jewelry, rare craftsmanship of silver, exquisite Indian wear, fabulous artwork and funky artifacts, this city is beaming with traditionalistic modernism.  In addition, thanks to the recently held 2010 Common Wealth games, the city has also never looked better!  With malls and freewayssprouting up everywhere, the city now has an international flavor to it.  These past few days, I did an initial round of retail therapy at my most favored hot spots in the city.  Here is a sneak peak of my list. 

White – Delhi`s coolest multi designer fashion store, started by entrepreneur Shaan Thadani is stocked with silk dresses, ruffled tops, tunics by India`s leading designers such as Rajesh Pratap Singh, Gaurav Gupta, Sunaina Puri, Prashant Verma, Gauri and Nainika, Nachiket Barve and Namrata Joshipura. This store is definitely worth a visit.

 
31 Hauz Khas Village, 1st Floor New Delhi-110016

Ph: 011.4605.4817  www.whitethestore.com 

Ozel – Another great store tucked away in Delhi`s most famed GK-1 M Block market is London based Ozel.  This multi designer store carries an impressive collection of vintage inspired Mawi jewelry, embellished Mary Frances purses, Marchesa dresses and its own signature brand Ozel clothing. This is a store where high street fashion blends with haute couture.  

 

 
M-7, M-Block Market, Greater Kailash - I, New Delhi-110048 

Ph: 011.4685.8528   www.ozel.co.in

Aza – One of my favorite one stop-shops for Indian couture wear is the uber luxe Aza store.  Their second flagship store at South Extension is a shopper`s delight.  Aza is home to India’s best design czars such as Anamika Khanna, Manish Malhotra, Rohit Bal, Sabyasachi Mukherji, Suneet Varma and Varun Bahl, to name a few.  The boutique offers a wide range of couture, diffusion and prêt collections along with an emphasis on “Occasion-Wear”.

 
Aza, F-48, South Extn - I, New Delhi-110049
Ph:  011.4323.7878   www.azafashions.com

Amrapali – Hollywood`s best kept jewelry secret Amrapali jewels has been around for a while now although you may seen their eye catching jewels on the silver screen. Everyone in Hollywood from Nicole Kidman to Halle Berry to Sandra Bullock to Anne Hathaway has adorned their jeweled pieces either for a shoot or on the red carpet.  There’s something for everyone in Amrapali from gold hammered cuffs, to filigree earrings to gigantic cocktail rings to drool worthy necklaces. An absolute must go.

 
39 Khan Market, New Delhi - 110003
Ph: 011. 41752024  www.amrapalijewels.com 

DLF Emporio – Undoubtedly India`s finest luxury mall is here in Delhi.  This is “the mall” to shop in India currently.  Emporio boasts more than 80 specialty retailers including top Indian and international brands such Armani, HarryWinston, Chopard, Louis Vuitton and Bottega Veneta. The crème de la crème of all Indian designers prevail here, Abu Jani, Adarsh Gill, JJ Valaya, Suneet Varma, Surekha Jain, Tarun Tahiliani, you name them and they are here.  Infact each store by itself is so beautifully architected that you don’t mind spending a few moments just admiring the store, before you actually hit the shelves.

 
Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi- 110070

Ph: 011.46116666 www.dlfemporio.com

Viya Home – This is my favorite place to browse through for home décor stuff in Delhi.  The store has an amazing collection of in-house designed sculptures, accessories and furniture.  The underlying theme behind every collection represents a modern Indian aesthetic.  Me looovvve!!!

  
 www.viyahome.com

Casual Luxury Jewelry – Sethi Couture

I have stated this time and again, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication!”  The ability to pull off anything that’s simple with ease is the ultimate test of your personal style quotient.  For this very reason, I have always been fascinated with simple yet wearable jewelry – not only will the pieces stand the test of time, but they also become a part of your signature look.   With that in mind, I recently caught up with a very gifted jewelry designer.

Meet Pratima Sethi – Head Designer of Fine Jewelry for Sethi Couture (formerly known as Manak Couture). A bay area native, Pratima grew up with jewelry in her genes. She remembers her parents taking her to trade shows since she was six months of age.  Though she earned a MBA from USC  and worked in Silicon Valley’s tech sector, her heart always belonged to jewelry design.  She started out designing engagement rings and other jewelry for co-workers for fun – before she knew it, she was designing for Manak full time.

Prior to Pratima joining the family business, Manak Couture was known for its one of a kind red carpet statement pieces. It was her innovative vision and passion for contemporary designs that today has made Sethi Couture a brand synonymous with casual luxury jewelry – fine jewelry that can be worn on daily basis. 

Pictures don’t begin to do justice to the simplicity of her design pieces; you have to actually be there in the moment to appreciate their magnificence. We recently caught up with her in her San Francisco office, chatting away as to how it all began and what makes her create these exquisite pieces of jewels. 

   


Here is an extract from our conversation.

When did you first start to design jewelry?  What motivated you to start?

 I started designing about six years ago when I officially joined Manak but I launched my line formally in 2009 as Sethi Couture.  Back then, Manak was manufacturing large statement pieces like the ones you see at red carpet events – they were gorgeous pieces but un-wearable on a daily basis.  That inspired me to create a collection that is more for the Western market – for someone who is looking for fine jewelry that is still luxurious and something they can wear from daytime to evening.

What story do you wish to tell each time you design a new line?

 I try to launch at least two collections a year and the inspirations behind these come from anything from my travels to fashion images I’ve seen that I liked.  For instance, this past summer I spent two months in Belgium vacationing with my husband’s family.  There, I got a chance to see their heirloom jewelry and that inspired me to create a new collection in which I incorporated their heritage into these beautiful pieces.  This new collection is going to be launched in January and it is really an inspiration from an antique passed down style of jewelry.

  
Tell me about your design process: conceptualization to finished piece.

 I go about it in two ways.  One way, is pure imagination – sketching and then refining those sketches and submitting them with specifications to the factory.  The second way is by playing around with the stones and experimenting with different color combinations and cuts.   I take a large white sheet of paper, put the stones on there and just start moving them around and seeing what comes up.  Then, I take a photo, and start the sketching process. 

How would you characterize your jewelry designs?

They are definitely feminine pieces.  I have a few collections which range from romantic, to classy, to edgy jewelry.  I also have an Art deco collection that has more straight lines and geometric shapes but the one thing that is prevalent throughout all my collections is the clean lines as what I like to describe as ‘simple elegance’.

 
Personally speaking, what is your most prized jewelry possession?

My most prized jewelry possession is a set of simple white gold bangles that my uncle gifted me when I was a child.  Amazingly, it still fits me and the nice thing is that I can mix it in with my own designs and wear them till date.  

Tell me, what are your thoughts on jewelry trends for 2011?

For 2011, I think one of the hottest trends that is going to continue is layering – not just layering of necklaces but also layering in terms of bangles or stacking rings of different metals.

Who are your favorite designers?

It ranges; there are a couple of small scale designers whose work I love – Rebecca Overmann and Meghan Thorne. They create more organic, one-of-a-kind pieces. For a classy clean look, I really like Kwiat.  They have high quality stones.

What are your future plans?

My future plans are to continue to grow the Sethi Couture brand.  To expand by having more retail outlets, but always staying true to what the brand is known for which is natural color diamonds and different cuts of diamonds.

Sethi's gems have a vintage look and feel to it.  Something like what your grandmother would have given you in your childhood.  You can get a hold of some of her goodies here and here.

Young Stud – Shayan Afshar

With fall just around the corner, last weekend I invested in a black leather biker jacket which I’m going to pair with denim leggings, booties and some cool graphic tees.  The only thing that’s missing to this look is some fabulous rocker jewelry.  And look what I stumbled upon – Shayan Afshar`s gorgeous line of diamond encrusted skulls and various gold-plated jewelry. 

Half Persian and half Cuban, Shayan grew up designing jewelry in his dad's shop in downtown Los Angeles.  He started designing custom pieces for celebrity pals like Mister Cartoon, Ray J, and Floyd May weather and recently launched his own eponymous line of bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces with the fashionable pyramid stud as the focal point.  This LA based designer may be young, but his designs are certainly on a rise especially with Hollywood`s swankiest and trendiest lot. Kim Kardashian, Stephanie Pratt of “The Hills” and Miley Cyrus are a few celebs who swear by his designs.

 

He says, he is "inspired by everything" and is always sketching new jewelry ideas. No custom request has ever been declined.  “There is no challenge too big. Bring me an idea or a drawing and I can design it”, he says.  His jewelry designs are the perfect accessory if you are looking to add a bit of edginess to your outfit.  More here.  Rock on!!!

Gem of a lady – Marie-Hélène de Taillac

Nothing cheers up a woman like a piece of fine jewelry or some sexy stilettos.  In fact, did you know that statistics show that a piece of jewelry is a woman’s best mood elevator?   That’s right!  Now, in my case, add a delicious trendy bag and I’m over the moon!   

There’s something truly magical about Marie-Hélène de Taillac jewelry pieces. Once a secret among fashion and jewelry pundits, the famous Marie-Hélène de Taillac designs have adorned the necks and ears of the most glamorous women in the world!  Candy-colored stones such as citrines, rose quartz, emeralds and tourmalines are placed in simple, yet finely crafted designs that are understated and are intended to enhance any outfit. 

Creator of the exquisitely eponymous jewelry line and founder of a one of its kind concept store 'Hot Pink' in Jaipur, Marie-Hélène de Taillac is a definitely a force to reckon with in the contemporary jewelry world.  Last year, she celebrated not only ten years of her own jewelry line, but also ten years of being one of the most influential designers of modern jewelry.  Back in 1999, she revolutionized the world of haute couture jewelry through her adoption of ancient Indian techniques and vibrant colors in modern wearable designs. 

 

Taillac says her desire to create "real jewelry for every day modern women" led her to the gem capital of India – Jaipur.  She had a life altering encounter with Gem Palace’s Kasliwal brothers, whose family were jewelry suppliers to the Maharajahs for five generations. Mesmerized by the magnificence of their gems and the quality of their craftsmanship, she proposed to design for them. She now shuttles between Jaipur and Paris creating one-of-a-kind pieces that signifies the essence of Marie-Hélène de Taillac style.

 

What makes her work so unique is her embrace of colored stones with the use of traditional briolette styles.   She loves to mix and match gems creating a soft luminous effect of fluid understated jewelry.  She says, “what I love is understated refinement – a term you could use to describe my jewelry.”  She appreciates the works of Suzanne Belperron, Buccellati, Cartier and Victoire de Castellane.  According to her, “jewelry must have a soul; it needs to tell a story hence it is truly a reflection of one’s soul and love they put into it…”  We couldn’t agree more!  More of her divine designs here.

Tanishq – A new brand in the New Year

A brand new year brings me to blog about a brand that’s got a new look. One of my absolute favorite Indian jewelry boutiques is Tanishq.  Owned by the House of Tata, it started off as a one-of-its-kind jewelry boutique back in the 1990s and has grown to become a household name.  Not only do I adore their gorgeous jewelry, but also their brand new ad campaigns which are stunning. The images remind me of screen shots from an old 50’s flick.  Check out more of their exquisite jewelry here.

 

Bijoux Lady – Meet Delhi based Jewelry Designer - Payal Gupta

If you’ve been reading the Milgayi Style Diary for a while, you would have certainly picked up our penchant for new imminent designers – be it in fashion, jewelry, accessories or art. On that note, we would like to share with you our tête-à-tête with one of Delhi’s hottest jewelry designers. Meet Payal Gupta, who is soon becoming a name to be reckoned in the world of haute couture joaillerie. Stunning does not even begin to describe the lady or the jewelry she designs.

I have often said that I could live in simple, neutral attire as long as I have spectacular jewelry and accessories to go with it and these gorgeous gems fit the bill perfectly. Her jewels are a perfect blend of subtle grace and bold audacity. Meticulously handcrafted, she creates different appeals from a single piece. With interchangeable stones and sizes, every piece of jewelry is versatile with its own unique appeal.  She is the mainstay of the “Paayal Fine Jewelry” success story.  Her extraordinary sense of style, creativity and sensibility has catapulted her brand into a rare league of its own. With her creative genius, one can surely look forward to something beyond practical jewelry pieces and more mesmerizing designs. You can see more of her beautiful work on her website.

  

When did you first start to design jewelry?

I studied jewelry design in 2005, had my first exhibition the same year, and since then, there has been no looking back.  Coming from a creative background with both my sisters being fashion designers & my father, an exporter of high fashion garments, I guess, I was bound to be creatively inclined.  It was just a matter of finding my calling.

What story do you wish to tell when you design a particular jewelry line?

While designing a particular jewelry line, I focus on the wear ability factor of the pieces.  With interchangeable stones and size being an important aspect of my jewelry, every piece is stamped with a unique individual character.

What facets of your South Asian culture do you invoke in your work?

Keeping my own sensibilities and life experiences in mind, each piece I create is a traditional design with a contemporary interpretation to it, making it fit for the women of today. My collection this season Jahanara, has been especially created for the modern woman, who aspires to feel special and yet wants to connect with their rich Indian heritage.

 

What jewelry lines do you specialize in?  Who are your favorite jewelry designers?

I like to create jewelry that is wearable but still stands out and gives my clients something to feel confident about. My favorite jewelry designers are Van Cleef & Arpels. I feel their style is unique. And some of the old Cartier designs especially the pieces created for the Indian maharajahs in the yesteryear.

What forthcoming trends do you see in jewelry?

I see yellow gold making a huge come back in different textures. The last few years, we saw a lot of white gold & increased usage of platinum, but yellow is going to be hot for a long time to come now.

What are your future plans?

I just finished with successful exhibitions in Delhi & Chennai and intend of having one in Bombay before the year ends.  My future plans for now is to open a flagship store first in Delhi & then one in Bombay. 

Ring Leader – The Cocktail Ring

We confess!  At Milgayi, we have a weakness for jewelry and have acknowledged that time and again through our numerous posts.  One of our favorite pieces for day or night is an uber-stylish cocktail ring.  Nothing screams for attention than a larger-than-life flashy piece of bling on your finger!  Cocktail rings are hotter than ever right now and they are pushing the boundaries of boldness with wild patterns, stunning designs and multiple gems.

There’s just something amazing and ‘diva’ like in wearing these massive rings. They make an eye-popping statement to any ensemble – be it a classic LBD or a simple daytime outfit. With so many options to choose: from bold, beautiful, candy-colored glittering, glamorous ones, to the bling-worthy conversation starters, knowing what to look for is key.  Remember; always opt for one that you are most comfortable with.

If you are going for an elegant and stylish look, make sure the ring is encrusted in gold or diamond with the right dosage of gems or semi-precious stones such as amethyst, garnet, black onyx or turquoise. If you are in a playful mood, then go in for the cute candy colored or floral ones.

If you are on a budget, then look for rings made of black enamel, acrylic, glass, resin crusted or cubic zirconias.  If you're not used to wearing bold jewelry, go for a smaller size cocktail ring. This statement piece, although slightly oversized and over the top adds an element of drama and ‘chic ness’ to any attire.  That’s right – it’s cocktail time. 

Drama Queen – Meet Jewelry Designer Ranjana Khan.

If you’re looking to add an element of drama to your ensemble, look no further, meet jewelry designer and stylist Ranjana Khan - wife of renowned fashion designer Naeem Khan. With more than a decade of experience, Ranjana creates these eclectic jewelry pieces that are a perfect amalgamation of metals, beads and luxurious fabrics such as silk, tulle, organza and chiffon. The breathtaking blend of stones, chains and fabrics are beyond exceptional.

This Indian born designer once modeled in India, during the 1970s and also studied Indian classical dance. Currently residing in New York’s trendy SoHo district with her fashion designer husband, she says she loves what she does. Her signature style is eclectic. She likes to wear the unexpected.  Pairing a Narciso Rodriguez skirt with an Alexander McQueen top and Chloe accessories is her perfect style mix. Her favorite designer besides her husband, is Alber Elbaz for Lanvin.

So go on, jazz up your look with any of these one-of-a-kind dramatic pieces. Her designs are available at Bergdorf’s and Neiman Marcus, although the price range is a little steep, but worth every penny for the quality, versatility and plenty of compliments you’ll receive from admirers.  Trust me.

 



                     Ranjana seen here with husband Naeem Khan

Bibs for Babes.

Ok, I confess, there’s no excuse for me, not blogging regularly but the last couple of days have been super crazy.  Too many things going on at the same time.  Anyways, I promise to be more regular with my blog posts. Here’s something that caught my eye yesterday.  I was in the city, meeting with a potential designer and suddenly I saw  these very chicly dressed ladies, shopping in Union Square, sporting the newest rage in accessories – The Bib Necklace.

 

Yes, you must have seen these babies around.  But they haven’t yet graced the masses which means only two things; either they are too expensive to buy or they are just beginning to emerge as a trend.  I’d go with the latter. I checked out some sites and to my amazement, found some reasonable versions of these gorgeous necklaces.  The best way to wear it is, to pair it with your favorite LBD or a jeans and basic t-shirt. And yes we did see Olivia Palermo from the MTV Hills spin off hit show ‘the City’ don a drop version from the label Roberta Freymann.  So, go on, grab one quickly before they are all gone.  Take my word for it; this is one accessory trend to watch out for.

     

www.isharya.com

 

   

www.bananarepublic.com                                                  www.robertafreymann.com