bye bye 2012

Happy New Year!! can't believe it's 2013 already!! I will chersih 2012 because it was the year I finally made a blog, but there is a thick amount of dissatisfaction because I didn't blog often as I should have. So, my new year's resolution is to blog, a lot! (amongst many other things which ya'll will obviously won't be interested in). Honestly I was quites nervous on what to blog about but this year I have decided to blog about absolutely everything that happens with me. You know sometimes when you think about a idea and you plan to show it off, but then someone does the idea, that'shappened a lot with me, therefore the prior planning.Anyways, no pictures only words and only wishes for ya'll! ;)

The pill and the bill

You know when you are guilty of something with someone and when you have to face that person and you're all awkward and anxious, well, that's how I feel right now! I just felt like I had nothing good enough to blog so I distanced my fingers from the keyboard (not a clever thing!)

Anyways December is here already! I bet one of the most talked about topic is surrounded around 'if the world ends or not'  I know it because I have been talking about this and ironically it has been the topic of conversation starter. Watching the documentries really creeps me out but I guess I still have that little thing called 'Hope'. It may and it may not but lets not get depressed over this yeah!

Moving on, the olsen twins and British artist Damein Hirst has teamed up to create crocodile skinned backpacks under the trendy twins's brand 'The Row'. There are altogether twelve styles. At my first glance I took it as a just another 'polka dot' designed bags but apparently those are multi-coloured pills! These bags are to cost whopping 21,800 pounds! But fret not it has been said that the money is for UNICEF charities. As long as it's for a good cause eh!. I am excited about this because I have been looking for a decent backpack and I am equally well, more intensely sad because I will only have this bag in my dream! 

Tutoring three year olds means knowing nursery lyrics by heart so when I saw the pills and the bill, it made me think of miss Polly and her Dolly, therefore the useless title!

Filling the distance

The distance between my last post to this is unforgivingly long! Lets just say I was away for a festive reason. November in Singapore means, the same hot weather with lots of thunder and daily rain, than usual (Thor is growling as I write this!). And festive times means lots of poker games and lots of lovely fooda. I try to avoid the temptation, because my adoption of healthy food is disturbed, but somethings can't be controlled I guess!!

Noting special but I had this picture which 'educates' you on the correct way of wearning denim according to you body type, so I decided to share it. You probably have fund it in the facebook, or any fashion magazines but hey I am just filling the distance :)

Inside the golden bag!

Highlight of yesterday, when I was out and about around town for finding that 'twenty dollar fab find challenge',which will be my new regular thing every month, was an old lady commenting/complimenting me that I looked like a butterfly just because I was wearing a yellow dress, and the brand bag of the cool purchase I made yesterday shined like gold, which again grabbed the compliments of shopkeepers and people. 'what is it, what is it?' and 'nice bag' were the ubiquitous phrase and I was flattered obviously. 

The brand is 'MU-apparel' (logo written in Chinese letter), it's a kampong(local) brand local designer Alfie Leong, who also has another label set up in 2010 'A.W.O.L (All walks of life', which is said to be more better and higher end, but is still affordable. Steadily attracting the global attention, his works has also been featured in Vogue Italia. 

'MU' is an outcome behind the concept of 'east meeting west'. The tailoring is everything but mundane. It's individual, not that traditional in terms of specific way of making clothes but is practical enough. In few words it's interesting and 'cool'. 

I got myself a bag. It's original, unique and practical, and yes so me! 

the golden bag

looks good huh!

practical!

the logo

The N°5 Story

"A woman should wear a perfume wherever she wants to be kissed", no wonder Marilyn Monroe slept with nothing but 'CHANEL N°5'. yeah yeah every other blogger has already enlighten you about it, but as an honest Coco fan (both as a designer and as a lady) and N°5 fan I had to post this. 

In brief, a site Inside Chanel, has been launched which, tells us the story of Mademoiselle's most legendary perfume. The site also has a section which 'educates' the viewers on the important Coco Chanel moments. The trailer is so incredibly engaging that I could literally feel my excitement mounting. With the trailer, was also revealed the first (man) face of the perfume, Brad Pitt, which will also be out there shortly (intrigued!) 

Fond of red!

Everything/everyone has a rhythm. Some are ageless and rock on forever, while some fade away. I must admit that the rhythm of red lipstick strongly lies on the first description. And I must also admit that albeit it's my ultimate make-up accessory I loathed it during my first try, that was when I was about thirteen (Don't want to remember it!!). I thought I looked like a call girl and for me red lipstick associated with dealings of body pleasures in exchange of money! I blame my then-uncultivated make up skills.
How do I even begin to describe the wonder of red lipstick. It's an instant wear that adds sophistication, sexiness and confidence to anyone who wears it!.That's my honest testimony. Also the reason behind the posting of old adverts is, I just feel nostalgic! I do love the sleek and shiny adverts of today but vintage is just my kind!

that's how you wear 'em ;)

I found Nemo!

Twisted ankle means massaging with 'spicy' oil, bandaging, bed-resting all day and cancelling the long planned movie date with a dear friend, and oh yes thinking, deep thinking. Of things you wouldn't be intetested!
How did it happen anyway? well, I have this new regime, because of which I have been running every morning for the past few days, and I guess my ankles can't take it no more! So, besides 'resting' I as usual went through the 'F' shows happening at the moment.
Whilst browsing through the latest fashion shows I found a particular dress I adored by Caroline Charles. Yes it's the one with the fish! nothing fishy about my choice, it's just that 'Nemo' happens to be one of my favourite film and the dress is pretty & cool. It almost makes me forget about my limping leg!

Hot & Must!

To be disciplined is one of the most difficult thing in the world! When making the routine, you are so sure you are going to follow it and when comes the time of actually activating it, procrastination automatically comes up. Story of my life at the moment! I AM following my self-made routine finally! I had made it about a month ago and albeit the progression is gradual I am happy, and that's the important thing right?!Well, yeah but until I saw the Anna Dello Russo's accessories collection for H&M. The editor-at-large and creative consultant of Vogue Japan's debut collection in collaboration with Swedish brand H&M is something to look out for next time you are in town. 

Though I dis-like anything reptilian, I must say I did not hesitate on complimenting the snake-ear-ring and the lizard bracelet. The texture is rich, and I think it's a must

Pictureless words or isit!?

Haruki Murakami, my best author of the moment, surely deserves a standing ovation for his incredible imagination. I am amidst '1Q84' and as much as I am very much engrossed, I felt the urge to write anything about him/his book.

Judging from the book jacket, the title I thought it was just another post war momento. I changed my mind with the grey branches, dark sky and the yellowish moon art on the cover. It looked mysterious. To be honest I was just interested in the story because of the author. His previous book I had read was Norweigan Wood. My two attractions towards his books are firstly, the english is simple, (probably because it is translated) and he uses some of the random-est and vivid metaphors and similies and secondly his stories are never simple. 

Everything is normal, but it really isn't! As the acreditation on the cover reads 'maddening brilliance'

1Q84 is a story about two worlds 1984 and 1Q84. It's about the worlds with one moon and two moons. Intrigued much!?

It's a must read! 

Something awesome!

I am like a bloody snail! when Facebook was ubiquitously littered with 'Trendsetters' I should have known something BIG was going to happen, something that would 'redefine the fashion in Nepal' as the slogan reads. I am here in my pajamas nursing my absence and at least trying to write about the show, the designs I have seen only in pictures. I know I don't have to write it because mainstream media has already covered about it, the pictures aren't organic and the show is already a week old, but it has triggered a pompous(the good kind) excitement in me! The excitement and confidence that abolishes the mocking feeling towards the fashion in Nepal.
'Trendsetters' happened in 1st September 2012, with seven designers showing their way to redefine the fashion in Nepal. In my previous article I blogged about Tenzin Tseten Bhutia, with no knowledge that there were also half a dozen fashion craftsmen (and the fact that there was a show! boo me!) It is more than just a fashion show. It is an introduction of something awesome!
I am no fashion expert, but when analyzing the clothes I came up with some adjectives that defined my feeling towards them, which has also helped me categorize each designs.
1)HAA (House of Alternative Apparel) (strong, smart and bringing out the man within.)
The fall/winter collection were as strong as it was labeled. Knowing that it is a product of Nepal, and the fact that it's about the progression of Nepali women, releases an admiration of pride.
There are two incredible women behind HAA, nilima maden, the designer and Malvika Subba, the idea. Every designs had it's own individuality. So strong, powerful and feminine, coming it from Malvika Subba I wasn't surprised as she is the living walking example of it!
I asked- why is HAA unique?
HAA- HAA is unique because it's the first Fashion house to have two local levels in Nepali market, 'Just T's' for men and AIRA for women. The clothes are retail made, trendy and affordable. The price ranges from Rs 650 to max Rs 4000 depending on the make, designs and fabric.
What inspired you to caption every piece so strongly?
The concept is about strong, independent Nepali women, In recent years, women are not shy of taking the manly roles in life and they have proved so much efficient as men. Women can be the mother and a father, they can be a lawyer, a corporate dynamite and women do it with much elan. They are not afraid to bring out MEN in them. That is why every piece has been captioned, as there is a story behind each of them.
View in Fashion in Nepal?
Fashion in Nepal has progressed a lot in the last two years. Young people are developing their own unique style, yet there are 80% of the population, who are yet to come out of their comfort zone and explore a whole new level.

2)GABI(individual, prints and rebellious)
When I found out that the designer behind GABI is former model Bina Ghale, I literally gasped with wow!I had always been her admirer and her comeback as a designer definitely perked me up. Her collection 'Parichaya' (Introduction) contradicted other designer's designs. There were leathers, awesome art prints and the shoes were ah-mazing! It was very individual and artistically rebellious.

3)Tenzin Tseten Bhutia (soft, sexy and feminine)
He's already had his introduction but he's too goo to be not featured again and again!. His collection 'KETI' (Girl, Lady) all lived up to it's label. White, gold, soft prints and the big tika on the forehead, so wonderfully choreographed, it's wonderful being a keti.

4)Astik Sherchan (Dapper, Mature and sophistication)
The name itself is the label. Astikk's designs were, like I said in the bracket above, dapper and sophisticated.   I find his designs to be mature, fit and sharp in sense of his tailoring technique. I am not sure but I think a different branch named 'NOW' was also a part of Astik's designs (see this is what happens when you appreciate it from far!) NOW explored menswear also.

5)Oadhni (Traditional, Feminine)
Whatever the trend, whatever the change Kurtas, Lehengas are timeless and a must for us. The women behind these traditionally modern wears are Khusbu Dangol and Swarmin Rai.  Beautifully made and literally breath taking, it once again high lights the wonderment of being a woman. The colors were rich, the embroidery was posh and I guess the feel of the clothes was nice too!

6)Crossroads Apparel (Black, sexy and daring)
Subexya Bhadel  is the designer of Crossroads Apparel. The theme was black and it was beautiful. Sexy yet daring and confident.

7) House of Fashion (Colors and experimental)
House of Fashion's collection was different from all the above. For a start it was more experimental.It was very avant garde, colorful, festive and dramatic. It was all fun!

Every designs were unique and everything explored different sides of femininity (except for the male shows of course). So far the plans are to make this a yearly event(YES!!) and I hope next year I will be one of the witness.

Tee-cool

Sometimes I do take the extreme Singaporean heat for grant! Sometimes I do tend to like it very less! So, hot, it makes me perspire even when I am sitting still! Anyways, flipping through some old magazines I found some pretty cool pictures that got me wishing for tee-shirts with it's prints! which got me thinking about the cheap picture print tee's we get in Nepal. Most common are Jack and Rose's prominent open arm pose (Titanic), Britney Spear and many more. I used to appreciate it less just because it was a common wear between bus staffs and it was too damn cheap! come to think of it, it ain't that bad! 

He's the guy!

First of all I would like to thank Tenzin Tseten Bhutia for his precious time on answering my, well, three questions and that also so fast. If you are interested in Fashion Nepal and don't know him already, than I am sorry but I must say 'shame on you!' Embarrassingly, shame on me too as I came across him only few days ago, when he's been around for quiet a while.

He caught my attention when I was going through a pictures of a model-friend, with the shimmery pearl-white aura, of his latest collection 'Keti' (Girl). The models wore big round tika and the collection covered everything from Sarees to dresses. It is white and soft, the theme is understandable. The clothes carry sexiness with sophistication. It is simple yet striking. It appealed me enough to dig out more about him, which led me to his first collection. Colors, culture and that raw talent. It is definitely a starting of something wonderful.  

 As much as I am proud of Prabal Gurung, for me Tenzin takes away the prize, because he gave a struggling yet gradually improving Nepal a glamorous chance. I just wish I was there to witness his shows (next time, promise!)

Before I forget here are the three questions & answers

Tell us something about yourself?

'Well I am a survivor. I have been so long in this career and I am still struggling with every collection. But that's how it should be, I feel it. Once you start taking yourself for granted, that's where you will go down'   

 Where did you do designing course?                                                                                                          'I did my fashion designing from NIFT (National Institute of Fashion and technology) Bangalore seven years back and for that I would like to thank all my friends and college peeps. They pushed me hard to get into fashion and I am glad now that they all did what they did!'

Comment in Fashion in Nepal?                                                                                                                                                     'Fashion in Nepal is getting bigger and bigger and I am sure one day it will be featured all over the world' 

I believe it too Tenzin! With fabulous designers like you we know we have a stunning future. All the best. His mission which is to 'explore creativity' is certainly portrayed in his work. You are definitely the guy of the moment!

His collection 'Keti'

from his debut collection

You can see the inspiration from the traditional Sherpa clothing

Reminds me of yet another Nepalese 'Mithila' Art!

With the beautiful Jaharana Bajracharya Rashid

The man himself!

Blaze-inspiration

I have been doing lot of 'dancing in the street' moves lately, why? I don't really have a reason! but I guess it's all due to the happy-like-a-child feeling it gives! The jumping around, the swaying of hips and the energetic expression. Actually it's the first song I've ever listened of Mick Jagger, not a fan but it's fun!
Anyways, it's the cool blazers that he wore I am interested in. He is the ultimate icon for rock n roll and boy he has some style.
Skinny jeans, t-shirt and a blazer is so the move of Jagger, rock'em.