Amrita Bansod’s specialty lies in product design, infusing beautiful
detail and harmony into all of her work. Having designed everything
from caricatures to sunglasses, Amrita’s influence in Indian design
has been extensive—especially in the combination of traditional Indian
customs with those of the modern woman. Meanwhile, Abhijit Bansod’s
work is particularly known for its emotive aesthetics, intractability,
and mix of the fresh and new with the traditional. An intrinsic part
of the new age design movement in India, Abhijit notably won the NID
Buisnessworld Designer of the Year Award in 2008.

Some of my favorite Studio ABD items are the diya pieces–delightfully
surprising in their lines and shapes. I also really covet the tabletop
designs that are incredibly unique and full of life, drawing
inspiration from the day to day. All of the Studio ABD creations are
refined, fanciful, and affecting… speaking to India’s rich past and
future, and the fresh approach that Amrita and Abhijit take to
designing products. With many awards spanning from the Red Dot Design
Award in 2010 to the Design by British Council Award, Studio ABD is
indeed one to watch—take note now!

source: Studio ABD

Well known for collections that are often theatrical and sometimes
irreverent, Jean Paul Gaultier’s haute couture lines tend to
seamlessly blend both formal and whimsical aesthetics. His latest
collection draws inspiration from the Indian gypsies of Rajasthan.

Approaching Gypsy style in a new way, as he does, Gaultier traces the
roots of these ethereal nomads back to Rajasthan through his visually
dynamic designs. Full of floor-sweeping skirts and dresses,
interesting cuts, luxurious fabrics and embellishments, this
collection enchants.

Originally the idea for the collection grew from Gaultier witnessing
an elephant carrying a bride to her wedding ceremony in India and the
memory of the moment with all the accompanying sounds and smells.
Alluring gypsy seductress silhouettes, necklines and hemlines mix with
undeniably Indian elements (such as hues from rich earthy tones to
brilliant jeweled shades) to create a radiant and luxe aesthetic.

Jean Paul Gaultier has once again delivered with a line of designs
full of magnetic energy. Tell me dear readers, do you agree?

source: Vogue Italia

I’m excited to share with you an AWESOME giveaway from the fantastic South Indian Wedding inspiration site Shaadi Belles. I’m a huge fan of everything that they do, and have enjoyed sharing highlights from the site in previous posts on BollyInstyle. And now, they’re giving you the chance to win the wedding and honeymoon of your dreams!

Newly engaged? Or, perhaps you’re about to become betrothed. Even if you’re not a bride or groom yet, take advantage of this chance to enter the Shaadi Belles ‘A Dream Wedding’ Sweepstakes! One lucky winner will get a glamorous prize package including a getaway at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai & the Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, bridal makeup & hair, eight bridesmaids outfits, event design, wedding photography, and more! Plus, ten runner-ups will win a DVD copy of ‘Doonya The Bollywood Workout’. Enter before March 1st, 2013, for your chance to make your wedding sparkle that much more.

It’s incredibly easy to enter, all you have to do is visit the Shaadi Belles contest page HERE, register, and fill out the quick form. Make sure to like Shaadi Belles on Facebook as well to stay up to date on the contest and all things Shaadi Belles. The winners will be announced on March 3rd.

Best of luck, and if you win….share your pictures with me here on BollyInstyle!

source: Shaadi Belles

Looking to update your home décor? Ready to collect some new art? Or, perhaps you’re simply looking for handicrafts and wellness products from India? Mélange—Inspired by India– has just the ticket.

Mélange makes various products from India available to consumers around the globe. With exciting items including enchanting beds, games, teas, trunks, and chairs; Mélange offers functional, striking items. Providing a delightful taste of South Asia.

The idea for the store began during a trip to India, and from the accompanying fascination with the rich design history & culture there. The goal with the store was to connect talented Indian designers with consumers. Goal accomplished: customers can purchase pieces both online and offline. Few places hold the sort of collections that Mélange boasts: textiles, furniture, natural treats, art, and then some.

Also providing information on the stories behind the items, Mélange allows the customer to connect with the artisans and designers of the highly covetable pieces available on the site. This also encourages consumers to support social entrepreneurship.

Ready to browse their goods? Check them out!


source: Mélange

Offering delightful options like tunics, pants, and dresses; Rayil was largely inspired by Arena Haati’s fond recollections of time spent as a child admiring her mother’s saris. Passionate about helping kids connect with India’s rich heritage, Haati owns a company called Gnaana (which does just that). Also having a love of the many different kinds of cotton and silk available across India (over 300!), creating a clothing line for kids was a natural extension of her interests. New Delhi based designer Moutushi Sarkar was the ideal choice for the project; having worked with the likes of Miss Selfridge and Urban Outfitters.

All of the clothes have elements of India’s rich fabrics and traditions. The tunics are playful and effervescent, the pants are gentlemanly while being perfectly age appropriate. The skirts are guaranteed to make little girls feel like princesses, and the scarves add a lush element to outfits for both boys and girls. This Spring 2013 line features cotton Khandi, Northern India’s Benarasi silk, and Central India’s Chanderi silk.

Sarkar and Haati have created a line definitely worth getting excited about. Excellently blending chic design with amazing fabrics, the Spring 2013 line from Rayil is something we’d all love to dress our little ones in! You can start pre-ordering now, however shipping doesn’t begin until February.

source: Rayil