SAFFRON SPICE

COAT: ASILIO | TROUSERS: ASILIO | TUBE TOP: BALMAIN x H&M | SHOES: JESSICA RICH COLLECTION | SUNGLASSES: JIMMY CHOO

Saffron is the most expensive spice ranging from $11 to $56 per gram for the highest quality crop because it is hand-labour intensive removing the threadlike stigmas. CNN once reported that saffron is equivalent to the price of gold or precious metals rightfully labelling it "red gold", so it's safe to say the colour saffron is the colour of wealth. This beautiful rich yellow, a perfect amalgamation of red and yellow, also represents power; from toga stripes in Rome, saffron veils at Roman weddings, buddhist monks with orange-saffron robes & being strictly worn by only emperors & nobility in China in ceremonial gatherings.

To me, being of Indian descent, saffron is a religious colour with mythological significance. Part of the Seven Chakras, the Saffron Chakra is the second-primary chakra known to embody healing powers for good health using colour vibration therapy. This came about in Hindu mythology through ayurvedic foods & medicines like the deep saffron colour of turmeric, the calm of the sunrise/sunset (sandhya) or the blazing colour of a fire (agni) which can represent both calm & chaos. Saturated saffron is the colour of saints (sadhus) & the sacred Svadhishthana chakra lotus symbolic of divine inner peace, holy bliss & spirituality.

Pantone's saffron colour called "Primrose Yellow" was a great prediction as this colour has moved into high fashion with Gucci's saffron leather loafers & the bright saffron lambskin Chanel; the perfect bold accessories. If you feel you cannot pull off saffron because it washes out a paler skin tone, opt for a saffron trouser or stand-out accessory worn away from your face. I did a touch up spray tan at BRONZED BY BLOOM to glow in this royal colour.

The inspiration for my look is Kiran's paella, the contrast of the deep yellow rice created by saffron threads to the pure white calamari rings on top. The merging of the two colours translated into my cuisine-inspired outfit. I chose to pair my ASILIO 'Senna Satin Wide Leg Pant' with my BALMAIN x H&M pure white zipper crop to lighten the coat, a perfectly balanced brown-saffron elastic bow belt & the ASILIO 'Raven Oversized Coat' with a beautiful wide collar & tie belt, JIMMY CHOO black & gold cat-eye frames & JESSICA RICH COLLECTION 'fancy stilettos'. Saffron is a sublime colour making me feel, well I can't say saintly, I'm not a saint!

Xo

Jyoti

RUFFLE SOME LEATHERS

DRESS: ASILIO

Black leather is such a staple item in every woman's wardrobe. We all have a simple black leather jacket to wear in summer with a dress, in fall for a layered look or when we just want to have a Matrix moment with dark black shades. This classic fabric has moved out of outerwear & on to the runway with coloured leather dresses & pants popping up everywhere. Black leather is not just for biker gangs, rebels & rock n' rollers anymore!

I am replacing my little black dress with a LITTLE BLACK LEATHER DRESS (LBLD). This ASILIO genuine leather ruffle dress is a statement piece. It is a tight dress with a boned bodice for a form fitting silhouette, (which is such a turn on ever since Kim K wore the vintage built-in-corset Versace dress) along with ruffles going across it which combined, give a light feminity to overpower the tough durable strength of this strong solid black hue.

This ASILIO dress is so intricate that I chose to wear it alone with no accessories for an effortless feel to reveal my inner edge. With this kind of dress, you need no extras, no undergarments & no distracting colours. My LBLD with my black leather booties & dark Armani shades is a winning combo.

My style is a bit bipolar sometimes so I love pieces that I can wear two ways; leather dress with heels for a luxe look or boyish leather dress with sneakers for a sporty-chic look & this dress works with both.

Black leather is a seasonless fabric that transitions so well; it is definitly worth the splurge on an investment piece. The ASILIO LBLD is a soft, buttery matte leather with an architectural ruffle design flowing from the arms to the neck on a structured zipper back dress. I can't wait to wear it in the fall with stockings & boots.

Shop the ASILIO SANCTION LEATHER RUFFLE DRESS here. Also available in peanut butter leather.

Xo

Jyoti