KNITTY GRITTY

TOP & SHORTS: ZARA

I've been repeatedly writing about 'athleisure' because it has always been my personal style. High fashion has transitioned casual sports wear into luxe streetwear, mixing & matching pieces in the two apparels. With such an emphasis on health this era, everyone is turning their vast sportswear collection to daywear.

Ralph Lauren & Lacoste have paved the way for Polo inspired looks with crisp polo shirts, taking inspiration from the courts to the streets.

This wave of preppy clothing was first spotted in Louise Goldin's 2014 ready-to-wear collection with a 'locker room chic' theme referencing vintage tennis knits. It has been popping up on the catwalks of Paris everywhere since. Simon Porte Jacquemus did a tennis dress, Adidas did a French Open inspired Roland Garros tennis dress & Adidas by Stella McCartney did a pleated skirt. Tennis is the new polo.

My look is Zara's 'check' knit shorts & 'bicolor jacquard polo' sweater with a polo collar. I paired this look with perspex pumps & my perspex visor to add a hint of tennis. The tightly woven graphic knit reminds me of the web of a tennis racquet making me feel like the Merchant of Tennis. The perfect orchid purple x canary yellow backdrop brought out the pop of bright violet tones in my shirt & shorts.

When knit happens, get with the program!

Xo

Jyoti

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

CRANE YOUR NECK

OUTFIT: ZARA | MULES: ZARA | BRALETTE: VICTORIA'S SECRET | SUNGLASSES: DIOR

Animal prints never go out of fashion.

The earth animals (leopard, python & crocodile) have conquered the runways for centuries, even butterflies have had their moment, so designers have turned to the skies to seek inspiration. Avian inspired fabrics create a delicate persona, a breath of fresh air & depending on the bird, an exotic print. For years, the most fashion has offered is the beautiful peacock print. In Fall 2015, Gucci strutted a bird embroidered dress down the runway with an eye catching bird (wings spread) right in the centre of a plunging neckline. Valentino also had a memorable feathered frock with an Eagle, a symbol of Rome. These two dresses really stood out & now birds are finally in the limelight.

This Zara two-piece crane print suit is a cross between a kimono with the obi (sash) belt & silk pyjamas. The cranes, considered a mystical creature in Japan representing good fortune & longevity, create an Oriental appeal. The culotte pants & blush crane print offer a relaxed & flowy vibe. When trying to pull off a sleepwear to daywear look, always dress up your loungewear with heels or wedges (height is important), a red lip (bright shades) & polished hair (for a glam look). You don't want to look like a lazy grunge who rolled out of bed; you want look stylish luxe like you stood in your boudoir & street styled your best silk or satin pyjamas; only Hugh Hefner can pull off wearing a silk robe to & from bed.

I paired my silk crane suit with Zara satin mules, soft pink YSL ankle straps, a blush bralette, Dior shades, a bold red lip & I can't believe I found a crane ring in my closet. I guess I got the good luck. 

;)

Xo

Kiran