[ SPRING BRIGHTS ] Pretty Prints by Mitandio

1. Natraaj, $160  2. Splatter, $160  3. Pop Lakshmi 

It seems Spring has (finally!) reached British shores once more, and with a little sun comes a desire to shed those dreary winter shades and embrace those Spring brights. So, on an unusually sunny afternoon, what better to have stumbled upon than a plethora of eye-poppingly scintillating scarves? 

Created by designer Jas Sandhu and business partner Rukmani Singh, the label, aptly named Mitandio which literally translates as 'scarves' in Swahili focuses on the scarf as a "simple accessory that has the sublime ability of beautifying the simplest of looks" - a theory I whole heartedly support as a, perhaps overly avid scarf wearer. With their collection of unique prints in a spectrum of kaleidoscopic colours, this is one label that's definitely nailed their target. 

Having studied at Delhi's prestigious National Institute of Fashion and Technology (NIFT). and worked as a Stylist for ELLE Decor, it comes as no surprise that Jas's eye for design has lead to a line of sell-out styles. I, for one, am obsessing over their contemporary injection of ethnic inspiration; a style which comes as a result of Jas's unconventional upbringing spent shuffling between Punjab and the Tanzanian Serengeti. Fusing their love of travel and of the endless idiosyncrasies of varying cultures, Jas and Rukmani endeavour to inject each design with "its own story and history, springing from mythology to political issues to human values to nature, serving as an inspiration to different spans of life." Now that's an accessory to boast about. 

4. Maa Kali, $160  5. Ice Ikat, $160

All images: mitandio.com

[ FABULOUS FINDS ] Hand Painted Ethnic Home Decor from Fabulloso!

1. Pottery Hookah I by Mudcafe 2. Bye Bye Birdie Kettle by Mudcafe 3. Ganesh Madhubani Kettle Blue by The Colour Caravan 4. Bird Ochard Box Mudcafe 5. Bird Sanctuary Canister in Cream by Mudcafe 6. Antique Iron by Mudcafe 7. Pattachitra Tissue Box by The Colour Caravan 8. Artistic Florals Tiffin Carrier 9. Storyteller Kettle by Mudcafe

If you've been following Wandering Threads on Twitter or Facebook, you've probably already read me rave about Delhi based digital bazaar, Fabulloso. With a self-proclaimed selection of beautiful, whimsical, witty and quirky designer products, ranging from clothing, shoes and accessories to home decor and furniture, you're at risk of getting well and truly lost as your eyes wander this digital market space. I, for one, am head over heels with those ornately pretty, hand-painted teapots and totally obsessed with that beautifully unique antique Iron (swoon!). And as I'm currently in the process of flat hunting, I can't think of a better way to envision my future living space than with Indian inspired, patterned home decor resting on my virtual shelves. Which ones your favourite?

Thinking that pottery hookah looks familiar? Probably because it is. I also featured it here.

[ LAKMÈ LOWDOWN ] Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012

Whilst I was (reluctantly) climbing the mountains of Slovenia (pictures to come soon - promise!), this lot were happy mingling in the comfort of Mumbai's Grand Hyatt Hotel, busying themselves with chatter of the latest unveilings from the Winter/Festive 2012 collections. Lucky them. Taking place twice a year since 1999, Lakmé Fashion Week  is India's most prestigious Fashion and trade event, acting as a platform for the launch of many of India's most talented designers. So that's the intro done, now for the Lakmé Lowdown...take a look at some of the 'best in show' according to the humble opinion of Wandering Threads:

Yogesh Chaudhary

(As above) Definitely one to watch: an unquestionable mastery of print-on-print styling that is synonymously Indian, but what's that? It's inspired by Pac Man?! Yup, Chaudhary's inspiration went on a whirlwind ride back to the 1960's American Retro Era, where he picked up a sunny colour palette of canary yellow, cherry red and electric blue before propelling himself 20 years into the future to play a bit of our favourite 80's childhood arcade game, then hurling himself back to the present day ready with the one and only 'Miss Pac-in District'. Despite the somewhat nerdy inspiration, this collection's got definite sex appeal: a predominantly lean, body snug silhouette in super-modern block vs digital print-colour fusion's gave a new twist to the sari-choli combo, whilst full skirts paired with traditionally cut choli's created a look which would easily find its place on the runways of western fashion weeks. Enough photo's I need to see this in person Chaudhary! Get thee to London Fashion Week! 

Nitya Arora

Winner of the Grazia Young Designers Award: Best Jewellery Designer 2012, Arora's career seems to be skyrocketing to success at only 24. A graduate of Parsons School of Design in New York, Arora launched her accessory line upon completing her studies in 2011 and has already held trunk shows in Dubai, Egypt and New York. Her LFW W/F 2012 'Nouveau Gypsy' collection saw her trademark oversized statement necklaces embellished with a mishmash of mesh and chain, set with gemstones and enamel in geometric forms on beds of tassel's, while spiked chokers kicked up a 'dare to touch' rock'n'roll edge.

Pinnacle by Shruti Sancheti

Synonymous with the combo of indigenous design and contemporary styling, Sancheti's Pinnacle brand combines traditional craftsmanship with a look desirable of modern day India. With a collection entitled 'Thar', this seasons look was very much a contemporary fashion take on the time-honored textiles of the Kutch region. Combining traditional techniques of Shibori (a unique stitch resistant technique of the Nebsarai Village), Sindhi Tanka or Kutch stitch with negative appliqué, herringbone, chain and buttonhole stitches in a colour palette of richly hued fuschia, sunset orange, mango, indigo and royal blue, Sancheti's seamlessly layered and meticulously crafted ensembles made more than an impact on Indian Textile Day. 

Bodice by Ruchika Sachdeva 

Infamous for her penchant for 'androgyny, structure and  contrast', Sachdeva sure didn't fail on any mark this season with her fluid collection inspired by the Indian Maharaja and the Sadhu. Elegant, sheer and floaty blouses, feminine pleated skirts and billowing harem pants were neatly nipped with sharply cut blazers whilst pretty pastels and feminine, soft shades of berry and apricot where starkly bordered with black belts and collars. Picking up on that distinctly tailored western edge? No doubt a by-product of days spent studying at London College of Fashion and stemming from an impressive resume of experience working with both Vivienne Westwood and Giles Deacon.

Pia Pauro

Mara Hoffman eat your heart out! There's a new kid on the block and she certainly stole the show this season at Lakmé with her Mexican Folk Art and Aboriginal inspired prints. Aptly named "Espiritu de Mexico", Pauro's collection IS the perfect holiday wardrobe (NB for those of you yet to leave for your summer vacations). Brightly hued beach shorts were paired with printed cami's, easy-wear patterned jersey dresses featured appliqued Mexican motifs and for that evening transition Pauro provided bead encrusted, heavily embroidered mini tube dresses. Oh and she's a graduate of London College of Fashion, can you tell? 

For more information on Lakmé Fashion Week, click here.  

[ GLOBAL FASHION OLYMPICS ] WT's Top 5 Opening Ceremony Uniforms

You couldn't have a Parade of Nations without a Wandering Threads feature on global style choices, it just wouldn't be right. In fact, even whilst watching the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony on Friday night my own friends were making predictions for this here post. So here we have it: a compiled list of Wandering Thread's Top 5 Opening Ceremony Outfits, featuring the teams whose uniforms most successfully captured an essence of their own country's traditional spirit whilst maintaining a contemporary sense of style. And before you mention it, yes I am unfailingly rooting for Team GB, but I have to hold my hands up (along with the rest of the country) with a 'WT*?!'. Should have left the job to Stella, Next. 

All images by Yahoo Sport. Graphics by Wandering Threads.

5. Mexico
In true Mexican spirit, the team paraded party spirit for the occasion. Donning brightly coloured ponchos and garishly embroidered and appliqued shirts, the Mexican team certainly radiated festive energy. It may not be Olympic chic, but hey, it's authentic, its colourful and it got a great reaction from the crowds. Viva Mexico!

4. Spain

From a distance, looking almost like a parade of Spanish national flags themselves, Spain kept true to their country colours with a coordinated red and yellow ensemble. Paying attention to detail, the women's yellow jacket and pleated silk skirt uniforms were accessorised with red waist belts and traditional Spanish patterned, fan-shaped cross body bags, whilst both genders wore custom printed neck ties. One of the few European nations that just managed to steer away from the dull 'flight crew' look, Spain comes in at number four for its traditional inspired embellishments and custom designed accessories.

3. Cameroon

At number 3 is West Africa's Cameroon. Clad head to toe in traditional dress (also worn on a daily basis by many Cameroonian's), the team's heavily decorated women's kabba and men's boubou's, embellished with sunset hued embroidery against a stark black background, really set the team apart. Ethnic style props to you Cameroon!

2.  Indonesia
Renowned for their skilfully crafted batik, its no wonder the Indonesian team chose to dress their female team members in brightly coloured version of the wax-resist dye technique. Paired with a smartly tailored red silk Kebaya, in keeping with the colours of their national flag, Team Indonesia certainly created a winning combination of contemporary meets traditional.

1. India
Mixing traditional brightly coloured Indian dress with an air of tailored western chic, India definitely stole the show with their elegant choice of an (auspicious) canary yellow/navy sari, turban and suit combos, despite the gatecrashing red jumper and jean glad random 'leading' in the nation in front! 

Which country do you think most successfully combined tradition with contemporary style for the Opening Ceremony? Leave your comments below!

[ GIVEAWAY ] Win An Ajrakh Block Printed Scarf by Kahani

If you've already read yesterday's interview with Kahani founder Lisanne, you'll know that the label's handcrafted, luxury scarves and shawls are created using age-old techniques, on the highest quality fabrics, by highly skilled, indigenous artisans in Kutch, India. Each and every item in the Kahani store possesses an appeal of timeless quality that can be worn with the knowledge that the craftsmen who created it were paid a fair wage and worked under ethical conditions. I'd say that's pretty awesome, wouldn't you?

So to spread some of this awesomeness around, Wandering Threads has partnered with Kahani to give you the chance to win your very own Tussar silk Ajrakh block printed scarf, worth $85!

This particular scarf (as pictured above and below) is created using a form of traditional hand block printing and resist dyeing done using natural pigments. It's a laborious process that requires several stages of preparation, printing, drying, dyeing, re-printing, re-dyeing, washing and so on. In fact, a traditional Ajrakh cloth can take up to three weeks for the desired colour and pattern to be achieved!

If you'd like to be in with a chance of winning this beautiful scarf, and owning your own artisanal creation, simply follow the instructions below. The contest is open to entrants from around the world, so go on, enter now!

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3 WAYS TO ENTER:

1. 'Like' Kahani & Wandering Threads on Facebook

 2. Pin your favourite 5 Kahani items on Pinterest

3.  Share Kahani on your own blog.

then...

Comment on this post, mentioning

how you have entered, providing links if necessary. 

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For a limited time only, the very generous people at Kahani are also offering 15 % off all items, store wide, from the 11th -30th July 2012. Just enter 'WANDERINGTHREADS' at checkout to get your discount!

Contest runs from 11.07.2012 to 30.07.2012. Winner will be picked at random by Kahani and notified through the method they have entered (Facebook/blog/Pinterest.

[ STORIES IN THE MAKING ] Handcrafted Fashion By Kahani

From the far corners of India to the expanse of the world wide web, newly launched online label Kahani marries the contemporary with the traditional with their opulent line of dazzling shawls, scarves, totes, jewellery and kaftans, all handcrafted by artisans in the Kutch region of Gujarat.  An advocate of ethical production, fair trade and the promotion of indigenous craftwork, Kahani’s founder, New York based Art Director and Designer, Lisanne Gagnon hopes that the products will capture your imagination and instil a desire for the beauty of the handmade in a world of mass consumerism and throwaway fashion. I’m a big fan of intertwining good causes with fabulous products, so I couldn’t have stumbled upon a more apt label to rave about on Wandering Threads. Thus, in awe of all things Kahani I probed Lisanne on how the label came to be:

1. Kahani means “story,” and the spirit of the label bares emphasis on the journey, as well as arriving at a beautiful end product. Can you tell us a little bit about your own story and how Kahani came to be?

In 2010, on my first-ever journey to India, I travelled to a desert district in Western India called Kutch where I witnessed first-hand the creation of a vast range of handicrafts by local artisans of all ages who belonged to a variety of ethnic tribes. Upon returning to New York, I realized how inspiring this experience was and immediately knew I had to return someday and explore further. What transpired through this “return” was essentially the merging of two desires: to work with artisans to create a line of beautiful, handcrafted garments and fashion accessories, and to commit to doing so in ethical and sustainable ways. My efforts began this past winter and by spring I launched Kahani.

2. The promotion of ethnic, indigenous and traditional craftsmanship is evidently something you are very passionate about. When did you first realise your interest in this?

I’ve always been intrigued by the concept of 'preserving artisan traditions', ones that survive millennia and are passed down through generations. During my initial trip, I began to understand my fascination was inextricably tied to my passion for traditional culture and ethnic style. Spending time with knowledgeable artisans really opened my eyes to the process and the history behind the craftwork. I realized instinctively that Kahani should be committed to the promotion and preservation of these age-old traditions that, quite honestly, may easily vanish in a fast-changing and globalized economy.

Click the link below to keep reading this interview and don't forget to
check back tomorrow for details of an exciting

KAHANI GIVEAWAY !!! 

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[ LET THE GAMES BEGIN ] Vogue India Olympics July 2012

If you've been following me for a while, or even trawling through the pages of tribal/ethnic inspired fashion editorials I've featured on this blog, you'll probably have figured out that I'm pretty much head over heels in love with Indian Vogue. With all that glitz, a myriad of textures, fabrics and patterns and of course those intricate prints in habitually vivid hues, synonymous with an all-Indian approach to style, it's ethnic eye candy to the extreme. This has to be one of my favourite shoots of the month, not just for that luxe bohemian vibe, but because its Olympic themed! And as a supporter of all things time-honoured and global, I thought it only right to feature these fine glamazons in 'Let The Games Begin'. Featuring models Lakshmi Rana and Alys Hale and shot by Diego Fuga for the July issue, its like some kind of fashion-off complete with very sultry posing, of course. I wouldn't say no to anything featured here, particularly those Yves Saint Laurent silk habuti trousers, oh and that camel too. What? With an ensemble like his, it's definitely a stylish way to wander.

All images visualoptimism.blogspot.co.uk

[ FROM RAJASTHAN WITH LOVE] Traditional Woodblock Block Printing From India

I'm a huge fan of the traditional Indian technique of woodblock printing. During my wanderings around Rajasthan last summer I had to stop myself from spending yet more of my travel fund on the profusion of intricately hand carved blocks for sale in the markets. I was even fortunate enough, on one particular day in Jaipur, to visit a small textile factory where the owner happily gave me a quick woodblock print demo (which you can read more about here). 

The video above, by pro-sustainable US retail store West Elm, was filmed during a recent trip to Rajathan and is an excellent insight into the traditional woodblock printing process from start to finish. Check out those insanely detailed carvings! I think i'll be leaving that to the pro's. 

Don't forget, if you're coming to Latitude Festival in a couple of weeks, make sure you pop down to The Painted House in the Faraway Forest on Friday at 13.30. I'll be bringing along some of these authentic Indian woodblocks for you to have a play with!

[ TOTALLY TECHNICOLOUR ] Nida Mahmood's Bollywood Bags

1, 2, 4, 5 & 6. The Great Indian Bohemian Tamasha Collection 3. NIBC Collection 

How cool are these bags by eclectic Delhi based designer Nida Mahmood? I stumbled across them whilst perusing the press archives of India’s Lakme Fashion Week, ogling at the outrageous colours and imaginative ideas prevalent in so much of India’s new generation design talent. 

Exit Manish Arora (off to Paris he went, although news on the street is he might be out of job) and enter the new ‘Queen of Indian Kitsch’. Since debuting her designs back in 2006 at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week, as one of the six “Gen Next” designers, Nida’s namesake label has soared to success. Riding the wave in 2009, Nida launched her sister retail label New India Bioscope Co in collaboration with PR guru, Raul Chandra. Born out of a mutual obsession for Old Delhi Bollywood poster art, kooky street style and an 'incredible wanderlust for everything in technicolour', the duo searched high and low for those aging Bollywood-hoarding artists who, before the tech revolution, would plaster the city with hand-painted pop-art style posters. Adding an air of authenticity to their eclectic Bollywood style artwork, Raul and Nida, aren’t just doing this for kicks. With a nod and a wink to a bygone era, where artisans reigned supreme and computers were still scary, the New India Bioscope Co aims to build excitement around the art form so younger generations may catch on and become interested in taking the idea forward.

And forward it now goes, with the line of hand-painted pop graphics now extending to everything from these super cool hand-painted bags and trunks to jackets, furniture as well as some more cost effective options such as notebooks, coasters and umbrellas. 

Click links above to buy online at nidamahmood.com

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[ BOOK LOVE ] India: Essential Encounters & Nomad by Sibella Court

 

Recently I have taken (back) up one of my favorite pastimes: trawling through bookstores. Now that I am living back in a city again, I am no longer deprived of arty magazines and beautiful coffee table books, so heavy they could double as an iron door stop. Ahh the bonuses of stationary city dwelling... Anyway, I've noticed of late that most of my readers are arriving at Wandering Threads through fairly specific culture and artisanal related references, so this post is for you lot - 'wishyouwere' travellers and itchy fingered design fanatics - feast your eyes on two of my top pictorials volumes of the moment.

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India: Essential Encounters by Richard I'Anson and Sarina Singh

This book is jaw-droppingly stunning. I first discovered it in November 2010 during an attempt to while away my rainy lunch hour in a bookstore, with daydreams of my upcoming Asia trip. And dream I did, every lunchtime then on, until May last year. Seriously. India: Essential Encounters is published by travel guide giants Lonely Planet and features an astounding collection of 650+ colour photographs, spanning 44 of India's most breathtaking destinations. It's seemingly endless pages are strewn with images taken by internationally renowned photographer Richard I'Anson over a period of 23 years (since his first trip to the country in 1986). From the beachfront bazaars of Goa to the otherworldly riches of Rajasthan's palaces, this book is pure travel eye candy, and a sure-fire way to get you on that plane (hopefully not straight onto the streets of Delhi).

Tip: pick this one up in store, don't order it online - it weights an absolute ton!

Find out more about the photographer at: richardianson.com

All images courtesy of Richard I'Anson for Lonely Planet. 

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Nomad: A Global Approach to Interior Style by Sibella Court

I stumbled across this one just the other day, actually. Can you guess what drew me to it? Yup, might be the giant NOMAD written across that richly hued ikat fabric. I just can't get enough of texture, so when opened this crafty book I was instantly hooked. Please someone buy it for me when I get home (it will pretty much consume my entire cabin weight limit)?! Take a peak at some of these snapshots of the pages. The whole book is designed as if it were Sibella's own sketchbook. Sibella, by the way, has been lucky enough to travel vastly across continents during her years as a interior designer and visual merchandiser, picking up bits and bobs along the way. 

http://rstyle.me/hgw4fbm6neThe book is separated into sections, each covering one of Sibella's trips to a myriad of countries including Mexico, Italy, Japan and of course, India (it had to be there somewhere). The pages are chockablock with collaged photo montages, fabrics, beads and other bits and bobs to demonstrate how you can bring home and accessorise your living spaces with your travel finds. For me, the selling point is absolutely all about the graphic design: typewriter font printed over layers of fabric, images affixed with masking tape and pins... a scrapbook maker's heaven.  

Find out more about Sibella at: thesocietyinc.com.au 



All images from Nomad: A Global Approach to Interior Style by Sibella Court

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[ CALL OF THE WILD ] Vogue India March 2012

This March, Indian Vogue unleashed this epic editorial bursting with explosive colour, dynamism and fierce, untamed tribal-inspired beauty. Modeled by Preeti Dhata and Ninja Singh this kick ass shoot features a plethora of homegrown talent from the likes of Rohit Ghandi and Rahul Khanna, Malini Ramani and Alpana Neeraj and Ritu Kumar. Offset by zig-zagging braids, graphic cornrows and stencil patterned war paint and accessorised with some of the finest ethnic statement jewellery I've seen this season, it seems those 'innovative', 'boundary-pushing', 'rebellious' labels that typically crown the likes of London's new generation, may be in for the taking. Honestly, that Kapoor 'Chaotic Truck Art' crêpe dress is giving me the urge to hop right on a plane straight to Rajasthan to hang out with the gypsies (like these!). Somebody fly me back to India!

Photographed by Suresh Natarajan and styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania for Indian Vogue, March 2012

Photos courtesy of Visual Optimism (blog love!)

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[ETHNIC FINDS] Jewellery Stories

So as you've probably have guessed by now, I've just jumped on the Instagram bandwagon (hey, I know I'm late but I am traveling around the world with a severe lack of wifi access and a boyfriend who only occasionally lets me completely take over his Ipod). Nevertheless, I thought I'd use my new found skills to show you some of the beautiful ethnic jewellery I've been collecting over the past months. This set comes from my travels around India and Nepal. So from right to left here are the discriptions:

1. Red and white yak bone beaded bracelets, bought off a Tibetan lady who cornered me in Pokhara, Nepal. 

2. Giant (and very heavy) hand painted statement earrings from a stall in Kerala, India.

3. Turquoise and amber (supposedly) inlaid miniature perfume bottle bought from a little old lady on the corner of the street in Pokhara, Nepal. Apparently her husband brings her all her wares one a month from Tibet.

4.  Turquoise and amber (again, supposedly but more like faux) hollow pendant with Buddhist mantra hidden inside. Bought from one of many very keen salesmen at Kathmandu's Durbar Square market in Nepal.

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