Signature JADE : Sheer Impact!

In our series on Signature JADE, our latest post on what makes us uniquely us, we explore the Unconventional Lehenga Styling at JADE!

Lehengas, such an integral part of a trousseau, have always been the center point of a wedding... What the bride chooses to wear, and how she wears it can set the mood of the wedding and can dictate the décor and the styling. With so much importance given to the lehenga, it is imperative that the lehenga suits the bride perfectly and vice versa! 

For the Bride who believes in being different, sheer Lehengas are not only unique but also declare ‘Fun’! Step aside from conventional sparkly ensembles for a classic ensemble in tulle. Pair it with a sultry corset, and a new look is born! The fall of sheer fabric helps to celebrate our curves like never before. Feather-light lehengas also mean that you enjoy yourself to the max, and look stylish doing it. 

For the Bride who is always looking for the Next Big Thing, asymmetrical lehengas would be right up your alley! In signature JADE shades, a strong lehenga could be paired with a romantic lace top for that touch of femininity! The high-low hemline proves to be Ethno-futuristic that is contrasted with drapes which helps create drama and an interesting form.

How would You style your Signature JADE Lehenga?

The Exquisite World of Saris - Welcome to Orissa!

In our second post on the Exquisite Saris of India, we’re here to talk about the timeless elegance of Orissa’s weaves. Famous for its Ikat weaves, Orissa has a wealth of weaving styles that have created some evergreen favourites.

Ikat Weaves

The hand-woven textiles of Orissa stand out with their unusual patterns and vibrant color schemes. The inspirations for these sarees come from the rich heritage of the sub-continent. Typical design motifs include rows of birds and animals, fish, seashells, rudraksh beads and temple spires. 

The rural areas are famous for creating weaves in tassar silk with a brilliance, glaze and texture that is unmatched. The rare silk fabric produced at Nuapatna in Cuttack district embellished with verses from the Gitagovinda is used to dress the idols at the Jagannath Temple.

Apart from the renowned Ikat Weave, Orissa has some lovely distinctive saris as well! The Berhampuri Pata are heavy silk sarees with narrow borders, generally woven without any intricate motifs.

The Saktapar sari, from the weaving looms of Sambalpur, Bargarh and Sonepur are identifiable by the double ikat checkerboard pattern and brocade border. The weaving arts of Sambalpur-Sonepur and Nuapatna have greatly influenced each other.

Style from Orissa

The Bomkai cotton saris from Ganjam district, named after a tribal village, have been influenced by tribal art, and are embroidered with temple spire patterns on the border.

The other typical varieties of Odisha  saris, in silk and cotton, include the glossy Khanduas having elaborate designs, the rich red jotai ikat with rows of stylized trees and temple spires on the borders, the unbleached cotton kotpad from Koraput offset by a vibrant red dyed border, the Taraballi and the Bichitrapuri. The tribal people of the State also excel in producing textiles of myriad hues using vegetable dyes.

Silk Saris from Orissa

An Orissa drape gives you an edge and that distinct style. A large Bindi, lots of kohl with chunky ear rings are the only accessories you will need to look like an ethnic diva! 

JADE by Monica and Karishma is amazed by and inspired by the beauty of these weaves and compelled to create ensembles that speak of timeless wonder. 

Image Credit : www.cohands.in

                         www.backstrapweaving.blogspot.in

The Exquisite World of Saris - The Bengali Drape!

Derived from the Sanksrit word ‘sadi’, meaning strip of cloth, the sari has been a garment that has captured our imagination – since, well, forever! Timeless and elegant, the sari is such a versatile garment that a nip here, and a tuck there, would create a whole new silhouette and look – what a great idea for fashionistas!

The JADE Saree is all about grace and how you style it! In our new series on Saris, we set out to explore the different styles of draping saris that stand out.

A perfectly draped Sari is bound to make you the cynosure of all eyes. The diverse landscapes govern the fabrics, designs and uniqueness. Global acceptance has grown, garnering appreciation, from fashion icon Victoria Beckham gracing the cover of fashion magazines and Gisele Bundchen to the Pussy Cat Dolls dressed and draped in saris, to Maharani Gayatri Devi in the French chiffon to Vidya balan raising the bar for the desirability of the sari.

The Bengali Style of Draping may, perhaps, be the most popular, because of the myriad ways it can be styled. A traditional sari in strong shades can be draped in a traditional manner. Paired with a classic gold blouse,the result would be quite regal and pleasing to the eye!

For a chic soiree, a tightly draped sari would look unconventional and unique! Pair it with a broad belt around the waist, and the silhouette created will be nothing short of breathtaking!

How will you style your JADE Saree? 


Image credits- Wikipedia, High heel confidential 

SIGNATURE JADE : The Tassel Bar

The sparkle of jewels, and the charming turn of a lehenga. Dreamy dupattas, and details, details! Doesn’t it paint quite a picture?

You’ve decided on your lehenga – the lehenga you’re going to get married in, the one you’re starting your life in. And all it needs is a little special something…

In the second post on what makes JADE have that distinctive style, we’re talking about Tassels. Purely ornamental (though they play such an important role!), JADE’s tassels have always been all about adding a dose of unique styling into your ensemble.

The Tassel Bar at our store is a must-stop for our lovely clients who are amazed by what an added accoutrement does to transform the look.

Incredibly detailed and embroidered, our tassels are jewels by themselves. A peacock motif sneaks in a bit of fun at your wedding!

If you’d like to jazz up your ensemble, sparkle can never go wrong! We adore this jeweled tassel – so pretty!

How would you like to add a bit of charm?

Inspirational Hampi!

JADE by Monica and Karishma has always aimed to play a pivotal role in the preservation of the cultural scape of India’s rich history of material culture. Using traditional techniques such as Benarasi Saree weaving & hand-woven embroidery that elicit an aura of royalty and decadence has been Jade’s motto.

In India, land of the plentiful, inspiration is not always hard to find. The rich history has provided so many different styles and perspectives; one is, honestly, spoiled! Jade has always drawn from this wealthy bank and have walked away richer.

One of our constant inspirations has been the glorious architecture at Hampi in South India. The Vijaynagar Dynasty, established in 1336 C.E created masterpieces of the naturally available soapstone! Buildings ranged from civic & military to religious & royal palaces.

Inspired by other schools of architecture, the final results displayed a rich amalgamation of inspired styles. Drawing both from Hindu and Islamic architecture, this can be witnessed in the geometrical structure of the temples and the intricate detailing of motifs.

JADE is inspired by this attention to detail as well as the structuring which transform the style into a masterpiece of art and dedication. We are inspired by the classic style, and the inspired creations – and isn’t that what Jade is all about? Reimagination & Preservation!

Images from www.hampi.in

The Right Pick : Choosing Your Lehenga!

The question has been asked, and the dates have been set. Before you set off in a wedding tizzy, planning ahead on what to wear on the most important day of your life is always a good decision!

Choosing your Lehenga is often an arduous task and you would definitely need a checklist. Where is the wedding taking place? What suits you? What look are you looking to get?..The list goes on!

Starting off with a basic question – What’s my Personality like? – will go a long way in choosing your Lehenga.

Personality Type: Bubbly Princess

You practically know all the lines to Alicia Silverstone’s Clueless and Sonam Kapoor’s Aisha – and have a closet to rival theirs! You like a bit of sparkle, a bit of drama, and bright colours! Opt for JADE’s jeweled lehenga with its contrast pink tones. Definitely dramatic, but also very very feminine.

Personality Type: Classic Sophisticate

You prefer the classics in all – art, music, travel et al – and a stylish alternative to it all is what you want, every day. You have a strong hold over vintage culture and prefer subtle sheen over gloss. JADE’s subtle but intricate lehenga will make you look twice!

Personality Type: Dreamy Wanderer

You’re happiest when you’re out on the road and probably start planning your next holiday when this one ends. The wedding’s on a fabulous beach, somewhere out in the Caribbean and is truly a celebration of what you and your fiancé are all about! Go for JADE’s dreamy lehenga. Incorporating unusual styling, it’s all about the distinctive vibe!