JADE's Collection 2013-14 : The Gompas of Ladakh!

JADE by Monica and Karishma has always striven to create something new, something unusual. Our quest to provide the modern Indian bride the most alluring options took us across the cultural landscape of India to Ladakh and its Gompas! 

The Sanskrit name of Gompa is "Vihara" which typically form monasteries, nunneries and university that are meant for learning, lineage and sadhana located in the regions of Ladakh in India, Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal. The art and architecture of each and every Gompas differ from region to region, however, there are common features of all the Gompas! 

These Gompas are not only famous for their places of worships for Buddhist people but also famous for their architectural marvel and beautiful paintings and locations that attracted the tourists from all over the world. A large number of pilgrims and tourists also get attracted during their religious ceremonies, annual festivals, and seasonal festivals.

This Bridal Season 2013-14, witness JADE's Artistic Marvels inspired by the Gompas come alive! 

JADE Inspirations : Kumbalgarh

Born as a passion bloomed into nothing less than an art-form, Jade has won admiration from all for its exquisite collections, timeless elegance and its ability to bring out the inner diva in all women! JADE is a brand that emits opulence, luxury and vintage glamour. Moreover, JADE’s opulent collections are constructed with highest form of care and precision.     

Rajasthan has served as a fashion hub for designers from India and abroad. This incessantly stylish state has innumerable and unique charms in its closet. The closer you look the more jewels you discover. In our brand new collection we have been inspired by the Grandeur of Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan. Kumbhalgarh’s natural beauty is successful in attracting many tourists; we at JADE couldn’t resist its charms either!

The fine craftsmanship is reflected in the drawings, carvings and architecture of this fort. Be it the striking citadels or the quaint patterns etched on a haveli door our search for inspiration sure does lead us places!

Our design philosophy blends contemporary fashion with vintage grace. We strive for amalgamation of indigenous textiles that are applied across modern silhouettes. JADE’s unique pieces showcase the different phases of artistic evolutions.

Channel you inner Rajasthani princess by pairing-up your luscious JADE ensemble with Chunky earrings and a choker necklace. Step up the style quotient by adding haphazard assortment of bangles and voila! You are ready to turn heads. 

Image credit - www.tripadvisor.in

                           www.iloveindia.com

The Artistry at Aurangabad!

At JADE by Monica and Karishma we strive to amalgamate inspirations from our ancient historic jewels with modern day luxury. Our search for some inspiration led us to the world heritage sites Ajanta and Ellora located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.

Our rummage through the glorious history of Aurangabad’s heritage has left us awestruck! The spell-binding beauty of Bibi-ka-Maqbara, the exquisite cave paintings in Ajanta Ellora, the Soneri Mahal and Pithakhora has convinced us that the plethora of magnificent aura has been around since like forever.

Strategically placed on the Deccan plateau this city is undoubtedly the land of plentiful. Aurangabad is heading towards rapid industrial growth, but it retains the nostalgic memories from its glorious past.

The Ajanta and Ellora caves situated in Aurangabad exhibit incredible murals and paintings molded into them that reflect the magic of Tantric Hinduism. The subtle yet striking color palettes that can be seen murals in dense caves of Ellora have been major inspirations behind JADE’s surreal ensembles.

The stunning cave paintings and stone carvings in Ajanta and Ellora mark the changing fortunes of three major religions Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism between the 5th and the 10th century CE. The unique and breathtaking cave paintings have drawn visitors from all over the world making it one of the most visited places in Maharashtra. 

The rock-cut masterpieces in Kailasha, Ellora remind us of the dedication and skills of the craftsmen of that century. Like the mesmerizing murals at Ajanta-Ellora a JADE ensemble too is created with Avant-Garde perfection! The mood and grandeur exhibited by these caves have set tones for exquisite JADE collection.

The abundance of cultural wealth cumulated in India continues to enthrall us! Our maneuvers have led us to explore desolate areas of art. At JADE our search for unique styles have led us to explore newer dimensions of our very own Jade masterpieces! 

Image Credits : World Heritage Site

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?

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

Feeling Inspired!

So we are neck deep in editing our first official brand film for the web and each frame, each cut and each snippet feels so close to the heart. It's a new yet interesting creative process for us, from getting the opening shot right to the perfectly complimentary musical score. Of course, there are some gorgeous brand films out there by those who lead and define the business of fashion.

While taking a quick break from the editing table, we decided to sneak a peek at some of the most recent brand campaigns that have caught the collective attention of the fashionistas out there. Turns out,
Louis Vuitton, the French luxury fashion house has just unveiled a new film to the world.

And it is a sight to behold. The film pays homage to the brand's home and invokes a haunting and dark emotion that you can't quite identify. The soaring music really adds to the mysterious mood as well. Really enjoyed the film. The last shot of the model soaring in the sky makes you think that owning a LV product is something you truly have to earn.

Just wanted to share this latest piece of LV magic with the world before the editing table beckons again..ah at least we are feeling inspired again to make that Jade film a winner :)