THE JADE BRIDE ~ Shabnum

JADE by Monica and Karishma has been honoured to have designed for some of the loveliest brides in these past 5 years. Brides from all walks of life have flocked to Jade to help them with their dream outfit for the moment they’ve been waiting for. We have been constantly inspired by these modern-day brides and our designs have tried to appeal to them on every level.

In our latest series on the JADE Bride, we sat down with JADE Brides who truly epitomize the spirit of Jade. Our first post is about Shabnum.

From London, Shabnum is part of the fashion and style industry herself. She owns Little Mistress, a brand dedicated to young women. Apart from her work, she is passionate about travelling and spending time with her family.

When the time came to choose her wedding outfit, she headed to India and the JADE posters caught her eye right away! She elaborates, “As soon as I walked in, I knew you had some amazing pieces. I am a VERY fussy shopper and I thought all your clothing was so different to what we usually see in the Indian clothing industry...I chose what suited me and didn’t have to compromise for anything!”

Shabnum looks gorgeous in her customised JADE ensemble! 

” I got two outfits – my mehendi and my wedding. My wedding outfit, as soon as I saw it, I knew it was for me!  The contrast of the colours used was stunning. Jade is by far my favorite boutique in India and I will definitely be buying again. Amazing clothing and amazing service. Could not have asked for much more!”

Like a Queen!

We wish you the best for your new life ahead!

10 Ways To Stand Out!

The Big Wedding Season is upon us and everyone wants to look fabulous – of course! How can you dress so that you can look unique and unconventional, yet very you at the same time? JADE shows you how!

1.       Don’t be afraid to experiment! Indian Style is always elegant – you can inject a bit of fun by experimenting with silhouettes. We’re in love with this multi-layered anarkali- so elegant yet refreshing!

2.    Look for ways in which you can add a bit of jazz to your outfit – the quickest way is through accessories – opt for different styles of tassels – a butterfly tassel adds instant irreverent charm!

3. Work through the trends and restyle them! Pair a fluid lehenga with a solid corset, or wear an asymmetrical lehenga – the world’s your oyster!

4.  Style your sari in different drapes – a structured jacket paired with your sari will look regal and chic. Jazz it up with unusual accessories like a deep gold nose ring or jeweled ear cuffs

5.  Step outside your comfort zone – mojris instead of heels – Chic and definitely impressive!

6. Chunk it up! Mix and match your jewellery – stacked rings and glass bangles! Your mum’s diamond bracelet with a mannish watch – so stylish!

7. Today’s It Trend – to-die-for Nails! Nail Art is a Must this Season!

8. Accentuate the Perfect Indian Silhouette with Kamarbandhs!

9. Minimalist yet indubitably stylish, shoulder cuffs styled with your blouse will be all about pairing the best of both worlds – the old and the new!

1 0.  The Wedding Season is all about Fun – chart your own Style Path!

Introducing Innana.. Celebrating Womanhood!

JADE by Monica & Karishma is spreading its wings. After establishing us as the It Bridal Boutique, we launched Innana in early 2013, thereby introducing a New Aesthetic!

The name is inspired by Sumerian Mesopotamian Goddess of Love, Beauty, War, Fertility, and perhaps best of all, Lady of Myriad Offices and Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Yes, we are all about femininity, one that is pure and free, ascetic and playful. INNANA defines a woman who stands her ground and invariably triumphs.

Thus, our collection is perfect for anyone who sees herself at Chic soirees. The INNANA collection comprises evening gowns, cocktail sarees for special soirees and capsule collection of jackets, jeans and accessories.

So, come join us as we celebrate the spirit of womanhood!

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! 

Monica and Karishma answer all your Bridal Queries!

With the launch of our Bridal Collection 2013-14 titled 'Aum Mani Padme Hum', we invited lovely brides-to-be to ask us their Queries about Bridal Style..and here are the answers!

Q. What is the top trend this season?

A. This season, we would recommend going for more than one texture – opt for different types of embroidery that will lend a very edgy and unconventional look. And of course, you can never go wrong with pop colours!

Q. I know red lehengas are the classic option but it’s not my colour. What do I do?

A.  If you would like a traditional look that’s still unconventional, opt for warmer shades such as hues of orange, yellow, and red to lend an air of timelessness.

Q. I want to have fun at my wedding, obviously, but don’t want to be weighed down by the outfit! What do you suggest?

A.  We agree, fun is paramount! Go for lightweight lehengas made from tulle and silk. Go for embroidery in one part of the ensemble – something like this! 

Q. What are the must-have colours this season?

A. Capitalise on the weather and go for deep metallic shades such as bronze and add a bit of pure colour like candy pink! Mix and match pastels with pop hues..have fun!

Q. My fiancé and I are not into dressing up for the wedding at all but I love Jade..how can I have a Jade wedding?

A. TR Jade is about unconventional style – go for an asymmetrical skirt with a corset. It’s chic and unusual!

Another great option is a floor-length anarkali - it has a fusion vibe yet it is very festive! 

Q. I love vintage style of the 50s and 60s. How do I incorporate this into my wedding?

A  Such a classy age! Make-up’s your easiest bet – stunning catlined eyes and bouffant hair! Coral lips and tightly draped saris. Loose curls and flowers in your hair!

Q. My sister loves Jade, too! Can she get a Bridesmaid outfit from Jade?

A TR. Absolutely! We’ve got a dedicated line for the Bridesmaids – something that befits the occasion but is also perfect for the sister of the bride!

Q  I  have a themed wedding, with a specific color palette can you guys customize an outfit for me?

A. We sure do! Jade is all about unconventional styling and playing with colors.

 Customization of colors can be done according to client specifications. We do have an array of fabulous palettes for you to pick from!

Q: I need an outfit for my son’s wedding; do you have something for me?

A You can totally rock one of our gorgeous chiffon saris. We do have a striking color palette. Pair it up with a bejeweled blouse and voila!

Q: I am 17 and I want to dance at my cousin’s sangeet, without being hampered! Could you help me find an outfit that gives me enough dexterity?

Ans: Our asymmetrical lehengas and Anarkalis are lightweight and very easy to carry! Look suave and chic in a Jade ensemble for your performance! J

Q: I loved your blog about adding fun props in weddings. Could you suggest some fun ideas?

A :Quirk up wedding by having fun interactive activities! Have a bangle maker, a bolly-wood prop photo booth, a short film etc Have an offbeat playlist, Make your day special and memorable by making it fun-tastic!

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

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

Signature JADE - Shades of JADE!

Launched in 2008, JADE by Monica and Karishma has carved out a distinctive entity within the echelons of Indian fashion. Reimagining traditional favourites in unique colours and unconventional styling, JADE’s style leaves quite a calling card!

In this new series about Signature JADE, we talk about the things that make JADE, well, JADE and which have awed our friends and fans!

Colour and the fearless use of it has always been JADE’s forte. Pairing contrasts together highlight on each colour’s quality and brings it out!

                                              

Breaking misconceptions about the stationary nature of Indian style, JADE has reworked trends to appeal to the modern Indian woman – One who appreciates the heritage she’s part of and who also enjoys living in the moment.

                                                

ColourBlocking is a trend that brings art to life. Strong shades in paintings such as Van Gogh’s Sunflowers or Mondrian’s abstract Compositions have evoked strong feelings of peace, joy, calmness on one hand and determination on the other. With its colourblocked saris, JADE creates strong reactions of awe in its audience.

                                           

The use of metallics in tones gives an edgy and luxe feel to an ensemble.  Textured golds, silvers, and bronzes create a great background upon which looks can be fashioned! Just imagine…a vibrant raspberry sari against a gold blouse..Refreshing and oh-so-very chic, isn’t it?!

                                           

The use of colour and simple styling creates a timeless and chic look. Relying on the strength of the colours, JADE’s styling has reflected simple sophistication. What has been your favourite JADE colour? 

It's the time to be jolly!

We love Christmas and just the general festive atmosphere, cheerful people, twinkly lights, yummy food and of course, beautiful clothes, disco balls and champagne. New year get togethers and evenings are a time to shine and we absolutely love dressing up the belles of the ball. December is a happy, festive month and we go all out to reflect that at our flagship store!

Here's a few shots from around the JADE store and the gorgeous outfits and options available for the ladies that love to party in style!