For South Asian weddings, access to quality and variety in traditional clothing is limited in the US. If you’re lucky, there’s a nearby aunty who has opened up a clothing boutique. Or you have a relative in Pakistan (with good taste) who sends you new clothes every year. Maybe a close friend brings you back an outfit or two from her recent trip to India. But not all of us have a fashion fairy godmother.
Fortunately, South Asian female entrepreneurs are increasingly embracing eCommerce, making traditional clothing more accessible in North America. At KYNAH, Aisha Rawji’s online shop offers chic South Asian formalwear that caters to minimalist western aesthetics.
I’ve styled this vibrant Mitalee lengha by KYNAH, perfect for a summer wedding to dance the night away in. I adore the slight pops of color, fun tassel embellishments, and voluminous crinkly skirt. It actually fits more like a gown than a lengha, which makes the outfit super comfortable. Shop my look with code BNBSocial for 10% off* your entire purchase.
KYNAH, which means “woman leader”, is an apt title for Rawji’s line. As a female entrepreneur, she’s paving the way for more women here in the U.S. to enjoy their culture in a way they can appreciate. Her designs offer a modern perspective focused on quality materials, subtle prints, and light embellishments — a welcome break from usually having to decide between gaudy and even gaudier.
5 Tips When Shopping for South Asian Formalwear at KYNAH
1. Order in Advance: If you’re in the U.S. or Canada, shop at least 2 weeks in advance for a ready-to-ship outfit. For made-to-order outfits, shop at least 6 weeks ahead.
2. Consider Shipping Costs: There is a $15 flat shipping fee within the U.S. or India. For international shipping, customers are responsible for customs and duty fees.
3. Size Matters: KYNAH does leave a margin for alterations. But if you’re unsure, consider a larger size to allow further room for alterations by your local tailor.
4. Purchase with Intent: You have 24 hours to cancel your order. Otherwise, returns or exchanges are not accepted.
5. Handle with Care: All items are dry clean only. I usually spot clean my outfits by hand. But if a thorough cleaning is required, make sure your dry cleaner is sensitive to certain areas (i.e. pearls, crystals, or other embellishments).
South Asian Wedding Guest Outfits Under $500
If you’re dressing for a summer wedding, here are my top 10 picks from KYNAH starting at $338. If you’re a new customer, you can use my exclusive discount code BNBSocial for 10% off your entire purchase.
*Visit Kynah’s online shop and get 10% off your purchase with my exclusive code BNBSocial. For new customers only from June 6 – July 6. Limit one per customer. Looking for jewelry to go with your look? Try a couple of my favorite options: Art Karat and Miraya.
No trip to India is complete without a stay at one of its opulent resorts. A royal retreat is the perfect way to detox from the hustle and bustle of city life. During my final weekend in India, I decided to escape from the city of Udaipur and head for the Aravali Hills. A pristine hideaway awaited me at Raas Devigarh, a Mr and Mrs Smith member.
A Peaceful Hideaway
After a winding and quiet drive up to the property and through the gates, a gleaming white palace emerged. A lovingly tended garden of fragrant purple flowers complemented the sprawling outer courtyard. The concierge guided us up the steps to the palace. Suddenly, fresh rose petals rained upon us from the balcony above. More eager than ever, we stepped through the enormous front door guarding the entrance to see a little piece of heaven ahead.
Our visit began with a refreshing house lemonade in the open air restaurant. We enjoyed the amazing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and village of Delwara. I had not felt this peaceful in ages. There was something about the minimalist design of the fortress and the quiet little village beyond that arrested the senses in an almost zen like state.
After lunch, we checked into our suite and then explored the property. Around every corner was something new and awe inspiring. A giant swing in the courtyard made the perfect reading spot for the morning. While a natural stone sofa in the next courtyard was shaded by the most brilliant palm tree.
Hints of marigold were hidden around the palace, creating brilliant pops of color amongst all of the gleaming white marble.
Ornately decorated nooks to dine in and grand archways made each corner its own work of art.
As it was Diwali weekend, there were a handful of guests. The property was especially quiet with only the sounds of birds chirping above to disrupt our reverie. We watched the sun change from yellow to orange and pink until it set beneath the hills. At night we dined under the stars and enjoyed a selection of fine international cuisine. As it was a bit chilly, the staff offered us shawls for warmth. We took in the evening air and the lights from the village below.
Waking Up with Pajamasutra
The next morning I awoke with a wish to never leave. The peace I felt was like nothing else — as if all my cares were distant memories. The only things that occupied my thoughts were the beauty and simplicity of the life lived within these walls.
We took some time to enjoy breakfast in the serenity of our Palace Suite. Fit for a queen, it included an entrance room with dining area, an inner lounge and dressing area, a massive bedroom with a separate seating area and views of the Aravali Hills, and a his/hers bathroom.
We also took in the views one last time in the Durbar lounge, a gorgeous place for evening drinks and snacks. The night before a private party filled its halls. As Udaipur is only 45 minutes away, it seemed like the perfect place for a pre-wedding get together for out of town guests.
One night at Raas Devigarh was not enough. It’s certainly somewhere I’d love to spend a few days, particularly to enjoy its spa treatments and explore the nearby village and temples. Udaipur is known for its palaces, but the surrounding forts are equally as rich and rejuvenating. I’d also love to stay at Bujera Fort, which is outside Udaipur as well.
Have you stayed at any of the palaces around Udaipur? I’d love to hear about your experience.
Udaipur may be my favorite city in the world. It also happens to be where my parents grew up. When I was young, we spent most of our time there meeting relatives and family friends. That usually meant eating a lot of food and then eating some more. Once in a while we would go sightseeing. I’d also enjoy stocking up on cheap Archie comics or reading a stack of my cousins’ Harlequin romance novels. (Udaipur was a small town in the 80s and 90s and there wasn’t a lot to do.) But as an adult, I gained a new appreciation for this city. I realized that it was a gem full of some of the most beautiful places on earth. Every time I return, I fall in love with it all over again. Here are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Udaipur that I can’t get enough of.
Entrance gates of the City Palace, Udaipur
The City Palace, Udaipur
I arrived in Udaipur on Diwali after my illustrious visit to Jaipur. The streets surrounding the City Palace were closed. Surprisingly the walk there was quite nice. There were decorations everywhere, including garlands that created a tent-like shade from the sun. Walking up to the gates of the City Palace brought back memories from the last time I visited with my Dad. Each time I go, I hire a guide to hear the infamous stories of the Maharanas (Kings) of Mehwar, how they fortified the region with these majestic forts and palaces, and left behind a legacy that is revered to this day.
Above is the jharoka (balcony) where the king would listen to matters of the court and his subjects’ requests. Adjacent to it are windows with intricately cut holes from which the women of the palace could look out, but others could not look in. Women of the harem were hidden away from public view.
The blue room on the left is a preserved picture of what mid 20th century residential palace life was like. The palace also holds an exhibit of a wheelchair of one of the last kings to live there as well as his commode and elevator. On the right is one of the colorful gates within the palace.
On your visit, look for the window displayed above on the right. From here you can see a clear view of the Lake Palace Hotel, possibly the most famous of places to visit in Udaipur.
Above and below show the zenana, the women’s quarters in the palace. These structures surround a beautiful courtyard used for entertaining. Today, it’s a popular spot to hold some of the most lavish weddings in India.
Below, is the exterior view of the City Palace on the shores of Lake Pichola. At night, when it’s lit up, the building takes on a golden hue giving it an arresting aura.
The City Palace, Udaipur, on the shores of Lake Pichola
Taj Lake Palace Hotel
This is known as one of the most romantic places to visit in Udaipur, maybe even on earth. The king used it as a retreat from the City Palace in the summer. During the Sepoy mutiny, the king gave several British families refuge there. He also destroyed the town’s boats so rebels could not reach the palace to attack.
Known today as the Taj Lake Palace Hotel, it is a popular tourist destination often sought out by the elite for honeymoons and wedding celebrations. Although the Maharajah still owns it, he licenses out the palace (amongst other properties) to the Taj group and makes a pretty penny every year from the royalties.
The Taj Lake Palace Hotel floating on Lake Pichola
Udaipur Sunsets
Locals love to sit on the shores of Lake Pichola with family and lovers to enjoy the view. The sunsets here are spectacular. Imagine a view of a clear blue lake with palaces on every side of the shore as well as on the water. A gondola goes by and as you look out across the Aravalli mountains, you can see the sun start to tuck away between the slopes of the hills. Slowly the yellow turns to orange, then pink into lavender, and eventually the night sky emerges. The lights of the city brighten and you can see the City Palace and Lake Palace twinkle golden and gleaming white in the distance.
I highly recommend getting dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants for an unforgettable meal. First watch the sunset at Ambrai Ghat, where you can get a full view of all the palaces. Then eat at one of the restaurants overlooking the water including Ambrai, Upre, or Sheesh Mahal. It’s truly a luxurious experience and a necessity when making a list of things to do and places to visit in Udaipur. Where else in the world can you eat amazing food, feel like a royal, and get such a breathtaking view?
The sunset over Lake Pichola
The Monsoon Palace, Sajjangarh
This hilltop palace provides a panoramic view of the city’s palaces, lakes, and countryside. The palace was built to watch the monsoon clouds. It’s now a popular place for locals to hang out with friends and enjoy the view.
The Monsoon Palace is locally known as Sajjangarh. Its modern claim to fame is that it was the home to the Bond villain in the 1983 film Octopussy.
There’s a wildlife sanctuary surrounding the palace, which is home to reptiles, tigers, deer, wild boar, hyenas, panthers, jackals, and more. It’s also a great place for bird watching.
Sajjangarh used to be overrun by monkeys. My cousin even told me to keep my belongings, especially food, close as they are known to fearlessly snatch them away. However, on this visit, there was not a monkey in site. Perhaps, this was due to the newly opened outdoor cafe.
The view from the cafe is beautiful and serene. I could sit there all day with a book and a Limca (an Indian soda similar to Sprite) and enjoy the quiet breeze. No monkeys here to bother you either.
When traveling up to Sajjangarh, make sure you’re with a trusted driver. The roads are steep, narrow, and winding. But the road is much safer today than it was years ago. Let’s just say when I was a kid, I think I saw my life flash before my eyes on that drive up. Scary stories aside, it’s definitely worth the trip up, especially for the stunning views.
I only had a few days the city and these sights were at the top of my list. There are plenty of other exciting places to visit in Udaipur and in the outlying areas. On my next visit, I hope to experience Kumbhalgarh, Chittaurgarh, and Jaisalmer. Stay tuned for a look at my stay at Raas Devigarh, a stunning resort right outside of Udaipur.
I’ve experienced some of the most amazing hospitality of my life in India. So naturally I was excited about selecting hotels in Jaipur; I knew an unforgettable experience was awaiting me. On this visit, we chose to stay at a lovely family owned boutique hotel: the Pearl Palace Heritage.
The Kutch bedroom at the Pearl Palace Heritage
Attention to Detail
When we arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by how charming it was. The ornate entryway was an inviting indication of the intricate decor in the rest of the hotel. In fact, a team of local and international artisans spends about 3 years to complete each hotel suite. The bedrooms are uniquely designed as an ode to a specific place in India. The room we stayed in, known as the Kutch suite, showcased the beauty and culture of Gujarat.
Our hotel felt like a thoughtfully curated museum with art and treasures collected over the years. So many things caught my eye. The vibrant red walls along the staircase were framed with vintage pictures of Indian royals, each one more decadently attired than the next. Whimsical patterns were inlaid or painted in everything from the marble floors to the entry’s walls and even the hallways. And each guest room door was carved differently.
Left – on the second floor landing in Ria lounge pant & robe c/o Pajamasutra ; Right – embellished staircase adjacent to the kitchen
Part of the guest house is still home to the family that owns it. The building was converted into a hotel and maintains that homey feel. For example, our breakfast was served in the downstairs kitchen where we enjoyed fresh masala chai and spiced omelets and even shared breakfast with the hotel’s owner.
Adjoining the kitchen was the sitting room, a parlor fit for a queen. Its peacock theme was imbued with rich hues of teal and pink, making it a charming spot for afternoon tea.
The Kutch Suite
Our bedroom was a marvel to behold. An intricate carving of daily life in Kutch hung over the comfortable twin beds. The walls sparkled with little mirrors reflecting the light of the sun during the day and the moon at night. After seeing the exquisite bedroom decor, we knew we made the right choice amongst the hotels in Jaipur.
One of the best parts of our experience at Pearl Palace Heritage was the food. On the first night, we visited Peacock Rooftop Restaurant, the hotel’s dining establishment. The fresh air, tabla players, and lively atmosphere set the scene for a chill evening. The menu had every possible cuisine you could crave. That first night we enjoyed a selection of comfort Indian food. On our last night, we ordered Indo-Chinese for room service. A steaming hot tray of hot and sour soup, sichuan wings, garlic prawns, manchurian noodles, spring rolls and more arrived. After a particularly arduous day of sightseeing, we deserved it and ate to our hearts content.
The outdoor space at the Peacock Rooftop Restaurant
Left – the lights outside the hotel for Diwali; Right – pakoras at the Peacock Rooftop Restaurant
Inde Rooh
The Pearl Palace Heritage also has their own line of chic and comfortable cotton clothing. Inde Rooh styles feature traditional block printing and dye techniques of the region. You can find affordable pieces there for around $25 USD. They’re perfect to wear for touring around the city and will keep you cool for hours in the hot, dry climate.
The shop offers clothing for men and women as well as textiles for the home. I have two dresses c/o Inde Rooh and I adore them. If they had a store in the US, I’d shop there all of the time.
Looking for Hotels in Jaipur?
If you’re looking for hotels in Jaipur and have questions about my stay at Pearl Palace Heritage or about visiting the city, please shoot me an email! I’d love to tell you why this place is a great choice, especially if you seek something unique and comfortable, yet affordable.
The intricate mirror work on the walls of the Kutch suite
Need more of a reason to visit Pearl Palace Heritage? Watch this gorgeous video:
This post is in collaboration with Pearl Palace Heritage. All opinions are my own.
Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is one of the most colorful places to visit in India. We spent a few quick days there to enjoy some good old fashioned sightseeing. After the whirlwind that was Amazon India Fashion Week in New Delhi, admiring the ethereal architecture of Rajasthan seemed like a great way to shift gears. No trip to Jaipur is complete without a visit to the City Palace. When you’re there, make sure to get both tickets including the private residence. You won’t want to travel all the way to India and miss these jaw-droppingly gorgeous rooms, once visible exclusively to the royal elite.
We visited Jaipur in October. The temperature was in the high 90s and the air of was incredibly dry. For all of your outdoor activities, I highly suggest wearing comfortable and light cotton clothing, especially loose dresses, not jeans. For my trip to the City Palace, I wore this lovely midi dress c/o Inderooh, an affordable and chic clothing line located in Jaipur. Even though this dress has long sleeves, it kept me cool in the hot temps. If I could, I would live in their designs everyday.
One of the things I adore about visiting the palaces of Rajasthan are all of the tidbits of history behind its historic architecture. The Jaipur City Palace is home to the Maharajah of Jaipur, currently a 19-year-old national polo player who counts Prince William as a friend. The palace fuses both Rajput and Mughal architecture across its vast gardens, courtyards, and majestic buildings. The pink arches in the left image above are part of the Hall of Public Audience where Maharajas of past consulted with their courtiers, ministers, and nobles on kingdom business.
On the right, the vibrant green door is one of four small gates that represent the seasons. These ornately carved doors surround a courtyard that was traditionally used for dance performances. They also lead to Chandra Mahal, the private residence of the royal family.
The Chavvi Niwas (Hall of Images), decorated with blue and white painted florals, was a monsoon retreat for the King. Pictures don’t do it justice, but it truly is this blue in real life.
The main entrance/exit to the Chandra Palace. The vibrant colors of Rajasthan stand out here at Jaipur’s City Palace.
Gatore ki Chhatriyan
For an unexpected treat, we visited Gatore ki Chhatriyan, a stunning slew of temples and tombs. This location was a crematorium for the royals of Rajasthan. The beautiful domed structures are monuments in tribute to these royals. Below is an image that takes you inside one of the cenotaphs.
Hawa Mahal & Albert Hall Museum
No trip to Jaipur is complete without a visit to Hawa Mahal (below left), the iconic structure of the Pink City itself. On the right, the Albert Hall Museum is a beautiful place to spot birds.
Amber Fort
Next on our agenda was a visit to the iconic Amber Fort, made from red sandstone and white marble. It was built by Rajah Man Singh and expanded on by subsequent royals. Amber Fort is a vast complex. You could spend an entire day and still not have enough time to see everything.
Amber Fort is full of grand halls, each one more dramatic than the next. Possibly the most famous is the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), a structure full of tiny mirrors shaped into beautiful mosaics picture below.
Nahargarh Fort
Up the hill from Amber Fort lies Nahargarh Fort, another residence of the royal family. The structure was once said to be haunted by Nahar Singh Bhomia. The spirit was settled by a temple built within the fort in his memory, hence the name. The fort was built to provide further fortification around Jaipur and also served as a retreat above the city.
Jal Mahal
Finally, the Jal Mahal (the water palace, below left) sits on Man Sagar Lake. Four of its five floors remain under water. The palace used to serve as a lodge for the king’s duck hunting parties. While you may visit the pathways outside the palace, the building itself is currently closed to visitors.
Have you visited Jaipur? This is my second trip. I’d love to hear any recommendations for my next visit!
After a busy week of runway shows at Amazon India Fashion Week (AIFW), I retreated to the Shangri-la’s Eros Hotel, New Delhi for a weekend of relaxation. I didn’t anticipate the lengths to which the Shangri-la would go to make our stay as memorable as possible. It was a weekend of total indulgence from the culinary delights, to the rejuvenating spa, and especially the world class Presidential Suite fit for a queen. Read on to discover what a luxury stay at the Shangri-la’s Eros Hotel entails.
Shang Palace
After a private and leisurely check-in at Mister Chai lounge over a cup of tea and biscuits, I headed over to Shang Palace for their signature Dim Sum lunch. I craved a proper Chinese meal in India and this restaurant was high on my list of places to try.
Shangri-La’s Eros Hotel prides itself as a culinary destination with five world class restaurants featuring international cuisine from India, Italy, East Asia, and more. Starting my culinary journey at Shang Palace, the meal kicked off with an assortment of dumplings, rolls, and potstickers made with the freshest local ingredients.
After a round of Sichuan and Cantonese dishes served up table side, I enjoyed one of the restaurant’s signature dishes — sauna prawns: chili and garlic marinated prawns cooked over a lava stone.
No meal is complete without dessert. I ended the insanely rich feast with a scoop of homemade ice cream.
The Presidential Suite
After another evening of inspiring runway shows at AIFW, I turned in for the night at the stunning Presidential Suite. The amenities felt endless including a private dining room and kitchen, spacious living room and bar, sweeping views of the city, walk-in closet and dressing area, sumptuous marble bathroom with jacuzzi and shower for two, and a private concierge.
The bathroom alone was the size of a regular hotel room. I was overtaken by the glamorous wall-to-wall white marble — definitely bathroom goals.
The next morning I enjoyed breakfast in bed and took my time getting ready for the day. On the schedule: a body scrub at Chi, the spa at Shangri-la, followed by drinks at Grappa, and an authentic Italian meal at Sorrento.
After an over-the-top breakfast, I saved my appetite until dinner, which I knew was going to be epic.
Chi, the Spa at Shangri-la’s Eros Hotel
Having been a while since I last visited a spa, I was in need of some serious pampering. The natural elements of the cavernous space at Chi immediately brought me down to earth. Once I changed into a fluffy white robe, I enjoyed a ten minute rest in the steam room to open my pores. My journey into zen mode was officially underway. Off the extensive spa menu, I chose a mineral salt and citrus oil body scrub, which left my skin radiant and smooth. For the the next half hour, I soaked in a warm milky bath of rose petals thinking, “this must be what Cleopatra felt like.”
With dinner plans in the evening, I wanted to look my best after a week of wear and tear. I opted for keratin hair smoothing and a blow-dry. The luxe treatment left my hair silky soft for the rest of my trip, minimizing the time I spent getting ready everyday.
Grappa
In the evening at Grappa, we enjoyed a mixology demonstration from one of their award winning bartenders. This is a great place to go before dinner or after a party. The dim lighting is perfect for a romantic date or a night out with friends.
There are so many cozy corners at Grappa. Plus the outdoor terrace is a popular hot spot when the weather is nice.
Sorrento
After being thoroughly wowed by the bartender’s skills and attention to detail, we moved the party over to Sorrento, Shangri-la’s award-winning Italian restaurant. They procure fresh produce to create artisanal pasta dishes, Neapolitan delicacies, pizzas, and slow-cooked family-style favorites.
We enjoyed fresh tomato mozzarella salad, hand made pasta, mushroom risotto, oven roasted cod, neapolitan pizza, and two mind blowing desserts: the infinity chocolate cake and the decadent tiramisu.
I don’t think I’ve eaten better during a hotel stay. The Shangri-la also offers an array of international cuisine at Tamra restaurant and Indian street food at Mr. Chai, both of which I will definitely indulge in on my next visit.
If you’re looking for a chance to recharge yourself between travels or after a long business trip, consider Shangri-la’s Eros Hotel in New Delhi on your next trip to India. You’ll experience the finest cuisine and the ultimate in spa rejuvenation for a visit you’ll long to repeat again and again.
This post is in collaboration with Shangri-la’s Eros Hotel in New Delhi. All opinions are my own.
If there is one Indian meal to splurge on while visiting New Delhi, it’s at Varq. I was invited to enjoy a modern Indian lunch courtesy of The Taj Mahal Hotelduring my trip to New Delhi for Amazon India Fashion Week. At Varq, traditional Indian cuisine is taken to the next level through thoughtful innovation, creativity, and imagination. It was a stomach stretching exercise of epic proportions as my head and my heart did not want to quit, but my appetite was pushed to its limits.
Swinging open the black timber and ruby red glass doors, I walked through what felt like a life sized jewel box. The intricately carved and painted walls immediately seized my attention, as did the resplendent red beaded pendant drums shimmering from the ceiling. The traditional wall art, created by acclaimed artist Anjolie Ela Menon, contrasted elegantly with the contemporary ambiance of creamy leather chairs, dark wood floors, and gold leaf ceilings — certainly a nod to the blend of food to come.
The Chef prepared a selection from his signature menu as well as a few other unexpected surprises. Just when we thought the meal was coming to an end, another sumptuous dish would appear in front of us, whetting our appetites once again. Each dish was artfully plated with attention to detail. It was interesting to see how traditional Indian fare was given a modern update while still retaining its rich and diverse tastes.
Varq: On the Menu
Starters
Left to Right: Teekha Tamarind, Varqui Crab
We started with an Indian inspired drink for a sweet and savory twist. The Teeka Tamarind mocktail was tangy and refreshing with a spicy kick of tamarind powder, enough to jump start the palate.
Our first bite was the Varqui Crab, one of the most popular items at Varq. The smooth and creamy spiced crab contrasted well with the crunchy texture of the filo dough. The succulent tandoori shrimp was the perfect cherry on top. Needless to say I did not leave a crumb (or think about pacing myself). I probably could’ve eaten two of these without blinking.
Left to Right: Kale Channe ki Cappuccino, Pink Ginger Lassi
When the next dish appeared before me, I was easily duped by its foamy coffee appearance. This bit of subterfuge was a tempting trick of the eyes, but a pleasant surprise for the stomach. The Kale Channe ki Cappuccino was not in fact sweet milky coffee, but a savory black bean soup. The deliciously light broth was a good break before the heavier dishes to come.
What followed were two rich and velvety lassi (yogurt shake) drinks, equally refreshing and unlike any lassi I’ve ever had.
Saffron Lassi
Mains
A flurry of dishes were set before us, including a perfectly seared Chilean sea bass in a mango curry sauce, a tangy chicken stew wrapped in filo dough, lamb biryani (my favorite rice dish), and an entire bowl of dal all to myself. This was a feast fit for a queen (or maybe an entire harem).
Green Chilli Tulsi and Pinenut Fish
Left to Right: Murg Sirka Pyaaz, Tadka Dal
Gosht Biryani
Dessert
Now that I was thoroughly ensconced in food coma territory, I mustered up a little room for my favorite part of the meal, dessert, featuring a trio of apple kheer, jalebi and khaas malpua. Spectacularly plated, this was a feast for the eyes as well. Tart granny smith apples punctuated the rice pudding along with a bite of syrupy jalebi and sugary sweet pancakes to round out the trio of desserts.
Varq Dessert Trio of Apple Kheer, Jalebi and Khaas Malpua
To help cleanse the palate after a robust meal, we enjoyed a cup of the most calming rose tea. Just as I mentioned how this would be a better alternative to my tea at home, the restaurant presented a pouch of rose tea to take with us.
This was one of the best Indian meals I have ever had. Each dish was exquisitely flavored, perfectly cooked, and elegantly presented. Experiencing the meal was akin to opening a thoughtful care package, with one wonderful surprise after another. Dish after dish impressed with complex flavors and unique elements. I highly recommend this experience if you’re looking for something outside the box on your next trip to New Delhi.
This post is in collaboration with Varq at the Taj Mahal Hotel. All opinions are my own.
Attending FDCI Amazon India Fashion Week as a U.S. blogger is pretty uncommon. It took a lot of planning, a few key connections (thank you FDCI), and an epic level of organization to make the trip work. But for my first time attending, it was totally worth it. Seeing the designers, the runways, and the street style up close solidified my passion for the South Asian fashion scene. Here’s a peek at the week in Delhi highlighting my personal style, the Spring Summer 2018 runway looks, and a few fun activities in between.
Outhouse Jewelry Studio
On my first stop in Delhi, I visited the Outhouse Jewelry studio to meet designers Kaabia and Sasha Grewal. These two sisters showed us their most recent bridal collection featuring crisp whites and soft rose golds. Needless to say, I wanted it all! They provided a behind the scenes tour of artisans at work, vintage pieces from their collection, and a look at jewelry before its plated. It was incredible to see each stage of the design process starting with the initial sketch. In complete awe of what the sisters had built in just five years, I was seriously inspired and ready for fashion week.
After breakfast overlooking the beautiful verandah at Eros Nehru Place, I dove right into Day 2 of fashion week. While checking out the runway shows is always exciting, it’s getting to meet the designers and seeing their work up close that gives me the most pleasure. It was especially delightful to meet the talented and adorable designer Urvashi Joneja, whose pieces are full of bright and whimsical prints, geometric cuts, and thoughtful details.
From Left to Right: Varun & Nidhika, Urvashi Joneja, and Pooja Shroff
Amazon India Fashion Week: Day 2
FDCI AIFW SS 2018 (Clockwise from Top Left): Aartivijay Gupta, Vineet Bahl, Hemant & Nandita, Rina Dhaka; Photos by The Co Lab
Funny how when there’s so much to do and see, you’re willing to overlook jet lag and stop from going into full on zombie mode. It may help that I’m wearing yellow — the happiest color in the world — to keep things bright and cheery. After an indulgent multi-course meal at Varq, the Taj Mahal hotel’s high end dining spot for Indian cuisine, there was no time for a food coma. Onwards to more inspired runway fashion, networking, and people watching for a serious case of style envy!
Hanging out at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Delhi; Outfit c/o Boden: Dress / Jacket / Bag / Shoes.
Amazon India Fashion Week: Days 3 & 4
Thank you the Fashion Design Council of India for hosting and a lovely first Amazon India Fashion Week experience! And follow along for more adventures in Delhi, including a food tour of Varq, and Rajasthan, coming soon.
I visited the Jewel Box in St. Louis, a gorgeous greenhouse in the heart of Forest Park where palm trees and flowers reign. Outside the Jewel Box, the garden is blooming and the lily pond is in full effect. Inside there’s a serene space for locals and tourists to stop and take a beat. I’m not sure how long the greenery will last this year, but for now it’s a breath of fresh air.
To compliment the tropical vibes, easy breezy pieces seem fitting. I paired this gorgeous floral embroidered jacket by Madsam Tinzin from the Tales of Brok-pa collection with my favorite pair of jeans and a white tank. When you’re styling a statement jacket for a casual day, all you need is a simple canvas to work with.
I’ve attended a couple of weddings over the years here in the Jewel Box. The greenhouse is a lovely place to share vows. A lofty space in which life literally grows around you signifies the hope for a relationship that will be nurtured and well tended. I love stopping by the Jewel Box every now and then when things become hectic. The serenity of a greenhouse provides a place to contemplate and reflect on the beauty around you and your place within it.
What types of places do you like to visit for a break from it all?
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