Table of contents for May 2016 in Brides Today

The blurring of art and fashion may not be a novel concept, but one cannot deny the sparkle it creates when the two forces unite. Reiterating this is our annual art issue, where we weave the whimsies of art into bridal fashion.Actor Sonakshi Sinha dons bohemian ensembles by Anita Dongre (pg 150)—carrying forth our tradition of collaborating with a designer-of-the-moment. Paired with British model Stephen James whose body tattoos are an art form in their own right, the two stunners scorch up the temperature at Sri Lanka’s beaches. Inside the magazine, we see a return of Russian photographer Murad Osmann and his now wife, Nataly Osmann with their #FollowMeTo series across the country (pg 142).Anavila Misra with her muse Sonali Bendre traverses into the bridal sphere on paths less taken…

Q: Where would you like to have the wedding? I have always been drawn to Japanese culture and the beauty of the country; so I would like to get married in The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto. Q:What would the décor and theme be? Keeping true to the location, I would like it to be themed in light pastel tones with plenty of flowers—all outdoors. I would also love all pets to be allowed at the venue. Q:What would you like to wear? Even though I am fascinated by Japan, I am very close to our Indian rituals and traditions. And being a Maharashtrian girl, I would like to wear a traditional sari called the Nauvari picked out by my mother. Q:What will be the food be like? As my…

India’s rich tradition of ornamental crafts spans several centuries, and yet serves as an inexhaustible reservoir of inspiration for contemporary jewellery designs. Case in point, Swarovski’s India Collection for spring-summer 16, a delicately crafted mélange of Mughal motifs, Swarovski crystals, and modern aesthetics for the sparkle-loving bride.After the success of their first capsule collection for India, creative director of Swarovski, Nathalie Colin, weaves yet another majestic tale of crystals, inspired by heritage art and design. Inspired by the confluence of colours she experienced during her travels to Ladakh, Colin paints a vibrant picture of gems with Swarovski crystals in fuchsia, emerald, Siam, and Montana, set against the warm glow of gold.Taking cues from the richness of textures, the stacked jewellery style, and intricate patterns in craft, Colin creates lightweight jewels,…

1 Best Florist DANIEL OST From the royals to the sheikhs—Daniel Ost does it every time and does it beautifully.And that beauty is to make flowers take on the hues of your dreams... 2 Best DJ GAURAV MALVAI Here comes the master groover with a playlist that has got the gentry shaking a leg across the world. From Aishwarya Rai’s pre-wedding functions to Big B’s 70th birthday bash, from sharing the stage with Sting to playing at corporate weddings, Malvai is a regular at the international and Indian music scene. 3 Best Shoemaker CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Sharp, edgy, and super sexy—a Louboutin shoe is beyond comparison. Nothing less than a showstopper, this Citrus City piece with spike-lined cutouts makes for a glam addition to any bridal trousseau. 4 Best Dessert Hub…

SUN SAFE Layer on suncreen 20 minutes before you step outdoors to ensure there is no sun-induced damage. Clinique’s new SPF30 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Body gives one complete coverage. OIL WELL Pamper your face with these potions. Sisley Paris’ Black Rose Precious Face Oil comes with a concentration of active ingredients that nourish skin, all night long. What’s not to love! CRYSTAL BRIGHTENING Add a luminous layer by using these brightening boosters once daily. Shiseido’s White Lucent Serum contains vitamin C to help achieve perfectly radiant skin for the big day! SUPER SERUM Loaded with goodness, glycerin, and essential vitamins like C, K, & E, these serums are power-packed with skin nutrients. We recommend Innisfree’s The GreenTea Seed Serum for its light texture and hydrating properties. Easy to wear…

12 Start your mornings with a soothing cup of hot lemon and honey tea to boost your metabolism. Not just that, it’s great for your mood as well. A must throughout the year. 11 Enroll yourself for state-of-the-art hair removal laser treatments to achieve that radiant look. Kaya Skin Clinic offers their Wedding Rituals services that provide comprehensive skincare solutions.A must for glow. 10 Time for bridal diary accounts. Pen down your worst beauty nightmares and your deepest love for grooming. Don’t forget to list your hair, makeup, and grooming appointments the year round. Personalised, right? 9 Start with a skincare routine by visiting your dermatologist. Follow that prescription religiously to glow in time and how. 8 Say ‘yes’ to sweat sessions by taking a pair of dumbbells, and engaging…

Our first, best advice on how to survive bathing suit season: generous applications of self-tanner to conceal imperfections, judicious use of SPF 30, laying off the carbs to banish bloat, and, finally, make the most of your workouts so that you blast calories and create lean muscle in less time. Here, top fitness pros reveal the tricks and shortcuts you need to know. 1. MULTITASK MOVESYou’re going to look best in your bikini if your muscles are as toned as possible, so this is the time to push yourself with fitness challenges.“Your body has to work a lot harder to execute head-to-toe exercises,” says Noah Neiman, master trainer at Barry’s Bootcamp in New York. His signature full-body combo: combat burpees and crunches (add two jab-cross punches at the start of…

OF ANCIENT TOUCHES The word Anantara is derived from ancient Sanskrit meaning ‘without end’, and the spa at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Chiang Rai, Thailand, reiterates this philosophy in its healing rituals. Nestled amidst picturesque northern mountains of the region, their therapies are a mix of simple natural ingredients and innovative skin science. We are intrigued by their signature Lanna Experience that lasts a total of 180-minutes, and is centred around “poo loey”—a ginger—with many derived benefits. The treatment includes a scrub, wrap, and massage—all with the mystic poo loey. ALPINE APT ! For those looking to being pampered with indulgent spa rituals and top-of-the-line medical beauty solutions, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland is your stop of choice. And all of this, enveloped with…

If glamping is on your agenda for a summer honeymoon, then take inspiration from these safari chic accessories. Minimal in colour but maximal in impact, nature certainly has its style moments.…

Imagine a dreamy and beautiful beach—stunning sunset, your closest friends and family, and delectable food.To top it all, it’s your special day. This summer, opt for a relaxed beach wedding. Step away from the quintessential theme of white and blue, and dive into a sea of technicolour inspiration. For table setting, think modern art. One of my favourites happens to be the contemporary master, S. H. Raza, especially his Bindu series.Let the motifs of the iconic dots lend geometric yet soulful flair to your centrepieces, table tops, and the like. Stick to hues of orange to reflect the setting sun and incorporate elements that are dramatic and resonate a contemporary Indian vibe.Add centrepieces made from wild roses and place them around candles lit in bright bowls. Opt for canopies draped…

“Ashima-Leena is a brand that stands for substantial DESIGN IN THE BRIDAL SPACE, FOR a classic sensibility, and pure fashion.”Leena Singh I wanted to do the best window displays in town. I met JJ (Valaya), Ritu (Beri), Suneet (Varma), and Rohit (Bal) during sourcing, and that’s how I met Ashima.We created a niche designer corner in a forthcoming multi-branded retail store at that time, and the store started doing really well. People in India got the taste of a ‘brand’ for the first time.All the designers were on the same platform and together we made fashion a huge deal. People were really interested and considering my personality, I mingled with my consumers well. It helped me grow as a designer and then eventually the work became better,” muses the vivacious…

Like they say anything is good if it’s made of chocolate, Priti and Gurbani Singh from Bonjour Chocolates plate pure indulgence through their ‘melt in the mouth’ bonbon delights. In a conversation with BAZAAR BRIDE, the duo share their story which is both crisp and creamy. WHAT SERVED AS AN INSPIRATION IN BUILDING YOUR BRAND? Being gourmands ourselves, we loved to learn and experiment with food, which encouraged us to present real chocolate confections and classic desserts.We believe that passion, quality, and innovation are the most important aspects of any product, and we would like our range to reflect our belief.WHAT ARE THE CURRENT TRENDS IN THE CHOCOLATE INDUSTRY? International exposure is changing the Indian palate in every way.We are now open to trying new flavours and combinations, and willing…

WHAT ACCORDING TO YOU ARE THE WEDDING INVITATION TRENDS FOR 2016? We see many kinds of clients and the trends are as varied as the clients who walk into our office. SO WHAT ARE THE POPULAR THEMES YOU HAVE WORKED UPON? Sleek and simple.We just designed a beautiful card for Shahid Kapoor in which the card was very understated in its appearance—touches of turquoise were added to the cream and embossing was used to add a depth and luxurious feel to the card. Even the gift inside was unique with boutique Himalayan tea and honey. Bold colours in different shades, print on print, and retro art deco patterns are some interesting elements to work with. Keepsakes inside the invite suites also add to the value. Thematic weddings are what people…

I am aiming for my clients’ looks to be refreshed, like a better version of themselves, rather than being dramatically changed,” says the cosmetic dermatologist Dr Tapan Patel, from across a gleaming designer desk at Phi, his state-of-the-art cosmetic clinic.This is the new face, and message of Harley Street: the address once synonymous with overprivileged, over-done women of a certain age has recently witnessed a move towards understated, non-invasive substitutes for surgery.“There are so many options now to rejuvenate skin without requiring a facelift,” says Patel, speaking of the lasers, radiofrequency intense pulsed light (IPL), ultrasound and injectables (botox and fillers), that comprise the contemporary arsenal of alternatives.These treatments and techniques are infinitely gentler than a scalpel —none requires more than a few days of ‘downtime’ at most, and, with…

Even those who might not have been too particular about their beauty regimen feel the need to turn their attention towards their looks before the wedding day. Some brides want to get rid of scars and blemishes that they might have ignored for long, while others desire facial glow and radiance.A number of factors determine what you can and need to do to look perfect on your wedding day.The time you have at hand to launch a beauty regimen is a crucial factor; the early you start preparing, the more elaborate you can get when it comes to beauty rituals. THE DAILY DOS - Add a skin lightening cream to your daily regimen. It will help you achieve a better, more even skin tone when used for a few weeks.Apply…

RADIANT SKIN Take inspiration from Sanjay Garg’s spring-summer runway that saw models sport flawless skin with minimal makeup with just a dab of hot red lipstick. Perfect for your bridal appearance. DAY DIVA Think power-packed tinted moisturisers that double up as skin toning formulas. A must for your bridal kitty. SHOWER SPLURGES Come summer and all you want to do is spend more time cooling off in the shower room. Indulge in these latest floral launches to amp up your bathing experience. SLEEP TIGHT Bedtime beauty for brides-to-be? Givenchy’s Le Soin Noir range comes with vital black algae sap concentrate that is found in the depths of the ocean and acts as a catalyst for skin regeneration. The Blanc Pur Couture Milky Lotion is feathery light—apt for nighttime application. For…

Lewis Hamilton is at home in Monaco, taking in a glorious sunset from his luxury apartment—while having physiotherapy. It seems that being a three-time Formula One world champion can be a real pain in the …back. “Racing is very physical,” he explains. After all, something has to control a race car hurtling around the track at over 200 miles an hour. “Back, glutes, hips, all of those,” he adds with a little wince. Aches aside, Hamilton has a spring in his step. He recently won his third Formula One world title, and is planning an overdue end-of-year vacation—right after he drives the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He is also enjoying the spoils of being both successful and curious. First, he’s recording music (“for, like, six years now, R&B, hip-hop—my family…

“ The global Indian bride can be anywhere. She is not weighed down by tradition yet is rooted.” Art is our favourite muse when it comes to creating a canvas of beauty and bling at BAZAAR BRIDE. Every year our art issue becomes a reason for breathless brainstorming as designers create exceptional artscapes to look and lust at. This time around we bring a happy marriage of three genres and moods of art.Anita Dongre, one of India’s most multifaceted fashion personalities and a neo-couture maker comes together with her muse, Bollywood’s noveau artist on the block, the people’s actor, Sonakshi Sinha. In this bohemian outing of the maker and the muse, we add the third angle of the man, as world-famous model, the art-personified Stephen James, comes together with the…

QUIRKY AND OFFBEAT always works well for a home with personality. Gift the couple in love pieces from interesting artists who concentrate on pops of colour or tone-on-tone texture.As the artwork speaks for itself, balance the room with elements like a great armchair or even just a cushion. Chandeliers also work really well.We also suggest pacing these in the dining area so that you can match your table top décor too! Untitled by Subodh Gupta was sold in 2006 by Saffronart, and holds the record for highest sale value for any Subodh Gupta artwork sold in the world through an auction. Wish Dream by Arpita Singh was sold at 9,60,00,000 by Saffronart, and holds a record for being one of the highest price-fetching auction piece by an Indian female artist.…

DANDY AND DIVINE was the flavour at this year’s Armory Show.The art fair takes place in NewYork every March.We picked out our favourite pieces and put together looks for rooms that would be perfect in any home! When buying new art, always look for pieces that will compliment the couple’s personality. For this look, we selected a neutral installation that will work well for a large space with key extras to spice it up. We also fell in love with the fun and cool portrait that would add flair to any living space. White gold II by Kapwani Kiwanga was shown this year at The Armory Show and made waves through the art scene for her interesting materials. Photo Bloke by Barkley L Hendricks was also showcased this year. It…

Q: What do you think a bride should take care of? India being a very wedding-driven market, we understand that brides surely need that extra glow on their D-day. She should start preparing her skin to be clean and moisturised well in advance. Holding on to the right skincare products is of utmost importance. She should definitely use glow enhancing primers and serums. Also, the White lucent All Day Brightener could help you achieve radiance. Q: Beauty trends you would like to pick for this season? Foundation remains flawless, light with natural finish. Makeup highlights this season are lips and eyelashes. Hair is more feminine, especially through layered cuts (longer at the back and shorter in the front) and soft curls. We can see more of red lips, straighter eyebrows,…

SIGNATURE ART On their 110th anniversary, Montblanc, returned to its early beginnings and to New York City, celebrating the occasion. On display was the new Montblanc Heritage Collection Rouge & Noir inspired by the original Rouge et Noir fountain pen, introduced in 1909, much to the delight of patrons. GLORY IN PINK The Victorinox Ella woman is a globetrotter. This medley of amber, vanilla, and rosewood is apt for your escapades. PRINCESS OF THE NIGHT This year label Nirav Modi celebrates its 5th anniversary along with their big expansion plans. The brand unveils the Fluire Collection, which features their new patented Jasmine Cut diamonds. These sensual floral baubles can be your perfect cocktail accompaniment. COVETABLE CAPSULE In celebration of the brand’s 20th anniversary in 2016, Jimmy Choo unveils Memento, a…

Fine lace and embroidery marry bead work with architectural motifs, the bougainvillea, and palm tree foliage. Making it a moment to rejoice for the Indian bride, the Beirut-based Saab finds his summer muse in the journals of a young English Anglo-Irish noblewoman. At the juncture when fashion took a leap from theVictorian span to the Edwardian hour, Lilah Wingfield, sets her foot in India while reflecting on the notion of contrasting worlds.The travelogues from the colonial era evoke nostalgia for the charmed circle of the past, and its fashion coterie. Describing a garden party held in the Delhi Durbar to celebrate the succession of King George V in 1911, the adventuress notes,“English ladies in exquisite hats and jewels which shone in the sun… Maharanis and Indian ladies in saris of…

BAROQUE BEAUTY Let these gilded accessories add a Renaissance touch to your bridal glam gala. COMIC CHARM Pop art infuses wit and verve to your wedding look with cartoon - inspired extras. PRETTY STROKED Play with Impressionism as it paints a canvas of dreamy bridal must-haves. ABSTRACT ART Find beauty in the abstract as you seek Cubism in these geometrical cocktail pieces.…

From the ceremonial red to the traditional genda, from jasmine sweet-nothings to wall art stunners, this wedding story curated by the renowned wedding plannerVandana Mohan is giving us all the feels. Having designed society weddings here and abroad, her style is a quintessential blend of the east and west. BAZAAR BRIDE delves deeper in this quick tête-à-tête. TAKE US THROUGH YOUR JOURNEY SO FAR. I have been in the event business for 25 years now, and out of these, 14 years is my investment in the wedding space. So yes, a considerable amount of time. Putting it in a nutshell, the journey has been a huge learning curve. I didn’t train in design, but my sense of colour and basic aesthetics has brought me here. ANY INTERESTING HIGHLIGHT YOU WOULD…

The story of Aakriti Anand, a wedding décor designer, and Shray Mahajan, managing director of the KC Group, has sparkling details to fire one’s imagination. From a sky-high proposal to a dream wedding, this saga was spread over 40 days, eight ceremonies, and three cities.“I was always sure about the wedding I wanted more than the man himself!”Aakriti chuckles.“It took me a year to plan, but I knew exactly what I wanted right from napkins to the entry song for each function, and Shray was patient with me all through my bridezilla moments,” she continues.The couple who met through work dated for a year before stepping into nuptial bliss.And interestingly, the groom decided to propose while the couple was ‘venue seeking’ in Thailand for their wedding.“He took me out for…

MANTRA MOISTURISE When it comes to the everyday body moisturising ritual, start by paying attention to the hard and rough areas where you could apply innisfree’s Olive Real Body Lotion. For those who need an extra dose of nourishment, there is The Body Shop’s Fuji Green Tea Body Butter. This is great even for those who suffer from rough calluses on their feet. Are you the one who never skips a moisturising session and is yet afflicted with chapped and dry areas courtesy climate change? Well, try Dove’s Go Fresh Body Lotion. It has cucumber extract, which is a natural hydrating agent, and also provides vitamins and minerals that enhances one’s complexion and adds glow to one’s skin.A perfect start to your bridal beauty book. SHOWER POWER Most of us…

Teenage skin that is oily is known to be prone to pimples... But when this lasts beyond those teen years it is a clear case of acne, and is called adult acne.This can cause a lot of distress and emotional trauma as its hard to treat, and the breakouts often happen at the most inopportune moments, especially around the big day! So, while you are regular with your dermatologist appointments, these are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind. WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO AVOID: DAILY REGIMEN: Wash your face no more than twice a day. Use a gentle pH balanced cleanser. Pat (do not rub) your skin dry. Avoid loofah/ brushes as they are harsh. If your skin is oily, use a toner with salicylic acid to…

THE CLASSIC CALL Take a reel route to your wedding with Devdas-inspired cuts and silhouettes in a neutral palette. BADBOY BLUES Go the Qurbani way for some filmy drama on that casual date with your lady-love. LOVERBOY LOOK Layer your romantic side with youthful add-ons at the cocktail party in Saawariya style. MAFIA MUSINGS Let the cult of the angry young man inspire you to opt for Don-esque essentials at your bachelor’s.…

ART OF TIME Let artistic impressions etched on timepieces add ample flair to your persona at the wedding. FRESH AND FINE Get ready for the suave wedding look with these cooling face washes and gels, even as you sport these vibrant blue pocket squares. FOAM FINALE Is your D-day inching closer and you have yet not figured out how to keep the excess oil on your face at bay? Well, start cleansing routinely. It helps to regulate pore size and boosts hydration. Choose a face gel as per your skin type. For dry skin, avoid cleansers with high alcohol content. For oily skin, look out for lower pH levels.…

Art and India are synonymous. Like any country with a diverse past, our reverence for our indigenous art and craft manifests itself in our architecture, sculpture, murals, handicrafts, clothing and jewellery. Our fashion, especially textiles and embroidery, are versions of ‘wearable art’, created painstakingly by hand by a group of highly-skilled artisans that are masters of the craft. Luckily for us, we have not only a vast repertoire of textiles and handlooms to chose from but also an equally rich heritage of surface embellishments and embroideries—skills for which have been handed down to centuries of artisanal generations. The first thing you look for when you’re investing in a once-in-lifetime bridal ensemble is the kind of embroidery it has. With over 30 different types of embroideries to pick from, a modern-day…

CLEAN AND MINIMALIST yet making a statement is what describes contemporary art.We took the best pieces from the most recent Christie’s auction held in Mumbai, and matched them with ideal accessories and elements to complement their beauty. For the new couple, help them pick pieces that work well with the architecture of their new space. Make sure there is just the one piece is on the wall and the furniture accentuates the art. Untitled by Vasudeo S Gaitonde (1924-2001) is an oil on canvas artwork painted in 1995, and was sold at an estimated 29,30,25,000—the highest price ever fetched for any modern Indian work of art. Untitled (Two Figures) by Tyeb Mehta (1925-2009) is an acrylic on canvas artwork representing two figures in bright tones. This was sold at an…

WHEN WORKING ON A NEW HOME, WHAT WOULD ONE KEEP IN MIND FOR THE ART PIECES? I strongly believe in always buying what you love.That’s a number one rule for most serious collectors which is why they have a sentimental attachment or story behind each piece—which makes the art collection very personal and one-of-a-kind. Most of the time, your home is a reflection of you and so is your a r t c o l l e c t i o n . WHO WOULD YOU SAY IS THE MOST PROMISING ARTIST THIS YEAR? There are so many, I can’t just choose one! Hugo McCloud is one of the artists who I have much interest around these days. Another is Kapwani Kiwanga, a Paris based artist who often approaches her…

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