Saturday, November 13, 2010

Closet Confidential

Designer Chandra decodes her individual sense of style and reveals what’s in store this season

Designer Chandra has an effortless approach to fashion. And its far from that of a high strung designer diva. At a recent shoot she is wearing a timeless Kanchivaram Silk saree featuring heritage Payadi weaving technique (a modern check pattern) layered with design concept featuring pallu in Rich Maroon and Black.



She says “Kanchivaram silk is my favorite fabric, it is the perfect canvas for my creative energies, a new treatment this season is a touch of glamour to this understated sophistication – Concept designs like Partly Pallu, Half n Half, innovations in kanchivaram weaving, Also interesting are the various layers of hand embroidery on this versatile canvas called Kanchivaram Silk”. Chandra has been designing for over 15 years now having worked closely with artisans from all over India. She does not adhere to the conventional idea of fashion where seasons change. Fashion should be about self expression and how you feel, rather than what other people think” she says confidently.


Constantly looking at elements that surround her and nature for beauty in it raw form; one can find designer Chandra always fabricating design ideas and jotting thoughts for new and innovative design concepts. She is a firm believer in the concept of wearable fashion

Some of Chandra’s pics for the season are a classic Black Kanchivaram Silk in a Concept Design- Partly Pallu wherein the pleats pallu and blouse feature Silver Zari Mango motifs which can be accessorized beautifully with uncut diamond necklace as shown or cut diamond set in platinum or white gold to create a stunning look for a glamorous evening affair.



A special favorite this season is the French Chantilly Lace which we have used in combination with Benarasi Net fabric in a feminine blush pink and off-white French Lace with subtle gold and silver highlights. This stunning saree can make any morning function sparkle. Gold bunch chain with Tourmaline details add to the elegance to complete the look.




This season we have experimented with the concept of fusing fabrics of various consistencies and textures like a simple Kanchiavarm silk in burnt orange layered with pure luxurious Velvet in contrast Black featuring block printing. The transition highlighted by sequins hand stitched with precision. This saree can be contrasted with chunky gold Mala for the neck and very simple understated earring complete the regal look.





Chandra’s Style Tips

• Dress up a saree this season by dressing down the accessories, Use a single statement making bold element be it a Cocktail Ring, Stunning earrings or an antique neckware


• French Lace and delicate fabrics like chiffon are the perfect choice for an elegant evening


• Dress up sheer fabrics with Benaras Brocade saree petticoats to create a glamorous look


• Invest in the right pair of heels and ensure the saree just touches the floor and not ride above


• Always team an elegant saree with the perfect bag or clutch


For more of the latest designs please click- http://www.sakhifashions.com/Shoponline.do
You can mail us at contact@SakhiFashions.com or call us at +91 80 32963636 

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Sakhi's Terracota Collection- The latest in Earthy Fashion

Sakhi launches an exclusive range of ethnic and chic collection of Terracotta accessories online on http://www.sakhifashions.com/ . All designs are inspired by Nature and most of them are modified and taken from the temple traditions of India. Over the years the designs have been adapted to the changing needs of the Indian woman with a range of designs which are exquisite fashion accessory and extremely functional too. These delicate hand crafted masterpieces are a product of artisans from Bangalore. These elegant collector’s items can be matched beautifully with the elegant sarees created by designer Chandra. The earthy hues range from rustic Maroons, bottle Greens, burnt Orange and Rust to trendy Black & Gold to create ensembles that are trendy yet signature stylish accessories.



The special appeal of Sakhi’s designer Terracotta jewelry is that the pieces are fashionable and elegant. We find our collection of Terracotta jewelry is growing popular in India as well as with Indian settled abroad. The designs one can find in Sakhi are unique in that the designs are bold and inspired by heritage Indian Jewellery, accessories of Indian royalty in particular. These unique creations transcend culture they can be teamed with Indian wear to give a classy and elegant look and the same can be teamed with western attire to give ethnic chic look.



Terracotta is an Italian word that literally means cooked earth and the material is a hard red earthenware. It is ceramic this special reference is because items fabricated out of this material in its natural form are reddish brown in color. Earlier this material was used to create earthen pots and vessels but continued innovation in the traditional Indian Handicraft has resulted in the launch of a trendy new range of accessories- Ellaborate Malas, Jhoomkas, Balis, Manga Mala, Peacock Inspired Mohp designs and many more to choose from at Sakhi. There are many stages in creation of this fragile and beautiful collection, In the first stage the mud or earth is crafted or molded into the desired Stage two involves baking the same in a kiln for many hours, one can get a glazed rough finish in the stage or Stage three involves application of desired colours via hand painting the artifact.


Visit Link:  http://www.sakhifashions.com/Shoponline.do?parent_id=41&categories_id=60&flag=1&categories=Accessories

Friday, May 28, 2010

Timeless jewellery on offer at Sakhi Boutiques

~~A Red Carpet Fashion walk to showcase eternal elegance~~

On the eve of the Akshaya Trithiya, one of most auspicious days Sakhi launched a stunning new collection of antique jewellery. On this special occasion, Sakhi organized a fashionable showcase of their latest collection where Hyderabad’s popular fashion models walked the red carpet featuring the best of eternal treasures.




Akshaya Trithiya is considered very auspicious and is said that there is no need to look for a ‘muhurat’ on this day. The word Akshaya means ‘that which never diminishes’ and the day is ideal for new beginning as it is believed that all investments on this day will only appreciate abundantly.

Sakhi’s Collection displayed beautiful and elegant jewellery crafted with precious gemstones that perfectly complement Sakhi's heady range of silk saris and blouses. Pearl jhumkas, designed ever so delicately, were fluid and sensual, while elegant emerald and ruby pendants with kundan work, were quite stunning. Bangles, bracelets and kadas crafted in traditional Coorg designs, with random strands of precious beads in various hues, matched almost any ensemble. Also on display are moonstones with kundan work and smooth semi-precious stones with tiny embedded stones. A Sakhi specialty is the exclusive range of terracotta neck pieces and earrings, making them affordable pretty trinkets to wear on a formal occasion. The collection of pendants strung with coloured cords and the jhumkas strung with clusters of tiny pearls, emeralds and rubies that were delicate and dainty. The traditional ruby sets designed in new age patterns are a must buy along with a stunning range of traditional ruby neck piece with a goddess Lakshmi kundan pendant, edged with clusters of pearls. The kadas and the well- crafted neck piece with three strands that look regal and heavenly.



Sakhi’s latest range of stunning collection had fresh design themes presented with timeless elegance and grace together with glamorous and contemporary trends. The collection is be available for sale at Sakhi showrooms in Bangalore and Hyderabad.

Sakhi is a niche boutique run by the mother-daughter duo, Chandra Rajendran and Neeta. Sakhi’s first exclusive boutique was established in August, 2005. Over the years, Sakhi has built a loyal clientele that is passionate about the uniqueness of its collections. Sakhi has perfected the art of combining traditional fabrics and craftsmanship with contemporary themes to create an ensemble that captures the values of the modern Indian woman.



The exclusivity of Sakhi’s creations is displayed through a mix and match of fabrics in the garment. For example, Korvai sarees have a body made of pure hand loom cotton with a pure silk border. This merger of different base fabrics is regarded as a path-breaking event in the hand loom weaving industry. The ‘partly pallu’ is a ‘concept saree’ with the pleats, pallu and blouse in contrast to the rest of the saree. On the other hand, the ‘rising concept’ saree is diagonally divided and shows a gradual play of colour when draped. Sakhi is constantly re-inventing the ever evolving saree.

This season, one can find a range of new fabrics like Shimmer Georgette Silk which can be used on either side. Organza Silk is perfect for the day affair with its light and effervescent nature. A new addition this season is the numerous luxurious shot colour Yarn Dyed Chiffon silks featuring interestingly themed borders and embroidery detailing. Benaras sarees woven in Varnasi have been given a modern twist by using falling Georgette silk in the hues of the season like bottle Greens, deep Maroon, muted Beige. An added attraction is the antique finish of zari used to provide an old world charm to the garment.



Always a step ahead of trends in the niche boutique designer space, Sakhi had launched an exclusive online store, www.SakhiFashions.com, to cater to the rapidly growth interest for their designs from across the world. This online store has enabled Sakhi in broadening its client base by traversing boundaries with ease. A unique and much appreciated factor is the uniform pricing policy that Sakhi follows wherein a customer will find the same quality and price in any of Sakhi boutiques and the online store. It is Sakhi’s ability to translate the boutique experience onto the online medium that makes SakhiFashions.com a popular destination for the new-age woman.


For details contact:
Neeta: +91 9000081536
mail to: neeta@SakhiFashions.com
www.SakhiFashions.com

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Mother Daughter collection designed by Mother daughter duo- Chandras & Neeta

On the eve of the Mother’s Day, Sakhi, the well-known women’s designer fashion house launched the first-of-its-kind “Sakhi Mother-Daughter Collection” celebrating the unique bond between mother and daughter. On this special occasion,

Sakhi organized “Sakhi Mother-Daughter Fashion Walk” featuring not just professional models but real life mother-daughter duos. The ramp came alive with 10 beautiful and stylish mother-daughter pairs showcasing the ravishing new range of designer garments specially designed for the occasion by Sakhi - By Chandras.



Mother’s Day for Two- For this Mother’s Day, Sakhi unveils a unique collection of exquisite designer saris paired as “Mother-Daughter combinations” that exemplify this wonderful relationship. The fact that the designers behind the Sakhi brand, Chandra and Neeta are a mother-daughter duo themselves makes this all the more poignant and interesting. Chandra Rajendran, the creative designer behind Sakhi said “We always enjoy working together. But this time my daughter and I found it one of the most thrilling experiences putting together this collection”. Her daughter Neeta, the CEO of Sakhi felt that “The mother-daughter bond is so special it is more than worthy of celebration. And such a mother-daughter collection created by a mother-daughter designer duo could possibly be the first of its kind in the world.”




This stunning collection had fresh design themes presented with subtle differences to ensure timeless elegance and grace for the mother while exhibiting glamour and contemporary trend for the daughter. The marked similarities and subtle differences in fabric, design and the colors keep the collection perfectly tuned to the distinct yet well bonded pair of mother and daughter.

The collection will be available for sale at Sakhi showrooms in Bangalore and Hyderabad. The formal launch of the Sakhi mother-daughter collection was done with an innovative fashion walk at SouthIndies restaurant at Indira Nagar featuring ten pairs of mothers and daughters. It showcased the collection, making an interesting fashion statement and at the same time creating a warm moment that the mothers and daughters will cherish in their hearts for long time to come. There were also engaging activities like mother daughter fashion portfolio with instant memorabilia handed within few minutes. The beautiful mother-daughter pairs including the designer duo sashayed the ramp wearing this latest collection from Sakhi with great aplomb
 
 
The exclusivity of Sakhi’s creations is displayed through a mix and match of fabrics in the garment. For example, Korvai sarees have a body made of pure hand loom cotton with a pure silk border. This merger of different base fabrics is regarded as a path-breaking event in the hand loom weaving industry. The ‘partly pallu’ is a ‘concept saree’ with the pleats, pallu and blouse in contrast to the rest of the Saree. On the other hand, the ‘rising concept’ sari is diagonally divided and shows a gradual play of colour when draped. Sakhi is constantly re-inventing the ever evolving saree.


This season, one can find a range of new fabrics like Shimmer Georgette Silk which can be used on either side. Organza Silk is perfect for the day affair with its light and effervescent nature. A new addition this season is the numerous luxurious shot colour Yarn Dyed Chiffon silks featuring interestingly themed borders and embroidery detailing. Benaras sarees woven in Varanasi have been given a modern twist by using falling Georgette silk in the hues of the season like bottle Greens, deep Maroon, muted Beige. An added attraction is the antique finish of zari used to provide an old world charm to the garment.

Always a step ahead of trends in the niche boutique designer space, Sakhi had launched an exclusive online store, www.SakhiFashions.com, to cater to the rapidly growth interest for their designs from across the world. This online store has enabled Sakhi in broadening its client base by traversing boundaries with ease. A unique and much appreciated factor is the uniform pricing policy that Sakhi follows wherein a customer will find the same quality and price in any of Sakhi boutiques and the online store. It is Sakhi’s ability to translate the boutique experience onto the online medium that makes SakhiFashions.com a popular destination for the new-age woman.
This stunning collection is currently available in our boutiques in Bangalore and Hyderabad and will be soon available for online shoppers in the near future.

For Info contact:
Neeta- Sakhi By Chandras
Website: www.SakhiFashions.com
Mail ID: neeta@SakhiFashions.com
Ph.: +91 9000081536

Find out more on Youtube:
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Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Saree draping for dummies

he Sari is 6 yards of fabric which when drpaed in a particular manner gives rise to an attire that is complete in every aspect. Draping a sari ia an art. The sari is worn in different styles in various parts of India. However, the most common method involves wrapping the sari around ones waist, making pleates in front and drpaing the final length over the left shoulder. This remaining fabric, drpaed over the blouse and the left shoulder , falling behind one's boby is called the Pallu.




Saree Pallu, Pleats and Border

STEP 1

Start with inner edge (least patterned plain end) of the sari, with sari fall (lined border) falling along the inside of the bottom edge. Tuck the inner edge into the waistband of the petticoat, slightly to the right side, with the rest of the sari wrapped round to the left. The amount you tuck-in depends on your height and how long you want the sari to fall.

TIP- You might want to put on your footwear before you start draping the sari, to achieve the right length. The sari should almost fully cover the heel.






STEP 2

Take the remaining fabric around the body and measure the length of the Pallu, approx. 1 metre (the extensively patterned end of the sari that will finally fall over the left shoulder behind the body). Pallu is the other end of the sari from the end you have tucked in.





STEP 3
Take the partially pleated pallu measured (approx. 1 metre) behind you from the left and forward again from your right. Place the pallu over the left shoulder and let the 1 metre length fall behind you.





STEP 4

Create pleats with the sari fabric remaining undone in the front. Make about 5 to 7 pleats of 6 inch each and hold them up together so that they fall straight and even. The pleats must face left.






STEP 5

Tuck the pleats into the waistband i.e petticoat, slightly to the right of the navel, taking care to see that the pleats are tunred towards the left. Use a special sari pin to secure the pleats.


TIP- Ensure the pleats are pinned to the petticoat underneath for addiotnal support. This will ensure the sari stays in place.







STEP 6

The pallu of the sari can now be arranged to suit your own style. The style most commonly followed is flinging the pallu over the left shoulder, or pleating and pinning it to the left shoulder, so that the pallu can swing open at the back. Any excess fabric on the back or sides can be tucked inside and secured with a safety pin.





STEP 7

Viola ! The draping is complete. The sari can be made to look modern or traditional based on your choice of accessories.





To go completely traditional, choose from a range of bindis for the forehead, matching bangles, necklace and earrings

To go trendy, choose a blod watch, chunky bold beads for the neck and hand, and complete the look with a chic clutch to match.

http://www.sakhifashions.com/Howtowearasaree.do


© Sakhi Enterprise and Sakhifashions, 2009. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Sakhi Enterprise and Sakhifashions with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Get under the spotlight with Sakhi's latest Designer Sarees

Get under the spotlight this spring


Sakhi Collection ‘10

Look around. A new woman has emerged. She fights apathy, boredom and poor taste, and is adept at making split-second decisions. The Sakhi Collection combines courageous design with superior fabric to deliver laudable style for the woman of today.

The collection is an effortless embodiment of elegance, featuring a variety of exclusive designs served on an extensive platter of creations. Designer Chandra of Sakhi owes her inspiration to the changing hues of nature in spring. The collection captures the myriad changes in the elements that surround us as winter fades into summer, like foliage changing colour from amber to green. The collection, with its ravishing detailing and fine design elements, is bound to make a statement irrespective of occasion.

Cut work is a Sakhi specialty which finds expression in an array of fabrics. An art form involving delicate lace-like embroidery, cut work requires intricate hand work and an eye for precision. The Sakhi Collection re-invents cut work by fusing different fabrics using appliqué technique. For evening attire, bold fusions are woven together by intricate cut work. A fine form of hand embroidery, cut work is a must have this season.

For casual occasions, the collection exhibits an array of light Tussar Silk sarees in muted salmon pink, toned down turquoise and burnt mustard. These sarees feature Benarsi brocade appliqué cut work in an interesting bold motif placement design, with one motif near the neck, a few near the pleats and an elaborate step pallu, to add to a woman’s confidence.




Flowing Chiffon silk saree in aqua blue yellow and pink

The day-wear collection boasts soft textures like Chiffons, Crepe and Handloom Cottons with silk borders, all in a muted palette of softly-diffused colour contrasts. Apart from a vibrant range of colours, the collection features detailing that includes hand-block prints, defined borders with multi-hued tissue edging and cush tissues, to lend glamour to the collection.


The bridal collection features Sakhi’s favourite fabric, superior Kanchivaram Silk. The collection throws light on glorious motifs in fiery colours with a contemporary twist, brought to life by the gifted hands of artisans. This season, one can find a mélange of vibrant colours coming together in interesting concepts like the ‘partly pallu’, where the pleats, pallu, the body of the saree and blouse are distinguished by contrasts in colour and design, adding vibrancy to the muted colours of the palette.







Stunning Kanchivaram silk in olive green featuring Benaras brocade appliqued Cut-work and Kundan embroidery

Jewelled Kundan work tailored Kanchivaram silk blouses are exclusive to this season. Tailored to complement delicate sarees for special occasions, the blouses are available in a royal colour palette, from bottle green to deep maroon. These may be crafted in traditional forms or in a modern avatar as designer halters and tubes The launch of Sakhi’s latest collection is an occasion to fall in love with elegant pure silks embellished with contemporary motifs, intricate embroidery and cut work. Pamper your artistic side with stunning mirror work, intricate zari cut work and kalamkari art work.Stimulate your imagination with ‘concept sarees’ like the ‘rising design’ saree and the ‘partly pallu’ saree

The collection, priced between Rs. 4,500 and Rs. 20,000, is available both at Sakhi as well as at sakhifashions.com, the online store

Sakhi

Sakhi is a niche boutique run by a mother-daughter duo, Chandra and Neeta. Over the years, Sakhi has built a loyal clientele that is passionate about the uniqueness of its collections. Sakhi has perfected the art of combining traditional fabrics and craftsmanship with contemporary themes to create an ensemble that embodies the values of the modern Indian woman.
The exclusivity of Sakhi’s creations is displayed through a mix and match of fabrics in the garment. Korvai sarees have a body made of pure handloom cotton with a pure silk border. This merger of different base fabrics is regarded as a path-breaking event in the handloom weaving industry. The ‘partly pallu’ is a ‘concept saree’ with the pleats, pallu and blouse in contrast to the rest of the saree. On the other hand, the ‘rising concept’ saree is diagonally divided and shows a gradual play of colour when draped.




Elegant Peach Tussar silk featuring cut-work

Always a step ahead of trends in the niche boutique space, Sakhi has recently launched is exclusive online store, www.sakhifashions.com, to keep pace with the rapid growth of e-commerce in India. This online store has enabled Sakhi in broadening its client base by traversing boundaries with ease. In the short span of its operation in cyberspace, Sakhi has enthused customers from key geographies like the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Malaysia, to name a few.
It is Sakhi’s ability to translate the boutique experience through the online medium that makes

http://www.sakhifashions.com/ a popular destination for the new-age woman

For more details contact

Sakhi by Chandras: #305, 6th Main, Indiranagar, Bangalore – 560038
Sakhi by Chandras: 8-2-684, Road No. 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad – 500034

Ph: +91 9000081536

Website: www.sakhifashions.com
Email: neeta@sakhifashions.com

Thursday, January 7, 2010

The Modern Indian Saree

The 5000 year old humble Indian Sari is reborn as the Modern Indian Sari.
In India one can find its many avatars- the elegant gown for a cocktail event, timeless when captured on ones wedding day and a million women wearing it everyday find comfort in the versatile Modern Indian Saree.

When Liz Hurley chose a Sari over the designer gowns galore, the sari made headlines. Recently Hermes inaugurated an entire Spring / Summer Collection based on India & Sari, a tribute to the sensual and mysterious 6 yards.

Sakhi- By Chandras was created by mother-daughter duo Chandra and Neeta. We believe the Sari is a must have in any woman's wardrobe, and the Sari is truly international. We create stylized saris for the new-age woman and are committed to unveiling her real beauty and progressive personality. We combine traditional fabrics and craftsmanship with contemporary themes, to create an ensemble that embodies the values of the Modern Indian Woman.

The unique sarees and salwars combine kanchivaram, tussar, chiffon, georgette, crêpe, organza and cotton with traditional techniques such as cut work, block print, kalamkari, badla, mirror work, chamki (sequins) and embroidery in a glorious mélange of colours.

Our Collection

Each creation that flows out of our boutique is a new-age expression of age-old tradition. Be it an exquisite saree or an elegant salwar, we weave tussar, chiffon, crêpe, kanchivaram, georgette and organza to create vibrant expressions of today's woman. From the selection of material, the weaving of a masterpiece, to the dyeing of fabric, Sakhi redefines the art of saree making to give tradition a new meaning.

Sakhi’s creations are designed keeping in mind the modern woman and her idea of wearable fashion. Sakhi blends traditional techniques with innovative ideas to create sarees and salwars that are both beautiful and unique.

Effervescent Organza Silk featuring elegant Cut-Work





Cut work is a Sakhi specialty which finds expression in an array of fabrics, from elegant tussars to light chiffons, from gorgeous crêpes to timeless kanchivarams. A delicate, lace-like embroidery which involves intricate hand work and a keen eye, Sakhi treats cut work in a unique manner, with unusual colour schemes and quality fabrics. While the cut work is subtle and understated on sarees created for the workplace, on sarees that are designed as evening wear, the cut work is elaborate, featuring tissue that creates a zari effect. By adding an Indian touch to this French technique, Sakhi crafts a perfect blend of beauty and perfection.

The launch of Sakhi’s latest collection is an occasion to fall in love with elegant pure silks embellished with contemporary motifs, intricate embroidery and cut work. Pamper your artistic side with stunning mirror work on kanchivaram, floral cut work and tussar silk with tissue appliquéd pallavs. Stimulate your imagination with ‘concept sarees’ like the ‘rising design’ saree and the ‘partly pallav’ saree, to name a few. Also on offer this season, is an exciting range of kalamkari hand appliquéd on kanchivaram, with intricate zari cut work.

Our flagship stores are located in Bangalore & Hyderabad
Sakhi has recently launched online store http://www.sakhifashions.com/



© Sakhi Enterprise and Sakhifashions, 2009. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Sakhi Enterprise and Sakhifashions with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.