Fashion Tabu

                  Fashion is not merely about following trends. It is also a reflection of our culture, traditions, values and personal identity. In India, clothing often holds a special significance during religious ceremonies, festivals, weddings and family celebrations. This is where ritual dressing finds its place in the world of fashion. Ritual dressing is the art of choosing attire that respects the meaning of an occasion while allowing us to express our individual style. It combines cultural traditions with elegance, comfort and thoughtful styling. Understanding Ritual Dressing India's rich cultural heritage offers a beautiful variety of traditional clothing. From the timeless saree and graceful salwar kameez to the elegant Anarkali and embroidered lehenga, every outfit can tell a story. The choice of clothing often depends on the occasion, regional customs, family traditions and personal preferences. What matters most is understanding...

  Travelling is exciting, whether it's a weekend getaway, a family holiday, or a long-awaited vacation. But one question often troubles us before every trip: What should I pack? We tend to fill our suitcases with extra clothes, thinking we might need them. Yet, when we reach our destination, we often find ourselves wearing only a few favourite outfits. The secret to travelling comfortably and looking stylish is creating a Travel Closet — a thoughtfully planned collection of clothing that is versatile, comfortable, lightweight, and easy to mix and match. 1. Plan Your Wardrobe Around Your Destination Before packing, consider the weather, duration of your trip, and activities planned. A beach holiday requires breathable cotton dresses, comfortable sandals, and sun protection. A hill-station holiday calls for warm layers, jackets, and practical footwear. For sightseeing, choose comfortable outfits that allow you to walk freely without compromising your personal style. Fashion Tabu Tip:...

  Fashion is not just about what we wear. It is also about understanding the language behind what we wear. Have you ever come across terms such as Bespoke, Haute Couture, Prêt-à-Porter, or Made-to-Measure and wondered what they actually mean? The fashion industry has its own vocabulary. Some terms describe how garments are made, others refer to their exclusivity, craftsmanship, fit or production methods. As a fashion stylist, I believe that understanding these terms helps us make better shopping decisions and appreciate the skill involved in creating beautiful clothing. Let's explore some important fashion terminology. 1. Bespoke Fashion – Exclusively Yours The word Bespoke refers to clothing created specifically for an individual, traditionally from a unique pattern developed according to their measurements. A bespoke garment is designed around the client's body, preferences and requirements. Key features: Individual measurements and personalised patterns Choice of fabric, col...

Indian fashion is a wonderful combination of tradition, craftsmanship, colour and modern style. From the timeless saree to comfortable palazzo sets and contemporary Indo-Western outfits, Indian clothing gives women endless possibilities to express their personality. With so many choices available, knowing the basic silhouettes can help you select an outfit that suits your body, lifestyle and occasion. Here are 10 popular types of Indian clothing worth knowing. 1. Lehenga Choli The lehenga choli remains a favourite for weddings, receptions and festive celebrations. It consists of a flared skirt, blouse or choli and dupatta. Style Tip: If your lehenga is heavily embellished, balance the look with simpler jewellery or a less elaborate blouse. 2. Salwar Suit Comfortable and timeless, the salwar suit can take you effortlessly from everyday wear to festive occasions. Cotton works beautifully for daily wear, while silk, georgette and embroidered fabrics create a dressier appearance. 3. Palazz...

  A beautiful outfit can last for years when it is cared for correctly. But coffee spills, lipstick marks, oil stains or an accidental ink mark can happen to anyone. Years ago, in my book Be Your Own Fashion Guru, I wrote a section called “Wash A Way To Go” with practical stain-removal tips. Today, many fabric-care products and recommendations have changed, so I thought it was time to revisit the subject with safer, updated methods. The first rule is simple: act quickly, but don't panic. Blot a fresh stain instead of rubbing it, because vigorous rubbing can spread the stain and damage the fibres. Always check the garment's care label before trying any treatment. For blood stains, start with cold water rather than hot water. For coffee or tea, blot immediately, rinse and pretreat with a little liquid detergent. Oil and ghee stains can first be treated with an absorbent powder such as cornflour or talc before applying a grease-cutting detergent. For chewing gum, harden it with ic...

We often stand in front of a wardrobe filled with clothes and still feel that we have nothing new to wear. Social media has also created the impression that repeating an outfit is unfashionable. But true style is not about constantly buying new clothes—it is about wearing what you already own in fresh and creative ways. Repeating an outfit is practical, economical and sustainable. With a few thoughtful changes, the same outfit can create several completely different looks. Change Your Accessories Accessories can instantly transform an outfit. Wear a simple kurta with delicate earrings and flats for a casual daytime look. For an evening occasion, style the same kurta with statement jewellery, an elegant handbag and embellished footwear. Belts, scarves, brooches, bangles and necklaces can also help create a new focal point. You do not need to wear many accessories at once; one carefully chosen statement piece is often enough. Style Your Dupatta Differently A dupatta offers countless styl...