One of the reasons I started this blog (a long, long time ago) was to follow modern fashions inspired by indigenous styles from around the globe.

A contemporary designer who's made this style her signature is Mara Hoffman. From Fall 2014:


These were my favorite looks from her last season that just showed at NYFW:


I'm not sure what it is I like so much about global indigenous styles. I love the vivid colors and the long, feminine silhouettes. I love the gold accents and geometric shapes. But most of all I think, I love the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into all the hand-embroidery and embellishments. There's something about knowing someone's time and talent went into crafting a piece that makes it special. And I appreciate designers who are able to take those traditional styles and make them contemporary and accessible to everyone.

Someone very close to me is getting married soon and in honor of her upcoming big day, I give you a post on my favorite wedding gown inspirations from one of my favorite designers.

The bride-to-be is my little sister! And anyone who knows her knows how girly and playful she is.

So when designing her dress, we decided to incorporate her girly style and chose beautiful Chantilly lace to create the right look. The delicate fabric looks best in an elegant shape, so we designed a boatneck, long-sleeved bodice with a deep V-neck in the back for a little surprise. We finished the dress with a full tulle skirt with embellishment work.

We searched for examples of Chantilly lace gowns done right as well as beautiful embellishments - for inspiration. I want to share with you some gorgeous examples by one of my fave designers, Monique Lhullier. I just love her flattering silhouettes and intricate embellishment work.








Wedding pics of the bride-to-be's real dress to follow - stay tuned! :)

Indian designer Shane and Falguni Peacock is making waves in the US. With celebrities like Fergie and Britney wearing their creations, they're making a name for themselves as an edgy (and somewhat loud) brand. Here are some of their looks

Britney wore a dress for the cover of her Hold it Against Me single:




































Fergie wore hers when she performed at the world cup:





















And here are some others:






















































What do you think of these dresses?

Now for more of my favorite subject - fashion fusion!

Indian designer Monisha Jaising creates designs using traditionally western silhouettes - long gowns, short skirts and dresses, and pairs them with what South Asia does best: hand-embroidered sequins and beading. When done right, the sequins add sparkle that take an ordinary dress and make it eye-catching and elegant.

Take a look at some of her designs.

The gold and black short dress Katrina wears in the first photo is cute and totally wearable to a dinner party.

Which is your favorite?

Naeem Khan is an Indian-born American Fashion Designer, best known probably for Michelle Obama's 's exquisite White House dinner dress back in December 2009. Take a look:

Zuhair Murad is a Beirut-based Lebanese fashion designer who's gotten some attention State-side lately for dressing celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Miley Cyrus. Take a look!

Jennifer Lopez, Spring 2010:


Miley Cyrus, Spring 2010:

Balmain is one of my favorite designers at the moment. The clothing is edgy but flattering particularly because of the strong, angular shoulders.

Some looks from the Spring 2010 RTW Collection: