The story of Leather-Luxe: Nappa Dori (Leather and Thread)

When you think about 'Nappa Dori', a lot beyond its quirky name comes to mind. A luxury leather brand which is well into its second year after its conception, is an amalgamation of downright Indian-ness with contemporary designs and innovative products. The collection comprises of pop-coloured luggage with fine leather detailing, scenes from across India on totes, innovative belts, wallets and some real intelligent riveting across the products which adds a punch of bold sophistication.

Gautam Sinha, a passout from NIFT and founder of Nappa Dori, says " I created Nappa Dori as a brand that celebrates one’s intellect as well as one’s design aesthetics. There’s nothing ‘over the top’ in what I produce, yet each product stands apart in its purpose and appeal”. And it is this vision which has taken the brand places across the globe and given birth to the idea of an export line which caters to clients in the realm of fashion accessories, hospitality and home decor.


Essentially based out of quaint Hauz Khas Village in Delhi, Nappa Dori will start online retail soon because they know that the world just can't get enough of their bags! Check them out here!

Picture courtesy: Nappa Dori

Maxi-out your look!

We believe in maxi skirt so much that we had to write this for the readers, for many believe that maxi is 'not-for-me'. Maxi skirts, if played well, can be totally turn to one's advantage or even style. You don't really need resort to a boho-chic or street-style you know,in order to flaunt a maxi or even worse, put up a sloppy look. Short or pear-shaped, maxi, true to its name, has a LOT of space for all you kinds out there!

Courtesy: www.chicotopia.com

1) For simple,sophisticated look and clean lines, go black and white in a body hugging maxi, that accentuates your perfect waist and booty ;) The cropped turtle-necked top adds a hint of bold,as heels add height.

Courtesy: halliedaily.com

2) Girly,fun as well cosy look for the winter, with the pleated maxi and cropped sweater. Comfy but hot nonetheless.

Courtesy: myshowroomblog.com

3)Our favourite look is the cropped jacket with a maxi skirt/dress. Its edgy on edgy. But if you're not looking to be noticed,ignore point 3. Although, we would still recommend to keep accessories on a minimal for this look.

Courtesy: stolenfromgrandma.blogspot.com

4)Be the demure,geeky lady with this look which works for office too(even if you do not use type-writers anymore). Flat shoes, pigtails and a perfect collared blouse and you'll be making heads turn without going all out.

Courtesy: thepresidentwearsprada.com

5) This works very well for a pear-shaped women. You get to flaunt your curves, bare your  décolletage and take the show off your wide-ish hips. Add some jewelry and you're good to go for a party,too!

Courtesy: joujouvilleroy.com

6) Très chic is what comes to mind. Boots, belt, cropped sweater, fur coat and a blanket of beautiful hair. Couldn't get better!

Courtesy: mochasoywhippy.com

7) The best of mix-n-match. Accentuates the waist while it gives the outfit,a form. Beret and the bandana around the wrist takes the outfit a notch above.

We Indians have had a fair share of the maxi skirt despite the seasons, across states and cultures. Looking at few typically ethnic ensembles, we have designers like Sabyasachi, Ritu Kumar and Kavita Bhartia showing us a taste of east in our maxi skirts. Here are few looks:

Ritu Kumar: Embellished top with cotton skirt worn with band and chunky jewelry

Sabyasachi Mukherjee: Block printed maxi with exquisite corset top and over the top accessories

Sabyasachi: silver maxi with over-jacket , belt and sling-back for  street-ethnic look.

Kavita Bhartia: Puff-sleeved cotton top with patch-work ethnic skirt  and bead jewelry for  the hippie chic

Sabyasachi: Fusion-wear at it best, mix of cultures and religions

Ritu Kumar: Casual, colourful with halter top and A-line skirt

Indian retailers stocking up ethnic maxis:

Fabindia

Anokhi

Globus

Shopper's Stop

Global Desi

Kitschonova: Roar of the Indian Kitsch, Chapter 1

Looking back, as we sit on our desk, an afternoon in 2012, we feel that the Indian
fashion industry has come a LONG way. Yes, now we are spoilt for choice, be it
highstreet or designer wear, we have plenty, and growing! And when it comes to flea
markets and local shops, we were rocking it before the world could spell FASHION.
But what to us truly remarkable and inspiring are the new-age kitsch inspired brands
which have blurred the line between fashion and art and in some cases have
introduced sustainability to the world. They have created variety in simple ways,
uplifted the whole experience of Hindustan and daily life on Indian streets and
brought about a revolution of tailored garments, multi-utility gifts and blended their
love for art with some incredible product design. Some also addressed their
customers and taught them that fashion need not be all-indulgent, fashion can be
benevolent and in doing so have helped numerous NGOs reach their cause.

We are bringing to you 'Kitschonova', a series where we look to some weathered and
some nascent enterprises which have redefined the act of Indian-ness and we begin
the series with...



PLAYCLAN: Take India Home.

They call themselves clones and they say their work defines individuality and eccentricity and after a few mouse clicks on their website you are more than assured. Gods, and bazaars and tuk-tuks(the risk-shah) and designs showcasing the 1 billion Indians( with IIT aspirants, mustachioed herdsman, Santa-Banta, Guddu and Bunty, Salim bhai, Vicky 420 and Pinky aunty) and the temples and the minarets, the products are in so many aspects a connect between the India we know and the India left behind. The moods are varied from raw colours to flowy designs to colour blocks and so are the products. Ranging from tees, trunks, watches to even stationery, coasters and cushions. And if you arn't already in love with heir products, here's a darn cute movie clip, the play-clan style.

Here's a 'deko' of Play Clan producs c/o their webpage:

Kitschy tote-bags

Handpainted Cushions

Women's Tees

Handpainted Shoes

Tees for Men

You can shop for the these products here 

Years after the conception of the brand, Play Clan has quickly moved to various cities with stores creating a city-specific feel (their Pune store is a dedication to Osho) and collaborated with Paul Smith, Absolut , Denizen etc. and created a whole new playfield for Indian design. Have a look at their products, if there is one  in your city or check out the link we've posted above and they say, 'keep playing'.

Paul Smith and Play Clan

Keeping up with the next series of Kitschonova, we bring to you many more of such incredible brands which spell 'India Shining' out loud. Watchout this space for People Tree , Yelo Bags , Chumbak , Item Number and many more !