Bring out the Bollywood Diva In You!

A diva is easily spotted amongst the others. You can’t really tell what it is about them but the aura just spells it out! In Bollywood, fashion is followed through the seasons yet the Divas are spotted for their own trendsetting and mesmerising traits. Lets discuss how to get Bollywood Diva Style in 5 easy steps!

1) Natural Make-Up

Natural Make-Up

Be it Kareena Kapoor or Katrina Kaif and Ek Tha Tiger, both look breathtakingly beautiful in their own skin and the make-up has been kept minimal. The key here is use only as much make-up as you need to even out your skin tone and conceal any blemishes or marks that may be there. That’s it!
One can use a concealer below and above the eyes to hide those dark circles, blend in a good foundation through the face and neck to even out the skin tone, finish with a little loose powder. A natural rose, pink or rust colored blush as per your skin tone on your cheek bones, nose, chin will give you that pinched look. A little kohl and mascara to enhance the natural beauty of the eyes and nude or pale link lipstick touched up with transparent gloss will finish the look.

2) Black Tresses

Black Tresses

Colored and highlights while now in vogue was never part of the natural look of our divas in the year gone by.
Be it our very favourite Sushmita Sen, Rekha, Sridevi or the current reigning queens Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma, Diana Penty all have opted for natural looking jet-black tresses. Again the idea is to look as natural as possible. So value your beautiful black hair and work on enhancing its quality rather than letting the highlights take over!

3) Fitness

Fitness

While it has been argued a gazillion times that the contemporary Indian heroine needs to retain some of her curves in order to appear sensual, the fact of the matter is our listed Divas are fit (read fit, not size zero) and gorgeous!
Can you imaging a flabby Rekha or Sushmita?! Deepika, Anushka, Kareena have beautiful bodies and they work religiously on maintaining them. Being fit and having a toned body gives you that confidence that will help you bring out the diva in you! So start working out and watch that calorie intake – there is no short cut! ;)

4) What to wear/accessorize

Clothes & Accessories

Trends come and go, feel free to pick what works for you. As long as you follow the 3 rules mentioned above, the outfit you adorn will only add to your persona beautifully. The fit of a garment, the colors, and occasion need to be kept in mind while choosing what you wear. Our divas have worn everything from gowns to sequined dresses to formal blazers to Anarkalis to strappy tees and ripped jeans and managed to retain their aura and charisma in whatever they wear. You have got to stick to comfort and personal style and the rest will fall into place!
As far as accessories go, again to each his own and remember- keep it minimal. If you notice your favourite list of gorgeous Bollywood women, the accessories are limited to oversized bags, sunglasses and shoes in a casual setting and statement earrings and clutches in a more evening cocktail look.

5) Confidence

Confidence

There is no substitute for this one! Wear your look, strut your stuff, dazzle in that beautiful smile ALL with confidence. A diva knows who she is and what she is worth. She needs no reassurance. Be it in the gym, or in pajamas or in the most glamorous cocktail dress- SHE is spotted easily because of her confidence, poise and the ease with which she presents herself. So remember to wear the right attitude and everything else will just fall into place!

The New IT Bag

Sonali Bendre with Saint Laurent Duffle at a screening of "D-Day" (Photo courtesy | Yogen Shah)

Sonali Bendre at a screening of “D-Day” (Photo courtesy | Yogen Shah)

Ah, looks like the Saint Laurent Duffle love is finally spreading on to Bollywood!

Saint Laurent Duffle (Photo courtesy | net-a-porter)

Gwyneth Paltrow

First seen on the arms of Gwyneth Paltrow last August, this practical, modern incarnation of the classic hold-all has quitely gone on to become THE IT bag of the season. From actresses Anne Hathaway to Michelle Williams, singbirds Beyoncé to Lily Allen/Cooper and models Kate Moss to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, friends, everyone’s toting a Duffle these days.

Anne Hathaway

Michelle Williams

Kate Moss

Selma Blair

Lily Allen

Rosie Huntington-Whitely

Beyoncé

SO, what do you reckon? Me? Erm, it reminds me a little too much of Louis Vuitton’s iconic ‘Speedy’ design… ;-)

Louis Vuitton ‘Speedy 30′ Monogram canvas handbag

For the Bride Who Dares

Manish Arora Couture,

Manish Arora, DCW

Manish Arora presented his “Indian” on day four of PCJ Delhi Couture Week. This was first time he presented a bridal collection, and as expected it was not for the conventional bride to be. Set against an “Indian” take on the carousel. (He used a Carousel for a few collections ago in Paris, his regular show city).

He mixed all the kitsch elements he loves – his glittering leggings became churidars, carousel skirts formed parts of the anarkali, and his love of armour was turned into jewellery. Glow in the dark accents injected some humour. Saris had stripes, mughal motifs and polkas. This made no apologies for being over the top, his bride is not scared of what her mother in law has to say.

Full skirted was the norm, and shell tops were his chosen companions to lehengas. They didn’t sit well on the lehengas but might well on denims or simple black leggings. Hand woven brocades were mixed with vivid digital prints, stones, faux leather, zardosi crystals and sequins. I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot diaphanous polos with bejeweled yokes in fashion editorials.

The Mang Tikkas had an amazon feel, and powering chokers looked like shields. Perhaps he was trying to say marriage is a battlefield? With music inspired by Gangs of Wasseypur Manish made a bold statement. If kitsch is your thing then this a collection for you. If not, stay away.