Fashionably Yours

Whether it’s Boho Chic or Bollywood Belle, its time for some summer fun with accessories! I chanced upon this charming French accessories brand, ‘AGATHA’ while browsing online and haven’t been able to take my eyes off some of the pieces. Thought I’d share some of it here, since it won’t stop haunting me!

Agatha Jewelry

Agatha Paris Jewelry and Accessories

AGATHA, by Michel Quiniou was created to bridge the gap between luxury boutiques and non-descript lacklustre chain boutiques. In 1974, he launched his line of fashion jewellery with an unusual goal in mind: to transform cheap into chic. The first AGATHA boutique opened in 1976 at rue de Rennes in Paris. AGATHA has more than 320 outlets located in 20 countries, including the UAE and an option to shop online.

Especially popular are AGATHA’s classic charms with the famous Scottie dog which has frolicked through all of AGATHA’s collections over the years and finally settled in as the brand mascot.

Agatha Jewelry and accessories: Transforming Cheap into chic!

The mascot charm bracelet: Agatha

The new spring summer collection that I first laid my eyes on was their Bollywood inspired collection with a touch of spirituality- umm… although the two have little in common. Hindu symbols are embellished with coloured enamel, rhinestones, cotton and wood for that spiritual hippie look. Agatha also pays a tribute to Bollywood by creating jewellery inspired by beautiful Indian actresses such as Aishwarya Rai and Meena Kumari. AGATHA pays an ode to these beauties, bringing their charm and elegance into exquisitely colourful, radiant jewellery. Think big accessories, shiny stones and bright colours!

Agatha SS 2012: An Indian Summer

Agatha SS 2012: An Indian Summer

Agatha Indian Summer: SS'12

Silver and mother-of-pearl are used to share the message of love and peace in AGATHA’s Zen collection- another part of their new Spring summer collection. The collection features the Buddha delicately carved in jewellery along with bangles, hoop earrings and rings, finished with a delicate bow, in silver, silver plated with pink gold and silver plated with yellow gold.

Agatha Watches and Accessories: Inspired by India

Agatha: Zen Collection

For more info, visit their website. Available in the UAE at Dubai Festival City, Mirdif City Center, Mall of the Emirates, Galeries Lafayette at Dubai Mall and Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain Mall (new extension), Al Ain.

There’s so much fashion beyond our beloved Guccis and Pradas of the world, beyond the runway and racks of the malls we know and love. But fashion is also about being unique, original, fun and fabulous, which is what this Indian online boutique , ‘ItsHandmade’ is all about- A one-stop shop to showcase creative and undiscovered art, design and craft skills. And as the name suggests, it really is all handmade, original and one of a kind!

Quirky, fun bags from ItsHandMade

Quirky, fun bags at ItsHandMade

Quirky, fun bags from ItsHandMade

“ItsHandMade is for all those who love to create little pieces of magic and for those who love to collect them. For artists to help understand the market and for the others waiting to paint their lives with precious handmade gems” Shreya Bajaj, Director at ItsHandMade explains.

“ItsHandMade the dream, was created to give an opportunity to all the creative people around us to share their creations on a common platform. In an artistically populous country like ours, we felt the need to give sellers an identity of their own without having to invest in websites and marketing tools. The dream is to give people a reason to create art all the time as a means to a livelihood, instead of just a hobby.”

Hand made fashion at ItsHandMade

Fashion at ItsHandMade

Fashion at ItsHandMade

This Bangalore based startup wants to connect creators to collectors with an eye for original creations and to help build a relationship and share a space where everyone learns to share and fall in love with everything handmade. Targeted mainly at urban citizens, who are internet-savvy and have a love for handmade delights.

With over 30 odd categories, the site includes some amazing accessories, jewelry, shoes, kitsch clocks, personalized and customizable products and even edibles like tarts, hampers and cupcakes! You can also find upcycled products, eco-friendly totes and hand-crafted notebooks here.

Stationery at ItsHandMade

Stationery at ItsHandMade

Home Decor at ItsHandMade

Fashion with a heart

Shreya elaborates, “As a CSR exercise for us, we give NGO’s a portal to sell handmade creations for no cost. And encourage people to make donations at the comfort and ease of their home and getting a piece of treasure in return. We envision ItsHandMade to be a fairytale marketplace to sell and buy unique things. Delightful little creations made out of passion, by luck or by chance. A place where people would come by to have some fun, to spread a little cheer, to brighten up a gloomy day. We hope for it to be an eCommerce Portal with a lot of heart.

In future, we’d like to get on board the rural artisans, the home of fine arts in India and to get NGO’s on board who support artisans making products and wish to showcase them.”

Accessories at ItsHandMade

ItsHandMade

You can check out ItsHandMade on their website, blogs and Facebook. Also catch them at workshops, melas, and flea market sales in India. They will be starting international shipping soon!

Dubai’s own Meena Bazzar was treated to a lavish affair on Tuesday night- a night of Indian couture, the cutest little pav bhaji bites and nostalgia (for me), at the launch of Rivaage Couture Boutique. Bollywood stars, Priety Zinta and Arjun Rampal didn’t show up but the delights of Indian fashion had us all spellbound, at the new boutique.

A bridal ensemble by Vikram Phadnis at Rivaage Boutique, Dubai

Bridal Couture by Vikram Phadnis

Bridal Couture by Vikram Phadnis

Rivaage houses some of the biggest Indian designer names including JJ Vallaya, Vikram Phadnis, Tarun Tahiliani,  Surily Goel Azeem Khan and Satya Paul among others, featuring an exquisite edit of couture wear, accessories and jewelry.

Designer jewelry and accessories at Rivaage Boutique, Dubai

Designer jewelry and accessories at Rivaage Boutique, Dubai

Designer jewelry and accessories at Rivaage Boutique, Dubai

I personally loved that the boutique has a wide price range to offer from the contemporary and fusion accessories to the heavy bridal wear collection, which encompassed the entre upper floor of the massive, two storey store.

Designer jewelry and accessories at Rivaage Boutique, Dubai

Accessories at Rivaage Boutique, Dubai

I can’t wait to attend the next big fat Indian wedding. I’m definitely dropping by Meena Bazaar for the shopping!