Delhi-lilah
MANILA, Philippines - If there’s one condensed idea that can be squeezed from this season’s fall/winter collections it’s that we should go back to our roots. The era of bling is over; it may have taken the most dire of financial climates to put an end to it, but its regime of glaring obviousness is finally over.
Even luxe brands that started the logomania trend have gone earthy. Louis Vuitton spearheaded the down-to-earth chic, embracing tribal and practical elements in their collection.
If this is the look, then as a true fashion soldier it’s our duty to make an adventure out of it. Back in the day, when Marc Jacobs championed the grunge look that was inspired by the streets of Seattle, it sort of had an ironic charm getting your flannels from Madison Avenue. However, there’s still the iron-clad sincerity that comes from embracing unpretentious and authentic origins.
India is my new favorite country — this year alone I have already been there twice! The colors, movement and energy that could only come from a deeply rooted history and observance of culture will transport you to new places. In my tradition of quoting irrelevant people, Meg Ryan once said she found herself in India because it was so different from the world we operated in, its culture, history, faith and roots.
It’s true — buying lunch in a moving trolley that’s made up of an elaborate food sculpture is just the tip of the bindi. The Oscar-winning movie Slumdog Millionaire just added more interest to this colorful country.
Shopping is heaven. Now that I’m moving homes, my newest home named Suri (I name my homes after celebrity babies, the old one was called Shiloh) I went crazy with the lovely blankets, intricately-detailed plates and boxes and even bought a marble scale model of the Taj Mahal. The prices are waaaaaay cheapo! The rupee is almost like the peso. Haggled well, one can buy an intricately-detailed dress for as low as 300 rupees,. The haggling itself will tire you out. I usually get 30 percent of the quoted price then divide it in half. Usually theatrics are required, such as pretending to leave the store, pretending to be completely uninterested but internally fraught with heartbreak and desperation. “Be strong!” says Rajo Laurel, a fellow India convert. Also newly-formed fanatics are the ridiculously stylish couple Astrud and Norman Crisologo.
It’s a place where you can get Tibetan necklace bibs for as low as 300 rupees. The precious jewels run for wholesale prices. A lovely topaz earring in an Art Deco style that nearly brought me to tears was sold for less than $200; in Barney’s it would have certainly been at least a couple thousand dollars. I bought a gargantuan amethyst necklace encased in antique silver for 3,000 rupees.
I especially had fun buying Indian dresses and Celini-fied it when I got home. Heavily beaded dresses that scream McQueen go for as little as $40! The suits come in a variety of colors and shapes and are the perfect call for the upcoming summer! Make it your own by using your usual shoes and using the top and bottom separately. (I like using the beaded bottoms with thin tank tops and the tops as mini dresses ever so slightly hemming down the side slits.)
Embark on the fashion adventure of your life! Incredible India!
Shops to check out in Delhi
Janpath: A mecca of stores that sell everything under the sun. You may need two days to finish this area.
GK: A cool Indian-style mall that sells department store-like pieces, costume Indian jewelry, accessories and westernized Indian dresses can be found here. Take advantage of the tailors nearby and have something specially made if you’re staying for more than three days. The suit stores alter on the spot.
Khan Market: The Greenbelt of Delhi! It has the to-die-for store called Good Earth, reasonably priced home accessories to give a bit of India to your home (in my case the upcoming Suri is on overdose). Check out the lovely Kama toiletries! My newest obsession!
Zaza: A little out of the way, but well worth it. The carefully edited pieces, in again very affordable prices, are fixed. So it’s a respite from all the tiresome haggling. One of my favorite places in Delhi.
Cottage Industries: This is where you can get high-quality semi-precious gem pieces! Also great Indian gowns. I bought one in creamy pink embellished in pearls. Homeware haven, too. All merchandise comes from different towns so you’re sure to find something unique!
