The Everlasting Beauty of the Sari…CTC West Style

I recently had the pleasure of coming across a wonderful website, Old Indian Photos, which is essentially an archive of photos from the Indian subcontinent. Many of them are simply breathtaking and I have spent hours going through picture after picture. Apparently, Gaurav from CTC West has also fallen in love with this site and posted a series of vintage LIFE magazine pictures documenting “How to tie a sari” a while back. Using these pictures as inspiration, Gaurav selected a team of creative geniuses to recreate the shoot with Canadiana colours and symbols. It’s absolutely breathtaking. I love how the shoot juxtaposes old and new while simultaneously highlighting the everlasting mystique and beauty of the Indian sari.

Credits:

Original Creative Concept: LIFE Magazine 1945
Photography: Christine Lim
Make-Up & Hair: Amplified Soul
Producer: Gurjeet Kaur Bassi
Model: Pardeep Bassi
Assistant: Gagan Bassi
Outfit: CTC West

xoxo,

LBB

Upcoming Bridal Events & Sales!

The next few weeks are offering up some exciting events and sales!

The Suhaag Fall Show is taking place tomorrow on Sunday, October 2 at the Toronto Congress Centre. Cutie TV personality Gurdeep Ahluwalia will be hosting–just seeing him live would be worth the trip to the show!!

The Civilized Bride Show, a boutique bridal show that offers opportunity to mingle with wedding vendors while sipping on cocktails, will be happening on Friday, October 21 at Airship 37 in Toronto’s Distillery District.

Bridalicious will be returning for its Winter Session on November 6, 2011 at the Meadowvale Resort & Conference Center, Mississauga! Stay tuned for more details!

CTC West is having a sale! You get 15% off when you buy two or more outfits!

xoxo,

LBB

 

The Custom Couture Experience: CTC West

It’s been a while since my last post–lots has been going on, but updates are for another day! I was recently contacted by CTC West to post some information about their custom designs and the upcoming Kismet Show…and given my great experience with CTC West’s customization process and how much I loved my reception lengha (which you can view again here), I thought it would be an appropriate post to get back to blogging! Enjoy!

By Ashley Iyer: A sweetheart neckline or a corset? Mermaid cut or A-Line?  Capped sleeves or straps? Every bride has a distinctive vision for her special day. Faced with a daunting to-do list, the most important one of them all is deciding on that wedding outfit. The endless array of colours and styles to choose from can often be dizzying. It takes the right combination of designer fashion and vision to create YOUR perfect look.

The CTC West Custom Couture experience was created for this very purpose, to assist you in selecting a CTC West design and altering the colour, shape and look to create a piece that truly embodies your vision.

With the combination of your vision and our expertise, every piece in the CTC West boutique can be customized, embellished, mixed and matched, to achieve a simplistic or intricate design.

CTC West Custom Couture translates this new blend into a unique couture piece, reflective of the bride-to-be. From traditional to modern to funky, CTC West Custom Couture manifests your dream outfit into reality, ensuring that you are glowing from the inside and out, on your special day.

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You can catch the CTC West 2012 Collection on the runway at this year’s Kismet Wedding show (September 18, 2011).

 

The Kismet Wedding Show is happening this Sunday, February 18 at the International Centre (Hall 1) in Mississauga, ON. If you go, please let me know how it is!

 

xoxo,

LBB (Glad to be back)

The Details: Reception Fashion

As promised, I’m posting pics of our reception outfits—well, mostly of my outfit! LOL! I loved my reception lengha–it fit me very well, I felt super sexy, and it was incredibly comfortable. I DANCED ALL NIGHT IN IT (and in my Choos of course!)!!

As you may recall,  I custom ordered my lengha from CTC West.  The process involves going through their samples and deciding which one you liked best. You can modify aspects of the lengha (e.g., colour, shape of blouse, general placement of embroidery) or combine aspects of two samples together. I changed the shape of the blouse, choosing a neckline and backline that I find flatter me. I also slightly changed around the placement of the embroidery. The lengha was made of a soft brocade silk, embroidered primarily with gold and silver sequins, and silver stones.

Here are some pics…

Back of my blouse

Not the most flattering pic (taken while I was sitting during the "Shoe Game"), but I included it because the colour of the lengha is captured well.

I love hair pieces and was intent on getting one for the reception!! I had one custom designed by Mikki Rizvi from Ever Thine–she did an amazing job, particularly given the fact that she never saw a pic of my lengha (I ordered the hair piece before my lengha arrived) and she based her design on a description I gave her in an email!

I thought I’d post a couple pics of my Choos. I *heart* my Choos. 🙂

And, last but not least, a pic of Mr. J’s sexy suit. The entire suit–the pants, blazer, vest, shirt, and tie–was custom designed by Garrison Bespoke. Loves it! J looked totally hot. Loved the vest because it gave him the option to take off his blazer while he was dancing, but he still looked put together with the vest on.

Bride & groom, hand in hand.

Bridal lengha: CTC West

Bridal jewelry set: Lebas of India

Hair Piece: Ever Thine

Photography: Kumari Photo & Design

Groom’s suit: Garrison Bespoke

xoxo,

LBB

The Details: Reception Fashion Teaser

Our reception outfits were off the hook. As some of you may
recall, my reception lengha arrived an anxiety-provoking two weeks
before our wedding day, but all the panic was worth it! The
lengha fit perfectly and I felt gorgeous and sexy. J’s light
charcoal suit was a perfect compliment to my purple lengha, and he
looked handsomely hot!!

I am trying to get my favourite reception fashion pics together, and I thought I’d post some teaser pics in the meantime! Enjoy!

 Reception lengha: CTC West

Bridal hair piece: Ever Thine

Bridal mendhi: NJ’s Unique Henna

Groom’s suit, shirt, & tie: Garrison Bespoke

Groom’s shoes: Aldo

Reception decor: The PerfectSetting

Photography: Kumari Photo & Design
xoxo,

LBB

LBB and The Case of the Missing Lengha

In May 2010, an excited bride, known as LBB, travelled to a faraway land called Woodbridge to search for her dream reception lengha. She found a boutique called CTC West, where she was greeted by friendly faces and a roomful of silk and sparkle. She fell in love with the first lengha she tried–a pretty purple lengha with a whimsical pattern. She paid the deposit and was promised the lengha would arrive by mid-August.

She was shining like Little Miss Sunshine!

Image from http://www.new.bbc.co.uk

By mid-August, there was no word from CTC West. LBB emailed sweet Gaurav. He replied over the next few weeks promising the lengha would arrive by the end of the week. Sadly, though, it never arrived.

LBB started to worry. The wedding was soon approaching! She needed the lengha to buy jewelry, make a hair piece, and buy J’s tie! Eek!

Meanwhile, J’s custom sherwani and three-piece suit arrived on schedule. LBB was slightly jealous!

By mid-September, LBB learned that the floods in India delayed her lengha’s arrival. In the last week of September, LBB learned her lengha was being stitched together! It wasn’t even made!

Now, she felt more like Mr. Grumpy than Little Miss Sunshine.

Image from http://www.thetoyshop.com

Rather than get angry at sweet Gaurav, LBB was simply disappointed, sad, and annoyed. She felt mislead, and Gaurav confessed he wasn’t completely transparent. A lesson learned, he admitted. LBB appreciated the honesty. Gaurav went to great lengths to ensure LBB could find matching jewelry. He also made significant efforts to ensure the lengha arrived on a satisfactory date.

Unfortunately, due to all this stress, LBB incurred a red zit on the tip of her nose. A red zit that continues to fester till this day.

On September 30, Gaurav emailed LBB a FedEx tracking #, which she stalked as any ordinary stalker would.

The miles my poor lengha travelled!

On October 1–15 days before her wedding–LBB finally had her beautiful reception lengha in her hands. It fit perfectly, and she thanked all the Gods that exist for intervening. Mostly, though, she thanked Fed Ex for being reliable. She also was torn between punching Gaurav in the gut and giving him a big bear hug–a sentiment she readily shared with sweet Gaurav.

And so, dear friends, this tale ends with a beautiful purple lengha that matches perfectly with LBB’s new Jimmy Choos. Now, all that’s left to find is the elusive jewelry set–something with a not-too-yellow gold and enough bling to make the Housewives of Orange County jealous.

xoxo,

LBB

Reception lengha: Check!

As promised, an update about my reception lengha! So, as I discussed in my previous post, I ventured to CTC West to explore reception lengha options. Based on my previous meeting with Gaurav at Bridalicious, I envisioned a successful shopping outing.

But….I didn’t predict that the first lengha I tried on would be the winner!

Gaurav, who was cuter than I remembered, warmly welcomed me, J, my cousin U, and honourary MOH A into his family’s home. He walked us to the showroom where we were greeted by Gaurav’s lovely parents, two of the most soft-spoken Indian parents I ever met!

CTC West specializes in customization, and they had numerous samples ranging from $1300 and up. Their pieces were beautiful and the room glittered like the engagement ring section at Birks! The samples were arranged according to price range–a transparent and helpful approach that reduces ambiguity and disappointment. I picked up a couple samples in my price range. The first lengha I tried was actually my second choice…it was mauve in a soft brocade with gold and silver embroidery in a whimsical pattern. When I tried it on, it looked amazing!! AND, it was easy to move in–important!!! I felt like “me”…the lengha was  traditional in style, with a mermaid style skirt and a short top, but the pattern was slightly unexpected, which meshed with my clothing personality. I loved it! I didn’t even want to try on the second lengha. When I did, it confirmed that the first lengha was for me. I surprised everyone surprised with my speedy decision, but when I know, I know.

I’m customizing the colour and blouse shape. I’m going with a darker purple and a short blouse with cap sleeves, a low back, and the neck will resemble the pointed-v neck in the diagram below:

I have to wait till August to get my lengha….and I’m feeling slightly anxious!! I chose the colour based on a colour swatch. Because the material is a soft brocade, gold thread is weaved into the material. And so, the final colour of the lengha can be estimated, but the end result with be a surprise nonetheless.

I love the lengha. I love the style. I love the pattern. I love the weight. And I love the price–LBB came in within budget! Yeehaw!

Hopefully, the lengha will be classy and fun, yet sexy…kinda like me…although my level of class really depends on the situation. 😉

xoxo,

LBB

Inspiration: Reception Lengha

So. After weeks of procrastinating, I have finally decided to do something about my reception lengha. I’ve already got my ceremony lengha (phew), but outfit #2 is still required.

Often, the ceremony outfit is more traditional in style. Usually, brides steer away from trendier looks with the aims of being respectful and humble. Brides tend to show their personalities and take a little more risk with their reception outfits. And that’s definitely what I’m aiming to do. 🙂

I have an appointment with Gaurav at CTC West this Sunday. I first met him atBridalicious (a great workshop for brides at the Park Hyatt in April), though my wedding planner recommended CTC West to me when I started my outfit search. CTC West offers ready to wear and made to measure clothing, but they seem to specialize in custom design, a very attractive option as I am quite….selective (aka picky) and I have not been moved by any reception-esque lenghas I’ve seen. Although the customization process is pretty sweet, it can get pricey and it’s a big risk: my design and measurements are taken in Toronto and sent to India where the garment is made. I won’t see the actual product until a couple months later–all I’ll have are maybe a couple sample pictures and sketches. Kinda risky, but the outcome is worth it!

Gaurav was super friendly, open-minded, and professional (and it doesn’t hurt that he was pretty easy on the eyes), and so I’m excited about working with him!!

I’ve been perusing websites and Indian fashion shows, and I have a pretty good idea of what I want. It’s not set in stone, though. I want feedback about my ideas and am open to  suggestions that CTC West has based on their knowledge.

So here are my inspirations….

Words:

glamorous, sexy, elegant, comfortable, unique, proportional (to my figure)

Colours:

Purple, fuschia, and bling. Yes, bling is a colour! Purple and fuschia are flattering on my skin tone. And I’ll never say no to a little bling! Purple and fuschia are not common (if ever) colour combinations in western wear, but us Indians love to combine bold colours together. Purple and fuschia are quite close on the colour wheel, so they might not match, but they do go together!

All images from http://www.polyvore.com

Blouse:

I’m see-sawing between a one-shoulder strap vs. a short blouse with cap sleeves. Pretty pics:

One-shoulder looks:

Love the combo of the sweetheartish neckline and one strap. (L: image from http://www.charmicreations.com; R: Emilio Sosa design, image from http://www.mylifetime.com)

Short blouse designs:

J likes the pink lengha on the left. Love the necklines on all, but I would nix the sleeves on the pink and turquoise tops. (Clockwise L-R: Saahil design from SouthAsian Bride magazine [online version]; Bipasha Basu in a Neeta Lulla design from http://www.photos.merinews.com; another Saahil design from SouthAsian Bride)

Lengha shape:

For a tutorial on lengha construction, check out this excellent post by Asiya on Aaina Bridal.  Asiya has a wonderful blog that discusses bridal ideas and trends in an informative, visually stunning, and concise way. I’m looking forward to her future posts on different embroidery styles!

So, for the lengha, I’m definitely thinking mermaid style. I want something flowy, not too stiff, and not too poofy. Minimal crinoline is preferred.

If you can look passed their wack poses, these models are wearing gorgeously cut and flattering lenghas. They are fitted, yet have enough flow at the bottom without over the top poof. (Designs by Shennai Couture. Images from SouthAsian Bride Magazine [online version]).

Material:

I’m loving the combination of silk with velvet pieces worked into the embroidery (examples are in the Shennai designs above); velvet would fit perfectly in my fall wedding. Colours appear bolder and richer in velvet, creating an elegant and dramatic appeal, with a subtle allusion to royalty.

(Side note: When I’m talking about velvet, I’m talking quality velvet, not crushed velvet a la cheap 80s video chick…e.g.:

This is not what I mean when I talk about velvet. (Image from http://www.shinystyle.tv)

Anyway, back to materials. Velvet is super trendy right now, so optimal to incorporate into the reception lengha. Silk is light, flows nicely, and is not as stiff or heavy as georgette or brocade. I look nasty in brocade anyway. It washes me out and looks too old on me.

It’ll be interesting to see what we come up with!! I’ll keep y’all updated! AND, if you have any suggestions/ideas/feedback, please let me know!

xoxo

LBB 🙂