Kiwi Accessories

Who said two friends should never indulge in a business? Read more to get the whole pulp.

 

OCD: When people shop, people know the brand but the face behind the brand. Tell us something about yourselves. What makes you’ll so interesting that Kiwi got interesting?

KA: Kiwi is a creative intervention between two architects- Rashi Jain and Rochelle Santimano.
As architecture students unsatisfied with college assignments and project work, we decided to do something different and unconventional, leading to the birth of Kiwi Accessories.
We’ve been good friends through five years of architecture and have always shared a mutual inclination towards fashion and creative arts. We understand each other’s taste and sensibility, can relate to each other’s preferences, and can depend on each other’s strengths which makes working together interesting as well as fun.

Aren’t they a stylish pair?

OCD: It’s never easy to make something big from a scratch. Especially now that everyone buys mass produced stuff, how the fuck are you’ll managing to keep the authenticity of handmade accessories and cater to that niche audience?

KA: More than creating the brand, publicizing and spreading awareness about the existence of Kiwi as a handmade accessories brand was a mammoth task. But thanks to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, and of course family and friends, we’ve been able to reach where we are today.

 

OCD: What made you’ll decide to get done with architecture once and for all and move to something totally different? It takes a lot of courage to switch career paths.

KA: Our passion towards fashion and creative arts is what pushed us to start our own brand rather than a person/event in particular.

 

OCD: What product is your baby? The one you are so proud of that your own brand got to create something like this.

KA: Since both of us love dogs, designing and executing our line of pet accessories has been fun and challenging making the ribbon dog collars our personal favorite!

 

 

OCD: Lastly how would you sum of the personality of your brand?

KA: A metaphor for the fruit: fresh, vibrant and rare.

The reason I truly like Kiwi is because these days everyone is wearing mass produced crap from factories. No personal identity whatsoever. OCD is all about letting your style be an extension of your soul. Be different. And selling handmade items is no joke and takes a lot to do it. Check out their beautiful handmade accessories below:

Also make sure to encourage them by visiting Kiwi at The Network on the 1st and 2nd of December in Bombay. Click on this link to know more: http://www.facebook.com/cibaroevents

Also check out Kiwi Accessories at https://www.facebook.com/pages/kiwi-accessories/181085908634799

The Ribbon Factory

The Ribbon Factory is a collaboration between two Graphic Designers Shruti Kumar and Shruti Savla, who strive to create exquisite, one of a kind hair accessories keeping in sync with the ever changing fashion trends and catering to the needs of trendy women of all ages. They believe that with their kind of passion for handcrafting products, they can create something unique for everyone.

Both the Shrutis

 

OCD decided to know more about their unique start up. Keep reading to know the juicy tidbits.

 

OCD:Was there a person or maybe an event that made you want to start your own brand. Something that made your blood rush?

TRF: Blair waldorf from Gossip Girl :p

 

OCD: How would you describe your brand in just a sentence of not more than 6 words?

TRF: Never have a bad hair day.

 

OCD: Is there any product you’ll sell that you are particularly proud of? Or something of emotional value?

TRF: We started off with really simple ribbon-bow elastic headbands and they were an immediate hit and now after 2 years we’re bringing them back into our collections.

OCD: It’s always difficult starting your own thing. Not many take such bold steps. What was the biggest challenge you faced while starting your own venture?

TRF: Letting people know that there is no such thing as *I cant pull off hair accessories*.

 

Well they definitely broke free from their challenges and made sure everyone has the confidence to pull of hair accessories. The Ribbon factory definitely has some really cute hair accessories. See the pictures and judge for yourselves.

Don’t forget to check them out at The Network by Cibaro Events on the 1st and 2nd of December. Cheer them on. Also don’t forget to like them on Facebook.

5 must haves for this fall 2012

1. Loafers: 

Give your fave ballet flats a rest this fall and pick up a pair of these must-have alternatives — smoking slippers. These menswear-inspired loafers are not only uber-comfortable, but can be worn with pretty much everything in your closet. And since they’re available in every color and print imaginable, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a pair that doesn’t match your personal style.

 

2. Studded Collars:

Amp up your style cred by rocking a statement-making studded, sequined or beaded collar this season. A statement collared blouse or dress creates a glam, yet feminine vibe, but if you’re looking for something more versatile, try a detached collar. Just as the name suggests, these collars can be worn with anything and will breathe new life into your favorite sweaters, tees and dresses.

3. Anything in Oxblood:

As I’m sure you know, all things oxblood are hot for fall, so be sure to pick up at least one new item in this hot hue. This moody shade looks fantastic when paired with black or gray, but if  you’re looking for something bolder, try pairing oxblood with orange or light pink to create a fashion-forward look.

4. Graphic Sweaters:

Make a bold and comfy statement this season with an on-trend graphic sweater. Pairing these sweaters withjeans and boots creates a cozy fall outfit, but I especially love how they look when layered over a collared top or dress (see #4).

5. Printed Pants:

Last but not least, my final favorite item to update your look for fall is a fantastic pair of printed trousers. Whether you like leopard, polka dot or floral prints, you’re sure to find your perfect pair at almost any retailer. Wearing these trousers with a solid-colored top creates a chic look, but for a bolder outfit, pair them with a printed top or jacket to create a fashion-forward vibe.

Incarnations and Karma

I am a strong supporter of both incarnation and karma. Also I can sometimes be very spiritual and tend to follow a lot of spiritual healing. There are days when my outfit for the day talks about my state of mind and body. If you are someone who is exactly like me then this post is just for you. For those who aren’t but just like to dress up once in a while like a gypsy and struggle with it then, well, this is also the post for you. These are basic items to have while trying to carry off the Bohemian look.

1. Head Bands: These look gorgeous on any face or skin shade. Whether you have straight hair or crazy curls, the headbands give out this enigmatic feel which make your pretty face and strands look prettier. Back in the days, head bands were worn for adornment purposes. The feathered ones were worn to mark bravery, for example if they were made out of eagle feathers, then it meant the person fought greater wars. In some practices, head bands are worn to keep a balance between positive and negative energies in your head.

2. Bangles: Wearing tons of bangles irrespective of colour, shape and pattern, always add to a certain character. There is never a maximum number amounting to bangles to be worn. Try finding bangles with ghungroos attached to them. If you can’t find bangles like that, what I do is sometimes wear anklets as bangles. In India, bangles are worn not only to enhance a woman’s beauty, but also to signify a woman’s social position. Different types of bangles and colors in a woman’s bangles can represent whether she is married, single, or a widower. In parts of India, when a woman is married it is customary for her to receive and wear white shell and red-colored bangles. This is because white bangles are symbolic of new beginnings, and red is symbolic of energy. Other colors also have meaning: yellow signifies happiness, blue signifies tranquility, and green signifies happiness. Since bangles are often seen as a symbol of auspiciousness, it isn’t surprising that most Indian women own a variety of colorful bangles to match each outfit.

3. Bohemian skirts or lose fitted linen pants: These are available in abundance. For those who stay in Bombay, almost every street shop specially in Colaba Causeway has these. Try some with mirrors on them. Blacks with sequins are as gorgeous as bright colours with embroidery on them. Wrap-round linen pants too are available at Causeway. For those who reside in the United States, Urban Outfitters, H&M and Forever 21 also stock on such skirts. Wear these with a plain tube or with a long white kurta, they will still dictate style and character.

4. Feathers: Feathered earrings, hairbands, bangles etc, everything with feathers screams “Gypsy”. I own a to of feathers necklaces and I keep matching them with different outfits. Try eccentric colours or prints or stick to the basic brown. Each feather has an essence and a story behind it. Of course nowadays they are available in bulk, so don’t expect the shop keeper to know the story of the feather. You could try making accessories out of them yourself too. Then you will have your own story from The Day You Found a Feather.

Feathers deal with ascension and spiritual evolution to a higher plane. Feathers were worn to symbolize  communication with Spirit, and to express their celestial wisdom. Also  feathers represented the power of the thunder gods, along with the power of air and wind.

5. Satchels: An original canvas satchel or just any satchel is a must-have to carry this look off. Try basic colours like camel, brown, tan etc. If you want to add the extra zing, then try neons. But don’t try to substitute a stringed clutch or the typical ‘Chanel’ slings with satchels. That will completely ruin your look.

It doesn’t necessarly have to to be skirts or pants, sometimes tight hot shorts worn with a loose fitted shirt or a tee also does the trick. Just experiment and have fun with your spirituality. Colours play a very important role in your wardrobe. Some colours help cleanse auras. I never believed in energy, auras etc until I gave it a try and worked wonders for me.

For those who reside in Bombay and would like to give Tarot, Healing or Aura Cleansing a try, contact Nauka Jhaveri at          +91 9819700139. This stuff is not black magic or hocus pocus so do not worry.  For those who don’t reside in Bombay but elsewhere, do give her a call as Tarot can be done via a phone call and email. Healing works based on telepathy and she has healed a number of clients around the world without having to meet them face to face.

It’s all about being Indian <3 Happy Diwali!

Consider the following designs if you looking to stitch or buy ethnic wear this beautiful festive season!

Experiment with lengths and layers. A short front and a full layered long back in the same wear is a trend to look out for. Of course it wont be available in mass shops but if you can get it tailored then nothing like it. Who said anarkali’s are becoming boring?
The right side picture too has wonderful layering done. The net, the work, the neck all are so wonderfully elegant.

Now this is one blazer which is a must have! An indian motif on western wear should definitely make you the talk of the town for this festive season. Team it up with only chunky bangles and you look fab!

 

Instead of the regular colours of pinks and purples why not opt for whites. Notice how the first model doesnt have a chudidaar below. Lose the pants and if your anarkali is almost till your ankles, wear lots of chunky anklets to give the illusion of the chudidaar. It’s a tried and tested idea!

I personally have this style and it certainly has raised many eyes and I mean it in a good way. This is a long over coat kind of thing, lets say like a sherwani but what makes it beautiful is the flowing charm of it. If you opt for this look this season, make sure it is layered and flowing with beautiful embroidery on it.