Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Dear Mommy Aishwarya,

I’m happy you haven’t bowed down to the pressure of losing your post-pregnancy weight immediately after birth.

So while you can’t carry off a body-hugging evening gown (or more importantly, the snobbish designers won’t have samples in your size), at least choose an outfit that’s stylish and flatters you.

The gold work on this Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla outfit is a bit too jarring for me and the genteel folk at Cannes. You could have done with a lighter blouse for instance.

Or how about trying on a looser silhouette- there are so many flattering designer dresses for heavier and curvier women. The A-line is always flattering.

Also, how can you wear an Indian outfit and leave your ears bare? Earrings are the one accessory that pull an Indian ensemble together.

BTW, the makeup is gorgeous! Loved the eyes.

What do you think of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s ensemble at Cannes 2012?

In Bollywood Fashion, Celebs, Fashion

Chic First Looks: Amitabh Bachchan goes pop in Bbuddah, Aishwarya’s new Heroine

Speaking ChicJune 17, 20112 Comments

Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap releases in a fortnight, and Amitabh Bachchan’s first look from the movie is out. Surprise, surprise! The new angry young(?) man dons a pop-coloured look in the movie. The initial posters reveal Mr Bachchan in colours made popular by Govinda—green, yellow, blue!

Styled by Leepakshi Ellawadi, Amitabh Bachchan is sporting brightly-tinted sunglasses, and some very unexpected combinations of garments. Though we have reserved our verdict on this look till we see the movie, we’re happy to say that Mr Bachchan is willing to experiment with hatke looks despite his umm…. seniority.

What do you think of Big B’s fashion choice in Bbuddah hoga terra baap?

Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan in and as Heroine

Meanwhile, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan appeared in a purportedly leaked poster of Heroine, revealing… not much. All you see are her grey eyes and brownish hair parted in the middle.

Rumour has it that the picture in the poster (designed like a film rag cover) is an old picture of the actor. But you never know.

Meanwhile, another picture is circulating with red-lipped Aishwarya-Rai Bachchan’s bangs gracefully sweeping across her forehead—not sure where that image came from, but we think it’s popped up just to confuse us!

What do you think of the two distinct looks of Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan in Heroine (assuming they’re for real)?

In 2011, Fashion

Fashion trends in 2011: What we want to see, what we don’t

Speaking ChicJanuary 3, 20112 Comments

Here’s our fashion wishlist and not-wish-list for 2011. What’s yours?

Fashion trends wishlist

More fun prints! (Already see them coming in S/S 2011)
Makeup: Statement lips and eyes, but no heavy kajal please!
More fashion brands coming to India (at affordable prices)
Fewer but better fashion weeks in India
Real-sized models: Because even the “plus-sized” models have flat stomachs.

Fashion trends not-wishlist

Lady Gaga: in a meat dress, shopping without pants, heelless shoes… Enough!
Photoshopping celebrities to make them look lighter (Like Elle India did on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan)
Oversized jewellery: Loved the statement necklaces of 2010, but would love to see some delicate jewellery as well.
The seventies! Overdone.

What do you want to see or not want to see in 2011?

In 2010, Bollywood Fashion, Fashion

Fashion highlights: Adios, 2010!

Speaking ChicJanuary 1, 2011Leave a comment

As we bid goodbye to 2010, here’s a quick recap of the fashion scene in India and overseas. Kicking off this fashion trends!

Top Fashion Trends we liked

Graphic prints
Clutches everywhere
Lace
Mixing prints

Fashion Trends we didn’t like

Boyfriend anything (it’s not for everyone)’
Kurti and jeans
Too much 1970s!
Innerwear as outerwear (can anyone really wear this on the street?)

Bollywood

Bollywood fashion took the high fashion leap this year with Aisha, starring Sonam Kapoor and Abhay Deol. Sonam wore Chanel, Vivienne Westwood and Christian Lacroix, while toting her Lady Dior, and Abhay Deol made a dapper style statement in Kunal Rawal’s custom-made suits.

Even as the world sought retro inspiration, very few people (and movies) captured the essence of the 1970s without going OTT. One of the few Bollywood hits Once upon a time in Mumbaai got the decade just perfect, right down to Ajay Devgn;s moustache and white-clothes obsession. And we’ve already mentioned how hot Randeep Hooda looked in Ray-Bans.

At the risk of starting another debate, we have to say that we liked Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s clothes in Guzaarish though they seemed completely out of character.

Shopping

Every self-confessed shopaholic/ fashionista in India (or at least in Mumbai and Delhi) flocked to Zara when it opened two stores in July. A worthy competitor to Mango (another Spanish fashion brand), Zara quickly became a must-visit shopping destination for visitors to the two cities. My relatives from Amritsar wanted to visit Zara, so did my (not-so-fashionable) boss (sincere apologies in advance!). We were excited enough to take some spy shots there (see this initial Zara review of the Mumbai store).

In the latter half of the year, Delhiites got lucky when a huge Forever 21 store opened at Ambience mall (Vasant Kunj). I briefly visited the much-hyped store in Delhi recently, and I must say I was impressed with the sheer size of the collection, and most of the clothes weren’t too bad either.

And then there was Diesel and plenty others joining the fashion party. Looking forward to more high street brands coming to India in 2011. Fingers crossed!

Advertising

Internationally, well-known celebs bagged a number of ad campaigns: from Madonna for Dolce & Gabbana to Julianne Moore (wearing almost nothing) for Bvlgari. Even as the latter ad was banned in Venice, Madonna’s portrayal of a housewife told an enchanting story. Lovely!

On the Indian advertising front, the Levi’s Curve ID TV ad disappointed. A LOT. The Curve ID concept is great (you choose jeans by your body shape rather than size), but the most of the ad shots were focussed on the girls’ umm… behinds. Seemed almost voyeuristic. Great track, though.

Meanwhile, Longines’ Dolce Vita advertisement starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is becoming increasingly popular.

What were the fashion highs (or lows) for you in 2010?

In Advertising, Bollywood Fashion, Fashion

Aishwarya escapes press in Longines TV ad

Speaking ChicDecember 13, 2010Leave a comment

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is known to be a very private person, and she played this role just right in the recent Longines DolceVita television ad, also starring British actor Kate Winslet and Taiwanese actor Chi Ling Lin.

Shot in Rome, it’s a truly international ad, with brand ambassadors of three very different backgrounds (and markets) brought together to endorse the DolceVita line of Longines watches.

This line of watches is inspired by the Italian life and the Italians’ refined sense of style. (Dolce Vita literally means ‘the sweet life’), which could explain the choice of location for this TV ad.

In the advertisement, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Kate Winslet are wearing black dresses in classic silhouettes, while Chi Ling Lin has worn a beige dress. The three women try to escape the paparazzi separately to later meet in the town for a girls’ day out.

Interesting point to note: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has the most screen time in this 35-second TV spot (or maybe the ad had different scripts for different audiences, though that’s quite unlikely). Which means they’ve got big plans for India. Hmm… (Though Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has been Longines ambassador for a while now, this kind of TV spot, with international stars, is among the first for Aishwarya since she joined Longines.)

Here’s the advertisement. Tell us what you think of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and the other ladies. Does it do justice to Academy Award winner Kate Winslet’s star status? And does Aishwarya Rai Bachchan embody the Longines woman?

In Bollywood Fashion

Chic Views: Guzaarish Fashion

Speaking ChicNovember 23, 20109 Comments

In our earlier posts, we explained Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Guzaarish wardrobe and deconstructed the Guzaarish makeup look. After a closer look on the silver screen, our off-the-cuff reactions:

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s clothes, hair and makeup are lovely, and super glam for a nurse. This was her chance to de-glam and show her natural beauty and talent. Alas, golden opportunity missed.
I bet Aishwarya’s character Sofia obviously spends at least an hour getting dressed for work. And she carries her makeup kit to work as well. After cleaning, washing, dressing up her patient and a thousand other things, her hair and lipstick are in place. Wowza.
Sofia/ Aishwarya’s wardrobe is absolutely impractical (and way too expensive) for a nurse. Her blouses are low-neck way too low-neck for a patient NOT to ogle. Or for his eyes not to drop out. And she wears a new apron everyday.
Even though we’ve paid much attention to Aishwarya’s clothes, it’s worth noting that Shernaz Patel’s simple organic cotton saris by Sabyasachi were a delightful contrast to Aishwarya’s glam clothes.

Speaking Chic Verdict: Lovely clothes, but let’s stay in character, shall we?

In Bollywood Fashion, Celebs

Beauty Handbook: Aishwarya’s Guzaarish look deconstructed

Speaking ChicNovember 22, 20101 Comment

Speaking Chic breaks down Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s makeup and hair in Guzaarish for you. Most of the makeup is bang on trend this season, so do try this at home. (Not recommended for nurses and most working environments.)

Shaped eyebrows: Thick to thin

Nude eyes and face: Skin-coloured eye shadow, light base, no blush

Flicked eyeliner: Speaking Chic had recommended this look for Diwali, it’s a hot trend.

Bold and full lips: The makeup artist defined Aishwarya’s lips with a lip liner just beyond the her natural lip line, and then filled in with deep lip colour. Result: Hot lips. (Another trend we had written about!)

Hair: Done in long braids/ plaits, then wound around in an updo. Curls near the crown and temples.

Which of these makeup tips are you going to try?

In Bollywood Fashion, Fashion

Guzaarish fashion primer: Lacey blouses, full skirts and more

Speaking ChicNovember 19, 20107 Comments

After Aishwarya Rai Bachchan travelled in a time machine back to the 1970s in Action Replayy, this weekend she seems to be stepping back in time again in her latest film Guzaarish. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan plays Sofia, a nurse to paraplegic magician Ethan (Hrithik Roshan).

Though based in current times, the Guzaarish trailer reflects director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s old-world inclinations. He’s brought in history wherever possible: there’s a lots of old Goa, ornate and carved wooden furniture, even a vintage car, and of course, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s costumes.

We bring you some highlights from Aishwarya’s wardrobe, as seen in the Guzaarish stills. (So you know what to look out for during the movie, since Hrithik won’t be dancing much).

The actor is wearing low-neck blouse with long sleeves (very Victorian) in maroons and indigos and other such colours in deep tones.
The blouses are paired with floor-length, full skirts.
Sabyasachi has done some layering with net/ lace (such as on the skirt and sleeves).
The Indian touches to the wardrobe are the prints.

Even though Aishwarya is wearing minimum accessories, the few she does wear have a boho-chic/ gypsy vibe.
Aishwarya’s wearing plain head scarves in several scenes.

Her makeup is simple: hair pulled back with a centre parting, hint of curls, and dark matte lipstick or nude lips.

What do you think of Aishwarya’s look in Guzaarish?

In Bollywood Fashion, Fashion

Action Replayy clothes: Yeah or no way?

Speaking ChicNovember 5, 2010Leave a comment

Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan-starrer Action Replayy hits theatres today. The movie is based in the 1970s, and the film’s designer Manish Malhotra (who else?) has pulled all stops to give each cast member an authentic 1970s look.

But we remember the seventies, don’t we? How many of you think the clothes in the movie resemble those of the 1970s? See the pictures and vote!

View This Poll

Meanwhile, check out what Akshay Kumar wore to Lakme Fashion Week in September to promote his film. We understand you wanted to look like you’re from the 1970s, but what’s with the polo neck on a hot day? And check out Rannvijay’s yellow shirt with black waistcoat. Doesn’t suit him at all.

In Fashion

Manish Malhotra gets Ash back on the ramp

Speaking ChicOctober 8, 20104 Comments

Manish Malhotra’s couture bridal collection for HDIL India Couture Week comes soon after his LFW collection, and this time with a much-talked-about showstopper.

Manish went festive with plenty of colours: white to flame red, maroon, wine and jade green. He sexed up the collection with tiny cholis and cutaway backs, teamed with tiered or panelled lehengas, and velvet and brocade borders. Like his LFW collection, he often used shaded net for saris, with zardosi and crystal embellishments. Oh, and he favours kalidar kurtas.

Take a look:

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan walked the ramp for Manish.

Didn’t think much of this corset-fit blouse.

What do you think of Manish Malhotra’s showstopping outfit for Aishwarya? Tell us!

Showing all posts tagged Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Chic or Eeks? Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla at Cannes