Thursday, May 31, 2012

On Confessionz Today : Sumit Sawhney : "Apala "

"In Conversation with - Sumit Sawhney  "

Few Weeks ago when I was invited to meet “Sumit Sawhney” the designer and owner at “Apala” founded  in 2006 ,which  has the most exquisite, elegant and stunning pieces of jewellery in silver with precious and semi precious stones with 22 karat gold layering over silver..
The first look of the store left me Awestruck rather Bling* struck! and the interior of the store is so fascinating ,it will take you to some other Era ..you'll think of " Mughals "and "Romans" at the same time.. Apala means the" most beautiful" in Sanskrit and that’s the right word to describe his jewellery....

In conversation: Me , Mansi( in blue blouse) and Sumit (the designer)

Apala has its outlets at Hauz Khas village in Delhi ( the one I visited) and Galleria market in the heart of Gurgaon  .Talking of his stores.. He told me ,how he stayed at the Hauz Khas store the whole night, doing the interiors ,to make sure that each patch on the wall , textures and the whole look of the store is exactly how he imagined it to be....

Apala store in Hauz Khas Village, Delhi 


He is from a family of designers, His mother, "Arti Sawhney" is a successful Furniture designer .. But instead of following his mother’s footsteps he made his own path and his jewellery Label “Apala” is now a Big name in the  Fashion scene.. and this is what he had to say about it. “..From the very childhood I have been very creative, I have always been into paintings,.. I am a creative soul totally .. Luckily my parents never forced me into something that I didn’t wanted to .  10th grade , I did Fashion Design and Merchandising from NIFT, Delhi along with my schooling and somewhere down the line I realized  ,I am meant for jewellery . So immediately after my 12th i started my formal training in jewellery designing , gained technical skills in designing and grading of precious stones from JDTI and Gemmological Institute of America respectively.thats how my journey started..matter of 4-5 years there I was off to certain institutes grading diamonds for them , doing up celebrity jewellery , couple of movies like Paheli(2005) and few art films ..
I can kill for this necklace.. :p yes, we had a little photo session..and guess who is the photographer.. Sumit , the designer himself.. He does all the jewellery shoots himself.. a true Creative Soul he is..





On asking about his Clientele he shares.., "My clientele includes Bollywood’s leading ladies like Vidya Balan , Deepika Padukone , Shabana Azmi.. politicians.. people from different backgrounds , artists , bands.. We have jewellery from Bikers to Brides ..and for any mood or occasion "
And very rightly said.. The lady in this picture just came in with the intention to pick a souvenir that she would take back to her country and ended up buying three gorgeous pieces of earrings from" Apala " and she didn't even have her ear pierced .. so she got the stems removed from each earring so that she can attach those clipons later.. 


I wonder how his jewellery is  so beautiful ,contemporary and  timeless . A man with such aesthetics and this deep understanding of designs that its hard to believe that its the work of a male designer..and to this he said..
“I think its pretty cliché and we moved on, if u see women, they are doing men clothes and started dressing the way men use to and men have started experimenting different colors. I think it was an old perception and we have moved on.  We are family of designers and we are open about it.Jewellery is more of a craft , detailed work.. So, I relate myself better to jewellery.If I was doing clothes, I would relate myself to jewellery v/s Clothes..there is a strong passion for this art.Since i use to paint before my medium has transformed. Whatever creative mood I am , my designs transform into them. Everything from music to monuments inspire me.." 

Designer and his Mouse :p The Necklace I am wearing is from the " Tomb Collection" 


Sumit  comes up with  new collections every now and then...because.. “ I am constantly on the move , designing things.I don’t wait for an occasion . The USP of my store just that we have jewellery for everyone and for every mood. At times I am forced to do a commercial range but I would still add my touch to it. At times I do really bold pieces , I would really not care that they have commercial value or not. But because of those bold pieces my other jewellery pieces would sell. So that’s where people come to me and they experiment, they don’t care whether its gold or silver, they just care for more artistic designer pieces." -Sumit..

Who said neck is the only place to flaunt a necklace.. one piece of jewellery can play many roles.. I was in the mood to wear it like a Passaa.. 


He is very selective when it comes to selling his jewellery. He says “ There are certain people who will not attract that energy to posess that piece ,so I would be selective to whom I sell at times, not every time. Being a designer, my job is to design and if the person carries it off well, gets compliment for that piece then my job is done. I have to move on and  start creating much more beautiful pieces and break the same bench mark that I created for myself."

I am definitely going to Apala for my Wedding jewellery.. I heart those earrings and ring ..

 And.. about copycats ,that's what he said “ people would come to the store , see the show -window and  click pictures , copy my stuff  , it really use to put me off. I was like an Eagle watching over my stuff.. But with time I realized.. that if they are doing it.. its okay. Ultimately its going to be my design and they can’t take my creativity away and they can’t get the same finish.”



I asked him, how does he classify his style of work “More than my personality it’s my Mood. So.. I am moody but in a good sense. My mood would depend on what I am listening , what I am reading ,the kind of architecture, what I am studying  , whenever I design I avoid to look at jewellery pieces from books, so I don’t get influenced. It would be actually my mood that would influence me.. But yes if you say personality overall my personality is very bold , as a character of design, very outgoing , very trendy , combinations of old and new, I love to revive old  Era back. My sense of style dressing is also very similar, bringing ancient and contemporary together so that’s my style and that’s what overall dominates my personality of blending the old and new . Very ‘Contemporary Centric’.
that's such a beautiful Passaa..

“From a pair of shorts to an evening Gown.. the same piece of jewellery can transform your whole look.. fitting into so many areas of style.. that’s the Boldest character of my Jewellery” says, Sumit.

.

When I asked him about his favorite piece of jewellery, that he wears everyday, he shows me a Sapphire Ring that he made out of a silver key ring and a broken earring , its very rugged and unfinished, and that's what he told me about it , “I don’t like it very finished , I like it rugged . if I wanted it to be perfect, I would have given it to a worker to do it . I would do a finished watch but wear a ring that’s totally rugged and unfinished. That's my personality”-Sumit..


This designer has no interns. On asking why, Sumit shares..“ This phase of  my life, my creativity is flowing and I don’t want to get influence by anybody or anyone’s idea . It might happen sometime in future , but right now, i am happy with the way things are going.”

At times He  designs furniture pieces,but Would love to get into designing of Men’s wear, he thinks there is a dearth for Men’s wear.. He said " People are not experimenting and are stuck up with their blues and whites "

When I asked him about expansion and future Plans.. he tells me " We are planning to open stores at Bangalore, London....we  are already exporting in Europe and middle East.., we have stuff happening in UK.."


I'll have to break this conversation here..  as I don't want to make this post too long for readers.. But there is so much left to share about this afternoon.. I promise to come back with more about his jewellery , updates, new collection.

Like their official Page HERE to  get updates about the new colections and tips from  Sumit 


Love..
Shaily


Friday, May 18, 2012

Another DIY Project : Blue Ballerinas

Do you remember this pair of Ballerinas.. for those of you wondering ??.. Take a Look.. "Girl in the Blue Shoes..afternoon in my Backyard" its was  my  first official Blog Post ..


These have been resting in my Shoe-Closet for a while now.. so I thought of another DIY ..to Re-New these Babies..


I Used--


1. Glue Gun
2. Old pair of Flats
3. Statement Chain


Process


Like I used a statement Chain here, you can try this out using a flower.. or piece of an old statement necklace ..


Lately.. I have become a major  DIY Addict.. : D  I was so attached to these flats..that I didn't feel like giving them away.. instead I Renewed  them..I guess it made them more Gorgeous.. rite??


Let me know if you like this DIY post.. by dropping a comment.. also if you people want me to do more of these.. I'd LOVE that.. *__*



Love..
Shaily

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

DIY: Ballerinas+ OOTD


Few Nights back.. my Creative Juices were over flowing.. :p So ..I DIYed my favorite old pair of Ballerinas..
I didn't do much.. Just played with fabric colors on the Ballerinas like a kid.. and it turned out GREAT and COLORFUL..I was looking for a colorful pair of flats.. as I think they go well with everything.. and I don't like Neons or Lot of colors in my Clothes.. accessories are a great way to incorporate trends like Neons and Pastels.. so I thought why not Re-New my old pair of Ballerinas.. 

Take a Look ..

BEFORE



AFTER

I am not a "Morning Person", I am an "Insomniac" and I am most active during the Late hours ..like right now..its almost 3am and I am writing this post.. that's why I avoid clicking pictures in the morning.. because I get dark circles and also that My face bloats a bit.. which eventually settles by afternoon.. 
Also.. I was always..Skeptical about wearing colored pants.. specially Pastels.. because I think I have heavy thighs.. but when I finally wore these Lavender Pants to college the other day.. They really complimented my legs.. Infact.. my legs looked leaner and long.. 

Here are some early morning shots..taken by a friend ..right outside my college.. I clubbed Lavender pants with an Off-White Cotton Top , Pink Laptop Bag and DIYed flats.. with no accessories, to Keep its Simple.. that's How I Like It.. <3






Love..
Shaily 

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Not Another Outfit Post


When last Saturday I went to pick up the Winning Prize from "W for Woman Store "(see HERE if you don't know what I am talking about) , I thought of clicking few shots..

I did share the pic of Bag on my Instagram and those of you don't know I am there.. 

Here is my Intstagram handle - @shailykhera
The Bag I picked from "W for Woman's" Store .. Brown leather Bags are MyNew Found Love <3



Now.. Some pictures from that Day..


This one is again from my Instagram.. 

This One is My favorite of all  <3


Not my favorite.. but still..,,










I am wearing- (Jumpsuit- Thrifted; Footwear-Aldo;Bag-Charles and Keith; Belt- Westside; Bracelet & Chain-Forever21 ; Watch- Aldo)




 BLACK not Color of the Season ..Bu  I don't care about it as long as I like it.. I am not a kind of person who would wear  anything that's "IN Fashion" . I follow my own Heart because I Dress for Myself and Not for anyone else.. I do incorporate new Trends in my style( only if I Like them).. But I don't go overboard and Follow them Blindly.. and I suggest this to all my readers that .. "Everything is not for everybody.. We all have different Body-types and Styles.. and Embrace what you have got"

I am " Gypsy at Heart ". . and I'd classify my style as " Boho Chic " and I never go overboard with New Trends .. I stick to my personal style  and play around with the trends .. That's how you never go wrong.. and here is what they said..

" One Man's Style Must not be the Rule of Another"-Jane Austen.

"Fashion Fades only Style remains the Same"- Coco Chanel 






Love..
Shaily























































Wednesday, May 02, 2012

W for Woman Event !!


Now that I have become friends with some fellow Bloggers.. we just need a Reason( read Event :p ) to meet each other.. and This was one such occasion.. I can't believe I made it to this one.. as there was a wedding in the family , college and I had fever that was so bad my hands were shivering by the time I reached the "W for Woman " store..  But this time Srish and Akshita were missing.. and Missed ..


Okay.. so about the event..


" W for Woman " is a Brand known for its commitment Creating Fashion with Passion for the modern Indian woman.
and with their New Spring Summer 2012 Collection they have surely changed my perception of the brand..  I was surprised to see the dresses , Tunics, Pants, Skirts , Bags and Jeggings designed to cater to the taste of a Office goer to a College goer.. 


" W for Woman " on the Launch of their Spring Summer Collection invited Delhi Bloggers to their DLF, Promenade Store to Style the Best look.. and the Theme was to go "Western" and I went all Cocktail Party with My styling.. the Look was later put on the official  fb Page of the brand and was judge on the basis of the likes.. The style with maximum likes wins the " Best Spring Summer Style " and leading with the popular votes I was chosen as 'W through Social Fashionistas" winner..
Here is the look that I put together for the Contest..


Here are some other pictures from the event..!!


This pic I stole from Japna's Instagram pictures.. This one is my personal Favorite.. *__*












And.. I would like to Thank all you lovely readers .. those who voted for me and those who liked my work .. Thank you again.. 


Love..
Shaily  

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Memory that I Cherish.. ^__^


I know its beyond LATE to share this with you all.. But..yes..!! Last year December 18th I was invited to IILM 's ( Lodhi Road , Delhi ) Annual IT Fest as one of the JUDGE for the Fashion Show, which is the most awaited Event of the whole Fest..  and immediately said "Yes" when I got a call from this college's organizing committee.. Such an HONOR..!!


 I was Honored to be a Part of the Judging Panel..!! Its a Memory that I Cherish..!! 


The feeling is beyond words when you are recognized for your work.. I am sure you people know what I am talking about.. *__*


Here are some pictures from that day.. and mind you people!!.. this is Me ..5 months and few killos ago..  *__^ 
( click at them if you doubt me :p )
With the winning Team.. and that's Me in the Center with the other Judges..

this is IILM's Fashion show Team..






Love..
Shaily