An Indian at heart

It always heartens us unbound when we see traditional Indian wear Fusion worn with the ease and panache that Martino Caramia does. We've always wondered whether there will be a day when the ubiquitous traditional Indian kurta-pyjama (tunic-soft pants) set will ever break into mainstream casual wear, from the for-occasions-only category that it has been slotted in.  Given the climatic conditions and the versatility of this outfit from lounging about to a more formal setting makes it a perfect choice.

With an Italian and German parentage and an Indian heart, Martino has won our hearts at his Indianwear interpreatation. He wears a white kurta-pyjama in fine soft cotton with a pair of open strap flat sandals; as he layers his look with an asymmetric wrap overgarment in black linen, the shape very Indian again and comes from the ANGRAKHA. He throws on a rich Pochampalli scarf in traditional ikat patterns and borders for a dash of color. A lover of hand-crafted jewelry Martino wears his many pieces in silver....each with a story to tell.

Martino Caramia

So seeped in tradition and yet so contemporary, he is always a delight. Martino is an accomplished designer and a truly global citizen. After being in Germany and Ibiza successfully chasing his dreams, he chose the idyllic Goa to continue his creative pursuits. Between the chaotic Mumbai and serene Goa he runs a contemporary label, backed by Indian Ethos and Global influences called FLAME.

Martino Caramia

Street Style Diaries Mumbai - The lady at the station

New balance between tradition and modernity

I am a sucker for traditional clothing from all cultures. There is something about the traditional clothes one wears, speaking at once to the onlooker about their culture, community, region and much more without an exchange of a single word, its enlightening! In our quest to embrace modernity or to fit/blend in, most of us have let go of this very important individual visual identity and with it the deep history and rich cultural heritage. In a forever-rushed city like Mumbai, traditional attire comes out on occasions and festivals, and therefore a rare sight. I always wonder though if we could adapt our traditional clothes to reach a new balance between tradition and modernity. Clothes that let us be as modern as we'd like to be and yet be identifiable with our rich tradition, clothes that let us blend in and yet stand out!

I was delighted to spot this lady at the station, I'm guessing from a region bordering Gujarat and Rajasthan. She had that balance. I love the colors of her outfit, the combination of polka dots with the fluorescent jacquard lace, who could say she doesn't follow trends! I know that the colorful crochet edging on her stole and through the hemlines on her skirt is all hand-made! I love her bold tattoos, nose-pin, bracelet, so comfortable in her skin.... She poses for me with the inner confidence of a seasoned model, so beautiful!

Five days Five Looks One Pal : Prasad Ramamurthy : Updated Traditional

For the fourth look Prasad chose to don his version of traditional look. The clothes are all his own creations.

Traditional/Ethnic look is one of my eternal favourites for all Indian people. Its one look all of us can carry off without a ever going wrong. Although classic traditional always works but there is nothing more interesting than to see people updating it and making it more contemprory and personalised. It is elegant and stylish look that can be worn from casual do s to festivities to a more formal settings.

The jewel tone green kurta with overlapping front secured with a metal button and an asymmetric hem pairing with the dark grey rolled up hem trouser is divine. Further adding the style quotient is the choice of shoes, brown leather formal.

Wishing you all Merry Christmas. Stay Blessed.

Kurta-My Own

Trousers - My own

Shoes - Zara

Street Style Diaries Mumbai- Prasad Ramamurthy

I have known Prasad Ramamurthy for a while now. He is one of the few men with an inherent style, in my opinion, understated and elegant, indigenous and yet global.

Running into each other, at times planned and others unplanned, I've always found him impeccably dressed up or dressed down for the occasion. 

Indian culture and ethos is something that he wears with pride, and that gives a unique flavor to his personality. 

Here he is seen wearing a Churidaar and Kurta. The unusual DOG print is what I noticed on the shortish Kurta on an equally unusual yet complementary hemline and it totally works!

Prasad opts to wear the quintessentially Indian footwear, the Mojris.  A glimpse of the royal Rajasthan is what i see with those chunky silver kundals in his ears and his attire.......he is a traveller.

You would soon be a seeing a whole feature on him in my series of 5 days 5 looks 1 Pal.

Prasad Ramamurthy

As we celebrate Diwali, light up your hearts and let your close-ones bask in the glow.

Be sensitive to nature and your environment.......share light, curb the noise and pollution.

Let the fireworks be in the hearts....brighten up the world......Happy Diwali!