Bonobos.com resonated with us for the impeccable fits, well crafted products and effortless chic. Menswear and fits go hand in hand, and the Bonobos Ninjas work hard to get the right contemporary fits for you that make you look fabulous....always.

When we were approached by the very trendy Bonobos.com; we couldn't help but share with you this brand that is so refreshingly cool befitting the modern gent. For the moment the brand ships to North America and Australia, so no problem if you are there....but if you are elsewhere be sure you can find a friend to send/bring you the goodies.

Men are embracing color with a confidence like never before and we were delighted to discover the range of Garment Dyed Chinos that is on offer. We love the color palette the team has come up with, the mints, the washed pastels, the magentas and reds, the cool blues across the Shirts, Polos, Tees, Shorts, Chinos, Suits and Blazers....you'll feel the summer delight....log on and you'll know what I'm talking about! 

Don't forget to check out their thoughtful and amazing accessories!

The brand offers endless styling possibilities with the range. Your blogger was inspired by the stylish men flaunting their favorite summer looks on the street as a part of the Bonobos.com look-book. So here is what we decided to do for you...we bring to you 3 of our favorite picks from the look-book and alongside our own twist, another version of them, so you can get that look and another....go on get the look right away!

The summer print delight - Try out a floral print shirt with a neutral color pants and add a bow tie if you are feeling sartorial; pair with sneakers to give it a sporty twist.

Get the Look

Shirt: Navy Floral print (Find Here)

Pants: Slim grey garment dyed chinos (Find here)

Bow-tie: Blue chambray bow-tie (Find here)

Belt: Blue stretch braided belt (Find here)

Shoes: White leather sneaker (Find here)

Bag: Billy Kirk brown leather carryall (Find here)

Decoding Cool at Work - Add jacket with a pocket square to bring out a more formal approach to work-wear; printed tee and garment dyed red chinos add the cool.

Get the Look

Tee-Shirt : Slim dark blue and white floral tee shirt (Find here)

Pants : Slim red garment dyed chinos (Find here)

Blazer :Slim printed stripe blazer (Find here)

Pocket Square : Silk nautical print pocket square (Find here) 

Card Holder : Brown business card holder (Find here)

Shoes : Brown suede leather shoes (Find here)

Lounge/Outdoor/Picnic cool- Hanging out on a bright summer day choose a hue to help you stand out and add a bold tank top for cool casual. Carry an overnight leather bag if heading out for a leisure weekend and soaking in the sun.

Get the Look

Top: Navy white bold stripe tank top shirt (Find here)

Pants : Mint Green Slim Washed Chinos (Find Here)

Shoes : Grey cotton leisure shoes (Find here)

Socks: Mock Socks (Find here)

Bag: Sage leather overnight bag (Find here)

Additionally you can try out the product line for fits at a Bonobos Guideshop with a Guide who will help you try and discover the perfect fit and place your orders to be delivered at your doorstep....How cool is that!!

Spotlight Feature: Hidesign Mother's Day Collection

Still wondering what to gift your mother on mother's day. Here's a great suggestion

Organizing memorable birthday parties, staying up all night during your exams, nursing your hurt knees, getting you your favorite graduation gift, she’s done it all. Over the years she’s been your mentor, guide, best friend and mother. This Mother’s day, let her know how much it means to have her in your life.

Celebrate her unshakeable faith, undying love, strange ways to fix things and genius ways of knowing just the right words when you need them. This year let the classic bags from Hidesign speak your words of gratitude and love. These beautifully handcrafted leather bags will add to her grace and charm. Surprise her with the iconic Lolita handbags from Hidesign and make her feel loved this Mother’s day.

Whether she likes a dash of color or prefers the classy browns, Hidesign has just what it takes to impress your mother this year. Step into the nearest Hidesign outlet and grab a stunning bag for her or surprise your mother in her city by ordering from the online boutique which is just a few clicks away at www.hidesign.com

Price range: Rs 2,795 Onwards

A sneak peak at the collection

Ascot 1- Rs 4995/-

Ascot 2 -Rs 6795

Lolita 1- Rs 5995/-

Lolita 3- Rs 2795/-

Polo 1 -Rs 6795/-

Available at all Hidesign stores across India February onwards. Join www.facebook.com/hidesign and www.twitter.com/HidesignHQ for regular updates. Shop online at www.hidesign.com and avail free shipping to anywhere in India!

Spotlight Feature: Ka Sha by Karishma Shahani

Inspire Within

I often wondered if in a quest to modernize ourselves we are letting go of our legacy, our heritage? 

Are we subconsciously abandoning the very thread that binds us all together; our culture!

Wouldn't it be nice if we carried forward the best assets of our centuries of intellect and wisdom that thoughtfully co-exists with our modern views and evolution?

As I try to wrestle my mind out of an inner conflict between embracing the new and not parting with the Indophile in me and strike a balance; I came across the "Kaam Kaaj" collection Ka Sha (Pronounced as K Sh)by Karishma Shahni.

Kaam Kaaj is every bit modern yet Indian. It embodies and personifies the Indianness yet updates it with modern silhouettes.

Kaam Kaaj by Ka Sha in words by Karishma Shahani

Our Spring Summer 2014 story - ‘Kaam-Kaaj’ juxtaposes work wear of our ‘working classes’, an integral part of our economic eco-system with ritualistic ceremonial wear, an integral part of our social system. Drawing parallels between these two distinct cultural participations – work & celebration, Kaam Kaaj follows the local vendors, fruit sellers, migrant labor workers, house help, and so on. Often romanticized in socialist conversations, is their movement  of clothing through  work and day, their utility based gamchas, their shirt over lehengas, their inners as outers, their work-appropriate  pockets, their cultural influences, their climatic inferences and their regional requirements. ‘Kaam-Kaaj’ is a study of this indigenous part of our society who stand as beacons of cultural india, almost blending tradition with practicality. The focus lies on retaining feminity in a world associated with masculinity. Taking from these ceremonies and their adornment their cultural aesthetic, their symbolism, their textures, their ornamental abundance to this, minimalistic otherside of local work wear. It is a reflection of contrast within ones own life – it fastens together our need for functionality and flamboyance.

Traditional Ajrakh Block printing techniques don the surfaces of a variety of Pure Cottons from Gujarat - Handwoven  Khadis to Powerloom chequered  cottons. The fabrics are dyed and printed using Natural dyes. Hand embroidery and hand carved wooden blocks inspired by checks and florals both - reminiscent of work and play, celebrate the two facets of the lives of everyday people.

Kaam Kaaj by Ka Sha 

Kaam Kaaj by Ka Sha 

Kaam Kaaj by Ka Sha 

Kaam Kaaj by Ka Sha 

Kaam Kaaj by Ka Sha 

Kaam Kaaj by Ka Sha 

Kaam Kaaj by Ka Sha 

Kaam Kaaj by Ka Sha

Kaam Kaaj by Ka Sha

Spotlight Feature : Toteteca - Ladies your search for the perfect bag is over!

My search for a good bag never ends,I trust that all you ladies will agree with me. Even if we find the perfect size, shape the color may not be to our liking, in other cases we love the color, size is just right but the shape may not suit us. Does it all sound familiar my fellow discerning lady friends? 

Well,Ladies your search for the perfect bag is over.

In my search for my perfect bag I came across Toteteca; a great website that would empower you to customize your perfect bag from the latest stylish designs; tailored to your needs (yes shape, size, color, trims)and the best part is the special personalized touch - your initials on it. Does it not sound dreamlike!!

Here's how I got my bag, spoiled for choices in the comfort of my home; just follow the four simple steps to create your very own Toteteca.

Start by visiting www.toteteca.com

Step 1 : Create your Login ID 

Step 2: Select the bag; from a range of clutches, totes, slings, tech accessories and more.

Start designing your bag

Check out the various views for details and a mannequin with the bag for size reference.

Step 3: Customize your bag

I chose a pull-string flap backpack since I travel a lot and the bag comes handy while taking pictures.

On your left start with selecting the details; 

• The Trim color- For someone as decisive as me it was hard yet so much fun to put the colors together for the bag, I feel like a pampered soul 
• Body color-There is metallic too for all the bling lovers
• Fittings- Gold/Silver
• Monogram type- hanging like charms or fixed on the bag
• Additional requests/ideas can be put in under comments.
• Your initials-One of the best features; Nothing says luxury more than your own initials on your bag.

Step 4: Place your order/ Add to cart

And that my ladies is my customized backpack.

Within 7-15 working days you shall receive your customized, monogrammed bag anywhere in the world! That's Toteteca for you....

           TOTETECA – THE HANDBAG LIBRARY

A handbag as any women would reckon is a symbol for many a shade of their personality. So much so that today a handbag isn’t just an additional wardrobe accessory which women use to stock up their daily essentials. The sheer look, the color, the texture of the bag; all individually and collectively speak for the personality of its possessor. Most if not all bags in today’s time are mass manufactured; stylish yes but may not always give one a feeling of exclusivity and individuality. Keeping this thought in mind, Toteteca Bagworks was established as a chic and personal brand in January 2013.  ‘Toteteca’ which literally means The Handbag Library; ‘Tote – A kind of bag’ & ‘Teca – A library’; is an Indian e-commerce venture established under the parent company Veda Lifestyle.

Toteteca Bagworks allows its users to choose from its huge library; where shoppers can select and customize their handbags to suit their individual needs. It also makes the shoppers experience fun as they browse the website selecting from a variety of shapes and colors leading on to make a desirable handbag. All customization is visualized on their website and their team of designers is happy to answer any queries about styling choices. Bringing in Veda Lifestyle’s expertise in custom-made bags, with their team of select craftsmen every product at Toteteca is made from scratch. The most unique part of the Toteteca experience is that it allows the user to monogram the bag with one’s initials either via a hanging tag that’s removable or stitching it into the lining.

Priced between Rs. 900 & Rs. 3400, and available in about 50 styles (with a couple of styles that are developed and added every week) Toteteca Bagworks, is your answer to that show-stopping Handbag! All the bags are freshly made and buyers get them straight from our workshop right to their doorstep, worldwide shipping included. If through the process one feels unsure about how the bag might end up looking in person, Toteteca also has a team of select designers to make that decision process absolutely error proof.

Speaking on the intent behind the establishment of Toteteca, Kushal Chudiwala, Director Veda Lifestyle & Founder Toteteca Bag Works says, “Everybody, I mean everybody has seen a bag and wanted it in another color. Say in a purple and grey to go with your new outfit, instead of the red and black they have at the counter? That’s human nature, ‘To each; his own.’ We at Toteteca want to change how women in India shop for their handbags. We intend to replace large logos with actual individual brand identity and the true expression of style.”

Toteteca is a combination of two words, tote and teca. Tote is a type of handbag and teca literally means library in Latin - See more at: http://toteteca.com/cms_page.php?page_id=2#sthash.l7tZ1uaa.dpuf

Toteteca is a combination of two words, tote and teca. Tote is a type of handbag and teca literally means library in Latin - See more at: http://toteteca.com/cms_page.php?page_id=2#sthash.l7tZ1uaa.dpuf

Website: www.toteteca.com

Facebook Like! www.facebook.com/toteteca

Follow their updates on Twitter @totetecabagwork

See all their creations on Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/toteteca

Follow them on Instagram: @toteteca

Spotlight Feature- Fabian Lintott

Founded in 1978 as a two man workshop, Hidesign has grown into a global brand recognized for its quality, ecological values and personalized service. Hidesign has grown from its artisan roots to an international brand with over 60 exclusive retail stores and a distribution network across more than 20 countries.As premium luxury, Hidesign fulfills the lifestyle needs of our audience globally, at work and at leisure.  

As a ardent fan of the brand, I was thrilled at the opportunity to interview Fabian Lintott, the distinguished lead designer for men’s fashion at Hidesign.

A brief introduction of Fabian Lintott

Fabian as Hidesign’s lead international designer for men brings great innovative talent and experience to the team. Fabian comes with tremendous design experience and is among UK’s top men’s designers. He is a graduate of Central St. Martin’s College of Art and Design, London, which is regularly ranked as one of the world’s leading design schools. Fabian brings to Hidesign the British quality of quirky innovativeness in modern, urban lifestyle. He identifies himself as part of the contemporary design movement that has seen many British designers become the creative heads of several top luxury houses.

 Fabian Lintott

AQP: What is your personal style?

FL: My personal style has its roots in tradition. For special occasions, I like wearing a 3 piece suit twinned with my Omega pocket watch, but I would mix the look with a more contemporary twist and add a floral shirt or a contrasting waist coat or bright shoes.

Every day. I range from smart-casual which would be a shirt, v-neck and jeans to casual- a simple t-shirt, sweat shirt and jean combo. I would say I have an eclectic style with a touch of heritage. I like to own things with a story. For instance, my pocket watch was made in the 1900’s. I like to think about the people who have owned it before and how it has survived the test of time. I find a lot of my inspiration for my work at Hidesign by looking through our archives and looking at retro styles.

AQP: Where do you draw inspiration from?

FL: Inspiration comes from everywhere. As a designer, you have to be like a sponge soaking up all sort of information. It can be really random things that spark an idea. Anything from a maasai to a leaf in autumn. I always carry a sketch book because you never know when you might see something that will spark an idea.

AQP: Which brands do you admire globally and why?

FL: One of my favorite brand is called "the Duffer of St. George" a UK based brand. It has a very heritage feel to its collections and really makes a good pair of jeans. Ettore Sottsass is one of the designers that I really like. He’s not really mainstream. He was big in the 80’s and helped create the Memphis group. Their designs were fairly crazy but it’s their courage to try a new direction which really inspires me. It reminds me to keep strong and fight for ideas when I need to.

AQP: How is Indian market different from the rest of the world? 

FL: Deep down I don’t think there is a real difference between the Indian market and the rest of the world. We may have different cultures but our desires are much the same. We want to be respected for our choices. We want our purchases to make us feel good and our bags/accessories must continue to grow into our lives. So we are intrinsically linked to our products which evoke the memories of the journey we have taken. The items we buy express the person we are, in a way that makes us feel good about ourselves. 

AQP: What is the design philosophy behind the brand Hidesign and what is the one differentiating factor that sets it apart?

FL: Hidesign offers a unique lifestyle choice. There is a purity and dedication to our products which isn’t so apparent in other brands. We constantly strive to create products that are made with the love and commitment our customers deserve. As an international design team, the effort put into our products ensure that they are truly unique. We never sacrifice the quality of our bags at the expense of our customers. Hidesign is a brand that evokes confidence, quality and excitement when you make your purchase. There is no smoke and mirrors- what you see is what you get.

I would say my uniqueness comes from my attention to detail in my designs. It gives my bags at Hidesign a unique feel which makes my products recognizable. One of the best things about Hidesign is that we are among the few brands that offer a unique product. The whole brand package is very individual to Hidesign.I have bought a few things in since I began designing for Hidesign internationally, including the improvements in the wheeled luggage and the functionality of the bags.

AQP: What are the upcoming themes and styles for men at Hidesign?

FL: Colour continues to be the revolution hitting men’s wear and our latest collection is no different. We are seeing much braver use of colour with bright colours popping up across the catwalks. As a designer this is really exciting. We are bringing this adventurous spirit to the men's line with this collection with the Corvette range which combines our brown classic leather with a bright tan leather trim.

AQP: What is the elemental difference between designing for men and women?

FL: Men tend to like muted styles that are not too outwardly outrageous. They like to be practical and stylish. Women are into the glamour of bags and want their bags to be more noticeable, colourful and really bring a statement to their outfit.

AQP: What are the current trends in the men’s accessories?

FL: Accessories in India are very similar to the accessories you find abroad. As for Hidesign, every season, we offer the same collection across all regions.  What changes though is the product mix. Depending on the preferences, we order the styles to suit the sensibilities of the different cultures we are present in. A bag may be ordered in a black, olive and midnight blue in UK, but in India we could order it in black, red and mango green – colours that are favoured more in India. The bag remains the same but we tailor them to suit the preferences of all our customers.

Here is a sneak preview latest collection at Hidesign for Men.

Corvette Laptop Bag

Camaro Day Bag

Camaro Holdall

Corvette Weekend Tote

Ferrari Briefcase

Ferrari Day Bag

Phaeton Wheelie Briefcase