Manish Arora and Amrapali Jewels collaborated for the just concluded Paris Fashion Week Autumn Winter 2013 ready to wear collection presentation ..... This is the second time that India's most maverick international fashion designer joined hands with an equally world famous Indian jewellery brand often worn by the likes of Halle Berry, Angelina Jolie, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez among others ..... If the aim was to showcase Indian design sensibility in a contemporary manner, they have no doubt succeeded .... because Paris seems stunned ... Even their most famed macaroons at Maison Laduree fails to rope in so many colours and flavours like Manish can ..... Its a heritage thing :) .... Even if your inspiration came from an Art gathering in the middle of a dried lake bed in the Nevada desert (look up Burning Man festival on google :) .... the skies of the desert would very much compare to the landscape of our Rajasthan ( Hasli jewellery from Rajasthan on ramp for Amrapali ) ..... and the effigy burning at Burning Man would surely remind Manish of our Ramlila Ravanas with their neon and psychedelic paint ..... As Indians, we at Delhi Style Blog are fascinated with the stories Manish weaved in this amazing collection which we will be privileged to see up close and personal on 17th March, 2013 at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week's grand finale !!

Amrapali Jewels

The crowning glory of Manish Arora's Autumn Winter 2013 collection is no doubt the jewellery by the famed House of Amrapali, named after a beautiful legendary dancer from the time of Buddha ..... Have a look !
"In the 1970’s, two history students had a common vision. Deeply imbued by the rich heritage and culture of their country,they wanted to capture it in time through exquisite jewels and precious objects. Rajesh Ajmera & Rajiv Arora, travelled extensively to the remotest interiors of India, in search of unique and magnificent pieces of jewellery, immersing themselves in the cultural delights, which contributes today to their vast expertise in the field. In 1978, Amrapali was founded, which today is a renowned luxury jewellery brand. Amrapali collections are majestically infused with the finest in Indian culture, yet of the moment and relevant today, attracting royalty, tycoons, industrialists and celebrities world over. Amrapali creates high-quality luxury jewellery, using the finest of precious gem stones such as diamonds, rubies and emeralds. Amrapali also has a range of silver jewellery and gifts. Today, we have over 1200 experienced craftsmen in our workshops where extreme care is devoted to each piece, right from the initial design stage, enabling us to perpetuate our tradition of creativity, and breathtaking craftsmanship. Despite our vast product range, it is our endeavor to keep every design unique, and every creation a piece of art. Amrapali jewellery is available in over 36 outlets, including major markets through out the world, franchise stores and leading department and specialty stores." www.amrapalijewels.com

Amrapali Jewels by Manish Arora Autumn Winter 2013

Manish's collection for Amrapali was inspired by the beautiful Hasli jewellery of Rajasthan ..... The paintings below, show Indian Rajasthani women wearing Hasli jewellery.

Hasli Jewellery

Manish Arora Autumn Winter 2013

Manish was inspired by the legendary Burning Man festival, an Art community gathering in the Black Rock Desert in northern Nevada, USA ..... The open sky and amazing desert landscape lent itself to the first pieces .... continuing on to digi prints, neon, warrior styling and ending with a rock vibe .... We recognised so many familiar references to home ...... It was as if Manish was looking at the desert of Nevada through an Indian kaleidoscope :)

Nihang Sikh Turban

It was a delight to be surprised with the molded leather turbans on the models coming down the runway ..... reminding us of the familiar sight of Nihang Sikh warriors and their "Dastaar" (turban) with a "Chakar" (round disc carried on a belt or worn on the turban) on top, adorned with a small Khanda (Sikh coat of arms) ....... futuristic warrior princess :) ..... We also loved the pin up pretty make up with modern glitter eyes ..... As we wait to see the clothes at close range on 17th March ..... We leave you with these stunning collection from Paris Fashion Week !