Almari is located in Vancouver, Canada but recently branched out into the New York area to offer custom order service along with the opportunity to meet the people behind Almari. 

Don’t miss Almari’s upcoming exhibition in Edison, NJ! Check out the new 2010 collection of fabulous pieces and speak to Almari about their custom order service! Just in time for wedding season.

Where: Holiday Inn
3050 Woodbridge Ave
Edison, NJ 08837

When:
May 15: 12noon – 6pm
May 16: 11am – 6pm

Hotel Tel: 732.661.1000

Receive 15% off on all items if you RSVP and join the Almari Facebook Fanpage “Almari NYC“

Receive 20% off on all Bridal custom orders.

Satya and Beth decided to pursue their dream of designing their own line while on separate soul-searching journeys. “I was in Thailand immersed in Buddhist culture while Satya was in the Bahamas at the Sivananda Yoga Ashram engaged in a month long teacher training course,” explains Beth. Satya adds, “At the end of my training, I was given the spiritual name Satya, meaning “truth”. We were both excited to use the name for our collection and create jewelry with beauty, truth and meaning.” 

Each Satya jewelry piece is tagged with an explanation, so the owner knows the meaning behind the different components of the piece.  Satya designs have been worn by Courteney Cox, Susan Sarandon, Scarlett Johansen and Rachel Bilson.

Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? Satya Jewelry has just launched a fabulous mother daughter line.  The collection  is in silver and carries lovely charm bracelets, and necklaces that can match mom. 

CitySaheli got a chance to speak to the founders of Satya jewelry to find out more about their their jewelry line.  Read below to find out what they had to say. 

CitySaheli: What are five words used to describe Satya Jewelry?
Satya & Beth: Delicate, unique, inspiring, meaningful, playful 

CitySaheli: What inspired you to start your own company?
Satya & Beth: Taking a thrilling leap with my best friend (business partner) to be truer to myself.  

CitySaheli: Now that the company has grown so rapidly, has your role changed in the company?
Satya & Beth: I am not packing the boxes anymore but the essence of being hands on is the same.    

CitySaheli: Much of the jewelry carries symbolic meaning, how have you seen your customers react to this feature of the jewelry?
Satya & Beth:  Very often customers write or tell me how the jewelry has become a part of their life (they imbue it with an intention or use it as a reminder of an event, person, desire), I feel very humble and honored.  The jewelry can be a vehicle for people to embrace themselves and potential.

CitySaheli: What is the most glamorous part of owning your own company?
Satya & Beth: Getting to travel to yoga conferences and exotic places for work!

CitySaheli: What goals do you have for your business in the future?
Satya & Beth: To touch more people and raise more money for great causes.

CitySaheli: We know that you have travelled to India and the Far East quite a bit, what were your favorite spots? 
Satya & Beth: The most memorable moments of our trips are always the time we spend with people: seeing a rural culture with the hill tribes in northern Thailand, hearing Thich Nhat Hanhs speak at his root monastery in Vietnam during his first trip back since his 40 year exile and visiting the schools we sponsor.  Most relaxing were secluded beaches on Thai islands Ko Chang or Ko Samui. 

CitySaheli: Can you tell us what your must have pieces are for the Summer?
Satya & Beth: Layered turquoise necklaces with layered stretch bracelets from our new “stone of health” collection.   

Here are some of CitySaheli’s picks…

Events & Promotions

Satya stores are popping up everywhere, with the newest opening in Short Hills Mall in New Jersey. Foundrs Satya and Beth will be at the Satya Shop in NJ on Thursday April 29^th between 6 and 8 pm.  Wine, Cheese, and author Dani Shapiro will be reading from her new memoir, Devotion!

Also if you purchase more than $150 in store or online, receive a complimentary Bliss gift bag!! While supplies last!
 

For more info or to shop online visit: http://satyajewelry.com

Shah travels the world to hand-pick her featured collection.  Her items can be purchased only at her traveling pop-up-shop, which has been featured in Daily Candy, Time Out and the NY Daily News.

This weekend is your chance to check out what Nirali has to offer.  For three days only, she is popping up in Tribeca, giving you the chance to purchase items from around the world without ever leaving the island.  Mention CitySaheli and get 10% off your purchase!

When: Saturday, April 24th – Sunday, April 25th
12pm – 5pm
Where:  Truffles Building 
34 Desbrosses Street
* Ask for Nirali Shah @ Reception
RSVP: www.wearsnirali.com

Not in New York? Check out her site to find out when she will be in a city near you or email wearsnirali@gmail.com for more info.

Want to learn more?  CitySaheli interviewed Shah to find out more about the inspiration behind her the line, the must have accessories for this season and to ask her for advice and tips on starting your own business.  Here’s what she had to share:

Can you tell us about the “Nirali Capsule Collection?”

The Nirali Capsule Collection is my in-house collection of jewelry, exclusively available through me in the United States.   I work closely with designers in India and have developed a selection of pieces that are fusion forward, combining old world tradition with new world cosmopolitan.

We have heard about the “Nirali Experience,” what is it?

The Nirali experience refers to the underlying mission of every event: to show you something you’ve never seen before.  Not only do I travel from Brazil to Bombay to find unique pieces that aren’t available Stateside, but I make a concerted effort to display my pieces in unique ways.  For example, at a recent event, I employed bare-chested male models to strut around in my necklaces and approach groups of women to explain the designs.  The women tittered, touched, tried…they loved it!

In addition to unique pieces and unique merchandising, The Nirali Collection also collaborates with local artists to deliver an eclectic and unique experience for shoppers.  For example, a recent event featured a live demo by Lexi Bella, a renowned painter who dances while she paints (usually in the dark!)  and live music by Sachal Vasandani (the “Indian Michael Buble”).

What are some items that you believe are a must for this summer’s wardrobe?

Sarah Chofakian’s Audrey Hepburn shoes are the absolute must-have flirty work pump for this season.   I love the red color because it’s such a stand-out, although we also carry both black and navy.

Malini Ramini’s yellow strapless sundress is the perfect weekend go-to and can travel anywhere in the city or the Hamptons.

My flower bag collection is the perfect way to accent those femmie summer dresses and skirts – you can’t help but feel a little extra special with my brown flowered briefcase or hot pink flowered tote.

How do you choose the designers you showcase?

It’s mostly about gut instinct and timing.  Each designer that I’ve chosen a) is well-established in his or her country of origin and has the wherewithal and desire to launch internationally; b) shares the same aesthetic and appreciation for statement pieces that are bold, different and POP and c) understands and shares my desire to “dress up the city”.

You are known for your desk to dinner accessories. What advice do you have for working women looking for a new accessory for the summer?

Two golden rules:

1.    Blazers can hide all manner of sins.

Night dresses are easily disguised by blazers and the right accessories.  Take a hot, black dress like my Heike Jarick piece and pair it with a fitted blazer by day and one of my gorgeous necklaces by night for a completely different yet relatively effortless look.

2.    A bold necklace is easy to throw on and hard to ignore.

The Nirali Collection has a variety of necklaces that are specifically meant to be paired with a work dress or shirt for some added DRAMA.   My customers have reported back that they are man magnets!

What inspired you to start your fashion and accessories business?

I used to be a corporate lawyer at a big firm and like so many others, I felt stagnant and repressed.  Rather than deskdream my life away, I decided to do something about it.  I’ve always been said to “have a good eye” when it comes to fashion and I knew I was better with people than paper, so I took a chance… and here I am.

What do you like most about your business?

The infinite possibilities that exist outside the rigid structure of the corporate context.   Plus the crazy characters I meet everyday.

What is the hardest part about running your own business?

My time is my dime these days, so it is really hard to make myself stop working.  Even though I love what I do, the stress can take a toll if I’m not careful.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to a Saheli looking to start her own business?

Do your homework, be practical in your preparation, but don’t be afraid to leap when the right time comes.

Bhumika and Shyamal Shodhan started their careers in fashion in 2000, in Ahmedabad, India. Shortly after, the two worked together and established the label SHYAMAL & BHUMIKA. Since then the designers have been nominated for ‘Best Indian Wear’ at the Marie Claire India Fashion Awards 2008 in New Delhi and have developed a huge following.  To find out more about the designers and their lines, check out CitySaheli’s article Shyamal & Bhumika – Ahmedabad and Beyond. 

ShaadiStudio is a full time resource center catering to the South Asian community.  The space brings together a diverse group of wedding specialists including top of the line event planners, dress designers, makeup artists, djs, photographers, and caterers.  The studio is a space that demonstrates the signature elements of a lavish South Asian wedding by bringing together experts in the field.

To top off the evening, BridalGal is offering complimentary makeovers to give you a complete look. And if you can’t make it to Thursday’s festivities, they will continue on Saturday, April 24th with a trunk show at Shaadi Studio. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to update your wardrobe, stock up for wedding season and make a statement at your next event. 

A Night of Glitz & Glam with Shyamal & Bhumika

When: Thursday, April 22 – 6pm to 10pm

Where: Shaadi Studio, 336 West 37th Street, Suite 600

RSVP at events@citysaheli.com and receive up to 15% off your purchase.

Buy tickets here.

CitySaheli has featured some of our favorite South Asian designers to help our Sahelis effortlessly inspire their wardrobes. Many of these designers have been featured in Vogue, Allure and InStyle. Remember, you can often use such jewelry for a South Asian event, but also a night out on the town.

Artkarat

Art Karat offers artistic jewelry that makes a statement. It’s jewelry that makes a statement and can depict your personality. Don’t miss the Art Karat jewelry exhibition, this weekend, highlighting Rajasthani inspire pieces.

Tejani, meaning “brightness” and “sparkle” is a contemporary jewelry branch with a touch of ethnic heritage. All of this jewelry is handcrafted by artisans in Mumbai. Tejani primarily offers costume bridal jewelry for the chic trend-setting woman. Tejani jewelry has been featured in both Western and South Asian magazines, including O magazine, InStyle, and Modern Bride. What’s great about these pieces is they can be used with Western wear and South Asian wear.Amrapali Jewels

Amrapali Jewels

This handcrafted silver and gold jewelry brand has been around for more than 30 years. A brand that values the integral part arts and crafts play in India’s heritage, the founders traveled to the remotest interiors of India in search of unique and fine pieces of jewelry. They used elements of ethnic Indian jewelry in their designs and revived traditional jewelry making to create distinct and unique designs. These are the only Indian jewelry designers to present their collection in the New York and Milan fashion weeks.

 Alka Vora

Alka Vora has been all over the press as well as all over star-studded celebrities that love her jewelry. She has recently branched into apparel and is making an impact all over the world. Citysaheli loves her rings and loves her attention to detail.

Ranjana Khan

Ranjana Khan has applied her mastery of embroidery to create iconic pieces of jewelry and accessories. She has worked with fashion designers and renowned couturiers like Jean-Paul Gaultier, Alber Elbaz, and Alexander McQueen. Now, with the launch of her own collection, she speaks to an audience entirely her own. Her necklaces make a bold statement and her jewelry is in hot demand.

About Holi
Shyamal & Bhumika’s collection at Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2010 was an exploration of the Indian festival of color – Holi.  Shyamal & Bhumika have designed a line of summery day dresses and glamorous resort wear for the fashionista who likes to incorporate a riot of colors and vibrant energy.  Here are some of CitySaheli’s favorite picks. 

About Indo-Mughal
The Indo-Mughal collection recreates the splendor of ancient India transporting you to an era of grandeur, regal traditions and extravagant lifestyles.  The designers visited museums and rare private collections to ensure that the authenticity of their designs would be a reflection of the period.  These designs are great for the I Do! Saheli, as they would be a great addition to any bridal collection.  Some of our favorites included:

CitySaheli’s Interview with Shyamal & Bhumika

What inspired you to create Shyamal & Bhumika?

SHYAMAL & BHUMIKA was created from our passion for fashion, design and entrepreneurship.  Bhumika’s interest for textiles and fashion led her to study fashion design at the National Institute of Fashion Technology. After the setting up the label, I (Shyamal)  went to London to research fashion, and then to Milan for Italian Design. We started out very small, but very soon we grew and put our effort into opening one of Asia’s most beautiful designer owned boutique stores. Almost immediately after opening the store, we were selected for showcasing our designs at Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai.

What are the main themes of your line?

Our designs are inspired by the nature, architecture, history and festivals of our beautiful country India. The latest Summer/Resort 2010 collection is inspired by Holi. The concept has translated the festival of colors into designs which consist of  colorful summery looks. The Indian wear line is built on distinct Indo-Mughal flavor inspired by the royal courts of North Central India. The entire collection gives a very royal, rich, and luxurious feel that tries to transport you into a different era. Each collection always drives on a specific concept. Some of our other popular collections include Gaam (which was based on the concept of Gujarati Rajasthani villages), Future Royals and India Inspires. Many of our bridal collections are based on influences of India, and when designing Resort/Western wear, we keep global aesthetics in mind.

Who is your target audience? Who buys Shyamal and Bhumika?

Our client is a person who likes to stand out for his/her elegant dress, a person who has a distinct personality and a high style quotient. A SHYAMAL & BHUMIKA fashionista is one who enjoys the charming details, natural fabrics and artisan techniques. It may be a globetrotting corporate, a modern girl on the run, or a bride or groom who wants to go all out on the big day!

 Who were/are your design mentors?

Our design mentors literally came from home. We come from a family of extremely creative people –from our immediate family to our extended family.  We’re a big, creative bunch.  Bhumika and I always shared that same passion for design which pushed us toward unique challenges and a lot of hard work.

What is the best business advice you’ve been given?

Work with your heart and success will follow.

Singhal’s resort collection is a mixed bag of current cutting edge silhouettes that every woman needs in her wardrobe. Separates that can go from day to night make the collection whimsical yet surprisingly practical.

Simple crisp crepes and tulles embellished with crystal embroidery bring together a clean and sparkly collection for the girl who wants to dress up but doesn’t want to try too hard. The collection has easy clothes for a jet setting life style with inter changeable pieces so your wardrobe always looks fresh. Muted colors like ecru, sand and shimmer make the collection timeless and classic. The crystal-encrusted pieces add the touch of   fantasy we all love.

Cowl skirts, jeweled tanks and maxi dresses come together in a collection that resonates the designer’s mantra of “easy comfortable and effortless clothes.”

 Payal Singhal established her label in India in 2000 to fill a niche for eclectic Indian clothing for girls her age. Now thanks to a global design sensibility, Payal is more than able to satisfy the consumer demands of the contemporary woman, and the label stocks in various countries and travels with its unique mobile trunk shows all over the world.

For more information on the pictures shown please contact Payal Singhal at payal@payalsinghal.com.  Photos courtesy of  Payal Singhal and Lakme Fashion Week.

Exclusively.In is by invitation only, where current member can invite friends and family for exclusive access to the best of Indian luxury brands.  Each sale will last for 36-48 hours and offers discounts of up to 70% off retail price. 

This week is the site’s pre-launch sweepstakes.  Exclusively.In, along with partners Lakme Fashion Week, Jet Airways and Taj Hotel Group, are hosting a sweepstakes.  To enter simply register for your free membership on Exclusively.In (www.exclusively.in ). All entries are considered for membership and, if selected, will receive an invitation prior to the May 2010 launch. 

See more details on the flyer below!

LFWFlyer

Finding the right pattern or piece of furniture to fit your space takes time and patience.  In a search to help our Sahelis find the perfect South Asian inspired décor, CitySaheli came across an eye-catching blog, BollyInstyle, which focuses on anything and everything South Asian inspired. Shital, the woman behind BollyInstyle, brings to her readers links and photos of new fashion, furniture, accessories, products, designs, events, and more, with a focus on Asia and India. Shital strives to expose India’s colorful culture, feminine design, and glamorous style.  For a taste and some fantastic designs, check out the inspiration board below.

So, when decorating your home, look to your roots. South Asian inspired goods are everywhere, keep your eye out and add this flavor to your everyday life.

SOURCING (Top left to right):

1. Earrings, bangles, necklace at Isharya – starts at $238.00

2. Blue Keri rug by Madeline Weinrib – price varies contact showroom 

3. Traditional hand-blocked fabrics by Les Indiennes – starts at $80.00 

4. Elly Elephant Wall Graphic at Elly Nelly – $40.00 

5. Spice Box and Kadhai Bowls from Cost Plus World Markets – $3.99 to $14.99