#GWishlist: Jewel Lily Mulberry Clutch

Every now and then something will catch my eye and go straight onto my #GWishlist. I told myself that I have worked really hard this year and decided to treat myself to a new handbag (being a shoe addict and really finding no excuse to buy another pair of Louboutins) I convinced myself that a handbag was a necessity and so much more practical (!). That was until I saw the “Jewelled Lily” Mulberry clutch bag. It is stunning. Not very practical. But stunning! The clutch was introduced in Mulberry’s SS/2011 collection for a limited time only. But I think it would work perfectly in the festive season with a little black dress!

The clutch is handcrafted with 2596 individual swarovski crystals. Each Lily is completely exclusive. Because of the handwork on it, no two bags are ever the same. Hello. Love it even more! It has a heavily embellished front panel encrusted with rivets; 460 rivets per bag, with four different sizes of Swarovski crystals. It also comes with the signature Postman's lock closure. It is available in camel suede.

But before you get carried away and head down to Mulberry, it retails at an eye-watering £3,575. It remains on my wish list and I have fully accepted that, that is exactly where it will remain.

Gulzaeb x x x

Ballerina Buns

Ballerina buns were all over the runway this year. There are so many variations of the ballerina bun. You can wear it messy, low or high. Personally, for going out I prefer wearing it really high and with all fly-away hairs sprayed down. I like to look polished and glossy and this look makes it happen. For relaxed dinners and parties, I like a messy bun. I tease the hair with a tail comb and gently spray down.

It is really simple to emulate. I find it works best on hair that has been washed a day ago.
Here is a step by step guide to how I put my hair up:

Step 1: Brush your hair and pull it into a high pony tail wrapping it around an elastic band. Pull the pony tail so it is nice and tight.

Step 2: Brush the ends of the pony tail and then wrap it around the base of the elastic band. Try not to wrap it too tight as it will lose the shape.

Step 3: Secure the bun with bobby pins around the head.

Step 4: Spray the hair with shine spray and and tame any fly-aways.

I like to team this look with lots of highlighter on my cheek bones. You can’t hide with this look so make sure you apply a nice bright lip colour. This really is a great look for going out. I will be wearing my hair like this over a few parties over the festive season. Think of all the time you'll save on blow dries!

Gulzaeb x x x

A Private Viewing of Mani Kohlis' 2012 Khubsoorat Saree Collection

Last night I attended a private viewing of Mani Kohli’s Khubsoorat Saree collection. The doors to her store opened for a private evening with canapés and drinks, showcasing the hottest trends in sarees. Models came out in 6 modern contemporary statement pieces Mani designed, that she feels should be worn by women today. The evening was beautifully put together with the main lady herself draped in a gorgeous red ensemble and jewellery. The sarees she showcased were very much in line with the ethos of her designs which personally for me, couples vibrant colour and stone work very well. My favourite piece on the night was an elegant red, black and white saree with stunning sequin work.


Mani has a very special place in my heart as she was the first fashion designer I shot for. It was only my second shoot and it was her clothes and demeanour that made me want to be in this business a long time. She was so encouraging and complimentary. She also is a complete professional and takes time to speak to her clients and understand their couture needs. This is testament to why she has been around for so long!

The event overall was elegant with many established faces from Green Street turning up to support Mani. I was particularly overwhelmed to reunite with Neelam from Neelam Beauty. Neelam is actually the reason why I started modelling. She was the lady who scouted me when I was 15 years old and asked me to appear in her beauty campaign for the original Asian Woman magazine in Bow. It was great seeing her after so many years and we promised to meet up soon. You can view details of her hair and beauty packages here http://www.neelamshairandbeauty.com/

Attending the night were also the lovely Kyles Jewellery owners, Nisha and Malkit Dadi. Kyles is next door to Khubsoorat and they have a long-standing relationship with Mani as well. I know Nisha personally and have modelled for Kyles Jewellery many times. They also created bespoke sets for me and my family. It is always lovely meeting up with Nisha and even after all these years in the business she continues to possess a very personable manner when you meet her. You can view their collections here http://www.kylescollection.com

Personally for me, attending last night was a humbling experience. I met so many people who were there for me when I started modelling in the late 90’s and it was amazing to see how much these individuals and businesses had grown.

So to all the budding make-up artists, fashion designers and entrepreneurs… this is how it is done.

For more information on Khubsoorat, please visit http://www.khubsooratcollection.com/


The press for the night was organised by Revolution PR.

#Gfashion: I am wearing a coral chiffon and silk beaded dress from Camden market with a navy Zara blazer and black suede stilletos.

Lots of Love
Gulzaeb x x x

With the lady herself, Mani Kohli

With Neelam from Neelams Hair

With Bees Owner and twitter follwer Sushil

With Make Up artist Gini Bhogal and Mani

With Mani Kohli in her Green Street Fashion Boutique

Complimentary chocolates... yum!

Harper's Bazaar December 2011 - Abayas En Vogue

American actress (and wife of crooner Robin Thicke) Paula Patton appears on the cover of the fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar Arabia for the December 2011 issue. The actress stars in the upcoming Mission Impossible:Ghost Protocol. On the cover, Paula wears a gorgeous abaya designed by Abu Dhabi-based label Mauzan.

You can see the collection and other abayas on their official website: http://www.mauzan.com

Here are some images from the magazine.
Gulzaeb x x x

Chanel - The Metier D’Art show 2011/2012- Paris Meets India

As a massive Lagerfeld fan I find it hard to criticize anything he designs and this showcase is no exception! Displaying deeply extravagant textures and embellishments, Chanel held its Paris-Bombay Metier D’Art Show today in Paris. The Metier D’Art show is an annual event that Chanel puts on to promote the intricate and exceptional work of artisans, embroiders and gold smiths – all which play an important role in couture design.


Lagerfeld displayed beautiful rhinestone-studded dress coats shaped like salwar kameezes, long sari-styled dresses and flowing Rajasthani silk skirts. The trademark Chanel cropped tweed jackets were paired with thigh-high leather boots emulating the churidar pyjama style. I really like the tailored cream jacket which looks very similar to a sherwani, made to look feminine with dripping jewels.

Knee-length silk skirts also had the fancy draping of a sari and the evening gowns were fitted with sweeping lengths of fabric the models draped over their heads. Keeping the colour palette mostly muted with pretty golds, silvers and creams the embellishments and accessories really pulled the looks together. I honestly believe accessories and styling are just as important as the clothes in a fashion show. I very clearly remember wearing designs for a top Pakistani designer and the way she draped the outfit on me for the runway was sensational. A gorgeous outfit with little or no styling can look lack-lustre and doesn’t do the outfit justice.

This show being Chanel and clearly with no budgetary constraint, really pushed out the boat with accessories! All the models appeared adorned in jewels. From chokers, chandelier earrings, gold anklets and beautiful pearls and chains, they were all seen. My favourite is the striking image of the model wearing a nose-piece in her hair. The make up was kept somewhat “Indian” with natutal blush, eyes lined heavily with kohl and nude lips. Hair was swept up high and rightly so – showing the neck and shoulder detail on the jackets.

The show itself was reminiscent of a royal banquet with models walking past guests as they sat on straight tables running along the sides. The press pictures from the night look sensational and the white and silver back drop of the show lends to compliment the collection really well.

There are so many images but I have picked the looks I loved the most. The collection will be available to purchase in Chanel around May 2012 in Paris.

Gulzaeb x x x

This is my favourite look; Chanel tweed jackets and Indian accessories

Cheryl Cole's Shoe Line for Stylist Pick

 

 After much anticipation, Cheryl has finally launched her shoe range with stylist pick today. I first heard about this a few months ago and have been eagerly awaiting to see what she would create. I really admire Cheryl’s fashion sense (bar a couple faux pas during X factor – but hey we’ve all had some). She dresses really well and accessorises nicely. Surely it is every girl’s dream to design her own shoe line (well it is mine anyway). I am a stylist pick customer so I will be perusing her section. Here is a sneak peak of what the line looks like.

I really like the studded heels in black and the leopard print ankle boots are lovely.

Gulzaeb x

Elizabeth Taylor: My Beauty Icon

Elizabeth Taylor was a beautiful, talented and glamorous icon. I look at old pictures of her and feel overwhelmed with her elegance and poise. Although much of her private life was splashed in the media, I am more concerned with her fashion choices and how she chose to represent herself. Elizabeth would always look groomed to perfection with her prominent thick eyebrows and lipstick in tact. She literally oozed old Hollywood glamour. Elizabeth became synonymous with jewellery and was often seen at events dripping in diamonds. My Mum mentioned to me recently that there will be an auction of her jewellery pieces this year and that the sets were beautiful.

I looked it up and indeed thousands of pounds worth of jewellery belonging to Elizabeth Taylor is to go on sale in Christie’s first ever online-only auction.

Internet shoppers can bid on more than 950 of the late actress’s belongings, which also include clothes, shoes, handbags and pieces of artwork. Prices range from £62 for a pair of the star’s Chanel earrings to a whopping £6,300 for a diamond and 18-carat white gold necklace with 126 circular cut diamonds.

I had a closer look at some of the pieces and they are breathtaking. I have picked some of my favourites. These are going on my (very unlikely) #GWishlist.

What a stunning woman with exquisite taste.

Vogue Paris: The Music Edition

I have just seen this month's cover for Vogue Paris and I totally love it! Kate Moss is virtually unrecognisable with a ginger mullet and no eyebrows as she channels 70's David Bowie (way before my time - lol). I appreciate the creativity and stying of this shoot. Concept shoots are the most fun to model. You are almost playing a character and that is the most challenging as a Model.

This Vogue Paris issue has been dedicated to music. I think Kate looks amazing. Even more amazing... she's 37 years old and still going strong. There's hope for all of us! Power to Kate Moss.

Lots of Love

Gulzaeb x x x