Faux Leather turning the heat on this Winter!!!

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Conscious Fashion with The Fabulous Faux Leather this Winter!

Hello Fashion Lovers!!!

Hope you are blooming where you are, creating immense value with the fashion and life style choices you are making. Yes we are in the year of pandemic and it is absolutely important that we live in harmony with ourselves and the environment.

So have you turned vegan yet ? Well if you have not developed a vegan palate but have gone vegan as your alternative choice for fashion, that is simply remarkable!! Yes, I am talking about the very chic Vegan / Faux Leather that makes heads turn not just on the runways but leaves an astounding impression, whether you are at a bar, on the street, at a party or at a cafe or on a drink date. Veganism is making a breakthrough in the luxury fashion world. There is 40% increase in vegan fashion searches. Glad to see the awakened side of the world.

Very famously known as Faux Leather and Pleather, it is a throbbing choice of the famous and conscious fashion lovers again this season. The Vegan line has been popular for a couple of years now. Stella Mc Cartney was one of the early adopters of poly leather that looks luxuriously intriguing, as it even fits better than the genuine leather. The best part about Faux leather is that it doesn’t wrinkle, is less prone to scratches, it is waterproof and perfect for travels due to it’s light weight.

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Rupika Chopra in Black Faux Leather Skirt and Boots
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Beige Faux Leather Dress with Black Boots

I am an absolute animal lover and that turned me into a vegetarian 14 years ago. Compassion for animals has only gone deeper over the years and I want to continue making choices that do not add to the misery of any being. So having access to options like vegan leather / pleather makes me feel enormously happy.

If one strikes a comparison between leather and pleather, it is affordable for most whereas, the price for leather shoots up by a couple of dollars or thousands of dollars. Being light weight, sewing is less cumbersome and the cuts with this fabric make an outfit fit like one’s second skin. Given that it is a synthetic material, it can also be printed with different textures and patterns, that make it fun to work with for any designer.

Most of the faux leathers are made by layering plastic on fabric which ceased to be made. In the 70’s, manufacturers started experimenting with ployurethane as opposed to PVC and then they started using better techniques to make a long lasting fabric with better coating, resulting in textiles that feel more like the real stuff.

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Rupika Chopra in Faux Leather Beige dress & Boots

PETA celebrates Pleather as “Cruelty Free”. In the last decade the designers refrained from calling it vegan leather than Pleather, but in this decade it has been embraced as vegan leather gladly. Though there are many names given to it like – Leatherette, Man Made Leather, Synthetic leather etc. It advocates substantiality and buying cruelty free products ushers a feeling of being responsible towards our eco system.

Technology has come a long way so the manufacturing of great quality faux leather has changed one’s outlook of treating this fabric as inferior to leather. In the 1800’s Presstoff, a simulated leather material was made from the tree pulp and was developed in Germany. It was made in such a way that it would bind together in layers and look like leather. Prestoff was widely used in the World War II Germany on cases, belts, straps and covers. In 1914, Naugahyde, the first rubber based artificial leather was developed in Connecticut, in the United States. For a long time the fabric was used in making upholstery, house hold goods etc. Then followed the process of producing Fabrikoid in the year 1915 – a company named DuPont introduced a process of producing coated fabrics that lead to developing high quality of artificial leather. In 1920, Polyvinyl Chloride, famously known as PVC was produced by BF, Good Rich Company. It gained popularity in the 70’s and till even today it is used in array of commercial goods.

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Rupika Chopra in Faux Leather Pants
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Rupika Chopra is Faux Leather Pants

I am simply in love with the wide range of options available in Faux Leather in different brands. As you can see me in a beige well cut, perfectly lined dress – it not only looks chic and glam but also the texture feels soft on the inside . The shoulder pads dispenses body and an edge to this outfit. Boots never fail to add to the rock chic vibe. Anyone who can wear leather or pleather in style immediately soars high on the fashion meter.

My waist hugging mini skirt is very easy to slip on and feels great to hang in, as the material is soft. I remember wearing it on a rainy night to a party and I was saved from being drenched as the material is water proof. The Faux Leather pants look and feel like my second skin. The flexibility quotient is surely high as compared to leather. I have one rule for shopping, when you find something that fits like a dream…..just buy more colours in that. So I have many colors in the same style. In fact, recently Zara launched a pleather suit in the colour brown and that looked absolutely stunning and sexy. Stella McCartney has a prodigious collection in vegan leather.

LaBante London, is one of the brands to be proud of. Their handbags are made of vegetable leather ( a by product of vegetable waste). The Brand does not use PVC. LaBante has used apple leather – a mix of apple core and apple skin with a tinge of polyurethane – in their collection. I love the fact this brand has built a model of sustainable, luxurious, ethical brands.

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Rupika Chopra in Faux Leather Skirt & Boots
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Faux Leather Skirt and Boots
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Faux Leather Skirt and Boots

VOTCH is another successful vegan brand for watches and accessories with high quality faux leather straps.

OSIER is yet another brand that you will admire for its clothing line and accessories. This brand is from Europe and all their products are handmade. You can also look at brands like MELIE BIANCO, MATT & NAT, RJ GIBSON, SVALA, NANUSHKA, A.W.A.K.E. Mode etc.

Even though the pandemic prevails, so does our quest for fashion. Online shopping has boomed at this time and e-commerce has given another dimension to life now. There are gorgeous trench coats available at Zara in the hues of cherry, brown, beige, forest green and black. Faux Leather dresses, shorts, boots, pleated skirts, leggings, pencil skirts, Gilets, belts, blazers, pants . Recently the snake skin print on faux leather pants sold like hot cakes and are still in vogue. The textured pleather has become extremely fashionable and are perfect for dressing up this winter.

One undeniably looks dynamic, zestful and electric in Faux Leather. It oozes a hustler and a gangster vibe……and who’s debating that am any less of that – both on the Inside and Outside. 🙂

Gone are the days when leather proved to be a status symbol for many…..Faux Leather is here to rule, so grab your outfit and add some spunk to this pandemic, while you smell some coffee or relish a drink or two with your loved ones!!

Cheers!!!

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Rupika Chopra is Faux Leather Short Skirt and Boots

The Denim Fetish!!!

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

Blame it on the Jeans! 

Hello Denim Lovers!

“The Denim Mania” is ON!!! Indeed the love for it can never be moderate for any generation. As far as I can remember, I have been obsessed with Jeans, Dungarees, and denim skirts from childhood. Needless to say Denim is still on top of my list of favourites like for most of you. Anything well cut in this strong fabric always adds a cool edge. I remember when I was in college, I had collected about 65 pairs of Jeans mostly in boot cut from Wranglers, Pepe London and of course my favourite High Waisted – Drain Pipe style from Levi Strauss. Needless to explain I am a “Denim Addict”! What more could one have asked for, as having the best pair of Jeans was nothing less than adorning a Crown. My favourite flared denims added to the cool cowgirl vibe. I am still mad about them – they simply change my gait. The kind of Denim one chooses to wear talks a lot about one’s personality. Quarantine spent well with my parents, I dived into the collection of my favourite pairs and felt over the moon, for only a “Real Denim Lover” can understand the “pricelessness” of these “collectables”. 

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

Jeans were invented by Jacob W. Davis and Levi Strauss on May 20th, 1873. The word “Jeans” got named after the city of Geona in Italy, a place where the cotton corduroy was manufactured. Levi Strauss was a businessman from Germany and during the Gold Rush period in 1853, he moved to San francisco, trying to establish his family business by selling goods and cotton denim fabric was one of them.

Let me share with you that Levi Strauss was the first one to make denim out of Hemp. They made the first pair of Jeans with “Hemp Canvas”, blending it with certified organic cotton. This is something to be absolutely proud of!!!  Levi is a Global Leader and is also known as the “Face of Denim”.

Now that the world is trying to walk the path of awareness – “Sustainable Clothing” is surely a way forward for most brands now. From luxury to the high street one’s, all are choosing to go as green as possible. Of course there is a lot being made out of “recycled denim” and responsibly sourced cotton. The consumers are making conscious choices, compelling manufacturers to adapt ways to reduce the carbon print on the planet. 

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

Jacob W. Davis was a tailor and he made functional items like tents, horse blankets, wagon covers etc. On demand from one of his clients for a long lasting outfit for the mining workforce, Davis landed up buying the denim material from Levi Strauss. He designed the sturdy workwear for miners in the West. He added “copper rivets” at the places pants rip off easily, with pockets and a button fly. The design was unique and he wanted to patent the pants, so he wrote to Levi Strauss and joined hands with him as a partner and launched the magnificently known as – “JEANS”.

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

Jeans had now arrived as an “independent masterpiece”, evolving from the position of merely being a uniform for hard tasks. Denim being made from cotton was easy to breathe in and wash. It’s blue colour gave it an individual identity. In the 1920’s and 30’s, Jeans became popular western wear in the United States. Further modifications were made – Jeans now had the back pockets as well, making Levi Strauss the first designer to have his label on the outside. The Durability of the Fabric made it extremely popular among all. It became desirable and a no fuss dress code for everyone. Followed by that, was a glamours model featured in the Vogue magazine in the 1930’s, flaunting Denim on the cover, showcasing it’s relevance in the fashion Industry.

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

Elvis Presley was one of the first celebrities to popularize Jeans among others in the Pop culture absolutely adored them. The famous boys like James Dean and Marlon Brando made them exceedingly fashionable by filming in them. That was the real revolution time  – The Rebel, The Sexy, The Strong, The Fascinating, The Rugged – Denim defined it all!!!

The Hippie movement rocked the American culture in the 1960’s adorning the Denim Jackets and making Casual Blue torn Jean a representation of freedom.

Then came a phase of personalising Jeans, making them Hip with embellishments, patches and embroidery. And how can we not mention the Ripped Faded Flared Jeans that were a “Cult” in itself to begin with. Anyone seen wearing them was akin to being a “Revolutionary”. 

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

The “Denim Trend”so as to say, brought out a new attitude in Americans. The youngsters embraced the Blue Jeans making it the new cool. The Designer jeans took on the band wagon in the 80’s and the trend has never witnessed a pause since. Some of the most glamorous models in the past, got temperatures soaring in the high waisted drainpipes and white shirts. Brooke Shields, Cindy Crawford, Janice Dickinson, Jerry Hall among others sizzled in Denim making it most stylish for everyone. I won’t forget a video of Cindy Crawford working out on the beach, wearing the Denim Hot Pants with the sports bra. She simply looked like a GODDESS!! Needless to say, the Denim fad was lasting forever. It has continued to charm the world since it’s inception, evolving even today with the most beguiling designs.

The denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

Remember pop stars performing in the 2000’s with the Ultra Low Rise denims with Swrovskies all over them. I remember Britney Spears doing her fancy number in them. Denim has always been redefined from time to time.

The skinny jeans in the 2000’s came with a special stretch technology, that allowed women to flaunt their legs unapologetically. Styles like Mom jeans, Boyfriend, High Waisted Wide Straights, Culotte, High Waisted Vintage Boots Cuts, Skinnies, Baggy Paper bag, Slouchy etc. are back with a bang at present. It is not only confined to Jeans but denim jumpsuits, shorts, dresses, shirts, crop tops etc. all are tastefully available at many brands like Zara, H&M, D&G, True Religion, Diesel, Armani etc.

I fell in love with the Denim dress I am wearing. It is casual and chic. You see what I mean……..when one wears a well cut denim outfit or jeans – it doesn’t need any validation for it talks for itself. It’s an ambassador of your personality.

Denim will always be in Vogue - Rupika Chopra

The Denim Fetish - Rupika Chopra

One can simply choose to look classic or wild with the style of denim one chooses to wear. These High Waisted Boot Cut Jeans are my favourite as they hug me perfectly. You can always change your look with the footwear you choose – boots, heels or sneakers change the vibe. Somehow, denim makes styling easy. Choose your favourite shirt or a T -shirt / tank top and you are ready to roll. Being a Cowgirl at heart – I mostly lean towards the flared styles. Brands I love are Levis,  J brand, Wrangler, True Religion, Versace, For All Mankind, Acne Studio, Naked & Famous, Zara, Hollister,etc. 

It is indeed remarkable to see Denim being one of the few materials to have travelled far and wide across the world. and the fact remains that this iconic creation is here for eternity!!! The Denim Industry is estimated to produce $129.8 billion of sales by 2021. Quarantine has had many set backs on the apparel industry but the online sales have been booming. With in days, the new styles are out of stock, which is a vivid proof of Denim being a permanent Fetish!!!

Ladies and Gentleman! This iconic creation is here to RULE!

Need I say more…..Nah!!!  Let your Denim do the talking!!!

xoxo

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The Evergreen Slit Skirts!!!

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

A SLIT IN PLACE :

Summer is here and we are in a lockdown in the vicinity of our homes but nothing should stop us to enjoy the summer trends. Girls! this is the time to dive in your closet and get your favourite slit skirts and dresses out. They instantly remind me of the impeccably dressed air hostesses back in the day, walking with absolute grace in those well fitted skirts and stocking covered legs peeping through the slits. I remember as a child, I was so enamoured by their slick uniforms that I got a beautiful jacket and a skirt made for myself. The slit skirts gave every woman an opportunity to flaunt their curves.

The long A – line or body embracing pencil skirts are forever elegant, feminine and sultry.  From the time of my teens till the present moment, I have always thought a Slit on a dress or a skirt makes one look Hypnotic. Whether it is the Thigh High Slits or the conservative one’s, there is something alluring about them. Whether you are adorning a gown, a maxi dress or skirt a slit makes you truly walk like a sexy lady!

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

The Evergreen Slit Skirt - Rupika Chopra

The first flash of legs was in the slit skirt Designed by Christian Dior in 1954 that took the world by a frenzy. Dior named this collection as the H – Line referring to Silhouettes he was creating with parallel lines. Slits have only grown popular since then. The pencil skirts became a rage with most of the Hollywood stars like Marylin Manroe, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly etc.  To me it represents sophistication and confidence in a woman.

By the end of 1960’s mini skirts took over and became the “Icon of the Cultural Revolution”. But Pencil skirts never really went out of fashion as they became a perfect attire to be worn to work with conservative slits. Whether it is a red carpet look or the casual do’s –  A slit simply has the power to add much sex appeal to any outfit.

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

Well going back to the history of a slit skirt, a slit was not added to give an extra cool glimpse of the leg but to add comfort for a woman to be able to stretch her legs while walking.

A slit on the sides of a skirt, back or in the front look absolutely flattering. It is obvious that in a work space one chooses pencil dresses or skirts sans the high slits. But when worn to parties or outside of the work space they make one sizzle in style.  Slits on a dress or skirts look extraordinary. I am obsessed with some for my fitted maxi dresses and my gorgeous A – line, satin long skirt that lets my femininity shine.

The New York Fashion Week displayed the most amazing creations for Spring 2020 by Marc Jacobs, Brandon Maxwell, Tommy Zendaya, Proenza Schouler, Prabal Gurung, Kate Spade, Carolina Herrera etc. Gigi Hadid, Hayley Ashton, Nikki Mcguire, Bella Hadid sizzled the ramp. 

The A- line skirt I am wearing in blue is quite an eye catching one with it’s colour combination and a slit on one side of the leg makes it distinctive. This combination with the a unique print top makes the outfit eclectic. It can be easily worn to a party, lunch or a dinner.

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

No matter what the print or the fabric is, a slit on a dress or a skirt surely makes one equivalent to saying, ” I dare to elegantly bare”.

The black skirt with a slit in the front is a classic piece. When paired with a white shirt, looks absolutely stunning and is perfect to be worn to a formal occasion. I love the clean cuts and one tone colours make an impact. Understated is always amazing. I am wearing mine with Boots and that makes my vibe fun and edgy. Accessories always perk an outfit. I love the check glasses I chose, they are very Italiano and spunky!

The Evergreen Slit Skirts - Rupika Chopra

The A- line pleated skirt I am wearing in blue is an eye catching one with it’s fun colour combination and a slit on one side adds a dash of oomph. This outfit can be easily worn to a party, lunch or a dinner. It is a vibrant attire adding to my cheerfulness. I have caramelised this look with my favourite tan brown shoes by Enzo DI Martino. The combination of the brown glasses, and earrings with a gold bracelet are perfect to seal the deal!!

So don’t let anything bring your spirits down and or hamper your style and use this time to become truly Invincible!!

Shine On!!

xoxo

The Evergreen Slit Skirt - Rupika Chopra

 

 

 

Fearlessly Camouflaged!!!

Camouflage

Inger Solberg 

It was a wonderful Wednesday afternoon, when the three of us got together for a shoot in Goa for the gorgeous and valorous camouflage collection designed by Inger Solberg and Liv Barfoed. I simply fell in love with the name of their brand ,“LIV-ING” as it signifies “Soul”. Liv and Inger have been friends for the last 32 years and their passion for creating a line together gave life to LIV – ING. Both Inger and Liv are gorgeous women who have gained expertise in their respective professions.

Camouflage collection by LIV-ING - RUPIKA CHOPRA

Rupika Chopra & LIV Barfoed

Inger is a celebrated designer from Denmark and she fell in love with designing clothes since she was 17 years old. She kept on practicing new creations and by then her heart knew that this was her calling. She went to a formal school of Design to train herself as a Designer. As destiny played it’s part, she came to India in 1989 and she felt a deep connection with the magical country. She moved to India permanently in the year 2000 –  she smiles and adorably says, ” Mera dil pakka Hindustani hai.” 

Camouflage Collection by LIV-ING - RUPIKA CHOPRA

Inger started her factory in New Delhi and she initiated designing for reputed private labels like H&M, BeYoung etc. LIV and Inger, proudly call their collection                      ” Madam Soldier” . Inger says, “she has always faced challenges like a fighter and friends compare her fighting spirit to that of Goddess Durga”. So this collection is a story of a woman who possess a heart of a warrior. 

I love the way Inger describes their collection as “Rough and Romantic” and shares that, “As a woman, one has to be rough to survive in this world and also be feminine to be in sync with herself and the real world.”  I love that thought!!

Liv Barfoed has been a former model and she was the first stylist in Denmark. She has been in the fashion Industry from the 80’s. She also educated herself as a designer and worked for many Danish companies one of them being “Royal Copenhagen”, where she designed a huge accessories collection. She has done many editorials and fashion shows for a lot of big Danish brands and Givenchy & Balmain in Paris. She has been involved in promoting reputed brands in Denmark. Liv has also worked as a PR and a Marketing professional and she continues to bring her expertise to their brand LIV-ING.

Camouflage Collection by LIV-ING - RUPIKA CHOPRA

The collection is made of high quality cotton produced in India. The printing is also done in the country itself. I love the romance added by the lace on this indomitable print, doing absolute justice to Inger’s depiction of “Rough and Romantic”. It simply makes it exotic!  The best part about camouflage print is that, when adorned, it doesn’t need to be blazoned, as it just declares the bold attitude of a personality.

Camouflage collection by LIV-ING

The collection represents a robust and a fearless vibe. I love the fact that women of any age can look spectacular in this collection. The dresses are breathable and light and can be beautifully accessorised with beads and funky earrings.  The style can make anyone stand out and that is the euphoria created by LIV-ING for their summer collection.

Camouflage collection by LIV-ING - RUPIKA CHOPRA

Well, I simply loved shooting for LIV-ING and ” THE MADAM SOLDIER ” collection has definitely stirred my emotions for now but wait till you see what LIV – ING has in store for you in their Fall collection. I cannot wait to grab my hands on it and I promise you, CAMOUFLAGE IS HERE TO STAY!!!

Photographer : Francois Matthys 

All Bling with Ash Gupta!!!

All Bling with Ash Gupta - Rupika Chopra

Los Angeles!!! – The city of dreams and opportunity with much more to offer than meets the eye. This was my first visit to the west coast and it was a delight to see, that the land of Hollywood filled me with experiences beyond surprise. In a city known to have less soul – soul is what I found there among the people I met. The drive to achieve goals beyond one’s limit – is what L.A. fills you with.  The energy was infectious, liberating and uplifting leaving one motivated. I believe there is always a way to look at things and habitually, I choose to see the brighter side of life. I have an intuitive way of connecting with the energy of the land I travel to and my gutt about a place leaves me mostly on the right side.  To be honest, I was a bit of a lost soul in the first eight days, but I took no time to be in the flow of things. I have not enjoyed a city as much, as it was about enhancing  and discovering my best self.

Are you wondering wether I am sharing about the city or proceeding to my fashion post?  Well! hold on to your epiphany!! This post is dedicated to the most generous, talented, humble, positive, dynamic ace photographer ASH GUPTA! I cannot miss an opportunity to share how unique it was to work with this humble legend.  His thought process and conceptualisation is inspiring.  He just makes you OWN WHO YOU ARE!!!

Ash has shot with some of the most successful people in the entertainment industry – Jennifer Lawrence, Ben Affleck, Steven Seagal, Paulina Rubio, Carmen Electra, James Kaufman, Priety Zinta to name a few! 

I had the most wonderful time shooting with him and also interviewed him on his up coming series – Ash’s Anatomy. We covered the part, where I got to ask him questions about the series he shot called “The Warriors of the Sun” – dedicating to the Nirbhaya case. He was torn and ashamed of the barbarous act and he dedicated three months shooting models adorning a head gear of a warrior depicting how powerful women are. He also shot some being in a cage and some with weapons. Some images also have a blotch of red in it, that was his way of depicting his anger and sadness towards the inhumane brutality.  

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WORRIORS OF THE SUN

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This man is all heart and his way of bringing beauty alive through simplicity is remarkable. Nothing can replace authenticity, evolution and positive energy and that is what I brought home with me. I can truly call home away from home because of the largesse of friends like him. I can’t wait to be back and work on some amazing concepts with this luminary.

All Bling with Ash Gupta - Rupika Chopra

much love

xoxo

 

Living on the Edge!!!

The Edgy Style - Rupika Chopra

Let’s get Edgy :

You know what living on the edge means ?? It means someone who loves to push boundaries in life to taste liberty and live free from anything that confines one’s growth and become the empowered version of themselves. An “Edgy style” has always been associated with a bold personality. Edgy fashion has long been looked at as a “Bad Girls” choice but in the truest sense donning this look is indeed an ATTITUDE!!!

Off late, I have been going through my own inner transformations. Not that the process of evolution has ever stopped with in, but I see myself emerge stronger through everything.  It is time to unleash one’s inhibitions and be liberated in your expression of style and your being.

The Edgy Style - Rupika Chopra

The Edgy style is sharp, daring, provocative, and absolutely trend setting.  

The 94 year young, Iris Apfel is one of the living legends I look upto for her eclectic style. She is one Fashion Icon who has glorified Edgy Fashion in every decade. She is a true example of what passion for fashion can do. And how do we not talk about Madonna here – the ultimate “Material Girl” who flaunted the CONE BRA with absolute zing. The Disco Diva flaunted her daring outfit at the Met Gala in 2016 with only nipples covering the net corset along with the leather long boots.

Edgy style belongs to women who think outside the box and do not care about fitting in the conventional styles. They mostly do not follow trends but display their style as unique and sassy. Edgy fashion usually strays away from the dresses and works best when combined with right combinations.

Rihanna never goes wrong with her effortless edgy dressing. Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga, Taylor Momsen, Gwen Stephani etc. fabulously mix the edgy elements with their Gothic Vintage & Retro styles. Dressing edgy is beyond just the wild look, it is truly surpassing many looks put together in one. It is an easy way to swell your style.

The Edgy Style - Rupika Chopra

I have completely gone dramatic with this look and I enjoyed it throughly. Black is a powerful colour and it always adds a notch to the edgy vibe making it potent with oomph, so I chose to go one colour tone with my ensemble.  I love the fact that women are experimenting with make up, blingy accessories,  ideas, concepts and freeing themselves from the confined ideas of creativity . One can play with the accessories, shoes, eyes, hair, nails and decide the level of edginess one wants to display. 

Edgy fashion is for the extraordinary possessing an art to look mightily classy.  Whatever one’s style may be – Bohemian, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Trendy or Eclectic – mixing the right combinations can make you a Diva. It is visually different as the look is created out of one’s own depiction of style, just like mine.

I decided to make this look strong and feminine at the same time, so I chose to wear my suede heels with leggings adding a soft touch, with a sequin net top and braced it with the Balmain chic waistcoat. This is one of my favourite looks as this is a powerful combination for a woman who is an eclectic boss babe!!

Some of my favourite brands for edgy styles are BALMAIN, Philip Plien, All Saints, Alexander McQueen, Nasty Gal, Gypsy Warrior, Shop style, Rebellious Fashion, We KOKO, Zara etc.

The Edgy Style - Rupika Chopra

I have accessorised the look with some blingy bracelets along with a funky Bag. One can use funky glasses, leather pants, jackets, belts and so much more to add to the Edge. When you are going edgy you cannot underplay the eyes, so I decided to go all dramatic with the deep blue hue enhancing the drama.

An Edgy sense of style can pep up one’s personality yet not everyone looks flattering in it,  for it is a TOUGH GIRL’S ARMOUR!!!

Top : Elisabetta Franchi , Jacket : BALMAIN , Heels : Yves Saint Laurent , Bag : Valentino

 

 

The Debonair Power Sets!!!

Power Sets - Rupika Chopra

Power Dressing : The Dress code for Success!

Recently I grabbed my hands on the the very chic “Ice Blue – Blazer Set” that is perfect for my summer collection. Power sets are an armour of an elegant, strong willed and a dynamic woman. “Power sets” make heads turn from East to the West Coast. It is also called exoskeleton!!! It has evolved over the decades from more conservative styles to shorter hemlines.

“Power Dressing” was a phrase originally used in the 1970’s in America and it became so popular by the 80’s that every one was wearing them. They looked beyond dapper. Women have long worn Blazers with padded shoulders and well fitted skirts that made them look sharp and confident. It is a modern woman’s lethal weapon to slay. Blazer sets are my go-to outfit because I feel they bring out the best version of myself – grounded, firm, professional and refined.

Power Sets - Rupika Chopra

Power Sets - Rupika Chopra

Traditionally, Power Sets were the last on mind when it came to dressing glamorously and was worn mostly to work, but today it is treated like the second skin. Women started wearing blazers and pants after being recruited to into roles of men including engineering, banking, hospitals and factories after World War II. There on it continued to make progress not only visually but also in the minds of evolving women and society at large. The Women’s Liberation Movement in the late 60’s catapult the concept of Gender Equality making “Blazer Sets” a must have Power Attire. Today, both men and women adore their collection equally.

Power Sets - Rupika Chopra

Power Sets - Rupika Chopra

Remember the most gorgeous models flaming “power dressing” in the 70’s and 80’s? –  Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Janice Dickinson, Gia Carangi, Marisa Berenson and many more were shaking barriers down  with the “Power Look”,  liberating women from the shackles of limiting minds.

Power dressing is all about owning who you are. I feel it is akin to bringing your best to the table. How the other person addresses you completely changes when you choose this attire. 

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Even though, I am wearing a pair of shorts styled with layers with the blazer, it looks elegant. The colour is a perfect “icy blue” hue. The best thing about this attire is that you can change your look from formal to casual with the kind of shoes you want to wear with it. I decided to wear my understated boots that made the style formal. One can also wear a pair of white sneakers with it and you will look uber cool. I love the white sneakers and I wear them a lot with most outfits these days as I choose comfort in the day.

It is simply sassy to wear blazers with sexy lace tops or shirts with shorts, skirts or pants. They just look SPECTACULAR!!!

I chose to wear a fitted white top with this set but a white shirt will certainly look discerning as well.

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I love these low boots as they call them. They are comfortable and stylish. You can wear them with denims, skirts and shorts. White is my favourite colour and this pair definitely adds perkiness to my attire. You can add some light accessories to this look like I am wearing a silver neckpiece and that just looks perfect for the day.

Some of my favourite brands for hunting blazer – sets are Topshop, GUCCI, ASOS, Revolve, Zara, Mango, Alexander McQueen, Dolce&Gabbana, Balmain, Maje, Sandro, Chanel, Michael Kors, etc. Ofcourse there are many more brands to chose from, the options are endless!!

Fashion is all about making way for the urbane, then why should you not own these sets in all colours and styles!? So grab your blazer set and be proud to be living in the world run by WOMEN!!!

KUDOS TO FEMININE POWER!!!