Kitni girhein kholi hain maine, kitni girhein ab baaki hai,
paao mein payal, baahon mein kangan, gale mein hansli, kamar band, challe aur bichue,
naak kaan chidwaayein gaye hain, aur zevar zevar kehte kehte,
reet rivaaj ke rassiyon se main jakdi gayi , uff kitni tarah main pakdi gayi - Gulzar.
I was truly elated when I heard the news that Gulzar Saab was chosen for the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award this year. Call it pure coincidence, but when I saw the pictures that were shot for this post back in March, I instantly thought of Gulzar, the revered poet, lyricist and writer of soulful poetry. Today, I am saluting this man of the moment by quoting a few lines from his poems along with the works of my creative friends - Sankeerthi Aipanjiguly and Shailaja Iyer, who have undoubtedly added beauty to his lines.
The chirping birds and the crowing roosters had woken me up earlier than usual. With a cup of hot filter kaapi and my laptop in hand, I decided to head to the garden to jot down my thoughts for this post. Mangalore, my hometown, had celebrated the first rains of monsoon yesterday and the sweet smell of the soil that comes with the first rain still lingered. The raindrops from the previous night had formed a thick pearly coating on the lush foliage. Amidst the greenery, sipping my first sip, I let my memories roll…
SANKEERTHI AIPANJIGULY: Owner - Rabbit out of the hat.
“It’s a magician’s favorite trick and moreover, the magic of finding something new and something extraordinary in the trick is inevitable, isn’t it?” she retorted.
“Yes, my little sister, I agree completely and I have to give it to you for this one,” I beamed.
Folks, my heart swells with joy to introduce my cousin Sankeerthi’s (Ex- NIFT faculty, stylist, and costume designer) stunning vintage/tribal jewelry line “Rabbit out of the Hat”, where every piece has a different origin and an untold history behind it. Sankeerthi, along with her older sister who is an avid traveler, started collecting rare pieces of antique silver jewelry. Soon, her passion became her profession and her jewelry line was born.
I am sure you’ll enjoy collecting these rare, vintage silver pieces as much as I do. Come experience the magic of finding them with me!
CONTACT Info: One can buy her jewelry by messaging her on her Facebook page “Rabbit out of the Hat” or emailing her at magicoffinding@gmail.com.
She holds exhibitions all over India and operates mainly out of her home. Worldwide shipping is also available.
SHAILAJA IYER: Founder - "Shruthi - Laya"
I met Shaila at a common friend’s house a few years ago and amidst many women in the crowd, she just stood out. Tall, dusky, and uniquely beautiful—I wanted to know more about her. Soon, I realized that she was the founder of the Carnatic music school “Shruthi Laya”.
Having modeled for me in my fashion shows, Shaila is my favorite model. When I decided to do a post on cotton saris and silver jewelry, I couldn’t think of anyone else but her.
Though she started her teaching career in 1995 in India (Bangalore, to be exact), she continued to pursue it while living in Malawi for many years. Shaila currently lives in Illinois and is still teaching at her music school.
MAKE UP -STYLING & CONCEPT - Jayashree Rao
SAREES - Nextiles ( most of the sarees seen here are priced between Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,500)
JEWELRY - Jayashree rao's personal collection from Rabbit out of the hat.
MODEL - Shailaja Iyer
Vintage Gokhru cuff from Sindh province in Pakistan.
Ek Puraana Mausam Lauta, Yaad Bhari Purvayi Bhi
Aisa To Kam Hi Hotha Hai, Wo Bhi Ho Tanhaayee Bhi ......
.jpg)
A Nextile silk blend saree in Midnight blue & red, here I have paired it with a Masaba Gupta blouse.
A pair of early to mid 20th century traditional Jhumka from Rajasthan, The earrings have originally had ear plugs attached but normal gauge wires have been added to the earrings.
New beautiful handmade repoussé silver jhumka designed and inspired by traditional Rajasthani jewelry .
Old bracelet with spectacular work from South India.
Mera Kuch Saamaan Tumhare Paas Pada Hai,
Saavan Ke Kuch Bheege Bheege Din Rakhe Hain,
Aur Mere Ik Khat Main Lipti Raat Padi Hai,
Vo Raat Bhulaa Do, Mera Vo Saamaan Lauta Do.....
A black/olive Chatai noil ( short left over fibre of silk/ wool) with buttas all over which is paired with a multi colored patch work blouse.
A Vintage Akota earring from Gujarat
Antique beautifully etched markharas in a square pendant from South India strung with hand twisted vintage gungroos.
Mera Dil Jo Mera Hota
Palako Pe Pakad Lethi
Hontohn Pe Uthaa Lethi
Haathon mai khudaa Hota
Meraa Dil.....
A Hotpink/ black Nextile noil paired with a green printed blouse.
A pair of jaw dropping antique finished jhumkas silver jhumkas with vintage chain of balls.
Vintage Haath phool or Slave bracelet from Gujarat.
Haath chhute bhi toh rishtey nahi chhuta karthe,
Waqt ki shaakh se lamhe nahi toota karthe ....
A Red/mustard Chatai Noil paired with a printed yellow blouse.
Don't miss the reed that is seen on Shailjas hair. A lovely impromptu touch by Karthika.
Katra katra milti hai
Katra katra jeene do
Zindagi hai, bahne do
Pyaasi hoon main, pyaasi rahne do.....
In a parrot green Nextile noil ( it comes with a striped blouse)
Vintage 5 layer hand crafted Miao /Hmong traditional tribal torque.
Thoda hai, thode ki zaroorat hai,
Zindagi phir bhi yahaan khoobsurat hai - Gulzar
