Add some rizz to your monsoon fashion. Here's how
If you are the kind who goes 'awww' at the thought of petrichor and the first shower of the season, the Aiko bag from Cult Gaia is right up your alley. Made with an acryllic base, the structured mini bag with an open design –perfect for an intimate house party – is adorned with rhinestone embellishments that look like glistening rain drops or dew drops. How pretty is that? Available on Cultgaia.com; ₹ 30,800. Vedika M Waterdrop Drape Dress
The simplest way to zhuzh up your wardrobe for the moonsoons is to add a flowy dress that's in theme! This green asymmetric drape dress from label Vedika M made from mushroom satin features a green waterdrop abstract print all over. It comes with a corset belt that cinches at the waist. Yes, go pitter patter with style. Available on Ogaan.com; ₹ 15,500. Hunter Women's Original Tall Gloss Rain Boots.
This one's simple logic, dear reader. If it is raining, deck your feet out in rubber wellies – that's the only way to wade through India's pot-holed and waterlogged roads this time of the year. And our top pick to do the job are these tall Hunter boots. The brand's a British cult classic that's got the stamp of approval by supermodels and English royalty alike. This pair of handcrafted and vulcanised boots are made from natural rubber that's been given a high-gloss finish. And that military red colour… guaranteed to stop traffic. Available on Hunterboots.com; ₹ 16,266. Suket Dhir 'Janbaaz' Bomber Jacket.
Greys, moody blues and blacks, are the colours naturally associated with this season. We're not complaining if it looks like the 'Janbaaz' bomber jacket from label Suket Dhir. Made in a unique cloud monsoon colour, the men's jacket is crafted in silk damask and features a lively rainforest-inspired print that is oh-so-cheerful. A good way to liven up muted colours is to pair them up with bright hues like reds, yellows and bright greens. Available on Suketdhir.com; ₹ 54,650. Suhani Pittie Sun Beam and Pearl Cloud Stud Earrings.
Jewellery designers have always found inspiration from nature during the monsoon, whether its the rain's crystalline form, sun rays or rainbows. This bold Suhani Pittie design, with sunbeams emerging from pearl streamlets, rubies and emeralds, instantly conjures the image of sun's rays shining through a puffy clouds. Available on Suhanipittie.com; ₹ 26,500. Countrymade Ivory Chanderi Rain Embroidered Kurta Set.
With embroidery that evokes sharp drops of rain, this kurta set from label Countrymade makes for a great addition to your monsoon-wear moodboard. The embroidered kurta is stitched in soft Chanderi silk and is paired with a matching churidar. Available on Ensembleindia.com; ₹ 22,990. Prada Lightweight Re-Nylon Raincoat.
Does your all-season tote have a raincoat packed in? A season must-have, opt for a roomy raincoat that's made with only the best material. We've got our eyes on this cork beige-toned oversized raincoat from Prada. Made with regenerated nylon, it's lightweight, features a hood, wide welt pockets, long sleeves and elasticized cuffs among other features to keep you dry and cosy. Available on Prada.com; ₹ 1.86 lakh. Moschino Dessert-Patterned Umbrella.
Umbrellas are functional accessories, we agree, but when did that mean you had to pick conventional patterns? Use your umbrella to make a statement about yourself. Or just add some humour to the grey environs. This black Moschino umbrella with it's teapot and cake motifs all over screams quirkiness that everyone would love to have a bite of. Available on Farfetch.com; ₹ 14,289.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
The tiny pocket in jeans? The surprising reason it was designed for
Ever slipped your hand into the front pocket of your jeans and tried too hard to jam your keys into that pocket, only to find out it's too tiny for the keys to fit in? You're not alone! And you've probably wondered what that tiny pocket is for if it can't even make room for a couple of keys put together in a keychain. It barely fits a few coins, almost always goes empty, unless you're keeping a guitar pick or a stray gum wrapper. And yet it shows up on nearly every pair of jeans you own. Why? Is it just a quirky design choice, or does it serve a purpose? As it turns out, that tiny pocket has a fascinating history that dates back to the 19th century, and its original purpose is as charmingly old-school as it gets. Spoiler alert: it's more about cowboys than coins. Let's unravel, shall we? A pocket-sized time capsule Imagine having a souvenir handed down through generations and carrying that today, wherever you go. It's like an heirloom, woven into wearables! So, what's the origin story behind the fifth pocket in your jeans? Born in the wild west, seeped into the modern era The tiny pocket on your jeans, often called a 'watch pocket' or fob pocket, was first introduced by Levi Strauss & Co. in the 1870s. Back then, long before wristwatches became the norm, men carried pocket watches attached to chains or fobs: essential, status-defining, and delicate. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo But for miners, cowboys, and railroad workers—the original denim wearers—keeping that watch safe was no small feat. Thus, the mini pocket was born, designed specifically to protect pocket watches from damage, dust, or falling out. It was practical, smart, and perfectly suited for the rugged American frontier. Introduced by Levi Strauss & Co., the tiny pocket debuted in 1873. Levi's still refers to it as a 'watch pocket' to this day. Small pocket, big legacy Though most people refer to it as a 'fifth pocket', the tiny 'watch pocket' is actually part of the right front pocket, not a standalone feature. At just about 3 inches deep, the pocket was ideal for snugly holding a pocket watch upright. It had no flap or closure, but the tight fit and sturdy denim construction offered enough security and protection for workers on horseback or in gold mines. Over time, as wristwatches became more popular in the early 20th century, the need for a dedicated 'watch pocket' declined. But the pocket itself didn't disappear. Instead, it became a quirky but iconic part of jean design, preserved across decades of denim evolution. Interestingly, even after 150 years, Levi's continues to honor the tiny 'watch pocket' as a heritage design feature. From function to fashion Most mainstream denim brands like Wrangler and Lee still include the micro-pocket in their design, following the suit of Levi's, paying homage to the heritage it carries. However, some modern fashion labels have removed it for a cleaner aesthetic. Some high-fashion jeans have even played it up, adding embroidery, contrast stitching, rivets, brand logos, or colorful lining to make the pocket pop. Some even expand it slightly to accommodate newer items, like earbuds or rings. Interestingly, the tiny pocket is one of the few unchanged aspects in an industry obsessed with reinvention. Denim styles have changed over the years, following trends and based on styles; however, the 'watch-pocket' has stayed, more or less, the same. In fact, it's as functional as it is fashionable. Because now, you can use the tiny pocket for Coin stash: Great for keeping change from jangling. USB drives: For techies on the go. Guitar picks: Musicians swear by its snug fit. Tickets, tokens, or tiny notes: Perfect for subway or arcade tokens. Small jewelry: Think rings and earrings, especially during workouts or while traveling. The tiny 'watch pocket' in your jeans is a tribute to an era when clothing was designed with extreme practicality in mind. What was once strictly functional has become charmingly nostalgic, and today's wearers assign it their own purpose. While you're at liberty to barely use your tiny jean pocket for its original purpose, it serves as a reminder of how design reflects history. In an era that's rapidly shedding old habits to embrace ultra-modernity, the tiny pocket's continued existence shows how a functional feature can take on new lives in modern contexts: a fusion of legacy and practicality. It's a timeless detail with a timeless story. Sonam turns shoe designer for charity Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Indian Express
Fight for the sole: The Prada controversy may have put it in the spotlight but the Kolhapuri chappal carries the footprint of 800 years of history
Dressed in a spotless white ganji and trousers, a crystal chain around his neck and spectacles in place, Ravindra Powar, a chappal craftsman from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, begins every morning by bowing to the tools of his trade. Whispering the name of his kulguru, he touches his forehead to a hammer, an awl, a last and a laadi, a stone slab that has been in his family for 70 years. 'Our entire charmakar community, which makes chappals, worships their implements. We pray that the tools will not hurt us during the day,' says Powar. He works sitting on a chipped stone floor outside his house in Subhash Nagar, one of the centres of chappal production in Kolhapur. Clothes hang from wires over him and stuffed sacks are piled around. The sun struggles to brighten walls that are not so much grey as bleached of all colour. This is where Powar and his wife Sangeeta spend 12-15 hours making intricately decorated chappals each day, from 9 am, getting up only for toilet breaks. In the second week of July, the workspace had some important guests — a high-level leadership team from the luxury Italian design house Prada. 'They saw everything. Using their mobile phones, they took photos and videos of us as we worked. I cannot speak English so one of the local people explained to them how we make chappals. Prada wale aaye toh hamara maan badh gaya (The visit by the Prada team increased our respect),' says Powar. One lakh workers, spread across four districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka, sustain the Rs 1,200-crore Kolhapuri chappal industry, crafting one of India's most identifiable footwear. 'Kolhapuri' has ballooned into a generic term for leather slip-ons that bite, chafe and don't enjoy the rain but lend an ethnic touch to an outfit. In rooms across India, a pair of Kolhapuri chappals can mark out the wearer as a person of culture. The only other footwear with similar reputation are the Punjabi jooti, Rajasthani mojri and Kutch slippers. The workers in Kolhapur don't learn the craft, they inherit it as children growing up in houses where the air smells of pelt and polish. 'Ek ghar poora uss ek chappal ke peeche kaam karta hai (An entire house works on a single chappal). The women are involved in braiding and stitching,' says Rohit Gavali, a wholesaler and retailer. Many have seen the reels of Prada's Men's Spring-Summer 2026 collection at Milan Fashion Week on June 22 in which models wearing flat sandals, similar to Kolhapuri chappals, walked the ramp without referencing Kolhapur. Prada then became shorthand for cultural misappropriation and plagiarism by the West. 'The design that Prada has launched is the 'moja shape'. The front of the chappal is rounded, like your toes when you wear socks or moja. Woh north side zyada chalti hai (It does well in north India),' says Gavali, unhooking such a pair from the the carpet of chappals that covers the walls of his shop, Tip Top Footwear, in Kolhapur's historic footwear retail market, Chappal Gali. The chappal makers took special note of Prada's price tag, approximately Rs 1.20 lakh. There was shock, amusement and anger. At Chappal Gali, they sell a pair for under Rs 1,000. A craftsperson earns between Rs 100 and Rs 300 a day. 'Who can survive in this economy with Rs 9,000-Rs 10,000 a month?, ' says an artisan. 'I told the Prada team to give me the work, I am ready to do it. You can sell the chappal for Rs 1.20 lakh and pay me Rs 10,000 a pair,' adds Gavali. In a letter sent to Prada on June 26, the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) wrote: 'Kolhapuri chappals represent centuries-old craftsmanship rooted in the cultural fabric of Maharashtra. These products are not only symbolic of regional identity but also support the livelihoods of thousands of artisans and families in the Kolhapur region and the surrounding districts.' Besides, the traditional handcrafted leather sandal was awarded the Geographical Index (GI) tag by the Government of India in 2019. Prada admitted that its design was inspired by traditional Kolhapuris and sent a team to Kolhapur to meet artisans and sellers. MACCIA is pushing for reparations. Kolhapur's workers aren't holding their breath but they are curious if Prada will walk a mile in their chappals. A 12th-century footprint According to the Government of India's Geographical Indications Journal, 'The origin of Kolhapuri Chappal can be traced back to the 12th-century rule of King Bijjal of Bidar district and his Prime Minister Viswaguru Basavanna (Basaveswara) who wanted to create a casteless society and remove the stigma associated with the chamar community.' The first sandals made with bag tanned leather looked like the Kolhapuri but the footwear did not get its name until the beginning of the 20th century. To this day, the geographical area for the production of Kolhapuris are Sholapur, Kolhapur and Sangli districts of Maharashtra, and Dharwad, Belgaum, Bagalkot and Bijapur districts of Karnataka. According to the Geographical Indications Journal, the footwear got its name because the chappals that were produced and traded in Kolhapur were inspiring the other districts of Bombay to make similar types of designs from bag tanned leather. Kolhapur is divided into old and new. There are remnants of a 12th-century basalt stone fortification that can still be seen. Beyond the fort walls, considered the outskirts in medieval times, lived the Barah Balutedars or the 12 craft guilds, each responsible for a certain type of work that they could barter with the others. The chamar or charmakar was one of the Balutedars. They were engaged in making leather goods. 'A survey carried out in 1892 mentioned that hundreds of charmakar existed in Kolhapur. The Graham's Report of 1894 also notes the presence of leather artisans,' says Tejaswini Chandan Mirajkar, an architect and co-convenor of INTACH Kolhapur. When Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj IV came on the throne in 1874, Kolhapur began to take its current form. 'He wanted to develop Kolhapur's infrastructure. You can see that he has had a lasting impact on people even today, because he brought about some revolutionary changes,' says Mirajkar. Kolhapur, nestled in India's sugar bowl, is among the wealthiest districts in Maharashtra, with one of the highest per capita incomes in India. Its markets bustle with legacy products, such as GI-tagged jaggery and GI-tagged silver jewellery. The Kolhapuri saaj gold jewellery has applied for a GI tag. The well-built young men who train at the many taalims or wrestling academies owe it to Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj IV who encouraged kusti. The now-gutted Palace Theatre was built by the ruler in 1915 as a centre for the arts. 'There were a number of social changes that Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj IV brought about, like trying to eradicate caste bias. Using his power and position, he went out and had tea from the shop of a low-caste person. That broke the stigma a little. Because of this, he was a patron for the charmakars. He was also a patron of the Kolhapuri chappal. The chappal handicraft and the infrastructure development of the city went hand in hand,' says Mirajkar. Chappal Gali was set up by Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj IV around 100 years ago to give Kolhapur an identity as a chappal-manufacturing hub of India. The chappal industry has found an iconic way to remember Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj IV. Ask for the most fancy chappals for men and you will be offered the Shahu Chappal, an elaborate, richly embellished piece fit for the king it is named after. A walk with legacy Around four types of leather are used in making every chappal. The tough bull hide is for the sole, buffalo leather for the insole. Buffalo tails are pieced and crafted into toe straps while the skin of goats gets shaped into the top belt and traditional, decorative details, such as the veni or braid. Caste is seamlessly stitched into the process as each chappal passes through at least 25 pairs of hands. The tannery workers are dhors, a community that deals with dead cattle, skinning and tanning. In the next stage, charmakars craft chappals from the tanned leather that the dhors provide. Dhors and charmakar, marginalised and historically oppressed, are now a part of India's Scheduled Castes. Both communities are involved in the final step — marketing the chappals. After all the tanneries of Kolhapur city were closed by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board around 2015, hereditary tannery owners and experts, such as Sanjay Tapase, a dhor himself, has taken up the nearest familiar job, of selling chappals. 'Our work is considered smelly and unhygienic and looked down upon. The new generation is not coming into this profession,' says Gavali, a charmakar who has an MBA degree. Now in the hands of ageing artisans, the Kolhapuri craft is, possibly, on its last legs. An untapped potential 'Prada has shown Kolhapur what is possible,' says Anurag Kokitkar, who has been researching Kolhapuris since 2013 and founded a startup, Paytaan, to revive the authenticity of the footwear. He presented the Kolhapuri tradition to delegates at the G20 summit in Mumbai and has exported chappals to more than 17 countries, from the Netherlands, the UK, Germany and Ukraine to Australia, the US and Canada. 'We have to focus on quality and consistency. The ecosystem, however, is not very enthusiastic to grow, develop or change. They are okay because everyone is coming to their door and asking for the product. They shifted to cheap raw materials and eliminated all the crafting work three or four decades back,' he says. In Chappal Gali, lined with almost 100 shops, there is no dearth of designs for every budget. When the Prada team visited, the shopkeepers showed off their prized ware– chappals that can be rolled to pocket size; chappals embedded with 100 Scorpion Seeds that make a crunching sound when a wearer walks; Kolhapuris with pointed toes called Aamdar Chappal favoured by MLAs. These, however, seem lost among chappals aimed at budget tourists, who are lured by inexpensive pieces of the purists frown upon. 'Today, the majority of cheap quality Kolhapuri lookalikes are being made outside Kolhapur, at major footwear hubs all over India. Since retailers everywhere in India are selling 90 per cent low-quality 'Kolhapuris' that do not adhere to tradition, I see Prada as a mixed blessing. They have drawn attention to the safeguards that were lacking in the industry. This is sad because we are an 800-year-old tradition,' says Kokitkar. Anurag Kokitkar, a Kolhapuri expert and founder of a company, Paytan, to popularise authentic chappals says that spotting a fake Kolhapuri is pretty easy. As all the common chappals that are sold in the name of the Kolhapuri are fake or a cheap alternatives, it is spotting an authentic Kolhapuri that is the real challenge as they are rare. Based on the GI specifications of the Kolhapuri chappals, here are some pointers: Shades of Meaning: Vegetable tanned leather has a distinct colour colour, usually beige. This is true for all parts of the chappal, from sole to the uppers and heel. Any other colour, and you have a fake at your feet. Art lies in the details: Original Kolhapuri chappals have no nails or nylon threads. Every part is stitched by hand with vegetable tanned leather threads. Nothing is punched or pressed to look like a crafting element. Ear for tradition: Kolhapuri chappals have a unique feature– an ear-like flap on the sides called kaan. In past decades, when the Western Ghats were full of forests, the kaan protected the tender curve of the feet. It is the ear that connects the belt to the top sole. Braided by hand: Are there delicate braid work embellishing the chappal? An authentic chappal will always have handmade leather braids, often as thin as human hair, on the upper belt. Span of life: A fake Kolhapuri will not last longer than four-six months. There will also be mould and the fakes might easily break in the monsoon or if stored in a humid place. Authentic Kolhapuris don't attract fungus, and can last up to six years if maintained well. Check the tag: If the price is too good to be true, the chappals are likely to be fake. The cost of raw materials and craftsmanship of an authentic pair of chappals means that quality comes at a steep price. 'I have seen 'Kolhapuris' selling for about Rs 100 in wholesale rate. These are made from leather rejects and are not authentic,' says Kokitkar. Dipanita Nath is interested in the climate crisis and sustainability. She has written extensively on social trends, heritage, theatre and startups. She has worked with major news organizations such as Hindustan Times, The Times of India and Mint. ... Read More
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Kate Middleton never wears these 5 things in public
(Image Credits: Pinterest) Kate Middleton is undeniably one of the most stylish women in the British royal family. Considering her numerous duties as the future queen of England, she has keenly followed the rules and regulations as the Princess of Wales. She always abides by the royal directives, which include maintaining a strict dress code. Despite having an expansive wardrobe, there are a few rare fashion items that she rarely sports. This consists of a particular colour as well. The shade of orange The royals steer clear of the orange shade. However, this has a theory that doesn't photograph well. Although the late queen was spotted in this bright hue many a time, because of its bright palette, Kate Middleton refrains from wearing this hue. However, she's seen in peach and coral shades, which have always been on the table for her. (Image Credits: Pinterest) High wedges are a big no Although there's no royal rule against wearing sandals, Kate has never been seen wearing heeled wedges. It is said that the late queen didn't like its vibe, so Kate Middleton adhered to her tone and, on most of the accounts, is seen in high-heeled sandals, mules, and bellies. Kate Middleton's 10 stylish moments Sneakers and a purse don't go hand in hand Kate allegedly never wears a purse when she's donning sneakers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Book Extragrande 4 BHKs at 7 Mahalaxmi from 10.81 Cr* 7 Mahalaxmi, Runwal Group Enquire Now Undo Nobody knows the styling logic behind this, but speaking of sneakers, Kate prefers to stick to functional brands like Superga, New Balance, Nike, and Adidas, and has never seen sneaker brands like Converse and Puma. On top of that, she's never carried any of Princess Diana's handbags, even though she's inherited many pieces from Diana's personal collection. Cartier is a go-to choice Kate never wears a timepiece except for her Cartier Ballon Bleu watch, which looks formal and subtle. In nearly every public appearance, whether with a lavish gown or a simple co-ord set, she always carries this simple piece. Many of the other royals have been spotted in stunning timepieces, but Kate likes to keep things simple and subtle. (Image Credits: Pinterest) No Versace ensemble in the wardrobe While the Princess of Wales has been spotted wearing multiple luxurious labels from across the globe, there's one brand she's never seen in. It's Versace. Versace outfits are known for their bold, opulent, and sensual designs and include rich fabrics and intricate detailing, with iconic motifs that can be a daring pick for the royal princess. Although the brand is an epitome of female empowerment and luxury, she has never donned any of their pieces. The Princess of Wales couldn't be more of a beauty icon if she tried. Almost all of the things mentioned above seem like her personal choice, which makes her more refined and directive. She consistently maintains her impeccable style, making her unique and iconic. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
