Runway: Vaishali S Spring/Summer 2023 Haute Couture

While surfing on internet today I found these delightful evening gowns from the Haute Couture house Vaishali S. This Indian Haute Couture house, from Mumbai, is mesmerizing the world with its elegant silhouettes and distinct design ethos deeply rooted in traditional Indian hand-weaving, intricate draping and innovative rope-weaving techniques. Below you will photos from their S/S 2023 Haute Couture collection. Be Inspired ........ 

The fashion designer, Vaishali Shadangule

Below you will find an interview with fashion designer Vaishali Shadangule (VS) and Cynthia El Khazen (CEK) from Orient Palms.

Cynthia El Khazen: What are your latest inspirations, especially for your upcoming Couture collection? Without revealing the theme...

Vaishali Shadangule: Nature has always been my enduring inspiration. My journey towards a deeper connection with nature is an ongoing, seamless evolution. Exploring new places and embracing novel experiences continuously pushes the boundaries, oscillating between periods that vividly depict and those that abstractly interpret. If I were to pinpoint a recent constant thread, it would be my exploration and immersion in a diverse spectrum of colors.

CEK: You’ve already pioneered mixing fabrics, materials, and weaving techniques. Are you open to incorporating new methods in your Indian Atelier? Which region of India ignites your inspiration the most, and which Indian women have inspired you?

VS: Absolutely, I’m consistently exploring new techniques! My aim is to globalize and preserve fading hand-weaving techniques from India. While Haute Couture serves as a platform for utilizing some techniques, others pose greater challenges. Presently, I’m engaged with artisans from 7 Indian states, experimenting with a few more. Every region and every woman in India exudes inspiration for me.

CEK: Did your European trips offer any particular inspiration? And what message do you have for European women?

VS: Nature in Europe, distinct yet equally inspiring, resonates with me. Interestingly, I found elements in European landscapes that I had previously envisaged in my designs - almost uncanny. Europe has inspired me with its emphasis on quality and meticulous attention to detail. To European women, I’d convey the importance of discovering the beauty, comfort, and social significance of handwoven fabrics.

CEK: You’ve already been featured in the official Haute Couture calendar in Paris. Why do you still aspire to be part of this calendar?

VS: Being a part of the Haute Couture calendar propels one to continually benchmark against the world’s finest, inviting comparisons and evaluations at the highest level. I firmly believe it’s incredibly stimulating, fostering a drive to improve daily across all aspects, not solely limited to creativity.

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Sources: Vaishali S, Orient Palms + Orient Palms - Debut article

Stunning dark grey kitchen design with a reclaimed wood island

I am totally in love with this beautiful kitchen design in dark grey with a reclaimed wood kitchen island. What a fantastic result! This kitchen has been renovated by Interior Design Studio Rafterhouse. Rafterhouse builds and remodels homes in the greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Their aesthetic values are rooted in the Arcadia community. For more photos, see the direct link below to their projectnr. 4117. Be Inspired ........

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Sources: DECOHOLIC and RAFTERHOUSE

Bridalwear: A Magnificent F/W 2024 bridal collection from Reem Acra, Blog 01

Magnificent F/W 2024 collection from Reem Acra. 

This season Reem Acra introduced an exciting classical collection, inspired by the core of the brand DNA. There were some real gems in this collection that are a modern re-interpretation of styles from the very first Reem Acra collection. This Fall collection offered a variety of accessories for the bride to celebrate her own unique style. It paid tribute to regal femininity and old-world elegance. Be Inspired .......  Earlier I wrote more blogs about 'Wedding Dresses', SEE HERE

Thank you for reading this blogpost. 

Sources: Reem Acra + Tom + Lorenzo
Photo Credit: Fadi Acra/Courtesy of Reem Acra
Photo's: courtesy of Reem Acra

Fashion: 2022 was the year of Valentino Pink ...... (Part 1)

Highlights from the Valentino fashionshow for their F/W 2022 RTW collection. Italian fashion designer and creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli adopted an extreme color strategy for this RTW collection. Every look on his runway was pink - a specifically vivid tone of vibrating fuchsia. Or it was black (I will show later on a serie of black outfits). He said he’d chosen what he called “monotone” to remove distractions and concentrate the viewers’ eyes on distinguishing the differences between silhouette and detail. That theory played out in a huge collection of 81 looks both for menswear and womenswear. The pink went on for 40 silhouettes from head to toe (showed in either extremely high platform shoes or chunky sneakers), in everything from tiny bubble dresses to long, narrow tabards, to crinolined bells; from sweeping opera coats to tailored suits and overcoats. For more blogs about Valentino SEE HERE This blogpost was earlier published on 18-12-2022

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Source: VOGUE
Photos: courtesy of Valentino

Decorating Ideas: Gorgeous Color and Styling Inspiration by Jotun

While surfing on internet this afternoon I came across some gorgeous color and styling inspirations from the Norwegian paint company and color specialist Jotun. Although the colors are from their 2019 collection, I find the colors very timeless, beautiful and refined. Lovely color palettes with warm earthy colors, soft neutrals and shades of green. I added several links below for your information. Be Inspired ........ Earlier I wrote more blogs about 'COLORS', SEE HERE

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Sources: Nordic Design, Jotun and Eclectic Trends

Styling: Krakvik Dorazio
Photography: Line Klein

Lighting Design: Copper fade pendants by Tom Dixon (01)

While surfing earlier on internet I saw these beautiful copper fade pendants by Tom Dixon. Love the round shapes and the deep copper color. Designer Tom Dixon showed an array of his work at the ICFF in 2016 (International Contemporary Furniture Fair). His bold and shiny collections there included lighting, tables, stools and tabletop accessories. This blogpost is a repost from my blog from 22-05-2016. Be Inspired .........

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 Sources: Design Milk and Tom Dixon

Renovation: The Most Popular Exterior House Paint Colors for 2026

 The Most Popular Exterior House Paint Colors for 2026.
A house is more than just a place to live — its exterior is a reflection of your personality and style. In this video, we reveal the 10 most popular exterior house colors for 2026 and share paint brand recommendations to help you pick the perfect shade for your home. From warm neutrals to earthy greens and bold statement colors, these trending paint colors will give your home incredible curb appeal and timeless beauty. Whether you’re planning a full exterior renovation or just looking for inspiration, these colors will guide you toward a stylish and modern choice for 2026.

Featured Colors:

Melodious Ivory – Dutch Boy Paints

Hidden Gem – Behr Paints

Cypress Garden – Dutch Boy Paints

10 Gallon Hat – Dutch Boy Paints

Rodeo Tan – Behr Paints

Warm Eucalyptus – Valspar

Groundbreaking – Valspar

Coral Island – Sherwin-Williams

French Canvas (OC-41) – Benjamin Moore

Warm Mahogany – PPG Paints

If you want your house to stand out in 2026, this video will inspire you with exterior paint colors that are warm, natural and full of character.

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Source: You Tube video via Best Color Design

Bridal Wear: Carolina Herrera Bridal F/W 2020

Would like to share with you today a flashback from the Carolina Herrera Bridal’s F/W 2020 collection. A beautiful and timeless collection ...... Here, designer Wes Gordon unveiled a lineup of 11 pieces. These designs exude classic elegance with ivory gowns in feminine silhouettes. From A-line shapes to trumpet flares and drop waist silhouettes, the Carolina Herrera bride wants to be modern yet traditional. Fabrics include silk mikado, rich jacquard, floral lace appliqué and pleated tulle. Beaded accents, oversized bows and floral thread work provide unique details for these wedding dresses. Be Inspired ....... Earlier I wrote more blogs about Wedding Dresses, SEE HERE





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Sources: Carolina Herrera and Fashion Gone Rogue
Photos: courtesy of Carolina Herrera