The Imitation Fame

Replacing 'R' from Dior is quiet thoughtful though.

Everyday you would come across young guys wearing puma jackets (do not forget the size of their logo). The gold LV-and-flowers monogram against a brown bag and Cartier's watch is famous in a local markets of India. Reports says, the size of the fake luxury products market in India is Rs 2,500-3,000 crore. That is 5-6 per cent of the overall luxury products market in the country, which is worth Rs 49,000 crore. 

The counterfeit is quiet discouraging for designers, especially the ones who are young and new to fashion industry. LVMH argues that when users search for key trademark items, copied goods appear in the search engine. 

The biggest supplier of counterfeit is China! The total value of counterfeit goods originating in China is estimated to be $1.22 billion. Oh well, That is huge. And you don't only see Diou instead of Dior, you will also get to see Sunbucks instead of Starbucks and Hiayatt in the place of Hyatt. (Amazed yet? ) It is said that it does not only discourage the luxury brands but also affects an educational and business culture that still demotivate creativity and innovation. The result is that many Chinese companies, products and services are simply mirror images of ideas developed in the West.  Yua Hua has also summarized it in his book “China In Ten Words,” the most common and important word is “Copycat”

No hard feelings China ! We love your original WeChat ;)

Why Upset The Mirror

Who has never felt the urge of looking at the mirror while passing by it? Even when there are rush hours and you have to be in office on time. One of my friends used to check her out in the temple made of glasses while a lots of people were worshiping for their day at office. "God has created us" They say. Creation really needs to be admired. 

The mirror makes us engaged to ourselves. It provokes us to define ourselves with the image we see. It shows the beautiful eye lenses and the hidden scar of the body. It communicates to you before you give the enveloped appearance to people beyond your room. 

Few people will be terrified if they are asked to leave their dressing room without looking at the mirror, and others would find it safe to avoid the mirror every now and then.  

Gregory Maguire feels there is some sort of exaggeration lies in the mirror,
"Have you ever noticed when you look in a mirror, unless you are really depressed or something, the person in the mirror generally looks a little more competent, a little more curious, a little more intelligent than you actually feel yourself to be? They often look more interesting and more soulful"  

So, have you ever noticed? May be this time you should look closely. 

Change Is Omnipresent

Change!
Are we sure newness is always welcomed? Think twice! Innovation can also be destructive for your mind. 

Have you ever wondered why  showing the skin with short length envelopes is considered ugly and low standard practice in many cultures? Even if we wear no clothes to experience the most intense encounter of our life- sex! 

We as early man never worn garments. Then the longing for status in the community changed the history and this emotion invented fashion.

Bikini was scandalous, in 1951 first ever miss world pageant gave contestants a chance to wear the bikini, though it was banned afterwards. I thought nearly after 60 years we must have become open to openness. By the early 2000s bikini had become the business of millions. But! Miss World pageant has recently decided not to feature bikini round in the competition. "It does not do anything for women" they say!

It was also very lawful when they said. "History repeats itself" I sometimes doubt on the fact that humans are evolving! 

Wraps of Distinctiveness

I love McQueen! He has always been the constant source of inspiration during my college life. Such a rebel is only born once in many years in the society. His work was enough to change the perception towards fashion. he broke the rules. 

Talking of breaking the rules; it is not only about following a fashion, but making a style statement is an inclination these days. Statement prints, boy friend tee shirt, cross culture dressing and the widely accepted unisex silhouettes are few of the examples of carrying off the personal style.

We live in the age of globalization. Education is now accessible without leaving the room. technology is helping us to make bold statements on life style, movies, bans in the countries and other several issues. A layman can also comment freely on the decision taken for the development of the country. 

We are a smarter, more liberal, courageous and open minded generation. We are meant to break the rules to form the new ones for us. And clothing is one of our favorite form of expression.   

Conditions Decides The Color ?

The picture was taken at the Chand Baori Step Well which is in Abhaneri, Rajasthan. Rajasthan; the land of the kings; is famous for its largest area covered in India. Rajasthan has the world's largest desert- That Desert! It covers the 60% of the area of the state.
Have you ever wondered why the tradition and culture of Rajasthan is rich, colorful and bright? People of Rajasthan wear vivid colors and lively embroidery to make the spirit alive of the monotone and barren desert. The colors are the symbol of the absence of blossoming flowers.  

How did your state influence your appealing ? What is your envelope like ?

Their definition of the Envelop

Is the piece of your wardrobe going to solve the purpose of the party, office meeting or beauty sleep? Or it has a deeper meaning and association? Let's find out!

No belongings after you die?

The bridge which connects us all ?

Culture is the root of clothing, or clothing defines culture? Think again!

Try to look beyond today!

Photographs © Abhaya Sharma 

We All Have A Story To Tell

So, It is just when we come into view. A word might have not been uttered but the statement has already been made. It is what we wear and the way we decorate our body. Every single segment of enhancement beautify us. It speaks on behalf of us. Cut short hair, gold chain on your neck, embroidered dress, tattoo on the calf, the lavish leather boots, biker jacket or engagement ring: It describes you at once. It makes you belong to something. It gives you an identity.   

Fashion for me is not only about glitz and glamour but it is every single element which creates an identity- a STORY. 

I am Abhaya Sharma; 22 years old working as a fashion designer in Delhi. Having lived in 6 different cities I consider myself as a part of India. I did my graduation in fashion design from Pearl Academy, Jaipur. Making people move emotionally by creating new stuff has always been my hobby. I love travelling, photography, designing and art. I believe I am an explorer. I love to dance like nobody is watching me. I love to share stories with people. 'Enveloped Appearance' is an initiative to share the feelings, meanings, purposes, romance and adventure of the decorated body.     

Let's celebrate the Envelope!