WHEN it comes to fashion, anything goes. In our globalised world, no one would blink an eye at a creative mix and match… well, unless your sparkling jewel causes them to.As part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Singapore JewelFest, the Indian Women’s Association (IWA) presented Designers Adorn Divas on Oct 18, a runway show that showcased contemporary jewellery matched with the latest trends in Indian couture from Singaporean and Indian fashion designers.The show brought together designers who have moved base from India with home-grown labels to inspire, as part of the IWA’s goal to integrate local women entrepreneurs with the expatriate Indian community.IWA vice-president Sharmila Arora, who curated the show with fellow IWA member Varuna Gupta, told tabla!: “The choice of jewellery to match the designers’ outfits is mainly to create a contemporary look which is not necessarily traditional Indian.“The outfits, though designed by Indian designers of Singapore, are catering to ladies who are getting ready for the oncoming festivities. They are for those who are happy to make a fashion statement, not necessarily within the ‘˜norms’ of traditional Indian attire.‘The photographs on these pages show contemporary jewel pieces from Lee Hwa Jewellery, Goldheart Jewelry, TianPo Jewellery as well as Singapore-based Indian jewellers The Jewel Box and Vihari matched with both traditional and modern Indian fashion.The precious baubles were paired with the couture designs of Sonali Jain of Divine Raga, Neita Sehgal of Emage Storr, Dina Thacker of Ishka, Kuljinder Kaur of Jinder’s and Vandana Evanna of Evanna Fashions House.This year’s festival is held in two editions, the second edition which started on Oct 17 will feature European labels, such as Zancan Italian Jewellery from Italy and Lode Martens from Belgium, which will be showcasing their collections.Ishka’s luxurious sari, designed by Dina Thacker, is matched with the extravagant diamond creations by Vihari Jewels (right). Adding oomph to the look is a necklace made of white and yellow diamonds, set in 18k white, yellow and rose gold. It weighs a surprising 282g. The necklace is complemented by a pair of white and yellow diamond earrings set in 18k white and yellow gold and a bracelet, also adorned with white and yellow diamonds.There is no better way to mark the year of the dragon than with jewels. The Jewel Box, a local private jeweller, has designed a Dragon Necklace (right) made of South Sea pearls and diamonds set on 14K gold.The designers at The Jewel Box wanted to recreate the magic and flexibility of the mythical creature so that the individual pieces are able to rest comfortably on the wearer.The hand-crafted necklace is matched beautifully with this teal two-piece couture gown creation from Evanna Fashions House helmed by Fashion designer Vandana Evanna known for her avant garde bent.
Brides, you might want to consider this ensemble (left), for your wedding trousseau. This ornate stone-and sequin-studded design by Kuljinder Kaur of Jinder’s is amped up by Goldheart Jewelry Amaranth Majesty Necklace, one of its showstoppers at this year’s JewelFest. The necklace made of pear-shaped peach-pink Morganites, also known as pink emeralds, and clustered with 1,173 diamonds is set in white gold. The Morganite lays claim to complementing any skin tone. This ensemble is matched with a pair Goldheart Colorella earrings made of diamond and coloured stones and given an extra sparkle with the jeweller’s Regalia Bracelet.It is Indian panache with a dash of Italian style. This lengha set (right) by Neeta Sehgal of Emage Storr gets an Italian twist with TianPo’s Jewellery Marco Bicego collection. The five-strand Marrakech diamond necklace set in 18K gold sets off the colour and details of the suit matched by the five-strand, hand-engraved 18k gold bracelet with mixed semi-precious stones.Adding a pop of drama is TianPo’s diamond and gold RG Gems ring.Divinity and joy come together in this ensemble (right) as Lee Hwa Jewellery’s Joyful Devotion diamonds and blue sapphires necklace set in white gold, with the matching pair of earrings, drapes Divine Raga’s sari piece, designed by Sonali Jain. Definitely one for the dinner party circuit this festive season.