Inspirations

So what do a gorgeous garden, your neighbor’s dog, and a rainbow display of bangle bracelets have in common? . . . Inspirations for the debut collection of Shubrah, of course! The designer admits she finds inspiration in a surprisingly broad and varied array of sources, and that is certainly evident in the freshness and creativity of her designs. Perhaps most fittingly for a company founded on environmental awareness and sustainable business practices, much inspiration has come from nature. Some gorgeous blooms in her spring garden, for example, were the inspiration for the floral accent motif in some of this season’s holiday collection fashions.






With fabrics and detailing coming mainly from India, color inspirations are ubiquitious – from the bolts of new fabrics to the glittering displays of bangle bracelets in New Delhi boutiques – vibrant colors and patterns are a trademark of the Shubrah line.

But some of the loveliest inspirations can also be the most personal. While chic and high-fashion on one level, the Shubrah line has elements of whimsy as well . . . such as that inspired by the designer’s daughter, Shreeya. An avid dog lover, Shreeya created the adorable doggie logo for the Mishtee line of t-shirts for men, women, and children.

Design is really a reflection of how the designer sees the world . . . how she translates disparate sources of inspiration into a cohesive line of products. For the Shubrah fusion fashion line, it’s about the natural, the whimsical, and the art of pulling it all together into “environmentally aware chic”!

Fusion confusion

Friends and fellow fashionistas . . .

“Fusion” (but not the nuclear kind!) is a word that has long been used in the food realm . . . both for better and for worse. Who hasn’t enjoyed a yummy meal that combined culinary influences – perhaps Chinese and Indian, or Vietnamese and French? But then there are the less notable experiences – like shrimp curry on a pizza or pad thai enchiladas. Fusion does not mean “free-for-all”!

In fashion, the concept of “fusion” can run the same risks. For example, a sombrero and a sari won’t work well together (unless you’ve had a LOT of tequila first!) And you wouldn’t want to pair cowboy boots with a silk Mao jacket. But the marriage of Indian-inspired fabrics and Western-style designs? That is one way that fashion fusion can be fabulous. And flexible – because fashion fusion helps you to create innovative new looks that work in a variety of contexts.

Look at how easily fashion fusion can work with things you already have in your closet.

For women, let’s start with a chutney stripe silk dress. A perfect example of fusion – pure Indian silk taffeta in soft brown shades, rich embroidery, georgette sleeves, modern just-above-knee length. Chic for evening with strappy sandals; equally trendy over skinny jeans or with boots.


The Bombay jacket is similarly versatile. The soft silhouette works as well over a little black dress or as it does over jeans. The rich silk fabric permits such flexibility -- you can dress it up or down, and it holds its own in any context. The unusual cut and styling provide ample modern flair.


For men, fusion can be even easier (why is life often so much easier for men?!) A mens shirt made from silk dupioni takes perfect advantage of Indian textiles, whether in plain colors, stripes, or patterns. The western styling, plus option for either regular or french cuffs, allows it to be worn either casually or formally. Wear it with a jacket and dress pants for the office or formal evening out; pair it with jeans to look casual but cool.


And for kids, fashion fusion is all about fun! A unisex kids kurta boasts Indian fabric, vibrant colors, and embroidered details, but the versatility is all western. A boy can wear it over chinos or jeans for any occasion. For a girl, it is adorable with leggings, skinny jeans or a skirt. How's that for multi-tasking fashion?




Fashionable, flexible, fabulous, fun . . . that’s fashion fusion at Shubrah.com! Watch our blog for future entries on fashion fusion guidelines; how to break the rules “right”; how to wear color well; and more. Of course we’d love your thoughts and reactions -- tell us what you’d like to hear about. And please visit us at http://www.shubrah.com/ for our whole line of eco-friendly items for the family and home.