Crasher-gate. It’s our own styleblueprint term for the polo watching socialite couple from Northern Virginia that caused quite a lot of security questions over the Thanksgiving Holiday. But, with the striking beauty of Michelle Obama’s dress by an Indian designer, and Michaele Salahi’s scarlet Lehnga, what I want to talk about is India’s role of influence on our high-end fashion. I mean, I know, security security security. Don’t fret, the rest of the web is talking about that….
The Lehnga style gown, the traditional gown of India, has never had better PR– in the sense that no PR is bad PR. We all have the image of Michaele hugging up with Joe Biden with her left hand on his chest (very possessive pose I thought…). And, while the world wanted to know HOW they got in, I couldn’t help but wonder if it wasn’t a tad bit because of how daring her choice of dress was. And, it also struck me a bit like wearing red to a wedding: poor taste. America has now seen this dress at one of the most high-end events of the year, over and over again. In my opinion the dress looks better in the picture with Joe Biden (who can deny the beauty of that sleeve?) than seen in its full length. However, I can’t help but speculate that we may see some more of these gowns turn up at black/white tie events in the next year. There has been such a move toward “tribal” dressing, why not take the shape of the Lehnga and run with it? Or at least some of those beautiful Indian beaded fabrics. Slumdog Millionaire opened the pop culture door to Indian fashion, but Crasher-Gate brought Indian fashion to the Thanksgiving table dinner conversation!
I'm kinda surprised she didn't spring for Henna Tattos....
Michelle Obama’s dress was simply gorgeous and was designed by Naeem Khan, also from India originally. So, is this India’s big opportunity to break into high fashion with full force? Look at the dress that Michelle wore.
Now, this next dress is also by Naeem Khan and while it has overtures of the 70’s, it also has a bit of Lehnga style thrown in. Full length and hello to any gala.
Do a google search for Lehngas and you will see some beautiful gowns. The wedding collection seems to be the most ornate and lovely. Tweak this style and you have a winner. OK Nashville, who will wear one to the next black tie event? It will take some serious confidence, and you can’t have straw yellow hair that has been straightened or you will look like a costume of Micheala. But, for the adventurous, and someone who can spring for a custom dress, a nod toward Indian style would be stunning…
