Personal Style: Little Black Sari

Soraya - The Fashion Orientalist - Photography @ 2014 Roeland Topée | ZinneBeelden

I recently organized a personal style shoot to celebrate the first anniversary of The Fashion Orientalist. This is our very first personal style article for which I worked together with a couple of talented people. I got in touch with photographer Roeland Topée, make-up artist Raisa (owner of Almira’s Beautique), ‘Duivenvoorde Castle’ and designer Shweta Wahi to put this shoot together. The idea behind the shoot was to create East meets West looks, which resulted in two different looks. The idea behind the first, was to create a look appealing to women from the East and the West, both contemporary and traditional. I decided to go for an Indian style gown; a sari and combined it with a simple crop-top purchased at ASOS.com. I got inspired by a recent trend in Indian fashion; the little black sari, the Indian version of the little black dress, a wardrobe essential. I am a big fan of designer Sabysachi’s black sari designs, which are often combined with beautiful lace or embroidered borders. His designs are very mature, classy and lady-like. I decided to recreate this signature Sabyasachi look. I borrowed a black sari from my dear aunt, who has visited India several times and owns an impressive collection of Indian clothing. I am in love with this sari; the floral, lace border is beyond stunning. It is simple and chic!

Make-up artist Raisa spiced this look up by adding a bold, red lip color from Chanel (Rouge Allure Pirate). She created a classy make-up look for me, combining shades of brown for the eyes, adding in highlights with a matte shade of silver. I teamed it up with a beige/silver pearl nail color to compliment the silver necklace and simple earrings. I also love the hairstyle Raisa put together, a simple but classy knot up-do.

My personal style revolves around my fashion motto to keep it simple. This black look is easy on the eyes and appealing to women of different cultures, from East to West. You can also create a modest, hijab style ensemble with this sari by combining it with a modest top and veil.

We shot this look at Duivenvoorde castle, a castle turned mansion which is now a museum in The Netherlands. The Marot hall features several stunning wall paintings and the walls are decorated with gold ornaments. It gives the entire shoot a regal feel and I must admit, I day-dreamed about it being my own castle several times during this shoot.

I hope you guys like our very first personal style shoot, let us know what you think! Also look out for part two of this personal style shoot featuring a designer look by Shweta Wahi.