custom-made indian dress: pastels by AJ // shoes: free people (sold out); similar vegan leather options linked here
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Occasionally on this blog I get to share something with you guys that I am extra, EXTRA excited about. Today is one of those days!
Recently, I got invited to a dear friend’s wedding. It was an Indian wedding, and I was so excited– in addition to just being over-the-moon happy for my friend, Indian weddings always looked so colorful and fun, and I had never been to one before. True to form, one of the first thoughts entering my head was “oooooh, what shall I wear???”
Then I met Aanchal Jain, custom-made dress designer extraordinaire. She is a true entrepreneur and artist in every sense; she makes all types of affordable, perfectly-tailored dresses– that, I already knew– but when I walked into her beautiful home for my fitting/design session, she also had her own gorgeous sketches and paintings covering the walls.
One thing I love about Aanchal is that she LISTENS. She wants to know what will make you feel good. I looked through a bunch of photos and samples until I found a color combination that I liked. I expressed to her VEHEMENTLY that I am anti-belly button! “No belly button showing, not now, not ever!” She giggled at me, and happily promised that she would make the skirt high waisted. I told her that I wanted an open back, and that I was open to short sleeves or a sleeveless top, but that “I would rather die than wear cap sleeves.” She once again smiled and politely jotted down my ridiculousness on a pad of paper, along with my measurements. She didn’t bat an eye when I told her that I don’t wear silk for ethical & philosophical reasons. She’s kind of the best.
Note: “Fashion people” will love this process because you basically get to design your own dress! You get to pick out the colors and textures and patterns and fabrics and fit. You get to choose whether you want a high collar and hook eye closures, or whether you want low cut and flowy. SO fun, if you’re into that kind of thing. On the other hand, I think you’ll love this process if you aren’t a natural born fashionista: Aanchal is such an expert and has fitted every body type and skin tone; she is definitely comfortable steering you in the right direction and putting in her two cents in regards to what will look best and for what occasion.
Pastels By Aj has a general turnaround time for a custom-made Indian dress of one month– but she got mine done in two weeks, which she evidently does frequently for her customers if need be. If you do not live in Dallas, just call her at 214-354-0218 and she can work with you over the phone.
I hope you are as excited about Aanchal and her amazing work as I am. I felt like a vibrant, feminine goddess in my dress, and it really did fit PERFECTLY. Let me know if you have any questions at all about her process and designs or my experience working with her… I would be so happy to share more!
XOX
M
