Diva Dhavan x Gigi and Madison Minaudiere (Ahikoza for @rockystarofficial release) in Hello! India.

HELLO! STYLE DIARY      

EYE ON FASHION

NAMRATA DUDANEY

WITH HER LABEL, AHIKOZA (FAVOURED BY CELEBRITIES SUCH AS SONAM KAPOOR AND KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN), THE INTREPID CREATIVE DESIGNS BESPOKE EXOTIC SKIN COLLECTIONS. SHE WELCOMES HELLO! TO HER ADOPTED HOME, BALI, FOR a remarkable tale of sartorial style

Top Trends: Top style trends in Bali

In Bali, it is all about stylistic minimalism and simplicity. The key to keeping your look minimal is choosing to wear simple silhouettes with the right accessories that transcend from day to night. All you really need is one simple piece. Less really is more. Play with color and texture.

Street Style: Best street style looks

Stylish but relaxed and easy. Linen dresses, distressed shorts, straw hats, and bags to take from day to night. Street style is all about comfort chic. My favorite accessory being sunglasses (aviators are still my favorite), and the Carolina bucket bag from my own label!
The right combination elevates an outfit perfectly.

Style Muse: In your opinion which celebrities epitomize Bali chic? And why?

Rocky Barnes, the fashion blogger epitomizes Bali chic for sure! She wears relaxed ensembles with sexy cuts and bright pops, perfectly. More recently, Kareena Kapoor’s Maldives looks definitely epitomized island chic, as well. Straw bags, easy kaftans and bright colors definitely certified her as Island Savvy and Bali ready!

Highlights: for shopping, style watching (all fashion related) etc.

Bali, The Island of the Gods offers a heartwarming array and experience of history, culture, and traditions through architecture, people and style! The creative energy is palpabale. From young gen fashionistas to veteran/icons. Bali is a meeting ground of Island warmth and fashion enthusiasts. A simple sarong, an iconic Balinese traditional wrap around – is so beautifully styled by tourists and locals alike. This is jut one example among many chic and individual ways people express themselves in conjunction to Islands warm soul.

Bali High: Top style brands from Bali (can mention ahikoza here too)

Bali has some great brands!          
To name a few
Mister Zimmi, Magali Pascal, Lulu Yasmine and
Ahikoza. All luxury yet accessible brands right in the heart of the island.

The chicest must-visits:  restaurants, bars, clubs, neighborhoods etc

Bali is an island that is always up beat and pumping.
Living here, I always love exploring new joints! So many parts of the island that are yet to be explored. Current favorites and must go to’s I would have to say are
-The Alila Seminyak, for great day and night beachfront dining.
-The Savage Kitchen, Canggu is a chill spot with yummy comfort food.
-Karma Kandara Beach Club in Uluwatu for great daytime beach club experience, amidst clearest waters on the Island.
-Newly Opened Bali Praia for an elevated lounge experience!
Last but not least-of course Ubud. That area has amazing hidden, and hole in the wall gems. Bisma 8 Hotel, being my current favorite. 

TEXT: FARAH PALIA

Namrata Dudaney is the Co-Founder of Ahikoza (two Sanskrit words combined together that mean 'the casr of snakeskin') an exotic skins luxury brand that specialies in women's handbags. Being an aficionado of exotic skins and handbags, Ahikoza provided the perfect opportunity to merge her two loves. Namrata elucidates, "With the launch of the label, we offer a select collection of unique handbag designs in beautiful, bold colours of exotic skins. Made by 21st century women, for the 21st century woman."

The vision... "As a designer I think it's your responsibility to always push boundaries and continue growing. Each Ahikoza handbag has a story behind it. My vision for Ahikoza is to continually elevate this by working with different treatments, jewels and skins. Offering my clientele value addition handbags that are cutting edge, yet timeless to their collection."

Your signature aesthetic... "With so many designers respectfully focusing on exotic skins, I wanted to differentiate Ahikoza with a bang! Our aesthetic is exotics merger with geometrics. Our pieces are influenced by architectural installations, all intricately handmade to the millimeter. As far as my personal style aesthetic is more concerned - you can never go wrong with black."

Top style must-dos... "Less is more. Staple pieces such as ripped jeans, and a classic white tee never fail. It's the woman who carries any outfit - and it's all about how she makes it her own."

The design tools you can't live without... "My diary, sketch board and camera."

A piece from your collection that is the perfect reflection of your signature aesthetic? "The Madison minaudiere is the perfect reflection of the label's signature aesthetic. Understated luxury, that's unique due to its signature geometrical elements."

What have been the greatest rewards from realising you design dreams? "Customisations are one of my favourite aspects of the business. My designs are an extension of my art and being able to share that is one of the greatest rewards."

Which designer's ethos speaks to you? "I have a love and appreciation for many designers. To name a few icons - Stella McCartney, Giambattista Valli, Tom Ford and Anamika Khanna. Their aesthetics are so true to their labels and you can find a piece of the brands spirit in each piece."

Style muse... "Hard to pick one! My top three would be Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Sonam Kapoor. They're effortless and also experiment with different styles so very well."

Tell us about some of the celebrities who've worn your label... "Having celebrities support Ahikoza has been so rewarding and flattering as a designer. We've had Sonam Kapoor and Bhumi Pednekar; to name a few, wear the label and have also furnished the personal wardrobes of many names internationally."

What's next? "I have my second label Leather United (bespoke travel essentials) launching at the end of the year. The aesthetic is completely different to Ahikoza, which is very exciting as a designer and I can't wait to share it. Personally - I'm a moonchild. To live with abandon... live, love, and laugh!"