Indian Clothes in Dallas – Custom Designed Dresses and Menswear

Category: Culture

  • The Fashionista Event of the Year!

    The Fashionista Event of the Year!

    “The Fashionista event of the year“ – that is what one of the attendees called the Eighth Annual Silk Threads Charity Gala on Oct 14th. The event benefited the Asia Center at University of Dallas, and was held at the new Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center on UTD campus.

    The morning started with an interview of Ruby Bhandari, CEO of Silk Threads, on Fox4 News, talking about the event and giving a sneak peek of what to expect.

    The evening weather was perfect for the gala – clear skies, and pleasant – and the location was sparkling. The decor, provided by Decor by Faiza, was fabulous and matched the colorful theme – which was the influence of fashion on cinema. This year again saw a sold-out crowd of Dallas’ who’s-who come out dressed in their finest.

    By 6:30 pm, everyone was in place, with volunteers and wait staff looking sharp dressed in black, the drink sponsors Kruto vodka, Ironroot Republic Gin and Bourbon, and Topo Chico, as well as food sponsors The Gardens Restaurant and Bombay Chopstix ready and waiting for the guests. A dessert table was setup inside the hall, featuring Indian sweets from Royal Sweets and pastries from Delicious Cakes.

    The VIP reception started at 7 pm, with guests mingling, photographers busily clicking, and bloggers live-blogging. Quite a few of the local media personalities were present from organizations like Fox, ABC, TV Asia and Dallas Morning News.

    The show itself was divided into multiple segments, showing the progression of fashion from 70’s to modern day, and the influence of Hollywood on Indian cinema to begin with, and how the trend has slightly reversed nowadays. Over 40 models from different agencies, including Bella Modeling School, participated in the show. Ruby Bhandari, the Chief Designer of Silk Threads, created different looks to highlight this underlying theme, and each of her pieces drew appreciation from the crowd.

    The Master of Ceremonies was LeeAnn Locken, the star of Bravo TV’s Real Housewives of Dallas. The show was kicked off by a mesmerizing song by a local singer, Priyanka. LeeAnn kept the crowd entertained, as the models changed between segments.

    Terry Gajraj, the famous Indo-Carribbean singer from New York, performed a song – his take on the famous “Om Shanti Om” song from a Bollywood movie, which really got the crowd in the mood. Terry was brought to Dallas by the Platinum Sponsor of the Gala, Pete Persaud Productions, which is also shooting a music video with Terry in Dallas.

    The final segment was themed “The Monsoon Wedding“, which showcased the men’s and women’s bridal line from Ruby Bhandari. All the pieces in the line were head-turners, with attendees mentally booking some of the pieces for themselves.

    The party wasn’t over yet. Outspoken Visions Entertainment and DJ Raj from Stereo Nation LA took over from here, and brought the crowd to their feet – dancing away till it was closing time!

    This event raised more funds than any of Silk Threads’ previous Galas – and all proceeds are being used to setup a scholarship at UTD. As Sanjeeb Samanta, one of the guests, said “Great event!

    I know it takes a lot to put these together and the amount of planning that goes into it. Your team did great and the designs and show was impressive. As an alum of UTD, thanks for supporting one of our programs. As an active leader in the DFW non-profit community, thank you for your compassion and generosity every year to support different causes and groups.

    We need more people in the DFW community with your heart and will”!

    Ruby Bhandari, CEO of Silk Threads said, ” Thanks to all our guests, volunteers and sponsors for their effort to provide educational opportunities for the needy. We are amazed at the support, and this is what keeps us trying to raise the bar for our events every year”.

  • I Have a Few Rubies in My Closet – AmyHofland

    I Have a Few Rubies in My Closet – AmyHofland

    Crow 31 Days: I Have a Few Rubies in My Closet

    by Amy Lewis Hofland, Executive Director, Crow Collection of Asian Art

    (For those of you who don’t know Amy, she is the smiling face at the Crow Collection museum in the Dallas Arts District, a hidden gem. They have several extraordinary pieces in their permanent collection, including a red sandstone wall from a fort in Rajasthan, India! They host several visiting artists from all over Asia several times a year, and have programs like wellness and yoga classes. The location can also be rented for exclusive events. We have been fortunate to work with them over the years, and Amy and her team have always been gracious and accommodating.

    This surprise, unedited, blog post floored us…we love you, Amy!)

    Her name is Ruby Bhandari. She is part lightning bug, part butterfly, part unicorn: you’ve never met anyone like her. Mysteriously she never sleeps, and miraculously she can draw something in Dallas, Texas and within hours, a sewing machine in New Delhi, India is bring it to form. Ruby is magic.

    I met Ruby and her amazing husband Raj for the second time though their magnanimous offer to create a fashion show for our members at the museum over 15 years ago. We are convinced we met years earlier on the campus of the University of Texas as we both served on the Cabinet of College Councils. It is the kind of friendship where–when we met “officially” we all felt like we’d known each other forever.

    Ruby is a dear friend, but Ruby is also an accomplished fashion designer and entrepreneur. She started her company Silk Threads while still as student at UT. She is the epitome of tenacity.

    Ruby works two shifts for two time zones: telecommuting with India has it’s challenges. She fills her day meeting with clients in Dallas, working on her many distribution projects, designing the next season and building the business.

    Walking into the showroom is better than Alice in Wonderland. Ruby has a team of devoted employees–and she pops in and out between calls and clients to offer a style or a color: she knows how to create something ravishing.

    Her confidence is magnetic: I’ve walked in planning just to stop by and say hello. I’ve walked out with mid-riff bearing sarees, jewelry, salwar kameez, gowns fit for royalty and two tunics commissioned for the opening of our sculpture garden.

    She is a marketing genius, a talented businesswoman and simply impossible to say “no” to. Once you see the Ruby, you are part of a marvelous elixir: an intoxicating concoction of joy, glamour and fun. Ruby dressed me for an engagement party, several local galas, a fashion show and several evenings with the Asia Society at the Tiger Ball in Houston. She even dressed me for the opening of an exhibition we supported in New Delhi-sending her cousin to our hotel for a last-minute fitting. Ruby was thousands of miles away on the phone: designing by satellite.

    Ruby’s success has been earned: over 25 years of grit and courage. She is recognized as one of the first designers to bring Indian fashion to the region. Raj has been a guiding light in their partnership and in their business. This is one of my favorite Power Couples in Dallas.

    A visit to the Silk Threads showroom will not disappoint. Plan to spend a few hours sifting through the gowns, and do not be afraid to try something bold. Be like Alice in this wonderland and drink it all up. I promise you’ll walk out smiling. And you just might find a few Rubies in your closet, too.

  • Whenever a formal occasion arises, Silk Threads is the first place that comes to mind

    Whenever a formal occasion arises, Silk Threads is the first place that comes to mind

    Our featured clients today are one of our favorites – the Khataw family from Austin, TX. All the members of the family are fashion conscious, and with Ali being a photography buff, most of the pictures we see from them are near perfect. We asked them to share their thoughts – please see their responses below.

    Incidentally, Salva, the daughter, is busy designing her bridal trousseau, as well as what the rest of the family will be wearing, with Ruby and the Silk Threads team…stay tuned! (more pictures on facebook)

    What was the special occasion you were trying to find dresses for? What designs did you have in mind? 

    • Whenever a formal occasion arises, Silk Threads is the first place that comes to mind.

    What brought you to Silk Threads? 

    • We’ve been shopping at Silk Threads for over 6 years and love the elegant designs and professional staff.

    What do you like most about Silk Threads and its staff? 

    • We love the unique designs that Silk Threads provides and the personal attention we receive at every appointment. Ruby always goes out of her way to ensure that our vision comes to life.

    Any tips for our readers? 

    • If you’re looking for unique and custom designs for your next event – Silk Threads is your boutique! 

    Thanks Ali, Nahid, Salva and Zain – we love working with you all!

  • What do Gamzatti, the Indian Princess, and Silk Threads have in common?

    What do Gamzatti, the Indian Princess, and Silk Threads have in common?

    Here is a short interview with Roberta, mother of Eden Ryder, who competed in the semifinals of Youth America Grand Prix Ballet. Eden was looking for the costume for an Indian princess, which while looking rich and regal, would allow her to do her routine. As you can see from the pictures, we succeeded – not only is Eden looking gorgeous, but her flawless routine has taken her into the Finals!

    What was the special occasion/event you were trying to find dresses for?

    The Special Occasion was Youth America Grand Prix (www.yagp.org). We were looking for a costume for the Classical Ballet Variation Gamzatti from the Ballet La Bayadere. Eden was going to compete in the Dallas Semifinals. Gamzatti is an Indian Princess so we wanted to look as authentic as possible.

    Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) is the world’s largest global network of dance. It fulfills its mission of dance education through scholarship auditions, master classes, alumni services, educational and outreach activities, performances, and films.

    YAGP reaches over 7,000 dance students annually by holding workshops, scholarship auditions, master classes and audition classes in approximately 17 U.S cities and 6 international locations. Each season culminates in the week-long New York Finals, where more than 1,200 of the world’s most promising dancers receive in-depth mentoring and greater scholarship, professional, and performance opportunities. The New York Finals closing night “Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow” Gala features the students showing the most potential alongside the stars of today’s leading dance companies.

    What designs did you have in mind?

    We were looking for a blouse and skirt for Eden to wear as she performed on stage. Ruby had never done a ballet costume before and was willing to work with us.

    What do you like the most about Silk Threads and its staff?

    Ruby and the Staff were very professional and finished the project to the very end to make sure we were happy with the final result. The quality of the pieces were outstanding, from the fabric, hand embroidery and color.

    Any tips for our readers?

    Silk Threads (Ruby) is capable of creating high end designs not only for Indian Weddings but for any event. She can take a vision and bring it to life at an affordable cost.

    Thank you Roberta and Eden, for the opportunity to work on

     the Ballet costume – Eden, you looked gorgeous!

  • How India’s Fashion traditions made their way into the American mainstream

    How India’s Fashion traditions made their way into the American mainstream

    When you think about Indian-American fashion, you may picture traditional Bollywood saris, sequins, and midriff-baring crop tops with full-embellished skirts!

    However, it may surprise you to know how much Indian fashion’s traditions and designs  have made its way into the American mainstream. With a rapid increase of Indian-American population, as well as Americans’ fascination for colors and designs fueled by social media, it is easy to see how this influence in fashion choices was bound to happen.

    One of traditional aspects of Indian fashion is the use of embellishments – from sequins, beads and stones, done over delicate thread embroidery. Embellishments, embroidery and sequins on clothing can now be seen on almost every runway – including in collections by high-end designers such as in Dolce and Gabana and Veronica Etro’s SS16 Collection (Pictured). These unique elements on cocktail dresses and formal gowns add that extra elegance needed to make the wearer the star of the night.

    You can see unique interpretations of these elements on the dresses from Ruby Bhandari’s Ruby B Collection.

    The trend continues in casual wear too.

    Tunics and lighter fabrics are becoming essentials in beachwear cover-ups and night-out fashion in major resort/beach vacation destinations. They are flattering on every body shape, and glide perfectly as you walk.

    Ruby Bhandari’s Ruby B Tunics linehas tunics that are perfect for both the beach and night out!  You can even see the Indian inspired sparkle in this tunic here!

    Crop Tops have become an American summer essential, giving us more of a reason to do those ab crunches! Pictured here is one of the more traditional looks by Silk Threads in which again, you can see the sequins and mirrors being used, along with thread embroidery.

     

    Are these fashion trends something you’ve already adopted? We can thank the Indian-American culture for inspiring the east and west fusion of these modern day fashion trends.

    Which one is your favorite?

  • Silk Threads, City of Dallas and Trendy Africa magazine present a scintillating Fashion Show

    Silk Threads, City of Dallas and Trendy Africa magazine present a scintillating Fashion Show

    A Cultural Blend of Fashion – focus on Africa…

    On Sunday, September 4th hundreds of people gathered around a runway in Music Hall at Fair Park in Dallas, TX to watch models wearing beautiful designs  take a walk. The event was put together by Dallas International Fashion (DIF), which serves as a platform to promote multicultural diversity within and around Dallas.

    DIF’s goal is to create a platform for cultures, which creates awareness for fashion and attracts foreign investment to the City of Dallas. This event serves as a part of this initiative which establishes favorable relations and cultural ties between Dallas residents and foreign Nationals – via the showcase of fashion, culture and traditions.

    Throughout the show, guests saw styles from our very own, Ruby Bhandari.

    “It is exciting to be part of an event that brings in so many cultures and exemplifies the true diversity of the fashion world,” said Ruby. “We hope that seeing all of the stories from around the world expressed on the runway opened people’s minds about the opportunities around global diversity and multiculturalism .”

    Read more about our efforts for improving multicultural awareness…