#nehakarina – Travel With A Purpose

Neha Karina – Fashion that Empowers

Posted on October 16, 2022by admin

Travel is back this October with Divali celebrations underway in Trinidad. Just a few shy miles off the coast of South America, this southernmost twin island state in the West Indies offers you the world wrapped up in the gift of fashion. An ocean away from the capitals of fashion and the debutants of fashion week, Trinidad holds its own when it comes to fashion. Due to Trinidadians’ insatiable appetite for all things deep fried, rum spiced and rum spiked, it is safe to say that we welcome all sizes. The Divine designed the Caribbean woman with infinite love in mind. Neha Dawar of Neha Karina World is one such fashion designer creating and styling gorgeous looks indiscriminately. This year, we invite you to travel with no regrets, come for Divali, stay for the fashion, shop that look and buy that dreamy lehenga, kaftan or regal kurta that was designed just for you.

Today, the fashion, hospitality and travel industry must meet the demand of experiential travelers seeking immersive and authentic experiences where they can be their true selves. Amid the incessant desire to nip, tuck and Photoshop for the travelgram, tourists interested in traveling deeper are fast realizing that real life experience is what happens when you are busy making other plans for the perfect photo opportunity. Fashion is the creative medium that disrupts this divide. Neha Karina World is one such fashion brand known for effecting change through fashion. The brand is owned by Neha Dawar, one of the most sought after ethnic wear designers on the island. Conveniently located at the shops of Hilton hotel in Trinidad, tourists can opt to stay in and shop local.

Born in India but raised in Trinidad, Neha celebrates the cosmopolitan Trinidadian identity in her designs. The beauty of the culture is obvious in the intricate beading, embroidery details, silhouettes, colours and choice of fabrics. Each piece is handcrafted and custom made to flatter any shape, size, ethnicity and gender profile. Neha’s design aesthetic is a mix of modern, contemporary glam with a twist on the Indian classics. She designs for the Desi bride, bridegroom, bridal party, guests and anyone interested in ethnic wear. Travelers who shop Neha Karina World come in all sizes and geographic origins making her brand international. Neha is a true creative and proves that she can apply and assert herself in any design field that she enters. She is trained in the art form of makeup artistry, Indian classical dance and sits on the committee for Miss India pageantry. Her diverse background helps her to understand the dynamics of cross cultural exchange which is reflected in her design.

Her signature style is her ability to use her platform of fashion for empowerment. Fashion becomes more than form and function for Neha and the person shopping the Neha Karina brand. Her design effects sociological and psychological change. This can be likened to betrothal to an enhanced awareness of self where one feels grounded in love yet strong enough to seize the day and fierce enough to lead from an intentional space of love. Neha Karina becomes the regal armor for anyone donning her ensemble. They are clothed in garments that support their cause and that are beside them in their public and private lives. When designers create from concept to material manifestation, they create with their life force energy and from an indescribable magical space influenced by their years of life experience, formal education in design and their creative intuition. The end result is a look that has been styled to emulate a vibe forged from their labour of love.

Shop Neha Karina World

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Phone: 1.868.707.2800 Email: info@nehakarina.com

The Neha Karina Destination Bride

Posted on April 21, 2017by admin

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/nehakarinaTT/

Trinidad and Tobago is eclectic as a weddings destination. There are so many cultures here. It is possible to do any type of wedding imaginable in a location that is united by cultural differences. Undeniably, hosting an an Indian Wedding right here is an immaculate reality. This destination has gorgeous temples, qualified marriage officiates to do Hindu wedding rites, exceptional wedding planners, Indian food caterers and of course Ind0 Trinidadian fashion designers. Moreover, couples can choose from an array of design concepts to copy and paste from including traditional Indian cuisine, designer wear and décor. They can opt for Indo Trinidadian inspired weddings which are adaptations of Indian culture rather a fusion created in Trinidad and embraced by all. The added bonus here is that the couple gets to experience firsthand distinctive culture in an untapped (English speaking) destination at cheaper rates and closer proximity than flying to the East (if the couple is from the western side of the world). The bride can be least of all worried if she decides to choose a local designer. Her outfit would be designed and customized just for her. No one would be wearing a replica of her outfit. Needless to say her bridal party and her guests can also get their fittings and customization done at the same place. Instantly, the designer that comes to mind for the destination bride who yearns for a more ethnic appeal is Neha Dawar of the fashion label Neha Karina.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/nehakarinaTT/

Neha Dawar was born in India. I officially proclaim that she is a love child of India and Trinidad. Although she grew up in Trinidad she pursued her studies in fashion at schools in India, Dubai and Trinidad. Not too long ago she graduated with her BFA in Fashion Design from The Caribbean Academy of Fashion and Design. Often she visits India and Dubai where she is exposed to fashion from that side of the world. She has been quoted as discussing her overall aesthetic as East Indian with West Indian and European details to minimalism steeped in subtle traditional elements to edgy, contemporary modern day Indian wear. The designer often starts with natural fabrics although she has used man made fabrics at times. She believes in starting with minimal designs then building and eventually developing them to the point where they are ready to achieve the style and look set out for it. Neha is special because of her educational background, experience and the fusion blood line that pulses through her veins. Her creativity and source (s) for inspiration come from a creative space that is common to her only. There is only one Neha Dawar and this is boldly found in her label Neha Karina.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/nehakarinaTT/

The Neha Karina Destination Bride can choose from several designs in her bridal collection. Her engagement wear can also be found among Neha Karina’s collection. The finest silks featuring intricate hand beading, hand stitching, embroidery, luxurious details and embellishments add regality and pomp to the Neha Karina bride’s identity. Undoubtedly, it was this feeling of royalty that inspired Neha to create, “The Heiress Bridal” collection, “The Princess” collection and “ The Timeless Unique Bridal” collection to name a few. Now brides who want to live Disney inspired Princess Jasmine roles can look to her collection to live that dream. Even those who do not take to Disney’s productions but swoon over the labour of love and lavish details of the graceful and poised Indian Bride can peruse the collection. Modern day women who seek to find their bridal identity can also find something in the collection that suits them. Neha designs bridal accessories. These accessories include minimal to ornate jewelry designs and other pieces that complement her stunning bridal collections. If the bride has her own ideas then she can also connect with the designer and have a few consultations on how they would collaborate to bring to life a design. Neha has designed pieces for Hindu and Muslim brides .

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/nehakarinaTT/

The bridal party can feel less than left out at Neha Karina especially if the bridal party includes “millenials”. This is not to chastise the brand in any way as a brand for a younger demographic as senior persons from other generations often enjoy Neha Karina’s fashion and style. Basically, this is merely noted here because “millenials” are taking over and if they are not getting married one can bet they will be part of a bridal party or on someone’s guest list. Needless to say this generation is conscious of brands that are rich in culture and purpose. Hence, if the bridal party is not styled by Neha Karina outfits but they acquire bridal accessories or statement pieces, these will be worth more than memories of a time gone by for them. The symbolism and profound attachment to Neha Karina’s pieces will be pronounced by the bespoke emblems of their support for movements from cultural integration to world peace. In any case they would still be on point as the Neha Karina brand is a powerful fashion label that is pivoted on creative and high quality fashion design that empowers the individual to stand up for a greater cause and make positive impacting contributions to the world.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/nehakarinaTT/

Honeymooners and guests can also find reassurance in any on Neha Dawar’s collections as the designer also creates resort wear for the tropics. Forget about being the belle of the ball or wearing what the best friend wore for her honeymoon. This is not “Keeping up with…” the lifestyles of others but “keeping up with… carving out one’s own bridal identity and lifestyle.” Neha Karina’s resort wear is trendy. It’s contemporary designs stand out. They are designed to suit the climate of the tropics and capture the fusion of Indo Trinidadian culture without being skewed as religious Indian wear. These designs persuade brides to build their entire bridal wardrobe inclusive of honeymoon wear from Neha Karina collections. The designs are simple and functional but riveting in aesthetic appeal. Brides can step up their bridal game with modern day resort wear and set their own bridal trends. The flexibility of Neha Karina resort wear entails wearing these same pieces throughout the year and being astute enough to mix and match prints. Accessories like bangles, earrings and head pieces can be kept and used to add a pop of colour to everyday wear or a hint of swag.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/nehakarinaTT/

Neha Karina’s flagship store is based at Hilton hotel in Trinidad. This designer boutique is also a one stop shop. Neha Karina offers styling services for the bride inclusive of hair and makeup. This makes things even more convenient and accessible. I recommend the couple to pre plan a trip and stay at the hotel where the bride will be able to work with the designer through design inspirations, consultations and fittings. The designer also does customized wedding invitations among other things. Perhaps the couple can even discover design ideas with Neha Karina for tokens/wedding favors for their “big” day. Whilst in Trinidad the couple can hire a wedding planner and go site seeing to scout for scenic locations to exchange nuptial vows and do a taste testing of Indo Trinidadian fusion cuisine. If the destination couple is interested in having an ethnic wedding or ethnic inspired wedding attire then their bridal bliss is guaranteed in a Neha Karina ensemble.

Connect with Neha Karina

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nehakarinaTT/

Email Address: nehakarinatt@gmail.com

Telephone No. : 1.868.621.5907

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nehakarina.offical/

Eastern Fusion Fashion in Trinidad

Posted on November 1, 2016by admin

Fashion has always been a way for one to express oneself and make a statement about one’s identity without saying a word. It is more profound than surface appeal to increase one’s attractiveness. It delves with a psychology of colours as each colour has its own meaning. Similarly each fabric whether silk or cotton attracts particular vibrations and energies. When the Indians arrived to Trinidad they brought their customs and their ways of dressing. Some of those remain inherent in the styles of Trinidadian styling today. Silver toe rings were worn in pairs on the second toe of each foot on a woman. It is said that this custom had certain reproductive health benefits for the woman. Also it was insisted that the ring ought to be silver to better absorb energies from the earth that would pass through the body and refresh the being wearing the toe ring. Bangles were cited as having benefits of keeping energy in the body and helping women with blood circulation. Nose rings were marked for benefits of reducing pain when the married woman goes into labour. It is believed that the nose ring would connect with a nerve that runs through that part of the body.

Photo Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/212584044881223568/

Of course there is a glaring difference in perception of colour by persons in the Western world versus persons in the Eastern parts like India and Pakistan. We live in modern day Trinidad, an island in the Western Hemisphere juxtapose to Eastern and Western influences. This makes our culture and fashion even more vibrant and dynamic. Our creatives steadily made their move in fusion fashion. Local “fashionpreneurs” who recognized the importance of ethnicity to our culture (even those who have an affinity for East meets West trends) picked up the pace to fill the gaps and deliver fashion tailored to anyone interested in the Eastern Fusion Fashion niche in Trinidad. They identified fabrics, materials, tones and trends with the Trinidadian in mind and created looks that suited the Caribbean woman. The top local Eastern Fusion Fashion designer brands are House of Jaipur, Neha Karina and Aiela Fashions.

Photo Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/Achkemus/hatecopy/

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House of Jaipur is owned by Dhisha Moorjani. She was born to Indian parentage and raised in an Indian home in Trinidad. After her parents passed she devoted her love for them into the brand House of Jaipur. She converted her parents’ home into a beautiful boutique that offers persons the chance to experience Indian lifestyle and culture. She has several Indian fashion fusion lines, luxury resort wear, festival wear and modern Indian wear that she designed herself. There is a tea room for persons to gorge on Indian delicacies and sip from a chai bar. She also curates lifestyle pieces at her store so you can take away not only memories but a piece of the House of Jaipur experience with you. House of Jaipur located at #14 O’Connor Street Woodbrook was recently renovated and has been transformed even more to entertain and excite your senses when you visit!

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/houseofjaipur/?fref=ts

Neha Karina, the brand is very versatile. It is owned by Neha Dawar who is from India . She is of mixed parentage Trinidadian and Indian. Neha lives in Trinidad now. She has also completed her studies in India, Dubai and locally at The Caribbean Academy for Fashion and Design. Neha has an online fashion and beauty series called Coffee and Lipstick. She is also a stylist and marketing consultant. This designer focuses on youthful ethnic bridal wear, festival wear as well as contemporary wear. You are almost guaranteed to find a striking statement piece in her store and I dare you not to leave without it. Persons can also collaborate with Neha and book a custom fitting for a style they may be interested in wearing. She also stocks stationery and a few lifestyle pieces for those interested. Neha Karina is located at Hilton Hotel in Trinidad.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/nehakarinaTT/

Last but not least is ethnic designer, Sharmila Maharaj. Affectionately called Mila this designer is also a trained aesthetician, Mehendi artist and beauty expert. Born to a Brazilian mother and a Trinidadian father she grew up with two cultures. The Trinidadian community she grew up in and quality time with her friends from the East played huge roles in sculpting Mila’s attraction to the Eastern world. She is an avid jet setter and immerses herself in whichever culture and demographic that she interacts with. It is therefore no surprise to me that her journey in life has taken her creative soul on this path to create a supply of ethnic “athleisure” and contemporary ethnic fusion wear for the demand that is needed in Trinidad. She is the first person in Trinidad to create an athletic leisure “athleisure” hijab. She has also taken note of what is fashionably trending globally and used appropriate forecasting for her local debut. Her recent collection boasted of scarves, maxi shirt dresses and funky Samosa pants just to name a few. Her clothing can be described as exclusively modest and reasonably priced. Mila’s boutique is based in Central Trinidad. You can browse her boutique collection online and discover a whole new world of fashionable clothing and accessories that have been awaiting your arrival all this time.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/aielafashion/

So folks if you did not know where to get your Eastern Fusion Fashion vibes now you do!

May the positive energies from these pieces find a way to your closet!!!

May the designers continue to ignite the souls of you and others with their passion and creativity!