The newest way to wear the traditional Indian wedding/bridal Maang-Tikka in a modern Parisian style! Take inspiration from runways of Chanel's Paris Bombay show.
Lately, I find myself being supremely interested in collections when Indian fashion designers don't alienate the omnipresent aesthetics of all things "ethnic" and "exotic" that we are subject to, every moment, in this country. That is not to say I will ever enjoy a two-ton, gussied up Manish Malhotra lehenga.. No. Sure, being inspired by your own culture is wonderful but sometimes, it can feel like designers are shackled to that singular aesthetic. Relating your work to your personal experiences and where you come from obviously yields fantastic things but its when a collection reflects a reality that is genuine and sparkling but still feels like it's shaking things up a bit, then I stand up and take notice. 
Sometimes, inspiration strikes from across the pond. "It's all about refinement. It's the Paris version of the idea of India," explains Karl Lagerfeld on Chanel's Paris-Bombay collection. "Most of the inspiration is from Indian men's clothes rather than women's clothes. They're easier to wear." - Haha.. I hear this!  When I saw this show, I had to share with you a string of images of these ingenious little stringed beauties, the re-worked Chanel Maang-Tikka.The tikka is designed to rest at the sixth chakra, the ajna, and it not only looks gorgeous, but also carries a great deal of significance in tantra. Symbolizing a third eye, it represents insight and the ability to gain control over desire and various other elements within the body. Aligning with the ajna chakra, also means the ability to see into the future, command emotions and unite male and female energies. Woah! Thats more than one reason to rock this traditional jewel with my leather and tweed, Alicia Keys style! :P