Chanel’s Paris to Bombay – Vintage, Chic and Indian {Part I}

It’s about time western designers fall in love Indian fashion and history. While both Louis Vuitton and Hèrmes had disappointing couture designs à la India, Chanel hit it on the spot.

There were some over the top, too-goth’ish, Steig Larrson style outfits, but overall, were they fantastic! The use of details like tikkas, kundan, and even mogras meant the Karl Lagerfeld’s team spent time learning about Indian culture and how women, and men, dress.

This first post is dedicated just to the decor: spectacular, rococo and romantic. Champagne and canapes was just not enough, the visitors had Indian snacks, lassis, teatime treats, and of course macaroons.

If you looking to combine a vintage chic Indian wedding, here are some dazzling photos for decoration inspiration.

Rose petals, dusky baby roses in silver bowls and even a train adorn the table setting


Chandelier table lamps and candles create a romantic setting – perfect for a wedding



The devil is in the details – look at a mogra garlands and lassi in a glass vase



Table settings don’t have to be over the top, this setting is simple and elegant. But check out the usage of shot glasses with lassi – perfect for an Indian wedding without alcohol.


Who can deny the cuteness and colorfulness of macaroons! Adorned with modern styled baklavas.



Indian chai time – possibly the most important time of the day. Serve your chutney sandwiches and somosas on large silver thalis with sauce in a porcelin bowl. Other snacks can be served in crystal bowls.

What you need to have a vintage chic Indian wedding:

• Types of flowers – mogras, marigolds, roses.
• Flower arrangements – In vases, along the table (as garlands), and torn into pieces (roses or marigolds)
• Long candles – display in silver, crystal, or gold candlebras
• Large thalis – for snacks; but make sure to arrange nicely
• Cake stands – for mithai
• Shot glasses – for cold drinks like lassi or rose water
• Crystal and porcelain – there’s a never a shortage for them when you want shabby and sweet
• Bangles – {not pictured} throw around a few colorful bangles to tie in the beauty of Indian bridal accessories, wedding color, and sweetness.
• Teacup candles – {not pictured} teacup candles are the perfect mix of vintage, warm, and sweet.

I’m just so happy to see a company take the best of India and mix it with the best of the west and turn it into something super sweet!

First three photos: AFP
Last four photos: © Sandra Bauknecht @ Sandra’s Closet