In reality, although there is no denying that some of that exists, the global fashion fraternity also plays a huge philanthropic role.

I recently attended Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai, and it was an experience overflowing with haute couture, glamour and all of the pageantry and star power one would expect from a premier fashion week that takes place in Bollywood, the heart of India’s booming film industry.

Photograph Courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week.

There were many beautiful high fashion runway shows that took my breath away but only one had me holding back tears.

To clarify, my tears were not tears of sadness; they were tears of compassion and pride and promise and hope for the future of India. I know, very overwhelming, but in a way the aggressive goals of the Swades Foundation are overwhelming.

Its mission is clear and bold: to create a permanent, irreversible change in the lives of 1 million people in rural India in the next five years.

Mumbai power couple Ronnie Screwvala and Zarine Mehta founded the nonprofit, focused on empowering rural India. Their strategy is to infuse rural communities with funds and partnerships that encourage and allow local citizens to serve as change agents and role models for the rest of the country.

They are teaching these communities ‘how to fish’, how to be self-reliant and self-sustaining. Its strength lies in teams of specialists and professionals at both corporate and grassroots levels committed to sustainable growth.

So what exactly does fashion have to do with this, you ask? The collection that celebs and community leaders sashayed down the catwalk was crafted by villagers in Raigad and Ratnagiri. Vikram Phadnis’ collection was a true celebration of rural India.

Photograph Courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week.

Bringing onto the catwalk the wonderful work done by the village communities in Raigad and Ratnagiri, Vikram gave his creative touches to highlight the story of real rural India. Proving that rural is extremely fashionable, the nearly 70 gorgeous garments were inspired by the sun and its glory.

Dozens of kerosene lanterns hung from the ceiling to light up the ballroom of the Grand Hyatt hotel. Ronnie Screwvala spoke inspiring words that evening about the goals and dreams of the Swades and set the scene. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but the feeling of unity and love in that huge space was palpable.

The show opened with models in beautiful saris, kurtas, lehengas, flowing cowl salwars, gorgeous dupattas, kurtas, and waistcoats carrying dainty bags and clutches and jewellery provided by Amrapali.

Photograph Courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week.

Using Indian fabrics in vibrant colors that revealed the beauty of the region, Vikram played with hot hues like red, maroon, orange and mustard besides neutrals like beige, cream and antique gold.

Presenting commercially viable creations, the designer removed his customary bling from the outfits and replaced it with brocades on linen and voile with touches of gotta work. Flowing long Anarkalis, tiny sexy cholis for saris, and swirling lehengas created magic on the catwalk.

To honor the true craftsmen, Vikram encouraged them to walk on the ramp along with top Bollywood and TV stars who escorted the talented people of the region.

Can you see it? Can you imagine the impact of community leaders from the villages of Raigad and Ratnagiri walking down the runway in glorious Vikram Phadnis couture, escorted by some of Bollywood’s biggest stars also in glorious Vikram Phadnis couture?

Photograph Courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week.

It was a statement and a testimonial by a designer who told us that all of the stars, Bollywood and community are on the same level and are deserving of the same adulation and respect. It was a reminder to open our eyes to the truth of a country that is growing economically by leaps and bounds but not for everybody.

It was a challenge to get involved and help in any way we could. It was a universal truth, that we are all created equally, on display in a space where we usually see only modelesque perfection. It was a game changer, and perhaps a life changer, not only for the villagers on the ramp but also for more than a few attendees.

The stars and celebrities on the ramp were:

Abhishek Kapoor, Amit Sadh, Anurag Basu, Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora Khan, with son Arhaan, Ashutosh Govariker, Ayushmann Khurrana, Chetan Bhagat, Dia Mirza, Dino Morea, Ekta Kapoor, Farah Khan Ali, Farah Khan, Ileana D’cruz, Dr Indu Shahani, Jeetendra, Juhi Chawla, Kiran Rao, Kunal Kapoor, Neha Dhupia, Pragya Yadav, Punam S Sinha, Rahul Bose, Raj Kumar Yadav, Ram Kapoor, Sakshi Tanwar, Sanjay and Zarine Khan, Sushant Singh Rajput, Sophie Choudhary. Vaibhavi Merchant and Rohit Bal.

The “Swades Stars” were Sudham Bali, Lakshmi Habee, Ashwin Hobde, Manali Sawant, Vidhya Vinayak, Balaji Patole, Baburao, Sanjana Sanjay Khedekar, Chandrakant Pawar, Sunita Sutar, Pavan Mahadik, Rohini Valvatkar, Mangal Kesarkar, Lavesh Mone, Diksha Pawar, Mahadev Gosalkar and Sneha Lokhande.

Kelly Rolland and CEO of TW Steel at New York Launch

Jordy Cobelens, CEO of TW Steel. “We talked about collaborating back in December as we know Kelly has such a strong sense of style and loves to make a statement.

“The timepieces which now bear her name are truly amazing, they’re bold but remain elegant and of course they’re true to TW Steel’s DNA by being oversized. Kelly connects to so many people and we’ve been able to celebrate that tonight here in New York. We look forward to taking her timepieces into the market now where I’m sure they’ll have massive appeal.”

Kelly on red carpet at her launch event in New York of new timepiece.

Kelly Rowland. “I know from previous experience that TW Steel does everything ‘Big Time’ and tonight was no exception at The Standard, especially with that outstanding firework display. For me it’s amazing to finally share with everyone the watch designs we worked on together and to see everyone’s enthusiasm for them. I simply love how they look, they’re both exciting and stylish which was my goal all along.”

TW Steel Launches Kelly Rowland Inspired watch

TW Steel started out in The Netherlands, led by its entrepreneurial CEO, Jordy Cobelens, who aged 29 finds himself spearheading one of the most exciting and innovative watch brands to hit the market in recent times. A simple four-model collection in 2005 has quickly turned ‘The Watch in Steel’ into a breakout lifestyle brand with the range set to top 140 individual executions in 2012.

Being ‘Big in Oversized Watches’ is more than a mere strap line for the company though. The size of its watches form an essential part of TW Steel’s identity along with the unique use of stainless steel, all models being produced to Swiss quality standard. It was an idea born out of the creative mind of Ton Cobelens, Jordy’s father, who leads the design process for each new timepiece, while the day-to-day running of the company is left to his son who, despite his age, boasts over a decade’s worth of experience in the watch business, having gained first-hand experience from the ground up in sales, marketing and distribution.

Jordy Cobelens’ drive and vision has helped to firmly establish TW Steel as a major international watch brand. From its relatively humble beginnings in 2005, TW Steel is now available in over 100 countries worldwide across approximately 5000 retail outlets. While the company enjoys a broad-reaching, affordable price-point, the strength of the design, combined with the overall look and feel of the product, has ensured TW Steel sits comfortably in high-end retail outlets enjoying its own unique appeal against more established, aspirational brands – www.twsteel.com

“I hail from a culturally rich business family. My father exported herbal products and my mother was one of the pioneers in introducing the importance of permanent cosmetic in India”, she says about her first family influences that drew her to business. Everyone wonders when a new place launches with an even newer name; more so if it is rather odd for a little place in south of India. “I named my daughter ‘Thea’ , a Greek name meaning ‘god’s gift’. My store is named after my daughter ‘Thea’ who is a great bundle of energy and creativity. She inspires me to strive harder. I found a niche market to cater to the tastes for the urban elite, which evolved into the brand ‘Theas’. The products at my store would ideally cater to those looking for indo-western, ethnic designer wear where design and quality are not compromised. Design is nothing but good sensibility, style and aesthetics combined and as a globe-trotter for the last 15 years I’ve been exposed to world fashion and culture and what I absorbed is reflected at Theas,” says Kavita , speaking about how she started off. She worked for seven years with an international airline in Singapore before she decided to return and start her brand.

Native Identity.  Anyone who wants to open a beauty business in India would ideally look at the capital city of New Delhi or the entertainment and economic capital Mumbai. “I was born and brought up in Bangalore and have observed its rapid transition to a huge metropolis. Over the last two decades the city, which was earlier known as the ‘Garden City’ is now referred to as the software capital of India. Its culturally diverse population and their harmonious existence is a testimony to its growth. The ambiance here is unique and distinct from the parts of the country. It is now recognized as one of sought after destinations in the world. The city also is privileged to have a culturally diverse and brand-conscious people. The incremental disposable income is also an important factor for choosing Bangalore for my launch store,” says Kavita who has plans to expand her business soon. “Bangalore is a city filled with humility and warmth and with its tech-savvy citizens. International brands are easier to set shop here as the people are in tune with the current fashion trends. If this city is packaged in a complete mode of business, fashion and entertainment and still retain its old world charm like how Hong Kong is, it will definitely be the ‘it’ destination”, she adds, speaking about her love for her city and the potential it can have for future growth.

New Ideas Galore.  So what is different about a brand like Theas? “Indian art has always had an underlying influence on fashion in terms of color, patterns, embroidery and styles of clothing, some of it which can be seen on the rich traditional costumes. Contemporary Indian art has contrasting colors and abstract patterns and is increasingly popular now. In order to appreciate beauty one must be able to look beyond the ordinary. Theas designs reflect the ever-changing facets of Indian wear infused with a style that appeal to the denizens. I work closely with designers from different cities in India to create a portfolio according to the new trends. Theas is not your regular showroom but an eclectic ‘SOHO ’of a home converted into a studio which is aesthetically decorated so a client can lounge around while she has her personalized styling sessions. A limited collection of exquisite designer-wear by up-coming designers from across India which suits everyone’s sensibilities and moods makes Theas stand out from the regular ones”, she says speaking about her venture. For any successful business in the art cannot be a work on its own. There are several influences behind ones thoughts and ideas. “Fashion designer Sabyasachi’s designs are sheer poetry in motion. His texturing and ‘fusion’ of styles, vibrant eclectic colors definitely define his collections as international with an Indian soul. I love Stella McCartney’s sharp tailoring and her distinctly feminine aesthetic which makes her work stand apart”, she says about her own influences. After majoring in hotel management and working in an international airline for seven years, Kavita holds a degree in H R management from Australia before returning to India where she procured a law degree. “But fashion has been my true calling and this design house is an amalgamation of my dreams and home is where the heart is”, she affirms.

Designer Talk.  “Being brand conscious does not mean blindly following the trends and buying the most expensive products .I do like my brands and indulge on special occasions because it makes me feel good , I do not buy it to look cool or trendy. I personally prefer Gucci and Jimmy Choo for their divine footwear” says Kavita naming some of her favorite brands. At Theas , however, she has managed to strike a fine balance between her personal likes and what drives the market. “I closely monitor the latest in fashion trends and change my collection seasonally. I personally source out only those garments that suit my client’s sensibilities and do not believe in following fashion trends blindly as many of them are not practical and look good only for the ramp. My design philosophy is simplicity in elegance, enhancing through accessorizing and bold designs that flatter my clients”, she adds. In a day and age when just about anyone is setting up stores and businesses in the name of fashion and design, Theas stands out for its exclusivity and warmth, like a home-coming of sorts. “ Theas progressive growth has been due to its patrons who keep coming back each season. I plan to start an art café for my clients to enjoy a wholesome and relaxing shopping experience. We would also be expanding our contemporary jewelry collections. Obviously expansion is one aspect and the other being to bring sustainable fashion in terms of encouraging designers to use eco –friendly fashion philosophy to support environmentalism and increase social responsibility something on the lines of what designer Stella McCartney is famous for. As Aristotle Onassis said “to be successful you must act big think big and talk big” so I always believe in being positive and in my dreams as there is no stop till I reach the top. My immense faith in god also helps through any trying period”, says Kavita , signing off on a positive note. With stores like Theas, Bangalore or as they now call it Bengaluru adds another wonderful feather to its fashionable crown. Three cheers to Kavita and her vision. (ISG)

Images courtesy of ISG.

In working with the women in Kabul, I presented over and over this work of an Afghan-American woman, Zolaykha Sherzad, as light and evidence that the beauty and culture of their country would never die, and that they too could aspired to creating exquisite products – even as they journeyed for the first time into tailoring, embroidery, and told me again and again that what they really wished for was to DESIGN. In these small gatherings, and during the “Lunchtime Light” sessions, we projected images of Zarif’s clothing – and the details of cast metal buttons, the poetry of calligraphy incorporated into the silk evening gowns and scarves, the dense textures of authentically afghan patterns embroidered on the rakish cuffs of long coats.

Photo courtesy Zarif Design. Photographer:
Lorenzo Tugnoli and Model: Sarah-Jean Cunningham.

You can imagine my joy when, while visiting new Afghan-American friends in New York City upon my return to the US, that Zarif founder Zolaykha Sherzad had recently opened a small shop on the Lower East Side. The day after I was personally connected to her,   I cancelled my appointments to be able to meet her personally before “Zolay” headed back to Kabul and her shop and workshop and Kabul.

Thus began a friendship that quickly became a labor of love, and within weeks, Zolay and I were working with an incredible woman in Washington, DC (Patricia Trapanese) who has organized an effort with “Catchafire,” to produce two trunk shows in DC (at a private home and at the State Department). While in DC, we met with Ambassador Hakimi and his wife Sultana Hakimi, for tea at the Embassy.

Zolaykha Sherzad with Ambassador Hakim.
Photo courtesy Afghan Embassy Washington DC.

Only a few weeks later, Zarif contributed another trunk show to support Andeisha Farid’s organization for Afghan orphans, AFECEO, at a Wall Street event hosted by J. Luce Foundation (which operates the Stewardship Report).   Zolay’s clothing, alongside the beautiful home goods of her friend, Hassina Sherjan (founder of Aid Afghanistan for Education and Boumi), was sold with 20% of proceeds benefitting the children whose parents were gone but whose lives are now immensely rich given the generosity and vision of another visionary sister of Afghanistan, Andeisha Farid.

Today, in addition to continually evolving her line of clothing (after five years of success in Europe, US and Asia, as well as in Afghanistan), Zolay is designing costumes for the theatre (a story which I will be sharing soon”¦)

Zolay’s work and the exquisite craftsmanship of her team in Afghanistan – tells a story. The true story. It is a story that bridges history – past to present – with a look into the future.

Designer Zolaykha Sherzad, at her workshop in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Photo courtesy Zalmaï for TIME.

And as inspiring as Zolay’s story was and is to me – her path, determination and success shines a light for Afghans, in particular those widows I was so honored to share Zolay’s story with. They had no idea Afghanistan born a designer and entrepreneur like Zolay.

You will not think for one second Afghanistan is without a brilliant future, not when you see and feel and touch the clothing of Zarif. Quite the opposite.

It is only the media and merchants of war who would lead us to believe that Afghanistan is without hope and that it is only money and politics that will “save it.” There is so strong a heart and so eternal a beauty in this culture. If you wonder if there is any hope, follow this continuing story.

Photo courtesy Zarif Design. Photographer:
Lorenzo Tugnoli and Model: Sarah-Jean Cunningham.

Zarif Design (meaning ‘precious’ or ‘fine’ in Dari) creates high quality clothing for women and men, reinterpreting traditional Afghan materials, embroidery and craftsmanship such as calligraphy to render elegant modern designs that successfully merge Eastern attire with contemporary Western fashion.

Zarif line relies on traditional craftsmanship, representing decades of cultural history and development almost completely ignored in a society torn by more than 25 years of civil war. The materials and patterns are unique to Afghanistan and represent indigenous craftsmanship and tradition.

Through this work, Zarif Design introduces refined Afghan culture to the wider world whilst creating economic opportunities for Afghan women and men, while reviving and developing traditional craftsmanship and their skills.

The Zarif Design line is designed and produced in Kabul, employing the skills of local Afghan women and men working with fabrics original to Afghanistan. Intricate hand embroidery and brightly colored silk “chapans” are combined to create these strikingly unique and magnificently finished coats. The timeless lines of this elegant series of fitted shirts, coats and skirts perfectly bridge Central Asian tradition with contemporary Western sensibility.

Zarif, meaning “precious” or “fine” in Dari is an initiative started in 2005 by Zolaykha Sherzad, director of Zarif Design.

Photo courtesy Zarif Design.

Afghanistan’s unique identity and culture has been greatly afflicted as a result of thirty of war and conflict. A significant number of artisans and their centuries-old traditions have disappeared or are in danger of being lost. Zarif Design demonstrates the tremendous possibilities of intersecting new creative designs with these time-honored arts to satisfy contemporary taste. While promoting cultural preservation, this endeavor also provides a platform where traditional and high quality Afghan craft becomes a source of economic development.

Currently women in Afghanistan have very limited access to higher education, and are in need of acquiring technical skills to secure job opportunities. Zarif Design generates business opportunities for Afghan women and contributes to the Afghan economy by linking its people to profitable markets, both local and global. Zarif Design employs currently 52 people directly and work with families of weavers in Mazar and Kabul.

At its core, Zarif Design acts as ambassador, sharing Afghanistan’s cultural heritage with the world.

When Zolaykha was 10 years of age her family fled the war in Afghanistan and after a short stay in Iran settled in Switzerland. Zolaykha had most of her education in Switzerland, where she studied architecture because as she sees “Architecture as a way to blend art and reality.” Zolaykha studied fashion design in N.Y. in 1997. In 2000 Zolaykha founded the NGO ”˜School of Hope’ (www.sohope.org) that supports schools in Afghanistan and partners them with schools in the U.S. The School of Hope since has merged with ”˜School of Leadership’ http://www.sola-afghanistan.org.

She currently splits her time between Kabul, where her workshop is, and N.Y. where she practices architecture.

“A typical Indian wedding last three to four days, and you dare not repeat an outfit,” says Patel. “I was so bogged down with picking and buying outfits for my family, relatives and friends that I thought ‘I wish I could just rent Indian wedding clothes online.’”

Photo: Devi’s Closet.

That’s how Devi’s Closet began. The new fashion portal enables women and men to RENT one-of-a-kind, South Asian designer outfits (direct from the runway shows of Lakme and Wills Fashion Weeks in India) at a fraction of the retail cost.

Photo: Devi’s Closet.

The e-rental site houses the latest in brand name South Asian fashion, jewelry, and accessories perfect for weddings, religious events, parties, and practically any event where it would be a faux pas to repeat an outfit, especially if your friends on Facebook might have already seen it in your profile picture.

Photo: Devi’s Closet.

Co-created with her long-time friend Sheena Patel, Devi’s Closet showcases the work of top notch South Asian designers such as Payal Singhal, Anita Dongre, Gopi Vaid, Isharya, Medhavini Agarwal, and Amrita Singh, just to name a few.

Photo: Devi’s Closet.

In fact, it was at the pre-Fashion Week “Amrita Singh Penthouse” event where I met Meera Patel, whose aesthetic is combining traditional Indian fashion with a Western flair, especially with big and bold accessories.

The author with Meera Patel. Photo: Nan Melville.

Here’s how it works: Sign up for a free membership account at deviscloset.com, select the outfit and accessories of your choice, enter the date of your next event, your size and your zip code. The outfit will be shipped to your doorstep with a pre-paid, return envelope to send it back. Once received, the outfit will be dry-cleaned and ready to be shipped out to the next customer.

Photo: Devi’s Closet.

“I think what Devi’s Closet is doing is fab!” says fashion designer Payal Singhal. “The concept of rental for Indian clothes in America will do very well because most Indians attend at least four to five weddings each year, and since the communities are small, they would ideally like to wear a different outfit each time. Devi’s Closet will now be their fairy god mother!”

Devi’s Closet, named after the supreme Indian goddess Devi, has numerous roles in Hindu mythology. And now her closet has as many options for the modern South Asian woman.

See Stories by Jim Luce on:

Art | Film | India and Indian-American Culture | Love | New York

See also: NYC Fashion Week: Indian Designer Joins Furstenberg, Mizrahi

The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation (www.lucefoundation.org) is the umbrella organization under which The International University Center Haiti (Uni Haiti) and Orphans International Worldwide (OIWW) are organized. If supporting young global leadership is important to you, subscribe to J. Luce Foundation updates here.

Originally published in The Huffington Post, date.

That warm and sunny November day, I was moved beyond composure – to quote Henry James in Portrait of a Lady, “The picture swam.”I was inspired passing through one door, along one hallway, through one courtyard after the other, as a small group of us took a tour through the restored buildings that now house the Turquoise Mountain Institute for Afghan Arts and Architecture at Murad Khane, in Kabul’s old city.

Photo by Jason P. Howe and Turquoise Mountain

Now Murad Khane is fully restored, services installed, community programs running, building work completed and the Institute in place, the Institute and connected community programs will continue to drive the regeneration of the historic old city and the craft industry, and cement the legacy of heritage, education and culture and its symbolic place in Afghanistan’s future for decades to come.

Carrying on the tradition of fine calligraphy.

Saliha, our translator, in the restored bathhouse.

I plan to return to Kabul and to Murad Khane, perhaps when the winter, which has been and is predicted to continue to be, colder than usual with sub-zero temperatures, starts to melt into Spring. While negotiations continue between governments and militias, while the prospect of a Taliban Embassy in Qatar is being created in order to advance peace talks, while politicians debate the advisability of further investment in supporting the development of civil society in Afghanistan”¦

Shaping the future. Photo by Jason P. Howe and Turquoise Mountain

Men and women come to Turquoise Mountain and to other educational and vocational non-profit organizations to learn a trade”¦a craft”¦and to become artisans and maybe even entrepreneurs. Traditional news organizations seldom cover the impact of investments in these economic development and peace process initiatives.

Patiently learning and practicing the fine arts of Afghanistan. Photo by Jason P. Howe and Turquoise Mountain

Patiently, young men and women behind the iron workers at Murad Khane show up to carve the wood, to cut the gems, to practice their calligraphy. Quietly, the visionary and courageous staff show up to unlock the doors, turn on the lights and carry on what is so beautiful about the true culture of Afghanistan.

Ustad Hadi master Jali at Turquoise Mountain. Photo by Jason P. Howe and Turquoise Mountain

I invite you to visit www.turquoisemountain.org – to learn, to visit, to donate and to purchase their products.

AN AMERICAN IN AFGHANISTAN

Cynthia Artin is an entrepreneur and humanitarian currently living and working in Kabul, Afghanistan.   On assignment for the  Noori Foundation Afghanistan, and helping to establish a center for war widows and their children, Cynthia will be publishing weekly profiles of interesting people doing good things in what she calls “one of the most beautiful places on Earth.”   Cynthia is a Global Advisor to The James Jay Dudley Luce  Foundation and a new contributor to  The Stewardship Report.

Fashion designer Amrita Singh invited to “trick out” her own two-wheeler bicycle for
the ‘Tour de Fashion: Bike-Sharing Program’ in New York City.   Photo: Nan Melville.

Featuring bridal designs, jewelry, and accessories by some of the U.S. and India’s leading fashion designers such as Ritu Kumar, Payal Singhal, Satya Paul, Amrita Singh, Art Karat, and many more, this indulgent, one-day shopping experience will offer everything from that perfect wedding sari to bridesmaids’ outfits to grooms’ sherwanis to exquisite bangle sets that complete any Indian ensemble.

“The Indian wedding market is well-recognized as one of the fastest growing niches in the wedding industry, generating a growth rate of 100% year-on-year,” says Anu Duggal, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Exclusively.in Weddings.

“From the moment a South Asian girl gets engaged anywhere in the world, we want her to consider Exclusively.In Weddings as her ultimate resource for everything wedding related – both for herself, as well as for her family, friends, and wedding guests.”

Between the outfits, jewelry, flowers, food, and hundreds of guests, an Indian wedding in the U.S. costs between $75,000 and $100,000 – three times more than your average American wedding, according to Forbes.

“It’s like having a professional, totally connected Maid of Honor. There is no way I would be able to get access to wedding designers like Shyamal and Bhumika, Ritu Kumar and Manish Arora, and especially to make little tweaks like shalwars instead of churidars, even if I traveled to India myself. I highly recommend Exclusively.In’s wedding services,” posted an exuberant Exclusively.In bride on the company’s Facebook page.

Tickets to ”˜The Bridal Show at The Pierre’ are $25 each (the amount is redeemable toward any online or offline purchase made at the event or afterwards) and can be purchased online at www.exclusively.in.

In addition to the June 25th bridal event, Exclusively.In Weddings, in partnership with Indian Wedding Site, is also offering a “Win a Trip to NYC” wedding contest for a special bride and groom.   For more information, please visit the website.

Founded by four Indian-American entrepreneurs in June 2010, Exclusively.In is the first fashion e-commerce site of its kind to market eclectic, high-end offerings sourced mostly from Delhi and Mumbai.

Last month, the company announced its acquisition of $16 million USD of Series B funding for its official launch into the U.K. market, one of the largest consumer markets for Indian fashion outside of India. Exclusively.In will roll out into additional markets, including Canada and India, in the upcoming months.

To learn more about Exclusively.In, visit them at http://www.exclusively.in or join their more than 150,000 fans on Facebook.

Exclusively.In offers the best in Indian fashion, jewelry, home decor and travel. From the frontlines of the most inspired styles coming from the Indian subcontinent, the members-only flash sale site discovers and delivers the latest designs and truly unique experiences direct to consumers’ doors.   Launched in June 2010, Exclusively.In has featured more than 250 different Indian designers in its first year.