Bollywood Stars Light Up the Fashion World with Sparkling Style

The Indian film industry, which has been steadily gaining worldwide recognition after conquering entertainment fans in its own country for decades, has been lighting up the screen in India and around the world with new releases lately, adding further testament to the talent and sheer effort that go into popular Bollywood films. Over the past few seasons, the romance stories, action-packed thrillers, and big dance and musical pieces have delighted audiences, sparking extra interest from international film lovers as well as those looking for something a little different than the Hollywood flicks that parade their way through the summer blockbuster list in much of the Western world. There have been grandiose openings and special screenings, and many other events at which fans were able to get a glimpse of the stars and technical talents that have gone into producing Bollywood's latest crop of movies. The International Indian Film Academy Weekend, however, recently held in the bustling city of Macau, is one of the biggest events of the year, and calls for something a little special in terms of bringing the pomp of India's silver screen to the entrances, ceremonies, and parties surrounding the show.
This year, the special weekend didn't disappoint. While some awards ceremonies and other red-carpet events have visibly suffered from the global economic downturn, leading to subdued tones or a departure from flamboyant or ostentatious outerwear, the stars at the International Indian Film Academy Weekend came out in their Bollywood best, with some incredible fashion designs and jewellery items that have had reporters and gossip mavens babbling ever since. Strolling down the entryway to the event's prime location amidst a sea of fans and picture-takers, stars and crew caused cheers and accolades amid the industry's most enthusiastic supporters. In particular, Bollywood mega-star Amrita Rao captured the attention of many cameras with her simple black strapless gown, offset by some of the most eye-popping diamond jewelry we've seen in a while. Her luxurious diamond bib necklace, an intricately designed piece whose delicacy was nearly consumed whole by the size and sparkle of the stones, was a major hit, as were her matching chandelier earrings.
Many leading fashion brands were represented as stars made their entrances, from women's designs to the latest offerings from men's collections. Hoping, perhaps, to absorb a little bit of the spotlight from the film industry itself, Indian fashion took full advantage of the setting of the International Indian Film Academy Weekend, robing big screen names in their most precious outfits. From specialty gown designers to costume jewelry makers, accessories houses to up and coming shoe brands, the whole of the fashion industry was well-represented. The weekend has finished and the stars have likely slipped into more comfortable, if still quite stylish, duds, but the event has given Indian entertainment and fashion a welcome boost, especially during a difficult period that has seen fashion houses in some places close their doors.

Economy Bytes: Diamond Dilemmas Call for a Creative Change

The effects of the economic downturn are showing up seemingly everywhere, from the smallest daily detritus to the major headlines and events that almost defy believability. Like nearly every other industry, jewelry is certainly taking a hit; several companies with substantial assets in fine jewelry are finding themselves unable to keep up an adequate inventory with loans, or to sell off their products. Consumers seem to be experiencing the effects of being bitten by the practicality bug; in an environment where many are struggling in earnest to rise from the clutches of debt, arguably frivolous purchases such as rare and expensive jewelery just doesn't make much sense. As a result, several chains and individual stores have liquidated their stock or declared bankruptcy, including big-name international brands such as Tiffany & Co's Iridesse pearl jewellery outlet.
One sub-industry experiencing a particularly low point lately is that of the international diamond industry. Sales and demand are significantly down overall, and have been on a substantial downward trend since last September, following the fail of several key banks and firms with interests in the diamond market. Retailers report that customers still seem to stay true to diamonds for engagement and wedding rings, though the general extravagance of former days in terms of carat size, cut complexity, and setting value has followed the gloomy sentiment and taken a dip. And though the Christmas and Valentine's Day holiday seasons are usually bustling periods for the diamond trade, the industry has been presented with a fairly dismal report.
The lull in the diamond industry doesn't just affect retailers, however. The many thousands of people employed by DeBeers and related companies in developing countries are feeling the crunch of the credit crisis, as well. From the highly productive Gujarat mines of India to the prized mining and polishing centers strewn throughout Namibia and other poor African nations, people with no other vocation to turn to are finding themselves jobless or facing enforced pauses in production, stemming from a simple and harsh drop in worldwide, and particularly America, demand. While some workers are being paid during the mandatory vacations, and optimistic retailers insist that demand will rise again to outweigh supply, the current status is unmistakable.
But the glitz and glamour of diamond jewelry is a goal easily attained by the age-old abilities of costume jewellery. Swarovski crystals are world renowned for their dazzling sparkle and high value, despite a perfectly practical price tag. From elegant chandelier earrings dripping with Swarovski gems to necklaces and bracelets that glitter with a thousand points of pure, multicolored light, costume jewelry knows how to embrace the attitude and aptitude of the diamond.



This bold necklace features pear-cut clear Swarovskis that impart all the shine and shimmer of the genuine article.




For a truly impressive statement, this super-sized clear Swarovski crystal is as affordable as it is attractive.