Power Dressing: Bodysuit with Lapel Collar, High-Waisted Pleated Trousers, Portuguese Basket Bag, Red Beaded Tassel Earrings, Red Oval Retro Sunglasses and Lucite Block Heel Sandals

It’s been an amazing week filled with events that celebrate women and their achievements. Thanks to all the strong women who dare to aspire and inspire, especially to all of you incredible moms! Happy Mother’s Day!

The first of many events this week was the launch party for Indian celebrity fashion designer, Anita Dongre‘s flagship store in New York City, which houses her sustainable luxury brand Grassroot, along with bridal couture, ready-to-wear and jewelry. Set in a gorgeous pre-war building on Soho’s West Broadway, the space is a gorgeous backdrop for the equally stunning pieces it holds, which celebrate sustainability and empowerment through the work of traditional artisans. Admittedly, I was not super familiar with her work prior to receiving an invitation to the event, but after a little research and discussion with SDP (my in-house Indian culture and fashion consultant), who’s long been familiar with her work – namely bridal couture – I was excited to attend (and brought SDP along for the fun).

For the event, I wanted a look that exuded “power woman” and opted for pieces that demonstrated confidence and strength through a menswear inspired silhouette. To create the look, I wore a white deep-v bodysuit with lapels and shoulderpads (almost tuxedo-like) with my favorite pair of super high-waisted navy pleated trousers. Together these pieces harken back to 80’s suiting, but cut closer to the body, the outfit resembled more of a sleek jumpsuit. For an expected pop of color and to add visual interest, I wore large red beaded tassel earrings and red oval retro sunglasses. For shoes, I wanted to keep things sleek and undistracting and wore lucite block heels. Finally, as a nod to other amazing artisans, I carried my brand new handwoven Portuguese basket bag (that received very many oooohs and ahhhhs at the event).