Nakarali + Japan
Nakarali in Japan
For several years in a row Tokyo was a stop in my world tour as a dancer / teacher of Bellydance and Indian dances. I love Japan! The attention to detail in everything from how a matcha soy latte is presented, to the way a compliment is given to a friend - it is touching and inspiring to me as an artist. Many of my Japanese students can appreciate the story behind my dance research and the Nakarali jewelry I bring with me to events.
I am interested in draping my body in story: Jewelry and clothing that has traveled to meet me in a thoughtful way that resonates with my vision - this is where I find value in fashion and jewelry.
Celebrating color and culture through all the details is why I started Nakarali. The details of a Rajasthani earring and the way it can be recreated with a contemporary twist is so exciting to me, I made a party out of it!
On my last trip to Tokyo we had a Nakarali Night in a funky little basement club in the trendy Shibuya neighborhood. Dj Yama and Dj Majestic Woman created the soundtrack (!) And we hung large black and white prints of some of Nakarali’s best photographic work for sale by epic Indian fashion photographer Devansh Jhaveri. I gave a lecture on Indian jewelry and the symbolism which the designs evoke through placement, material and design. We danced and drooled over the collection of Nakarali Classics as well as some of our vintage/antique pieces.
I have to confess even though I have passed unthinkable amounts of jewelry through my hands that have sold through Nakarali, I have the hardest time as a saleswomen. The truth is it hurts to part with some of the pieces, I just love them so much! I love collecting, sitting over endless cups of chai talking to the karikars (craftsmen) to learn a piece’s history and the story of the hands that made it… so when the day comes to part with that piece I cringe a little. Unless the piece feels like it is being as appreciated in its new home as it was in our collection.
In Japan, I always feel our customers understood they are becoming a part of the story of the hands that a piece of art has passed through. Japanese have a great love and respect for cultures and the nuances that compile to create them. For this I love sharing Nakarali in Japan! We can’t wait to be back for another event.
On our magical last visit to Tokyo I had the honor to do an exclusive photography session with Mr Yokogi - a renowned fashion photographer of the Tokyo fashion scene. For the model we chose to go with Bellydance dance icon of Tokyo - Natacha because I wanted to show our new Crystal Pyramids collection on a real life, moving woman. We decided to dress her in a traditional black Kimono in celebration of one of the worlds most elegant garments and to set the context of this unique cross-cultural collaboration.
Here are some of the photos that came out of that magical day!
