Guest designer Mani Kohli (Khubsoorat Collection) explains how she styles her customers for a glamorous occasion - and challenges our Coordinators to accessorise her finished outfit.

"First impressions are lasting impressions I truly agree with that. I always emphasise the wisdom of this saying to every celebrity, bride or client.  For a Khubsoorat ensemble to have that lasting impact, it is important for me to understand the customer - the event, who'll be there, and above all the customer's own personality - before creating the ensemble.  By focusing closely on the customer, I can ensure that the colour, cut and style work perfectly for them.  Ultimately, their confidence in the outfit results in greater impact.  Once the outfit has been created, choosing complementary jewellery and accessories is imperative - and that's where the co-ordinators at BEES come in.  Choices should reflect the shape and flow of the garment; the necklace and earrings should echo the overall look, from the shape of the neckline to the embellishment, so the final appearance is like a flow, with no part overshadowing another.  Jewellery can also be used to add detailing, like in the picture; the slit in the skirt has been accentuated with a beautiful waist brooch just to give that Midas touch.  The final look, carefully assembled and beautifully accessorised, is guaranteed to make a women feel like a queen on the ramp."

Accessorising Mani's Outfit

We've completed Mani's outfit with a gorgeous set of jewellery.  Our Colour Co-ordinators are ready in store to help you match up your ensemble for any occasion - come in and give them a challenge!  Here's how we did it for Mani...­

CREATING A FLOW: To complement the flow of the garment, the BEES co-ordinators chose jewellery with similar shapes.  The round Jade Dragon earrings echo the looped tendrils of hair and bangles emphasise slender arms. 

DRESS LIKE A QUEEN:  If you want lots of sparkle, the key is to distribute it evenly (and avoid problem areas!).  In this outfit the eye is drawn from twinkling tika to glittering hemline, which emphasises our model's beautifully lean figure. The sweeping form of the dress has the same effect.

DETAILS:  Choosing your jewels after your outfit means you can select exactly the right colours and shapes.  We chose a glamorous waist piece to highlight the slit at the waist.

MAKE-UP: Mani styles her clients according to their personality.  For a confident look, low-key makeup is perfect.  Our model's features are subtly highlighted with shimmer lipstick, liner across the top eyelids, and a hint of blusher.

HAIRSTYLING: While loose curls create a soft, romantic look, an up-do is perfect for evening glamour.  It also means you can show off your jewels - like these dramatic earrings and tika.