My friend Heena Jain was recently in Delhi for a NBA Jam Session with her husband Akash Jain (yup he really does have the coolest job ever!) and so she did this awesome little blog about her trip for MissMalini.com! Gotta love that the NBA is glam-ing up b-ball in India (and OMG gotta love those Armani pumps.) xoxo
Psst! Heena is also a chef extraordinaire! Watch this space for her brand new biz that involves social cooking coming soon 🙂

Akash and Heena Jain
Akash and Heena Jain
Steve Smith and Kanishtha Dhankhar
Akash Jain Business Development (India) at NBA, Steve Smith and Kanishtha Dhankhar
Vogue_Blogger_Badges_1-1

What more can a girl ask for than a night filled with fashion, cocktails, music and eye candy?  The DLF Emporio mall was luxuriously filled with energy and excitement.  All of the stores on the main floor were open for business late into the night and displaying the hottest trends of the season.
Psst! NBA Legend Steve Smith and Miss India Kanishtha Dhankhar even did a walk-off on court during the jam, wanna see?!

Steve Smith and Kanishtha Dhankhar
Steve Smith and Kanishtha Dhankhar

The main atrium had a gorgeous Vogue exhibit called the “Black Shawl Project.” Vogue had gathered 25 of India’s top designers to create their interpretation  of a standard black shawl and the results were phenomenal.  Designers  participating in the project included Ritu Kumar, Satya Paul, Sabyasachi, Manish Arora, JJ Valaya, Manish Malhotra and Janavi (just to name a few).  I personally loved JJ Valaya’s design, which  seemed to just enhance the simple elegance of the essential black shawl.

Black Shawl Project
Black Shawl Project
Best Shoes Ever!
Best Shoes Ever!

While many of the stores were open for shopping, I most enjoyed Armani and Emporio Armani for going the extra mile.  Not only did they carry some amazing pieces, but they also created an energetic atmosphere. Armani was serving smooth champagne while you perused their goods. It didn’t hurt that I completely fell in love with a pair of their  shoes. They were the most beautiful brocade hidden platform pumps,  covered in little glittery gems…sigh. I will dream of you. They  unfortunately cost around 63000rps, which was a bit out of my budget… 😉

Absolut Bar
Absolut Bar
Gorgeous black pumps!
Gorgeous black pumps!

There were also a couple of gorgeous black pumps, but I can go on about shoes forever (I’ll spare you).  Emporio Armani next door was even more fun.  They had an Absolut vodka bar set up serving the most delicious fresh watermelon mojitos and an amazing DJ who made it impossible not to start dancing.  We also spotted the stunning Jacqueline Fernandez stop by.  This was the perfect transition to the after party…

Fashion's Night Out
Fashion’s Night Out

The after party was held on the top floor of the Emporio mall at the restaurant and lounge called Zest.  I thought Zest was a great venue for the party. It was very spacious with a large bar, so you didn’t have to worry about waiting ages for a drink. They also had a very large tasty food spread and an even more appealing dessert selection.  Spotted through out the evening were Miss India World (Kanishtha Dhankhar), Rohit Bal, JJ Valaya, NBA Legend Steve Smith and many more. The only issue I had with the party is that it ended too early. 😉

By Heena Jain for MissMalini