Fashion streaks of 2012 Take a look back on how 2012 scored on the fashion pitch...

Fashion streaks of 2012

Take a look back on how 2012 scored on the fashion pitch...

Abu Jani – Sandeep Khosla’s silver jubilee Couture kings Abu and Sandeep celebrated their 25th year in the fashion industry in August by launching a coffee-table book, India Fantastique. The two-part book traces their growth and features both their fashion and interiors work. The Sotheby’s London book launch saw none other than Dame Judi Dench and Amitabh Bachchan do the honours, while the Mumbai launch was hosted by Nita Ambani in her home with the biggest names in Indian society in attendance. Manav Gangwani and Manish Malhotra dress Naomi Campbell and friends Naomi Campbell threw a lavish 50th birthday bash in Jodhpur for her boyfriend Vladimir Doronin this November. The supermodel went desi in an elaborate pink and purple lehenga-choli created by designer Manav Gangwani. Her friends models Kate Moss, Karolina Kurkova and actress Demi Moore also followed suit by opting for ethnic wear by Manish Malhotra. The much-publicised four day extravaganza made Manav and Manish worldwide names. Armchair Shopping: This year, many shopping websites cropped up and the trend of armchair shopping is on an upswing. Thanks to busy lifestyles, everyone wants the world at the click of the mouse. So be it shopping, travel or even booking a table for two, e-commerce sites have witnessed a major upswing. Well, this year we also saw luxury brands presence on sites. International designers When the Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli was interviewed by the Indian press, he said that his fascination for Indian culture and women inspired him to open his first store in the country. Pat on our backs, we do love all the attention poured on by international designers. From Bollywood divas to society swans the store launch was graced by an illustrious list. Just hope this trend continus round the year.

Build a toy tree

Build a toy tree

Reminiscing about the good ol’ days? Now you can spend Christmas Day playing with Lego as you build a special tree and decorations with your family at High Street Phoenix. As part of the the monthly property ‘Talent Tuesday,’ go down memory lane with Hamleys and help build a 20 feet x 20 feet Christmas tree using 1.74 lac Lego bricks. In this day-long plan, revisit your childhood and enjoy a creative getaway full of colour and glee away from the urban rush. Participate in a tree-making workshop for all ages with trained professionals from 12 noon to 8 pm today and celebrate the festive season in a new spirit.

Art that heals Here’s an art show by two young artists that can heal you from within

Art that heals

Here’s an art show by two young artists that can heal you from within

With an aim to cure and heal people via art, The Journey Begins is an art show that exhibits visually soothing artworks by young artists and sisters, Pooja and Aparna Bangia, who come from a multi-faceted educational background of graphic design, fine arts, textile design and costume in India and the United Kingdom. The exhibits are about beauty, art, creativity and expression of The Absolute — which triggers and awakens a frequency within the audience. The unique metamorphosis is the synergy of the two artists as they actually paint together on each canvas. The entire collection of these paintings has been featured in the book The Fakir — Thoughts & Prayers by Ruzbeh N. Bharucha. Their journeys converged eight years ago to embark on a continuously evolving process of co-creation. “Our art is our journey into mysticism and symbols…as we travelled through different moments of prayer, revelation and insight. Each painting — always developed by four hands — is a journey of the spirit through a process of self and inner awareness,” say the young artists, adding, “Forms take consistency through symbolic processes expressing the union of our inner and outer worlds, moments of discovery, expressions of energy, sometimes sublime and calm, at others explosive and intense.” The concept was the brainchild of gallery owner Jalpa Vithalani. “Cosmic Heart Gallery has birthed in the form of a dream wherein I was given the name of the gallery, shown the space, the logo embedded on the floor and gently led on to a larger vision of art inspired by the and to create a platform for pure talent,” says Jalpa as she talks about creating this one-of-its-kind space. “We offer an exquisite collection of art which will touch your soul. Each piece of art is charged with Reconnective Healing Frequencies which opens us to higher levels of energy, light and information; the gift lies in generating that ‘frequency’ in your sacred space and translating the beauty of the work in a metaphysical way into your psyche,” she adds.

In search of her identity Artist Neha Majithia’s works combine Bollywood imagery, Hindu mythology and European influences

In search of her identity

Artist Neha Majithia’s works combine Bollywood imagery, Hindu mythology and European influences

Artist Neha Majithia, a master’s graduate from Parsons The New School for design is all set to showcase her first solo exhibition in Mumbai today. Titled Beauty Matters, the artist says this was her urge to “find my identity aka skin, colour, culture, etc. The answer to the question: Who am I?” Talking about the title, she says, “It’s a metaphor, signifying the orientation of my art work, revolving around the practices and implications of beauty. Finding new meanings of beauty, sexuality, religion, culture and influence in today’s world.” Her work reflects how the influence of imagery of hand-painted Bollywood film posters, comic books, Hindu mythological iconography as well as 20th century European portraiture and fairytales and contemporary visual culture play a vital role in the creation of her art works. With reference to her previous works, she feels that it lacked the recognition of one’s identity. “Breaking away from the shell opened up new questions of identity and comparisons between various cultures; creating a fertile ground for cross-cultural art practices, that was not so in the past,” she adds. This exhibit is also her way of critiquing look consciousness that’s prevalent among the people of major cities in India, and the increasing western influence that suggests slimming and beauty go hand in hand. However, Neha says her art is for art’s sake. “I don’t quite believe that every art piece or collection of work needs to have a meaning or underlying connotations or commentary about the society. It is very difficult and impractical to talk about a country like India and its direction towards traditionalism as it doesn’t only consist of metropolitan cities,” says the artist who is visibly excited to be showing in Mumbai after her last show at Kitchen Gallery, New York. As for her future exhibits she says, “Let’s see what direction the work takes me. The immigrant thinks and the artist paints.” sanaya.chavda@dnaindia.net

All for tots This weekend kids can take part in quizzes, gaming contests, treasure hunts and more

All for tots

This weekend kids can take part in quizzes, gaming contests, treasure hunts and more

A novel way to keep children occupied this holiday season, the Kids’ Fest which is on till January 10, offers a host of activities for little ones. Organised by Landmark, this annual fest is holding a number of engaging events. Lijin Thomas, Marketing Manager, Landmark, says, “The idea is for parents and children to bond together. We have an all-star challenge for gaming enthusiasts, as well as a book quiz where parents and kids or even a grandparent and their grandchild can participate. The idea is to make the activities fun and educative.” While yesterday, there was a Chhota Bheem tour for kids where they could meet their favourite character, other events lined-up mainly for 5-10 year olds include a spelling bee competition, a pictionary challenge and a treasure hunt with a host of prizes to be won. There’s also a Disney prince and princess party for invited few. Further, parents can avail on discounts on toys, gaming, books, and stationery for children. The events will take place at the Andheri and Vashi outlets.

Drenched in a drizzle Relive the monsoons through this painting exhibition on in the city

Drenched in a drizzle

Relive the monsoons through this painting exhibition on in the city

Artist Govind Dumbre has been fascinated with the monsoon since childhood, making this obsession the motivation for painting rainy scenes. His 11th solo show, Monsoon Magic which is currently on display, highlights the rains in distinct forms all over the country. “Just as I am fascinated by the scenic beauty of India, I am also proud of our culture, heritage and rich traditions of monuments. So, my work depicts the marvels of nature at strategic spots, highlighting the details and subtle nuances of monsoon fervour in almost every nook and corner of our country,” Govind says. A lot of his work shows Mumbai drenched in rain — CST, GPO, Flora Fountain, Elphinstone College at Kala Ghoda and many heritage and monumental buildings — but some works are of nearby spots as well such as the Konkan and Raigarh. “My intention is to illustrate the magic and mesmerising effects of Mumbai monsoons and also the the scenic panoramas around the city that I have often visited. More recently, I have started to actually illustrate religious sanctity of places via the architectural details in locations like Varanasi.” The present series of artworks vividly depicts the Varanasi ghats, boats and canoes in water, religious rituals, while reflecting the sanctity of peace and tranquility there. Over the years, Govind has developed his own skill and techniques as well as the visual language of expressionism. “I prefer to use acrylic on canvas, since I am at ease with it and well acquainted with how the visual effects and images show my impressions on this medium,” he says. While he continues to work with monsoon imagery, he does want to try his hand at other themes next time around. “The main motivation for the creation of a painting comes from within and my inner voice guides me to follow a particular line. My creations are a culmination of the direct exposition and illustration of thoughtful innovation and thinking as well as the voice of my inner soul in the relevant perspectives of visual arts,” he concludes.

Make-up expert Clint Fernandes tells you how to get glamorous within just 15 minutes

X'mas ready in a jiffy

Make-up expert Clint Fernandes tells you how to get glamorous within just 15 minutes

Get your make-up look right within a matter of minutes. Make-up expert Clint Fernandes tells you how: Start with a moisturiser and a light foundation or concealer. If you have flawless skin, avoid the foundation, and directly set the base with compact powder. Eyes Use a black kohl pencil and smudge charcoal eye shadow for a dual-tone effect. If you are young and daring, try a green eye shadow with a hint of gold. A dash of purple with black kohl is also a great alternative for the night to sail smooth and the camera to go clicking. Add volume to your lashes with some thick mascara. This should take about five minutes. If you want to relive the ’60s, try the winged-eye look. From the inner corner of the eye, move outwards to form a triangle, extend the liquid liner about a millimetre for a dramatic effect. From the outer corner of the line you just drew, work back toward your eye, using a light sketching technique in short strokes. As you get closer to the inner lash line, draw a thinner line to complete the look. Tip: Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time, practise with a kohl pencil till you perfect it. Lips Use a lip balm to moisturise the lips. Define the shape of your lips with a lip pencil. Do not use a contrasting or a darker shade of lip pencil. The shade of the lip pencil should be lighter than the lipstick. Use a lip brush to fill the lips, which is vital, as it blends in the pencil line with the lipstick effortlessly. Finish with a touch of lip gloss.

Be a head turner Confused about what to wear this Christmas and New Year’s eve? Let we show you the way

Be a head turner

Confused about what to wear this Christmas and New Year’s eve? Let we show you the way

The year-end is finally here and with it comes a host of parties to keep you well-engaged. While one can never go wrong with the little black dress, there are a number of new styles that are trending. Designer Maheka Mirpuri says this season is all about shimmer and shine. “Gold is in vogue in a very big way both in terms of colour and embellishment. Crystal encrusted skirts in nude as well as dull gold with zari, tilla and diamante work are apt for X’mas. Baroques, metallic brocades and lace with diamantes and lots of drapes reign this season. Accentuate your waistline with chunky or slim belts,” she says, adding that if you’re looking for an alternative to a dress go for a jumpsuit. In terms of fabrics, the cooler weather calls for leather which is classy as well as edgy, says Shradha Murarka, Vizyon. “Leather skirts, leggings, dresses combined with the perfect accessories can make for a very unconventional and trendy look. You can never go wrong with a classy fitted cocktail dress, styled with closed-toe suede heels and elegant earnings. The sequined look is here to stay. Those with a leaner body can create curves with pants with side pockets to bulk out the slim hips, and flared and frilly skirts. Those on the heavier side, should stick to straight cut dresses as it gives it a slimmer look,” suggests the designer. No colour is off limits for Christmas and New Year says Varsha Bhawnani, owner Vinegar. “Purple, berry and cobalt blue are popular choices, but if want to add drama to your outfit, then opt for hot pink, orange, electric blue and lime green. Team them with a neutral so that you’re not overwhelmed by the colour. Waistcoats and studded skirts can be a style staple for evenings out. Cuts are easy this season, nothing complicated or figure hugging. Boxy silhouettes with a sexy cinched waistline, broad stretch belts with interesting clasps worn with shift dresses. The idea is to be comfortable yet sexy,” she says. Accessory-wise it’s best to keep it simple with a pair of chunky earrings and a bare neck or a statement neckpiece teamed with small studs.

How to shop smart,even at the last minute Heres what the experts say?

EXPRESSED WELL

How to shop smart,even at the last minute Heres what the experts say

There is one rule that holds true in every scenario be it planning a house,a baby or Christmas shopping plan in advance.And while there is no denying that planning is important,it isnt one of the most viable things to do in the current scenario.In fact,say experts,its common for people,in spite of their best intention and a list,shopping is often pushed to the last minute,in some cases seconds too!
The repercussion of such an act is not only money blown,but the guilt of blowing it on the wrong things.Rues serial last minute shopper,Meghna Tripathi,It isnt the money thats the issue,you dont seem to get the right stuff from Day 2 of the sale.And in guilt you end up buying things especially gifts that later on are stuck with you as they dont really make sense. Meghna in fact has a gift dump box that holds all the gifts she bought but never could gift.Incidentally,Meghnas position is one that many experience during the festive season.So whats the way out We get two pro shoppers to help you work out your way of the double whammy of low prices and bad gifts and make better choices for gifts.
Says Sagar Pagar,fashion entrepreneur and owner,Thailand Sawan,One of the first thing to do is take a closer look at what you need and want to gift,and make a list.This would serve two purposes.One,even with heavy discounts in the store,you would not be swayed to buy something on impulse,and two,an understanding of your wardrobe,or even you sister or friends,will allow you to pick things that are essential or loved.
Go personalised on your gifting options,says HitPlay.in,a gifting portal site,owner,Champ Alreja.To begin with personalized gifts have a wide budget range that goes from 300-20,000 plus rupees,but most importantly,it also shows the person you cared to notice.And that makes even an iPad sleeve,a better gift than the iPad.
One hindrance,adds the experts,to keep in mind is that most things on sale is fashion,outgoing.So be selective.Says Jasleen Kaur,personal shopper,This is yet another reason that you select something which is classic like a pair of blue jeans,a T-shirt,polo tees or even a pair of pencil trousers.They are good bargains.
Another gifting option is "Collectors or Personalized Memorabilia".The benefit of such gifts are that they are available online and can be shipped even at the last moment,guilt-free.Like the limited edition Michael Jackson figure or the autographs from Rafa Nadal,Roger Federer and Matt Groening.

THE JOY AND TOGETHERNESS OF CHRISTMAS MAKES IT A SPECIAL FESTIVAL FOR EVERYONE,IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR FAITH

Tis the season to be jolly

THE JOY AND TOGETHERNESS OF CHRISTMAS MAKES IT A SPECIAL FESTIVAL FOR EVERYONE,IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR FAITH


Celebrating the spirit of joyousness and sharing,has very little to do with religious inclinations.Christmas isnt just for the Christians;we all have a right to Santa Claus!
Deepika Das,a Christmas enthusiast,began celebrating the festival during her college days.Back then,she accompanied her friends to church for Christmas service.Even today,after several years,I celebrate Christmas by decorating my own tree,making marzipan and Christmas cake and distributing it amongst friends. Not a firm follower of any particular faith,Das smiles,All festivals are important.I celebrate them all with equal excitement and joy.
Karuna Sugla too dates her love for the festival back to her Christian school days,when she was exposed to the traditions and culture surrounding Christmas.A mom now,she celebrates Christmas along with her children.The festival embodies the spirit of sharing,giving and community feeling.These are values I wish to inculcate in my children.And Santa Claus is a hit with the kids! Sugla,a Hindu by faith,revels in the vibrancy of the festival and the spirit of togetherness and warmth during the winter by singing along to a carol CD,decorating a tree,hanging stockings and enjoying her Catholic neighbourhood activities.
Ditto Prachi Shah.Shah,though not a Catholic,is a believer in Christ and hence,celebrates Christmas.Her Christmas routine includes going to church,followed by a small gathering with her friends.I love Christmas.Theres a pleasant environment all around and lots of sweets and chocolates, she grins.
Its the season to be jolly and you definitely dont have to be a Christian to be happy,do you

ENJOY YOUR FESTIVE SEASON WITH CARE AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR A FUN-FILLED NEW YEAR

WE WISH YOU A SAFE CHRISTMAS

ENJOY YOUR FESTIVE SEASON WITH CARE AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR A FUN-FILLED NEW YEAR




Christmas is a universal happy time of the year.With the New Year around the corner,it is a time of joy,love and hope for a brighter future.With the exuberant holiday mood,so much to organise and prepare for,let's not forget to be safe to have a fun festive season.Consider these tips for Christmas safety as you are decorating the tree,doing up the lights and saying cheers this year.

CHRISTMAS TREE

When you prepare your real tree for Christmas bunting,ensure there are no loose needles.Give it a good shake before you start hanging up your decorations.Check the limbs of your real or artificial tree before you start hanging up the stuff.Ensure that it has just enough bend to not give way,leaving you in a puddle of glass or plastic.Place your Christmas tree in an area away from walk paths in the house.Ensure the children or pets understand that they cannot touch the tree.

LIGHTS

Ensure that you have proper earthing,safe plug-points and correct power phases before setting up your lights.If you are going to have several lights,it would be best to get an electrician to set them up for you.Christmas lights can be used both indoors and outdoors,but they aren't to be used interchangeably.There are lights specifically made to use indoors and these should never be used outside.Use the UL Christmas lights that don't get heated,to avoid possible fires.Always turn off the lights on a tree before going to bed at night.

CANDLES

Candles are a traditional and beautiful part of the season.But they are also dangerous if not handled with care.Always keep candles at a safe distance from other things,even walls.Ensure kids and pets are always supervised around candles.It is not advisable to use candles on or around your Christmas tree.Freeze your candles before inserting them into candleholders.This will eliminate extra wax drippings.Always make sure you are using non-flammable candle-stands.

DECORATIONS

Avoid any decorations that tend to break easily such as glass or have sharp edges.Keep tree trimmings or decorations that are very small and can be swallowed out of the reach of your infant.

FOOD AND DRINK

If you are going to be out partying and drinking,ensure you have someone to drive you home.This person should not have consumed alcohol at all.Ensure that you are not over-drinking or over-eating.A terrible hangover or an upset stomach takes the fun away from the next day.

THE DIFFERENTLY-ABLED CRAFT JOY AND SUSTENANCE THROUGH THEIR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

DIFFERENT STROKES

THE DIFFERENTLY-ABLED CRAFT JOY AND SUSTENANCE THROUGH THEIR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

Khubi Ali


It's that time of the year when Christmas colours splash the markets and the city is bathed in Christmas lights.It's time to ready the Christmas tree,get the gifts packed,sing the carols and make merry! And all this and much,much more is what keeps Santa's special elves busy each year.Children and women with Down's syndrome create and sell art,craft and Christmas sweets each year in an attempt to share their love and create sustainability.
The brainchild of Dr Radhike Khanna,Om Creations,is an enterprise that empowers women with the Down's syndrome to create art and use it as a therapeutic tool for regular income generation.These differently-abled women create wonders with paper,fabric,canvas,clay,ceramic and wood.These hand-crafted products,with attention to quality and detail,make amazing Christmas presents.
From these special elves also come aromatic bakes,Christmas cakes and chocolates sold to large corporates."We have a beautiful spiritual dimension to the whole idea of festivities at Om Creations.Christmas sparkles here with our gifts,"beams Dr Khanna.
These young adults,who love a celebration,make the organisation "a happy,lively place,with a lot of positive energy flowing around during Christmas".The camaraderie,bonhomie and unconditional love is an uplifting experience,says Dr Khanna."Their love is so unconditional,their interaction so pure.Their desire to share makes them thrive,"says Roshni Sinor,a volunteer at the organisation.
Perhaps,our materialistic Christmas has a lot to learn from the simplistic joys of these young adults.It's these differently-abled that often set an example to stay true to the spirit of giving,the spirit of Christmas.

City’s youngsters set the stage on fire with their dance moves

City’s youngsters set the stage on fire with their dance moves

Last weekend spelled creativity and culture as various styles of dances were performed at two separate occasions around the city. On the first occasion, a group of underprivileged and special children, as a part of Youthellinnium’s Youth Star Awards, welcomed the winter season. Though the programmes were held separately, the enthusiasm spread across all communities. The Youthellinnium dance academy, along with a non-governmental organisation, Aarambh, hosted some amazing dance performances at the Aagri Koli Bhavan in Nerul. About 100 students, including special and underprivileged children, performed 14 different forms of dance. They also performed on Bollywood chartbusters such as Chintata Chita Chita, Radha Radha and Main Aisa Kyun Hun. “We teach dance to children from slum areas every Saturday. All these children were part of the event. From belly dance to hip-hop, the children put their best foot forward. Some children also paid tribute to Micheal Jackson by doing Moon Walk,” said Ranjan Sharma, founder and owner of Youthellinnium. Students also won awards in 20 different categories as a apart of the Youth Star Awards and were given based on their performance throughout year. Students were felicitated in various categories such as dedication, growth, special effects, best moves, expression queen and student of the year. Sharma, too, gave a eight-minute performance, where he showcased a mix of hip hop, contemporary, locking popping and aerial act. He was later joined by his students aged between four and 55 years. Meanwhile, Vashi saw a cultural evening with Nupur Ballet Troupe conducting a small event to welcome the season and appreciate students of the troupe who have been around for quite some time now. The evening had a mix of classical, folk, modern and creative forms of dances performed by students of various age groups. There were three classical Odissi dances, in the form of Basant Pallavi, Batu and Mangala Charan; Batu was a solo performance. Youngsters’ performance was based on Rabindranath Tagore’s songs as well as an act from Ananda Shankar’s dance ballet. There were some performances on Bengali folk songs and creative dance performances on Adhunik songs. Around 40 students participated in the entire event, which was finely choreographed by Prantika Debchoudhury, owner and founder of the troupe.

When residents of God’s own country visit Navi Mumbai

When residents of God’s own country visit Navi Mumbai

Koparkhairane’s Shri Sastha Samaj Ayyappa temple had organised a grand procession on December 18, keeping in mind the mandala puja season and the temple’s pratistha day (establishment day). More than 100 artists had been invited from Kerala to showcase their state’s culture. According to members of the temple, the main purpose to invite the Keralites to this two-km-long rally was to highlight the distinct aspects of their homeland. The procession began at 7pm from the area’s Shiv temple. The artiste gave excellent performances to portray the art and culture of Kerala before a large number of devotees. Their well-defined gestures, hand movements and traditional attires showcased the birth of Lord Ayyappa. Devotees proceeded along the various sectors of the area and at regular intervals the artists presented a different dance form. One of the members of the temple, Raddhakrishnan Nair, said, “The three-day puja and celebration is specially exclusive this year because the artistes from Kerala are imparting knowledge about the state and its culture to devotees who have come from across the state. Also, the hymns were chanted in praise of Lord Ayyappa during the procession.” Around 800 devotees from the neighbouring areas gathered for the puja. “Throughout the programme, devotees offered archanas to Lord Ayyappa. The samaj serves annadanam and Kerala dishes are relished by all devotees in the form of prasadam on all the three days. Keralites presented dance forms such as Kavdi, which is performed to invoke Lord Murugan. Other dance forms included Thaiyyam, Chendamela, and Panchvadyam. Each art form had a distinct touch of our state. Fascinated by the cultural dance performance, pedestrians also took part in the procession,” one of the volunteers and a member of the temple said. Some performances were a combination of all dance forms.

Residents decorate homes to celebrate Christmas From Santa caps to decorative items for cribs, shops do brisk business before December 25

Residents decorate homes to celebrate Christmas

From Santa caps to decorative items for cribs, shops do brisk business before December 25

With less than a week left for Christmas, the city is being painted in red. From malls to streets, all nooks and crannies sport Christmas decorations. Even the display windows at the retail outlets feature red and green colours. Residents have also started decorating their houses with various decorative items. For those who have not started yet, Santa caps are easily available. You can simply buy it from a hawker while waiting in your car at a signal. Drive through the city and you will find several vendors selling a variety of items. “I bought Santa caps and other Christmas items from a signal at sector 17, Vashi, a few days back. I bought six Santa caps and items for decorating snowman at reasonable prices. These items are also of decent quality,” Jonita Ravi, a resident of Sanpada, said. These items are also available at the Sanpada and the Nerul signal on Palm Beach Road; Gothi’s junction in Seawoods; and Kharghar. Colourful streamers can be bought at stationery and gift shops. These streamers are available in sparkling silver, red, green copper, gold and blue colours. They cost around Rs25- 40/metre. The price depends on the pattern. Streamers which have cut work and leaf patterns cost around Rs50/metre. “There are gift shops selling Santa masks as well as items for crib decoration. They offer a rich variety of dolls that can be put in the crib. I have bought a set of dolls from Gift Lane in Nerul. They are made of plaster of paris (POP). I got the set for Rs250,” Praisey Sequeira, a resident of Nerul, said. Roselyn Pareira has bought a lantern. “I have purchased it from a store in sector 12, Kharghar. This store offers different types of lanterns and other decorative items. They are reasonably priced,” Roselyn said. One can find good deals at the flea markets in sector 9, Vashi, Nerul station and Kharghar. Items like fur-lined Santa dress, masks, and lanterns designed like cribs, are available here.

Young Bharatanatyam students shine on stage

Young Bharatanatyam students shine on stage

Six young disciples of Kalasadan Institute of Fine Arts, one of the oldest cultural institutions in Mumbai, presented their Arangetram on December 15, at Agri-Koli Auditorium, Nerul. The students Anagha, Aria, Deepsna, Lavanya, Shraddha and Sowmya were trained by Sriram Narainswamy and his mother Uma Narainswamy at the Nerul Centre of Kalasadan at SIES College. The programme started with the traditional Pushpanjali (floral offerings to the Gods). Varnam, a Tamil composition praising lord Nataraja, was performed. The dancers depicted the “Samudramanthana” (Siva drinking poison) episode during this performance. The second half of the Arangetram comprised Sanskrit padams including one that was based on Ramayana. Verses from Andal’s Thiruppavai were recited. A hymn from Thiruppavai was also presented. The performance concluded with a shloka and Thillana. Sriram, who was on the Nattuvangam (the cymbals), had choreographed the performance. Natrajgopal and IS Narainswamy were the vocalists. Uma Narainswamy was on the violin, Krishnan on the Mridangam and Ganesan on the Moorsing. Sanskrit scholar AR Kulkarni was the chief guest at the function. He praised the performances. He was also delighted to see Sanskrit being popularised through dance.

Guys in dresses and girls in tuxedos It’s a brave world of fashion where men are modelling for womenswear and vice versa

Guys in dresses and girls in tuxedos

It’s a brave world of fashion where men are modelling for womenswear and vice versa

    The latest trends to capture the attention of the fashion industry worldwide are square jaws and boyish builds. It’s the women who are wearing the pants on global runways. In a gender-bender coup of sorts, Dutch model Saskia de Brauw (31), has been chosen as the new face of a Parisian fashion major’s latest collection of menswear. In a series of black and white images, the female model looks like a pre-pubescent pageboy.
    But, Saskia is not the first girl to model for a menswear line. Before her, 35-year-old Casey Legler from New York was signed on by a modelling agency as a ‘male’ model. Strong jawbones, lanky builds, cropped hairstyles and six-feet-plus heights seem to work in favour of these women who seemed to have embraced their new roles with classy nonchalance.
    Girls like Saskia and Casey have men like Andrej Pejic and Stav Strashko for company. Andrej created news when he signed up with a lingerie brand. Stav had stunned all with his advert for a car company that featured him only in bikini bottoms, his sinuous back and seductive gait giving nothing away about his sexuality. In 2010, Lea T, a Brazilian transsexual model, was made the face of a big fashion house. She then went on to feature in fashion glossies and even on a cover where she was shown kissing Kate Moss. Models like Agyness Deyn and Stella Tennant are also proving that they can fill out couture gowns and make tuxedos look sexy. Nobody’s complaining as long as the dresses look fierce and the pants look smart!
GENDER BENDER: THERE ARE OTHERS TOO Stav Strashko: The Ukrainian lad did an Andrej Pejic when he dare-bared in an ad campaign for a car company. The brief was, of course, a bikini bottom. Only a bikini bottom! Casey Legler: Female model Casey Legler was signed up by a New York-based modelling agency as a male model. Valentijn de Hingh: Originally a boy, this Amsterdam native underwent gender reassignment surgery after which she started strutting her stuff on runways for major fashion brands.

Transsexual model Lea T is the face of a big fashion house

Female model Saskia de Brauw is the face of a Parisian fashion major’s menswear collection

Male model Andrej Pejic regularly models for womenswear for big fashion labels

SUSHANT SINGH Actor and one-time penniless struggler

SUSHANT SINGH

Actor and one-time penniless struggler

ON making every rupee count

Work hard and don’t be lazy. It’s old advice. But it’s the only way to keep money flowing.
Be prudent. Your money has to last a whole month. Leave frivolous purchases for the end of the month, not the start.

Spend on your needs, not your wants because wants are never ending. Today you’ll want an iPad2, tomorrow, something else. Need, not greed should be your motto.

It is also important to check where you spend most your money and on whom. Fuel? Restaurants? Girlfriend? Trim accordingly.

Remember that the only way to make every rupee count is by not counting them at all. If you run after money, you’ll always lose the race. So, stop now.

SHAZAHN PADAMSEE Bollywood star and daughter of theatre legend and ad veteran, Alyque Padamsee

SHAZAHN PADAMSEE

Bollywood star and daughter of theatre legend and ad veteran, Alyque Padamsee

ON coming out of Daddy’s shadow
For me it wasn’t a choice – I always knew I wanted to do something different from the rest of my family. I was always a bit of a rebel. I was lucky that my family was cool with me pursuing whatever I wanted.

But if your parents are adamant that you follow in the family mould, sit them down, have a heart-to-heart chat, and let them see how dedicated you are to following a different path. Chances are, they will relent.
But if it doesn’t happen, stand up for your rights anyway. Everyone is entitled to live their own life and fulfil their own dreams.
Finally, if things don’t work out in the profession you’ve chosen, don’t be afraid to move on. At the end of the day, you must be happy with your choices, and the way they turned out.

R BALKI AND GAURI SHINDE ON being married to someone in the same profession

R BALKI AND GAURI SHINDE

ON being married to someone in the same profession

BALKI
I don’t think it is professional life versus personal life. It’s one life and whatever you’re doing that you want to share with your partner. On English Vinglish, she was working on the film, I on some parts of production. My work wasn’t hers. We suggest things to each other but it’s not interfering, because finally it’s one person’s call. You may tell the person if you feel something is wrong, but the other person may have a very good reason for doing what they’re doing.
The best rule to have is to not have any rules. Don’t follow these theories of let’s-leave-work-outside home. I can’t see how the mind can suddenly stop working when you reach home.
Work is the most interesting part of your life, what’s wrong with that? If your holiday is more interesting, then obviously you don’t discuss work. But if you’re discussing work on a holiday, accept it. Accept whatever is more interesting.

A lot of couples meet at work, and get together because of work. The same work cannot become evil and cannot come in the way of the relationship.

SHINDE
We rarely stop talking about work. It’s our passion. From the beginning, we’ve never overstepped the line. We’re both very strong-headed. We discuss but never interfere.
When you’re required, be around. Otherwise just do your own thing.
If work is your common passion, it’ll keep it going.

RASHMI BANSAL ON quitting the rat race to pursue your passion

RASHMI BANSAL

ON quitting the rat race to pursue your passion

1 It’s everyone’s duty to be the best in what they do. But it’s is important to know what you want to do. If this is still a big question, keep a daily record of one thing you loved doing that day. It could be something small – perhaps you felt good helping someone. And over time you may realise that helping people is what makes you happy.
2 Or set aside some time every day to sit silently and quieten your mind. You’ll be amazed at what your inner voice tells you when you actually listen.

3 Have a time-bound plan. Promise yourself that you will make the leap or resign from your current job or start a new chapter of your life on a particular day. And then stick to it.

4 Keep some money to tide you over. Especially in the beginning. Especially if you’re breaking into a creative profession.

5 If your family is apprehensive, ask them for three years to prove yourself (even if this may not actually be your plan). But realise that there are a lot more opportunities, more places that will hire, more assignments today than in your parents’ time.

6 Don’t let naysayers pull you down. People come to me saying they want to try this or that profession and ask, “What is the scope of it?” But no could have predicted the scope of writing when I decided to be a writer in 1993. No one knew how much would change in the industry and the Indian reader. If you’re intensely passionate about what you want to do, a path will open up. Don’t lose heart. Something, someone, somewhere will come forward and help.

7 Get over your fear of the unknown with perseverance and discipline. You’d have needed these traits even if you were at your old job, but this time around, there is no boss to blame and no company policy to criticise. If you’re still underperforming, it’s only be because of your inner drive.

8 Don’t expect success on the first day – but make sure you have had some growth in six months. Keep positive and stay motivated. You have to believe that it is going to work out for you. It may not be a straight path, but success will eventually come.

9 Keep yourself involved in your dream. So you want to be an actor? It’s not going to happen overnight (and the Bollywood dream doesn’t come true for everyone, regardless of talent). But there will always be work – in TV, at workshop, in direction, in advertising. If you want to pursue music, set aside half your time for songwriting or composing. Use the rest to find work within the field – jingles, music lessons, whatever.

10 Do what you love to do; only then will you do everything with passion and it will fall into place.

ROHAN JOSHI Stand-up comedian and man with 28,000 Twitter followers ON making a noise with 140 characters

ROHAN JOSHI

Stand-up comedian and man with 28,000 Twitter followers
ON making a noise with 140 characters

-People on the net like honest opinions, mostly because it’s one of the few places where you can get one that was not paid for ( THIS ARTICLE SPONSORED BY LUX! THE#1 BABY OIL!) -So have an opinion. State it honestly, eloquently, and in a voice that’s yours. -Dnt typ lyk dis. Don’t retweet compliments. Be open to conversation, to debate, to attack. Don’t be afraid to defend yourself. The Internet’s full of bullies, but like all bullies, they have no idea what to do when you fight back with logic.

SUHEL SETH author Master marketer, town and man about right being in all the ON places at once

SUHEL SETH

author Master marketer, town and man about right being in all the
ON places at once

At the end of the day, you just gotta love people. That's what will make you want to go out and meet them, talk to them. engage them and remember them. Don’t make a fool of your-self by clamouring for invites. Don’t brag about the places you've been. Don’t name- drop. Be interested in people, in what they're doing and what makes them tick. That’s what gets them to remember you and invite you back.

AMIT BURMAN Vice chairman at Dabur India ON what customers want

AMIT BURMAN

Vice chairman at Dabur India ON what customers want

INFORMALITY: Many of our customers are in their teens. So, engaging them at social networking sites makes sense. We asked for mocktails and cocktail recipes on our Facebook page. The response has been enormous.

FAMILIARITY: Engage them at a site where they chill. We set up buyer points and stalls at malls, movies and restaurants they frequent, so they could try out new products and purchase what hooked them.

SOMEONE WHO’S PAYING ATTENTION: When we began establishing new fruit juice categories, we realised our breakfast habits are different from those abroad. A majority of our buyers, for instance, want their orange juice sweeter. So, we brought out Real, which is sweeter than our Active range for the fitness conscious.

AN INDIAN APPROACH: Our tetra-packed coconut water and pomegranate juice is a hit only in India. We are even contemplating a Kokum-based concoction.

SMART PRICING: Indian buyers are one of the most value-conscious in the world. No Indian CEO can forget this thumb rule: We will buy products only when we see value being accorded to us.

HEMANT OBEROI - Corporate chef for the Taj hotels and grand executive chef

ON serving every type of diner and still being true to yourself Corporate chef for the Taj hotels and grand executive chef of the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai

Give them something to remember: 

Every top hotel has access to the best techniques, the best ingredients and the best budgets. Distinguish yourself by giving people an experience they’ve never had. Even with great meals, ultimately, the memory you will take with you is not just how the food tasted but how it made you feel. Think beyond what you put on the plate.

Put your muse to work:
Keep your eyes open to inspiration, even if it takes years before an idea actually sparks. I did a bicycle-themed New Year’s Eve party last year from a single memory of a bicycle mounted on a bar wall in Europe 20 years ago. Take in everything, you never know what will stick.

Think beyond the obvious:
There is life beyond tandoori chicken, seekh kebabs and mutter paneer – even in an Indian restaurant. I’ve served food in tiffins, got female servers to feed finger-foods to a mehendi party and created caviar pani puri. And do it well, or don’t attempt it at all.

Don’t be a me-too:

Think five steps ahead. Ask diners where they’ve holidayed, what restaurants they liked, which ones they skipped. So when they’re ready for the same food in India, you’ll have known all along.

Build your team:
It’s the difference between a great combination and a disastrous fusion. To break the rules, you have to know the rules.

Finally, know your basics:
Some things just can’t be done. I mean, can you imagine a tandoori goose liver or a fish dhansak?
...And your limits:
 

  You learn as much from a trainee as from a senior chef or a customer.