Saturday, August 24, 2013

The Bharatiya August 24, 2013

you won’t find one single store empty when discounts are offered.

WHAT’S THE BIG CRAZE ABOUT SALE?

Whether its clothes, accessories, shoes or household items — you won’t find one single store empty when discounts are offered.

The last two months saw shopaholics on a rampant shopping spree — from roadside stalls to branded ones, the heavy discounts have been driving people crazy and how. With new stocks arriving, certain stores have even decided to extend the sale days. So if you still haven’t splurged, this could be your last chance.
“I wait for the time when stores offer huge discounts on clothes and shoes. The best time to purchase things is during the first one month, when you can get a hold of some great buys. Recently, I went to a store which has extended its sale and managed to buy a pair of formal trousers,” says Arunima Bose, 26-year-old banker.
JEWELLERY AND ACCESSORIES Though it isn’t the wedding season yet, several jewellery brands across the city are offering big discounts. From gold, diamonds, silver, everyday jewellery to stones — this is the perfect time to invest in them.
ELECTRONIC GOODS For all the gadget freaks, this is the best time to get a new phone, laptop, TV etc. The sales ensure that you not only splurge on essential buys, but on luxury items as well. Don’t miss out on this one.
HOME BUYS If you’ve been waiting to get new curtains, bed spreads or other items like bed sheets, home appliances etc for your house, here’s your chance. Big home brands have their sales going on till the last week of August.
APPARELS If you’ve been vying for a particular dress or top, here’s an option to pick it up for a steal. Says boutique owner Purnima Majithia, “People usually wait for this time to buy dresses of all sorts because we usually offer big discounts on garments. From Indian wear to Western wear, one would get at least 30 to 70 per cent off on clothes. This time we saw how people went crazy shopping, so we decided to extend the sale dates by a couple of days, till the end of the month.”

The Bharatiya August 24, 2013

Rocky S unveils his glamorous collection at the ongoing fashion week

UNFOLD THE MYSTERY OF GLAMOUR

This season, witness a mélange of drama and couture as Rocky S unveils his glamorous collection at the ongoing fashion week

Using his signature colour black to its fullest, Rocky S delineates the dramatic splendour of mystery. Through the overall look and feel of his new collection, the designer aims to depict fashion from the dark, medieval age where black was used to its maximum. Experience the glamorous contours of femininity that reflects from fabrics and silhouettes involved in creating this collection.
“This collection is close to my heart. I’m looking forward to unveiling it at Lakme Fashion Week. Infused with my signature colour black, the clothes invoke a sense of confidence yet reflect a feminine attribute. I have tried to add elements of various trends of today and medieval times to ensure that every woman wearing this creation looks beautiful, elegant and fiercely glamorous,” says Rocky, who has made a name for himself in the Indian fashion fraternity and is known for dressing Bollywood beauties like Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif, Shilpa Shetty and others. In the west, he has designed for Paris Hilton, Beyonce and the Pussy Cat Dolls. Rocky has introduced his new celebrity line Rocky Star at Lakme Fashion week in 2012. The line is made to order and is launched with the intention of making his customers look like their favourite movie star. Rocky will showcase his collection at LFW tonight at 9:30 pm.

Rocky S

The Bharatiya August 24, 2013

Harshitaa Chatterjee Deshpande (HCD) collection, Ragas of the Charioteer is inspired by Maratha warriors

INSPIRED BY MARATHA WARRIORS

Harshitaa Chatterjee Deshpande (HCD) is a young, talented film maker/producer, fashion entrepreneur and now a designer. Her collection, Ragas of the Charioteer is inspired by Maratha warriors and will be showcased at the Lakme Fashion Week winter fest 2013 today at 5 pm. The essence of her brand is about revival. The ideology is revisiting and re-energising the handloom traditions of woven art that is a part of our country’s rich heritage. The handlooms of India are unmatched in their precision, creation and possibilities even today. The world still takes notice of the unimaginable weaving techniques that our master craftsmen have been creating for centuries. The energy with which a weaver weaves — the way his fingers move every thread on the loom — is almost like a master on the piano, giving life to his symphony. This energy invariably transcends onto the fabric through the yarn and the motifs giving it an infused voice of its own. It is this energy that makes the creation of a hand woven piece so magical to the recipient. HCD has been working with weavers of Balu Chari in Bisnupur, West bengal for the past three years and in Yeola, Maharashtra for the past 18 months, attempting to adapt the weave into a contemporary silhouette and style, making it wearable and accessible.
For her collection, inspired by a Maratha warrior princess, she has worked with the tribal weavers of Paithani, — a prized possession that was once adorned by Romans and royals around 2,000 years ago. Today, the Paithani stays limited to traditional Maharashtrian forms. It is this aspect that she has tried to reinvent and developed a new kind of weave by transporting yarns across the country and merging the yarns of Tussar from Phulia in Bengal, onto the looms of the traditional craft of Paithan in Maharashtra to create a new, subtle, more matt fabric which we translated into structured jackets, waistcoats, etc. Retaining the Regal aspect of the rich Paithani tradition, everything in gold has been hand woven in pure zari, which makes the pieces collectible heirlooms and can be passed onto generations. The label HCD is an attempt to instill in the generations taking birth before us, a deep respect for the tradition of being an artist and his craft.

Lisa Haydon in designs by Harshitaa

Harshitaa Chatterjee Deshpande

Sunday, July 7, 2013

The Bharatiya July 07, 2013

Go waterproof this monsoon

With the rains in full swing, one needs to ensure its not just you but your accessories and belongings also that are safeguarded during the rains. And the good news is that it isn’t just the high street brands that are selling accessories that are waterproof. Even some of the popular street shopping destinations in the city have stocked some interesting varieties of accessories, ranging from those that guard your mobiles and other tech gadgets to bags that can shield your belongings from the rain.
Tech care of gadgets The best bit for those who invest in expensive smartphones and tablets is that there are trendy waterproof cases to shield them from rains. From funky colours to interesting embellishments, these can work as interesting fashion statements along with your outfits. And the many patterns, colours and materials make them look extremely chic too, for every ensemble. And for those who like to keep work and technology as just that, there are the plain black cases, which give them the formal look.
The right bags for the season Who would like to have official papers and your other belongings wet in the rains? T h a n k f u l ly, there are plenty of options of bags that can brave the Mumbai monsoons. Be it the totes, clutches, bowling bags or simple sling bags, every one of them come in waterproof options, with i n t e re s t i n g designs and colours. Try to go in for something bright this season. These hues are not just in vogue but they can also brighten your day.

Funky, printed and patterned mobile phone pouches can be quite hip

Formal cases for your tabs and phones are good during rains

Always opt for bags that are waterproof during the monsoons

You can keep your ‘girlie’ side alive with innovative mobile pouches

Friday, June 14, 2013

The Bharatiya June 14, 2013

Neck-ties go retro

Some of the recent neck-tie collections on the rack have taken inspiration from the latest trends and incorporated retro prints. If you’re someone who wears a neck-tie to work often, it’s time for you to experiment a little with them and add that hint of chic in your formal look. Some of the latest collections on display at many of the stores across the country feature a wide range of prints inspired from the retro drama of the 1960s like laser beams, polka dots, cassettes and music. With shirts also being inspired by retro prints, like large stripes and bolder hues, here’s a cue for all the fashion forward men to choose wisely when they’re picking their wardrobes for the new season.

The Bharatiya June 14, 2013

PALAZZO PANTS MAKE AN IMPACT

One trend that has caught on recently is that of palazzo pants. A tad different from the very comfortable harem pants, palazzos have now made it to both formal and casualwear.
A lot of the B-Town ladies have been spotted sporting these outfits lately. Puja was seen sporting palazzos in style at the promotions of her latest film.

Here are some tips for you to keep in mind when you choose to dress up in these pants:
PLAY WITH FITS: Always choose a not-so-loose fitting top, preferably something that is tiny to pair up with these anti-fit garments. This adds balance to your look.

GO FOR PRINTED TOPS: Since these pants are usually monochrome, even if they have prints, the best way to ensure you bring the focus on your outfit would be through wearing a top of contrasting print. Florals, especially, will be the best option, considering the Bohemian nature of the outfit.

NO HIGH HEELS: Always try to steer away from pointed heels, when you’re wearing loose fitting garments. Practically, it could be hazardous as you might end up tripping. Wedges and flats make the ideal footwear choice for these pants.

ACCESSORISE LESS: Since these pants add character, try and choose accessories that will not take the focus from your outfit. Using a simple single accessory, like Puja (in the picture), can work wonders.

PLAY WITH HAIRSTYLES: You can choose to let your hair loose, with a funky hair clip or accessory or you could opt to do something exciting — like plaits or braids. The Boho nature of the outfit ensures the freedom to play around.

BAG IT RIGHT: Another important factor is to ensure you choose the right bag to match this outfit A clutch or a bowling bag wouldn’t be the best option. Instead, go for something funkier, like large totes.

Puja Gupta in palazzos

The Bharatiya June 14, 2013

It’s monsoon and time for you bring out those comfortable rain-friendly footwear

GET THOSE FLIP-FLOPS OUT

It’s monsoon and time for you bring out those comfortable rain-friendly footwear

    It is that time of the year when you cannot wear those fancy footwear out on the streets. Battling slush and water, monsoons call for more basic footwear. Flip-flops have already made their way to the high streets as well as the rasta sellers’ racks. And there’s enough options for you to stay in vogue, while you’re still wearing something that’s appropriate for the season.
When you’re stepping out in those shorts, three-fourths and skirts during these monsoons, you can also try and go in for some of these interesting printed flip-flips, which add character to one’s look.
    From popular cartoon characters to superheroes to pop figures like Che Guevara, there are a host of interesting options for the pop junkies. There are even movieinspired footwear, which include heroes like Bruce Lee and actresses like Marilyn Monroe printed on the various footwear out on the stands.
    While these unisex flip-flops are a big rage, there are also other options that have hit the racks include flowery prints that are especially targeted for women. From neon-coloured ones to other funky prints, there are others that have hit the racks to.
    These make interesting options not just for college-goers but even for working professionals, who need different options when they’re travelling by trains.
3D FLIP-FLOPS TOO Embellishments on footwear have also created a big rage this season. From flowers to stone-work, there are many interesting ranges for women that are out on the different rasta shopping destinations. These 3D flip-flops are quite the ‘in’ thing with the college crowds.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

The Bharatiya June 11, 2013

Eveready Industries, the market leader in batteries

LAUNCH PAD

More power, says Akki

    Eveready Industries, the market leader in batteries, recently launched its most powerful range of batteries, the Eveready Ultima, to cater to the needs of the new tech-savvy generation which uses power-guzzling devices. The range consists of high power alkaline batteries, longlasting rechargeable batteries and portable chargers for mobiles. The launch saw an actionpacked preview as Akshay Kumar, Mr Action himself, revealed the product range in Mumbai amid much excitement.
    Speaking on the occasion, Akshay said, “I have grown up with Eveready, and fondly remember the red batteries I used for my gadgets and toys. As our lifestyles have evolved, so have their products, to meet the ever-growing need for power. I am proud to be associated with this company and support them in their effort to make our lives brighter, and create a more electrifying future.”
    Eveready Ultima Alkaline batteries are priced at just 20 per cell and are best suited for power-guzzling devices like digital cameras, remote controlled toys, etc. The mobile power banks, priced between 1,200 and
    3,200, provide a 24x7 power back-up for smartphones and tablets and are a must-have for today’s tech-savvy youth who feel the need to always stay connected.
    Commenting on the launch, Amritanshu Khaitan, executive director, Eveready, said, “The youth today needs instant power. They are not willing to wait. We’re introducing this powerful battery to power the best of new age gadgets, and are committed to providing the best technology in portable power. We have unveiled the new face of Eveready, putting ‘ultimate power’ in the hands of the consumer.”

Akshay Kumar and Amritanshu Khaitan

The Bharatiya June 11, 2013

Fashion’s a lacy affair

It’s pretty and feminine, but can also be given a racy edge. We’re talking about lace and how celebrities — from India and across the globe — have been rocking the look on the red carpet and during stage performances.

DEEPIKA PADUKONE The actress and former model always ensures she’s bang on trend. And she seems to favour the lacy look, as she has worn dresses made out of this material on several occasions. Most recently, she wore an off-shoulder lacy overlay dress, which she paired with a clutch.

SARAH SILVERMAN
The comedienne is known as much for her quirky sense of style as she is for her sense of humour. While she usually favours comfort clothing, when she attended the American Film Institute’s 41st Life Achievement
Award Gala, she wore a white bustier dress with lace overlay and a black sash that cinched at the waist.

KATE MIDDLETON The Duchess of Cambridge has managed to stay on trend through her pregnancy. Last week, during a service to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the coronation of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, Kate wore a bespoke daisy lace dress with silver grey ribbon detail and a soft peach silk shantung jacket. She accessorized the dress with a cocktail hat with birdcage veiling, a pair of court shoes and a mini box clutch.

TAYLOR SWIFT This country gal showed that a lace outfit doesn’t have to be ultra-girly when she performed with Tim McGraw at the 2013 CMA Music Festival last week. She wore a sleeveless white lace top with a tiny gold button detail at the collar, which she teamed with a pair of high-waisted pair of glitter shorts.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

The Bharatiya June 05, 2013

Nail art to lift your spirits

With the monsoon almost upon us and overcast skies making our days dull, it is the right time to indulge in some nail art — especially since vibrant colours are in vogue.

>> Here are some tips on how you can add some colour to your nails this season:

>> The first thing you need to do is zero in on a good nail bar. Do your research well. Nail art is an expensive affair, so choose wisely.

>> Once you’ve chosen the right nail bar, pick the right kind of nail art. There are a plethora of options when it comes to colour and pattern.

>> For nail extensions, you have the option of either gel or acrylic. Make sure to check with your nail expert as to which one will be the best for you.

>> Keep a list of dos and don’ts to follow. Don’t indulge in too much housework like washing or cleaning after getting nail art done. If you work out regularly, exercise caution. Avoid acetone. Make sure to visit the nail bar on a regular basis (every fortnight at least) to fill out the gaps.

Brighten up your days with colourful nail art

Friday, May 24, 2013

The Bharatiya May 24, 2013

men’s formal wear and then there’s Urbana — meticulously tailored, distinctively styled and thoughtfully innovated

WHEN CRAFTSMANSHIP MEETS INNOVATION

There’s men’s formal wear and then there’s Urbana — meticulously tailored, distinctively styled and thoughtfully innovated. At one time, only master tailors would be trusted to produce masterpieces. Then, they became extinct. Most people came to accept upmarket brands as the most practical option. Now, Urbana has bridged the gap between customtailored and machinemade clothes and has created a whole new paradigm of precision and craftsmanship that is unmatched.

SHIRTS CRAFTED WITH FINE DETAILS Fabric: Long staple cotton and premium linens used.

Trine Placket: The trine placket makes a statement of style. It’s exactly 30 mm wide and chain-stitched into three 10 mm vertical lanes. The central lane ensures that the buttons are in a perfect straight line.

Gutermann Thread: Only Gutermann thread from Germany is used for strong yet fine stitches.

MOP Buttons: Mother-of-pearl buttons set it a class apart.

Thermofusible Thread: Buttons are sewn with thermofusible threads because of which they do not come off easily and there’s no tangle of threads.

Taped Shirt: These shirts have fusible tapes within the seams of the shirt, which keeps the seams pucker-free, even after several washes.

Edge Control Tape: The tape in the trouser gives the waist band firmness and prevents it from folding.

INNOVATIVE FINISHES LIKE NONE OTHER Anti-spill Shirts: A special treatment at the fibre level makes these shirts spill-proof.

Durawhite Shirts: Shirts that stay dazzling white, wash after wash

Active Black Shirts: These shirts deliver that power-black look and refuse to fade with age.

Odour-Resistant Shirts: The Actifresh treatment locks up odour in tiny molecules and releases them only during laundry. So, you feel fresh throughout the day.
    Zero Crush Shirts: These shirts are wrinkle free at the fibre level and not just on the surface. The LAMC (Liquid Ammonia Moisture Control) treatment swells up the cotton molecules. So, the shirt stays wrinkle-free naturally and gets a soft silky feel as well.
Easy Iron Shirts: As the name suggests, these shirts are extra easy to     iron.
    The Wellness Shirt: The Renew technology permanently infuses Vitamin E, Aloe Vera and Jojoba into the fibres. And this gets released every time you wear the shirt.
n9 Anti-Microbial: The n9 anti-microbial treatment in the trousers keeps microbes out.
Supercrease Trousers: The perfect crease is yours with this range of trousers.

Festive shirts

Linen shirts

Formal white shirts

Traveller shirts

Striped shirts

Durawhite shirts

X-Shield jackets

Urbana trousers

Sunday, May 12, 2013

The Bharatiya May 12, 2013

Raj-era jewellery sparkles globally

From Selena Gomez to Heidi Klum to the ramps in Paris — baubles from the era of Maharajas are a huge hit. Nona Walia traces the reach of the trend

    THIS season, as the gold rate takes a dip, Indian jewellery is making a style statement with dramatic designs. Hollywood divas Heidi Klum, Halle Berry and Megan Fox have been spotted in Indian bling with western wear. Popstar Selena Gomez wore a bindi, Indian necklace and bangles while performing at the MTV Movie Awards.
    From hasli necklaces to nose rings, armlets and turban jewels — Manish Arora’s show at Paris Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2013 had models flaunting them all. Says Arora, “Traditional designs were used with bold coloured stones, cuffs and necklaces had detailed enamel work. We didn’t stick to the usual bangles, but reinvented turban jewels, nose rings and large hoop earrings.”
India-inspired bling Connecticut-based jewellery designer Alexis Gopal’s 3-inch wide, adjustable ‘India Cuff Bracelet,’ made from recycled silk sari fabric, was part of a collaborative swag bag of green gifts prepared by The Artisan Group for some of Hollywood’s most eco-conscious celebrities. Says Gopal, “The beauty and ethnicity of the recycled sari fabric was the inspiration for this bracelet, and the Hollywood folks loved it.”
    Manhattan-based jewellery designer Amrita Singh’s Indian jewels have been worn by Princess Mary of Denmark, Anne Hathway, Blake Lively and Christina Hendricks. “There is a rise in Polki jewellery which has a vintage Maharaja appeal. My India inspiration comes from history, bazaars and Bollywood. There’s a huge demand for delicate and rich Mughal-inspired style with a modern deco flair.” She uses a lot of yellow gold with vibrant stones such as rubies, amethyst and topaz. Jade Jagger’s jewellery has also been India-inspired. “My designs tiptoe between earthy and modern, with necklaces, rings and bracelets set in gold, emeralds and diamonds. One collection features the rudraksha prayer beads on a variety of necklaces.”
Mecca for designs Says London-based couture jewellery designer Pippa Small, “India is my second home. Jaipur is the mecca for my designs.” Says New York-based jeweller Rosena Sammi, “I try to give my jewellery a modern aesthetic with historical opulence, like with the necklace modelled on poet Rabindranath Tagore. I’m also inspired by the Mughal era and Rajasthani craft, and use Sanskrit text.’’
Unparalleled inspiration Adeline Roussel offers to Paris the jewellery she herself fabricates in India. Her work is a mixture of the East and the West. She says, “I work with 22-carat gold and rosequartz, cornelian, chalcedony, garnet, ruby tourmaline. The inspiration I get at my workshop in Jaipur is unparalleled.” Says Londonbased jeweller Emma Chapman, “The colours of India are visible in the stones I use. My design style is inspired by Indian craftsmen.”

A model with hasli necklaces at Manish Arora’s show at the A/W 2013 Paris Fashion Week

Selena Gomez at the 2013 MTV Movie Awards

The Bharatiya May 12, 2013

CAVIAR NAIL ART

    THE ever-changing nail art scene has something wacky in store — colourful caviar nail art. This luxe-textured nail art, originally made its way into the fashion frontier when models donned black beaded nails at the Cushnie et Ochs Fall 2011 fashion show.
What is caviar manicure? Resembling caviar and birthday cake decoration, it comprises multicoloured microbeads of glass held in place with a few coats of nail varnish. It resembles a high-end salon manicure, but it’s inexpensive.
How to get it You need a nail paint of your choice, a bottle of plastic or glass microbeads of contrasting colours (available at children’s art stores) and a transparent nail varnish.
    Apply a base coat of the nail paint. Before it dries out, pour the beads over your nail. Make sure that each nail is fully covered. Lightly pat the beads into the wet polish and remove any that fall outside the nail outline.
    After beading all the nails, let it dry for 10 minutes. Then, apply a coat of transparent nail varnish to seal the beads in. Experiment with different colour combinations.