Monthly Archives: January 2010

New Faces at LFW

Lakmé Fashion Week opened its doors to fresh aspiring models with the model audition for the Summer Resort 2010, at the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai, to ensure a platform for innovative, unique and fresh fashion. 
 

Only female models from across India and abroad competed for selection in the coveted platform, who met the qualifying criteria of height, appearance, fitness and poise. However, after two rounds of short listing by fashion industry experts, only four models were selected whilst 8 more made it to the short listed category. 
 

Talking about the importance of model auditions, Anil Chopra, Advisor, Lakmé said “Models are key to the success of any fashion event since they present the effort that the designer puts into a creation. Therefore, choosing the right model is very integral to Lakmé Fashion Week. Over the years LFW has proved to be a launch pad for many faces of fashion and we continue to raise the bar with the talent this season.” 
 

The eminent panel of judges comprised of designers Aki Narula and Rocky S, supermodel Nina Manuel, show directors Lubna Adams and Marc Robinson, ace photographer Jatin Kampani and fashion editor of one of the top fashion magazines Nisha Jhangiani along with Sujal Shah, Head of Fashion, IMG, India. They made their decision based on the model’s attitude, confidence, look on ramp and ability to carry a designer collection with elegance and grace.
 
Sujal Shah, Head of Fashion-IMG India commented, “The model audition provides LFW with an opportunity to meet new domestic and international talent. Our search is based on specific criteria, and the end result has consistently given us exciting new talent for our ramp”.

Sunglass Hut

The premium eye wear brand Sunglass Hut announced the launch of their fourth retail outlet in Hyderabad at GVK One Mall. One of the leading International specialty sunglass retailer was introduced in the Indian market by the fashion and lifestyle brand retailer DLF Brands Ltd…
 
Sunglass Hut   has one of the most exhaustive ranges of eyewear fashion brands across luxury, premium, fashion and sports segments which include Arnette, Bvlgari, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, D&G, Polo Ralph, Salvatore Ferragamo, Oakley, Prada, Ray-Ban, Revo, Versace, Vogue, Ralph Lauren and Prada Sports. These brands provide the consumer a holistic solution to their fashion requirements with a wide range of sunglasses to choose from, all under one roof.
 
Speaking on the occasion Pradeep Bhanot, Brand Manager, Sunglass Hut said, “We are opening our fourth outlet in India within a span of one year, we are extremely happy to introduce Sunglass Hut in the city of Hyderabad. The city of Nawabs is an upcoming fashion destination and therefore after the launch of three stores in Delhi and NCR region we decided to expand our footprints in India”.
 
Sunglass Hut is recognized as a leader in specialty sun retailing with almost 2,000 stores located throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Middle East, and South Africa.

LG Floor, GVKOne Mall, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

Tods

Tod’s Autumn-Winter 2009/10 collection returns to tradition its iconic pieces, synonymous with the brand, whilst interpreting them with a new key. From the meticulous construction of the shoes and handbags, to the timeless yet perfectly contemporary design of each individual creation, Tod’s is the label par excellence for handmade classic accessories. 
 
The highlight of the new Autumn-Winter collection is the D-Bag, since conception and matured over the years, it has retained Tod’s essential DNA whilst constantly evolving through form and materials.The core details of a new range of bags in fine leather with brass shoulder belts of flat sculptured rings recalls of an art deco era. 
 
Over the years, Tod’s has expanded to include in its collection, not only  modern, yet chic bags but also the shoes  which perfectly reflects the spirit of the brand. 
 
There are over 100 steps to building a Tod’s shoe, and the idea of the signature shoe was born in the late 1970s. It was Mr. Della Valle’s belief that people needed a beautiful, well made shoe, which could be worn in a professional, elegant or casual environment. He studied the concept and the evolution led to the now internationally renowned luxury moccasin, with the trademark 133 rubber pebbles on the sole. A new must have, named “gommino”, was born. 
 
Each step in the construction of every individual piece is a marvel of craftsmanship, from the cutting of the leather to the hand sewing of the parts, which contribute to its beauty and durability. 
All Tod’s products are made in Italy. This strategy has proven to be greatest strengths of the company,a peculiarity that distinguishes the brand and draws customers.

Available in following Tod’s Boutiques 
Bangalore – Ub City, Ground Floor, Shop no 8 & 9, Canberra Block 24,Vittal Mallya Road, Tel. +91 80 42800000

Mumbai -The Galleria Nariman Point Mumbai 400021 Maharashtra, Tel. +91 22 30 277099
 
New Delhi – Shop no. 22, Emporio, Dlf Place, Vasant Kunji, Tel. +91 11 46662700

Anup Pegu

Anup Pegu the country boy from Assam walks in the Indian fashion and modeling scene with ample confidence in him and not a care in the world. A recent adjunct to the modeling industry, he is making his way keeping small but steady steps with a mission in life to work hard and party harder!

Anup says, “As far as I can remember, I have always been a confused kid. I was hardly the kind of person who would plan for his future, but destiny has been kind to me. While in Assam, some friends did tell me I could be a model if I want to, but I never took it seriously. After finishing my first year exams, I had gone to Guwahati for my holidays. It was one of those evening when I was hanging out at one of the Malls, designer and stylist, Dipankar Kashyap spotted me and asked me if I would like to be a model. I was zapped for a moment but soon got excited with the idea and said yes to him. Soon, with the help of Dipankar, I got my folio done from photographer Suvo Das, styled by Dipankar and because the folio was done so well, I immediately started getting work. I feel very lucky. Had it not been for Dipankar Kashyap and later for designer Varun Bahl, my career wouldn’t have jumpstart the way it has. I will remain forever grateful to them.”

Family and Academics…
I am from Assam, and I did my schooling from there itself and right now pursuing Geography Honors from Delhi University.

Parent’s reaction to your choice of modeling as a career…
My parents are happy with my career path because I’m following my academic as well and modeling is a side job.

First modeling assignment…
My first modeling assignment was under Elite. It was a photo shoot for Nike by Tarun Khiwal. After that I have done shoots for a lot of other brands like Reebok, Van Heusen and others.

Greatest achievement till date…
I am very new to this field and I don’t think that I have achieved momentous success. However I’ll say my latest shoot with Rohit Chawla was quiet a milestone. This photo shoot was inspired by Gustav Klimt’s paintings for a calendar shoot with artistic costumes and set up. It was really an awesome experience.

Idea of an ideal date…
Well technically I’m single at the moment and I’m not actually expecting a date in the near future. I suppose my companion should be at least average looking, bright and interesting. One of my all time favorite places is Select City walk and that is the place I would like to go for a stroll or may even Lap Garden for my ideal date.

When not modeling what are you most likely to be found doing…
I’m a great fan of Hollywood movies and I like watching everything from good action flicks, to romances, to comedy. In my spare time I’ll be found watching movies, listening to music and also most importantly, gyming!!
Five essentials for a model to climb the ladder of success…
.Good looking
.Good height and body
.Confident
·Patient
.Should have trust in himself

Views on Indian vs. Western models…
 I’ll say that western models maintain themselves better. They are bold in terms of clothes and their attitude. There are a lot of Indian models; I won’t take names; that have risen to fame and now they are not keeping up that image, they look bulky. So I would say Indian models should get a little thinner and maintain their looks. Also there is a lot of politics among Indian models, which is not all that alluring.

The most touching moment of your life…
Oh! I’m still very young to have too many touching moments, but I think every time I go back home to Assam; and that happens like once every year; it is one of the emotional times in life. 
Quick snippets   
FAVORITE FOOD:  Something with fewer calories, healthy food but once in a while a small binge, I like mutton best.

FAVORITE PERFUME: Hugo Boss Elegance

FAVORITE DESIGNER: Varun Bahl is one of my favorites. I also like Gaurav Gupta’s collection it is highly wearable. Among International brands my favorite is Dolce and Gabbana.  

FAVORITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION: My hometown, Assam

FAVOURITE MUSIC: I listen to everything except Death Metal. It depends on my mood
YOUR GREATEST FEAR: There is nothing that I can think of…

YOUR ADVICE FOR THE UPCOMING MODELS:
Well I don’t think I have been in this field long enough to start giving advice to people but I think the most important thing is to believe in oneself.

 

Hair Cut Collection Disclosed

The French House of Beauty Jean-Claude Biguine celebrated their second year on Indian shores amongst a dazzling show of the coming season’s hairstyles and make-up as they launched their hair-cut collection called Urban Chic. To compliment the hair styles was the ‘garden of flowers from the valley of Kashmir’ inspired collection by designer Gayatri Khanna.
 

The bold looks for the season’s hairstyles came forward as a re-incarnation of the classic bob cut. Thus the show witnessed a whole new range of innovative bobs by the hair experts at Jean-Claude Biguine sketching the fashion forecast for international as well as Indian consumers. With the perfect blend of Indian fashion and Parisian style, the show included splendid variations in short hairstyles and new colour themes fusing impeccably with bright flowery clothing line.
 

Dharmendra Manwani, CEO, Jean Claude Biguine commented, “It is a great partnership and a natural fit between fashion and beauty. We are very happy to plan an evening of pure rejuvenation for our guest and proud to launch for the first time ever, a hair-cut collection that we hope will make a statement.”
 

The guest list included the likes of Sheetal Malhar, Suchitra Pillai, Bhavna Sharma, Shahzan Padmasee, Sherlyn Chopra, Carol Gracias, and Parvati Omikuttan amongst others.


 

Libas Thoroughfares

Libas celebrating the essence of their fifteen years of bonding with heritage, richness, colour and opulence associated with the Indian weddings launched their latest clothing line themed as the Veer Collection. 
 
The line draws inspiration and is completely in love with the magnitude and grandeur of the upcoming epic movie Veer. The occasion of the launch was graced by the very beautiful actress Zarina Khan, who plays the protagonist in Veer.  Zarina walked in the store wearing a sexy transparent saree of organza with intricately sequined border and a bronze deep neck blouse to complete the look. The rich golds, reds maroons, pinks, turquoise, all paraded the racks of the ensemble in Indian lehengas, sarees, chaniya cholis and salwar suits for womenswear and Bandhgalas, Sherwanis, Achkans and jodhpuris for the menswear. The fabric used oozes luxury and richness of the lost days of maharajas as yards of brocade, tulle and silk pose the interplay. Heavy works of embroidery in traditional as well as contemporary patterns sweep all over the garments transcends the person wearing it immediately to a seat of royalty. However the silhouettes and cuts focus on a more modern look and approach.

Libas began over a decade ago as a store that customized designer wear for grooms. Grooms flocked to the store to be given not just personalized outfits but personalized advice on what to wear & how to wear ensembles. And in the year 1999 Libas ventured from custom tailoring into the readymade market with the first ever ranges of readymade suits for men (Steel & Taylor) and women (Envogue).

Zoya

No gemstone expresses human emotions more powerfully than a diamond. After all, a diamond is timeless and finding your perfect piece of diamond jewellery is an exhilarating and unique experience.

Introducing, discerning patrons to the mystical world of diamonds, Zoya, a chain of exquisite luxury diamond boutiques from the House of Tanishq. Designed cut and crafted with utmost care the diamond collection at Zoya renders each piece eternal.

Targeted at the discerning, design seeking woman who is international in her aspiration, the new jewelry line comprises of earrings, magnificent rings and few neckpieces made in pearls and polkis. The collection is elegantly crafted and is inspired by the Mughals. The fine grandeur of pieces epitomizes style and symbolizes the modern trends in a classic way.

A revolutionary initiative in the Indian Luxury retail sector. The store is a house of exotic Spanish and fashionable American jewellery, apart from the Zoya range. It also showcases contemporary, traditional Indian diamond jewellery and polki pieces.

Crystal Myriads

With its innovation and as a part of Swarovski’s heritage, the company once again presents unsurpassed know – how by exploring the extraordinary and infinite possibilities of crystal. With Crystal Myriad, a brand new figurative collection paying tribute to symbolic animals, entirely created in the Swarovski-exclusive PointiageTM technique, the dragon Jinlong, the elephant Matang and the Arabian stallion Amurath show the best of this unique hand-setting technique which turns them into pure art pieces.
 
The Crystal Myriad collection is luxurious, opulent and definitely eye-catching with limited edition of 300 pieces, which further increases their exclusivity. These three statement pieces bring splendor and sophistication to the interior. The Crystal Myriad masterpieces embody the poetry of precision so dear to Swarovski.
 
Emblem of the Chinese Emperor, the dragon not only stands for wisdom and longevity, but also brings protection and good luck to human beings. Jinlong has been captured in an expressive and dynamic pose, flying over a marble cloud. This spectacular flying dragon is made of 63’110 hand-set crystals which give it an inimitable glow and sparkle.
 
Carefully hand-set with 46’856 crystals, the radiant elephant Matang immediately draws attention. Symbolizing strength, loyalty, dignity, cleverness and good luck, the elephant is known to be an intelligent and noble animal.
 
Most beautiful of all horses, the Arabian stallion evokes resilience, persistence and grace. Swarovski designed Amurath, its interpretation of the Arabian Stallion with 32’098 hand-set crystals which underline the purity and the elegance of the motif.