Monthly Archives: December 2009

The Kimaya Converge

Kimaya came into existence in 2002 and overtook the Indian fashion industry with a graceful precision. Pradeep Hirani and Neha Hirani noticed seven years back the fulcrum of fashion moving towards India and took no time in conceiving their conceptual baby Kimaya in Mumbai, a Fashion House that within no time has become the leading Haute Couture Destination.
 
Pradeep Hirani, Chairman, Kimaya, a personality radiating with positive energy says, “At Kimaya we love to go against time. What you see of us is just the tip of an iceberg. Kimaya is a huge gigantic force anchored in depth with a strong and exhaustive backend that allows us to shine on top”. It is the only fashion house to have more than hundred Indian designers and recently designers from countries like Pakistan, Malaysia and South Africa have added to its growing repertoire of collection. Kimaya has been the largest buyer at fashion week across India since its inception. But to be precise when it had entered the Indian Fashion market the scenario here did not paint a promising future. Back then in 2002 there were already five to six fashion houses in and around Delhi and Mumbai who had been sustaining for past fifteen years with not much growth prospects. Kimaya made business of fashion its forte with impeccable business matched to the glamorous world. And proudly boasts of more than hundred percent growth and profit rate every year.
 

At a time when the industry was focusing only to the metros for fashion consumers Kimaya spread its wings to smaller cities as well, realizing the growing potential for fashion country wide. It is also the first fashion house to go abroad with Kimaya Dubai in 2004. Each of Kimaya’s stores is individually designed for a particular clientele and thus the designer selection also varies from store to store along with an assorted individualistic taste of merchandise. Like the Dubai Kimaya at Jumeirah beach, caters exclusively to the Arab sensibilities hence it has unmatched designs by Indian designers but for the Arabian consumer. And thus a tantalizing visual treat would be the latest store on map, as Kimaya plans to launch its house of fashion in New York next year.
 
In midst of serious colloquy about fashion and life Pradeep Hirani also comes forward as strong believer in the strength of determination, talking about his interest in numerology and tarot cards. Thus one does not wonder at his vision and believe in India, as an exhaustive resource of colours, embroidery and weaves. He also appreciates the spark of creative talent in Brazil. He defines fashion in India has graduated to a level that the consumer is able to distinguish a good fashion show from a bad one which was not there five years ago. A prudent visionary Pradeep predicates India to be the next fashion capital of the world. “We want to be a pivotal part in holding the reins of fashion when it makes it shift to India and help to keep it in India as long as we can”, envisions Pradeep Hirani.

Farah Zulaikha

Farah Zulaikha is a New York based International Supermodel and has graced many runways, red carpets, magazines, and advertisements all over the world. Besides being extremely humble, philanthropist and socialite the exotic beauty with her regal features, black long hair and royal Middle Eastern bloodline is the Princess of unmatched allure. She has recently signed up as the face of famed young designer and VH1 Glam God Indashio’s S/S 2010 "Jet Set" Collection. Fashionfad.in caught up exclusively with her confessions and concealments:
Family and academics…
Although I like to brag that my family is quite the fashionable one, I am the only one who went into fashion. Coming from a long line of physicians and health professionals, I am myself studying medical in addition to my fruitful modeling career. My dream is to become a physician specializing in plastics and reconstructive surgery.
Parent’s reaction on your choice of modeling as a career…
Coming from a Middle Eastern moderate Muslim family, modeling was definitely not the norm. I never abandoned my studies. I held up my end of the bargain, so my parents were lenient when it came time for modeling. Being so young, I always had my mother accompany me to shoots, shows, etc.
First modeling assignment…
I started modeling at a very young age, in my early teens gracing the runway in New York Fashion Week. And my very first modeling gig was for a major runway show in New York Olympus Fashion Week was chock full of these ice queens.
Greatest achievement till date…
My greatest achievement was surprisingly not on a runway or behind a camera lens. It was actually a lifelong process if you will. Since the age of 8, I have travelled with my parents to various areas of the world where people are in dire need of medical attention. I remember this one guy in Darfur, he was a refugee who had unfortunately got an infection in his nasal cavity from a prior untreated injury. The infection spread throughout his entire midsection of his face, until it ate away all of the tissue and left only a big hole. We reconstructed his nasal dorsi with cartilage from behind his ear and grafted a flap of skin from his forehead. The fact that I could help even one life, is what I feel to be my greatest accomplishment.
Idea of an ideal date…
My idea of a perfect date would have to be a laid-back and intimate setting which could combine my two great loves: good music and good food.
When not modeling what are you most likely to be found doing…
When not modeling I can either be found studying, researching or doing charity work as I am proud to call myself an active young philanthropist. I work a lot with Operation Smile, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital for pediatric cancer. I am also a member of the United Way of New York City’s Young Leaders Council.
Five essentials for a model to climb the ladder of success…
1- Stay true to yourself
2- Know your market
3- Work with reputable people and do your research
4- Take good care of yourself and be prepared for everything.
5- Stay far away from drugs and alcohol
Experience in India…
I had a wonderful experience on the Indian runway. One night, a few members of the makeup crew were kind enough to sneak out of the IIFW mayhem and take us around Delhi to see some sights like the opulent India Gate and Parliament building. We had Indian local food on some side street where I sat on top of the car in a sparkly sequin gold Alice + Olivia dress and Balenciaga ankle booties on the back hood, and ate the most amazing rice curry, piyaaz pakoras and vegetable samosas. After that we took pictures sitting in an Indian rickshaw. I had one of my most amazing time in the streets of Delhi.
Views on Indian vs. Western models…
I have been asked the question of Indian models vs. Western models a lot. Although it may seem controversial but has a very simple answer, there is no difference between Indian models and Western models, besides the way they look. The uniformity should only come in the sizes and heights, not in the ethnicities.
Most touching moment of your life…
I have had a lot of touching moments in my life. There is one that stands out, however. During a charity mission I met a young woman who was a victim of an acid attack. She was an infamous dancer in the red-light district who had caught the wayward glance of some very bad and powerful men. Her rejections to their advances caused them to retaliate by cruelly dousing her with acid in the middle of a crowded marketplace. I helped convince her to go public with what happened to her and helped bring international attention to her plight.
Quick snippets
• FAVORITE FOOD: My favorite dish is hands down, MATTAR PANEER, preferably with a fluffy buttery naan and no silverware! Sahi maaza aate hain jab haath kay saath khathe hain ;)
• FAVORITE PERFUME: My signature scent is actually a custom perfume that I have mixed myself, which is infused with jasmine and rose.
• FAVORITE LINGERIE BRAND: if I had to choose I would say that you cannot go wrong with the luxury of La Perla.
• FAVORITE DESIGNER: I have modeled for most of the top designers; have worn the best of the best clothes and have loved them all. But, I would have to say my favorite designer would be my good friend, Indashio the "Glam God". He is one of the youngest designers to have ever shown in New York Fashion Week, and many people also know him from his reality show called "Glam God" on VH1. I am Indashio’s muse and inspiration. He made his last collection around me, and I am the face of his ad campaign and was his showstopper in Mercedes-Benz NYFW this past September.
• FAVORITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION: My second home, Dubai!!!
• FAVOURITE MUSIC: I listen to all types of music. If it makes my ears happy then I am happy to listen to it! From arabic bellydance tunes, to Europop, to latin salsa and merengue, to west Indian soca and reggae, to American hip-hop, and especially Indian bhangra and Bollywood tunes, I enjoy and appreciate it all!
• YOUR GREATEST FEAR: The one thing I fear the most is losing a loved one. My family and friends are my strength and backbone.
• YOUR PIECE OF ADVICE FOR UPCOMING MODELS: Have a pure heart and a thick skin. Don’t let rejection get in the way of your success, just let it roll off.

Santa

Restaurateur Shiv Karan Singh, Harmeet Bajaj and Virendra Sehwag hosted a gala dinner on the Christmas night to celebrate the stupendous performance of Indian team and third anniversary of Smoke House Grill. Sehwag and wife Aarti were the early birds in the party which also saw some known names from city’s social circuit.
 
Kapil Dev marked his early presence at the venue, accompanied by wife Romi and Amrit Mathur, vice-president of GMR Group. Even though skipper MS Dhoni, made a late entry but got mobbed by fans and socialites. Harbhajan Singh was seen talking about his foray into television show production. Bhajji is set to produce the second season of the reality show, Dance India Dance. When asked about his future plans, he said after a pause: "I have many plans, but I don’t wish to disclose them now.”
 
Vidushi Mehra, designer Nikhil Mehra’s wife who recently acted in a Lushin Dubey production, informed that she has just finished shooting for a movie. "It was tiring but meeting my friends on Christmas is the perfect way to unwind," she said. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi walked in at 2.30 am after most of the guests had left.
 
The Men in blue, clearly the center of attraction, were seen enjoying good food and drinks, with some old Beatles and Elvis Presley tracks churned out by the resident DJ, ensured that the guests partied the night away.

 

The Body Shop

The original, natural and ethical beauty brand The Body Shop

The Chivas Culture

Chivas has offered much more than great whiskey as it carries a heritage of more than two hundred years since it was founded in 1801 by the Chivas Brothers. Bringing glamour, exuberance and passion to life’s characteristics with its various associations and events, be it the Cannes Film festival, Chivas Fashion Tour in 2007 and 2008 or the latest Chivas Studio. The name sketches a larger than life image and has risen way above to be merely recognized as a product. 
 
The name synonym for luxury, style, chivalry pronounces, “Of course, you can live without Chivas Regal. The Question is how well.” When the Chivas Studio landed in Delhi this December it also attracted Peter Prentice, Regional Vice President – Asia Pacific, Chivas Brothers and David Experton, Best Practices Manager, Pernod Ricard to enjoy the cultural extravaganza of its India edition. 
 
Peter Prentice, who also represents the World Elephant Polo Association, was highly impressed with the paced up fashion scene in India. The last time he had seen India was way back in 1996, he very clearly remembers an extremely enthusiastic kid who was firmly determined to become a fashion designer. The kid with incredible design and creativity, has now the authority over fashion in India, is non other than Rohit Bal. The other name that he remembers from the fashion scene fifteen years ago is of Ritu Beri, both influential and directional in Indian fashion history. 
 
On the concept and creation of Chivas Studio Peter Prentice says, “We are trying to project a much more profound meaning to lifestyle which is not frivolous. Something that is less materialistic and more fundamental with more real values. The depth is very important for the success of any concept or culture and though the branding of the entire event is exuberant we bring luxury with a sense of meaning.” And he very strongly feels the depth of rich cultural heritage is something India abounds in whether it is in the sphere of music, art or sculpture. The latest being Royal Salute Scotch whisky’s much hyped polo sponsorship deal in India. Royal Salute Whisky is one of the premium brand from Chivas Brothers said Peter Prentice, who was very excited to hold the Royal Salute Maharaja Jodhpur J’oscar in polo to be held from 26th – 30th December. 
 
Bikram Basu, VP, Marketing India, is the person behind the India edition of Chivas Studio. As he takes a breather between the closing of the Delhi weekend and before begining with the Mumbai extravaganza, he narrates the India story for us. Bikram, who was an integral part in the conceptualization of the Chivas Studio when the idea was born in 2008, says, “It’s our umbrella property and within its construct we built it differently by country based on our consumer understanding. With the India edition we looked at the top set across creative art, discussed within, and spoke to them. We could not approach everyone as the opportunity was limited but we hope to work closely with a wider number of people over time”. 
 
Talking about the team that put together the event Bikram proudly discloses to have had an amazing set of people with sound, light, sets, production, choreography, backstage, curate and the list goes on. With Chivas he says, “It will always be consistently the same great product, and actionable idea’s which makes a difference and stand for style and substance.” 
 
The Chivas Studio is a unique concept of serving fashion food, music art and sculpture on a single platter. The culture is imbibed and carried forward as it travels from Chile to Brazil, Madrid to London, Australia to India. Being seen in the world’s most stylish cities, drawing a star-studded cast of international A-list celebrities, designers and artists, its coming to India is surely a sign of fast rise on the country’s luxury quotient.

 

Milap Bridal Show

Gitanjali lifestyle, a brand aimed at providing a seamless display of wedding finery and jewels, brought together exquisite designs from Varija Bajaj & Pria kataaria Puri , this wedding season. The Milap bridal show is an exclusive fashion extravaganza featuring the most creative couture fashion for Brides and Grooms.
 
Varija Bajaj known for her kitsch art and heirloom craft showcased a colorful bridal line with fine textures. Her prime predominance in designs being Indian essence, made quite a fashion statement.
 
A scintillating finale of Indo western bridal wear was presented by Pria Kataaria Puri in association with International Fashion Institute and Gitanjali. Giselle Monterio and Raima Sen who looked stunning in red french lace lehenga was the show stopper for Pria’s show.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Mehul Choksi, Chairman and Managing Director Gitanjali Group said, “Gitanjali lifestyle aspires to tap the unexplored luxury segment. The arm brings in plethora of brands which are synonymous with fashion, luxury & style. The group has also forayed into retail of luxury and lifestyle products with an intention of opening stores at premium market places with a high fashion quotient, covering all aspects of lifestyle retailing.”