Monthly Archives: January 2010

The Kylin Experience

To celebrate Kylin’s 5th Anniversary, Saurabh Khanijo invited Delhi’s swish set for a party last night.
An opulent ambience of a chic fine dining this uber cool lounge is classy, simple and stylish. Kylin also boasts of a live sushi bar and superb Japanese food, and is a marvel in Oriental food. The best part about this place is the lounge area and their DJ who play some very creative remixes and fresh house/ trance/ tad bit of bollywood music mixed together to make for an exotic songs.
With incredibly hot food and finest of wines on display the party saw Shantanu & Rima Mehra, Reynu Taandon, Sanjay Sharma with wife Sheena ,Ramola Bachchan , Mehar Bhasin , Ramneek Paintal, Divya & Amit Burman , Thenny , Sunil Sethi, Shiv Karan , Nishi Singh , Priya Jain , Designer Rahul Jain, Kimmy , Nikhita Tandon , Rahil Tandon , Surita Tandon, sizzle and add galore to the vivacious evening.

 

GUCCI

With a renowned reputation for quality and Italian craftsmanship,Gucci announced the launch of Gucci Eyeweb, a new collection of sunglasses designed by Creative Director Frida Giannini with the digital generation in mind.
 
Already a leader in the luxury eyewear segment, Gucci is extending its product portfolio with its first line of youth-oriented styles. Taking a pioneering approach, Gucci Eyeweb combines high-end quality with strong iconic styles that are destined for a younger audience both in terms of design and price.
 
Produced under license by Safilo, Gucci Eyeweb consists of two models, in six different colors and will be followed by the subsequent debut of 3 new models in early spring. The male model carries a single iconic G, while the female model carries the Gucci iconic double GG. Each model is distinguished by the signature green and red stripes of the iconic Gucci web, which together with the “world wide web” inspired the new product’s moniker.
 
The creative concept, which includes the debut of a dedicated microsite, has been developed especially for social web-users, who frequently share photos and party experiences online. On www.guccieyeweb.com, users will encounter a multi-functioning online world to meet, play and share. “I designed these sunglasses and the accompanying social networking site with today’s digital generation in mind. I hope that they will both enjoy wearing them and ‘reflecting and connecting’ their own creativity with their friends around the world," said Frida Giannini.
 
Sharing experiences is a key feature of www.guccieyeweb.com, as is user interactivity. The site is characterized by bold visual graphics and a constant sense of movement. Music plays during photo uploads, a “time-slider” allows users to choose whether they want a day or night ambience. Visitors can choose the city they feel like being in, which instantly changes the ambience, language and background music of the sit.
 
“It was important for us to speak to these customers in their own language and in their own world,” continues Giannini. “The novelty of this microsite illustrates that perfectly.”

Riyaz Qureashi

Introducing a yet another name in the fashion industry, we tie up-close with Riyaz Qureashi. He has been walking the ramp for more than three years exposing almost every designer’s outfits.  Now Riyaz also boasts of two films in his credit, “It’s a man’s world” and an upcoming movie “Knock Out”. Essentially from Jaipur he embarks his presence felt in the city of dreams, Mumbai. A down to earth person who takes life as it comes relaxes with trying his hands on cooking spree.

Family and Academics…
My hometown is Jaipur where I grew up with my parents. All my schooling and my college was from Jaipur itself.

Parent’s reaction to your choice of modeling as a career…
To my parents modeling was a very new field and essentially they were more inclined towards diverting to an academic career, something that would ensure better permanence and stability. However now that I have established myself in this field they are happy for me.

First modeling assignment…
My first modeling assignment was with German Vogue almost three years ago.

Greatest achievement till date…
I suppose my greatest achievement is my winning the Mr. Talent title in Grasim Mr. India in 2005-2006.

Idea of an ideal date…
For me an ideal date is being in a beautiful place with good company. I think that the right company can make any place beautiful. Being with that special someone can still feel good even if I am sitting in a graveyard.

When not modeling what are you most likely to be found doing…
Well there are some nice gyms here in Mumbai. I spend my free time in the gym, doing yoga and cardio exercises. Also I work part time as a Consultant with an Australian Company.

Five essentials for a model to climb the ladder of success…
One of the most essential elements is having a good personality which reflects a good aura. An outstanding individuality is what you need to be good in every aspect, the way you speak, the way you carry yourself and your confidence.

Views on Indian vs. Western models…
The major differences that I feel is, Western models are more professional, they stick to their line of work only. You never hear that Tom Cruise was a model once. However Indian models try to enter Bollywood or soap operas. I believe that a person should be focused on his line of action, his field and I don’t really admire this trend of Indian models entering the film or television industry.

The most touching moment of your life…
I use to be a rather shy guy a few years ago and lump would invariably crawl to my throat when somebody asked me a question. So when I got shortlisted for Grasim Mr. India it was the most touching moment of my life because it was nothing I had expected in the face of such tough competition. 
Quick snippets  
FAVORITE FOOD: Chicken Biryani

FAVORITE PERFUME: Bvlgari Aqua and I also like Burberry

FAVORITE DESIGNER:  All of them are my favorites as I have walked the ramp for almost all the designers.

FAVORITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION: My home, Jaipur

FAVOURITE MUSIC: I am a huge fan of Asha Bhosle
YOUR GREATEST FEAR: Being an old man

YOUR ADVICE FOR THE UPCOMING MODELS:
Don’t make modeling your primary career. Let education or business be your career and make modeling your part time job. Only when you think that you are perfect for the career of modeling should you enter this field. Don’t just enter to try your luck it will be a waste.

 

Tasty Tangles

Close your eyes and take a walk through the busy streets of Hong Kong, Bangkok or Shanghai. Breathe in the aromas of tofu, linger at the racks of roast meat, walk past freshly made dim sums, take in the crowds and the chatter. Makes you want to grab your passport? Well, you don’t need to.

To please the palate of discerning Delhiites, Tasty Tangles unlocked its pristine portal at DLF Promenade Mall, Vasant Kunj, with a glamour lunch amidst the cast and crew of Ambika Hinduja’s Teen Patti, Directed by Leena Yadav.

As the desi cousin of the Noodle House chain of Dubai’s Jumeirah group (under its Taste Department), Tasty Tangles (owned here by Wadhawan Group) is pretty conscious of its international reputation. As Dharmesh Karmokar, Vice President, told me, everything from the ingredients to portion sizes, their sauces and even their chefs are as per the standards of their Dubai partner.

The restaurant serves South East Asian cuisine, food, which is cooked quick and fresh over an open flame. Communal seating with friendly service allows for a unique combination of wholesome food with an easy and relaxed feel. On your table you will find paper mat, a table menu of exotic mocktails since there liquor license is awaited. I picked Tropical Dream, which had pineapple juice, cashews, lime syrup and coconut milk was a perfect cooler for the day while my friend picked up warm Apple Melange , just the thing for Delhi winter.

For the main course, the waitress brought in the order pad, and the order is given by simply ticking the desired dishes on the order pad, tearing it off and handing it to her. We started with Crispy Fried Vegetable Spring Rolls and potato satay with a spicy peanut sauce, which were small in size, hot from inside, almost burning my tongue on the first bite and thankfully not so greasy, is a must try, while my http://varunkaushik.com/userfiles/nightOut/http://varunkaushik.com/userfiles/nightOut/dining/dining/http://varunkaushik.com/userfiles/nightOut/dining/dining companion opted for Prawn Bag in hot chili sauce and spicy lemongrass crab cakes.

The vegetarian Char Kway Teow, which is made from an Indonesian sauce was a light and healthy option with sticky fried rice. Though my friend being a hardcore non vegetarian that she is took Lamb Rendang, which was lamb fried with an Indonesian mix of coconut, spices and chili
The desserts again are worth a try. The Sumatra Chocolate and Coconut Pot melts in your mouth. The Mango Pudding with Vanilla Ice-Cream is a perfect dessert not to miss their pineapple spring roll with vanilla custard.

The surroundings are informal yet extremely stylish. The servers are dressed with understated chic and are remarkably friendly. The venue offers a smiling welcome, from fashion conscious singles to a large group of friends enjoying a leisurely get together.

The 7 Sins

7 For All Mankind, a premium Denim label headquartered in Los Angeles invades the Indian market with their first store at Select City, Delhi. The brand is marketed in India by Maxxis Retail Pvt Ltd. Acclaimed for its unique style, sophisticated cuts, and innovative washes and designs retaining the cool Californian sensibility, the brand brings in the concept of denim couture beyond the usual denim format.
 
The 7FAM approaches India with their Kimmie fit to flatter the Indian women’s curvy body with contour waistbands designed to perfectly hug the waistline. And there is more the Lexie fits are created to suit the measurements of a petite woman with lower rise and shorter inseams.  It also introduces the light weight fabrics with stretch ability and a buttery soft feel are ideal for the warm and humid Indian climate. Apart from the classic cuts 7FAM encompasses skinny, straight leg, wide leg, boyfriend and legging in exclusive washes widening the platter of fashion choices.
 
The Autumn/winter collection for the womenswear celebrates the glamour of vintage Art Deco jewel box, seamlessly crafted in luxurious colour and texture. The collection is edgy sexy, rebellious vibe weaved with hook& closures, zipper details and seaming dyed in deep indigo washes and black reign. The complimentary menswear range is inspired by the rugged mining town lifestyle which combines a nostalgic aesthetics with modern fabrics. A colour palette of coal black, steel grey, earthy neutral governs the collection.
 
Primarily a jeans brand 7FAM also offers a range of jackets, boots, tops, dresses, skirts and handbags to accompany their jeans. And it plans to open three stores in India in gradual progression in different cities.

Tie Rack’s Explosive Accessories

Tie Rack renowned for superior design and quality accessories at reasonable prices with a huge variety forays the Indian market with two stores in Delhi one being at DLF Promenade and the other at Select City Saket with the latest entry at Palladium Mumbai. 
 
Merchandise includes premium shirts and men accessories like ties, stunning cufflinks with  miniature bikes or buses designs, rich leather portfolio bags, belts, wallets, watches, eyewear amongst others inclusive of the stores truly international experience. In the Indian market the Tie Rack has also introduced their latest, two ply premium, hundred cotton shirts.  
 
Targeting men who want affordable accessories at the same time do not compromise on the quality where the audience varies from young executives who are constantly on a look out for trendy products and well travelled corporate honchos which will connect with the international legacy.   
 
Tie Rack London operates over 300 stores in 26 countries from its London Head office and has travelled to the other side of the planet for the enthusiastic Indian customers and proposes to open two more stores in key market by February end.

 

Lap Hosted Arab Royalty

LAP, Arjun Rampal’s first entrepreneurial venture played host to Middle East Royalty & Business Tycoons from across the globe who arrived in the capital for a networking evening.
 
Spread over an expanse of 17,000 square feet, LAP is beautifully located in the centre of the city at the Hotel Samrat. Arjun always wanted to open something like this and his vision has been brilliantly brought to life by architect Sandeep Khosla.
 
LAP has distinct art deco undertones from the magnificent sweep of the deliciously curved bar to the majestic domes dipped in champagne hues. The seating is designed for louché lounging and covered here and there in brilliant starbursts of CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements.
 
The guests seen entering the venue were HH Sheikh Nawaf Bin Nasser Al Thani (Qatar Prince), HH Sheikh Mohd. Bin Essa Al Khalifa (Bahrain Prince / Shadow PM), HH Sheikh Sultan Qassimi (Sharjah Prince), Vnee Yeh (Hongkong Cabinet & Executive Council Member), Simon Wong (Hongkong Tycoon / Builder), Marat Zagwadelev (President Tatarstan / Russian Parliament & Duma Member), Gratian Anda (Swiss Tycoon), Bassam Ghais (Hariri Family – Lebanon), Ziad Al Turki (Saudi Billionaire), Samir Fancy (Oman Royal Family), Ajatshatru & Ritu Singh, Atul Punj, Bindu Wadehra, Gunita Sodhi, Kalyany Chawla, Sabina Singh, Arvind & Shagun Khanna, Priya Sachdev, Vineet Jain, Samir Thapar, Sucharita Bose, Ameeta Seth, Rahul Khanna, Rohit Gandhi, Anish Chanana, Amol Vadehra, Gauri & Vidhur Talwar, Hari & Kavita Bhartia amongst many others.
 
Arjun Rampal & A.D. Singh played the perfect hosts, while the guests wined and dined through the evening.

Estee Lauder

Tired of constantly having to reapply your lip color throughout the day or worry about your lip color smudging or bleeding?

New Long-lasting, Luxurious Color for a Perfect Pout that Lasts All Day are the latest additions to Estee Lauders renowned double wear makeup collection of Lipstick & Lip Pencil. Each of these luxuriously creamy, long-wearing lip products deliver instant rich, stay-true color and shine to lips for that luscious look.

Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lipstick’s satin-smooth, long-wearing formula gently glides on lips with the comfort of a traditional moisturizing lipstick and wears comfortably for up to 12 hours without any smudge or feather even when drinking and eating.

The lipstick’s patent-pending, one step, long-wearing formula incorporates state-of-the-art polymeric technology to provide continuous fade resistant, stay-in-place color for all day wear without reapplication.

Whereas Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lip Pencil delivers a perfectly defined pout that protects your lip color with long wearing, color true definition. Its non-feathering, non-bleeding, skip-free formula delivers a color true, smooth, even line that lasts all day. The well structured consistency of the lead guarantees expert control, lip definition and wear, staying in place and looking as though it was just applied throughout wear.

Hyaluronic acid is a natural occurring skin moisturizing ingredient that assists with moisture retention while acting as an application lubricant, ensuring a perfectly smooth lip line. Delivering a smooth, comfortable, natural feel on the lips, is non-occlusive and extremely lightweight on lips. Combining with the hyaluronic acid to create a unique barrier on the lips, vegetal filling spheres are a natural plant moisturizer that soothes as well as protects lips.
Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lipstick and Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lip Pencil is available at Estee Lauder counters nationwide.

Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lipstick – Rs. 1,210
Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lip Pencil is Rs. 970.