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Monthly Archives: July 2010
Narender Sihag
Every time you wake up with a dangling mug of coffee, moping the corners of your eyes and peering the ‘HT’ city, you will find this guy uttering a sprightly ‘hi’ out of any advertisement situated at every nook and crony of it. Be it the Timex, Thumbs Up, Airtel or Intel, Narender Sihag is a rage among advertisement agencies.
Malaysian Fashion Week was where this guy gave many international models run for their ‘esteem’( besides, money, looks, work and et al ). And then to add others’ woes, an Indonesian magazine, ‘AAA’, featured him and he again sacked the laurels, wonders, applause and some more ‘gaped’ applause for his stoned…..oopz…! toned stony visage ( he has this strong repugnance with drugs and booze) . A gladiator-esque with steadfast eyes Narender Sihag, hails from a small town of Bhiwani in Haryana. But this guy has always dreamt bigger and worked harder to materialize his dreams and honor himself with clean and pure life.
“Working out is a religion for me, consistency and dedication as its tenets and health and fitness as blessings”….says, Narender, in a self assured baritone. Getting his portfolio done, he circulated it everywhere to merely find himself in a tizzy as there was no ‘door-knocking’ for three months. Heart-wrenched but still debonair, he got a call from a magazine and thus there cropped up a model who became an inspiration for the youth back in his home town.
So we pinned down Narender to effuse the twists and cusps of his fabulous journey and the blood and the flesh which forms him ‘The Narender Sihag’.
Tell us briefly about your family and schooling?
I was born in Bhiwani in a traditional and close knit Haryanvi family. My father had a transferable job due to which I attended many schools, each of which taught me something different about life. Eventually, I grew up as a grounded person with a strong will to tackle and overcome problems of the modern day life. Fitness has always been an obsession with me and I cannot remember a single day when I did not sweat out in the gym. At the same time, I was very much passionate about the world of modeling and it appealed me at every phase of my life.
What is your parents’ point of view on you choosing modeling as a career?
Initially, my parents, being conservative, were not supportive. However, gradually with the help of my sisters, they started supporting me.
When and what was your first modeling assignment?
Immediately, after school, I joined college as a regular student for one year. Then, I shifted to Delhi where I had access to a gym. Gradually, I became the chief instructor in the gym. During this time, I also qualified as a Reebok trained instructor. This is where I got my first break. I met many renowned models from whom I learnt various aspects of modeling. Initially, I did a few advertisements (Timex watches, M magazine etc–) and Elite Modeling agency signed me thereafter. I have participated in many national and international events such as the Wills Fashion Week, Malaysian Fashion Week, shoot for Indonesian magazine & couture fashion week, to name a few.
How you bumped into your first assignment?
Initially, on the advice of a model at the gym, I had a portfolio made with the help of the photographer Sachin Sagar. After circulating the portfolio, I was little worried, as I did not get a call from anyone for three months. Out of the blue a magazine approached me for an advertisement stint. It was after this that Elite saw my photographs and signed me. Thereafter, there was no turning back.
What did you aspire to become as kid?
I always wanted to be a model and dreamed of being an actor both on stage, television and on the big screen. But modeling has been my passion- the bright lights and the attraction of being special with finest designer clothes is something I cannot describe.
PEEK-A-BOO
FAVORITE FOOD : Raspberry Banana Milk Shake and Kadhai paneer, missy roti with lots of butter on it……yummy!!
FAVORITE PERFUME : Calvin Klein Euphoria
FAVORITE INTIMATE WEAR BRAND : Mark & Spencer
FAVORITE DESIGNER : Rohit Gandhi
FAVORITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION : Mauritius.
THING YOU HATE AND LOVE MOST : I hate showing off in public. I also have strict no to drugs and booze. Other than these, I don’t like people disrespecting humanity. I love to live a clean life with a balanced mind and a good reputation.
THING YOU ARE ADDICTED TO : Physical fitness and cleanliness.
YOU ARE SCARED OF : Anything that brings infamy to me
MUSIC YOU LOVE TO LISTEN TO : Depends on my mood. Mostly, I listen to contemporary Hindi film songs. I also enjoy listening to Enrique.
Which shows( designers) and commercials have you graced with your presence?
I have done print commercials for Thumbs Up, Airtel, Intel, Timex, Red & White, Life & Style and many more. And talking about designers, I have worked for the likes of Anjalee, Arjun kapoor and Gaurav Gupta. I have also shot for magazines such as Men’s health, Marie Claire, M magazine, India Today and an Indonesian magazine ààà.
Your greatest achievement?
Ramp Show in Kuala Lumpur…:). Secondly whenever I go back home to Bhiwani, I see young boys working out and building body. They say that they have got this inspiration from me.
What do you think of Bollywood as a career option?
Working with Bollywood will be a dream coming true for me. I would love to have a break in Bollywood. To turn this dream into reality, I have attended workshops in acting and have also participated in plays. Besides this, I am currently volunteering to run a theater workshop in the blind women school located in Hauz Khas, New Delhi.
When not modeling what are you most likely to be found doing?
Reading and listening music besides my regular exercise routine.
Any social cause that you feel strongly for and want to be( or you are ) associated with?
As I said before, I am associated with a blind school where besides doing theatre work, I work as a reader for visually handicapped girls.
What is your dream destination?
To reach to the top ladder of the modeling world.
What has been the most touching moment of your life?
When I got my first modeling assignment, that moment is so close to my heart.
Your take on this industry?
This industry gives a promising career but hard work is a key to it.
What is fashion for you?
It’s my life!
Your icon/ role model in life?
Still searching for one.
Your take on work pressure leading models to substance abuse and suicides?
Keeping a balanced mind by practicing yoga, which I learnt as a child, have always helped me in facing adversities of life. This way, I am confident that I will shield myself from such challenges.
Tongue in Cheek
Posted by : Divya Vashishtha at 09:50 AM
Monapali for DCW
The installations by Monapali at the Pearls Delhi Couture Week 2010 are an ode to craftsmanship and mother nature and taking cue from the same, the entire collection is organic hence the cuts, surface ornamentation, texturing is all soft, elegant and graded, it’s an earthy collection full of richness.
Nature is the inspiration behind the series of installations’. She plays the perfect muse as the collection is as organic as she is. The colors’ are those of birds like the pigeon and the peacock with shades of blues, greens, blacks and greys. The colour accents are be in pink and turquoise and the entire ensemble could be in red, white and beige as the primary colors seen in flowers and nature.
Handcrafted fabric, that is the fabric itself has been created of doris or cords. It has been woven to create a mesh at places with a tight weave and at others it has been left loosely looped to create textures and the play of shadows. Completely hand crafted, these couture pieces, pay an ode to craftsmanship in India. Combining block print with spray/smudge prints and hand paint, cutting through layers of fabric to create a distinct pattern and tearing fabrics to create anew is the Monapali forte. The mix of surface ornamentation, prints, embellishment and hand paint create a mélange of textures which will come alive in these pieces. What makes the designs distinctly Monapali is an unconventional mix of mediums; be it textures, textiles, prints or embroidery and this is what you will see in this installation.
The colours Blues, greens, blacks, red, white, beige and greys with accents in pink and turquoise flow in organic and free flowing silhouettes like nature, spray/smudge prints and hand paint, cutting through layers of fabric to create a distinct pattern and tearing fabrics with a mix of surface ornamentation, prints, embellishment, and embroidery carets the mood.
Mona and Pali feel, “Installations’ are art works. They are the perfect medium for designers to reach out to a wider audience. Not every potential customer can make it to the show, but by the way of installations you can reach out to a much wider audience. A show just lasts for 20 minutes’ but installations have a higher shelf life are visible to wider base of target consumers. The viewership for installations is higher and it’s a bigger compliment when a larger group of audience appreciates your work. Moreover through installations a client has the benefit of viewing the product from a closer distance.”
Reynu Taandon for DCW
Reynu gives a minimalist look to her collection with a futuristic appeal where she has drapes saree as a gown. In the collection she has also tried to showcase her raffled cocktail collection were embellishments with Rubies has been used. Each of her garment has been dramatized and given an edgy look. The cuts in the collection have been inspired by traditional style with a contemporary twist. Reynu’s collection gives a women freedom to choose their outfits according to their individuality and personality.
The colour palette used gives the collection a soothing and irresistible feel. The colours revolve around enigmatic emeralds, the mystical cobalt blue, the lovely corals, tempting chocolates, taupes, chic purple, fresh fuchsia, and scrumptious berry tones, which reveal passion and tranquility of the designer.
The magic and variety of the work doesn’t just stop here, Reynu Taandon also has eclectic and decorative assortment of accessories, which proudly showcases Swarovski and crystal chains and neckpieces, geometric pendants set with large semiprecious stones and also very trendy cuffs to go with almost anything. Comfortable quality fabrics like cottons, georgettes, chiffons and rayon Lycra have been used to craft this charming and attractive collection. Each piece has been prepared highlighting an elegant body-flattering and western silhouette, a sense of uniqueness, timeless beauty and style
Jaya Rathore for DCW
Jaya Rathore is one of the promising Kolkata based designer, showcasing her installation at Pearl Couture Week 2010 from 20 -25 july at The Grand, Vasant Kunj. Her thought process behind the whole set up is to make the bride look very delicate, mystical and royal. So she has played with both Indian and European motifs, where the colour palate varies from soft to bright tones of pink, fuchia, emerald green etc. The fabric used is handloom and net, and pure zari is an integral part of her design.
Jaya Rathore, with her collections that dote on Indian art and craft has established herself to create attires that surpassed time and age. Her exploration and experiments with Indian weaving and traditional craftsmanship revitalized in modern outfits makes her work distinct.
The painstaking hand embroideries, attention to details and fabric development, which are significantly based on Indian artistry, are an integral part of her collection making them unique, elegant and timeless.
Through the Patina
Vadehra Art Gallery presented ‘Anjolie Ela Menon: Through the Patina’ – a comprehensive publication on the artist accompanied by an exhibition of artworks. The exhibition will continue at this venue until the 21st of July, 2010.
Marking the artist’s seventieth birthday, the book was launched by eminent film-maker Shyam Benegal, featuring both retrospective and recent works that highlight the significant phases of Menon’s artistic journey. Anjolie Ela Menon occupies a distinctive niche in contemporary Indian art and since her first exhibition in 1958, her oil on masonite paintings and mixed-media works have continued to intrigue and enthral art lovers – both in India and abroad. Often associated with the haunting female nude, Menon’s oeuvre over the last six decades is vast and spans many genres.
Anjolie Ela Menon is one of the most senior and celebrated Indian artists who has carved a niche for herself with her unique contributions, At a time when modernist abstraction was adored by artists both in India and the West, her works were rigorously figurative, sensual and romantic. They took a different trajectory from the strict rationality of modernism where every step in the process of creating art had to have reason and justification. Her very individualistic style has defied classification and she has been aptly described by art critic Gayatri Sinha as the “wanton fabulist.”
Pallavi Jaikishan for DCW
Pallavi Jaikishan doesn’t need much of an introduction with a career that is running into its 38th year. She has established herself as a doyen in the Indian fashion industry. After 14 years Pallavi Jaikishan is showing solo in this upcoming Delhi Couture Week to be held 20th – 25th July at the Grand, Vasant Kunj.
Her collection for the Pearls Delhi Couture Week revolves around three themes of Nostalgia, Maharani and Sitare.
Nostalgia is a collection with the old world feel. Starting with old Victorian aptly called ‘Mystique Noir’ yards and yards of gossamer Blk tullie line with pastels satins in Peachy pink Blue, antique gold and green. The embroidery very Victorian, beautiful shaded flowers as well as 3D shaded & embroidered velvet appliqué comprising of sexy cocktail sarees with draped blouses swing coats and vintage lace skirts with tasseled scarves
Maharani’ is collection in shot georgette with all over silver and Minakari embroidery offset with contrasting blouses in velvet with zardari a very Royal splendor. This collection consists of sarees and lehengas.
Millions of Dazzling sequences specially sourced from France, worked in beautifully scrolley Patterns along with Pallavi Trade mark flowers on nude colours worked with ‘ort’ (gold in French) defines the crux of Sitare collection. A truly Bridal collection with shades and shades of gold and silver from Rose gold to antique gold, Pewter to antique silver. The colour pallet is on auspicious colours like burnt gold to saffron, peachy apricots and vermillion embroidered with zari badla and French tape and multicolour lurex threads along side with crystals and pearls.
The Grace Kelly Style Icon Exhibition (17 April – 26 September 2010) at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London
The Grace Kelly Style Icon Exhibition (17 April – 26 September 2010) at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London
The Thing that made her stand out is what we call ‘style’. McCall’s magazine. 1955
This is exactly what comes to my mind when I think of Princess Grace, so when I heard that there was a ‘Grace Kelly:Style Icon’ exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum and also that too was being held whilst I was in London I was adamant that I had to go. Actually it was my niece who is a first year fashion student at Birmingham University who told me about it as she chose to attend in order to get some material for her course work titled Style Icons. I was shocked to find that many days were a total sell out, and I really did not have much choice in the day and time slots. While my mother and I waited in the queue for the ‘Grace Kelly:Style Icon’ exhibition outside the V&A, I saw people of all ages ranging from school children to the elderly all having one thing in common and that being total admiration for Grace Kelly’s eternal style.
For me just to see a glimpse into the stylish wardrobe of one of the most photographed women of the 20th century Grace Kelly was so exciting as for me she totally epitomised classic, understated chic. Oleg Cassini was reported to have said that ‘Grace Kelly had perfected the art of wearing clothes that didn’t get too much attention, so she got noticed more herself’. It was enchanting to see how this exhibition explores through her surviving clothes, the story of her transformation from a Hollywood actress to a princess of one of Europe’s oldest royal families. Her enduring appeal as a style icon is very apparent, as the exhibition features her film costumes, the much-publicised dresses made for her trousseau and wedding, and the French haute couture that she required for her subsequent role as Princess of Monaco.
Grace Kelly in 1954
Paramount
Both on and off screen, Grace Kelly was an ambassador for simple American fashions such as shirtwaist dresses and casual shirts and trousers. She also owned several understated elegant evening gowns for attending special events. Her classic clothes were promoted as ‘the Grace Kelly look’ by retailers and fans emulated her immaculate grooming and sense of style.
Dress of layered grey over rose chiffon, appliquéd with rhinestones and pink and white embroidered flowers
Designed by Helen Rose, MGM costume designer
Costume for the musical comedy High Society
Directed by Charles Walters in 1956 and co-staring Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra
The Hollywood star already known for her style arrived in Monte Carlo on 12 April 1956 for her wedding to Prince Rainer of Monaco, and with her brought 40 outfits and 30 pairs of shoes. With her athletic build and preference for low-heeled shoes, pearls and white gloves, Grace Kelly stood out for her conspicuously understated good taste. Her Hollywood contemporaries were dripping in fur and jewels, but it was this beauty’s restraint that meant by 1955 she was already on the United States Best-Dressed List, a major style barometer started by fashion arbeiter Eleanor Lambert in 1940. As well as being on top of this best dressed list, Grace Kelly was in every magazine allowing the world to admire her style and there was even a line of shop mannequins in her likeness that were distributed worldwide.
Taffeta dress with printed floral pattern
Designed for Grace Kelly by McCall Patterns and worn by her on the cover of their spring pattern book USA, 1955
Worn by Grace Kelly May 61955 for her first meeting with Prince Rainer at the Palace in Monaco. Grace was on the French Riviera for the International Cannes Film Festival where her movie The Country Girl was being presented.
Grace Kelly’s serious passion for fashion meant that once married, she had the interior of the family’s retreat at Roc Agel, in the hills above Monte Carlo,
remodelled around her need for extensive closets for her clothes (a move of which her French architect apparently disapproved very much). But in spite of this, she was peculiarly frugal. She was reported to do her own hair and nails, and on many occasions wore unknown designers. ‘She kept her clothes and wore them repeatedly and also looked after them. We have 42 dresses on show as a result,’ says Jenny Lister, curator of the V&A’s ‘Grace Kelly:Style Icon’ exhibition
The new Princess Grace of Monaco started shopping at the couture houses of Paris such as Balenciaga, Lanvin and most especially Dior. From being the American Hollywood actress interpreting European Fashion with her twinsets and pearls, she became the American enslaved to the historic houses which supplied her with many clothes that were suitably formal, but modern and eye-catching.
Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco wearing a specially designed Van Cleef & Arpels three strand pearl and diamond necklace with matching earclips.
Given to her by Prince Rainer in honour of their engagement, 1956
Pink muslin polka dot dress with satin tie ribbon belt
Christian Dior
Worn by Grace Kelly on May 19 1972 to the award ceremony for the Cannes Film Festival.
From her immaculate headscarf all the way to her perfect poodle, Grace Kelly epitomised early 1950s Hollywood Chic. And even today, nearly three decades after her demise she still remains a style icon that many look up to, one famous example being the Hermes ‘Kelly’ Bag. Various anecdotes surround this bag: one is that she used it to cover her bump from photographers when first pregnant with Caroline. In fact, she had carried a padlocked Hermes bag from the beginning of her Hollywood days and was seen with it so often that it was already known as the ‘Grace Kelly handbag’ in the USA by 1956. It is true to say that it is because of this, the price and the waiting list for this iconic handbag had exploded and is still the case today.
It is in 1955’s To Catch a Thief that many style Gurus would say that Grace Kelly portrayed the most stylish image which has become one of film history’s most joyous and iconic images and that was of course the Grace Kelly scarf with those prominent dark sunglasses.
Grace Kelly actually had poor eyesight, and was frequently seen wearing glasses, but loved nothing more than the chic of dark glasses, and her along with Brigitte Bardott and Jackie Kennedy were responsible for bringing dark sunglasses into style in the 1960s and 1970s. By 1980, the London eyewear designer Oliver Goldsmith had created 45 bespoke frames for her.
Selection of eyeglasses and sunglasses by various designers, Oliver Goldsmith and Christian Dior.
The ‘Grace Kelly’ style is never far away in the world of fashion, reverberating at times through the collections of designers such as Gucci and Prada. In 2005 Gucci revived the Flora print it had originally created for a scarf for Princess Grace in 1966 and splashed it across every accessory from clothing to shoes and bags. In 2009, Vera Wang designed a variation on Grace Kelly’s famous wedding dress which she described as majestic and demure.
Green sleeveless dress with tie belt and matching bolero with three-quarter length sleeves (detail)
Givenchy
Worn by Grace Kelly on May 24 1961 on an official visit with Prince Rainer to lunch at the White House with President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jackie Kennedy.
For me Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly were truly enduring style icons, this being evident in how many fans are still trying to emulate their style today and how much of their style is inspiration for collections of many designers. Handbags are named after them; different pieces of collections are invariably referred to as the Jackie Kennedy dress or the Grace Kelly shirtwaist dress, etc. I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to attend this ‘Grace Kelly:Style Icon’ exhibition where through the clothes exhibited I could see the style transformation from Hollywood’s princess to a real European princess of one of the oldest royal families.
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Posted by : Pollyana Patel at 03:24 AM
Edith Barker & Pollyana Patel quickly became friends after meeting in Bangalore, India. Edith has a dual career in psychotherapy and fashion public relations; Pollyana is an image consultant, model, and the brand ambassador for Ritu & Rochana. They currently have two projects in development under Barker & Patel, and have agreed to join the FashionFad team to share their travels, experiences and musings.
Harley-Davidson in New Delhi
Harley-Davidson India today inaugurated its dealership in New Delhi. Capital Harley-Davidson, state-of-the-art dealership, truly exemplifies the unique experience and attributes of the brand. Situated at the DLF Promenade Mall, the dealership is led by businessman and enthusiast Atul Aggarwal, who will share his excitement and joy for riding to enthusiasts across the National Capital Region.
The dealership will offer the entire 2010 Harley-Davidson India line-up of 12 motorcycle models, in addition to authentic Harley-Davidson riding gear, apparel, and merchandise. Harley owners will also be able to choose from a wide range of parts and accessories to customize their bikes.
“Across the world, Harley-Davidson dealerships are havens for all who seek to experience and share the joys of leisure riding. Capital Harley-Davidson is designed expressly to reflect our heritage and culture, while providing a world-class customer experience that will inspire riders to explore roads less traveled. With Atul Aggarwal at the helm of Capital Harley-Davidson, we look forward to initiating a new era of motorcycling in New Delhi.” said Anoop Prakash, Managing Director, Harley-Davidson India.
