October 2010 - Page 21 of 22

Creating Commonwealth is a unique initiative by Gallery Ragini and show has been curated by Anoop Kamath, focuses on showcasing works that are heirloom worthy and can be passed on from one generation to other. This is first of its kind exhibition that will bring together a total of 31 artists, not only from India but also from participating Commonwealth countries like Sri Lanka, Singapore, Pakistan, UAE, Bangladesh on the same platform.

Renowned fashion designer Raghavendra Rathore also participated in this exhibition showcasing his art for the first time.

The great British Empire has left an imperial legacy in all of its former colonies therefore the commonwealth countries enjoy, apart from their own rich culture, an imperialistic influence which is reflected in their history and also in their contemporary art, architecture and culture. The art works are carefully selected from leading contemporary artists to create a worthy investment opportunity for art lovers and collectors. Each of these works will be enjoyed by generations to come as masterpieces and the future generations will treasure and value these works as heirlooms.

The list of participating artists include Aanchal Wazir, Anoli Pierra, Arron Teo, Babu Eashwar Prasad, Babu Xavier, Binoy Verghese, Bose Krishnamachari, G R iranna, George Martin PJ, Gigi Scaria, Imran Channa, Jignasha Ojha, Manjunath Kamath, Murali Cheeroth, Phaneendra Nath Chaturvedi, Pooja Iranna, Prasad Raghavan, Pratul Dash, Rajan Krishnan, Rajesh Ram, Ravi Gossain, Roy Thomas, Rupa Paul, S Ayesha, Shweta Talwar, Sudhanshu Sutar, Sunil Padwal, T Rathi Devi, Tushar Jaog, Tuttu M. Tomy and Vivek Vilasini.

The jury at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week announced the names of 15 emerging female faces, which were shortlisted on the basis of all-India model auditions. These fresh faces will match shoulders with some of the industry’s leading female models and add to the vivacity of the event.

The 15 New Faces that were chosen at the all-India model auditions for Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week are Karla, Olga P, Shreiyah, Olga M, Lekha Raman, Anjali Raut, Mary, Olga R, Sony, Sangya Lakhanpal, Hida, Margarita, Kritika Babu, Riki and Liza Golden.

These scintillating ramp scorchers were chosen and tested on various physical and attitudinal attributes by an eminent jury of experienced judges that included the likes of Anjana Bhargav, Asha Kochhar, Gaurav Gupta, Harmeet Bajaj, Namrata Joshipura, Poonam Bhagat and Tania Lefebvre. The winning models were handpicked from over 120 participants.

Announcing the winners of the auditions, Sunil Sethi, President, Fashion Design Council of India said, “We have always stressed on the importance of introducing fresh faces. Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week aims to provide talented young female models with the perfect opportunity to showcase their skill sets. Promising to be a visual delight, the Spring/Summer 2011 will see participation of models from all parts of the world to create an exotic blend of Indian, pan-Asian and Western silhouettes.”

This particular painting depicts the moment when Heer first sets eyes on Ranjha, a young handsome trader from Central Asia, who has lost his way in the forest. Exhausted and hungry, he lay down to rest in what happened to be Heer’s private ‘takht’ or ‘nook’. Bonhams, one of the world’s oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques brings together the much awaited – Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern and South Asian art on October 11, 2010.

Fashionfad.in gets in talk with Mehreen Rizvi- Head of Middle East and South Asian Art at Bonhams and talk about the auction, the painting by Ustad Allah Bux and also a lot more about the contemporary and modern art in India as well as the world.

Tell us about the artist and this particular artwork “Heer and Ranjha”?
Allah Bux is known as one of the master’s of South Asian modern Art. His style of painting combines traditional European styles with Eastern aesthetic subjects. He learnt his trade in Bombay and continued to paint in this style after his move to Lahore in 1919. His paintings are not intellectual; they tell the old folklores and stories of South Asia, exactly like the painters of the Renaissance period.

This particular picture, Heer and Ranjha, is very detailed and true to the folklore story on which is based. He has depicted many scenes from the tale of Heer and Ranjha in the past however this particular scene portrays so much emotion from Heer as she gazes on to a sleeping Ranjha. All of the women are approaching him to beat the trespasser with sticks and you can see in Heer’s eyes her immediate devotion to Ranjah. An Allah Bux of this quality and depth has rarely been seen, let alone been put up for auction.

How did Bonhams select it for the auction?
A Bonhams colleague was visiting a friend’s home when she came across the painting. It is a masterpiece to say the least and something that will be of great interest to many people.

Since you have been associated with art is the region of Middle East and South East Asia, what does the Contemporary art of today convey?
The artists of today are working with the ideas of their contemporary masters and adapting them to the new techniques they have learnt from all around the world. Art itself has taken a step away from traditional painting and moved towards Futuristic and Constructivist styles of art.

What are the other antiques that Bonhams is associated with in this region?
Bonhams has many departments which include antique Indian artifacts and works – for example, the Islamic and Indian Art department and the Antiquities department.

How do see the art movement in India?
The art sector in Indian is booming. Since Indian art started appearing at auction during the mid 1990’s, the market has really grown. In 1999, Bonhams were selling Francis Newton Souza works for only £800 to £1,200 and now the artist is selling for record prices. In our upcoming auction, we will have a Maqbool Fida Husain, first put in for auction with Sotheby’s in 1999 at an estimate of $5,000 – $7,000. It is now estimated at $60,000 to $80,000.

What is difference between the painting a century old and now?
That all depends on the artist and media they use but in very broad terms I would say that artists today are more intellectual. They deal in abstract ideas rather than depicting a scene or landscape. There is definitely more emphasis on the power of ideas in today’s art.

How is Bonhams helpful in promoting art in today’s time?
Bonhams deals more with the work of the Modern artists of South Asian and the Middle East rather than with contemporary painters. Bonhams deals mainly in the secondary market selling the works of older artists whom have already established a name for themselves.

How would Bonhams appreciate art in the Indian sub continent?
Indian art is flourishing and I am proud to say we have many Indian artists in our upcoming Dubai sale including Syed Haider Raza, Arpita Singh, Maqbool Fida Husain, B. Prabha, Jamini Roy and many more.

LFW has announced dates for its next season – LFW Summer/Resort 2011 to be held from March 11th to March 15th, 2011 at the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai.

The dates have been announced in par with other leading fashion weeks around the world, well in advance for all stakeholders to plan their participation. Summer/Resort 2011 is the second edition of LFW that includes and promotes the rapidly emerging concept of Resort wear globally and in India. The first season attracted outstanding talent of established and emerging designers who showcased their creativity and designs of Resort wear, a year round fashion concept. The coming season and years will see an increased exposure for Indian designers to buyers, media and the global fashion industry.

Anil Chopra, CEO, Lakmé Lever says, “Lakmé Fashion Week has always been the pioneer in innovations and is recognized as a platform in adopting strategic decisions to facilitate the business of fashion in India. The platform is growing from strength to strength with each season and we are encouraged by the positive response from the fashion fraternity. We continue with the same commitment and strategic shift that was initiated earlier this year and look forward to further enhancing our efforts with LFW Summer/Resort 2011.”

Commonwealth Food Festival @ Geoffry’s from 30th Sept to 15th Oct, Timings : 1pm to 11:30 pm, Venue @ Geoffry’s Select City Walk Saket, New Delhi

The fall winter collection from Gant has returned to American soil and its inexhaustible sources of inspiration the Ivy League Colleges, the pretty coastal and the Grand Island scenery.

Gant this season introduces a special collection from a world famous designer Michael Bastian. This collection is inspired by team sport of Lacrosse and culled for Gnat’s well documented achieves, will feature a full assortment of clothes for men, redefining the new age of sportswear than just traditional fashion collaboration.

Gant’s mainline capsule for men has been divided into three lines namely Georgetown, Winter Nautical and Santa Fe. The Gant’s women collection stands on a firm foundation of American casual wear but with an unmistakably fashionable edge. Inspired form natural elegance of first ladies, the collection contains sophisticated daywear in luxurious materials and glamorous evening options.

The prominent colours of this season are cobalt, aqua, tones of red, brown and purples blended with classic shades like black, white and grey in light and finer fabrics.

“Noise”, a multifunctional headwrap- the first of its kind adventure/sports gear announces its entry into the Indian market. Launched by Nexxbase Marketing Pvt. Ltd., “Noise” will be available at Common Wealth Games Store, and shortly through a chain of adventure sport brands, MBO’s and various F&B outlets.

The headwrap offers youth to explore fashion in its newest form with its exciting blend of fashion with sports and adventure. The new range of headwrap is a youth- centric unisexual brand which has emerged from the fashionable trends in the upcoming adventure and sports market. The headwrap can be used in Multiple Innovative Ways; one can use it as a wrist band, bandana, cap, scarf, pirate band, mask, balaclava and many other variants. It is the first seamless headwrap of India that gives both a sporty and fashionable experience at the same time. Noise, as a brand is inspired from the sense of “Free Spirit and Desire to Be Heard” that dwells within today’s generation.

Speaking on the launch Alok Nagpal, Director, Nexxbase Marketing Pvt. Ltd said, “NOISE is for everybody from the fashion conscious college-goers, clubbing ground, sports person, travel & music lovers, it is truly a multifunctional product that can be used by people across various genres and age groups. We really look forward to fascinate our youth with an exciting range of bright colours and flamboyant designs”

Promise is a design collaboration between creative jeweller Fawaz Gruosi, founder of de Grisogono and the stunning British singer Cheryl Cole. The ring combines design chic with fashion flair and the first model from this exclusive line marks the release of Cheryl Cole’s new single, “Promise This”.

The ring is designed to be worn on the little finger and features the subtle warmth of rose gold and the strength of blackened silver, delicately cut spelling the word “Promise”.

In the singer’s new music video, “Promise This”, she wears an elegant and irresistible jewellery by de Grisogono. Cheryl performed at de Grisogono’s exclusive party during the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, sparking the energetic and evolving relationship between the star and the jewellery house.

The ring is available at de Grisogono boutiques as well as ONLINE at www.eboutique.degrisogono.com