Monthly Archives: December 2010

Tis The Season

It’s that time again;  that special time we look forward to all year when whirling snowflakes, fuzzy socks, and crackling logs in the fireplace fill sleepy nights under starry winter skies. Besides the busy mall shopping, Sunday afternoons spent gift wrapping, and the abundance of eggnog and sweet treats at every holiday party, it’s also time to vote.  That’s right, vote!  The nominees for the People’s Choice Awards, taking place on January 5th, 2011, were just announced and all are anxiously waiting for the votes to roll in.  Favorites from television, movies, and music range from classic screen gods and goddesses to new, indie pop artists and rising talent.  By visiting peopleschoice.com, you can make your voice heard in choosing the crème de la crème in the most influential industries in entertainment.  

The hottest categories, upon which the most buzz and anticipation are placed, are Favorite Movie, Favorite Movie Actor, Favorite Movie Actress, Favorite Drama Movie, Favorite Comedy Movie, Favorite Movie Star Under 25, Favorite Male Artist, Favorite Female Artist, Favorite TV Comedy, and Favorite Pop Artist.  Some of this year’s leading ladies and gents include but are not limited to Jennifer Aniston, Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts, Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tina Fey, Zac Efron, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé.  New hit sensations such as Glee and Raising Hope will rival oldies but goodies like How I Met Your Mother, Modern Family, and Gossip Girl.  Our lustful vampire suckers and seekers from The Twilight Saga and True Blood will no doubt reign in piles of votes like cinematic sensations Harry Potter, Alice In Wonderland, and Inception. 

Unlike other annual ceremonies such as the Academy Awards (February 27th, 2011) or the Golden Globe Awards (January 16th, 2011), the People’s Choice Awards are the only time when people like you can make a true difference in the here and now of movies, television, and music.  So, put your bells on, ‘tis the season to make merry and vote!

Posted by : Courtney O’Kane Academy of Art University Alumna at 03:11 AM (IST)
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The Art of Light and Crystal

Swarovski Crystal Palace launches the book ‘The Art of Light and Crystal’ published by teNeues. Swarovski Crystal Palace is one of the most important and inspired design projects of our times. Devised and instigated by Nadja Swarovski, it provides a snapshot of the most exciting and creative minds of the first decade of the 21st century.

‘The Art of Light and Crystal’ is a beautifully illustrated book, which tells the unique story of the Swarovski Crystal Palace project, marking its 10th anniversary and includes interviews with many of the creatives involved. It also traces the groundbreaking ethos that defines Swarovski, following the 115-year history of this remarkable family, and contextualizing its continuing legacy – a must-read for all design enthusiasts, professionals and students.

The Swarovski Crystal Palace publication features such highlights as Tord Boontje’s poetic “Blossom” chandelier (2002) – which signalled a turning point for Swarovski and its commitment to progressive new thinking and practice. Ron Arad challenged convention with the spiral-shaped “Lolita” chandelier (2004) driven by computer-controlled LEDs to display text messages sent via SMS technology. Gaetano Pesce’s “Mediterraneo“chandelier (2006) has the appearance of a deep-sea creature, which moves as if breathing, emitting a sweet scent. Diller Scofidio + Renfro’s “Light Sock“ hanging mesh sacks are filled at the base with crystals in which a single halogen light bulb is buried (2007); while Paul Cocksedge’s “Veil“ (2008) is a crystal screen containing an image of the Mona Lisa that is only visible when the piece is viewed in a mirror.



Arik Levy paid homage to the chaton-cut crystal with “Osmosis” (2009) – a series of abstract compositions that allude to crystals or rock formations but are in fact made from wood, resin, stainless steel, aluminium wire and LEDs. “Amplify“ by Yves Béhar (2010) is arguably the most egalitarian design; the paper lanterns are shaped like crystals and illuminated by LEDs, with the light refracted from a crystal inside, casting patterns across the lantern’s surface. We see the works on display in such venues as Salone del Mobile, Design Miami, MoMA and the Barbican.

This distinguished book was launched in Miami during the Art Fair from 30 November, 2010 to December 6, 2010 in Paris, at the exclusive Four Seasons Hotel George V, which will be uniquely decorated under the crystal theme from November 26, 2010 to January 15, 2011.
 
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Designers for JFW

Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) announces the names of 4 promising designers who will now compete for the opportunity to represent India at the Asian Designers Collection in Japan, Tokyo. 

The designers, Akaaro by Gaurav Jai Gupta, 5X by Ajit Kumar, Neelanjan Ghosh and Walnut by Divya & Nidhi Gambhir were shortlisted from over 25 laudable entries by the ‘Asian Designers’ Collection Committee, the organizers of the Fashion Grand Prix. One of these talented designers will get to match shoulders with some of Asia’s leading designers and add to the vivacity of the event. As many as 11 major Asian nations will be represented in the mega event. These include Korea, China, Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India and Japan.

The ‘Asian Designers’ Collection is a prominent part of the ‘Japan Fashion Week in Tokyo (JFW)’ and is considered as a formidable fashion event that promotes cultural exchange among talented young designers in Asia. In the past two years, Nitin Bal Chauhan (2009) and Ritesh Kumar Ridzyn (2010) participated in the event as Indian representatives. 

Application was open to Professional Fashion Designers with experience of three years or less. Interested contestants were asked to submit their entries by June 4, 2010. All the contestants had to submit a PowerPoint presentation comprising of their profile and images from their recent design collections. The jury comprising of representatives from the Onward Kashiyama Co Ltd and New Designer Fashion Grand Prix Committee will be visiting India on December 12-15, 2010 to meet the designers personally and finalize one designer who will represent India at the Fashion Grand Prix 2010, in March 2011.
 
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The Falaknuma

Ritu Kumar presented the most anticipated couture show The Falaknuma Collection, in association with the Taj group of hotels. The exceptional collection highlights the heritage of craftsmanship that the city of Royal Hyderabad is known for. The show will be presented in Mumbai as well later this month. 

The Falaknuma inspired by the interiors of the famed palace of Hyderabad integrates the tradition of fine sensitivity of textile craft and design. Both element reviewed and restructured to fit into a modern idiom of sartorial elegance and fine hospitality. Keeping in sync with the royal inspiration of the couture line, the collection features authentic jewellery complimenting the various designs in the collection, designed exclusively by Ritu Kumar and crafted by Karigiri. The collection underlines the use of rich materials along with intrinsic weaving, embellishing and other textile techniques of India’s rich repertoire of craft skills. 

Speaking on the occasion Ritu Kumar said, “Fashion in India more so than anywhere else in the world depends largely on an indigenous history. It has been a rewarding experience to yet again go to craft areas rich in textiles tradition and revive them to suit today’s fashion.” 
 
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Fashion Tableau

The European fashion label Marc Cain hosted a trunk show, with a luncheon to showcase their Autumn Winter 2010/11 collection cum a sneak preview of Spring Summer 2011, at the JW Marriott Hotel, Mumbai.

Punit Agarwal , Managing Director of Vemb Lifestyle, Norbert Lock ,Managing Director of Marc Cain and Thomas Herter , Head of Sales of  Marc Cain  hosted a fashion tableau which saw the guests mingling over rose, cocktails and sumptuous lunch while appreciating the collection by Marc Cain showcased by leading models of the industry.

On the occasion Punit Agarwal stated vibrantly, “Marc Cain caters to the discerning fashion aficionados of Mumbai. The idea is to put together co-ordinates to create an individualistic style statement for every woman. We are pleased to give out the discerning Marc Cain clientele a sneak peek into the Summer/Spring 2011 and are also excited about our new store to open at Juhu next year.”

Kunika Singh conceptualized the afternoon soiree with guests such as Anju Chulani, Nisha Jhaveri, Maria Goretti, Krishika Lulla, Lucky Morani, Renu Mehra, Soniya Mehra flaunting their Marc Cain creations. Dina Vindhu Darasingh, Neelam Shah, Geeta Basra, Zareen Khan, Leena Tipnis, Tanaaz Doshi, Shikha Swaroop, Anu Rajan, Lata Patel, Shaheen Abbas, Roopa Vohra, Lali Dhawan, Bina Aziz, Chhaya Momaya, Reshmi Ghosh and Shonali Shroff graced the occasion with their presence.
 
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Veda

At Veda, a ‘dinner out’ is transformed into an exclusive ‘http://varunkaushik.com/userfiles/nightOut/http://varunkaushik.com/userfiles/nightOut/dining/dining/http://varunkaushik.com/userfiles/nightOut/dining/dining experience’, A Celebration for Special Occasions. Veda serves food with all the subtleties of its ingredients and flavors to transform it from being just ‘Indian Food’ to Fine Indian Cuisine. 

While the cuisine is tantalizing in taste and textures, what sets Veda apart is the lightness of being after a meal. For all those who thought that Indian food is too heavy and oily, here is a welcome change. Each one of the dishes is reflective of a commitment to preserving authenticity, identity and yet offering a sumptuous culinary adventure, with every visit.

Chef KP Singh and his brigade run a kitchen at Veda that surprises with its innovations like the Batter Fried Crispy Spinach Chaat or the Crispy Chips of Potato with Lotus Stem & Curry Leaf. Meat lovers can relish the Boneless Pieces of Chicken in Three Flavors-Fenugreek, Garlic & Cheese or the sinfully succulent Berrah Lamb Tandoor Chops.
 
Veda also pays generous tribute to Indian delights that have surpassed the passage of time like Dal Veda, Paneer Kundan Kalian, Cheesy Spinach Kofta Curry, Hyderabadi Salan of Peppers & Aubergine , Crispy Okra with Onion & Chaat Masala and Dum Biryani. 
Some of Chef KP Singh’s “Must Haves” at Veda are the fingerlicking Tomato & Butter Gravy Chicken, Lamb in Kheema Gravy, Kashmiri Lamb in Onion & Tomato and the slow cooked Lamb Biryani with Yogurt, Onion & Tomato.
 
Somebody had rightly said, “ Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury,” so when you walk into Veda you will be spellbound by the stunning handcrafted mirrors with interesting motifs like the peacock, lotus and tree of life strategically placed to give you a sneak peak into the beautiful world of Rohit Bal.
 
 
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Spinners by Shane

Australian cricket legend Shane Warne recently turned his hand to clothing design, with the release of his own apparel label–Spinners by Shane Warne. 

Currently stocked exclusively at Target stores throughout Australia, the Spin King has global plans for his budding fashion range, with his sights firmly set on India as the first international market to experience his growing collection. "I’m excited to be launching Spinners by Shane Warne globally," said Shane Warne. "It’s no secret that I’ve always loved India. It’s a beautiful country and the people are as passionate about cricket as I am! I’ve experienced such strong support from my Indian fans and I’m really looking forward to sharing my range of menswear, boyswear and innerwear with them."

Designed by the sporting legend himself, ‘Spinners by Shane Warne’ is made for every bloke who appreciates comfort, style and above all quality. The initial launch of the brand included innerwear and socks, followed by the apparel range in October 2010.  From soft-washed tees to double stitched denim, the Spinners by Shane Warne collection ensures that comfort reigns supreme for every guy, whether he’s bowling a flipper, sitting on the bench or enjoying a barbeque with friends and family.
 
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Tarun Tahiliani Watches

Iconic designer Tarun Tahiliani became the first ever Indian designer to launch a collection of mono branded watches under his label in collaboration with the world’s leading watchmaker Timex Group.

The exclusive and awe-inspiring collection of jeweled watches occupies a fine line between art and functionality, beautifully bringing to life the collaboration between the two pioneers Tarun Tahiliani and Timex Group. The collection comprises of two sub brands “tarun tahiliani”, a Bridal collection and “OTT by Timex”, a Ready-to-wear collection. Each piece explores traditional Indian jeweled Jadau work with varied beautiful stones, pearls and dull gold adding lustre. The jeweled watches complement every variation of Indian fabric from beautiful, vibrant bandhini to elegant chikankari. The series would look the part set on the wrists of Nizams of old, the contemporary bride or the individual searching for timeless chic.

Speaking about the launch Tarun Tahiliani said “This collection is very close to my heart as each timepiece contributes to the beauty and timelessness that is the quintessential Indian woman. Combining opulence with luxury, each timepiece is graceful and unique. I decided to collaborate with Timex because of their iconic status and technological superiority. Timex group is a leading global watchmaker of innovative timepieces and I am glad to be associated with them for such an important milestone in my life.”
 
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Samsaara Relaunched

Finally, the luxurious fashion abode Samsaara re-launched yesterday at Kemps Corner, Delstar Building, Crossword Road, Mumbai.

Designers like Ramona Narang , Surily Goel, Seema Khan, Nandita Mahtani, Deepika Gehani, Nachiket Barve, Reema (Zooni ) Nishka Lulla, Pallavi Goenka, Tanvi Kedia, and Divya Burman, who exhibited their exclusive evening wear collection flew from Delhi to glamorize the fashionable afternoon soiree.

Sanjay & Nasib Kapoor and Sharmilla Khanna played gracious hosts over the afternoon shopping soiree to guests such as Neelam Kothari, Bhavna Pandey, Maheep Kapoor ,Anu Deewan, Neelam Shah , Samantha Nayyar, Malini Agarwalla, Kishor Bajaj, Queenie Dhody,  Devika Bhojwani, Akansha  Agarwal, Madhoo Shah, Lata Patel, Tanaaz Doshi, Roubel Negi, Nayantara Thacker, Renu Mehra, Alisha & Twisha Chinnai, and many more.
 
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