April 2011 - Page 3 of 17

Aficionado pottery designer, Anju Kumar unveils her striking ‘Neo Palaeo – stone age’ collection, inspired by nature and crafted by hands, this summer at The Gallery, M.G. Road, New Delhi.

The collection includes an array of huge vases, lamp shades, pillars, jharokhas, planters, murals, urns, water bodies, sculptures, table set, statues of Ganesha, Buddha just to name a few. The color palette of the collection sways from earth tones intermingling with gold and copper hues that stream through brownish beige, off white tones with hints of black playing hide and seek.

Apart from adding charm to interiors, these creative, contemporary and unique in its trend earthy creations also give a calm and composed feeling.

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This super hot Punjabi stud made waves with his first campaign with Indian Terrain and has not looked back since. Vikram Gill, who describes himself as an aspiring actor and a true romantic at heart, has walked the ramp for major designers at the Lakme Fashion Week and the Mercedes Fashion week and has been the face of prominent ad campaigns. Here we present an exclusive chit-chat with him…

Tell us something about your home?
I was born in Punjab (Chandigarh) in a traditional yet very modern family.
My place is not a very big city but the education system is very good. In my school days I
was very active in sports and didn’t believe in being just a book worm. Although I always managed to maintain a balance between studies and sports.

Tells us briefly about your family and schooling?
My family includes my mom, dad, my elder brother and me. My dad is a high official in the Special Forces and always taught me the importance of discipline and dedication in life. My mom inculcated passion in me for life and for any dream we pursue. After I finished schooling I went to Australia for my college n did my bachelors in hospitality and business management from Sydney.

What is your parent’s viewpoint on you choosing modeling as a career?
My parents are very supportive of what ever I decide to do, they trust my decision making skills and I am blessed for their belief in me.

When and what was your first modeling assignment?
My first modeling assignment was a campaign for Indian terrain

What all assignments have u been a part of?
Oh so many that I can’t even count! But the prominent ones have been – Benetton, Provogue, Indian Terrain, Classic Polo, Mercedes Benz fashion week, Lakme fashion week, Airtel with Shah Rukh Khan and Pepsi with Ranbeer Kapoor

How important do you think is education for a model?
Very important as I have seen even the super models struggling once their career is over. You surely need a back up for a profession like modeling and nothing offers more stability and security in life than education.

What’s your opinion of the Modeling Industry? Are substance abuse/suicides etc as predominant as depicted by the media?
I won’t deny any of that but I personally think it depends from person to person – how you deal with pressure. I don’t approve of it at all though.

How has the industry evolved in all these years?
It has become more female orientated and that’s the way it has always been. As a male model you really have to be at the top of you game to break in the top bracket ,but I consider my self to be one of the lucky ones (touchwood!)

Tell us about your fitness regime…
I am very particular about fitness as it is a important prerequisite in my profession. 3 days gym, 2days swimming and one day jogging one hr each make up my fitness regime.

Beauty regime?
Nothing, I am blessed with good genes .lol

Turning point of life?
I would say the day I came to Mumbai and started modeling here. My life has seen many changes since then.

What did you aspire to become as kid?
An actor know for his craft not stardom, and that is what I aspire even today.

Quick Q & A

Favorite Food? Butter Chicken

Favorite Perfume? Armani Black

Favorite Lingerie Brand? Armani

Favorite Designer? Rocky S

Favorite Holiday Destination? Las Vegas

You Hate: Fakeness

You love: Any form of art

You are scared of: Not living up to the talent God has blessed me with

Favourite Night Spot: My terrace

Favourite Magazine: GQ

Favourite Icon: SRK

Zodiac: Cancer

Dob : 12-7-86

Fav Photographer : Atul Kasbekar

What sort of music do you listen to?
I am a big fan of Hip Hop and RnB .

Your greatest achievement?
To win a gold medal for my state in boxing. That was a defining moment in my life.

What do you think of Bollywood as a career option?
It’s the next step ,very soon !!!!!!

What is your idea of an ideal date?
To have my hands around her waist in the middle of the ocean in a ship on its edge and shout out loud, I am king of the world (I am inspired by Titanic!!)

When not modeling what are you most likely to be found doing?
Doing my acting reyaz

Any Social cause that you feel strongly for and want to be (or you are) associated with?
Once I start making enough money would love to contribute in the upbringing of under privileged children. I feel very strongly for them.

Five essentials to be followed by an upcoming model?
Have a vision n set a time frame for yourself , don’t party n drink every second day as there will be lot of temptations ,believe in yourself. Don’t try to imitate anyone, don’t be involved in gossip and politics, be nice to every one i.e. have attitude not arrogance

Difference between Indian Models and Western Models. Who is a more viable choice internationally and why?
No difference – all depends what kind of body and features God has given u -if you have it even Indian models are viable outside, but attitude wise international models are more chilled out they don’t take stress that easily. And that is where they score higher than their Indian counterparts.

What is has been the most touching moment of your life?
Yet to come, but I know it’s around the corner. (laughs)

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A new generation of young, hip men has discovered the iconic appeal of the Polo Player. They have defined their style by wearing Big Pony shirts and compliment their look using The Big Pony Fragrance Collection. Now they can harmonies their Ralph Lauren style even further with the New Big Pony Body Sprays.

Inspired by the four players of a polo team, this quartet of sprays empowers young men to get into the game and play by their own rules.

The inspiration behind Big Pony is the key passion of young men:sport, seduction, adventure and style. The quartet of sprays represents the four players of a polo team.

Available at all Leading Department and Cosmetic Stores across India.

Price: Big Pony Spray Collection, 200ml – Rs.1250

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In this cut throat competitive retail world where every other manager of another store is ready to beat you down with his MBA dissertations, it’s hard to thrive. Whether you have got the sprawling space at the most luxurious destination in the town, exotic interiors, celebrated designer wears, novelty factor, glib PR, brand management overdose, breathing mannequins and blah blah…..But few small things make a big difference. Amidst all the customer magnetizing gimmicks, fashion display – the orderliness of the display – can play a big turn on or turn off for the customers, depending on the common sense the managers apply leaving behind their classroom dins.

Space-Style-Orderliness Quotient

The first thing you will need to decide is how you want to show off your garments to your customers. Would you like them to be neatly hung on clothes rails, carefully folded on shelves or displayed on mannequins? You may find that using a combination of these could work well, depending on the room you have available to you.

Thinking about the floor space of your store is vital if you are to create an eye-catching fashion display – you do not want it to be cluttered and overwhelming, yet you need to find a way to showcase all your clothes to their best effect.

It can be a difficult balance to strike, so don’t be afraid to play around with different ideas – move things within your store and see how they look before making a final decision.

Carefully-placed mannequins around the shop floor can be a great asset as these will allow you to display an ensemble outfit, complete with accessories. This could be a great way to encourage customers to purchase extra items, as they will be able to see how great they look when put together.

If you do not have space for mannequins, you could get a similar effect by teaming items on coat hangers. For example, you could place a cardigan over a top at the front of a clothes rail to give shoppers some inspiration about how to build a whole outfit.

Garments Showcasing

If you decide you would like clothes rails in your store rather than shelving, you will also need to think about the coat hangers you require. Make sure you buy coat hangers that are suitable for all the different garments you stock – this could mean ordering one batch of hangers with clips that are ideal for skirts and trousers, as well as classic hangers that are best suited to shirts and tops.
You should also look for coat hangers that suit the overall appearance of your display and the rest of your store. Having a common look and feel throughout the store can help build your brand identity – there is no point spending time ensuring all your clothes match if the store looks disjointed.

You should also look for coat hangers that suit the overall appearance of your display and the rest of your store. Having a common look and feel throughout the store can help build your brand identity – there is no point spending time ensuring all your clothes match if the store looks disjointed.

If you are looking for something a little special, you may want to consider padded and fabric-covered clothes hangers, as these will add an extra touch of glamour to any fashion display. They are also a very practical choice if you sell delicate items, such as lingerie, as they can help protect the products on display.

Retaining the Appeal

Once your fashion displays are up and running, you should make sure you do not neglect them as a rundown display can have a big impact when shoppers walk into a store. Looking after your clothing is vital to ensuring they remain saleable and a quick and easy way to ensure that all your garments look pristine on their hangers is to use a garments steamer.

Customers will want to see clothes looking in perfect condition and a row of neatly pressed garments could prove to be the factor that encourages them to buy from you rather than elsewhere.

Placing mirrors in the store and carefully positioning them to ensure customers can see how good they look in their new outfits can work wonders. If your store is limited by size – a mirror in the right location can also be a great way to make a shop appear larger.

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Gucci is pleased to introduce the Snaffle Bit bag, a new line of handbags that marries tradition and innovation, while reflecting the spirit of Creative Director Frida Giannini’s Spring Summer 2011 collection. Folk influences, masterful craftsmanship, a nod to the House’s equestrian heritage, berber accents and ultra precious, hand-treated materials make for a new iconic bag.

The hand working evokes a Moroccan, ethnic feeling with geometric designs, micro studs braiding and stitching creating relief patterns. The golden buckle with the snap closure gives new life to the iconic snaffle hardware, first created by Gucci in the late 50s. The heritage of the House also lives on through the blackened bamboo and the leather tassels, Giannini’s signature touch.

The Snaffle bit is available in a range of special materials: supple calfskin with a buffed finishing, shiny Acquerello snakeskin and soft python and crocodile. With linings in either linen, suede or nappa the interior features zip-closures on pockets and compartments for mobile phones and Blackberries for a chic yet functional statement. Bold, sensual shades create a striking color story of Indian jade, orange spice, dark brown, off white, exotic blue, hydrangea purple, black and rawhide, all alternated across three versions of the Snaffle Bit bag.

The large style Snaffle Bit has an urban appeal while the small version gives a new twist to this season’s proportions. And for evening, a clutch with a golden chain.

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Arthur’s Theme is all set to become the new hot spot in of Mumbai after their success in Pune the last decade. The new Arthur’s Theme rule in the heart of the city at Juhu and promises to continue the legacy. The plush and romantically lit interiors add to the experience whilst enjoying a scrumptious meal at the restaurant.

It is not just a restaurant but an experience, which every Arthur swears upon, besides being famous for its diversified European cuisine, it is also known for its unique blends of Cocktails, Mock tails and wines. It’s a place which has perfected the combination of soothing ambiance, classical settings and brilliant taste resulting in making for an unforgettable unique http://varunkaushik.com/userfiles/nightOut/http://varunkaushik.com/userfiles/nightOut/dining/dining/http://varunkaushik.com/userfiles/nightOut/dining/dining experience for each and every real life Arthur.

Brain child of Mr. Navtej Sawhney, he has catered to The President of India Mrs. Pratibha Patil, Winner of the Top Chef Award, Winner of "King of Chef" and many more. After getting the experience of working in some of the best hotels in various countries across the globe, Arthur’s Theme was born in the year of 1997. His expertise is distinctly visible in the food menu served is a careful selection of cuisines from different parts of Europe with royal names like Don Quixote (Cheese croquettes deep fried to perfection and served with slice of lime), Luda(Cilantro infused fillets of fish sautéed with onions bell peppers and topped with herb), Marie Curie(Baked chunk of fish topped with basil enriched mustard sauce served with potato croquettes and steamed vegetable), Konrad, Artois, Heidi, Saxon, Richard are part of the menu too. The French and European Cuisines have been designed to suit the taste of the Indian palate and yet maintain the essence of its originality.

Arthur’s Theme offers a perfect balance to suit the vegetarian and non vegetarian taste. Each dish is well balanced in taste, texture and presentation, combined with the generous use of herbs and sauces which leaves the connoisseurs of good food relishing the delicacies and soaking into the tantalizing aromas of the subtle flavors.

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Designer Tarun Tahiliani showcased his Spring Summer 2011, at Tote on Turf, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai to a select audience over cocktails and scrumptious cuisine.

‘The New Democracy’ by Tarun – The Spring Summer 2011, is a rich democracy of textiles, prints, fabric, weaves and colour.

This collection is a crazy adventure exploring the myriad ways in which resources can be combined to create new forms of design. The distinctive rustic hideaway of the venue along with the cocktails and cuisine, specially crafted to complement the show combined to make for an exquisite evening.

Adding a touch of Indian heritage to the glitz and glamour of the night was the enduring performance by the Qawals. The guests were seen dancing to the tunes of it.

Speaking on the unique inspirations behind his Spring Summer collection, Tarun Tahiliani said, “The summer look this year is all about the conventional, in the unconventional. Steeped in Indian culture, the collection is a revelry in cloth and embellishment spun into beautiful, original hybrid creations symbolizing the abundant wealth of resources that all work together to create the style of India today.” The who’s who of the city thronged the venue includes Madhoo, Rahul Khanna, Devika Bhojawani, Simone Singh, Adam Bedi, Reena Wadhwa amongst others.

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Fashion Conditioned

Monthly Archives: April 2011

Poet-tery by Anju Kumar

NEW WATCH COLLECTION FOR SWAROVSKI FANS

Vikram Gill

The Big Pony Collection

For Fashion Display

Gucci

Arthur

Tarun