Category Archives: nightout

The Collective Launch

A super- Premium lifestyle concept launched by Madura Garments Lifestyle Retails Co. is the first of its kind retail concept. The brand officially inaugurates the planet’s most desirable apparel and accessory brands for men and women with the opening of their 3rd flagship store at Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. 

The store was launched with a noveau concept of a ‘fashion theatre’ to the fashion forward populace of New Delhi. At the helm of the fashion theatre there was none other than renowned designer Manish Malhotra. He conceptualized as well as directed this epic concept. With the music of Whosane & Karan Johar, this fashion theatre witnessed the participation of leading names from the fashion industry such as Rajesh Pratap Singh and Rohit Bal. The launch was the ultimate recognition of entertainment and glitz. Iconic designers like Lulu Guinness and Jeremy Hackett who retail exclusively at The Collective in India, took part in the Theatre, and made it a momentous success.

Speaking at the launch Ram Iyer, COO, The Collective said, “the Collective began in Bangalore over two years ago and since then it has captivated consumers with its exclusivity, plush retail experience and unmatchable selection in fashion. We now come to Delhi with our third store and the promise remains the same- to provide fashion forward ladies and gentlemen of Delhi with a retail experience par none.”
 

JJ Valaya Life

The czar of Indian couture, JJ Valaya unveiled his 10,000 square foot flagship store and first edition of ALika Jacket at ‘The Gallery on MG’. 

Braving the monsoon, the capital came together to celebrate the opening and raise a toast to the occasion where the first edition of the signature Alika Jacket was launched with much fanfare. Guests surrounded the gallery’s atrium on first floor looked down as a black box opened and the Alika: Series 1, Number 1, based on the Jamavar and inspired by the pattern closest to JJ Valaya’s heart, rose up suspended by a string from the ceiling. 

After being nestled in a 2,500 square foot space in a farmhouse for over 14 years, the new flagship moves into its rightful new home, one that has dedicated floors for Womenswear and Menswear and will carry all the Valaya labels i.e. JJ Valaya Muse, JJ Valaya, Valaya Quantum, Valaya Base and Valaya Home. In addition, the store will also house ETHOS: a fine selection of unique books for purchase (set up in association with CMYK) besides a new line of lighting and glass installations developed in association with Klove. Another unique experience in this space would be THE HOME OF THE TRAVELER, a concept born out of the designer’s affinity to fine living. 

The early birds included artist Satish Gupta and his wife Amrita dressed in an elegant black dhoti pants. Actor Nasir Abdullah was spotted admiring the neatly flawless spread of the men’s line on the first floor. As the evening proceeded, designers Rohit Bal, Manish Malhotra, Payal Jain, Hemant Sagar and Ranna Gill and Sunil Sethi of FDCI amongst others mingled with the capital glitterati – Tanisha Mohan, Ramola Bachchan, Simar Duggal, Malvika Tiwari, Ruchi Malhotra, Neesha Singh, Ayesha Thapar, Thenny, stylist Pernia Qureshi and model Joey Matthews, artists Subodh Gupta and Jatin Das and entrepreneurs Navin Ansal and Raseel Gujral of Casa Paradox, AD Singh of Olive, Shabnam Singhal and V.N. Dalmias with his daughter author Himani Dalmia. Klove boys – Gautam and Prateek who have collaborated with JJ Valaya for a new line of lighting and glass installations partied with Sumant Jaikishen amongst others. 

Araaish

In aid of ‘Save the Children India Foundation’, Araaish is a one stop destination for festive shopping hosted by siblings Mana Shetty, Rahul Kadri and Isha Mehra as a tribute to their mother the late Mrs Vipula Kadri, organized by Sharmilla Khanna, where crème de la crème of designers who are hot sellers and society come together in support of the cause. Araaish had  its first ever exhibition in Delhi on Wednesday, 1st September 2010 at The Grand, New Delhi.

Late Mrs. Vipula Kadri founded Save the Children India in 1988, with an aim to serve children from the marginalized sections of society. Save The Children India has been tirelessly functioning in the field of child development and child rights since its inception and firmly believes in its conviction of making India a child friendly nation demonstrating this through its various innovative projects aiming at integrated child development. 

Speaking on the occasion Mana Shetty said, "I am really excited to bringing Araaish to Delhi for the first time and am really looking forward to it as well. It’s an emotional journey for me to work towards what my mother founded. In the past these funds have gone a long way to secure our children’s future, I am hoping that Delhi will give us a positive response as well."
 

Latest From

Known for its fashion forward washes and designs while retaining its Californian sensibilities intact, Seven For All Mankind or 7 FAM or ‘Sevens’, a brand known for its chic denim hosted an evening of fashion and fun showcasing their innovative fits and fabrics in true 7 style.

To mark the unveiling of the very latest offerings from this premium denim brand, for fall 2010- seven mini installations have been created, depicting the 7 deadly sins with 7 FAM denims taking center stage in each of them. Wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy and gluttony have been portrayed in innovative styles, creating a substantive series of visual effects. 

This critically acclaimed brand has a loyal fan following in the past decade and has created a flurry in the fashion world and among Hollywood A-listers. The fits have truly become the architecture of the product and many of them have gone on to become a unique design platform for the brand.
 

Photographic Cause For Ladakh

‘Swades’ Ladakh the Land of Splendor by Ranjan Ramachandani was released yesterday by DLF Emporio along with BOTIL India. A rare view into the mystical and mythical Ladakh valley.

An initiative ignited by Mr.Vivek Khushlani, Managing Director of BOTIL India, in association with Ranjan Ramchandani for the victims of flash floods which ravaged Ladakh and displaced thousands.

On the release Ranjan said, ‘I hope this photographic journey will awaken your eyes and soul and beckon you to explore the overwhelming wilderness, beauty and mysteries of this land of towering mountains and heavenly lakes, to connect with nature as well as simple and warm people of this ancient civilization.’

Ranjan’s sharp eye, has been able to capture through his lens the fascinating expanse of vast but inspiring region of Ladakh with its rugged, yet breathtakingly beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
 

Varun Sardana S/S 2011

The Spring/Summer 2011 collection by Varun Sardana was unveiled at the British Council, New Delhi. 

His collection based on the journey of circadian change. The change which marks the sense of loss and gradually insinuate the sense of moving on. So taking inspiration from it, Varun collaborated with other visual artists to explore how the premises of fashion can be expanded beyond the conventional audience and see the interplay and resonances of expressing one idea through different mediums. 

Working with a neutral palette, the primary colors are black, beige, white and ivory. He focused on the body and ways of defining and shaping the form but in the softer way. The lines are not sharp but flow along the curves of the body. Besides, there is an extensive use of hand and couture based skills to achieve the concepts used in the collection. 
 

Infusion Kitchen

Infusion Kitchen, in the upscale Gurgaon DLF Cyber City Complex, tucked into an interesting corner, offers a new take on the traditional Indian cuisine. Infusion’s contemporary decor infused with elegant Indian jaali artwork reflecting the craftsmanship and monumental heritage of the Mughal era is a perfect place to unwind over a nice meal.

Infusion is a venture conceptualized and launched by Bihar Hotels ltd. Bihar Hotels has 30 years of experience in Hospitality and operates Hotel Maurya Patna and is in the process of launching hotels and restaurants at various locations in India. 

Coming to food it has an eclectic menu offering an array of surprises for those on a quest for something new. We started our culinary sojourn with Cheese Mousse Stuffed Seekh (veg) and Olive & Basil Pesto Prawns served along with infusion chutney, smoked chutney and raw mango chutney. The dishes indeed had a subtle flavor that is rarely found nowadays. Next came the Malabari Grilled Sole a treasure trove of fresh water fish, is prized for its irresistible taste. And not to miss their Valley of Vegetables served with rice.Had I had more time on me, I would have stopped for a few cooking classes, more tastings and encounters with great chef.

Though, I was full as always, I found space for desert, Gulkund Mousse ka tart was perfect ending, but another good bet was the Chilly Chocolate Pudding. 

Banishing the conventional perception of Indian cuisine as oily and heavy. Infusion brings to you an enriching http://varunkaushik.com/userfiles/nightOut/http://varunkaushik.com/userfiles/nightOut/dining/dining/http://varunkaushik.com/userfiles/nightOut/dining/dining experience by offering appetizing presentable concepts at affordable price.
 

Ymy Ferragamo Evening

Salvatore Ferragamo revealed the preview of its new stylish, colorful and vibrant collection, ‘My Ferragamo’ in the capital yesterday. A lively fun packed evening oozing with ballet performance and catwalk hosted by Prasanna Bhaskar, Regional Director, Salvatore Ferragamo. Bollywood diva, Deepika Padukone turned out to be the show stopper adorned in ‘My Ferragamo’ style.

The rainbow inspired palette and comfort friendly design, the collection comprises of ballerinas, wedges, loafers and pumps in bright colors, My Charme, My Joy, My Slipper and My Sweet named range guarantees to up your fashion ante by rendering an individualistic touch.

Priced at an attractive Rs 18,000 upwards, My Ferragamo collection will make its debut at the Vogue Fashion Night Out in the capital on 10th September, 2010 at the Salvatore Ferragamo, Emporio,New Delhi. 
 

Anjalee & Arjun

Divya Gurwara, CEO Bridal Asia and artist entrepreneur Neena Verma came together to host a cocktail evening at Hyatt regency celebrating the latest bridal line by Anjalee& Arjun Kapoor.

The collection picks from the finest realm of fashion and design with a blend of the authentic Mughal era and sophisticated Victorian sensibilities. The mood is modern and cutting edge yet the soul belong to the past. Archival Mughal motifs, Victorian embellishment techniques of incasing and appliqué in tissue and silk are used intricately.

Fully embroidered sarees get coupled with sexy blouses celebrating the very sassy retro sixties interpretation of the Indian ensemble. The colour palette is unique as nudes blend with pastels and bold colours peep through. Shades of rose, fuchsia, burgundy, midnight blues interpreted with primary colours through a very new layering technique as the designers mesh solid coloured nets with metallic toned silks and chamois.

Speaking on their association with Bridal Asia the designer duo said, “Bridal Asia is the ideal platform for us to reach a wider audience making it a perfect marriage of creativity and business.”

Lakme party at Olive

Lakmé and IMG celebrate 11 years of their fashion journey, in the city that never sleeps, Mumbai. The party was hosted by Anil Chopra, CEO Lakme Lever, N Rajaram, Vice President – Lakmé, Ravi Krishnan, Managing Director – IMG – South Asia, and Sujal Shah, Vice President and Head of Fashion, IMG–India. 

The extravagant evening at Olive Bar & Kitchen saw a guest list that boasted of the crème de la crème of the fashion fraternity partying in style till wee hours of the morning; it was a night full of glamour.

To name a few crème de la crème from the fashion fraternity present at this grand celebration were AD Singh, Sabina Chopra, Alesia Raut, Anita Dongre, Bikram Saluja, Gautam Singhania, Kailash Surendranath, Lacelles Symons, Lubna Adams, Nachiket Barve, Asmita Marwah, Narendra Kumar, Pradeep Hirani, Rahul Mishra, Swapnil Shinde and many more.