|
|
|
|
|
|
Haute
over the collar PACESETTER Abhay Rustum Sopori Carrying forward a musical legacy Heir to a lofty musical inheritance, Abhay Rustum Sopori, who accompanied Zubin Mehta, is the youngest visiting faculty at University of Massachusetts Rashmi Talwar Abhay Sopori, 34, created musical history during Zubin Mehta’s concert in Kashmir where legendary symphonies of Beethoven, Haydn, Tchaikovsky and Strauss played by Germany’s Bavarian State Orchestra matched music based on 19th century Kashmiri poet Rasul Mir’s romantic hit "Rind Poshmal Gindanay Draay Lo Lo" (O! lover of beauty and wine, Poshmal has come to frolic). Centrespread Bling it
on
|
|
Haute over the
collar
This festive and wedding season, add a bit of classic glamour to your dressing. Enhance drama, increase your allure, be feminine at the same be the power woman. Do away with traditional or usual run of the jewellery pieces. Wear a stunning collar jewellery piece. A collar jewellery piece is broad, majestic and chunky highlighting the slender neck and the collarbones of the woman wearing it. The dramatic look makes a woman the envy of others. She also stands out from the clutter of other women decked in their finest jewellery. A collar piece is definitely different from a choker or a bib necklace. It fits at the base of the collar and spreads across flat from the collarbone, just like a Peter Pan collar. It neither dangles nor slips below the base of the collar. Looks great on bare-slim shoulders! As Delhi-based jewellery designer Annu Chadha says, "Collar jewellery is a classic piece. Only a woman of confidence, slim built and mostly less than 40 years of age can carry it off. It exudes power and has its own sense of beauty." The power and confidence level can be gauged by the fact that collar jewellery is worn by several top actors and fashionistas — Kareena Kapoor was seen in a collar piece from Doir, Sonam Kapoor was seen in beaten golden collar, Shabana Azmi sported a beaded collar piece, writer-cum-columnist and former editor Shobha De flaunted one at several occasions and several models walked ramp wearing a collar piece. In Hollywood many actors, including Anne Hathway, Angelina Jolie, supermodels Naomi Campbell, Posh and others were seen wearing the attractive jewellery on many awards ceremonies, evening parties, film premiers, fashion weeks etc. Collar jewellery isn't a new phenomenon. History shows both men and women sported collar jewellery. In fact, it's one of the oldest designed jewellery items as it existed even more than two thousand years ago! Surprised? Jewellery history books say that the first known collar jewellery was made for the beautiful queen Nefertiti, wife of Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten, who lived in 1370 BC-1330 BC. The slender queen with a long neck loved to adorn herself with broad collar-shaped beaten gold necklaces studded with precious gems hugging her neck. Later this jewellery style became a rage during 13th century in the period of Inca dynasty. Even today several tribes all over the world especially Zulu tribe of South Africa, our own tribes from various states wear jewellery in the form of collar pieces. This was also epitomised in all Hollywood films which had Egypt history as the backdrop of the story line. One can still remember Elizabeth Taylor in the role of Cleopatra, Joan Collins as Princes Nellifer in the film Land of the Pharaohs etc. In many Indian films or TV serials depicting mythology or history actors — both male and female —usually wear huge collar jewellery. The best recent example is that of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Jodha Akbar and actors in Mahabharat currently being aired TV. Exploiting the popularity of this unique jewellery are several Indian designers like Laksh Pahuja, Pallavi Dudeja Folley, Rosily Paul, Anand Shah, Annu Chadha, Manish Arora to name a few and even foreign fashion houses or brands like Lanvin, Isaac Mizrahi, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Alexander McQueen, Roberto Cavalli, Chanel and others are specially designing collar jewellery for their niche clients. With big names and brands stepping in, traditional style of collar jewellery designing has given way to contemporary designs and newer materials which are easy on the pockets. Though most distinguishing pieces are made up of gold or platinum and studded with diamonds and other precious gems, there are variants in the other metals, too. Today collar pieces are designed in acrylic, silver, leather, fabric, beads, wood etc. In fact, impromptu collar jewellery for a fun-filled youngsters party can be made by artistically cut colourful paper plates also. And these can be discarded after one event. Delhi-based designer Rosily Paul, winner of many awards for her creativity in gold and diamonds, says, "Media and international travel connects everyone across the world. Awareness and exposure to international fashion is spreading to all corners. People look up to film stars and celebrities for style to emulate. So, socialites emulate each other and collar jewellery is something which has always been a hot product." The best part of collar jewellery is that if you wear one, you needn't wear any other jewellery piece. Though simple, these make perfect statement jewellery for a powerhouse dressing. And as the style can vary from tradition to highly contemporary, these can be paired with any attire. Light materials look great on jeans or skirts with a strapless top or peplum or simple bustier and are good for day wear. But ones in precious metals look absolutely mesmerising on evening gowns or on contemporarily worn sarees with noodle strap, strapless or bustier blouses. Echoing Paul, Mumbai-based designer Laksh Pahuja also said, "Designers need to innovate the designs to lure women to try newer designs in any jewellery style, especially collar pieces, as this is a very unique style and suits only a few." Last year for the India International Jewellery week show, Pahuja had designed a collar based on the life and art of artists M. F. Husain. The collar, made in sterling silver, showcased Husain's lifestyle — bare feet, paint brushes, his iconic horses, his white-bearded head sculpted — as end line of the collar. It was one of the most unique pieces. Similarly Bangalore-based designer Pallavi Dodeja Foley, who has designed not only for the beauty pageants but also other celebrities, says, "These jewellery pieces close to the neck bring neck and face of the wearer into focus. These also enhance the neckline there by making the wearer look very sophisticated and chic." So in this coming season of dressing for the occasion, if you want to make a statement, then leave your usual necklaces, however beautiful these are, in your locker. Wear a collar jewellery piece and make a statement of your confidence.
|
|
|
PACESETTER
Abhay Rustum Sopori Carrying forward a musical legacy Heir to a lofty musical inheritance, Abhay Rustum Sopori, who accompanied Zubin Mehta, is the youngest visiting faculty at University of Massachusetts Rashmi Talwar
Abhay Sopori, 34, created musical history during Zubin Mehta’s concert in Kashmir where legendary symphonies of Beethoven, Haydn, Tchaikovsky and Strauss played by Germany’s Bavarian State Orchestra matched music based on 19th century Kashmiri poet Rasul Mir’s romantic hit "Rind Poshmal Gindanay Draay Lo Lo" (O! lover of beauty and wine, Poshmal has come to frolic). He laid the musical score for the German orchestra skilfully infusing Kashmir’s folk-Sufi music ensemble with instruments like santoor, rabab, sarangi, tumbaknari and naut to match mellow and climactic strains of violins, clarinets, bass guitars and flutes. Abhay’s fusion composition emerged as one of the finest pieces of the concert. He stood undeterred in the midst of controversies raised by separatists. "Being a local Kashmiri, I could have developed cold feet due to the raging controversies but I stood my ground and fulfilled one of my greatest dreams of bringing Kashmiri music on the world platform", says the shy, soft-spoken Sopori. He feels controversies helped to create more curiosity for the grandest music display Kashmir has ever seen. He desires to replicate Munich’s famed ‘Long Night of Music’ and see an entire city resonate with astonishing genres of music, through his Sopori Academy of Music and Performing Arts. "In 1990, we left Kashmir for Delhi. The separation from the homeland made me value my culture more," reminisces Abhay, who was 11 years old then. Flush with prestigious international and national awards, he features in "Asia-Pacific Who’s Who" and "Asia’s Admirable Achievers". His 35-music albums include, Dancing Dewdrops, Urban Grooves–Kashmir, Tum-Jo-Mile, besides international albums Kashmir-Aalav, Shehjaar, Runjhun. His film-music includes International and National Awardees like - Ziyarat (USA), and Bub, besides Mahatma, the film that marked the first International Non-Violence Day at the UN. "Aao Kadam Badhayain," a song he composed for Kashmir’s earthquake victims brought youth closer. He introduced ‘Open String’ and ‘Enhanced Sustain Technique’ on the santoor. He invented the 30-stringed sur santoor and revived ancient Sufiana tarana compositions, adapted these in Indian classical music with new khayaal compositions of Sufi Saints. He recounts, "My father had once told me miracles and revolutions don’t take place in palaces. I have gone to every nook and corner of Kashmir to cull gems of musicians from its picturesque countryside".
|
|
|
CENTRESPREAD
It is that time of the year when festivities are in the air. Diwali is the time to give and receive gifts. Markets suddenly come alive with an array of ‘giftables’ and homes are lit up with twinkling earthen oil lamps and candles. Feasting, festivity, good cheer, hospitality, warmth and sharing with family and friends are all part of the great festive spirit. Above all, the Festival of Lights is also the time for giving and receiving goodies. With just about a week left for Diwali, most people have already prepared their gift lists. For those who haven’t, it is high time to make one. With Diwali slated for early November, the markets are already overflowing with gifting options that can leave one overwhelmed. So it is best to make a list so as to make sure that all recipients are accounted for. Gifting options From silver idols of deities to puja thalis and from attractive candles and candle holders to boxes of dry fruits, sweets and chocolates, there is something for everyone. Silver is especially popular during the Diwali season and artefacts and idols ranging from the elephant God Ganesha to coins with the imprints of Goddess Lakshmi are popular choices. Other silver gifts gaining popularity in trendy homes include photoframes, cocktail stirrers, hookah bases, coasters and glass table supports. There is also a great demand for decorative candles and tea lights during the festive season. Seen as the more attractive version of their ordinary cousin, the cost of these fancy candles can start at around Rs 50 and go up to Rs 1,200 a piece for aromatic candles, which attract a number of upmarket buyers. After all, what can be a more appropriate gift than imaginatively designed and evocatively scented candles, which add a touch of illumination to the dazzling festival of lights. Exotic varieties There’s an array of exotic varieties of lights and candles that range from floaters to mashaals and from large-size hurricane to aromatherapy candles that have healing properties. "Earth coloured candles are big this year. The glittering ones are also in demand and so are tealights and perfumed varieties," says candle designer Ritika Krishan Mahajan, who clocks brisk sales during Diwali. However, besides conventional gifts like candles and silver artefacts, this year the markets are overflowing with other offerings. From cosmetic gift packs to pen sets, designer watches, smartphones, wine baskets, spa hampers, decorative vases, fancy kitchenware, exotic plants and planters and even iPods, iPads and tablets, there’s a gift for every budget in the market costing a few hundred rupees to those that are priced at Rs 20,000 and beyond. For those who don’t like to go out shopping in crowded markets, there is now the unique choice of picking up their gifts from the comfort of their home. People are buying presents online to avoid the massive crowds even as online retailers clock robust sales in expensive presents like smartphones, tablets and watches, besides traditional gifts. Websites specialising in Diwali gifts offer a huge selection. Digital retailers like Snapdeal, Ebay, Myntra, Flipkart, Yebhi, Jabong and many others have a wide variety of gifting options lined up and some are also offering attractive discounts and also easy, interest-free installments. Online sales These online vendors are hosting amazing sales. Ebay, for instance has the ‘Happy Go Crazy Diwali Sale’ where the top five buyers will get a free iPad; Flipkart Diwali Dhamaka is offering major discounts on branded products for men and women, Snapdeal’s Diwali Bumper Sale, too, is giving away huge discounts, and so is Yebhi and a host of others. "It’s far better buying stuff online," says homemaker Shama Bhatia. "The discounts offered are quite extraordinary and you have the option of paying on delivery or even paying in easy EMIs. If you are not satisfied, you can return the item and get your money back. No shop will offer such liberal terms and conditions." Truly online shopping is changing the concept of buying Diwali gifts. A number of websites also offer the facility of sending gifts to friends and relatives staying in other cities, and even in different parts of the world. Many sites offer the facility of supplying Indian sweets to various countries where they are not easily available. But whether you are an online consumer or a shopper who prefers the hustle and bustle of a market place, the festive spirit is upon us and so is the season of gifting. So let your imagination run wild and think pray for some audacious gifts. Who knows. Goddess Lakshmi may just be in a mood to make your wish come true!
|
|
|
Colourful,
illuminate with CRYSTAL
light up these lamps
FLOOR FINISH
special serve
say cheers
intricate porcelain
Sacred glow
COLLECTOR’S PRIDE
GLASS FLOAT
CERAMIC surprise
A BOX FULL OF LOVE
ARTISTIC ARTEFACTS
DESIGNER
PuJA THALI
CLUTCH OF CLASS
SUPER LUXURY ON WHEELS
SERENADING THE PIANO
VINTAGE MUSIC
A MOBILE HAMMOCK
MAGICAL MUGHAL
CARPET
CURVACEOUS CHAIR
JOBS UNFINISHED
CAMERA KIT THAT CLICKS
CHAMPAGNE WRAPPED IN ART
IT’S A NAMIKI