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Go with the flow
Time to brace up for winter
PACESETTER Nikhil Sharda
Nikhil wants to start an audio mag
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Go with the flow WHAT
is the rocking style of the season — from Red Carpet events to malls to streetside cafes? From Angelina Jolie, Emma Watson, Maria Sharapova, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Sania Mirza to Sanaya Irani, Drashti Dhami or for that matter any other celebrity? It’s the flowy dresses. From the ramps of New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, Karachi, Delhi, Mumbai to Bangalore — floor-length flowy dresses that literally sweep the floor behind — is the latest trend. Be it a formal event or evening with friends, the Hindu festival or wedding season, Christmas, New Year celebrations, beach parties, formal office parties, casual get together or even a stroll on the streets of the cities, flowy dresses is the latest mantra for every event. The twirling; flouncy dresses not only enhance a woman’s femininity but also will give her a feeling of freedom, comfort. With flowy attire, a woman can look retro, boho, contemporary, romantic, sensual, pert or even sport the devil-may-care attitude. Flowy dresses, in common parlance maxi dresses, are fitted at the shoulders and if need be slightly tucked in under the bust line. But below that this dress is completely loose and free floating till it reaches either the knee (in case of short dresses) or the ankle (many a times below the ankle to cover the heel height of the stiletto). Although similar, these are different from gowns. Gowns are structured till hipline sometimes even till the knee length making the wearer, unless reed thin, slightly uncomfortable. The fabric for flowy dresses can include silk, georgette, chiffons, net, crepe silk, light weight jersey, blended silk, sheer, light wool, poly blend and whatever other fabric that you may want to dress in. Just don’t try it in cotton. Designer Poonam Bajaj of the Citrine label admits that this season flowy attires are must-have fashion trend. “Structured or fitted clothes are absolutely out. And actually it is good as everyone doesn’t look great in those structured attires. One requires a chiselled body and a good back to sport a structured outfit. With flowy attire, one needn’t bother too much about having a perfect body,’’ she says. Explaining the Indian touch to this trend she says, “Even Anarkali or the Indianised flowy dresses have reached ankle length. And because the large number of kalis used (more the number of kalis more is the flounce to the dress), the churidar pajama worn underneath isn’t even seen. But only very tall or mid-tall women who are able to wear stilettos look stunning in ankle-length Anarkalis.” This suits best on actresses like Deepika Padukone, Sushmita Sen, Anushka Sharma, Aishwarya Rai, Katrina Kaif, sportspersons like Sania Mirza, Jwala Gutta and their ilk. Designer Pawan Sachdeva who labels under his own name, says “Not only Anarakali dresses but even flowy, ankle-length dresses suit tall and medium-built women more. Of course, with heels adding a couple of inches to the height, any slim woman can wear these elegant attires.” He also suggested to keep minimum embellishments on these flowy dresses. He says, “The beauty lies in keeping these dresses simple. One can opt for delicate embroidery but nothing more.’’ Pawan says that international brands are opting for prints like abstract, nature impressions, zodiac prints on long dresses or kaftans. The striking prints take care of all embellishments. And if one wants to go for solid colours, which is a very rare phenomenon in flowy dresses, one can always team it up with big chunky jewellery. Besides the above mentioned prints even stripes, floral prints, batik prints, bandhani, ombre (double colours slowly bleeding into each other) also look great. One can play with the collar designs, or opt for strapless, sweetheart necklines, halter necks, criss-cross or even bandeau. A full flared A-cut, French, box, knife pleats or whatever other style also suit this outfit. “One can even layer the flowy dresses. Pull on a straight or A-line knee length jacket over a strapless flowy dress. It will look quite dressy. One can’t go wrong with this even at wedding ceremonies,’’ advises designer Vandy Mehra of the label, Study by Janak. She adds, “Now that winter is coming in, a cardigan, a straight jacket or a shawl draped over the layered flowy dresses will look good.” The added plus point of flowy dresses is that there is no restrictions on footwear, bags, hair style or even make up. For a casual look you can wear it with wedges or flat sandals. For formals, wear any footwear. For a cold season you can opt for ankle length boots also. As far as handbags are concerned — big, loud handbags or ethnic embroidered bags look equally attractive as do clutch purses. These floor-length dresses can be made to look sexy or pert by interchanging the makeup or eye liner and lip colour. Just about everything and anything can be done with these flowy dresses. And if there is any need for reference just look up any of the current crop of Hollywood, Bollywood or fashion models. It’s the hottest trend and you can take a tip from them to dress well!
A date with history
* Grace, elegance and dignity are all adjectives for a long, flowy dress. And it forms one of the most ancient of all dress forms. Roman women during the Greek empire wore ankle-length, pleated dress known as the stola, which had long sleeves and fasted at the shoulder with a clasp or a fibula. Even today when the Olympic light is lit at Olympia, women participating in the ceremony dress in long flowy dresses similar to the ones worn by the ancient Greeks. *
Variations of these flowy dresses were worn by every lady till the era of Queen Victoria’s. It was only later that these dresses started getting shorter and tighter. But even then flowy dresses personified grace. *
Once cinema started, actors, who otherwise were garbed in tight pencil skirts or frocks, changed over to flared, flowy dresses for awards ceremonies or film premiers. *
Credit might be given to late Audrey Hepburn, for starting the trend of flowy dresses at an award ceremony when in 1954 she appeared in a white, belted, flower-patterned dress by design house
Givenchy. * Lady Diana, the late Princess of Wales, looked stunning when she turned up in a blue, full-length dress at Cannes film festival in 1987. *
The bottom line: If want to look graceful in a Western outfit? Go for ankle-length, flowy attire!
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Time to brace up for winter
Must-have accessories Over the years, the versatility of the scarf and the cap have made them must-have accessories that never go out of style. It doesn’t matter what age you are or what size you wear, these two, which for some are becoming wardrobe essentials, can pull any look together. Women, in particular, can make a hip statement with an iconic Givenchy Rottweiler silk scarf or Burberry cashmere check, or even an Alexander McQueen Iris silk scarf. For casual chic, nothing beats a sporty grey scarf a la Armani Jeans or a Yves Saint Laurent’s leopard print silk muffler. Any of these when wrapped around the neck can give instant attitude to even the most laidback outfits. At present, the scarf in India has become a widely accepted accessory. An array of designs, colours, sizes and prices are available in the domestic market. Most of the leading companies and designers come out with their exclusive collections from time to time. While in the international market, there’s a great demand for silk scarves, in India, it is divided equally between silk and polyester.
Impulse buying Scarves were not always a must-have accessory. Until recently, the market was characterised only by colour and design. According to leading designers, the scarf was basically impulse buying because the customer really didn’t know what he or she was looking for. However, over the years, people have become more discerning in their choices and know what scarf to buy and for which occasion. Scarves are a versatile accessory and can be worn in a variety of ways. There’s the classic bandana style, then the utility-based head style, the long style as also the shawl style. A scarf can be worn as a belt, neck tie, blouse, halter top or a skirt. Just use your imagination! It is a wonderful gift to give and receive and can come in a variety of fabrics. So much so that a smart scarf can completely change your personality. The same goes for caps, hats and beanies. Though these are not yet very popular in India, these can do wonders for your attire. A beanie, for example, can make your night time outfit look pulled-together. You can pair a woven hat with good worn-in jean-and-white-cardigan combo for that perfect winter daytime outfit. Women can also add a final accent to a menswear-inspired look by donning a smart beret.
The good news is that some fashionable men have started experimenting with the ‘heady’ look. One can see an occasional fedora, bowler or a slouchy beret at a hip ‘do’. This may have something to do with Bollywood where most of the leading men have been seen sporting headgear in movies. Starting with Dev Anand in the 1970s, a number of current stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan have all worn caps, hats, beanies in a number of films. Not just Bollywood, over the years, hats have been the most enduring style statement for leading Hollywood stars. Clark Gable tweaked his dapper hat in Gone With the Wind. It was the hat that gave Humphrey Bogart that iconic look in Casablanca. Clint Eastwood curled up the brim of his Goucho hat in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and Harrison Ford’s adventures of Indiana Jones would never have been as exciting without his fedora. Though in India, headgear like caps and hats may not be as popular as scarves and mufflers, these are gradually gaining acceptability in niche fashion circles. This is apparent from the fact that big online retail outlets like myntra, Indiamart, flipkart, rediff and many leading lifestyle outlets in big cities have them on their websites and store shelves. However, the most popular sales in India are still clocked by caps made by sports giants like Nike, Adidas, Puma and Reebok. But fashion experts say that time is not far when the party movers and shakers will take to the hats and caps seriously as these are the people who are most influenced by the western culture. And when that time comes, the hats and caps will truly have their fashion moment. Etro hippy paisley scarf
Price: Rs13,800 Gucci wool-knitted beanie
Price: Rs 9,200
Add a feisty finish to your look with this leopard print scarf from Saint Laurent. Crafted in a soft and lightweight blend of cashmere and silk, it will provide unrivalled comfort as well as style. Drape
non-chalantly around the neck, letting the anthracite grey colour perfectly enliven an
all-black ensemble
Price: Rs 39,000
Guess has come up with a range of luxurious knitted hats in its 2013 winter collection. These come in various styles, ranging from the traditional retro hats and lovely pom pom knitted hats to the grunge style. This unisex winter hat will add a certain casual romanticism and sensuality to your looks.
Price: Rs 1,800 Onosyo woollen hat
Price: Rs 3,300 Burberry cashmere
check scarf
Price: Rs 32,600 Marc by Marc Jacobs woollen hat
Price: Rs 3,000
Keep cosy in style with this popcorn hat is from the celebrated Belgian-born American fashion designer Diane Von
Furstenberg. Spun from a blend of wool and cashmere and finished with a fur pom-pom, this playful piece will not just make you look smart but also add an element of fun to the cold months.
Price: Rs 8,400
This featherweight wool scarf by French luxury fashion house Givenchy has the company’s signature Rottweiler print in each corner. The wool and cashmere scarf is a 47 X 47 inches square. Made of silk and wool blend, the black and red scarf with frayed edges has ‘Givenchy Paris’ logo woven in the middle.
Price: Rs 25,200 Folk ruck panelled bobble hat
Price: Rs 8,400
Make an authentic statement while feeling luxuriously protected from the cold winter nights with this lightweight cable-knit hat from German fashion house
Escada. Made from a soft alpaca blend, it has the rosé gold-coloured Escada sport logo patch above the knit cuff, which adds a shiny detail to the hat.
Price: Rs 11,900
This snug looking Armani Jeans' thick ribbed beanie is made from 50 per cent wool and 50 per cent acrylic. It is constructed with a classic turn up design to the front and bold panelling to the peak. The beanie has a fully lined inner with a soft brushed, stretched finish with a knitted logo along the turn-up in light
grey.
Price: Rs 7,500
This chunky-knit Kamala Scarf from Diesel has long loose tassels attached to the ends. Striped in various widths in navy, blue and turquoise, it has the signature Diesel logo leather patch in brown on the bottom end of the scarf. Made of 100 per cent acrylic, it is part of the 2013 Diesel collection of accessories.
Price: Rs 5,400 Polo Ralph Lauren
cuffed hat
Price: Rs 2,700
This cool blend Dolce & Gabbana chunky knit hat has pattern detailing and a contrasting thick-ribbed fold. It features a central leather tab and a prominent Dolce & Gabbana logo. Made of 45 per cent wool, 30 per cent acrylic and 25 per cent alpaca, it will keep you warm and snug on the coldest winter evenings.
Price: Rs 17,500 Calvin Klein cable knit cabbie hat
Price: Rs 2,700
For the ultimate winter style, opt for this merino and cashmere check scarf from the luxury British fashion house Mulberry. Made in Scotland and keeping true to tradition with its timeless check pattern, you will radiate elegance and charm when you partner this with your winter apparel, especially a dark jacket.
Price: Rs 16,500
An original interpretation of time-honoured British styles, this Fair Isle scarf is a part of the 2013 winter collection from Fred Perry. Inspired by the homespun knits of the 1950s, it is a modern take on a traditional piece of cold weather attire constructed in a chunky knit with a laurel wreath sitting at the edge.
Price: Rs 6,600 Alexander McQueen
iris silk scarf
Price: Rs 25,500 Moncler fair isle chunky scarf
Price: Rs 20,000
Don’t let the changing temperatures dampen your style this season by demonstrating your sartorial style with Italian label Isaia’s exquisite cashmere and silk scarf. Boasting of classic stripes and an elegant frayed trim, this sumptuous piece will lend a luxurious finishing touch to every outfit.
Price: Rs 44,000
The stunning red wool blend scarf from Valentino Garavani featuring floral lace ends with raw tips is guaranteed to make you the centre of attraction at any party. Made from 45 per cent wool, 43 per cent cashmere and 12 per cent silk, it will keep you warm as well as make a strong style statement.
Price: Rs 61,800
The sporty-chic cotton scarf from Armani jeans is the perfect way to subtly add some colour and style to any outfit. The ultra-soft, luxurious scarf features a classic logo print, contrasting coloured edges and is designed with a subtle ombre effect that will add a modern touch to any attire.
Price: Rs 6,800
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Juggling many creative roles
This writer has launched eFiction India, an e-magazine that includes sci-fi, romance, paranormal and humour. His target is global audiences Mriganka Dadwal An e-magazine targeting global audience, it is devoted to short stories, poetry and art. It spans the whole gamut of sci-fi, paranormal, steampunk, thriller and romance. On what makes eFiction stand out from other e-zines, as they are called, Nikhil says, “With modern technology, everyone has a library in their pocket but what if you want to read the latest, cutting-edge fiction that no one has read before? eFiction is a way of staying up to date with ever evolving style of fictional works.” The magazine provides aspiring authors a chance to showcase their work to an international audience. With foreign universities, libraries and media houses as its primary audience, Nikhil's venture has already crossed the 10,000-readers mark within a year of its inception. The subscription is priced at $3-4 a month. Subscribers of eFiction India are literature lovers across the world, of which 40 per cent are non-Indians, 33 per cent NRIs and the rest 27 per cent are Indians. A big chunk of eFiction readers are high- income group women from age group 18 onwards. Contributors can pitch in with short stories, songs, poetry, graphics or photographs. Nikhil says, “Instead of having only a few editors in an ivory tower deciding what is good or bad, eFiction India has a group of hundreds of submissions readers who vote on stories and discuss their merits.” They offer the writer a chance to polish the writing. A graduate in film-making from Wigan & Leigh College, Nikhil has grand plans for his venture. Short stories are being made into movies, poetry into songs. He is also working on bringing out an audio magazine for visually challenged children. On what keeps him going, he says, “eFiction India is an excuse to interact with people and see where I stand in terms of creativity. It’s a common thread which connects people — each of whom was doing great work in isolation. I love putting my ideas out into the world for other people to pick apart and reassemble into better forms.” For him, “Storytelling is an art which is being taken for granted these days. Writing is like someone extracts a part of their soul and brings it to work every day.” He is lucky to have a supportive family and friends who stood by him even he “wasn't sure” of himself. The family has been his muse — a grandmother who did her course in Commercial Art from the JJ School of Arts, Mumbai, a grandfather who was once a world-renowned journalist. His father ran a successful ad agency and mother is an innovative teacher. No wonder he has an affinity for reading, writing and a riotous imagination.” After making an impact in the global market, he wishes to focus his energies towards vernacular literature. “I wish eFiction India to be available in all major Indian languages,” envisages the guy who “never tires of own company”. “I am more alive and energetic at night. The mysterious sounds, the soft voices. I enjoy the solitude of the night. And from its midst rises the rhythm and lilt and melody and meaning of words.”
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Bling it on
PERFECT HANGERS
Price: From Rs 900 to Rs 1,920 per hanger (From $15 to $32)
GUCCI'S STYLE APP
Price: Free to download
GAME FOR THIS TABLE?
Price: Rs 28.20 lakh ($47,000)
GOLDEN MUSIC TO THE EAR
Price: Rs 8.70 lakh ($14,500) non-gold version — Rs 1,800 ($30)
Price: Upon request
Price: Rs 69 lakh ($1,15,000)
SAY CHEERS TO THIS ROBOT
Pre-book the two versions of Monsieur for Rs 1.02 lakh and Rs 1.62 lakh ($1,700 and $2,700)
IN A RANGE OF ITS OWN
Price: Between Rs 41 lakh and Rs 55 lakh (£41,000 and £55,000)
DESK OF LUXURY
Price: Rs 5.04 lakh ($8,400)
CHANEL'S 'NEW' FACE
Price of perfume yet to be announced. Price of Monroe poster with Chanel No. 5 perfume:
Rs 900
Price: Rs 8.26 crore ($1,376,900)
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FOR many fashion-conscious Indians, wearing designer clothes is not where it all ends. The hip crowd wants to further spruce up its image with fine fashion accessories that complement their clothes. And helping these avant-garde men and women in their endeavour are designers who are offering them an array of fashion adornments to complement their attire. With winters arriving, a number of leading designers are offering stylish ways of bracing up against gusts of cold wind. Many are recommending that you pull your cap low, wear your scarf tight around the ears and bury the rest of yourself in a jacket.
Mriganka Dadwal
The viscose and silk mix scarf from Italian fashion house Etro has been brightened up by the woven hippy paisley motif. In warm brown, orange and purple shades, it is simply perfect for a winter evening outdoor party. An elegant and versatile accessory, it will easily adapt to any shirt or blouse.
Face winter months in style with this khaki-green knitted wool beanie from Gucci. Made from soft wool yarn, this beanie hat is luxuriously snug. It has a ribbed turn-up edge and a logo-embossed leather tag. Pair it with a statement bomber jacket and selvedge jeans for that contemporary urban feel.
Bring warmth to your winter days and night with Chinese fashion label Onosyo’s wool women’s hat. It has a trendy shape and the wide brim on the hat adds to the woman’s charm. Besides bringing a whiff of snugness against the cold weather, the hat will make you look trendy and stylish.
This Burberry scarf in luxurious cashmere will instantly upgrade any casual attire with its iconic check pattern. The scarf will keep you warm even on the most blustery of days. You’ll also love the ample size of the scarf which gives you the opportunity to wear it in various styles-draped, wrapped or knotted.
As part of an energetic urban look, this light grey and royal blue wool-blend beanie hat from Marc by Marc Jacobs will keep you stylishly warm. It is a sharp solution to the winter’s chill as it is made of 80 per cent wool and 20 per cent nylon and has a ribbed edge and embroidered “MJ” emblem.
The light brown ribbed bobble hat from American fashion label Folk has stunning mottled brown panels at the top and front. The thickly knitted headgear made from 45 per cent acrylic, 40 per cent alpaca and 15 per cent wool is not just a cosy essential for cold winter days but will make you stand out in a crowd.
Diesel Kamala scarf
This essential cuffed hat from Polo Ralph Lauren is crafted from a mix of ribbed merino wool and lambswool to keep you snug and warm. It is accented with the designer label’s signature
multi-coloured pony embroidery that accents the cuff and adds a touch of style to your personality. 
Update your cool-weather accessories with this cable-knit cabbie hat from Calvin Klein. Featuring brand logo hardware and a braided detail at the brim, this cosy hat boasts of chic style. Made from a blend of polyester, acrylic and wool, it reinforces the fashion house’s commitment to minimal design.
Mulberry cashmere check scarf
Fred Perry
fair isle scarf
Drape this beautiful rich purple scarf around your neck and watch the compliments roll in. The Alexander McQueen Iris Scarf in sumptuous silk features razor blade prints all over it. It will greatly compliment a knit shirt or a blouse in plain white or any other subdued
colour.
Keep warm in style this season with this fair isle chunky scarf from luxury sportswear brand
Moncler. It has been handmade for maximum comfort and boasts a charismatic knitted print design exuding personality and a sense of fun. Made of 83 per cent wool and 17 per cent polyamide, it also has a Moncler logo.
Isaia striped
cashmere & silk scarf
Valentino Garavani
floral lace scarf
Sporty grey scarf from Armani jeans
There are few things in life that one takes for granted. And one of them are the clothes hangers. They have been around for years and no one gives a second thought to them. But if you happen to be a part of the Kirby Allison Hanger Project you will take them very seriously. The US-based company specialises in state-of-the art wooden hangers designed to eliminate dimpling and collapsed shoulders that usually result from wimpy plastic and wire hangers. Made from “environmentally responsible wood,” the different types of hangers created especially for suits, jackets, trousers, shirts and pullovers are immaculately handmade and are fast becoming a connoisseur’s wardrobe essential.
Luxury meets technology. Moving with the times, Italian fashion brand Gucci has joined the world of smart devices with the launch of the Gucci Style app for iPads. The new app allows people to experience the Gucci brand like never before — a kind of a backstage pass into the world of high fashion, luxury and glamour with the help of interactive videos and shoppable features. It also includes access to Gucci's Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr so you can share your favourite products on these digital platforms. Available in 18 languages, the app is sure to brighten the world of fashionistas in the West though fans in India will have to wait a bit.
It’s being termed as the world’s most exclusive pool table. And why not? Its creator, the German luxury brand Porsche Design is known to pull off sleek-chic with its amazing craftsmanship. In stark contrast to the traditional thick-set billiard tables, this futuristic game table called the 24/7 is hand-made from fine tulip wood and aluminium with a shiny lacquer finish. It comprises leather pockets, a three-part slate, high-grade cloth, rubber cushions, a ball set, triangle, bridge stick, two premium cues and a cue rack especially customised for the unique table, which is guaranteed to completely change the vibe of the room with its stunning looks.
How about putting some gold in your ear? No, not a pair of earrings but a pair of earphones made of 18-carat gold. The creator of the extraordinary earphones is Swedish company Happy Plugs, which says that they are as much a form of jewellery as they are a super sound device. Nominated for several awards, each pair is made of 25 gm of 18-carat gold. Compatible with most smart phones, these ear pieces come with a gold-plated connector for high-quality stereo sound. If you are a high roller, get yourself this ear jewellery. If not, then there are inexpensive non-gold versions as well.
DIAMONDS ARE FOR AFRICA
'INSANE' PHONE
Have you ever craved for a five-star service at home — a recliner chair and a server bringing you your most favourite cocktail? If yes, then your dream could soon turn into reality. A new US-based kickstarter project is developing a personal bartender that can make a variety of drinks for your drinking pleasure. The artificially-intelligent robotic bartender called Monsieur has a touch-screen that allows you to select your favourite drink. Monsieur is being programmed to make 300 different cocktails and comes pre-loaded with 12 different theme packages from various pubs and bars from across the world.
outdoing itself. It will soon be releasing its first long-wheelbase SUV in 20 years which will cater to what the company calls a “growing group of consumers looking for the ultimate SUV.” The Evoque XL which will start commercial production early in 2016 will be about 12 inches longer than the conventional model offering rear passengers an extra 140mm of leg room and seats that recline to 17 degrees, a panoramic sunroof and powered door blinds for enhanced privacy, making it the unofficial family wagon for wealthy pockets. If Range Rover says it is going to be the most luxurious SUV around, you better believe it.
does not mean we can't enjoy the feel of a Lamborghini Murcielago one of the world's most expensive cars. All you have to do is to bring home the Lamborghini Murcielago desk which is shaped like the nose of the car, complete with tyres and headlights. There's a glass top supported by stainless posts that acts as a work surface. Behind the headlights are drawers and a small closet for storage. Brainchild of Design Epicentrum, this is a desk an auto-enthusiast would love. All you have to do is to sit behind it and feel the power of the Lamborghini. The only thing missing, of course, is the roar of the Italian powerhouse.
It may be over 50 years after her death but the saga of Marilyn Monroe continues to haunt. The 1950s iconic star has now been named the new face of Chanel’s legendary fragrance No 5. The French luxury house released unseen visuals and recordings of a magazine interview the actress gave in April 1960, talking about her relationship with Chanel No. 5 much to the delight of her fans. Based on that interview, Chanel is now rolling out a print- and-TV campaign featuring Marilyn in her heyday, posing with a bottle of Chanel No 5 in an archival photograph. The clever punchline is that Chanel No 5 was the only thing Marilyn took to bed!
LOO & BEHOLD