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Dive into luxury’s lap Have gizmos,
will travel PACESETTER Prachee
Bajania
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Dive into luxury’s lap There’s no bottomline as far as toys for the super wealthy are concerned. Manufacturers will go to any depth for their indulgence — even take a dive. The latest toy being offered to the ultra rich is the mini-submarine to explore the deepest and darkest recesses of the ocean floor. The world first came to know about private submarines when four teams embarked on a race to the ‘inner’ space. The challenge was to prepare a submarine that would plumb the depths of the Pacific Ocean and reach Mariana trench, an abyss southwest of Guam, which at 36,000 feet is the lowest point of the ocean and is 7,000 feet deeper than Mount Everest is tall. Race to the netherworld The participants in the race to the netherworld were 59-year-old celebrated Hollywood movie mogul, James Cameron (Avatar, Titanic, Terminators and Aliens), British tycoon and founder of Virgin group, Richard Branson, L. Bruce Jones, CEO of Triton Submarines & US Submarines, and the American company Deep Ocean Exploration & Research, backed by Google’s executive chairman, Eric Schmidt. Cameron was way ahead of the race and made the deep dive last year to the bottom of the sea in an advanced submersible which he helped design and build especially for his voyage to the bottom of the sea. It is companies like the US Submarine, UBoat Works, Triton Submarines, Hawkes Ocean Technologies, Seamagine Hydrospace Corporation and many others that have gone into the manufacture of private subs and are pitching their product to high networth individuals, wealthy business tycoons and hi-tech billionaires, many of them owners of mega yachts who want to upgrade to a more unique sea toy. In many western countries, a number of commercial submarine companies are giving rich tourists a thrill of their lives by taking them down to the depths of the ocean bed. Last year alone approximately two million tourists took rides on these commercial subs to depths of 50-300 metres with the 300-metre underwater ride costing $1,800 (around
Rs 1.08 lakh) per person. Must-have toys Though the interest in private luxury submarines is high among the world’s richest men and women, the market is niche with just around 2,500 having been sold. But most manufacturers see a bright future with the wealthy willing to go beyond opulent yachts and invest in private submarines to explore the other great frontier — the ocean’s depth. With their easy availability, mini-subs could soon be jostling for space at the bottom of the ocean. With family friendly ones to five-seaters hitting the market, these could soon be replacing yachts, which have for years been the symbol of affluence and opulence. Take for example, the C-Explorer by Dutch company UBoatWorx — called ‘the world’s first subsea limousine’ it is fitted with all features that you can have on a super luxury yacht. Russian President Vladimir Putin, known for his adventurous streak, recently plumbed the depths of the Gulf of Finland in one of the UBoatWorx submarines to watch a 19th century shipwreck. The five-seater C-Explorer costing around $2.4 million
(Rs 13.20 crore) features a fully air-conditioned comfortable interior and also has sonar imaging capabilities with other hi-tech goodies like high-definition video camera, external manipulator arm and a tethered remote-operated vehicle. It can go down to a depth of up to 300 metres making it a stunning water-world experience. Transparent bubbles Florida-based Triton Submarines LLC is one of the leaders which has over the years launched 10 deep sea private subs for two to eight passengers that can go down to a depth of 1,000 to 5,500 feet. Most of its models are engineered to perform any mission ranging from touristic joy rides to rigorous scientific and filmmaking missions. These luxury subs have huge transparent bubbles that act like a cockpit for 360 degrees underwater viewing. One of its submarines, the Triton 3300/3 was used by the Discovery Channel to film its popular documentary Giant Squid: The Monster Is Real. Triton’s latest sub 36000 as the name suggests, can reach a depth of 36,000 feet and cruises through a system of touch-screen controls. Temperature controls keep the interiors comfortable while the design keeps internal pressure stabilised at ‘one atmosphere’— the same as being above water. The sub can descend at 500 feet per minute, meaning it can reach the deepest spot in the ocean in approximately 75 minutes. Impressive sales pitch The company’s glossy catalogue advertising its submarines makes an impressive sales pitch when it says that though many people own a yacht but as soon as you dive beneath the surface in one of its luxury subs...“You will experience a part of the ocean that no one has seen before. And you are doing it in perfect air-conditioned comfort and safety, quite possibly with a flute of excellent Champagne in one hand. Having a submersible ...can make you a hero among family and friends.” With a maximum speed of three knots, it is powered by a 120 and 24-volt battery bank that provides up to six hours of continuous undersea adventure. A VHF radio provides surface communication and its 56-inch diameter enables comfortable, upright seating for passengers. Bespoke submarines Apart from the readymade private subs, many leading companies make bespoke, larger subs. But these can be extremely costly with the price tag running up to $5000,000 (around
Rs 30 crore) and the construction time can take over a year considering the complex marine engineering involved in their making. Though all of them are owners of luxury subs whose prices run into millions, not all subs are priced prohibitively. The C-Quester by UBoatWorks is the smallest submarine with state-of-the-art technology and fully acrylic design costing $650,000 (around
Rs 3.9 crore). A number of other companies, too, are now looking to introducing low-cost submersibles to give access to the deepest, darkest recesses of the ocean. L. Bruce Jones of the Triton Submarines hits the nail on the head when he says, “Being able to go to the deepest spot in little more than an hour is going to revolutionise our relationship with the deep ocean. We’re opening the door to unlimited possibilities of exploration, science and wonder that anyone can experience.”
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Have gizmos, will travel Two decades ago when he left his home in Delhi to study at the Indian Institute of Technology in Mumbai, Salil Gandhi had his hands literally full. He carried with him two suitcases, a holdall and a backpack in which he kept his toiletries and other knick-knacks. His mother stitched a zip-up pocket in his vest to secure the cash he was carrying. She reminded him to call up from a public booth once he reached Mumbai safely. Today, this 40-year-old is a software professional with a leading multinational company. His job requires him to travel in India and abroad. What has changed dramatically is the way he travels. When going abroad, he takes with him a wheeler that has a folding chair attached to it so that he can sit comfortably during long hauls at airports. He carries a backpack that is fitted with a charging dock for his mobile and tablet and his compact suitcase is ergonomically designed to fit in all the clothes and accessories he needs while on a long tour. Travel gizmos Gandhi’s travelling attire, too, is special. He has a jacket which is a made like a wearable luggage carrier. On the outside, the jacket’s clean lines reveal nothing — it appears as any other travel jacket. However, the inside features multiple pockets for storing a mobile phone, wallet, keys, passport, water bottle, iPad, iPod, headphones, camera, magazines and much more without any of these showing as a bulge on the outside. He no longer requires a stitched pocket in his inner vest to carry his cash. Instead he wears a special moneybelt secured to his waist in which he carries cash and credit cards. And unlike days of old, he doesn’t need to search for a public booth in a new city. His smartphone keeps him connected in real time to his office and family via Skype or Facetime. The past few years have seen a remarkable change in the way we travel. Comfort, safety and connectivity are the keywords for the travel industry. In the age of portable media, mobile phones take hi-res pictures and do internet searches replacing bulky still and video cameras and laptops. Disposable smart kits take care of all your toiletries. There are wheels attached to the cabin bags to lug them — and you — from one part of the airport/station to another much like a roller skate. Special kits There are special first-aid travel kits with the basic medical essentials, including sleeping-pad patches, buckle-replacement clips, cable ties, seam-sealing adhesive, sewing implements and other gear. For adventurers and hikers, there are walkie-talkies that allow two-way communications over a distance of up to three kilometres. Water-resistant radios come fitted with a powerful torch and some advanced ones also have binoculars. Those travelling to countries where language is a barrier can take the help of digital translators like the Franklin Speaking Translators costing upwards of Rs 10,000 that translate English sentences in a number of different languages. There is a plethora of portable entertainment that will provide you hours of reading or viewing fun. Book reading during travelling has come in for a revolutionary change. E-book readers like Kindle and Nook costing around Rs 18,000 and above help you carry a virtual library of reading material, portable music players like the iPod, JBL Micro and Philips goGear ranging between Rs 2,000 and Rs 25,000 will make sure your music travels with you. Pocket-sized personal cinema systems like Headplay and Sony PSP costing between Rs 6,000 and Rs 30,000 help you take your favourite movies with you. However, if you don’t like watching movies on small mobile screens or even on your iPad, you can opt for the Vuzix line of high-end video eyewear, which is changing the way we see movies while travelling in a plane or a train. Believe it or not, the company’s new Wrap 1200 eyewear costing around Rs 25,000 when worn like a pair of sunglasses will give you the experience of watching a movie on a huge widescreen cinema hall, as seen from a distance of 10 feet. Digital companions A basic kit like the Swiss army knife has become a digital travel companion. It has re-invented itself to the Swiss army USB flash drive. Apart from the traditional scissors, pen, knife, nail file, screwdriver and torch light, it also has a pen drive which can store your documents, music and movies. In case, you are travelling by plane and are not allowed to carry the Swiss knife in person you can just detach the pen drive and keep it in your pocket. A vacation no longer means that you leave technology at home. There are travel gizmos like a special pen made for mountaineers and trekkers that can start a bonfire , a torchlight that doubles up as a compass, the handheld Philips PowerStation Pebble costing around Rs 2,500 will ensure that your phone will never again run out of power while you’re navigating back to your hotel using your mobile phone as a GPS. Indeed, computers, internet, digitalisation and miniaturisation have changed the very concept of travelling for leisure or work. From lugging heavy bags and equipment to online reservations, entertainment gizmos and information portals nothing has been as influenced more than the way we travel. HEADPHONE SPLITTER Share your love for music with your loved one or best friend with Kikkerland 2-Way Head Phone Splitter. The Kikkerland Headphone Splitter attaches two pairs of earphones to your mobile/laptop enabling you to share your music/videos with someone else without any distortion in the sound quality. Price:
Rs 900 ($15) The Shot Flask by alcohol accessory brand Stone Cask is a flask with a twist. It has a built-in collapsible steel glass that will let you have your 60/30 ml shot in style. The flask has a compressed shot glass which expands with the flick of the wrist. Once you’ve had your fill, fit the glass back for compact storage. Price:
Rs 2,400 ($40) A great travel companion, Scrubba wash bag does your laundry as efficiently as a washing machine. Just put detergent, water and dirty clothes and seal the bag. Then rub the clothes from the outside for around three minutes. Empty dirty water and rinse with clean water. Lo and behold you have clean clothes! Price:
Rs 3,900 ($65) If you like to travel light, then this is just what the doctor ordered. US-based MySmartPack’s personal care products kit will take care of all your travel needs. The pack includes toothbrush and toothpaste, face cleanser, cream, deodorant, body lotion, razor, hair and shaving gels and lotions and perfumes. Price:
Rs 1,200 ($20) The heavy-duty Poketo travel journal will keep you organised from start to finish on your vacation or business travel. It has printed important tips on how to prepare for a trip, a section to chalk your itineraries and a memento envelope. It also has space for notes, phone numbers and a pocket for loose papers. Price:
Rs 1,440 ($24) TELESCOPE MOBILE LENS When you see some stunning natural sights on your vacation, do you miss a ‘real’ camera with a powerful lens? Most of us have had that feeling. The new Photojojo 8X optical zoom telescope lens with tripod will solve that problem. It fits snugly onto the Apple iPhone and helps you take some great pictures. Price:
Rs 900 ($15) MICRO-BEADS TRAVEL NECK PILLOW The ergonomic, U-shaped Slazenger travel pillow with super-soft micro-beads fits perfectly around your head and neck. It’s great for a quick doze-off or full night’s sleep on a long flight or train journey. At home, it can be used to watch TV or for a quick afternoon power nap. It provides great comfort and support. Price:
Rs 900 ($15) TRAVEL JACKET This is one of the most innovative and ideal travelling jacket. Scottevest by American company Technology-Enabled Clothing has 11 zippered interior pockets for travel documents, magazines, smartphone, tablet, bottle, sunglasses, keys, pens and stationery. Its unique design ensures there are no ugly bulges. Price:
Rs 8,100 onwards ($135 onwards) THE HENK SUITCASE Price:
Rs 12 lakh ($ 20,000) This cabin bag is a result of a collaboration between UK-based Micro Scooter company and luggage giant Samsonite. You can ride the bag from one part of the airport/ station to another as it is attached to a running board with handlebars. When finished, it folds up and into a normal cabin bag again. TROLLEY BAG WITH FOLDING CHAIR Taking multitasking to a whole new level, the Maxam trolley bag with attached padded fold-out chair will make your wait in queues at airports and railway stations comfortable. It will have you sitting pretty on this chair when you need to take a load off. The chair can take a weight of up to 110 kg. Price:
Rs 5,400 ($90) This is a must-have accessory for those who travel frequently. The Ostrich Pillow by American design house ‘Studio Banana Things’ offers a micro environment for a comfortable power nap. Its soothing cave-like interior isolates you from your surroundings and sends you into the dream world. Price:
Rs 6,600 ($110) This is a great way to secure your money and travel documents during a vacation or an official tour. The Spibelt travel money belt by travel accessories brand ‘Going in Style’ is sleek and expandable. Ideal for money, passport, phone and other documents that you want to keep to hold on to while travelling. Price:
Rs 1,200 ($20) RE-TIMER TO BEAT JET LAG Long haul jet lag or a change in the surroundings during travel can negatively effect sleep. That’s where the Re-Timer will come in very handy. The device by Australian company Re-Time worn like a pair of glasses produces green light which is proven to naturally help you sleep by re-setting your body clock. Price:
Rs 16,500 ($275) POWERBAG WITH CHARGING STATION The Powerbag by electronics company Ho Medics is a heavy duty backpack for weekend travel that doubles up as a portable charging station for all your small electronic needs. The battery pack has three built-in connectors — an Apple connector, a combo mini/micro-USB connector and also a full size USB port. Price:
Rs 10,550
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PACESETTER Prachee Bajania Twentyfive-year-old
filmmaker Prachee
Bajania, a postgraduate diploma student of Film and Video Communication, at the National Institute of Design,
Ahmedabad, is already making waves in the artistic circles. Prachee's film titled Scrap Recycled, that she made for tvebiomovies in 2012, (produced by J and H Sales) won the ‘Award for Innovation’ at the Global Sustainability Film Awards, organised by tve at the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts), Piccadilly. Scrap Re-cycled, gives a message of recycling scrap to contribute one's share toward
eco-living.The film featured in a 75-minute documentary broadcast on propeller TV, and will also be shown in
China. Vikas Chalu Che (Development in Progress), Prachee’s NID documentary takes a sharp look at Gujarat’s development. It is based on how a lake in Gujarat, earlier a heritage site, which has now been converted into a lakefront amusement park, marginalised some people die to financial restrictions of paid entry. The film focuses on the issues, rationale and consequences of the decision to make the lake ticketed. It looks at the alienation from a public place of an important section of the urban populace - the working class. Eventually, it raises the larger question of what is ‘public’ and whose city it is. Vikas Chalu Che won the Silver, in the Best Documentary category, 5th Cut and Gold for best editing at the Students' Film Festival, Tata Institute of Social Sciences,
Mumbai. Prachee reckons, "I'm keen on making films that talk about people, their aspirations, issues that involve and affect large communities, environmental issues and wildlife. I'd like to make films that represent people's causes and make a tiny difference, if at all, to the lives of those who watch my films or are featured in
them.” Prachee has also been an active volunteer with animal and bird rescue
organisations. “As a child, I was always surrounded by animals. I think that's a great way to instil compassion and humility in children and I'm glad I had the exposure. I started developing a keen interest in birds and would go looking for the species I'd read about in my guide to common Indian birds.” When Prachee found out about the number of birds that are killed on kite-flying day in Gujarat every year, she decided to volunteer at the bird rescue
centre. An avid birdwatcher and animal rights enthusiast, no surprises then that Prachee pursued botany till her graduation and also did a biodiversity conservation course. It was with her job at
SnehPrayas, a non-government organisation, where her social service came to the fore. Among Prachee's other voluntary work includes, being a part of City Peacock, Vulture and Sarus Census, organised by the Gujarat Forest Department and volunteering at the Centre For Environment Education. “The voluntary work I do, not only taught me how to work long hours but also gave me a lot of experience. At some point in life, I see myself having a wildlife rescue centre of my own.” Proud of being from a small town
Dhranhgadhara, Gujarat, Prachee adds, “Being from a small town, I learnt to recognise an interesting story when I saw one, as there were so many unique people around me and I think those stories form the backdrops of my films today.” She made a short film featuring six women breast cancer survivors for Ahmedabad Cancer Foundation and a short film on the Youth Programme of a city-based NGO. She adds, “I want to use the medium to tell stories and tell them well. I want to make films that provide the viewers with an experience but also compel them to go back to and draw from their experiences.”
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SLEEPING WITH THE FISH How would you like to sleep deep inside the Indian Ocean? Absurd offer, you'd say. But Manta Resort on Pemba Island in the Zanzibar Archipelago can make your wish come true. The resort is offering a truly special experience — a three-story suite anchored a little more than 800 feet from shore. Part of the suite is submerged 13 feet below the Indian Ocean. On the surface level it includes a rooftop deck, a bathroom and a lounge area. The bedroom is under the sea and offers breathtaking views of the astounding marine life seen through its many windows. No noisy neighbours or pesky hotel staff, just you and the sea creatures swimming all around you. tarrif: Starting at
Rs 90,000 a night ($1,500) Would you buy a bottle of perfume for the fragrance or for the bottle? If it is Guerlain's Jar of Bees, it would have to be the bottle. Among the most luxurious perfume bottles in the world, it was originally created in 1853 by Pierre-Francois-Pascal Guerlain for Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III. Now on its 160th anniversary, the famed French perfume house has recreated the bottle and the perfume in a limited edition of 32. The bottle is made in 24-carat gold and is adorned with 69 golden bees to signify the golden years of the French Empire. Needless to say, the aroma of the Jar of Bees has already attracted far more buyers than the limited amount of bottles available. Price:
Rs 9.75 lakh ($16,250) HELMET WITH A VIEW Price:
Rs 24,000 ($400) PUTTING THE LAPTOP IN PLACE Price:
Rs 6,000 ($100) THESE BAGS ARE ALL LIT UP What are those paper bags doing on the mantle? Just flick the switch and they will light up the surroundings. That's because these paper bags are actually beautiful lamps that diffuse a pleasingly soft and warm glow. The Bag Light by Firebox is a simple yet innovative design with silhouettes of light sources like a lantern, study lamp, bed light and a candle stand. The brown paper bag that holds the lamp is made of recycled material, making it a perfect gift to light up someone's life. Price: Rs. 3,600 ($60) ITOASTER What do you get when you blend an iPhone and a toaster. The answer is simple...You get a Foaster. But before jumping to conclusions keep in mind that the Foaster does not toast an iPhone. Instead it docks it. Compatible with iPhone 5, 5S and 5C, the Foaster comes with two lightning connectors so you can easily charge two devices at a time by using a single plug. Simply drop the handset into one of the two slots and it will take over from there. However, unlike a real toaster the Foaster's slots are not spring-loaded. The phones won't sink when you plug them in and they certainly won't pop out when done. But one thing is for sure, they will be fully charged and ready to go. Price:
Rs 4,800 ($80) TRENDY SKULL Going by the current trends the scarf, which has been a fashion understudy so far is now becoming a wardrobe essential. Renowned British design label Alexander McQueen has launched a 30-piece limited-edition skull scarf collection in collaboration with artist Damien Hirst. The line is inspired by Hirst’s Entomology series also featuring butterflies, spiders and other insects. It has been laid out in geometric patterns to create the McQueen skull motif making it the perfect outerwear accompaniment that can add pizzaz to any outfit from the little black dress to a business suit. Price: Ranging between
Rs 30,900 & 70,500 Though French luxury group Hermés is synonymous with handmade luggage and handbags, from time to time it also branches out into surprising areas of style. The latest is the Clic Clac bangle which is as vibrant and chic as any stylish woman. The collection includes both narrow and wide styles - ranging from multi-coloured animal motifs to silver-and-gold tone classics. So Guys, if you want to make an impression on a woman, go ahead and gift her this gorgeous bangle. Price:
Rs 36,000 ($600) PICTURE THIS Price:
Rs 1.80 lakh ($3,000) Though Ferruccio Lamborghini designed one of the most iconic sports cars in the world, his son Tonino has branched out into designing clothing and luxury accessories under the Tonino Lamborghini brand which never fails to surprise the swish crowd with its stylish offerings. Its latest launch is the Antares smartphone which comes in a variety of colour options, including a 24-carat gold finish and features real leather on the rear panel. It pack a 1.5GHz quad-core chipset with 2GB of RAM, 32GB and a 13MP camera. One of the most fascinating features is a built-in Yamaha amplifier and speakers which will be music to the ears for the high rollers who value smart phones Price:
Rs 2.40 lakh ($4,000)
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Swati
Rai
Triton is not alone in its attempt to make you a hero among family and friends. Even leading American online retailing giant Hammacher Schlemmer is selling a two-seater Personal Submarine that can descend to a depth of 1,000 feet. The transparent, climate-controlled sub with a price tag of $2000,000 (around
Rs 12 crore) keeps explorers safe while dipping even into the mesopelagic zone, offering a chance to see exotic, bio-luminescent species like the rare lantern fish and other aqua life. 
SHOT FLASK 
WASH BAG
DISPOSABLE KIT 
TRAVEL JOURNAL
The Henk suitcase by Dutch designer and tycoon Henk van de Meene cost more than $10 million to develop. Materials like carbon fibre, titanium, aluminium, wood, leather and parachute fabric have gone into its construction. It has 500 parts that include 22 moving parts and is said to be the ultimate work of ‘travelling’ art.
BAG ON WHEELS
Price:
Rs 24,000 ($400)
OSTRICH PILLOW
TRAVEL MONEY BELT
FRAGRANCE OF THE GOLDEN BEES
It’s a camera that helps you capture life from your perspective. The Drift Ghost-S is the optimal choice for living life outside the box. The multi-purpose action camera can be attached to the helmet to record your action when you are out on a cycling adventure or motor-biking, climbing mountains or even plumbing the depths of the sea. It is the first camera to have a two-way LED remote control with on/off indicator light, video recording/tagging capabilities in continuous loop mode, and an integrated 2-inch LCD screen. So, if you are an action sports enthusiast, this camera is built for you and your memories!
It's the ultimate resting place for a laptop. Created for business professionals, students, designers, gamers or just about anyone with a laptop the Slate Mobile Airdesk is a block of premium bamboo to perch your laptop or tablet on. It's ultra lightweight, super strong and will absorb the heat from the machine. The curves, air ventilation and docking station are chiselled, hand-sanded, and polished to mirror the feeling of glass. There is a place to rest the mouse and another slot to dock your mobile. A truly fantastic accessory that lets you use your laptop almost anywhere without missing the comfort of your desk.
STYLE AROUND THE WRIST
We all know that a camera in the hands of a professional can result in many artistic pictures. But when an artist applies his creation on a camera the result can be amazingly creative. That's exactly what Leica is out to prove with its new-limited edition Leica X2 Gagosian Edition in collaboration with renowned art gallery Gagosian which has its presence in New York, London, Rome, Athens, Paris, Geneva and Hong Kong. Leica, in collaboration with Gagosian, has moved beyond the photographic image and turned the tool itself into a piece of art. Produced in a limited run of only 100 units, this camera is fit to be framed.
DIAL ‘L’ FOR LAMBORGHINI
SMARTPHONE