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It’s Fur-fect
PACESETTER: Archana Nayar
Crystal gazing
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It’s Fur-fect
The allure of fur is timeless, as old as civilisation. With sensitisation for environment and other living beings came the realisation that killing, hurting and maiming animals is not bravado but cowardice. Fashion should be fun and enhance your personality in a unique manner that others look up to. Fur has always held a place of pride in wardrobes of stars, celebrities and fashionistas. Of late, the fashion fraternity has realised the importance of what they send out on runways and its power. This has spelt a radical shift to faux fur as the fur of choice, with the elite pack looking down upon real fur as something associated with uncouth and lesser civilisations. Ruling the runway
Runways around the world are seeing an unprecedented surge in the use of faux fur. Big names and brands are opening up to and appreciating the idea of doing away with animal fur. Every brand worth its salt from Armani, CK, Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney use faux fur and even hardcore fur enthusiasts like Fendi, Prada and Gucci have had to introduce it as an increasing number of people are swearing off things that cause cruelty to animals. Fashion forward
One of the preferred brands among the young fashionistas, Forever New uses a lot of fur in its winter line. Their focus on feminine silhouettes means fur is an integral part of their winter collections. From coats and jackets to shoes and bags, faux fur makes its presence felt. Riddhima Sood swears by her collection from the brand. She says, "The styling of their clothes is very international and I love the way they incorporate fur into dresses, coats and shoes. Knowing that the fur is synthetic is another factor that lets me indulge without feeling guilty." For glitterati and girl-next-door
As much as it is loved by a diva, it is a fun accessory for the plain Jane too. The love for faux fur is not just centred around metros but has firmly gripped smaller cities as well. Hiccups, based in Ludhiana, uses faux fur in its jackets for kids, men and women. Kashish Jasuja, proprietor, "Earlier it was just big brands making big bucks off the fur boom but as better man-made alternatives have become available, faux fur has become more accessible to all and is being used more. It has caught the fancy of manufacturers and users like as it has a longer life, wears well and it requires no special clearances from the authorities to use. As it comes at a fraction of the price of real fur, it is being used in innovatively in varied ways. Its scope is set to broaden in the near future."
Humane choice
Earlier faux fur was considered best for those who could not afford the real thing but, of late, this attitude has undergone a sea change. Women prefer faux fur as they understand their environmental responsibilities and take them seriously. Anyone seen in real fur opens herself/himself up to criticism and is snubbed. So much so that celebrities who are not even campaigning for PETA or animal rights in any way, have to bow down to pressure and choose faux fur to circumvent media glare. A recent campaign by PETA featuring Ileana D'Cruz shows a backless shot of the star to convey the message, 'Say No To Angora Fur and Wool'. A slew of celebrities, including Charlize Theron, Heather Mills and Pamela Anderson are strictly against its use and the list grows longer by the day.
Proudly fake
"When wearing faux fur, proclaim that it is indeed not the real thing to avoid sending out the wrong signal," says Sumathi Iyer from PFA, Ghaziabad. She adds, "At times, it is difficult to differentiate between fake and real fur. It is very important that the manufacturers as well as the wearer declare that what they are making or wearing is indeed faux. Animal rights awareness is appreciable and any product that can be created without any exploitation of animals is great. It is sad to see people spend loads of money trying to source furs like that of an unborn lamb obtained after slitting the throat of its mother." Our attire has always being inspired by elements of nature including flowers, foliage and animal prints, it is natural for us to be inclined to use fur. But with excellent faux furs in the market, there is absolutely no reason why anyone should want to wear fur that has the blood of many animals on it.
Campaigns, protests and snubs
Khloe Kardashian wore a faux fur jacket that clearly stated her contempt for real fur. It unabashedly had the words 'Fxck Yo Fur' emblazoned on the back in red paint. Firebrand singer Gaga condemned aggressive attacks by animal rights activists against those wearing real fur, calling them childish. She says that she will not comment on whether the fur she wears is the real thing or not. For this, she has drawn a lot of flak. In a reversal of sorts, real fur is being passed off as faux as that is what sells. Brands such as Neiman Marcus, Alice and Olivia, DrJays.com and Eminent have been accused of selling real fur as faux fur! PETA's 'Ink, Not Mink' campaign has been one of the most popular. Celebrities posed in little more than their inked bodies to drive home the message that instead of skinning animals, you should use your own tattooed skin as adornment.
Reasons to embrace faux fur
Annually, more than 40 million animals are killed for their fur and any self-respecting person would not want to associate with such blood and gore. The methods used to kill animals without harming the prized fur are downright barbaric. They include electrocution, strangling, poisoning, gassing and snapping their necks.
A single fur coat can cost 40 animals their lives. 'Fur trim' is not waste fur as companies would like you to believe but thousands of animals are killed to get this trim. In terms of environmental effect, 60 times more energy is needed to process and produce real fur coats than faux fur coats. It is much more versatile than its real counterpart. It is more lightweight and equally warm too.
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Helping to bring the smile back This young doctor’s mission is to help children with autism and, in turn, lead them to self-reliance Swati Rai
Bringing smiles to the faces of many a parent whose child is afflicted with autism, a neurobiological disorder, is Dr Archana Nayar. An MBBS and a clinical nutritionist with a Masters in Public Health from New York University, this New Delhi-based doctor is the founding trustee of The Special Child Trust and is the Director at the Autism Centre for Excellence, promoting the cause of autism among the broader community. She is also a co-sponsor of Children First, India’s first fully integrated institute for child and adolescent mental health. “Our aim is to move towards inclusive education and allow these children to be a part of the mainstream rather than being treated as ‘others’. Creating awareness on autism is among one of our aims. “Having worked in the West, I am conscious of the fact that the awareness people have on autism is much more than what is here. Autism is a neurobiological disorder that is diagnosed behaviourally and typically identified within the first three years of a child’s life. It is characterised by language and communication challenges, social difficulties, and repetitive or ritualistic behaviour.” Due to the lack of awareness and misunderstanding among the medical profession about autism, this condition is often under-diagnosed. “Autism spectrum disorder is not curable, however, early, intensive, timely, sustained special education programmes and therapy early in life can help children improve dramatically and support them to become a functional part of the society. They can acquire daily life skills, social, and job skills, and improve functioning and decrease symptom severity. Roughly 30 per cent of the children suffering from autism can eventually be brought into the mainstream.” The Special Child Trust has set up the Autism Centre for Excellence to create a programme for children suffering from autism. ACE has been conceptualised in collaboration with Boston-based New England Center for Children, which has four decades of experience in transforming lives of children with autism through education, research, and technology. The Hans Foundation, Learn Today and The Heritage School have also partnered with ACE to improve the level and quality of autism-related interventions in India. The programme at ACE, the first of its kind in India, is completely data driven and based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), where the link between the skills and actions of the learner and his/her environment are analysed. Positive reinforcement is one such principle of ABA where a behaviour is likely to increase when it is followed by some sort of reward. “ACE initially began with three classrooms with about eight children in each class. The goal is to gradually increase the number of classrooms to 12 with student strength of about a 100 over a period of two years. The interventions will have a 1:1 student to teacher ratio and will work towards inclusion as well as maximum independence for each child. ACE aims to have at least 25 per cent of our children from economically weaker section (EWS) and the school will provide scholarships for their education.” “ACE will also introduce a graduate training programme in partnership with a local Indian university and affiliated with an American university. The goal of the graduate programme will be to provide a strong theoretical and academic background for the teachers while the school will provide the practical training experience.” “The future”, says Archana, looks bright as awareness grows.” She adds, “ACE hopes to create a standardised model of teaching and intervention for autism, which, over time, can be replicated across schools and communities in India.”
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Crystal gazing Though crystal has been around for years, the world’s infatuation with the polished version of it began at the turn of the 20th century when a Czech glasscutter named Daniel Swarovski set up a factory in Wattens, a small town in Austria, to make crystal collectibles. The sparkling jewellery that came out of the Swarovski manufacturing unit instantly caught the imagination of the fashion-conscious people around the world. What was most fascinating about the crystals studded in necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other pieces of jewellery was that these had the aesthetic appeal of diamonds but came at a fraction of the cost. Encouraged by the positive response, the company diversified and started designing and manufacturing crystal figurines of gods, angels, flowers, animals and other decor items. Besides Swarovski, a number of other luxury brands like Lalique, Daum, Baccarat, Cashs, Preciosa, Steuben, Waterford, Kosta Boda and many more have come up with high-quality sculptures and showpieces, as the craze for crystal collectibles continues to surge. Success story In the first few decades of the 20th century, Swarovski crystals became an essential part of the high-end fashion because of their superior quality. The company collaborated with the world’s leading luxury goods producers like Chanel, Balenciaga and Christian Dior to bring out a range of sparkling crystal-studded couture and fashion accessories, which were worn and flaunted by Hollywood icons like Marlene Dietrich, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Today Swarovski has been in business for well over a century. It has over 1,200 company-operated boutiques and over 1,000 partnered stores in 125 countries. The company also has tie-ups with the leading fashion brands of the world like Emporio Armani, Roberto Cavalli, Dior Homm, Gianfranco Ferre, Marani, Bironi and Hugo Boss. No wonder that the company clocks a turnover of astounding $3.5 billion, which is approximately Rs 21,000 crores. Ruling the market A number of these companies have set up shops in India ever since crystal started capturing the imagination of the uber-rich. The delicate and beautifully crafted figurines that Indians earlier brought from high-end shops in western countries are now up for grabs here as well. Though low-priced imitations too can be found in the market, expensive crystal collectibles have remained a symbol of luxury and preserve of the wealthy. Some of these are so finely created by master craftsmen that these are treated as pieces of art that can be passed on to the future generations. Best of the lot Crystal can be used to give shape to sculptures, characters from fairy tales, shepherds with animals, horsemen, women in traditional attire, and virtually any other depiction by the artists who create these miniature masterpieces. Apart from sculptures and jewellery, crystal is used to make chandeliers and good-luck charms, fashion accessories like belts, sunglasses, watches, smartphone covers, footwear, cufflinks and fancy scarves. These also make the most popular gifting options. Most of these sparkling crystal artefacts from leading global companies, which include high-end figurines, goblets, tumblers, vases, bowls and other accessories, are made from a combination of ultra-white silica, potash and other minerals. The high-lead content of 33.33 per cent render clarity and brilliance to these crystals. Most of the high-end crystal collectibles are usually handcrafted. Bright and sparkling Many companies like Baccarat, Lalique and Kosta Boda have mastered the technique of fusing colour into the glass in such a way that the colour can take on a textured look. Several companies also experiment with 24 carat gold and silver and fused them into figurines resulting in a dramatic colour effect. In fact all the leading makers of crystal collectibles are offering a host of products. Their clients include industrialists, business tycoons, and people of importance and power who could well afford these.
For a glossy effect
Though fine-art figurines can be made from various materials, the most popular ones are created from crystals, ceramics and porcelain. Many do not know the common difference among the three and when it comes to porcelain and ceramic, even the knowledgeable tend to use the terms interchangeably. Ceramics include earthenware, bone ware, pottery and porcelain. Thus all porcelain is ceramic though not all ceramics are porcelain. Porcelain is made from clay that has a paste-like quality and is fired at high temperatures. The process was first mastered in China during the Tang dynasty. The making of the delicate idols and porcelain vases was a closely-guarded state secret. Crystal is a completely different material. It is a kind of glass that is made from silica, lead oxide, soda or potash to which other additives are added later on. The addition of lead oxide makes crystal softer than glass and allows artisans to cut and bevel it with brilliant edges. Because of its softness, lead crystal can be poured into moulds and used to make figurines, vases, bowls, jewellery and trophies.
Ever so often iconic Irish crystal company Waterford brings out a design that takes the world by surprise. One such creation is the Waterford crystal lion sculpture. This hand-sculpted limited edition masterpiece is a marvel of workmanship and its intricate detailing is worth all the praise. Price:
Rs 30 lakh
From the first sculpture of Buddha 26 years ago to over 300 sculptures today, the Liuli Gongfang company of Taiwan is world renowned in crystal art. This figurine depicts the healing Buddha surrounded by herbs and medicines. Price:
Rs 1.8 lakh
Established in 1734, French luxury crystal glassware company, Baccarat offers high-end products for interior decoration. This 50 centimetres engraved and gilded galloping horse called Cheval Pegasus in a limited-edition collection of 99 pieces has diamond pointed cuts that embellish the crystal surface. Price:
Rs 17.5 lakh
Hand blown, hand cut and finely polished, this stunning gilded crystal vase by Czechoslovakian luxury glass company, Moser, is detailed craftsmanship at its best. Featuring a hand-painted and gilded 24 carat gold filigree centre body, it is both a vase and a stunning piece of art rolled into one. Price:
Rs 9.12 lakh
The crystal inkwell by French fashion house Louis Vuitton is a symbol of a timeless design. It is made of refined crystal and decorated meticulously with hand-crafted engravings. Its golden cap as well as its flawless transparency makes it an ideal gift for someone special. Price:
Rs 78,000
The vase with a blush of red from the Swedish glassworks company Kosta Boda is a part of well-known Scandinavian artist Goran Warff's Mirage collection. The colours of the 6.75 inch tall vase harmonises subtly with its soft and sensual form and the play of light within the glass adds an extra dimension to it. Price:
Rs 27,000
The midnight blue tortue vase by Lalique represents the universe. It has been made by using two shells in shades of blue and decorated with embossed geometric medallions. Featuring a contemporary design with contrasting matte and glossy medallions, it is considered among the classic Lalique creations. Price:
Rs 2.37 lakh
This statement piece by Swarovski shows two blue jays, stunningly executed in cut crystal, perched on a silver-tone metal display. Featuring a beautiful colour combination of turquoise blue and lavender, the birds will add to the decor of any room. Price:
Rs 1.02 lakh
The Baby Grand Piano by Irish crystal company Cashs is the perfect replica of the grand piano, with the first few tones of Beethoven’s Ode To Joy engraved on the note holder. The limited-edition piano resembles the real one down to its finest detail. It has a height of seven inches and length of 9.25 inches. Price:
Rs 87,000
Made by Hungarian glassware company Ajka Crystals, these mouth-blown, hand-cut 24 per cent lead-crystal wine glasses come in a set of six. These glasses, which can be bought in different colours or in a single colour, are made for pouring in gold amber wines. Price:
Rs 54,000 for a set of six
The limited-edition, lead crystal double magnum decanter by world renowned Austrian wineglass company Riedel is free blown with three tuxedo stripes in black-red-black, which follow the contours of the lyka. This 26.75 inches tall decanter can be the pride of any home bar. Price:
Rs 1.14 lakh
Pineapple is considered a symbol of welcome and abundance and that is what this art work by American glassworks company Steuben represents. The complex design of a heavy mouth blown swirled pineapple with its spear like leaves is truly a work of art that can be the highlight of any dining table. Price:
Rs 2.16 lakh
This white panther handmade by the renowned French crystal studio Daum measures 28.75 inches in length and is 12.6 inches tall. The production of the panther also involves kiln-firing it for 10 days. Though in a limited edition, each piece is unique, making it a stunning animal figurine. Price:
Rs 14.82 lakh
Another Buddha by the Liuli Gongfang company of Taiwan depicts droplets falling in a deep and clear pool that a lotus blossoming in it. The crystal glass statue depicts the purity of Buddha in his omnipresent form, spreading his message of peace, harmony and wisdom. Price:
Rs 1.8 lakh
This crystal globe is a result of the creative efforts of the Slovenian crystal company Rogaska’s glass blowers and cutters. The company continues the tradition of old-manual glassmaking skills and is known for its excellent designs like this globe, which would make a great accessory for any work table. Price:
Rs 90,000
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Bling it on
What does New York-based designer Michael Kors have to do with tennis? Lots. Apart from being a great fan of the game, he is also known for producing sleek sportswear with a jet-set attitude. His new neon pink racquet case is proof of his sporty flamboyance. The colourful tennis accessory is monogram-stamped with a canvas shoulder strap, a zip-around top and a discreet Michael Kors tonal logo plate on the front. If you, too, are a budding tennis star, then this is just the accessory to be seen around in the courts. Price:
Rs 9,000
A sedan for your toddler Price:
Rs 2.88 lakh
Toaster with a Midas touch Price:
Rs 96,000
Vintage puff Price: Upwards of
Rs 3,000 per cigar
Switch to this switch Price:
Rs 3,600
Horse around your neck Price:
Rs 30,000
Bed flier Price:
Rs 13.5 lakh
stylish Cover-up Price:
Rs 1.2 lakh
Scent of a woman Price:
Rs 7,325
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These are delicate, and often come with a warning, handle with care, but as far as the popularity of crystal artefacts is concerned, there is no match. Global luxury brands spoil you for choice with the crystal ware they are making
Leading designer Raakesh Agarvwal has a soft spot for faux fur and he feels that nothing is more glamorous in winters than a bit of fur. Being very conscious about using ethical products, he chooses faux fur over the real thing. "Fur is something that goes effortlessly with a saree, a dress, an evening gown and just about everything else. Faux fur has really caught up in the fashion circles and is here to stay. At present, I am doing fur wraps and plan to gradually build up on its use."
International brands such as ONLY, Zara and Marks and Spencer have a policy that ensures that they do not use animal products like leather and fur, making them popular with those who care for animal rights.
Crafted with love
A rich history
Rise and shine
Art to die for
Eternally graceful
Play of light
A classic piece
Inspired by nature
perfect replica
Magic of colours
A bar accessory
Universal appeal
Animal instinct
Symbol of peace
Traditionally beautiful
Give
me red
If you like a life of luxury, so does your toddler. If you own a swank car, your infant, too, deserves one. With that philosophy in mind iconic British sports car maker Aston Martin has collaborated with pram and pushcart manufacturer Silver Cross for the ultimate baby carriage. In a limited release of just 800, the elegant stroller called the Silver Cross Surf — Aston Martin edition is handmade with great care to detail. It creates a luxurious environment for the baby and is fitted with attractive accessories. It features a fully reclining seat and forward and rear-facing settings to allow the baby to rest peacefully or sit up and enjoy the surroundings. The tan leather and the English sheepskin add to the comfort while giving your baby a distinct touch of style.
Give your kitchen a new sparkle with a touch of gold. British kitchen equipment company Dualit has launched the 24 carat gold-plated classic toaster, which can take up to four bread slices at a time, and even includes special settings for bagels and frozen slices and features a removable crumb tray. The hand-fitted toaster comprises an amazing 168 components, which take two days to assemble. So go ahead and bring home this toaster that will make bread taste like a million bucks.
Those who enjoy a drink are aware that wine is known by its vintage. But cigars are a different puff altogether. Right. No, wrong. Swiss tobacco company Davidoff has launched limited edition cigars made from tobacco harvested in 2002 and aged for 12 years. These cigars are named Oro Blanco (white gold) — a play on the two colours Davidoff is famous for: gold text on signature white bands. The company says that the new cigar is made from tobacco grown in the richest soils of the Dominican Republic where three rivers meet and will be a connoisseur’s ultimate delight from the very first puff.
It’s a light switch for the smart home. The Avi-On switch is an answer to the people who find it a chore to call the electrician to relocate a switch in the home. It involves possible breakages and re-wiring and can be both time-consuming and expensive. That is where this wonder new device comes in. The switch is wireless and can be moved around. Just stick it anywhere, pair it with bluetooth on your smartphone and light up your entire home in seconds. It has a range of 100 feet with a three-year battery life and is as close as a switch can be to a remote saving you the hassle of reaching out to turn lights and fans on or off.
A scarf is the perfect outerwear accompaniment that can add pizzaz to any outfit from the little black dress to a business suit or to your favourite shirt and jeans. And if it happens to be the famous Hermès horse-patterned scarf, then your style quotient goes up several more notches. The latest from Hermès is ‘a cheval sur mon carré,’ which means a horse on my scarf. The fashion house has launched a limited edition version of its iconic silk scarf to woo its clients as well as to support welfare of the horses. The 90 cm blue silk scarf, which brilliantly bears the silhouette of a horse and is in a limited edition of 300, will help you get high on style while supporting the cause of horses. 
For those who like long-distance air travel, the cowling bed is just what the doctor ordered for a good night’s sleep. The extravagant luxury bed is made by cutting the engine nacelle of a 747 jet in half to form the rounded foot and headboard. The bed made by American company MotoArt that specialises in furniture made from components of old planes, has combined an 84-inch round mattress for a perfect fit. The complete circumference of the bed is lit from below with programmable LED units to gently put you to sleep and dream of flying away to distant destinations.
If you are lucky enough to own a high-end smartphone, then consider flaunting it in a stylish case. Luxury brand Gresso has introduced a smart titanium case, exclusively for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. Though the case is extremely elegant, many suspect that it has been launched to ensure that the mobile does not bend in your pocket after rumours suggesting this flaw in the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. The case is made from a single piece of titanium that has undergone nine hours of milling and four hours of manual polishing. If you, too, suspect that the iPhone 6 has a tendency to deform, then protect it with this case. Though it may cost almost three times the price of phone, it may be worth it.
Italian luxury fashion house Salvatore Ferragamo, which is quintessentially known around the world for its shoes and leather goods, has now added another dimension to its repertoire — perfume. It recently debuted with the Signorina Eleganza Eau de Parfum, a luxurious fragrance that celebrates feminine grace and seduction. Its chic bottle with a Vara bow has been created by skilled Italian artisans. The Eleganza logo in embossed gold adds an extra touch of excellence to a perfume that leaves a luscious and lingering scent on the skin.