The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

CULTURE

GLITZ & GLAMOUR
Compassion in Fashion
Smriti Kak

There are no causes for creativity, but when creativity comes to the aid of a cause, it could well be the ‘Fashion’s Finest Hour’. As many as 150 designs, 33 designers and a single price are what it takes to launch a crusade called, ‘Compassion in Fashion’.

After the resounding success of an art show, the People for Animals (PFA) is ready with a charity exhibition, for animal welfare, with leading designers presenting a collection that has been drawn to garner support for animals.

“All the 150 designs have one basic price unlike the designer garbs that are expensive. We are hoping for a sell out, because these clothes that are exquisite are also priced to suit the pockets of the common man”, said Ambika Shukla of the PFA.

The exhibition, which will be held at the Hotel Intercontinental, from August 15 to 17, is an exclusive collection of fashion T-shirts designed by India’s top designers, each of whom has contributed a set of five designs reflecting the very best of their craft.

“The designers have been very supportive, generous and allayed all our fears of working with designers. Each one has come up with stuff, which is aesthetic and innovative”, said Ambika.

She recounted, “JJ Valaya has done these shirts with themes like attitude redefined with a picture of two animals, Malini Ramani has done animal sequins, Bal’s collection has cartoons, which are a take off on the absurd demands placed with the designer”.

While the clothes have been designed by the designers, the PFA has done the processing work. “The designers shaped what the clothes will look like, but we got the fabrics and got them ready”, said Shukla explaining the affordable price tags.

Among the designers who have lent their mettle to the cause are Manish Malhotra, Ritu Beri, Jattinn Kochhar, Geetanjali Kashyap, Manish Arora, Ravi Bajaj, Ranna Gill, Kavita Bhartiya, Satya Paul, Sonam Dubal, Nikhil & Shantanu, Nandita Basu and Mandira Wirk.

“We have worked with designers like Ritu and Rohit in the past too, but it for the first time the designers as a community are doing something for the cause of animals”, pointed out Ambika.

While most designers are unanimous in their love for the animals and decision to participate in the cause, there are some who intend to take their commitment further. Designer Ravi Bajaj said, “ I intend to continue my association with PFA beyond this show and either start or sponsor my own animal ambulance for sick and injured creatures”.

For Rohit Bal, who began his cause by saying no to leather, “ T-shirts are a great way to spread a message. I want mine to say that it isn’t cool to be cruel”.

Take care of skin and those tresses in monsoon

While monsoons mean a pleasant weather and respite from the sultry summers, one would need a special skin and hair care regimen to enjoy this weather.

“During the monsoon the skin has to fight side effects of humidity. Cleansing, moisturising and protection twice a day will go a long way in keeping the skin healthy”, says cosmetologist Avleen Khokhar.

The rainy season could also cause hair disorders. “Because of humidity, the hair swells up and this results in drying and dullness. One should use a mild conditioner and use a good shampoo”.

Cleansing, conditioning and proper diet is what experts recommend for hair care during this season. “Drink the right stuff, cut down on tea, coffee, add water and juices, take a protein rich diet. Avoid tying hair too tightly and brush gently”, says Avleen. A few of her home treatments for hair care are:

Mix two portions of shikakai powder, one portion of green grams and half portion of methi seeds with the white of an egg and use it as a shampoo.

Mix a tablespoon of malt vinegar with water and add a pinch of salt. Rub it on the scalp and rinse with water, it adds sheen to the hair.

For oily hair, mix henna with two tablespoons of yoghurt and a pinch of salt. Apply on hair and leave it for 20 minutes. Rinse with water. For those with dry hair instead of yoghurt use oil and warm milk.

While detergent based shampoos harm the pH balance of the scalp, oil should not be used unless the cleansing routine leaves one’s hair extremely dry. One needs to regularly massage the scalp to stimulate blood and lymph circulation to enhance hair growth, says the cosmetologist.

Prepare for D-day

The Capital will play host to an exhibition that will help the prospective brides and grooms to prepare for the D-day. Titled the ‘Celebrating Vivah 2003’, the exhibition is being organised by the magazine of the same name.

The two-day event will be organised from August 8 to 10 at the Taj Palace Hotel and will provide a platform to various stakeholders.

According to the organisers, “today, weddings are turning into a business proposition for many. For instance, wedding planners, jewellery designers, trousseau packaging companies see this segment as a booming market”.

They are quick to add, “the exhibition caters to the elite segment of the society, which is willing to pay the price to make the most important event of their lives memorable”.

Elle 18 and Barista’s coffee collection

Coffeeholics! If there are any, have reason to rejoice. Barista and Elle 18 have decided to give the girls an overdose of coffee. Elle 18 have launched a collection of lipsticks called the ‘Coffee Collection’ inspired by the, “ spirited espresso, scintillating cappuccinos, mischievous mochas and mellow lattes” of Barista.

These flavours er… shades are available for the nails as well.

New look for kids

West side has decided to woo children. They have come up with three new looks for the kids this summer. For the girls there are frills and flounces as also exquisite little numbers for dressing up.

Tomboys can choose from stappy tops matched with short skirt, capris and hipsters that scream attitude wild t-shirts for wanna be studs. The clothes are available in a range of bright colours.