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How green is my apparel
Brands. Fashion. Labels. Aren't they all about fluff, frivolity and frills? The indulgence of the nouveau riche, an evidence of capitalist wealth and an epitome of consumerism-driven lives? Well, the answer is no, even for those who belong to the brand-bashing club. For, true labels are pioneers who try and make a difference. Let's look at the trendsetters. Guess, the luxury brand, came up with a collection called 'Guess Green' that featured four eco-friendly styles. We believe that fashion, just like beauty, needs to be skin deep. That's why we talked to a few city stores to find out how socially responsible are their brands. Let's judge.
Tommy Hilfiger-17, associated with high fashion, is quite a regular with eco-friendly collections. Says, Pramod Singh Negi, the store manager, "Right now, we have caps available that are made out of recycled material. Last season, we had accessories, like hand gloves made out or recycled material." The tags mention the fact, lest it be considered run of the mill. And no, they aren't the solo case. Annu Sharma, the in charge, United Colours of Bennetton-17, says, "Not just the processes, but most of our collections itself are made of eco-friendly materials, like cotton, linen. And our processes have been the same throughout, everywhere and over the years."
Are consumers aware of the green worthiness of the products? Adds Pramod, "Some of them certainly are, but not most of them." Time to read label literature instead of wash-care instructions! Social Responsibility need not stop at just being green and eco-friendly. Likewise, it's not restricted to clothing brands only. Innovations abound. Mont Blanc-17 has been doing its bit on fronts apart from fashion. As Gulveen Khara, business development and corporate sales, Mont Blanc, says, "We make periodical donations to UNICEF and promote artists through various ways." Who had thought being fashionable could be this altruistic? It's not easy being a true snob. Next time, let your fashion reek of superiority of another kind, and let it be any colour, yellow, black, maroon as long as it's green. Lastly, don't forget to flaunt it! Ahimsa silks & soya fabrics When it comes to making a classy statement, green is the new black. Think recycling, think eco-friendly, be a conscientious shopper. Here's list of the designers who worked on such collections. Deepika Govind: Her spring/summer 2008 collection themed 'Send My Roots Rain,' had everything that goes into a designer collection except it was made from green textiles like bamboo. Lycra, ahimsa silk and soya bean fabric! Anita Dongre: The designer once collaborated with Natural Dyes, an NGO, that produces vegetable dyes. For her Spring Summer 08 collection she used a biodegradable fabric called cellulose. Dev R Nil: Designers Dev R Nil's collection was made of organic cotton, created without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilisers.
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Eco wraptures
Gift pieces are already a been-there-done-that phenomenon, sweets are the most done thing and chocolates too (even though irresistible) are just not done. When it comes to Divali gifts, everything is a done-to-death item. Yawn!… Well, think big and think beyond. This festival, let your different mindset do the talking.
We're sure you haven't done your Divali shopping by now. And no, we did not provide you with an exhaustive list. Go ahead, explore and buy them. |
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Picks & piques Bringing a novel, and that too a bestseller, to the silver screen is a tricky assignment. If you get it right, the huge fan base of the book will automatically translate into your audience, embracing your creativity. But if you falter, the same bunch will be the first one to go ballistic against you. In this case, the big adaptation gamble hasn't paid off for actor-turned-director Atul Agnihotri, who wanted his second directorial outing to be zara hatke. While Chetan Bhagat's One Night @ Call Centre is definitely cinematic - it has all the bearings of an endearing drama - its celluloid translation Hello fails to strike a chord. Like the novel, the film details events that happen at a call centre on one night. Shyam (Sharman Joshi) aka Sam is a wannabe team leader who is struggling to fix things in his professional and personal domain. He desperately needs a promotion to woo back his girlfriend-cum-colleague Priyanka (Gul Panag) whose mother's (Bharti Achrekar) only dream is to see her married to a rich NRI. The other call agents are- Varun, alias Vroom (Sohail Khan) who has taste for good things in life. He has the hots for Esha (Isha Koppikar), an aspiring model, who is waiting for her mega break. Then there is a hassled wife Radhika (Amrita Arora) who is trying to put up a brave front to her husband's (Arbaaz Khan) neglect and mom-in-law's stingy remarks. Military Uncle (Sharat Saxena), who pines for the company of his grandson, completes the team. Apart from their erratic schedules, what binds these half-a-dozen night crawlers is the hatred for their boss, Bakshi (Dilip Tahil). Already fighting their individual battles, the rightsizing news by the company comes as a collective blow to the bunch that lands up in a bar to shake off their blues. However, their emotional crises turn physical when they meet with an accident and it takes a divine intervention (in this case a phone call from the Almighty) to resolve them. Enlightened and equipped with four-fold formula, these six people come out and change their world for better - Bakshi is fired, the rightsizing move is deferred and life starts looking bright for the group. The problem with Hello is that it is strikingly pale in comparison to the book. A tacky script, credited to Agnihotri and Bhagat, fails to capture the finer nuances of the writing in the novel. The movie has a clumsy start with the director taking too long, almost the entire first half, to establish the characters. Also, the characterisation is shallow, unlike the book. (No agent uses accent, an essential call centre phenomenon while taking calls). The plot gathers some pace post interval but dwindles again in the climax, where the things are hurriedly wrapped up. Though the film has liberal doses of glamour - colourful club numbers, a Titanic-type cab lovemaking scene - it doesn't do much to uplift its fate. Sohail and Sharman deliver a good performance, while Dilip Tahil and Sharat Saxena are ordinary. Out of the leading ladies, Gul Panag shines. She looks gorgeous, in fact better than the aspiring model Isha Kopikar. Amrita Arora is okay while Arbaaz as her husband makes a very brief appearance. The flick has its moments of laughter with Shyam's alter ego 'apna chota sa devil', the rap singing systems guy and '35 = 10 rule', a comment on American 'dumbness' for they can't even use the home appliances without agents' help. For Sallu fans, here’s a warning. Don't get misled by promos and billboards that tend to show him as a protagonist. He is just there for 10 minutes, including a bare-chested introductory item number. Score by Sajid Wajid is average with Bang Bang being a lone peppy number. Overall, Hello fails to create the spark. mona@tribunemail.com
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Diesel drama drags
Mona
Inspired by a French novel Babylon Babies by Maurice Georges Dantec, Babylon is an implausible attempt of director Mathieu Kassovitz (remember Gothika) to create a metaphysical vision that goes awry. The scene opens on a rainy day with a mercenary Toroop (Vin Diesel) being hired by a mobster Gorsky (Gerard Depardien) to deliver a 'payload' from Russia to New York. Toroop drops at a convent to collect his flesh and blood consignment - Aurora (Melanie Thierry). The 'gifted' girl has a kung-fu nun Sister Rebecca (Michelle Yeoh) as her protector. Together the trio embarks on a voyage, traversing cold mountains, nuclear-wasted cities and deep waters to reach their final destination. Along the way, they also knock off the mercenaries sent by Aurora's supposedly dead father Dr. Arthur (Lambert Wilson). Once in New York, Toroop changes his mind and refuses to hand over Aurora. He is executed but thanks to cybernetics is revived to locate Aurora who is magically pregnant. She delivers twins and before dying entrusts their responsibility to Toroop. What's unusual is the religious angle to this futuristic thriller. All the mumbo jumbo about virgin birth and the subsequent spiritual nonsense baffles the viewer. Also, attempts to explain the 'aura' of Aurora and why people are after her, is done late and in an incoherent manner, which only adds to the confusion. On the better side, visuals are slick. The futuristic vision has come out well, especially the dark New York of tomorrow looks convincing. Though not specified it's an age of cloned Tigers (they got extinct by then), cloned human embryos with artificial intelligence, paper version of Google earth and cabs with electronic advertisements where Coca Cola still exists. When Vin Diesel is around action is never going to be problem. Like his earlier films, Babylon has a generous dosage of breath-taking sequences and chases. (The train bombing and a snowball chase in Bering Strait are purely edge-of-the seat stuff). Diesel plays his part sincerely. His elaboare tatoo stands out on his chiselled body. Mélanie Thierry looks 'A' buts acts 'B'. Michelle Yeoh doesn't have much to do. The director Kassovitz furious over multiple 'editing mutilations' by the 20th Century Fox executives has publicly disowned the project.
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Mock tales Time and again we are being fed to a fresh dose of the same medicine in the name of reality shows. Read BiggBoss2, Indian Idol 4, Roadies 6.0, and the upcoming Nach Baliye 4! Proving themselves to be a necessary evil, just like chocolates and men, season after season they glue people to the television screen and in the name of change they give us a new judge every new season. Since the credit for introducing reality TV to Indian television goes to Kaun Banega Crorepati, it was also the first to start the trend of getting a 'face' lift with SRK replacing Big B as the host of its third season. Then it was Indian idol’s turn to go for a makeover, they did so by replacing the trio of Anu Malik, Farha Khan and Sonu Nigam with Udit Narayan, Javed Akhtar and Alisha Chinoy for its Indian Idol 3. And now for season-4, they have added actor Sonali Bendre and singer Kailash Kher. a ritual of sorts, the producers rope in new names at the judging table for a new innings (or may be the previous ones were afraid of losing their mind and backed out). Add to this Nach Baliye-4, they will have yet another set of judges, just like their previous three outings. Seems like the show has had equal number of judges as its contestants. First it was Saroj Khan, Farhan Akhtar, later replaced by Kunal Kohli and Malaika Arora Khan. It went for a complete transformation in its third outing with Vaibahvi Merchant, David Dhawan and Isha Kopikar. Now the fourth season has another set of judges, one being Karisma Kapoor (remember the oomph factor). And while all the talent-hunting is being done, its the nonk-jhonk between the judges that makes for the sizzling effect (watch out for Anu Malik in Indian Idol-4, he makes you believe it's a talent hunt for WWE). Another important question that arises is - what is their criteria for judging? Some of them are remotely related to the subject of the show, and others while giving their adbhut or mindblowing comments, forget to mention the part of the performance. Well, love it or hate it, but the fact is that reality show is as much about the judges as it is about the contestants. And not to forget, how we turn into judges on our own every time we watch somebody perform in front of the boobtube. lifestyle@tribunemail.com
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Pen pricks
Kanda is a known name in the punjabi literary circle, with his regular column under the title of Kande da Kanda in which he talked about the social, economic and political incongruities of today. “Even my stories deals with day-to-day issues that a common man has to face. Be it corruption, female feoticide, the red-tapism or the communal disturbances,” he says. The guest of honour on the occasion was Mohan Bhandari, who is also a known writer and novelist. Speaking on Kanda’s work, he said, “ Kande boun wale tan bahut ne, par kande kadan wala koi chahida (there are so many who are ready to sow the thorns but we need someone who can root them out). The book showcases incidents from our daily life and brings forth the hollowness of our characters.” The stories are written in satirical form and have a tinge of sarcasm in its impact. Talking about his book, Kanda further added, “ this is a period of literary revolution and with my small contribution I want to create awareness and raise the public conscience. One must feel a part of the event being described in my book.” He further adds, “The book tries to do justice to the phrase that good things come in small packages, some stories are just two paragraph long but make a lasting impression.”
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Bard, bones and books
A noted proponent of Sufi gaiki, celebrated singer Hans Raj Hans, on Saturday released two informative booklets written by Dr. Manuj Wadhwa, senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon, Fortis Hospital, Mohali. The booklets titled Everything you need to know about Knee Replacement Surgery and Know more about osteoarthritis are a virtual treasure trove of information and are expected to be of immense benefit to patients as well as their near and dear ones. “It is normal for a person to have some sort of fears, some worries before any surgery,” said Dr. Wadhwa, “But with medical advancement, knee replacement surgery has become increasingly non-invasive, less painful and with faster recovery rates. The booklet explains how this surgery is especially beneficial to us Indians and suitable for our lifestyle, which requires sitting cross-legged and squatting on the floor. “According to a study, about 7 crore Indians suffer from joint related problems and this incidence is expected to rise The booklet also gives guidelines and precautions one should take to avoid undue wearing away of the joints.” Talking about osteoarthritis, Dr Wadhwa said, “The two most common forms of arthritis—-osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are real mysteries of modern medicine or allopathy. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and the percentage of people who have it grows higher with age. While both men and women have the disease; more men than women have osteoarthritis before age 45. However, after 45 it is more common in women. 40-60 per cent of people above 70 suffer from hip or knee osteoarthritis. This booklet will help everyone in understanding this disease, how to manage it and even how to prevent it.” The booklets will be available at Fortis Hospital. — TNS
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Women in red
Bright red is soothing to the eyes. Well, we know that the calming attribute of red mentioned here will take you some time to imagine as it is, but that is how this intense shade is. Moving away from the conventional connotation, the colour represents peace. Yes, the colour can do that if used to shower praise on women, something this artist from Nasik has done in his paintings. Sanjay K Sable through his work has beautifully shown how a woman is synonymous with peace; as pure as dharma and as soothing as music. Women are thus the theme of his works. “Still, in some parts of India, a girl child is not welcomed in the family and then education is a distant dream for them, marriage follows and then other set of problems but she survives all. More than this I think it is the way they adjust to different situations makes them great,” avers the artist on why he chose women as the theme of his work. A lecturer by profession, his paintings is a mix of figurative and abstract art. And about the colour red he says, “It reflects immense positive energy and renders paintings a very powerful effect which are so similar to women.” He has also compared nature and women depicting in his paintings that both have the power to give birth and compromising with adverse conditions. He has derived inspiration from his surroundings and feels that has given his artwork paintings a realistic touch, “We generally don’t take notice of things that happen around us, thinking that they are just a part of the routine but they at times change the course of our lives”. His painting in which a Karuna Buddha calms down an angry bull is commendable. The exhibition of his paintings will be on till October 31 at a gallery in Industrial Area.
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European art, Indian strokes
Here’s another art treat for city art lovers. Reeva Guron brings to town Renaissance, an exhibition-cum-sale of her collection of replicas of well-known painters sourced from the leading museums and art galleries. “The collection features works of famous European painters like Fernan Tou Ssaint, Raymond Campell and Clive Madgwick. It’s an oil on canvas collection that includes landscapes and portraits,” says Reeva. Though not her first outing in the city, it’s the first time her collection is being displayed in the art gallery. These paintings are made on order by artists from Delhi, Bangalore and even the students of Art College-10 in city. The new additions this time are the black and white paintings in oil on canvas. Says Reeva, who is into art collection business for past four years, “ These paintings take three to four weeks for completion. It all depends on the choice and demand of the customer as they are made on order.” The collection has 37 paintings and range between Rs.1600 to Rs.11000. the priceist of them all being the replica of ‘A Quiet Afternoon’, made by french artist Fernan Tou Ssaint. So all ye art collectors and lovers who want something different for the festive season can binge on the art feast.
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The Transporter
Sreedhara Bhasin The rickshawallas are considered a common target for collective cursing. In many well-furnished drawing rooms of the city, I have heard innovative invectives that are meant for the rickshawallas – who are mostly considered ‘outsiders’ by our city folks. We curse them for blocking traffic, for flagrantly disobeying traffic rules and for ‘incorrect’ attitude and lifestyle. However, a close look at the city roads would tell a different story – the rickshawalla is a part of the city almost as much as the railway station is. They are the leaders when it comes to transporting a huge variety of objects across the city streets. On the one side, I see Compaq desktops being peddled across Madhya Marg by rickshawallas and on the other side, I see them transporting study tables, harmoniums, airconditioners and water coolers. Sometimes, it is the gas cylinder in tight embrace of an errand boy. The other day, I followed a rickshaw carrying cages of cackling chickens – their feathers flying around in air and sticking to the windshield of all the cars around in an abstract art form. I thought aptly – art would end when tandoori begins. Rickshaws carry flower bouquets and sometimes, birthday cakes. Last year, I chuckled at the sight of a rickshawalla carrying tonnes of Valentine teddy bears and plastic roses. A brilliant mix of ingenous western capitalism and cheap transportation. Of course, they carry people – sometimes many more in one vehicle than it seems plausible. Kids sit at the back, their limbs sticking out of the gaps like sails of a windmill. No seatbelts to crush there freshly pressed kurtis and no delay at red lights. I have often thought of them as the best navigators in unfamiliar sectors. If you are lost and looking for house no 513 in a sector you don’t know well, ask the first rickshawalla who sails by. They almost always know and some of them have offered me such copious directions in the past that I knew about the location of the local dentist, Verka booth, Ramlila ground and sarkari dispensary when I left the area. The recent rains have been good for them. The other day, I saw a boy sitting in a rickshaw, in his arms he clutched a small dog that was trembling in fear. We were at a traffic stop and they were right next to me. Apparently, the boy was taking his dog to the local vet. The rickshawalla was chatting with the boy and trying to determine the condition that afflicted the dog. Then it started to drizzle forcefully. The dog became more fidgety and alarmed. The rikshawalla took out a large rag from under his seat, folded it with great precision and wrapped it around the small and shivering body of the dog. Charity is sweet – even in a rickshaw.
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Popstar Mariah Carey recently organised a birthday bash for husband Nick Cannon, and partied with her man till wee hours. Although the couple turned up late at the birthday bash, but made up for it immediately when Cannon took up the DJ booth in order to spin some tunes to entertain his guests. Everybody could be seen having a gala time at the party, which continued till late. While Cannon continued with his DJ act, Carey seated herself at the VIP table next to the DJ booth and sipped white wine while chatting with her mother in law, reports The Sun. She looked happy and at peace with herself, while with her hubby and family. Cannon also took time off from the DJ booth and appreciated his wife's gesture and gave a "shout out to my beautiful wife in the building". The couple, who got married in the Bahamas in April, were in the gambling capital to shoot a video for the singer's new single. — ANI
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TAROT TALK Aries: You draw Hierophant. Being open and liberal would serve to your advantage.The combination of Moon and Venus indicates strong and good health. Lucky Colour: Crimson. Astro Tip: You will be happier if you retain the fruit of your hard work. TAURUS: Your card The Prince of Wands reveals relationships with family members would be the focus of this week. However, you would need to concentrate on what you want from life and then, act accordingly. Some of you may indulge or pamper your child and as a result, spend quite a bit. Lucky Colour: Creamy white. Tip: Take responsibility for your own actions. GEMINI: The Temperance card says many of you may not feel very controlling or aggressive at this point of time. As a result, you would seek moments of peacefulness and simply do nothing. Lucky Colour: Brown. Tip: Listen carefully to words of wisdom even if you do not relish. CANCER: You are swift & strong like The Knight Of Wands. At work, your hard work would be paying off and you would receive appreciation and acknowledgment. If looking for a job change, research the market and then, start applying. Lucky Colour: Rose. Tip: Balance in all aspects is recommended. LEO: You draw Two of Wands so take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way. For professionals and business people, changes and adjustments may have to be made in the methods of working. If you have children, spend time with them and nurture their talents and skills. Lucky Colour: Crimson. Tip: You gain by being practical; don't be emotional. VIRGO: The Princes of Cups shows both at home and at work, you would defy authority to stand up for your convections, values and beliefs. You would be quite daring and strong, however, refrain from doing anything that could have negative consequences. Lucky Colour: Emerald green. Tip: Emphasise on spiritual needs. LIBRA: The Queen of Cups infuses trust and friendship. Work would be hectic and tough for most, so try and relax over the weekend. Business people may come up with some innovative and profitable ideas to expand/ promote their products. Lucky Colour: Sky blue. Tip: Do not divest assets or transact in uncertain matters. SCORPIO: Three of Pentacles reveals many of you may contemplate creating financial security for yourself and your family. Relationships could be unpredictable and you may not be sure of a particular friendship. Use the weekend to reflect on recent events and your learning from them. Lucky Colour: Citric green. Tip: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions. SAGITTARIUS: The Star promises name, fame & recognition. Spending on family members may go up, and you may have to revise your budget. Traveling is also, on the cards. Lucky Colour: Fiery reds. Tip: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. CAPRICORN: The Three of Coins says nothing comes easily, so you would have to overcome hurdles such as jealousy, rivalry, gossip and the like. However, if you stay calm and patient, things would eventually smoothen out. Lucky Colour: Black. Tip: Set the unpleasant set of events into motion. AQUARIUS: Seven Golden Cups creates a sense of hope. Avoid putting in money into speculative ventures and start planning to take care of tax concerns. Some of you may be bothered by aches and pains caused due to stress and overwork. Lucky Colour: White. Tip: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends. PISCES: The Empress takes you towards the fast and protective lane. There would be a lot of attention in store for you on Tuesday. Colleagues awould be in a co-operative. Lucky Colour: Chocolate brown. Tip: Must learn to accept responsibility for self and others.
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Nowhere has it been written in any rulebook that unconventional pieces can't be gifted. This season let your gifts be green in colour and spirit. For those who wanna give their loved ones eco-friendly items, in the city galore. At Ebony-9, there are little tiny attractive pieces that have a green credit to them. Right from pin-boards (which has been made using cow dung and recycled material) to tiny dustbins to pencil holders, they no way compromise on appeal-factor. Mohan Singh, at
Ebony, says, "We are about to receive various 
The beefy bald hunk is back, and this time to save the world from a bleak future. But the Diesel-powered futuristic sci-fi thriller Babylon AD fails to gather steam right from the beginning, thanks to a crude, unfocussed narrative and some mangled editing.
In this age of thinking big but acting small, a minute idea can make a big impact. So believes Amriq Singh Kanda, a columnist and Punjabi writer who released his book, A Thorny Path, a compilation of short stories in association with the Lekhak Sabha, Moga. “ It is a translated version of my earlier work Kande Da Kanda in Punjabi. The translation has been done by Angrez Singh, and took us four to five months to create the same impact with its English version,” said the writer.
SleepZone has come up with its latest and technologically equipped mattress range title ‘Gem’ which signifies firmness. They have come up with a range of mattresses which include Pearl, Crystal and Sapphire. This range of mattress comes in different sizes ranging from 125mm in height to 250mm.
