|
|
|
|
|
iDream online
Want to get famous, audition for a reality show. For Gen Y, this is one thing that works, really works. If struggle was the formula for success, then we just got smarter. Thanks to the web portal and online contests, the ambitious lot and even the ones who never took themselves seriously, have found a new platform to explore their possibilities and enjoy their fifteen minutes of fame, some even extending their bit.
Balmeet Gurm, an aspiring model sometime back, had things taking a 360-degree turn when he decided to upload his pictures on social networking site ibibo.com. This hunk from Ludhiana won the online initiative iHunk, beating 60,000 competitors. And the rest was history, "My life is not the same now, it's even better. I recently shot a portfolio with Subi Samuel and signed a contract with Elite management, one of India's top model management firms," says the guy who walked the ramp for top designers like Samar Chauhan, Rahul/Gunjan at Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week. "Though I was confident of my win, but this has opened new doors for me in a big way,' he adds. And boy it has already; he has done a show with NDTV Good Times and has offers in the pipeline, a prospective shoot for M magazine and big brands lined up. "Besides adding to my profile, it has served the need for quality work. I no more have to struggle and settle for anything less," he says. Another online star on the block is Megha Ghosh, a five-year law student from the Army Institute of Law. Winning ibibo's iVideostar took her hobby to a whole new level. "Dancing was something I always enjoyed, but now it is also something that I am recognized with," she says. The young dancing queen shot a video with celebrated choreographers Bosco and Caeser. While both have their priorities in place (read completing their studies), this chance encounter with fame online has been a positive influence. "It is a good platform for those who want to take it up professionally. Being judged by an elite panel and working with the best in the industry adds to your profile and confidence," says Megha. Balmeet agrees, "The whole experience happened by chance but helped me channelise my efforts and share a common platform with the who's who of the industry." Here's somebody whose creativity and thoughts got equal share of fame as him. Ankur Kapoor, a visual effects student at Framebox-34 has a long history with online way of things. In his one-and-a-half year of moviemaking, this amateur filmmaker has won various online competitions, the most recent being a contest by Cisco. "I uploaded a short film about the use of technology in our life at the Filmaker.com, which is an amateur film-making website and it went on to win the brand choice award," he says. His movies have been a part of the 'I am the change' film festival last year and also featured in Zee Studio's Get Shorty. He is addicted to his online success now. This brings us to an obvious comparison---is the online version of reality hunt better than the dozen small-screen copies? "It is not easy to get noticed on television, so online portals are a way out for youngsters who got talent. You perform there and you move on," says the guy who was awarded Platinum achiever at the annual Frame flick awards. "Online portals may not enjoy a massive reach, but they do give you an easy and quick claim to fame," says Megha. "It's not like you walk on road and people recognize you, but your ultimate aim of living your dream comes true,' she adds. Though Vivek Bahl, VP, operations, ibibo.com, has an explanation, "A lot of things on TV are stage managed, but online, the authenticity and genuineness remains as you are being judged on your talent only. For a person who is struggling for five years to find a platform can get recognition and work with a Daboo Ratnani or Subi Samuel, by just uploading his talent." He brings out he case of Pankaj Sharma, a tea-stall owner from Jalandhar, who uploaded his picures on ibibo just out of aspiration and caught the eye of an elite team of fashion photographers. He recently did a photo shoot with some of the upcoming models in Delhi. Luck by chance, we say! lifestyle@tribunemail.com |
|
Ravishing models walked on the ramp showcasing the exclusive works of fashion designers during a jewellery fashion extravaganza here on May 10. The fashion designers whose designs were sashayed by models on the ramp were Chirag Doshi, Sagar Mehra, Poonam Bajaj and Kamaal Dixit. According to Doshi, with the accolade of the most creative designer of the year, the USP of the show is that jewellery showcased here were not expensive and young girls could wear and adore them as they are light and easily wearable, says an ANI report."In the event, we are emphasising on jewellery only. How jewellery should be for the young fashion? What are the latest trends in jewellery? Most importantly, how one can pair jewellery with different outfits?" said Doshi. The show was choreographed by Viveka Babajee. Several top models like Nethra Raghuraman, Tina Chatwal, Krishna Somani and others sizzled on the ramp with exquisite jewellery and clothes designs."Apart from that, clothes were very beautiful of every designer. The jewellery was simple and yet elegant. More of my kind of jewellery," said Nethra Raghuraman. When asked about her favourite jewellery, she replied with a smile, "I am not a jewellery person. But still if you want to know, I like silver, platinum and diamonds."
|
|
One fine summer
As you like it. Laze around, wile away, loiter about, yawn, snooze, hibernate, lounge, recline and just be; what are summers for? Or do an internship, develop extra skills, learn new techniques, study for that prestigious school, utilise time, capitalise, exploit; what are summers for? Summers, two months, sixty days, countless ways, to spend them, we mean. Catching some youngsters from tricity who have uplifting holiday ideas, neither too idle nor to uptight and just about right.
"I wake up late, by the time I'm up and about it's almost time to get ready and go for my golf sessions," declares Nanki Aurora, Class XII student from Vivek High School. The gal's awaiting results but not quite literally staring into clock. "I have joined a EGTF junior golf program. I learnt golf for a while around five years ago, then left completely. So, now again I thought of taking it up." It's hitting some balls and learning the grip, aim, alignment, posture, chipping, pitching, sand play, putting (breathless!) for the girl over next couple of months. Did you notice? Summer job, or the other extreme, sleeping and eating doesn't figure in her or any of the youngsters' checklist. Anshul Malhan, from DAV-15, would rather do during summers what he's been doing for the past six years. Play tennis. Not even cricket? "I was brought up in Kuwait, there I only played football or tennis and that's what I'm going to be doing during these summer vacations of mine." Pukhraj Singh Jeji, despite shuttling between medical tutions at breakneck speed doesn’t forget to meander towards riding school, “I’m especially in love with my six year old horse. As for summers, they are perfect for pursuing interests.” Not laze around? Surbhi Suri from Carmel Convent questions, "How much can you laze around?" while listing the itinerary for her Manali camp. She can't wait for the weeklong camping schedule with the Negi Sports Wilderness Course to begin. "It's much more fun this way, otherwise if you go on vacations, it gets very sophisticated like staying in hotels and everything. But while camping, just tent, stars, nothing else, it's adventurous." Yeah…that's all right, but what about the utilizing time, tuitons et al argument? "Doing a summer job might be a good idea in terms of experience and other things but that's not really my cup of tea," says Nanki. She adds, "I've just given my 12th boards, prepared so hard for them I just want to wind down now." She's got company. "Even if I have to do something, at the max, it would be joining a computer programming course alongside," chips in Anshul. Adventure-junky Surbhi's got a different take, "Jobs are a good idea to gain some experience but they are useful later when you are actually at the juncture of choosing a career and exploring an industry." Spot on! As for now, hurray! It's holiday. manpriya@tribunemail.com
|
|
Show me the money, honey!
Sometimes it takes a lifetime for a lot like love to happen, but who wants to wait that long? If it's not love, then anything less than love will do, and for that some are ready to pay a heavy price, with a smile. Money can't buy love, we know that, but it can sure buy the attention of your current 'area of interest'. Dating, the most common and innovative tool to start the process has become a luxury now. How? By a dose of extravagance, or let's say impressionable amount of labour that goes into wooing the 'target'. The question- for love or for money, becomes a statement, for love, more money. Or so believe these youngsters from the city.
Shares Ankush Arora, a 19-year-old fashion journalist, doesn't believe in any specifics when it comes to making his date feel 'special'. "Dating in city is not heavy on pocket, usually my dates cost me anything between Rs. 2000 to 3000. Also, as long as it's about having fun, who cares about the money," he says. Some attitude, but how far has he gone to have fun on his date? "Last year, I drove up to Delhi to surprise my girlfriend on her 18th birthday. I got her 18 luxurious gifts, the most expensive of the cakes in Delhi and then took her out for dinner at a five-star," he boasts. The toll on his pocket was almost over 70,000 bucks, and the icing on the cake was, "We broke up after a week." Well, some consolation came by the way of a return gift, a Mont Blanc watch. But that didn't shake his faith in love and his so called 'fun dates'. Another on the list, Sahil Shandilya aka Apple, owner of an event management company in Mohali, feels that your budget depends on your date, "Usually people don't spend much on first dates as it is all about knowing each other first." But that didn't stop the guy splurging Rs. 35,000 for that 'special someone'. "The date included fancy gifts, an expensive dinner and clubbing at the most happening of places," he says. Now, that he is committed to the girl he invested his time and money on, he adds, "It's worth it." Now, we know that there is huge money involved in the whole dating business, what makes to the expenditure list? Let's here it from the horse's mouth, "Flowers always work, gifts like some nice piece of jewellery, music and dinner are mandatory," says Sahil Walia, a businessman. And the one time he made someone feel that special; it cost him almost over 20,000 bucks. Even with all the women liberation and gender equality slogans by the side, the gentleman pays funda still works when it comes to dating. "Most times it's the guy who asks a girl out, so you have certain expectations of being made to feel special. But for a girl, it's the chivalry and his attitude that works and not the money. It's not about showing your wallet but showing your love," says Neha Sharma, a grooming expert with Kingfisher. Sure, we agree (the bias shows, right). And if you feel that men are the victims here, here's a newsflash. They are not complaining. "You know after a while if the girl is interested in you or your money. So, you don't spend on every girl under the sun, it's only for the one." Feels Sahil Walia. And the others share the opinion. "The idea can be as simple as balloons and cake inside your car boot and her favorite music in the background," Ankush sums it up. |
|
Jewels in the crown
We ask some of the young jewellery designers across the country for their expert opinion. This timely guide tells you what should you be looking out for if you’re buying, designing or making jewellery this season. Bold patterns, which was popular in 2008, will remain a hit. Be it tribal jewellery, handcrafted jewellery or big geometric designs, big is indeed beautiful. Go for contrasting colours for your clothes and jewellery. Innovate, mix and match existing inventory with different ensembles. Mixing bold outfits with bold jewellery is one of the key jewellery trends of the year. “Antique styles with an old world charm will be favoured which could mean a fusion of jadau style with a modernised addition. So you can have a polkhi diamond necklace for instance with a large detachable stone studded pendant clustered with rose-cut diamonds. A recession-friendly version could be a choker in Victorian style with lots of filigree (jaali) work,” says Kriti Soni, director, Poonam Soni Signature Line, Mumbai. Organic forms, inspired by nature’s immense beauty like flowers, leaves and butterflies, continue to mesmerise us and embody the feel of spring and summer. Flaunt your flora and fauna. Emphasise on statement earrings and bracelets as they can be worn individually or as a part of an ensemble set. One needn’t invest in large sets, which usually fill up the bank lockers. Rather invest in pieces that can easily be mixed and matched to complement your look. “Cocktail rings immersed in the colours of the season are here to stay,” feels De Beer’s winner Chaitali Menda. This Mumbai-based product development head of Lakhi Group, feels that one must experiment with colours. Pave-set stones in mutli-colours is the look of the season. Semi-precious stones are not expensive and you can achieve a big look which is not tough on the budget.” Cool yellows, greens and turquoise will be the colours of the season. Finally you can also bank on classic black and white to capture the timeless elegant look. This could be in the form of black and white diamonds or finishes like black rhodium. It’s time to go back to what’s true and honest, back to our roots. The value and beauty of jewellery that’s handmade will be a major trend this year and beyond as we begin to appreciate the beauty of handcrafted work over the mass-produced. Finally invest in quality pieces that will last as quality never goes out of style. With these little pointers in mind, you’ll be all set for a great season ahead! (The writer is CEO, Jewellery Design and Technology Institute, Chandigarh) |
|
Speaking about the offer, S. Ravi Kant, COO-Eyewear Division, Titan Industries Ltd. said, “As a young and fast-growing brand, we believe in infusing excitement to our customers through our stylish and trendy product range. We see this offer as a powerful trigger enabling the customer to own a new eyewear while giving value for the old one.” The main objective of this offer is to activate the replacement buyers and encourage them to change their old eyewear for a stylish new look. This offer also has the objective of ‘helping India see better’ since the old spectacles will be given to NGOs for the people who cannot afford to buy new ones. The offer is valid at all Titan Eye Plus stores across the country for a limited period starting May 15. — TNS
|
|
Scared to venture out in sun? Your skin getting dry, dehydrated and going limp? Or, wary of chemical based solutions? Yes, it is a known fact that life on the fast track, long working hours and constant stress take a drastic toll on the skin which is the largest organ of your body! Do not fret for Dabur’s Premium Rose Touch Face Freshener is a perfect and natural answer to keep your skin rejuvenated, fresh and supple. Easy to use, hassle-free, it is a rose water spray to keep your skin fresh anytime, anywhere. It cleanses, moisturises and refreshes your skin naturally and instantly. Speaking about Dabur’s Premium Rose Touch Face Freshener, Minoo Phakey, category head, Skincare, Dabur India Ltd., remarked, “Generations have used rose and rose extracts to enhance their beauty. Dabur with over a century-old tradition of ayurvedic and herbal heritage has been working with a single minded objective of introducing the same goodness of rose through innovative products. With this product all you have to do is spray it directly on to your face and gently wipe your face with a cotton ball.” — TNS
|
|
The Hindu calendar, being launched in Spice S-5330, gives a sneak peek at the festival, tithi details, lunar position, weekly and monthly information. And this is not all, using the Hindu calendar feature you can also schedule all your festivals and plans to celebrate and send information to your loved ones via SMS. The phone has exciting MP3 features, which has exciting shuffle and repeat options, music equaliser that gives you the liberty to choose from eight equalizer settings. Along with this, the phone has lot many exciting features like the FM recording that allows you listening to your favourite songs even when you are tuned out and FM Alarm to wake you up with your favourite RJ’s voice. On the whole, the great features of Spice S-5330 promise you an enthralling musical experience. The 2 GB expandable memory adds further excitement with the space to store all the songs and images. Get ready to boost your style quotient with Spice S-5330 available only at Rs 2799.
|
|
The soap is available at an affordable price of Rs 50 for a pack of four and Rs 5 per piece. — TNS
|
|
Can(nes) get this dull
The stars will still turn up and the movie line-up looks good but the tone of the Cannes film festival will be more black and white than technicolor in 2009. The credit crunch means Hollywood studios are tightening their belts and conspicuous consumption is temporarily out of
fashion. Deal-making will go on but is likely to be more circumspect. "You can feel people are more conservative, more selective,"said Helen Lee Kim, president of Mandate International. "They are being more careful and not taking those big jumps as they might have last year." The annual celebration of cinema in the south of France, famed for its wild beach parties, giant yachts and red carpets, opens on Wednesday with the premiere of "Up", an animated comedy from Disney that underlines the growing importance of 3D. Then it is down to the serious business of the competition comprising 20 films by an impressive array of directors -- Jane Campion, Ang Lee, Ken Loach, Lars Von Trier, Michael Haneke, Pedro Almodovar and Quentin Tarantino. PARTY SLOWDOWN
On the plus side, Hollywood studios are enjoying a bumper box office in 2009 despite the global recession, and the dollar's relative strength will boost purchasing power.But the protracted credit crunch, added to slowing DVD sales and depressed advertising, will cast a shadow over Cannes, both in terms of business and pleasure. Vanity Fair magazine, which last year held one of the festival's glitziest parties, is not coming to Cannes while the demand for luxury yachts at the harbour has been slow. "Normally, we're very busy during the festival, but all the corporate clients, the Americans, have reduced their budgets terribly and we're getting very little demand from companies," said Philippe Trombetta, who runs Class Yacht Charter, a luxury yacht-chartering business in Cannes. YACHTS EMPTY
"We're having a lot of trouble getting contracts for the festival." He charges up to 90,000 euros ($118,500) a day for his biggest yacht, not including champagne or diesel. Hollywood is choosing to launch its summer blockbusters elsewhere but that, say the critics, may be a good thing. "The general reaction among critics has been that it could be a very good year," said Jay Weissberg of trade paper Variety. "We've all been hoping Cannes would pull something out of the bag to make us feel good again. On paper they have." Previous winners of the coveted Palme d'Or, which goes to the best competition film selected by a jury, include Tarantino, who presents his World War Two drama "Inglourious Basterds" starring Brad Pitt. Campion, who won with "The Piano" in 1993, brings "Bright Star" based on the romance between 19th century poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne, while Lars von Trier, whose "Dancer in the Dark" triumphed in 2000, shows horror movie "Antichrist". Ken Loach's "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" picked up the Palme d'Or in 2006 and he is back in contention this year with "Looking for Eric" featuring French soccer star Eric Cantona. Out of competition, Terry Gilliam has arguably the biggest movie in Cannes. "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" is the late Australian actor Heath Ledger's final screen role which had to be completed by Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell and Jude Law. (Additional reporting by Bob Tourtellotte in Los Angeles and
James Mackenzie in Paris; editing by Robert
Woodward) — Reuters
|
|
PONY TALE
Hippie, feminine, quirky or classic 'n' whatever their look, women with long hair will be plaiting, twisting or curling a lot this season.
Long associated with primary school girls 'n' neatly tied back as a perfect accessory to school uniform, plaits are central to this summer's boho look, which has hit the catwalks and won over the likes of Sienna Miller and Kate Hudson. Pleats, twists and waves were also in abundance in the spring fashion shows with an interesting equestrian feel to some of the plaited buns and high ponytails used by Bora Aksu and Marios Schwab. Jean-Paul Gaultier's festival-inspired hair created the perfect laid-back look with twists and texture, while Prada added romantic pleats to the classic bun, creating a chic grown-up look recently favoured by the actor Anne Hathaway. Thin plaits worn long between tumbling curls seems to be the style to accompany this spring's Glastonbury-inspired floral dress and wellies combo which has become synonymous with the supermodel Kate Moss. And simple, schoolgirl plaits can be transformed by ribbons and bows in this season's vibrant, strong block colours, demonstrating that hair and fashion belong together like rock and roll. Celebrity hairdresser Errol Douglas says: "The loose, free, boho hair reflects the bright, breezy, funky look we see in the floral fabrics and see-through layers on the catwalk and on the high street. There's a lot of scope for girls to make the look their own: they can wear a plait at the top of their head, on the side, or half-done, and when they undo the plait they've got a whole new ripple effect which is loose and relevant. Uma Thurman is one of my clients who looks great with this more natural, much cooler look." According to those who dictate the rules, thousands of women blessed with frizzy rather than silky hair can breathe a sigh of relief as the obsession with hair straighteners seems to be finally drawing to an end. Even Jennifer Aniston has introduced subtle waves and frontal braids to her naturally straight locks. Douglas says: "I'm fed up to the back teeth with poker-straight, lanky hair, which actually doesn't suit that many faces. It's much easier to adapt curls, waves and plaits to suit your own look, so it's great to see girls experimenting again. This look's got longevity 'n' the designers will ensure that it last till the end of the year at least but by next summer, we'll have more architectural, sculptured, Grace Jones-inspired hair, and women will be buying the clothes to go with it."
— The Independent |
Hollywood actor Katie Holmes wore a dress she had designed herself for the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner recently. The 29-year-old wore an ivory maxi-dress and mannish jacket selected from her Holmes-Yang collection, which has received mixed reviews from fashion critics. Dailymail.co.uk reports that alongside the vibrant shocking pink of host Michelle Obama, Katie's designs seemed overly frumpy, swamping her petite figure. Apart from Holmes, A-list stars like Eva Longoria Parker, director Steven Spielberg, Sting and wife Trudie Styler and Christian Slater turned out for the dinner, which aimed to raise money to feed the hungry and to fund journalism scholarships. — IANS
|
|||||
|
Singer Katy Perry has joined the league of artists like N.E.R.D and Esteele by designing a signature line for the 'Fashion against AIDS' campaign. The 'I Kissed A Girl' hitmaker can be seen posing for the campaign in a body suit, featuring a smiley face in heart designed by her. "I like things that are different, I'm very girly," the New York Daily News quoted Katy as saying."It (bodysuit) reminded me of something a teenage girl would wear to a dance class ... and it wasn't just like, here's a T-shirt!" Katy added. The bodysuit features an abstract pastel print of human insides - heart, kidneys and all - and reads on the back: "It's what's on the outside that counts." "We live in a materialistic world. We live in New York City, so we don't like to think about the heart and the head - we like to think about labels and designers," Katy added.Katy hopes that the irony of her slogan will help people to think about the ideals that 'Fashion Against AIDS' intends to promote. — ANI
|
|
I TONE Never before has the youth been as vocal, participative and involved in the ultimate democratic exercise of the country as this time round. From those contesting to the ones canvassing, the mean age of elections 2009 is considerably down. Hasn't voting been the most in-thing of the year? Though a lot many young faces have emerged in the whole process, I don't think it has become hip or cool in any way. But in case if some will go and vote just because it is so, then let that be, at least they'll vote. Whatever the compulsion, the bottom line is everybody must exercise this power. It's li'l drops that make an ocean. Geeta
Passi,
Yeah…I agree, there's been a remarkable youth involvement or at least discussion this time. I think, the 'it factor' attached to elections this time is drawing and inspiring youth and not the other way round. I'm going today and voting too. Satwinder
Kaur,
Neither it's cool nor fashionable, so the question of one being the cause of another or the other way round does not arise. The only reason youth is participating is because they want to see some change and are convinced, rotten political parties and old politicians won't bring it about. Virendra
Rana,
|
|
Bully babes
An Australian expert is concerned that with the advent of the Internet, children, especially girls, are becoming even meaner while bullying other girls online. And with the lack of immediate feedback from a cyber victim or playground audience, cyber bullies do not hesitate going to any lengths to torture their targets. The effects of cyber bullying may be more damaging than playground bullying, not just because the slander and humiliation could be sent around the world and could last indefinitely as the bully is anonymous. While boys also used modern technology to harass and taunt, it was the intimacy of girls' relationships that has made them particularly vulnerable when a friend turns
foe. — ANI |
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
What’s new? Who is wearing what? What do people like? Wondering what the top jewellery trends are going to be for 2009? How will the credit crunch affect jewellery fashions this year?
“The emphasis in 2009 should be on design,” feels Smita Singh, winner of several design competitions and consultant to various brands in the country. “Gold is making a comeback in its original form. Accentuate it with texture and scattered stones as it complements Indian skin tone. For those who find gold expensive, they can turn to silver. Even copper and brass are going to be big this year.
Titan Eye Plus from Titan Industries Ltd has announced an exchange offer that allows consumers to exchange their old eyewear for stylish new ones at a flat discount of 25 per cent on both frames and lenses. With this offer, consumers get a chance to refresh their look at unbelievable prices.
Spice Mobiles, India’s leading mobile handset company known for their innovation, has announced the launch of an all-new stylish slim flip phone - Spice S-5330. Keeping with their promise of being India’s very own, Spice has launched Indian calendar in the handset for the first time in India that allows users keeping in touch with their Indian roots and religion. The phone also comes packed with exciting features like a powerful MP3 player and FM recording, 3D style display menu, 2GB expandable memory, mobile tracker and GPRS that make it the best deal!
Godrej Consumer Products Limited has announced the launch of Godrej No.1 – Lime and Aloe Vera. This soap consumers a day-long feeling of freshness along with soft skin at an affordable price. Panchi Vora, popularly known as Prachi of Kayamath, is also the face of the new Godrej No 1 Lime & Aloe Vera TV commercial. Sharing some of her beauty tips, she says, “Summer is a harsh time for your skin. Godrej No. 1’s new variant, which offers natural ingredients like lime and aloe vera is ideal to keep one’s skin fresh and smooth during this time. I also drink a lot of water, limejuice, coconut water to take care of my skin. In addition, natural methods like applying Multani mitti, chandan paste and rose water are some of the skin care tips for summer.“
The power of one
The cool tool
Winds of change