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Gota in the gown
Fashion. The word itself leaves us with a multi-hued image of fabrics, colours, embellishments, silhouettes and pretty faces. But more to this global picture of pręt style is the spiralling Indian image of a trendsetter. And as the rest of the world emulates the Indian version, it’s our desi designs and patterns that have come a long way and are now part of the macro level designs that are making a worldwide fashion impact. Seen on the red carpet, adorned by Hollywood stars, it’s an explosion of Indian colours, fusion of styles and modern interpretation of traditional form of embellishments that make a chic statement. From slick kurtis to gowns with dabka work we’ve seen gota edged waist coats and layered cotton hand embroidered dresses on the ramp and red carpet, and this made us do a style check to know what has brought the change.
Says Divya Kapoor, proprietor, Samsaara, “Indian designs have definitely become prominent on the International fashion scene and the reason is changing face of India and acceptance of Indian products abroad.” She adds, “The number of fashion shows have also increased and this too builds on the rapport of a fashion icon. Earlier, we had just one fashion show in a year, now we have Delhi and Mumbai breathing fashion in and out, even in a month’s time. This makes the designers presence felt on the international scene. Other than this, Bollywood has a major share in propagating Indian fashion line abroad. And yes, how can we forget, the Oscar success of Slumdog Millionaire, this movie has brought the floodlights on India.” Ask her what is more prominent in designs and Divya says, “Fusion, for sure. Traditional designs are being given an international cut for that global fashion look, and its bandhani, ari work, sequins and swarovski that we see more on the international scenes.” Ritu Kochar, director-corporate, INIFD says, “It was some six to seven years back that Indian designers like Ritu Beri and Manish Arora took their work abroad and introduced the Indian traditional designs there. Down the line, designers there understood buyers wanted a change and the change came with Indian designs and Ask her what’s in and she says, “I have lot of friends abroad and for people in the West, they are attracted to sequin, bead, dabka and zardosi work.” She adds, “It’s not only on clothes that we see Indian patterns, ace designer like Jimmy Choo is using dabka work on his shoes.” While its synthesis of fabric and use of an array of embroideries that is calling shots it’s an amalgamation of different weaves that is making Indian designs popular abroad. Says Supreet, assistant store manager, Tommy Hilfigher-17, “Indian designs are on the international mind and seeing the change, this season Tommy has included tops that are in tie ‘n’ dye block prints.” Ask her about the demand and supply ratio and she says, “ These patterns are coming in the market only because customers are demanding them. Though Indian fabric was always in use now it’s the Indian patterns that are calling shots.” jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com |
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Replicating history
This is regardless of your understanding of art; it is always surrounded by certain specific limitations. And the one that an artist has to face almost all the time, is creating a replica of a masterpiece, which already occupies a substantial place in time and history. Vishal Bhatnagar and Rajender Kumar, art resourcers with the Government Museum Art Gallery-10, have also tried to match up to the perfection level in existing art. They have replicated sculptures of Agroha and Gandhara period, which will soon be put up on display and sale. Now each one us (the art connoisseur and the art patrons) can own near original pieces of historical art. Nonetheless, the question, can art be replicated to perfection? “You can relay on your creativity, but replication means creating an almost exact copy of the existing work, therefore there is no scope for improvisation,” offers Vishal and Rajendra, who share there enriching experience. “Firstly, this is not an easy process. It takes nearly a month to replicate one piece, which is first mounted on clay and later to the desired mould, be it Plaster of Paris or glass fibre.” On the question of creating a replica, the two find it pretty interesting, sometimes a revelation too. “We had studied various sculptures when we were art students, but during replication we toppled over interesting details, which we didn’t know existed,” provides Rajendra. As part of the process of replication, the two art resourcers create an exact copy of the sculpture, copying it to the minutest details, and adding finishing touches in the exact manner. “If the sculpture is broken or worn out from some place, we have to do the same on the replica as well,” shares Vishal. According to Vishal and Rajendra, “Most art students are interested in replicating western work. What they don’t realise is that we have a vast range of artwork waiting to be explored. An endeavour like this taken by the museum authority will create interest amongst the people who otherwise don’t get to see the real works closely. At the same time, not every art lover has the time to come to the museum to study these sculptures. Now, they can buy one for the purpose of study and satiate their desire to own a piece of art.” There are other sculptures too that these two would like to replicate. “The sculpture of Buddha and Devi Padmavati,” they smile. “As we have already shared, we have a rich heritage that needs to be explored in the right manner. At the same time, we also feel that practical work should be given preference over theory.” jasmine@tribunemail.com
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How’z that for a treat?
How often do you ‘desperately’ want a breather from work? More or less, always! Now, let’s apply the same to the most-read, written, talked, debated, criticised, commercial sport — cricket. Would you want a break from it? We don’t see many people nod in their approval. So, here it comes again. After the IPL, it’s now time to get ready for another cheering, shouting and hooting session with ICC T-20 starting June 5. As expected, we do see a line up of events ready to roll out. How’z That, Zinc Cricket Innings at Zinc, behind Noodle Bar-26 offers to be one such happening affair. From the ambience to the dress code of the staff and down to the menu, everything will have a glaring touch of T-20. According to Mohan Singh Negi, manager, Zinc, “We want people to enjoy cricket, which means showing live action on the plasma screens as and food that goes down well with the game. The menu too has been whipped up accordingly. From starters, mocktails, cocktails to the main course, everything smells of cricket.” Maiden over with soup and salad, centuries with main course, extra cover with pizza and wrap. Googly with mocktail, swing with house wine and run out with cocktail are part of the T-20 menu. If everything sounds like ‘been there done that’, then here is something ‘new’. Provides Negi, “People can enjoy music, which you haven’t heard before.” And this is where, Sameer Singh and Rohit of Chakra:Vu take over. “We plan to give people a taste of music they have never heard before. Something like Indian electronica, Zinc retromania, digitalised sufi and folk electronica to name a few.” For the two, deejaying is more than scratching CD’s or turntables. It means experimenting and this what they are heading for. “We will treat people to Indian music with electronic touch,” puts in Sameer. “Music goes well with music. And if India is not scoring, you would at least have good music to fall back on.” — Jasmine Singh
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Green march
Go green
Celebrating the spirit and cause of World environment the Taj Chandigarh invites you to partake in the celebrations and unite to spread the message across. June 4 would see “United we walk to a better tomorrow.” A Walkathon will be organised on a special invitation by the hotel for a short walk between the leisure valley and Taj Chandigarh to commemorate the environment day celebrations. The staff and the guests will walk together communicating theme and the message followed by a special breakfast invitation at the Café 17. June 5 would see “Candle in the wind”- A theme dinner Between 8 and 10 pm. Residents of the city are invited to avail a 20 percent discount on a meal in any of the restaurants and the bar by bringing a non-combustible candle. The same would be lighted on the table during the course of their meal for a memorable experience. The hotel will be illuminated with candles uniting us in our effort to save the environment, so please come and participate in our endeavor to share and spread the concern for environment. Check-up for wheels
On the occasion of World Environment Day, Škoda India, in co-ordination with Society of India Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), has organized a ‘free pollution check campaign’ across all dealerships in the city on June 5, 2009. Commenting on the same, Thomas Kuehl, Board Member sales & marketing, said, “Considering our responsibility towards protection of the environment and ensuring that our cars are checked regularly for their emission count, we have decided to hold this campaign at our dealerships in all the metros.” So, rush to the nearest Skoda dealership and get a PUC check for your Skoda.
—TNS |
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up Take care Shahnaz Husain
Luxury pre-bath massage Add a few drops of essential oil of rose or sandalwood to sesame seed (til) oil. Did you know that the aroma of rose and sandalwood actually help to calm the nerves and induce relaxation? Or, you can use olive oil or sesame seed oil. Give your arms, legs and body a good massage, paying attention to elbows and knees. Use circular strokes on the shoulders, elbows and wrists. Stroke down the muscles of the inner arms and then upwards on the back of the arms. Luxury Bath You can try one of these bath additives. Some of these can remove fatigue, while others replace oils, or relive itching. Select one according to your needs. A bath which leaves your body soft, smooth and perfumed can make you feel really good. Honey bath: Add two tablespoons of honey to a bucket of bath water. It is said to induce relaxation and leave your skin soft and moist. Vinegar: Add two tablespoons of vinegar. This helps to relieve itching. Eau de cologne: Adding a few drops of cologne makes you feel cool and leaves the body fragrant. Rose oil: Add two or three drops of essential oil of rose to a bucket of bath water. This also leaves the body fragrant and soothes the nerves. Sandalwood oil: Essential oil of sandalwood can also be added. It is also said to calm the nerves, apart from leaving the body perfumed. Almond oil: Add one tablespoon almond oil to your bath water if you have a dry skin. Powdered milk: Add powdered milk to the bath water. It is also good for dry skin. Epsom salts: If the water is hard, try adding one tablespoon epsom salts to the bath water. Exfoliation (Scrub): For a body scrub, mix rice powder and almond meal with yogurt and add a pinch of turmeric. Apply. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, rub gently on the skin with circular movements. Wash off. Body massage oil: Add fragrance to oil and derive aromatherapy benefits from it. To 50 ml olive oil or sesame seed oil, add eight drops of essential oil. Choose one essential oil from rose, lavender, jasmine, lotus, etc. Essential oils should always be diluted.
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A special disposable bikini razor Glide has been launched in the city Radiohms Agency Limited (RAL). The product will be marketed in association with the 125 years old American Safety Razor Co. Ltd., USA third largest razor company. Glide has been specially designed for women, have unique pads and protected blade with small head for extra comfort and safety along with an exclusive feature - aloe vera and tea tree oil strips which makes shaving an easy and convenient experience, removing hair and moisturising skin at the same time. According to Sanjeev Kalia, general manager, sales and marketing, RAL, “We are sure that a trendy product like Glide will grab the fancy of the new-age fashion conscious women. In due course, we shall see Glide becoming a quintessential part of every woman’s beauty kit in India.” —TNS
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The secret to happiness Unveiled
Ever wondered why some people are happy, satisfied and successful in life while others are sullen, disgruntled and abortive. Well, the secret seems to be in the laws of attraction, which simply say that you attract in your life whatever you think about. Your dominant thoughts will find a way to manifest. The 2006 flick The Secret based on a book by Rhonda Byrne made the very old principle of laws of attraction a cult hit. To know more about the principle and its hidden power, we talk to some experts. Renne Singh, city-based counsellor, is a firm believer that you get what you attract. “The laws of attraction definitely work. If the will is strong nothing can stop one from achieving the desired. It’s all about telling the universe what you desire and connecting with the universal consciousness,” she tells. “You will attract what you are focusing on. If you are focusing on negative emotions or feelings, they will come true. So, ‘I don’t want this to happen’ will also end the bad things happening to you,” adds Singh. Substantiating further, mystic shaman Renu Mathur, a practicing Tarot reader, says: “People who are efficient in attracting positives have trained their minds to focus on their desires. Abundance comes to them naturally. They care two hoots for people who suggest that they don’t deserve something, it isn’t part of their reality.” “The laws of attraction are popular by various names. I would call it ‘image project ordain’. Whatever image you transmit to the world, it will be manifested. But then you need to have faith on yourself. Positive affirmations are the key. Just say, ‘I am’ rather than ‘I want to be’, and that can make whole lot of difference,” she quips. “The ancient wisdom lays tremendous stress on the thought process. In other words, ‘your thoughts determine your destiny.’ If you have a focused aim any desire will come true,” chips in S P Gupta, former chairman, Haryana Sahitya Academy. However, Rajesh Gill, city sociologist, feels that the laws of attraction are far more complicated. “Though it’s fairly established that positivity breeds success, in reality, each individual is affected by the social circumstances. Every situation in a social structure determines our actions, reactions and consequent results,” she opines. Interestingly, physicists say there’s no scientific theory that explains the laws of attraction. “I have to yet come across such a thing,” says Manmohan Gupta, chairperson, department of Physics, PU. But he is quick to add that anything done with zeal is bound to give results. mona@tribunemail.com Name it Claim it Three golden rules: F
Ask Know what you want. Convey it to the universe in order to manifest that in your life F
Believe Have faith. Any negative thought will attract negativity only F
Receive When opportunity knocks, grab it. You need to strive to achieve your goal |
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First date show
They are known for having most fun - but when it comes to first dates, blondes are more likely to have their romantic hopes crushed than their dark-haired friends, a poll has found. According to the study of 1,300 people, by Internet dating firm Parship.co.uk, flaxen-haired hopefuls are a quarter more likely to have their dreams of true love shattered within hours of meeting a new man than a brunette or redhead.
Apparently, blondes are the most likely of anyone to have attempted to seduce a first date with reminiscences about an ex, seen their judgement impaired by drinking too much, and bed their date at the end of the night. Penny Conway, from the online dating firm, said: “Although it’s unlikely a person will behave differently simply because of their hair colour, they may act out of character if they are being treated badly, or according to a
stereotype. “In films blondes are often assumed as being clueless or as having more fun. “How we are treated by other people can influence how we behave, so this may explain why blondes are more likely to behave badly compared to brunettes or red heads, or go home with their dates on the first night.” From the study, the company found that misguided ideas of alluring behaviour - including turning up late, running away from a partner - was responsible for dampening any first flames of passion. |
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Constant emails, news alerts, and Twitter updates are overloading the human brain and making people’s responses dismissive, says new research. The deluge of information from 24-hour news, mobile phones and social networking sites moves too fast for the brain’s ‘moral compass’ to process. According to newly published scientific studies, people’s reactions to traumatic news stories are becoming increasingly dismissive as their minds are trying to seek comfort in the simpler things. The research claims that this overload may also be causing increasing levels of depression. Professor Dilip Jeste said that the neurones linked to traits such as human wisdom or empathy, are sited in the slower acting, recently evolved regions of our brain, that are bypassed when the world feels stressful. —ANI
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Monster in laws?
Bad relationships with their mothers-in-law ranked as the top reason for divorce among ethnic Indians, and one of the main reasons given by divorced ethnic Chinese and Malay couples in Malaysia, a government study revealed. A total of 30 percent of divorced ethnic Indian couples cited ‘interference’ from in-laws, specifically mothers-in-law, as the main reason for their break-ups, the National Population and Family Development Board said. Some 25 percent of ethnic Indian respondents cited infidelity as the reason for break-ups, said director-general Aminah Abdul Rahman. Ethnic Malay and Chinese couples also ranked meddlesome mothers-in-law as one of the main reasons for their marriage meltdowns, she said. The study revealed that incompatibility, irresponsibility and gambling habits were some of the other reasons for divorce.The data showed that divorce was more likely to happen in the age groups under 25 and above 40. — DPA
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Workshops: Fun or fad?
Summer fun
Sonia Sharma No good
Summer camps are not relevant during scorching heat. The purpose to organise camps for schools kids is to develop their overall personality. Children enjoy these camps especially when they are away from their rigorous school environment. But will these camps serve the intended purpose if organised in the sizzling heat when it is very difficult even for adults to venture out? On the one hand, keeping
Chanchal Another burden Summer workshops were started with view to provide a break to students from their monotonous and hectic lifestyle. But with
Anukul Sharma Exploring new ‘May is month five; kids are ready for summer drive’. Come summer and here comes vacation full of fun, frolic and enjoyment. But along
Amanjot Kaur
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Mumbai meri jaan
British director Danny Boyle, who filmed his multiple Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire in Mumbai, says he misses the city when he is away and that he is coming here next year to shoot another movie.
"We've had a couple of meetings about another project in Mumbai. It won't happen this year. But it will certainly happen next year. I will certainly enjoy coming back to Mumbai to make another film," Boyle said. The director was was in Mumbai to ensure that Slumdog Millionaire kids Rubina Ali and Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail get the houses promised to them by the producers of the film. Excerpts: How do you feel to be back in Mumbai? I miss Mumbai when I'm away. Would you make another film in Mumbai? Yes! In fact, that's another reason apart from the (Jai Ho) Trust why we're in Mumbai. We've had a couple of meetings about another project in Mumbai. It won't happen this year. But it will certainly happen next year. I will certainly enjoy coming back to Mumbai to make another film. Another film apart, what brings you to Mumbai? What we've come here for is to hand over... things... to the trust. I know the newspapers want to write stuff like 'Danny Rides To Their Rescue'. The truth about what we're doing is far less glamorous and far more professional. The growing expectations of a section of your film's cast seems hard to deal with. How are you coping? We're trying our best. To be honest the most appropriate way we thought was to make a big donation. And we did. Now we're here to see the outline of the project that's being carried out in Bandra East. This project will help approximately 5,000 children and 2,000 families. Most of them have nothing to do with the film and they may never know about Slumdog Millionaire. But the project will give back to the slum kids some of the benefit we got by working in it. I'd love to give back to the people of Mumbai some of the joy they've given me. These are people I probably wouldn't see. But I feel their presence. |
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Role call
After the Ghajini success, southern actor Asin Thottumkal is concentrating on Bollywood films but says she won't mind doing Tamil movies if she gets a challenging role to play. "I would start shooting on the same day when someone will narrate a challenging and substantial script to me," said Asin, who also featured in the Tamil version of Ghajini, said in Chennai on Tuesday at a press meet. The actor, who is the brand ambassador of Tata-Sky DTH, was in town to honour the winner of an on-line game competition conducted by the company. Asin said she too uses Tata-Sky DTH at her home in Mumbai. With several Bollywood projects in hand, Asin moved base to Mumbai from Chennai. She was recently in the news for allegedly torturing her maid Beulah. When asked about it, she said: "Life is not always stereotypical, you know. At times, you are faced with events that may not be entirely to your liking. One has to learn to take things in your stride. As long as one doesn't commit mistakes, he or she needn't fear anyone." Her next Hindi film will be London Dreams in which she has teamed up with Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan. — IANS
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Shoot at site
Condemning the attacks on Indians in Australia, a top body of film producers has warned that such incidents may affect shootings of films Down Under. The Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA) has written a letter to the Australian High Commission voicing concern over the spate of racial attacks on Indian students in that country. The assaults are "alarming" and have "shocked not only Indians but also people in other parts of the world", IMPPA vice-president Sushma Shiromanee said in Mumbai on Wednesday. She warned that such attacks may hinder shootings of films in Australia. As a 72-year-old body of film producers, "we have to safeguard the interest of our producer-members", she said. Australia is known for its scenic beauty and its exclusive locales are explored by the Indian film industry for shootings, Shiromanee noted. "Shooting of films not only boosts revenue for your Government but also indirectly boosts the tourism industry, thus generating employment.The ill-treatment meted out to the Indians is a disappointment for tourism and film industries. Film industry is always inter-related with tourism," she said. — PTI
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Credit it to Clint
Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan, who is ready with his debut production venture Love Aaj Kal, was inspired by Hollywood actor Clint Eastwood to get into the business of making movies.
Saif is a huge fan of the Hollywood legend and is quite fascinated by his work. "Once, when Saif was reading Clint's interviews, it was mentioned that he was planning to start a production house. When Saif read this, he was quite inspired by it. He was shooting outdoors and in the middle of the night he called up Dinesh Vijan and told him about the whole idea of launching a production house. Saif had worked with Dinesh during his movie Being Cyrus," said a source close to the actor. Love Aaj Kal is directed by Jab We Met director Imtiaz Ali and stars Saif and Deepika Padukone in the lead.
— IANS |
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READERS WRITE
Lifestyle invites responses from readers on the The best ever summer holiday memories. Please email the responses to lifestyletribune@gmail.com or post along with your photo and contact number to ‘Relatively Speaking’, Lifestyle, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh. The best few responses will be published. |
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In today’s world, the appearance counts. In fact, a large number of career avenues have opened up in the recent times where an attractive appearance is a decided advantage. A well-groomed and attractive appearance actually boosts self-confidence, a very essential quality in today’s competitive career world. Looking after the appearance entails regular skin and hair care, exercise, relaxation and tending to small details like paying attention to the hands and feet.
Summer workshops are the best way to keep kids busy during their vacations. With the amount of energy that kids have, parents definitely need some diversion for them. What better way than to enroll them in classes wherein they can learn while they have fun. Not only it’s a good way to keep them busy but also makes them gain a new skill. But parents need to keep in mind the child’s likes and dislikes while choosing a workshop so that they truly enjoy the activity and not do it as an assignment.
in view the sweltering heat where the temperature is above 40 degree Celsius and the Chandigarh administration has declared holidays to school going children well before three days in advance of its original schedule. On the other hand these camps will continue to be organised in sultry weather. Under these circumstances, Chandigarh administration is certainly waiting for any untoward happening. It would be better, if such camps are organised during the winter break when students are free from their winter examinations.
increasing consumerism and cutthroat competition, these workshops have become a burden for the children. And also, yet another easy way to lighten the pockets of parents. Most of these workshops are like just like regular classes where students have the burden to perform. A stress free environment where a student can generate his thought process is still a far dream for our education system.
with this arrive loads of workshops for kids. As every parent wants his/her child to be the best at everything, they try to get their children enrolled in some workshops or courses. These courses are indeed a blessing in disguise as kids get a golden chance to explore their talents. Usually to kids generally complain of boredom taking its toll on them so these summer workshops prove really helpful in adding fun to their vacation schedule. Such small unaware steps help a lot in making a person go a step ahead in the race with his counterparts called – ‘LIFE’.