|
|
|
|
|
Creative boost
One fine day we realised, we just couldn't live without a cell phone that links us to our friends through Internet, a laptop that can be tucked in your carry bag, a car that opens only with your touch, a pen that can make a two hour video…last but not the least, clothes that can acquire umpteen shades, patterns and designs as and when you require. Startling! Not for the designers who claim to give you a zillion solutions to put together 'your kinda dress' within no time. Haven't we heard fashionistas say fashion is all about change, and technology in fashion designing has brought in the much-needed change. Better designing concepts, wackier graphics, faster visual imagination, completing task in lesser time and greater efficiency are just few of the things computer-aided design technology has done. So, who is raving about it, fashion designers? "Technology has of course affected fashion in a big way," shares Honii Sandhu, centre director, Fashionista, Chandigarh. "It has created brand awareness, now buyers know the USPs of a brand; where and how it is sourced. Other than this, technology has aided a lot in improving designs. The designing concepts are changing because of technology. All this has generated a demand for designers that have more computer skills in terms of visual imagination or graphic designing."
Honii also feels different softwares like Tuca for pattern making and Ramsete for textile designing have made the job of a designer much easier as well as faster. "At Fashionista, a school of fashion technology, we provide the students with an electronic library, which is exclusive to the region. They are given login ids and passwords by which they have an access to the material of their interest. So far we've always considered creativity as the sole driving force for designers creating magic on clothes with a pair of scissors and few stitches here and there. Not until technology came in and added a pre-requisite in a designers portfolio — computer skills! Offers Prabhdip Brar, assistant professor, Fashion and Lifestyle Department, PU, "Digital art is the best thing that fashion technology could bring in. Computer-aided design programmes help designers pick up anything in the name of inspiration, and re-do a bit here and there to get a design. This is easy but a little expensive process." Prabhdip tells us how making designs on paper was a long process with not many options available. "I would make a design on the sheet and then I would visualise mentally how other combinations in colour and design would look like. Now, designers use Coral Draw or Photoshop to see how a particular design would turn out by applying combinations and permutations. This is also helpful, for you can fit the designed garment on a thick, heavy, lean or muscular physique all through a computer software," she adds. The dependency on technology seems to have increased. Silhouettes, colour combinations, pattern fixing, everything is decided with the click of a button. Fabric design is one application in which fashion designers use different softwares and technology for creating abstract designs. Final products are a wide array of different styles of clothing aided by technology. "Right from visualisation of the design, conceptualisation, modifications to executing control panels, the role of computers in fashion technology is only increasing with time," says Ritu Kochhar, director, INIFD (corporate). "Creating designs using CAD, computerised knitting and weaving to colour palates, fashion courses have also made technological knowledge a part of their curriculum. 3D computer graphics and digital production help students of designing, fashion, textile or interior designing to come up with visually appealing presentations and designs," she says. No matter how many votes fall in favour of technology in fashion, there is no replacement for creativity, whether it is on a piece of paper or a computer software. Adds Ritu, "Fashion is all about creating something different. Knowledge of a particular software only assists in work, it does not provide imagination or in any way enhances creativity." With clothes no longer used as a necessity but rather a statement that has changed forms, shapes, sizes, fabric, the growing role of technology cannot be brushed aside. All the same, creativity is an attribute that just doesn't depend entirely on computers, Internet and softwares! jasmine@tribunemail.com
|
|
Through his lens
With success and power, comes responsibility; success requires 10 times the hardwork to sustain, success is a step towards a higher goal, blah, blah, blah…countless definitions of a very subjective word mentioned in self-help books or elaborated by philosophers has another addition. But this time, for a change, it's simple and by someone who believes in logic — "Success means it's time to shed the baggage," says Rohit Suri, ace fashion photographer. Thirty years into the profession, he has clicked portfolios of personalities like Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, Priyanka Chopra, and shot at major events like 'Miss India' each year. Rohit sure knows the practical definition of success. "I don't want to make money anymore, the bit that would help me earn two square meals is enough. I have shed my baggage." He even shut down a well-established studio where he used to train upcoming photographers. "I now travel where I wish to, visit different institutes to teach photography and that's about it," says Rohit, in the city on the invitation of Fashionista, a fashion technology institute, to judge the Chandigarh auditions for Pure Model India's International Face on Monday. Rohit enjoys teaching the nuances of photography to youngsters but when it comes to clicking a personality, he still gets nervous. "Constant fear of making mistakes makes me sincere towards my work. I don't take my experience for granted then. Every new assignment is the test of my skills as it was when I began." A class X dropout, he feels education is important till it doesn't come in the way of your aspirations. "I could read and speak well after my secondary education. Also I had a fair idea of the world around. Education was not required then and I devoted all my time to photography," he shares. In three decades of his experience, Rohit has observed a lot of changes sneak into the world of photography. "The most significant," he feels, "is that youngsters have become more independent. A photographer's son like me will not be the only one to hold the camera. Even an industrialist's or an IAS officer's son can now opt for photography." Another change is advancement in technology. Coming from the old school of thought, it took him sometime to morally accept the softwares. "They can do wonders with the photographs but the truth should not be compromised." So, now when he is approached by a model for a portfolio with some pictures already in hand, all he says is, "The pictures look like that of your younger sister. Get your pictures next time." And that's enough to convey the message. Rohit has done photoshoots of leading Indian and international models. So, what's the difference in the approach? "Models abroad throw tantrums. For them, modeling is just work. For models here, the same is equivalent to being a celebrity." Some credit of which also goes to the much-hyped swimsuit calendars, but still he isn't against the concept, "They benefit more people than just the models. They make art directors, content writers, make-up artists and technicians…even the one sponsoring the calendar earn money. Fashion industry is beyond the models and the fashion designers now." There is more on his wish list. "They should also make calendars on women from the interiors of India, who have a great sense of fashion without even knowing fashion. It's just them who can beautifully carry bright, multi-coloured dupattas and wear junk jewellery with aplomb." Besides photoshoots and visits as a guest faculty to various institutes, what keeps him busy is a coffee table book on Finland, which he is writing. He began it after finishing an assignment with Shobha De for Asia Spa magazine. "She has matchless grace and is model in her own right. Just as those women in the interiors of India." See through his lens to realise it! ashima@tribunemail.com
|
|
Home front
This is one house where you definitely want to be. Dr Amod and Dr Gunita's abode in Mansa Devi Complex is open, earthy and cool, even on a hot, sunny, June afternoon!
It's the use of red bricks in the outer façade as well as interiors that give a warm look to the house. Beautiful round patterns in red brick form the flooring of the veranda. The upper storey has beautiful yet useful patterns in brick 'jaali'. "This pattern is designed in a way that one cannot see inside, which ensures privacy. At the same time one can also look outside," shares Dr Amod. The polycarbonate dome in circular shape in the middle of lobby lets in the light. "In fact, this is the next best thing to a courtyard," says Sumedha, their daughter, who is an architect. This area offers three seating arrangements to choose from - formal living area, informal circular seating just under the dome and low height corner. The brick finish walls lend warmth to the area. "The most commendable thing about the house is that it's warm in winters and cool in summers," offers the lady of the house Dr Gunita. A small workspace for Sumedha is just next to the kitchen, and bright yellow and green décor adds to the cheerful atmosphere. "I love bright colours, so these vibrant ones are for the kitchen," says Sumedha. Her bedroom with a bay window is another testimony to her love for colours. "To keep things basic and frill free we have niches within walls instead of wooden cabinets," says Dr Gunita. And they serve the purpose well, housing Sumedha's books and other trinkets. Apart from the ample light and ventilation, it's the overall décor of the house that is pleasing to the eye. "I have picked up all the stuff from our travels," says Dr Gunita. So one finds souvenirs from India and abroad in tandem with green plants, decorated tastefully around the house. The first floor has the master bedroom and two level terrace, which becomes the breakfast place for the family on summer mornings. Four Eucedonias across the road, planted by Dr Gunita, have grown tall and lend shade. As for winters it's the backyard that becomes the place to soak oneself under the sun. "Dr Amod's is the simplest house in the purest form of architecture. And the credit goes to the family for keeping it unassuming, silent and serene," says architect SD Sharma, about one of the many houses he has designed. mona@tribunemail.com |
|
Dreaming about walking the ramps of Milan & Paris? Oxybleach, a bleach brand from the house of Dabur, is all set to make this dream come true. Oxybleach presents Pure Model India's International Face, 2010, a nationwide search for two winners who get a chance to take centrestage in the fashion capitals of the world. The city finale of this mega model hunt had over 100 girls and guys had participating in the event from the city. After intense scrutiny, 30 talented individuals were shortlisted for the auditions. Auditions will be held in other five cities of Pune, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata & Banglore in the coming two days. The Chandigarh city finale was organised at Black Magic, DLF City Centre Mall. The auditions will culminate in a grand finale — to be held in Mumbai on July 19 - where a jury of experts will finally select the winners and send them on their way to fame, fashion and stardom. The winner will be crowned 'Oxybleach India's International Face, 2010 and will get a chance to walk the international ramp at Milan & Paris fashion week. The Winning girl Model will become the face of Oxybleach and feature in the next Oxybleach advertisement. — TNS
|
|
TVS Motor Company launches TVS Wego; the company's first metal bodied scooter. Powered by a noise-free, all-aluminum, low-friction engine which has been developed employing cutting edge technologies such as tailor made simulation models and frequency response analysis techniques, TVS Wego delivers high performance ride quality and superior ride comfort. At peak power, TVS Wego's 110 cc engine delivers 8 BHP @ 7500rpm, enabling one of smoothest power trains in its category. Adding to the uniqueness of this trendy scooter are first time features such as twelve-inch alloy wheels, telescopic front suspension and gas filled rear shock absorbers, normally found only in motorcycles. Multi-reflector halogen headlamps and led tail lamp with optical guides magnify the scooter's style quotient. An external fuel fill with hinged cap, under seat charger for cell phone and patented EZ center stand emphasize the product's ease of use and convince. — TNS
|
|
BEATs & pieces
A serious cause need not be taken up in a sober way, just as a sincere concern need not be shown in a solemn way. One good intention, 192 children, 40 days of fun. The underprivileged kids from Snehalaya, Piya Sharma Charity Trust, Missionaries of Charity and Don Bosco Navjeevan Society, share the platform with other school students today.
Courtesy, team Flames from Mumbai. There's a performance on assorted genres of dancing possible. "We taught them some freestyle, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop and latin salsa forms of dances," Tannushree, director, Flames, speaks of the forty days she's been teaching the right moves. She adds, "They'll be performing on the tracks by Mika, It's raining men, Uff Teri Ada, Bum Bum Bole, All is Well. Basically, these tracks are very popular, especially among children." So, sharing the stage will be the workshop students, underprivileged kids, and a special child; thirteen year old Sanskriti, for a solo salsa performance. Thrown in between is also a couple performance. Adds Tannushree, "I'll be performing with them at the finale of the show." She adds, "We founded Flames in Pune in 2006, it now has presence in Mumbai, Delhi, Gurgaon." Till the time, Chandigarh chapter happens, a winter workshop's in the queue. As for the current, it's just like any other workshop with the special part segregating it from the rest. Shares Unnikrishnan, another choreographer, "I've been associated with the Flames for the past five years…the kids were learning and picking up the steps and beats so fine by just looking. It didn't feel at all they were beginners." — Manpriya Khurana |
|
Spade work
Experienced gardeners know about the importance of time. For best effect gardening jobs have to be on dot. And as the rainy season is approaching, it's plantation time. Normally, even before the rains, gardeners rush for planting. The explanation is that later you do not get good plants. Do not forget that the earth is still hot. There is not even the first shower of pre-monsoon rains.
The plants that are uprooted from their original place are under the transplant shock. What it should get at the time of planting is the best of all the factors like cool temperature, assured watering, high humidity and least of harsh sun. The plants ready for transplanting are 'damaged' as the roots get severed when extracted from earth. So far as dearth of plants is concerned, get the plants and keep them with you at some cool place, under a shady tree or some other cool corner. If ornamental trees and shrubs is your compulsion go ahead with the planting in July-August, but the fruit plants in particular should never be rushed through, never before September-October. The mango, citrus species plants and litchi should never be planted before that time. This is not the time to plant deciduous trees like peach, plum, pear, grapes, phalsa etc. they are planted in January-February. Kinnow and ber can also be planted during winter by bringing them bare-rooted. Another major factor to check is the soil that is carried with the plant. Make sure it is not clay. The roots in such soils remain confined. Later when the plant grows, the roots are not enough to support the heavy plant head with the result that the plant dries even after two to three years. On pulling out, the original earth ball comes out clearly indicating the restriction of plant roots growth. (This column appears weekly. The author is the Senior PAU Horticulturist at Chandigarh and can be reached at
satishnarula@pau.edu)
|
|
In an opportunity to infuse creativity with education, over 100 children from city participated in the kids carnival organised by the JET group at Fun Republic. In continuation with the program, JET Group fashion show was organised by Star Happenings where 15 short-listed talented boys and girls participated by presenting themselves on ramp in most colourful and enchanting dresses. The outstanding performances were also rewarded with gifts. — TNS
|
|
Big Street, the Out of home arm of Reliance Broadcast Network Limited announces its latest win - the 483 strong bus network of the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking, including 60 low floor intra-city Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission buses and 40 AC buses. Given the inadequate intra-city bus services in the region this far, the additional buses will come as a respite to travelers. The buses will take Big Street's reach not just within Chandigarh but across Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh (West), posing as an excellent advertising tool, given its reach and impact within the cities. According to Rabe Iyer, business head, BIG Street, BIG Live and BIG Digital, "We will be able to deliver significant reach in North India. These are exciting times for the OOH industry which is getting highly organised with the entry of large corporates as well as availability of media advertising space." — TNS
|
|
Bollywood bonds
Actor Chunky Pandey bonded with Hollywood superstar Robert Downey Jr over sunglasses and Bollywood during a recent meeting at the famous Beverly Wiltshire hotel. Chunky and his wife Bhavna were asked to be ready for a surprise dinner guest at their table by the manager of the hotel and it turned out to be none other than the Iron Man star.
Robert and Chunky were both part of an exclusive dinner organised to showcase an art exhibition and the two actors soon discovered that they share a common love for sunglasses and have hundreds of them in their collection, said a source close to Chunky. The Academy Award winning actor was amused to know that his popularity had increased across the Indian subcontinent post the release of his last two blockbusters Iron Man 2 and Sherlock Holmes.Infact, he told Chunky that many have told him Sherlock Holmes seemed like a Bollywood film to them. He went on to admit that "India was a land waiting to happen" for him and he would love to visit soon. —
PTI |
|
Action star Akshay Kumar will be a special guest at a dinner Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper will host for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tomorrow. Kumar, who is Canada's tourism ambassador to India, is among over 400 dignitaries who have been invited by the Canadian Prime Minister for the dinner. Kumar has close ties with Canada and was India's ambassador to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and he carried the Olympic Torch in Toronto. In 2008, Kumar was confered an honorary degree by the University of Windsor for his contribution to the Indian cinema. — PTI
|
|
Best of the lot
He is known for giving glam-dolls of Bollywood a milestone film in their career. Whether it's Fashion for Priyanka Chopra, which is regarded as her best act till day, or Corporate for Bipasha Basu that revealed the actress in the Bong Bombshell.
And now, National Award winning filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar has set his eyes on Kareena Kapoor and claims that his upcoming film Heroin with the actress will be the best of her career. After her career-defining film Jab We Met with former boyfriend Shahid Kapoor, Kareena appeared in a string of not successful flicks like Tashan, (which only made news for her size-zero) and Roadside Romeo (a forgetful animated film with present beau Saif Ali Khan). Golmaal Returns was a saving grace for the actress, which was followed by Kurbaan, a Rensil D'Silva directed film that won Kareena the applause of the critics. The film, however, could not pull the audiences to the theatre and the critics' applause soon simmered as gave a box office dud Main Aurr Mrs Khanna. Kareena backed it with Raj Kumar Hirani's 3 Idiots where she made her presence felt despite the small role in the Aamir Khan blockbuster. But the actress is waiting for a solo hit and the 29-year-old, who began her career with J P Dutta's offbeat film Refugee a decade back, has all the faith in Bhandarkar. "Kareena has been wanting to work with me for quite a long time. But due to some reasons we have not been able to team up. She blindly trusts me and my talent and the feeling is mutual," Bhandarkar said in an interview. The film, which will begin in December, is already making a buzz with reports that Bhandarkar is planning to give Kareena the iconic looks of Hollywood's legendary actresses like Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Vivien Leigh and Eva Gardner. "This is going to be Kareena's best performance of her life. I can guarantee that. She is an talented artist and she will be in her full bloom in this one," Bhandarkar said.
— PTI |
|
Lap it up
Whether in a classroom taking down notes or in your cubicle working on a presentation, laptops no longer have limited application. An essential office tool, a 'cool' college accessory and a favourite leisure companion, the sleeker version of PCs are a hit with everyone. So, what can make an already smart gadget even smarter? We find out. Laptop skins
"I am going to buy a purple skinned 15-inch notebook, as I have recently got a job and I don't want to look like a boring employee. I am planning to buy a laptop that not only looks smart, but has all the features like extendable memory and an in-built camera," says Jannat Kalsi, a computer science graduate. Keyboard-protect ion skins
These are plain transparent sheets, which can be pasted on the keyboard. It prevents dust from entering the keyboard and further provides protection to the motherboard. The key guards are available for Rs 100. Mouse
The inbuilt scroll pads in the laptops are sometimes inconvenient. So, users opting for a mouse can choose from the various new types available in the market, including USB mouse, wireless mouse/cordless optical mouse, Bluetooth mouse. Three-piece cleansing kit
A cleansing kit for a laptop contains a brush, anti-static cleaning solution and an ultra absorbing cleaning cloth for LCD screens, which can be used to clean the marks or scratches and other hand imprints on the laptop's screen. Anti-glare sheet
Lamination of the screens must be avoided. Instead anti-glaring sheets should be used on the monitor to avoid direct strain on the eyes. Bags packs
No longer are laptop bags available only in mundane leather. Multi-utility, sleek and smart bags are also available in the market. These come as side bags and bag packs. Says Nitin, TS Computers-20, "Bag packs are light weight bags with 3-4 divisions for storing multiple things. There are attached pockets with the bags for cellphones and water bottles. Nowadays many
customers are purchasing these bags." Flexible keyboard
This is the latest additional equipment, which can be attached to the laptop and then can be folded and kept inside the bag. This is useful for multiplayer games. Portable vacuum cleaners
They absorb the small dirt particles, which enter the keyboard and also clean other parts of the laptop like the USB ports etc. Cooling pads and stands
A laptop cooling stand elevates the gadget and provides ventilation. Laptops generally get heated up due to continuous usage and these pads cool lower the temperature by 10-15 per cent, which increases their life. Cooling pads should be kept under the laptop when it is being used on the bed, otherwise the gadget could get damaged. Small mini-speakers
In general, laptops do not have good sound quality so speakers and other sound enhancing products are required. Mini portable speakers with woofers can serve the purpose. Speakers that do not require power and connect to the laptop through a USB port are also available for a nominal price starting from Rs 500. Headphones, mikes
Compatible headphones and mikes are also available for all models of laptops. They are useful for video conferencing and voice chatting. Wired as well as Bluetooth headphones by Microsoft , Logitech, Intex are also there in the market. |
|
Loud & clear
The phone comes with a host of multimedia features for a truly entertaining experience at a price just Rs 3,649. It has a 3.5 mm universal audio jack, FM radio with schedule recording, five different FM alarms, dedicated volume control keys and comes with an audio player that displays album cover, background and lyrics. Up to 15 FM channels can be saved on it with their specified channel effect. The phone has USB-chargeable 1200 MAH battery for significant music time or eight hours of talk time, a two GB memory card that comes pre-loaded with entertaining Bollywood content, four GB expandable memory and Bluetooth capability. What's more, the modem within the phone can be connected to a PC that's Bluetooth-enabled for dialing up and surfing the Internet. According to Prem Kumar, chief executive officer, "Fly Booom (MC105) is a phone with life. It breathes and the joy it spreads is infectious. Its decibel volumes are sure to blow away any doubts that you may have.” — TNS
|
|
Samsung announces the launch of NX10 - the company's first foray into mirror-less interchangeable lens camera segment - on Monday. The Samsung NX10 has the heart of a DSLR embedded inside the compact frame of a digital camera, successfully integrating the APS-C size CMOS sensor with a mirror-less interchangeable lens, in a small, light and ergonomically designed body that ensure maximum portability for users. The NX10 incorporates a fast and decisive auto focus (AF), 14.6 MP APS-C size CMOS sensor and unique, large 3.0" amoledscreen, allowing users to easily view their images, even in bright sunlight. The NX10 ensures users never miss a moment, as the new DRIMe II Pro engine and advanced AF algorithm, provide ultra-fast AF speed with the higher precision of contrast AF. The 3.0" amoled screen facilitates by providing easier viewing in bright sunshine or at acute viewing angles. Slim and light at just over 350 g, the NX10 is available in black with two variants - the first with an 18-55mm lens kit (Rs 42,990) and the other with a 30mm Pan Cake lens (Rs 44,990). With the addition of this new model, Samsung's Digital Still Cameras range now comprises a total of 31 models priced between Rs 6,990 to Rs. 44,990. — TNS
|
|
|
| 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 | |
Swanky cubicles of an MNC, waiting rooms of an airport and railway stations to occupying a small space in a carry bag, the micro-processors, the ultra-fast data based chips invading and touching our lives faster than we could comprehend, are everywhere.
The formal living area of the house flows into a double height lobby that further merges in the dining space. "It was only after our discussion with architect SD Sharma, a friend, that we got to know of the concept of public and private spaces in the house," offers Dr Amod. So, this public space is open without any doors for anyone to walk in. 
Traditional black laptops are no longer in trend and coloured skins are a hot favourite. Skins with graffiti, sequences, bubbles, geometric patterns etc are available in the market. Plain skins with vibrant colours such as pink, purple, blue, yellow etc can also be bought.
Fly Mobile, the pioneers of dual SIM phones in Europe and a brand owned by the Meridian Group, UK, announces the availability of their new mobile phone Fly Booom (MC105) in Punjab and Haryana. It is India's first mobile phone with 30 x 40 mm speaker and an in-built amplifier.