Pronounced as one of the most graceful outfits for women, the sari has endured the test of time and fashion. Lending itself novelty and re-invention, this five-and-a-half metres of flowing fabric now comes in a new avatar that is definitely more glamourous.

If in the past, the only formal events on the social calendar of women to wear this sensual yet sophisticated outfit were weddings, today they have extended to other events that qualify as casual, semi-formal, formal and then ‘the occasions’. And there is a sari for each of these occasions!

And in trend are those chiffons, crepes and georgette, much to the dismay of our good old Kanchipuram saris! “Chiffons, georgettes and crepes are glamourous and much lighter than the heavy bordered silk saris. This is the main reason why people prefer them,” says a shop assistant at Kohinoor-17.

Adds Ritu Kochar, corporate director, INIFD-8, “Kanchipuram’s are fit to be dumped in suitcases. These saris are overtly expensive, high on maintenance and then they give the look of the past. On the other hand, materials like georgette and chiffon are cheaper, more trendy and fashionable.”

Defining casual, semi-formal and formal saris, Ritu says: “Cotton, lehari and bhandani saris would pass as casual ones, while saris in georgette with light embellishments like lace or sequins are fit for semi-formal occasions. And for formal, one can go for crepe or georgette saris with heavy work like jaal embroidery, badla, antique work, mokaish, zardozi embellished with crystals, kundan sequins and stones.”

Well, the wedding season is also here and don’t’ our brides like to include one or two silk saris in their trousseau! “The preference extends to lighter silks for bridal wear. If in the past, a bride's trousseau comprised only Kanchipuram saris, today elaborately embroidered chiffons, georgettes and crepes dominate,” says Rajneesh Jain from Meena Bazaar. He adds, “Mix and match of fabrics is the most sought after trend these days. We have benarasi borders in georgette saris, conceptual saris (that come with a kamarbandh or broche), placement saris, saris with motifs, figurines etc that are more liked by women these days.”

Floral prints, abstract patterns and plain colours too make for dressy saris. “Net and georgettes are the most liked saris these days,” says Babi from Babi’s in Sector 8. Ask her why women prefer lighter silk to the heavier ones and she says, “The problem is that if you buy a heavy silk sari, you can wear it only on rare occasions. However, if you buy a lighter silk sari, you can wear it often. It makes sense if you look at the economics of it as well. You can get a gorgeous chiffon sari or a lighter silk at half the price of a Kanchipuram sari.”

Well, economics plays a role but when it comes to fashion, it’s more about style 
than money!

jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com

Buy more, crave for more! Women cannot have enough of it and so the room keeps getting bigger for jewellery. Be it any kind, women just can’t compromise on their precious little piece of (eternal) happiness. Anything that glitters is what matters and acknowledging the fact, the market is ever evolving. Some offer discounts, others designs, and while we lap it up on any condition applied, more is the word.

The latest being offered by Pavitra, one of the leading jewellery brands in the region. Coming up with their Turkish Jewellery Collection that promises innovative designs and a lot more. A collection of over 1,000 designs—in rings, earrings, pendants, necklaces— the concept cashes on cost effective elegance. “Turkish concepts use less of gold and more of diamond in its design. This gives a heavy look despite the jewellery being light in weight. The diamonds used are in different cuts and finishes that gives an exclusive look to each design,” says Kunal Goyal, director, Pavitra.

The combinations of designs speak for themselves, diamonds fused in with precious stones, pearls, jadau and antique gold. The highlights of the collection are the cocktail or harem rings. Geometrical designs and delicate workmanship make them stand out. “Most of the buyers are fashion conscious and want jewellery that is unique and we ensure that none of our designs are repeated or copied from somewhere. We even give clients the option of customised jewellery, with their own suggested designs,” says Kunal. For daily wear, handful designer options come in Italian made diamond pendants, earrings and rings. They already have 3,500 designs in diamond jewellery on display.

Now, jewellery buying is still considered an investment and not just another shopping expedition. So, the cost has been kept in mind while offering you global concepts. “Since, the Turkish concept uses less of gold, it automatically becomes cost effective. Our range starts from Rs 10,000 and goes up to a few lakhs. The cocktail rings are priced between Rs 40,000 to Rs 80,000,” informs Kunal.

If fashion or in-built female traits are not enough to attract you towards it, then Kunal has another reason, the rising gold prices. “If your budget is effected by gold prices, then diamond jewellery makes for a good option since it is comparatively cost effective. There has been an increase in sales of diamond jewellery and looking at the current status the trend is likely to pick up.” nehawalia@tribunemail.com

To begin with the ultimate, he’s fine. “Yes, I’m happy in life,” Suraj Singh, 26, pursuing LLM, Panjab University, declares what’s crucial, what matters and moves on!

What makes him more than perfect for our young star’s column is the fact that he’s visually challenged by birth, which in turn is a ‘by the way’ reality. That’s about it; no sob stories, no sympathising, no being supportive. “I never got discouraged or frustrated at any point of time. Of course, there are certain moments but they come and go.” Like in everyone else’s life.

Currently, the first-year student, originally from Jammu and Kashmir, is battling bigger, better issues. “My exams are starting soon, right now I’m just attending classes. Let alone rare, there are hardly any books available in Braille. From today, I’m supposed to sit with a PhD student and chalk out a programme.” He adds, “Let’s see, I think when it comes to the crunch, you somehow manage.”

It’s not his first time with snags. Starting from school, “There were some difficulties in studying sciences, for example practicals and all.” He adds, “After passing out from blind school from Jammu, there have always been hurdles with books. There are no books available after Class 8 in Braille. Even the National Institute for Visually Challenged provides books only up to Class 12.”

Anyways, the rest is, as they always say, history. Right now, it’s all the rest that consumes him. “I’ve always felt like I’ve to gain knowledge. When I’ll have a post and position, people will automatically come to me. Before practising I want to join some post related to law. I’m planning to go for judicial services.” There’re some more plans in place. “I, for once, want to become a legislator, want to sit in the Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir.”

In between he doesn’t forget to rattle names of the people he wants to thank. “My professor, whose son is a researcher, my friend Shivani, my parents…”

So has he made any friends here? “Friend is one thing, ‘dost’ quite another, while social circle is altogether another thing. There is one person who falls within the parameter. I hope he becomes a friend in a few days. Don’t mind I’m in a field where we take each term technically.”

So does he never, err…think about things, feel left out? “There is no need to think, there are enough helpful people in my life. In fact, sometimes I feel if I were not in this condition, I could be otherwise living a menial life, stuck somewhere.”

Meanwhile, he hands out his mobile and asks you to feed the number. Move on!

manpriya@tribunemail.com 

In deep love with their native land, the Haryanvis relish the saying — Desson mein des Haryana. And as far as promotion of literature is concerned, Haryana has no parallel in the country. This was quite evident at the Sahityakar Samman Samaroh, which was organised by the Haryana Sahitya Akademy on Tuesday. On the occasion, as many as 32 writers and artistes were give citations, shawls and cash awards ranging from Rs 1-2.5 lakh.

It was indeed a cultural confluence of all genres; from 36-year-old Hemant Atri to 91-year-old Shakuntla Brijmohan, besides other art lovers and authors, each looking enterprising. The oldest recipient of the award, Shakuntla Brijmohan, is not complacent despite her age and associated problems. In love with literature and music, this Benaras born and educated litterateur is credited with over 12 books, mostly short stories. A keen classical vocalist, she topped in ‘Sangeet Vishard’ from Bhatkhande University. But after she experienced a problem with her vocal chords, she diverted her passion to the sitar. Finally, she took to writing at the age of 70. “Nothing strange, there is no age limit if you have the blessings of the Almighty,” she beams.

Among other awardees were senior bureaucrats Ramendra Jakhu Sahil and Rajbir Deswal. While Sahil, author of four books, has been widely appreciated for his poetic elegance in India as well as abroad, Rajbir has authored eight literary works. Known as a master exponent of Haryanvi culture, Rajbir has virtually translated the soul of Haryana through his books, including Wit and Humour of Haryana, Culture- Bright and Dark, Latke Jhatke et al. His latest book Hoor Menaka, a translation of Haryanvi songs by Pandit Lakhmi Chand, was also released at the function. Earlier, KK Khandelwal discussed the role genesis of Haryanvi culture. He also welcomed the chief guest Geeta Bhukkal, Haryana Education and Health minister, who later gave away the awards. Poet Surender Sharma and Shiv Raman Gaud were also present on the occasion.

It’s time to give back to society. And with the season of festivals already upon us, the spirit is just right. It is this thought process Concern India Foundation, a non-profit charitable trust organises ‘Pause for a Cause’ as a fund raising activity to support grass roots programmes. Pause for a Cause is a shopping extravaganza that began on Tuesday at Taj Chandigarh.

Essentially an exhibition of textiles, fashionwear and accessories, Pause for a Cause has established its presence in Delhi and Gurgaon over the past few years. It is not just a random collection of designers. Each show is carefully put together with a balanced and interesting mix of participants and designers who are identified from various cities across India. A screening for quality, elegance of style and design as well as affordability ensures that they fit the profile of the exhibition. There is an eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional which is not available in regular shops or malls.

“Pause for a Cause is a national platform for us for fund raising through our   branches in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Pune,” says Kavita Shah, CEO, Concern India Foundation. “The money raised is used towards our objective of helping the underprivileged be self-reliant and lead a life of dignity,” she adds.

Niranjan Poddar from Bhagalpur, Bunkar  Bikas Sanstha from Maheshwaris, Chanderis from Tana Bana of Rajasthan and Kabita from Pulia in Bengal Weavers produce the handloom geecha sarees which are the current fashion rage.

Designers add their individual, designer touch to ready wear dresses like Anvita with Lucknowi wear, Vishal Kapur to suit pieces and gorgeous dupattas, Kinkini and Collart bring fusion with their indo western garments.

Pashminas, reversible silk stoles, colourful flip-flops, comfortable ballerinas, bejeweled slip-ons and clutches are the other tempting buys. Kundan and meena jewellery vie for attention with trendy silver jewellery. The revived chintz prints in soothing colours are available to bring cheers to one’s home decor. —TNS

Zing up your style quotient with lots of glitz, sparkle, and shimmer as it is the flavour of the season. Add a dazzling and a dramatic effect to your eyes with Avon’s iconic Glimmerstick diamond eye-liner. Infused with a sparkling finish, this new version of Avon’s eyeliner is designed to accentuate the beauty and shape of your eyes.

This easy to apply, self-sharpening eyeliner is a soft pencil which glides on smoothly for colour that does not tug or pull eyelids. Glimmersticks diamonds eye-liner has a long wearing, water-proof, smudge-proof formula that blends effortlessly to keep the glimmer going all day. The hint of sparkle gives shine and dimension to eyes making them look bigger and brighter.

This all-in-one retractable liner is available in four sparkling shades of black ice, smokey diamond, emerald glow, and twilight sparkle.

Available for Rs 249 for 0.28gm. —TNS

Himani's Vertigo Lounge introduces a new coffee and patisserie menu. The menu was largely inspired by a huge demand of the young clientele of Himani's Vertigo Lounge.

Himani’s Vertigo is one of the first lounges in the city where a fusion of pub and coffee culture is possible. “Uniquely till now there are only exclusive coffee lounges or pub lounges in the city. With this fusion a new trend of service is expected to start,” says Ankit Gupta, director Himani’s Vertigo Lounge.  

So, dig into sumptuous cupcakes, muffins, cheese sticks, brownies while enjoying your favourite deep brown (Coffee) out of a choice of Latte, Cappuccino an espresso shot or Theanine (tea) of varied flavors. Added attractions include special combos of a beverage with array of cookies and muffins. —TNS