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Summer of 2012 FINISHING
TOUCH PACESETTER
Jayesh Sachdev Centrespread:
Here come the next gen SUVs Bling it on: Objects of desire
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Summer of 2012
NEW energy and dynamism are inspiring fashions. The main trends, which are surfacing, are those with focus on bright colours, and cross-culture, with an element of casualness. Fashion no longer belongs to the overly superfluous elements, and is in sync with the changing times. The Summer 2012 collections of a number of top designers emphasise neutral silhouettes, desire for simplicity, understated fashion statements, balanced proportions and minimum details. Ethnic meets European Ashish Soni’s inspiration is the sartorial style of European men. Bold silhouettes are complemented with smart and intricate detailing. The collection is a playful experimentation of timelessness of the two-piece linen suit. The designer’s linen suits combine ethnic detailing with fine European aesthetics. Jodhpuri pants come with dropped crotches and are looser with a more evened fit along the leg. The result is a formal lounge pant with chic turned-up hems. The construction of the jackets mirrors the same theme. The collection presents a range of designs, from classic, slim-fitted single and double-breasted pieces, to those with a more whimsical design aesthetics that seek a closer look. Even Ravi Bajaj merges the Indian design sensibility with European styles for his Spring/Summer 2012 collection, which he recently showcased at the Dubai Fashion Week. Oomph rules
Ravi Bajaj gives his sarees and kurtas
a touch of oomph and sensuousness. Kurtas are no longer straight,
embroidered yardage but have evolved through the idiom of varied silhouettes
and drapes, which hug the body and exude oomph especially around the neck,
armhole Says Bajaj, "I have attempted to accommodate Indian as well as European influences in my collection in the use of fabrics, silhouettes and structuring techniques." If it is silhouettes for Bajaj, leading couturier Ritu Kumar is projecting anti-silhouette dresses in her Spring and Summer 2012 collection. The look is both bold and lush. The colours are a smart mix of black, transparent surfaces and rich, embellished thicker mediums. The necks are ornated with metal sequins, used in linear and abstract geometric patterns. The lacy bodies are lengthier and are laid over solid blacks. The collection includes large flared dresses, short tunics, pencil trousers and leggings. There are also mandarin collars, embroidered shoulder yokes, with fringes on the yoke. The fabrics mostly look flowy and range from knits to georgettes and chiffons. Classic & contemporary Rina Dhaka makes a classic-meets-contemporary statement with her Summer 2012 collection. It is an amalgamation of cuts and sensibilities. The designer fuses modern cuts with traditional techniques, drawing inspiration from tangible and intangible textures bringing out a relaxed yet alluring look. Flared cotton dresses; acid green tie-and-dye combined with beadwork, and criss-cross tube dresses are a part of Dhaka’s summer look. A range of ruffles, cowls and pleats add to the oomph factor of the collection. The colours and the fabrics perfectly blend with the summer mood. Techniques like block printing and tie-and-dye keep the look traditional yet sensual. Tradition and contemporariness are the two hallmarks of Kavita Bhartia’s 2012 Summer collection called Kaleidoscope. Made from fabrics like georgette, ikat, zardozi and chiffon, the designer has dedicated the collection to the traditional Indian weavers and craftsmen. Her summer look includes a range of silhouettes like jumpsuits, ponchos, tunics, long dresses and gowns in yellows, frost grey and turquoise. Eclectic treatment Rehane’s summer look is a riot of colours that include indigo blue, dusty pinks, lavenders and turquoise. A very eclectic treatment is bestowed on to the silhouettes. The skirts are voluminous and dresses compliment a woman’s figure. A part of the collection uses rustic gold embroidery work. Interestingly, apart from the mainline designer, labels like Espirit and Disney are making their own summer fashion statements. Disney debuted at the Lakme Fashion week (March 2-March 6) in Mumbai. The collection is inspired by the timeless appeal of Mickey and Minnie. The fashion collection has been created by Indian designers Little Shilpa and Nitin Bal Chauhan. "Mickey and Minnie have long inspired the world’s leading fashion houses and their energy continues with this contemporary and fun new range for adults," says Roshini Bakshi, vice-president, consumer products and retail, The Walt Disney Company India. Timeless chic For the summer of 2012, Esprit is bringing out a collection for the global citizen. The look is chic, classic and timeless, be it at work or at a party. And that, in a way, sums up the mood for the summer look of 2012. It is natural and casual. Keeping that in mind, any fashion enthusiast can let his or her imagination soar by combining and coordinating to make a bold fashion statement.
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IN the modern era, fashion doesn’t end with stylish clothes alone. Accessorising, an inseparable part of fashion and style, is essential to create that perfect look. It adds character to an ensemble, making it come alive and complete the look in totality. In 2012, accessorising has assumed even more importance, and women and men are striving to further spruce up their images with fine fashion accessories. Even as the trendy set is becoming more accessory conscious, fashion designers are busy offering an array of choices to them. In fact, it is a problem of plenty as far as accessories go. Ranging from ties to belts, shoes, jewellery, watches, wallets, necklaces and studs — the buyers are now spoilt for choice. J. J. Valaya is making a fashion statement this year with an array of modern and traditional uncut diamond sets and polki jewellery. There is lots of emphasis on natural colours. Materials such as stone and wood also are big this season in jewellery. The natural feels are organic, and botanical-looking beads is a big trend especially as far as pendants go. Ravi Bajaj has come out with a new line of stunning belts, bags and shoes. Sanchita Ajjampur’s collection features a range of accessories, including collapsible shoes and bags in natural-harvested yarns and hand-dyed multiple colour parings. Nikhil Mehra completes the look of his stylish clothes with accessories like hats, caps and brooches. Scarves are back in vogue as is evident in designer Manoviraj Khosla’s collection. Wearing the right pair of designer cufflinks to match your tie-bar is a must in every business suit. This is evident from designer Mihir Bose’s collection. Malini Ramani creates a range of exclusive footwear, which is being retailed at the Bata outlets. But what takes the cake is the stunning footwear offering by French designer Christian Louboutin’s Summer and Spring collection at its store in DLF Emporia in New Delhi. It is Bollywood-inspired pink suede platform pumps embroidered with strass and lurex thread and priced at Rs 1,36,500.
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PACESETTER
Jayesh Sachdev A Brilliant Madness Anandita Gupta
AT 30, Jayesh Sachdev could easily be called Andy Warhol of India. Among the few artists in India, who specialise in pop art, Jayesh has taken up Bollywood, Amar Chitrakatha, Kamasutra and Indian history as themes for his creations at various multiplexes and public spaces. Young at art and cheeky to boot, the only common element running through his body of work is his connectedness to the Indian popular culture. The genre of pop art essentially came into being after the 1970s. It draws inspiration from mass culture such as iconic figures, comic books and advertising. "The viewer always has something to identify with when he sees representations of common objects, personalities and ideas, which are known to him," says Jayesh. Drawing inspiration from legendary pop artists Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, Jayesh was acknowledged by the British Council among India’s top five "Young Arts Entrepreneurs" in 2008. He also holds the national record for having painted India’s largest concept artwork — a never-before initiated concept of "Tyre-Art" — on a 40ftx40ft canvas. Having exhibited across New York, India, Singapore, Paris and Miami, Jayesh is the creative force behind the path-breaking art-and-design gallery: Emblem Studios. The brainchild of Jayesh, Emblem is a contemporary art-and-design gallery that turns art viewing into an exciting experience. Featured among the 12 most popular galleries in India by India Today in 2008, Emblem showcases first-timers and emerging artists, who lack opportunity. Open only after sunset, when most galleries close for the day, it carries on business for guests from 6 pm to 11.30 pm. The pop artist has also been involved with innumerable charity events and was also the finalist of the Tiger Translate Arts Awards (2008). The progressive pop artist has his easels firmly set for Bollywood. Acclaimed film personalities like Priyanka Chopra and Subhash Ghai are among the private collectors of his pop-art portraits. Moreover, he is the only Indian artist to be commissioned with Bollywood walk of fame, a series of 56 hand-painted acrylic-on-canvas works, that pay a tribute to the iconic stars from the silent era of 1930s till the stars of 2009. The Pune-based artist is just back from New York, where he showcased his work under the patronage of French Countess Stephanie Dorlgandes. The dynamic art entrepreneur, who launched three companies by the age of 26, has even directed Sachin Tendulkar in a TV commercial ad. In 2010, he launched his new company Quirk Box and its fashion and lifestyle label "Stuck with stupid". He founded this company, along with Rixi Bhatia, another award-winning creative entrepreneur. The company’ website has had close to two millions hits in its brief stint in the market, and has gone on to stock in exclusive stores across the country, including the Leela Palace Hotels across India and the Attic in Mumbai. It has also gone international, with the Trondheim Art Museum, Norway and London, among several others.
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Centrespread:
Here come the next gen SUVs SOME people need more car than others. They want to go beyond the safety, comfort and convenience factors that are the reason for buying cars. SUVs are made for them. S-U-V stands for Sports Utility Vehicle and its defining profile is big and flashy. An SUV is a dependable off-roading machine that looks great parked in your garage. Car dealers are convinced that 2012 will be the year of SUVs. Big and flashy Now in any vehicle, be it a car or an SUV, you're likely to reach your destination in good shape, regardless of the weather and drive long distances with little fatigue, and God forbid, in case of an accident, you have a good chance of coming out of it alive and with minimum damage. With an SUV, however, transporting a battalion of children is no problem, picking up an aunt and three big suitcases at the station is no problem. Harman Sekhon, a Chandigarh-based businessman, took home his pick, a metallic grey Mahindra XUV 500 a week back and could not stop raving about the boot space. Off-roading, of course, is the stated reason for the choice, but Harman, however, has more defined reasons to call it an all-season SUV. "I am part of a joint family. Almost every week, I drive down my family to our farmhouse in Hoshiarpur. The seats are not cramped, everyone gets enough space to stretch their legs and it is fuel efficient," he adds. "The diesel engine produces 140bhp, which is enough to cruise it on off-road." Well, isn't a car all about dependability, style and efficiency! Blend of style and luxury SUVs have always been popular, especially with the buyers in rural areas, where they have to sometimes negotiate ruts on the road made by the original wheeled vehicles, the bullock carts. Now, SUVs are seeing a transformation in design. The bodies of SUVs have become more aerodynamic in the recent years. This makes the passenger vehicle safer and more fuel-efficient. Aerodynamics is primarily used in race car designs that demand high speed. Sheer indulgence Rallying is what a good number of SUVs are being used for these days. It isn't, however, raising some sand and dust that the SUVs do. Something like the recently launched Range Rover Evoque is a perfect blend of style and luxury. From unique bumpers, sills, grille, tailpipes, contrasting roof, 18-inch alloy wheels to interiors wrapped in fine Oxford leather, this SUV is known for its sheer indulgence, a lifestyle concept pure SUV that comes at a steep price. "The idea of buying an SUV for a customer is to make their presence felt clear on the road." On the other hand, Land Rover Freelander and Discovery are the all-season utility vehicles in this category. Freelander is popular with buyers due to its affordability, and its big engine. "In an SUV, a customer wants maximum out of the bulky machine. Land Rover comes with a unique concept of drive rotate that can be programmed to drive in all terrains," says Ajay Malhotra, head sales Dada Motors JLR association. Good for bad roads A major reason why most people buy an SUV is because it fulfils their need for luxury, style and comfort. In addition to this, customers have their own individual reasons. All SUVs come with a combination of pulling capacity and passenger seating. These are safe because of their larger and heavier built. It is the current demand that major car companies are giving their prominent SUVs a makeover and launching many more variants. The face-lifted Toyota Fortuner is a 2982-cc, diesel machine available in two variants. Mahindra & Mahindra launched Mahindra SUV Rexton, a sports car with a SUV tag. Mahindra SUV Safari Storm comes with advanced safety features and new looks. Ford, too, took the covers off its all-new urban SUV concept, Eco Sport. Positioned between a SUV and a Sedan, the production model will hit the road in a couple of years. The family car brand Maruti, too, launched its showstopper XA Alpha at Auto Expo 2012. A concept SUV, this model combined of ruggedness and muscle. "There is a paradigm shift towards the SUV segment, with most customers wanting a car that can fit their bill, highway travelling, high posture and is good for bad roads. The BMW X3 is, in this respect, competing with Q5 and Land Rover Freelander," says Sachit Passi, a partner with Krishna Automobiles. Whatever be the reason for buying the SUV, right now, you are spoilt for choice, you can have the best in the world, provided your pockets are as deep as your aspirations.
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At first glance, it can pass off as a bonsai. Look once more. Is it a smartly designed lamp? Wrong again. The modular, Lego-like tree with 54 mini-photovoltaic is a portable solar-cell charger. It is a unique renewable solution for charging your gadgets like cellphone or camera. It has space for 54 panels, designed as leaves, that soak up energy from the sun and charge your gadgets. Adapters get tucked away beneath the smart little tray and your gadgets lie on top, basking in the shade. A very useful device, it will be introduced in the market soon. It does not require any upkeep. No, not even watering!
Be the king of kings in this game of chess. It will cost you a fortune but owning one of the Walrus carved figural chess set will put you in a class of your own. The original chess sets that were manufactured in England between the eighth and the 10th centuries may just have a few museum pieces left. But there are great replicas being produced in very limited editions. And they can cost a fortune. So if you have some serious money in your pocket and are keen on chess, get hold of a Walrus!
Want to see any foreign language film but can’t read the subtitles and view the film simultaneously? Here’s a gadget that will help you enjoy foreign classics to the hilt. The gadget attaches itself to a pair of glasses and a receptor in the glasses captures the signal and projects it onto the microscreen, which fits over the right-hand lens. And the sub-titles or any other text on the screen will stream in front of your eyes without disturbing your viewing.
The price of this corkscrew could fetch a year’s supply of the best French wines. But then, those who buy it, do so more for its brand appeal than its price tag. The Sveid Corkscrew is made of 52 pieces of aviation titanium, along with a fingertip lever and cast in 18-carat gold. It uses a neat scissor-action mechanism to remove the cork’s covering, and then uses the drill-down method to uncork the bottle of wine or champagne. So, the next time when you pull out a bubbly from the wine-rack, remember to wow your guests with this pricey opener
TRENDY TIMEKEEPER
Fountain Pen and inkpot is big value for big money. The image of the eternal bird Phoenix has been inspired by a Chinese painting from the 12th century. In this painting, the immortal bird appears with the figure of a woman, with the masculine side represented by the dragon. The overlay in 18-karat gold in high relief, heavy-cast design covers the marbled red celluloid pen body. The pen body sculpture is repeated on the nib of the pen, which is filled with the traditional internal piston filling system
If you are a stickler for great quality sound of music but do not like the sight of wires emanating from your earphones, what you need are the Sennheiser’s MX W1 wireless earbuds that provide optimal audio, along with cutting-edge design. Yes, the top-of-the-line earphones, too, have designs and these ones can pass off as jewellery and not something sticking out of your ears. And they are unmatchable when it comes to the best audio quality. The earbobs can connect to two separate stereos.
Since time immemorial, man has been chasing that impossible dream of a flying car. Well, the dream seems to be coming true. The Terrafugia Transition Flying Car can be driven around like a regular road car but when you have a street long enough then you can unfold its 27-foot wings and take off like a plane. While its top speed in the air is 210 km/ph, this translates to be much faster than cars restricted to roads.
KING OF CHAMPAGNES
WOW AS YOU TRAVEL