|
|
|
|
|
Restricted line
There's always much ado about couture. Is it old, is it new or is it the original? Is it eccentric or is it imaginative? Or, is it the fancy French terminology that they draw on to evoke an aura of exclusivity and if used thereby puts the maker on the pedestal of 'couturiers' and elevates collections to the status of creativity.
If the recently concluded India Couture Week is anything to go by, couture in India stands for bridal. It's the Indian week, held in the Capital. Touche! Opines Delhi-based designer Ujjawal Dubey, "That's the Indian way of couture. It is not about right or wrong but that is the way it is. High-end dressing is restricted to weddings and that is what the fashion weeks reflect.” The collections never inched far away from a lehenga or a long kurta. The ladies on the ramp, all adorned in Indian embroidery circling their way back with a saree, followed by a lehenga, odhni, coming back to saree and so on. If at all the couture came all inspired from Pakistani silhouettes, with an increasingly popular gharara or a sharara being presented at every alternate show. Fresh take Starting with the opening designer Sabyasachi, aboard his train to Ferozabad, never moved far away from a lehenga or a saree, a churidaar or a sharara. While the collection came replete with Indian craftsmanship, the designer repeated himself. It wasn't a very different story at the last edition of India Couture Week. Over to Anju Modi and her theme Manikamika, whose inspiration note cited a journey taken back in time and the saving grace was an attempt to move dhoti into today's wardrobes. If at all, the experimentation stayed restricted to season's find, cropped top, teamed with a straight lehenga. Monisha Jaising called it a day by naming the collection World Bride with a couple of gowns with a regular dose of bling that scored on the wearability rather than novelty. The men still did better with Sabyasachi and Rohit Bal offering out of the box outfit ideas to men who are willing to dress up by bringing bold colours in their lives. Minus the edge Whatever happened to edgy, experimental, out of the box? We guess, it started and stopped with Manish Arora with only inspiration restricted to India and gold detailing. The implementation was innovative and yet individualistic. Move back to a couple of past couture weeks. The rest of the big names are as commercial as wearable. Adds Ujjwal, "In my opinion there is a thin line between an artist and a designer. If they can keep the aesthetics and uniqueness alive while keeping the marketplace in mind." Ultimately, it has to be what the markets want. That explains focus on wedding obsessed India to accommodate all body shapes. Shares Roohani S, a Delhi-based designer, "By means of couture, you can earn applause from front rows but not orders.” Money vs creativity Anything bridal stands for greenbacks, receptive markets and ready customers. The pull of the commerce in the business of creative is too heavy to be ignored. Nods Farah Sanjana, having showcased at LFW, "All designers these days have marketing heads and business heads that take care of streamlining their collections… As a designer, there is a part of you that wants to experiment. I have often showcased outfits on the runway that have not been translated onto commercial lines." Only if the majority endeavoured to maintain a balance! Opines Ujjawal, "Till the time people are not receptive enough of fashion making their way into everyday lives, couture cannot become commonplace in India." Till then we have the exquisite clearly replacing the ground breaking. Wonder if that is good news.
Protected area
Now for the originally protected term that is often used by designers to pepper their label with fancy French terminology. Haute Couture, as defined by Paris Chamber of Commerce, is protected by law in France. For a fashion house to be able to call itself a couture house and to be able to use the term haute couture, must comply — *
Design made to order for private clients, with one or more fittings. *
Have a workshop in Paris that employs at least 15 people. *
Each season presents a collection to the Paris press, comprising at least 35 runs/exits with outfits for both day & evening wear.
|
|
Divine calling
For Shekhar Ravjiani, who launched his fourth single, which is a rendition of Hanuman Chalisa, the track resounds his inner journey of spirituality, thereby translating into a personal expression of creativity. The song was the consequence of a compulsive urge to create something that was of spiritual significance.
He shares, "I was introduced to Hanuman Chalisa by my grandmother, and in the pursuit of discovering my creative niche, I delved into the teachings of Lord Hanuman." While his creativity borders along the lines of divinity, he insists that his choice of content was only the matter of sensibility, which he could relate to. "The song is purely based on the values of Lord Hanuman, which are based on channelising devotion, power, and strength, productively," he says. However, it has been quite an interesting journey in the music industry for Shekhar as he recounts incidents that elaborate eloquently on his association with Vishal Dadlani, who he worked with for over 15 years and continues to do so. The duo has given the music for several blockbusters, with music that etched significant trends in Bollywood music, including Jhankaar Beats, Dus, Bluffmaster, Om Shanti Om, Bachna Ae Haseeno, Dostana, Chintakayala Ravi, Anjaana Anjaani, Ra.One, Student Of The Year, and Chennai Express. "I was really happy while working with Vishal and we met briefly after I was done with the music of my first film, Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi. Since then we have been inseparable," shares Shekhar. However, his reason for working on independent music was influenced by the choice of discovering his own creative niche that was as much personal as original. "I didn't want to be put in a frame with a director narrating to me a situation or deal with deadlines when it came to creating music, so about two-and-a-half years ago, I locked myself in a studio, and started singing. It was then that I created three singles, two of which were sung in Telgu, while the other one was sung in Marathi," he shares. Nevertheless, Shekhar seems to be quite pleased with the changes happening in the music industry in Bollywood. He is neither bothered with the issues of royalties and production labels, nor does he feel the need to elaborate on the critical and commercial aspects of Bollywood music. "I am happy with the way Bollywood is embracing new bands and giving them a chance to be a part of the commercial and I am not really bothered with the royalties either," he says while adding that the biggest boon to music is YouTube and Internet. "With YouTube, Balcony TV and Coke studio, I think, music is finding its own space. Also, the trend of releasing singles is very interesting. It's quick and efficient," he says. Having judged as many as five reality based music shows on television, Shekhar is of the opinion that these shows are a brilliant platform for searching talent. "I started my career with Sa Re Ga Ma and the kind of confidence that these shows bring to a performer's talent, they can duly be credited for honing talent," he opines. Shekhar's melodious and heartfelt rendition of The Hanuman Chalisa was launched by Amitabh Bachchan at an event in Mumbai.
|
|
Bad by nature
Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh, who plays the antagonist in upcoming Tamil action film Kaththi, says audiences won't see him as an over-the-top villain in the film, but as someone who is bad by nature. AR Murugadoss-directed Kaththi also features Vijay and Samantha Ruth Prabhu in the lead roles. "There is a tendency for any villain to go over the top while playing a baddie. I have avoided that in Kaththi. I wanted to ensure my character doesn't go overboard and only appear as someone who is bad by nature and not by looks," Neil said. "Another thing audiences will find in my character is that I won't come across as a usual South Indian villain. Thanks to my stylist Rupali, I've been made as stylish as Brad Pitt and David Beckham. Since I play a foreign-returned character, I wanted to look like I belong there," he added. Neil says looks were always his "last priority". He worked hard to learn the language. Kaththi is slated for release this Diwali. — IANS
Grey zone
Starring Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson, the teaser has become the most-watched of 2014, according to technology firm Zefr. The previous high was set by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which racked up 31 million views. The Fifty Shades book series by EL James has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, and been translated into 52 languages. Fifty Shades of Grey's supporting cast features Rita Ora, Marcia Gay Harden, Max Martini, Eloise Mumford and Jennifer Ehle. The film, directed by Nowhere Boy helmer Sam Taylor-Johnson, will be released on Valentine's Day 2015. —PTI
Second Hand… debut
A costly parting
New friends in town
Basu’s choice |
||
|
Creative cut(s)
Starting from An Ode To an Otium, wherein the creator pictures the wearer as a carefree, liberated soul that is one with English vintage style. Picture skirts, frills, long gowns and props in easy breezy country colours. The use of muslin cloth to achieve a knitted effect stands apart. Shares Gaganjot Kaur, the student, "I used frayed strips of muslin in its actual form and used them as yarns for knitting. I also used broad cable patterns on maxi skirts and short frilly dresses to get this look." However, models wearing high heels took slightly away from the relaxed look proposed to be achieved. Moving on to Saleeqa, or as the designer would like to describe it, 'a drape of dignity', the innovative collection, done mostly in hues of black and white, uses leather cutwork, wherein, as much as garments, accessories took centrestage. Shares Gurpreet Kaur, "I created motifs on faux leather through laser-cutting technique. Underneath the cutwork on leather are neon fabrics peeping out…it took me three to four months to put together the collection because I worked on bags and accessories as well."
The total of 18 collections appears one after the other as rough sketches slide through on the projector. Haute Sultanate, a collection that celebrated 'trends and commerce', was ready to be shipped onto one of the myriad lifestyle wedding exhibitions held in the city. Picture the regular floor-length silhouettes, done in velvets, nets and the like. In the sheer ode to commercialism, novelty took a backseat. There's Nature's Fury, which comes inspired from, of all the things, the Kedarnath tragedy of last year. Shares Jatin, the student, "I have used organic fabrics like silk, cotton and malmal. I used layering, 3D embroidery and jaali work. My first garment is in red and white while my showstopper garment is a floor-length gown done in patch-work and layers." Speak of being at one with nature, a female Cocker Spaniel takes to the stage while being leashed by the model. He adds, "It was my idea." Like we said, the idea and inspiration could seep in from anywhere! manpriya@tribunemail.com
|
||
|
Relate, without conflict
Renee Singh Relationship conflict is one of the main reasons for stress in our lives. It is a topic that is discussed to the hilt and I could say that for most of my clients — that this is perhaps the prime issue in their lives; whether the conflict is with a spouse, a parent, a difficult set of relatives or even with friends. Ongoing relationship conflict can cause a level of stress that can leave a significant negative impact in several ways. Effect on health The most significant impact is that relationships can negatively affect your health. A study at Portland State University has revealed interesting results. They studied 650 adults over a period of two years and discovered that prolonged conflict was responsible for: * Lower self-rated health. * Greater functional limitation. * Higher number of health conditions. This is mainly because stress can dampen your immune system. Therefore one needs to remember that ongoing conflict can really adversely affect your health. Family conflict If you are experiencing conflict amongst your family members, it may give you comfort to know that you are not the only one. Family conflict is a very common issue. Polls show that more than half the family members in a family gathering are stressed because of difficult relatives. Physically painful The pain of loneliness and social rejection is processed by the same area of the brain that processes physical pain. This explains why being rejected by a loved one can be physically painful. Unhealthy habit Conflict is inevitable in real life. Relationships where people don't fight are unnatural. Conflict resolving is one of the best ways to generate understanding between two people. Relationships where anger is suppressed and unacknowledged between two people can actually be unhealthy. Research shows that a relationship in which one partner suppresses oneself, leads to more illnesses in him or her than the other. The way you resolve conflict in your relationships can make or break them. Resolution skills These are most required as they can help you to handle conflict in a healthy manner. Finding a solution to most conflicts is extremely important. Most people either suppress their anger or go along to get away. They think that by addressing a conflict they will create one, so they simply keep quiet when upset. This is unhealthy as a longterm strategy as it has many repercussions. * Leads to resentment. * Creates additional unresolved conflict in the relationship. * Can have a negative impact on your health and longevity. Tricky affair You must know the correct guidelines to deal with conflict .Constantly being critical or putting a lid on problems rather than being pro-active is really not a very good approach. Instead one needs to: Get in touch with your feelings Only you can be the best resolver of your conflicts. Only you can know how you feel and why you feel that way. Sometimes we hide feelings from our own selves. We may be angry or resentful, but we don't know why. Journaling This is a great way of getting in touch with our inner selves. Psychotherapy Getting help from a professional can always make things easier for us. Listening skills It is important to be a good listener in order to get a good perspective of the other person. This helps you bridge the gap. Assertive communication Saying wrong things is terrible. Be clear and assertive, not aggressive. Seek a solution Try to come to a common point of understanding. (Singh is a Chandigarh-based psychotherapist)
|
||
|
Fighter to the core
Amarjot Kaur In the battle between success and failure, a significant dimension of one's existence that proves its mettle is 'ability' - the ability to fight, to overcome and to win. Avtansh Behal probably values a different understanding of 'ability', which he nurtures with a stark contradiction. While he tells us that he suffers from cerebral palsy and later elaborates on his copious lists of achievements, including scoring a perfect 10 in his tenth grade and 94.8 percent in twelfth grade, he says, "Cerebral Palsy is a disorder that affects your motor skills and it has nothing to do with your intellect." Well, we stand acquainted with a beautiful mind that creates wonders as it imagines them. Besides, Avtansh has also been writing guest columns for The Tribune and other newspapers. In addition, he loves playing the keyboard and is passionate about learning new languages. Motivational factor "I have always been motivated by my peers, my friends and family, who support me in all my endeavours - be it academic or extra-curricular," says Avtansh. He adds that he has considered peer pressure as a positive source of motivation that has, in many ways, challenged his capabilities and driven him to push his limits. "I am really lucky to be a part of this generation that is exceptionally capable and that motivates me a great deal. Also, my parents have been very supportive and have never interfered with my indulgence in extra-curricular activities, even while I was in twelfth grade." Feathers in the cap That Avtansh has always been an exceptionally bright student in his school reflects in his tenth grade result and further extends into the twelfth. "It's a great achievement for me to have scored a perfect ten in CGPA when I was in tenth, and a bigger achievement when I scored 94.8 percent in 12th standard in Bhavan Vidyalaya School, Sector 27. However, what I consider as my biggest achievement is to have completed teachers training course in French at Alliance Francaise," shares the 18-year-old. Avtansh has also been participating in debates and declamations, where he won the first prize at National Law School, Bengaluru, in April this year and was amongst the top eight teams in the 'Tax your Brain' quiz contest sponsored by the Income Tax Department of India. "I also love writing and have been writing student columns for the last four years," he says. Flipside of being an achiever Although Avtansh comes across as a headstrong and motivated young lad, there are still a series of stumbling blocks that come in his way. "I think I expect too much from myself and that leads to others expecting too much from me too, so that bothers me every now and then," he says. Words of wisdom "No matter what you set your mind at, the ultimate way to success is hardwork. So strive and give your 100 percent," he says. amarjot@tribunemail.com
|
||
|
Folk lure
Here's raising a toast to the Chandigarh-based band or call it music project, Just Ittefaaq, directed by Jasleen Aulakh, who is the lead vocalist in the band, Naaz, the percussionist, and Nishant Agarwal, who plays the lead guitar and sings as well. The one-album-old band has now taken their popularity to a yet another level as their song Yaar da Booha gets featured on Balcony TV, which is dedicated to promoting regional talent. With Polly Saghera as the lyricist and her daughter Jasleen Aulakh the lead singer as well as director of the project, 'Just ittefaaq' is best defined as a collaboration between a mother and daughter who inspire each other to make meaningful music without sermonising. Predominantly inspired by folk music from different parts of India - mainly Rajasthan, Himachal, Punjab and also some Sufi influences, the project aims to popularise folk music from the country, which seems to have been given a backseat in modern times. Experimental note What I really like about the song and the band is the fact that they experiment with different sounds by not sticking to conventional limits. Also, I like the use of various instruments, including Derbuka, djembe, cajon, xylophone, congos, tabla, morchang/dan moi, storm drums etc, in their act. Jaspal Sahib, Chandigarh-based musician For animal lovers We all like to call ourselves dog-lovers, but this song explores an empathetic viewpoint that dwells on the perspective of a dog. I am an animal lover and this song makes me fall more in love with dogs and other animals. It's a beautiful track and I am glad that it's coming from the city musicians. Rubal Bansal, Chandigarh-based musician Rustic essence I really love the song. It retains the rustic essence when it comes to the sound, but more than that I love the lyrics. It is really interesting and I am hooked to it. Jasjeet Singh, agriculturist (As told to Amarjot Kaur)
|
||
|
No time for love
Sneha Wagh aka Ratan in Yash Patnaik's Veera has played the role of a mother with maturity. Here, she speaks about her career and personal choices... Your toughest scene in Veera and why? Veera taught me lot of patience. There was a scene in which Veera is shown as a very small baby and I had to hate her; I couldn't do that scene properly because it's very difficult for me to hate kids. After Jyoti, you also have done a Marathi dance reality show. Tell us about your experience... The name of the show was Dholki Chya Talawar — it was a dance reality show. There were other girls who had come from small towns and were very talented. I was emotionally attached to the show and the other contestants. The experience was quite amazing! I am a trained dancer. I have learnt classical dancing for 14 years now. You lost 10 kilos. Apart from the wardrobe, what are the other changes you have noticed? I have started looking younger than before. I have gained a lot of confidence too. People have given me lots of compliments! Is it tough to maintain this figure? It's been six months since I have lost my weight and I don't find it difficult to maintain it. I keep a watch on my diet. What kind of a man you would like to date? I have no time for love. But, I would love to have a man who is more mature and caring than me. And he should love me more than I love him!
|
||
|
Bizarre is the new black!
TLC brings an exciting new series, Bizarre Foods America, with Andrew Zimmern. The series will follow Zimmern travelling to various parts of America and his home state of Minnesota in search of the oddest and strange cuisines.
In each episode, Zimmern will go on the quest to taste wacky and odd delicacies found in the US. Whether it is baked muskrat in Baltimore, deep fried piglet testicles on a hog farm in Iowa or fermented fish eggs with Native Americans on an island in Alaska — Andrew is ready to tempt and test his palate on TLC. Bizarre Foods America with Andrew Zimmern will premiere on August 2, every Saturday and Sunday.
|
||
|
KBC to visit 100 cities
Reality game show Kaun Banega Crorepati is now set to travel across the length and breadth of the country, giving the common man an opportunity to experience the game in their city, besides the chance to reach the 'hot seat'.
This time, KBC: Aapke Shehar will travel across the heartland for over three months and visit 100 cities starting from Barabanki, Gwalior, Shajahanbad travelling across cities like Varanasi, Allahabad, Jhansi, Mathura, Meerut, Dehradun, Bareilly, Gwalior, Ranchi, Jamshedpur and finally Darbhanga in Bihar. In each city, the activity will be on for two days, culminating in an event where a few lucky participants will get the opportunity of a simulated experience of sitting on the 'hot seat' and answering questions asked by Amitabh Bachchan from a recorded video. This season, the lucky winners also stand a chance to sit on the actual hot seat opposite Big B on KBC as a wild-card contestant, which will be telecast on Sony Entertainment Television.
|
||
|
A marriage proposal for Farah?
Recently, on the sets of Sony TV's Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega, an unusual event occurred. During a recent shoot, a sardar named Monta Singh made his way to the stage and took the judges by surprise — he revealed that he is in love with Farah Khan and wanted to spend his life with her.
But, that's not all! Monta Singh also dedicated a few lines of shayari for the love of his life Farah Khan. Anu Malik also tried his best to keep the sardar away from
Farah.
|
||
|
Sooraj, the saviour
TV show Diya Aur Bati Hum's (DABH) protagonist, Sandhya, had almost given up on pursuing the prestigious IPS post her marriage to Sooraj, but it was his love and support that brought in a ray of hope and reignited her desire.
However, with Sooraj by her side, Sandhya turned each challenge into an opportunity. While Sandhya's battle was half won when she joined the academy, Bhabho kept a new challenge ahead of her — to win the best cadet trophy as that would ensure Sandhya's posting at Pushkar and keep her close to the family.
|
||
|
Busy bees
Rajbir Singh plays the title role of Hatim on Life OK and Mohit Raina plays the title role in Devon Ke Dev Mahadev. Rajbir, as it turns out, gets no time for anything except acting, as a show like Hatim is very demanding physically and mentally. The same applies for Mohit Raina, with regard to Mahadev.
Rajbir says, "Hatim is a very demanding and satisfying show. Producer Nikhil Sinha and Suhana Sinha are perfectionists. Nikhil sir is more like a family to me and while working with him, even an experienced actor gets to learn a lot."
|
||
|
The year ahead
If your birthday is July 31...
Good days ahead commence on this birthday. The 31st of the month suggests that you are a good organiser and manager, an energetic and dependable worker; attributes often required for success in the business world. Serious and sincere, you have the patience and determination necessary to accomplish a great deal. Your approach can be original, but often rigid and stubborn. To obtain what you want, you must proceed gradually. Do not try to rush things or be taken by enthusiasm. Avoid being too spendthrift. You can experience the pain of love. Do not sign any business or legal document without reading between the lines. Positive colours: Dark blue, dark grey. Select days: Saturday. Favourable numbers: 2, 4, 8. Gems recommended: Gomed, Cat's Eye, Tiger Stone. Charity on birthday: Donate cooked rice to poor people.
|
||
|
Astro Turf
ARIES: "The Emperor" gets you in touch with your leadership qualities. Today, your best approach is not to confront people, but to go about your own tasks with a great dedication.
Tarot message: Be firm in extracting a commitment. Lucky color: Crimson. Magic number: 29. TAURUS: The third eye of "Lord Shiva" opens for an infinitesimal moment to instigate a major transformation. You have a renewed sense of enthusiasm, even zeal, in projects having meaning for you. Tarot message: Do not leave things to chance. Lucky color: Deep red. Magic number: 32. GEMINI: "The Moon" takes you through a difficult karmic situation today. Important issues come to light before 4 pm. You must address them even though there is a dark underside to them.
Tarot message: Try to be active in financial opportunities. Lucky color: Yellow. Magic number: 47. CANCER: You draw "The Ace of Cups" that brings beauty, pleasure and happiness. Subtle pressure within organisations or even on friends, seem necessary to get things done. Tarot message: Remember, it is the thought that counts. Lucky color: Saffron. Magic number: 45. LEO: "The Lovers" inspire you to climb new heights and actualise creative ideas. There are shakeups in relationships today; the challenge is to control them so they occur in positive ways. Tarot message: Balance your energy before making decisions. Lucky color: Peach. Magic number: 51. VIRGO: You make an impact and shine like "The Star". You may take the lead today; set the pace and control the emotional agenda. You are likely to work closely with children or have much to do with pets. Tarot message: Work could pose certain difficulties. Lucky color: Green. Magic number: 33.
LIBRA: "The wheel of fortune" spins in some good fortune. Today, you are capable of handling more than two situations at the same time. A partner can be a stabilising influence. Tarot message: Involve yourself as much as possible in a new project. Lucky color: Burgundy. Magic number: 58. SCORPIO: "The Priests" usher in a pure, exalted and gracious influence. Shut down the internet, leave e-mail and social networking for another day. What you want to do does not agree with what you've been taught. Tarot message: Try to relax in the middle of the day. Lucky color: Purple. Magic number: 61. SAGITTARIUS: "Nine Golden Cups" greets you with happiness. After an active night, you might appreciate a peaceful, restful day. You're in a position to stir things up, but be careful.
Tarot message: Retain the fruit of your hard work. Lucky color: Black. Magic number: 27. CAPRICORN: "The Queen of Wands" allows you to achieve professional success with calm authority. You can blend logic and intuition to come up with new, creative directions. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks that normally take up a lot of time. Lucky color: Rainbow pastles. Magic number: 39. AQUARIUS: "The Queen of Swords" brings mental clarity and perspective in chaotic situations. You work best with people who share a common vision. You focus on what you want. Tarot message: Take care of interests and portfolios of your work. Lucky color: Orange. Magic number: 42. PISCES: "Three Wands" represent the universe that is Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh greet you today. You are able to establish your business and expand in new directions. A social event looks to be fun. Tarot message: Do not play into the hands of a shrewd set of colleagues. Lucky color: Peach. Magic number: 34.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
Get stuck in the geometric shapes of the Persian architecture; hop further across to English countryside, shuttle back to Mizo Valley. Inspiration could even be maple-like leaves of the Chinar trees swirling in the head or the idea of being a gypsy goddess stuck in urban threads. It could happen while you are casually taking a stroll down the street or on one of the journeys through life. The preview to annual passing-out fashion show, Designer Medley, by students of INIFD, Chandigarh, ropes in influences from places remote and near.
You share your birthday with Mumtaz (July 31, 1947, Mumbai), who entered Hindi cinema at the age of 12. During the 1960s, she starred in 16 action films with Dara Singh and was labelled as a stunt film heroine. Mumtaz married millionaire Mayur Madhvani on 29 May 1974. They have two daughters Natasha and Tanya. Astrologically, she should take care of her health in the coming time.