Designer Rehana launched her latest collection at her new store on Harrington Road. The event was graced by actresses Urvashi and Lakshmi Rai as well as Lizzy Priyadrashan, who were all spotted checking out the clothes.
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Canali hits Chennai!
Adding to the brand blitz that’s hitting Chennai this year, famed Italian luxury menswear brand Canali launched its boutique at the Bergamo Mall in the city. The occasion brought the glitterati of the social circuit together while showcased on mannequins was their stunning AW 13 Collection. Paolo Canali, third generation of the Canali family and group commercial director of the brand, was present at the event.
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Lior Suchard in Chennai
Renowned mentalist Lior Suchard was in Chennai recently as part of his seven city tour of India, and needless to say, the audience was left stunned and very impressed.
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The Italian Connection at Foccacia
Vidya Singh checks out The Focaccia at The Hyatt Regency with a group of friends for some lunch and great conversation.
We lunch today at The Focaccia, the Italian connection at The Hyatt Regency Hotel, a trattoria styled restaurant, that will be showcasing to us food that comes from Southern Italy, Campania, Puglia, Calabria and of course Sicily, all areas that stretch from the ocean to the hills. These names themselves sound so exotic that we eagerly await what Chef Massimiliano Pauletto, will be presenting to us today. Chef Massimiliano himself comes from this very same region, and uses the best ingredients to create very authentic Italian dishes from these areas.
The food is certainly simple, very fresh and the flavours are individualistic. We settle down to enjoy the lunch and great conversation. Chef Pauletto, welcomes us in and assures us that the dishes are indeed authentic. Sharan Apparao, Benoit Olivier, Ranvir Shah and I look around and find that we are very comfortable in this casual, trattoria style space, which has been laid out with comfort in mind. Its rustic floors, and quaint wooden chandeliers and other Italian touches all add to the experience. At lunchtime there is a buffet of the Antipasti selection which is easy to choose from and the main courses could be selected from the menu.
Sharan Apparao is a leading art gallerist and curator, who travels the world, experiencing contemporary art in its varied forms. “Live to Eat and Enjoy” is her way of life, being an extremely creative cook and entertainer herself. Ranvir Shah is a cultural catalyst, who enjoys the world of business during the day and the worlds of all kinds of art in the after-hours. He strives to create islands of beauty even if they are temporary! Benoit Olivier, director of Alliance Francaise Chennai, has been a dynamic, driving force behind the organization during his few years in our city. My dining companions are all extremely well-travelled and have the intrinsic appreciation of fine food.
Chef Massimiliano has been creating food for over a decade and began his career in Milan and has a nouveau approach to Italian cuisine, that is lighter, healthier and possibly more funky! He has worked in Paris, London and even in South East Asia, but his food is inspired from his childhood memories of Italy and hence the simple holistic approach to food. With hobbies that range from yoga to deep sea diving, he brings an élan to Focaccia.
The food at Focaccia prides itself on being authentic, simple and fresh. And I get great feedback from all three friends. We tuck into the delicious focaccia bread that is a signature of the restaurant and the tangy sundried tomato dip that is on the table as a starting point. We then wander over to the counter where we can try all the starters, the Anti Pasti selection. For the vegetarians there is the eggplant, that is a part of every Italian selection, very soft and well made, there is a classic Tomato Mozzerella salad with basil, which Benoit gives a thumbs up to. An unusual baked onion with cheese that was what I went back for a second time, a delicious zucchini warm salad that was crisp and fresh. The tomato mushroom bruschetta has always been my favourite choice of starters and I always tend to order it at any Italian restaurant that I go to and this time as well it was pronounced great by all at the table! There was even a tossed salad on offer with vegetables and lots of salad leaves and a choice of dressings to go with it.
Benoit being the non-vegetarian among us gave us his take on all the starters and salad selections that were on the table. He pronounced that a lot of the recipes and the way things were cooked seemed to be from old recipes that from around Italy, and Chef Massi authenticated that as well, saying that several of them were from family recipes! The Beef Carpaccio Tenderloin was tender and perfectly sliced and got definite thumbs up, the Liver Pate with olives was absolutely perfect as well as the sliced cured parma ham salad. Benoit tried all the choices on that side of the table there were grilled prawns, calamari, sole and other seafood and pronounced them all excellent. There was a large round Cheese platter on the table that everyone took bits out of to accompany the antipasti spread, as well as a wonderful choice of breads.
Coming to the mains, we did need a bit of a break as we had indulged in so much of the starters! The pasta was simply delicious, especially for us vegetarians as my favourite is always the classic Aglio Olio that Chef Massi made with organic spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil and tossed with garlic and chilli and flavoured with parsley. This is so simple that the flavours of these ingredients do come through, before I used plenty of the grated parmesan and chilli flakes that were ion the table!. Benoit got pasta with a very rustic tomato based sauce with basil, tossed with some slow braised lamb. He again pronounced it very authentic.
The Pizza that was sent out was outstanding, a thin crust, filled with a delicious tomato sauce and plenty of roasted vegetables and every slice was eaten by the four of us!!
We finally came to the best part of the afternoon, the desserts! The berry pannacota was gentle on the pallatte and was great, but the highlight was most definitely the Tiramisu that was just outstanding. Chef Massi has got it just right. Benoit said that the strong taste of the coffee indicated that it was definitely an old recipe and this was authenticated by Chef. It was just right, not too sweet and I loved the coffee flavor with the hint of the slightly grainy texture of the cake crumble that was in it. Chef Massi said that he had not used any cream in it and had used only brown sugar. I began to contemplate another portion, but better sense prevailed and my guests, Sharan, Ranvir and Benoit all asked for coffee, and there were espressos and Macchiatos brought to the table to round off the wonderful meal.
Foccacia is a perfect place for a lazy afternoon lunch if you have the time or even a quick business meal if you don’t! We had a wonderful time with discussions on events coming up that all three of my guests, Ranvir with his Prakriti Foundation, Sharan and her Apparao Gallery and of course Benoit with the Alliance Francaise are all involved with over the next couple of weeks.
Lobster Lobby
The Hilton Chennai has the delicious Zaffrani Lobster, at Ayna, the contemporary Indian restaurant. Grilled on charcoal and having a strong flavour of saffron, the recipe is simple. Devein the meat of the lobster without breaking the shell, marinate the lobster meat with salt, ginger-garlic paste and lemon juice and set it aside for 20 minutes. Take a bowl and mix cream cheese, almond paste, cashewnut paste, saffron, green chilli, chopped javetri, cardamom powder, white pepper powder, cream, salt, salad oil and butter. Marinate the lobster again with the ingredients above and set it aside for 1 hour. Then cook in a moderately hot tandoor till done. Apply butter on top.
On the pocket: Rs. 1900/- plus tax
A hot favourite of: Many celebrities and industrialists across the country.
Head to: Hilton Chennai, 124/1 J.N.Salai, Guindy, Chennai.
Wearing Your Style
An iconic benchmark for those who are passionate about luxury and prestige, Rolex has continues to dazzle…
Mechanical perfection, unique style and elegance is what Rolex is all about. Of all the collections, the Daytona is arguably the most sacred watch to Rolex collectors. First introduced in 1963, the Rolex Daytona range was made famous by actor and motor racing enthusiast Paul Newman.
The watch’s 50th anniversary has been marked this year with the launch of a first ‘prestigious edition’ of the Cosmograph Daytona that replaced the usual steel case for one made entirely of platinum. Rolex created an instant collector’s piece featuring a case made entirely of 950 platinum, with a chestnut brown Cerachrom bezel that matches the sub-dials in the beautiful ice blue dial and white gold borders.
The 50th Anniversary Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 116506 features the Rolex caliber 4130 and will have a retail price of $75,000 (INR 48 lakh approximately) when it hits stores later this year. A collection that reveals timeless elegance and prestige, the Cosmograph Daytona is on every Rolex aficionado’s wishlist.
THE BENTLEY LUXURY HANDBAG COLLECTION
The world’s leading luxury car maker now introduces a limited edition luxury handbag which transfers the functional luxury of their cars into an accessory that women can cherish. Each limited edition Bentley luxury handbag will feature a metal plaque, commemorating its individual number. This plaque can be personalised to the handbag owner and their car.
The collection features two distinct models that create a strong link with some of the key features of the cars. The Barnato is named after the first British woman to break the sound barrier and daughter of the founding chairman of the company. While. The Continental is named for one of Bentley’s famed model lines, used on successive generations of Grand Tourers since 1952
The Bentley Handbag collection is available from October 2013. This limited edition collection comprises 160 bags globally, 80 of each style, in four colourways. This palette of options will be expanded in 2014 to include new models.
Gemfields to Offer Collaborative Jewelry on Couturelab
Gemsfield has collaborated with a selection of international jewelers to create one-off designer jewelery, as a first, for them. For the 12-piece collection, the designers used Gemfields’ Zambian emeralds and amethysts, and Mozambican rubies to create one-of-a-kind pieces exclusively for the environmentally and socially responsible mining company.
Prices for the Gemfields collection at couturelab start from $4,050 (INR 2.6 lakh) for a brooch by Askill.
Available: www.couturelab.com
Trends we love
Quirky and Eclectic
We went gaga over Quirk Box’s collections at the LFW 2013. On a boring evening for a dose of eccentric fun, slip on this printed number from Quirk Box and pair with coral pumps.
Shilpa Reddy makes a stunning statement at LFW
Designer and former model Shilpa Reddy’s LFW collection inspired by Thai warrior-queen Suriyothai has been receiving accolades all around. The designer who in the past, had famously graced the Kingfisher calendar, has put together a strong statement with her current line. Cheering her at LFW were superstar Nagarjuna and actress-producer Lakshmi Manchu.
The hottest designers around
Tarun Tahiliani
Tarun Tahiliani’s fantastic bridal couture collection borrows from India’s rich cultural roots, original sense of style, drama, intricacy and imbues it with lightness.
This is coupled with a playfulness that moves away from royal India and the bling of the past and brings craft, intricate techniques and finesse to structures and silhouettes. Glimpses of shimmering gold, hues of soft pastels and a whimsical frothiness are reminiscent of an era of charm and elegance.
Creating couture which keeps distinctive Indian crafts alive, while exploring visions in sparkling crystal and carat, reflects emotions that give shape to sensuous, elegant and bespoke luxury for brides, grooms and their families as well as for other occasions. This collection is a living, breathing heritage, married with the fresh vibrancy and essence of modern India.
Falguni and Shane Peacock:
Falguni and Shane Peacock showcased their ‘2013 Peacock Bride’ Collection at the Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week. The collection was reminiscent of the most natural and beautiful creations of time, the Garden of Eden by Internationally acclaimed designer duo Falguni and Shane Peacock. The designers take you through their fashion paradise with bridal and evening gowns full ghagras, anarkalis, farshi pyjamas, kalidaar saris teamed with bustier, halters and shrugs. Using myriad hues such as pistachio, pink, ivory, gold and combining them with intricate silhouettes the collection is intended to celebrate nature. Floral motifs, vintage laces and delicate feathers amalgamated with net, chiffon and georgettes play the perfect back story for the collection. Each piece being crafted on its own with individual attention, the collection seeks to replicate the beauty and movement of nature in a contemporary form. For their “Garden of Eden Collection”, the duo recently travelled to Europe to gather inspiration for their work, tracing links to Monaco, Nice and the gardens of Lake Como, all of which played their part in inspiring us to replicate the world’s most beautiful gardens and the natural beauty that they embody”.
JJ Valaya
Titled “The Maharaja of Madrid”, JJ Valaya’s line for the Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week was a visual spectacle involving nearly 50 models and 30 artistes. Set amidst a creatively charged set designed by scenographer Sumant Jayakrishnan depicting a grand conglomeration of royals at a reception to welcome the Maharaja and his daughter, the king and the princess are seen as coming from their adventures in Spain. The Maharaja, in turn, a devoted believer of India and its wonders, and now also fascinated by all things Spanish is keen to showcase his newfound inspirations. In an endeavor to take the audience through his exalted experiences, this collection projects a medley of Spanish and Indian influences. A visual treat with a fantastic soundtrack by Gaurav Raina of Medieval Pundits, the collection is a beautiful juxtaposition of both cultures. The first section is inspired by the laces found in Spanish fans and headgears, and combined with the elegant grandeur of Indian jewels, this collection in Ivory showcases a sinuous blend of the tailored with the flow. The second section is imbued with the soul of Spain, Huge fringed shawls, known as “Mantón de Manila” remain a Spanish tradition and almost always depict flowers in varied hues and sizes. Then comes section 3, which has pieces crafted under inspiration from the likes of Diego Rivera, who was a Mexican artist known for his exquisite murals. Section 4 is a collection inspired by battle, by the armours of Spain and India, a collection that plays with modern shapes and forms using metallic transfers and fine metal embroideries. Velvets, Tulles and georgettes hold court in lush burgundies and distressed greys. Then comes section 5, which is inspired by perhaps what Spain is best associated with: the bullfighters, or the matadors. Their flamboyant costumes find an unusual mate in the unique forms of Thewa jewelry and digitally printed Matka silks. The final section is the Bride, herself, dressed to portray a story that continues off-ramp and weaves its way into a beautiful experience.
Raghavendra Rathore
Celebrating the magnificence of Indian royalty and heritage at its opulent best, Raghavendra Rathore’s collection was at its opulent best at the Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week. The collection channels the spirit of the glory days of the Raj and is reflective of absolute refinement and stylish dressing. It draws influence from traditional silhouettes from across Asia and puts the focus back on redefining structure and fit, and adds eloquence to the idea of decadent dressing. It aims to reinvent the revelry and exuberance of the 1920’s – the era known for unprecedented economic prosperity. A plethora of exquisite embellishments in the regal shades of fuchsia, midnight blue, wine, saffron, gold and silver are thrown in to exude richness. Reminiscent of the finely-crafted garments worn by the Maharajas, these elegant pieces are for those who appreciate intricacy and fine workmanship. With surface embroideries that are treated to evoke an antique, vintage feel enhance the overall appeal of each immaculately designed ensemble. Bejewelled accessories and Indian fabrics have been used intelligently to exemplify the signature silhouette of the brand – ‘the Bandgala Jacket’ in its varied avatars, some in neutral colour tones which are in stark contrast to the conventional, vibrant hues of the East. With just a slight change in accessories or make-up, they can carry you with aplomb from a fashionable lunch with the swish set to the red carpet.
Rohit Bal
Rohit Bal’s delightful new collection, ‘The Mulmul Masquerade’ was showcased at the fourth edition of Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week. A journey through centuries of Indian and Elizabethan eras of sublime elegance and luxurious opulence, the collection has everything from the pristine simplicity of muslin to the extreme grandeur of rich velvets, allowing the collection to be dominated by the rich craftsmanship of both these periods.
Hand crafted with traditional and timeless art forms of embroidery and surface ornamentation, “Mulmul” reflects the glorious indulgence of the privileged aristocracy from The Golden age of India. From antique gold Kasab Kashmiri embroidery on muslin to Shibori on fabrics like chanderi and voiles, the look and feel is understated and ethereal.The rich jewel tone of velvet combined with the starkness of ivory muslin creates an imagery of bridal luxury, which is an integral part of our rich and glorious culture.
This paves the way to usher in the Elizabethan era of corsets, costumes and coquetry; a time of secret, seductive indulgence and revelry. It embodies the rich and dramatic pageantry, of princesses and fairy tales.
Gambler At Heart: Director Selvaragavan on RITZ April 2010 Issue Cover
Throwback: Gambler At Heart – Director Selvaragavan on the cover of RITZ April 2010 Issue, along with a few pictures from his latest photoshoot.
Photoshoot Images
Uber collections all the way
We’re all eyes for Roksanda Ilincic’s creations, especially her recent line for Fall 2013. Each piece in the collection an epitome of effortless elegance, the collection has everything from block-prints to pop-colours. Not sticking with the quintessential lady-like silhouettes, this range is replete with loose and Bohemian cuts that speak of a casual yet elegant style. With a range of maxi dresses and skirts, bishop sleeves, an array of collars, cuffs and ruffs, the collection seems to celebrate the idea of free-spiritedness. Long, plain and near-traditional, the dresses mixed Amish-clothing and Pop-colours without any ado. Dresses come in precise patchworks of thick tweed with a laminated effect, black wide-weave gazaars and tons of coloured tweeds with accented sleeves. To the mind’s eye, it might seem like a riot of colour – but in reality, actually looks stunning as a palette in sartorial form.
Mary Katrantzou. That’s who. We’ve can’t have enough of her fantastic range of colourful, digitally printed fantasia that has been taking the world of fashion by storm. Painting with pixels, as she calls it, her design aesthetic is all about bold prints and pop colours that make for eclectic splurges. Looser, simpler and sparklingly sophisticated shapes, the range is all printed and woven into patterns in the fabric. Inspired by borders from stamps and the world of philately, the use of Greek key patterns and geometric knots of Asian origin as decoration, the repertoire of dresses, shoes and accessories had a delightful interplay of graphics and bright colours. The collection, it appears, was put together after consulting a local expert in stained-glass windows, and then experimenting with prints on glass beads. Eclectic? We love!
“For Fall 2013, I was inspired by the spirit of a romantic revolutionary – a timeless heroine, independent and bold, a woman who revels in her individuality and personal style.” Thus spake Ralph Lauren, as the curtains lifted on his fantastic Fall 2013 Runway Show. Each piece is a milestone on a romantic voyage: with the boyish charm of naval-inspired pieces, with the velvet outfits with a smattering of Russian Charm and embroideries that are reminiscent of tapestries. Even as one will be quick to say that there is a huge military reference, the typical style of Ralph Lauren bleeds through as there is a signature element of his everywhere: right from the leggy flairs to the tailcoats, from the cream wool toggle jackets to silk froggings and gold ribbon trims. The show stealer, though, was the fitted fisherman sweater that was so beautifully teamed with a black skirt crafted out of taffeta ruffles and organza.
A ‘Finnish-ed’ work of art
Black Ice (Musta Jaa)
Year: 2007
Language: Finnish
Director: Petri Kotwica
Cast: Outi Maenpaa, Marti Suosalo, Ria Kataja
The first Finnish movie I have ever seen, I enjoyed this one tremendously. It does not drag and keeps you occupied throughout, even worried about what might happen next. Saraa (Maenpaa) is a young gynaecologist who finds out on her birthday that her husband, Leo (Suosalo) is cheating on her. Leo is a professor of architecture. Determined to find out who his mistress is, she snoops around in his office and finds out that it is Tuuli (Kataja), her husband’s student. She prints out a picture of her and follows her out of the office only to realise that Tuuli is also a karate teacher. She begins to take karate classes and pretends to be a psychologist, in the hope of knowing her better. They develop a thick friendship, and we are at the edge of our mind’s seat, always wondering if Tuuli would find out that Crista is actually her boyfriend’s wife.
Saraa begins to spend more and more time with Tuuli, even visiting her house. By this time, she and Leo have separated and she realises that he is still seeing Tuuli. Her trauma continues when she finds a naked picture of Leo’s that Tuuli has sketched. She is even more determined to know everything there is and somehow take revenge on the mistress. She dredges out every last detail of their relationship and a few sordid secrets – Leo has always cheated on her, even when they were engaged. As a viewer, you might think that she is getting more and more disgusted by Leo. But, instead a little while later she moves back into the house and they reconcile. It is a complicated emotion where Saraa is obsessed with the relationship between Tuuli and Leo
All this while, she and Tuuli maintain a steady friendship, getting closer and closer. Neither Leo nor Tuuli have any idea about what Saraa is up to. And what is she up to? Does she want to hurt Tuuli the way she was hurting when she found out about the affair? Or is she just playing an elaborate game out of an insatiable curiosity about the affair? Is it so that she can know the difference between her and Tuuli, and why her husband cheated? I am not sure. By the end of the movie, you realise she is playing unnecessary mind games, ones that can end up terribly for her.
Leo breaks up with Tuuli when Saraa moves back to the house. When she realises that Tuuli might be pregnant, Saraa is consumed by the need to find out whether it is actually so. How does this movie end? Do Leo and Tuuli find out the truth?
Verdict: A great watch. Do watch it as I am sure that people who have watched Finnish movies are in a minority!
Rating: 
Hot: Extremely enjoyable….and makes one ponder the psyche of a person who has been cheated on.
Not: The character of Saraa seems a little crazy by the end of the movie! But maybe that is intentional.
Art bridged by words and images
Sharan Apparao explores the interaction between the visual and text, and believes that it offers an incisive semantic portrait of our times.
“Word and image” have become something of a hot topic in contemporary art history, largely because of what are often seen as invasions of the visual arts by literary theory. The relation between words and images is an extraordinarily ancient problem in the study of the arts and in theories of rhetoric, communication, and human subjectivity. In the arts, the comparison of poetry and painting, literature and visual art has been a consistent theme since antiquity in both Eastern and Western aesthetics.
Contemporary culture has made the interplay of word and image even more volatile, intricate, and pervasive. What is it about the construction of the human mind that makes the interplay of words and images seem, despite innumerable historical and regional variations, to be something like a cultural universal?
Alternating between fact and fiction, the public and the private, the universal and the particular, the text sometimes offers an incisive semantic portrait of our times. The images can be read as all things simultaneously, and yet resist any one reading when viewers see more possibilities unfold.
Some of the most well known artists international using the written word in their work or including an aspect of it are Cy Twombly. Robert Rauchenberg, Jasper Johns, Ed Rusha, Bruce Nauman, Joseph Beuys and later, Jean Michel Basquiat, Ugo Rondinone and Jenny Holzer to name a few. Love ,the famous sculpture spelt out in letters by Larry Rivers became one of the most iconic works in this genre especially at the time of the pop art movement. Artists were sometimes inspired by literature, at other times the need to emphasise the play of words and further in artists’ notebooks to pen their mindscapes as another expression.
Artists’ books that maintain the traditional structure of a book are often known as book art or book-works, while those that reference the shape of a book are known as book objects. Other types of work produced by artists in book format include concrete poetry, where meaning is derived from the spatial, pictorial and typographic characteristics of the work, as well as from the sense of the words. Books by contemporary artists are noteworthy for their many different forms and perhaps because of this they have an equally large number of precursors and influences. Artists have been associated with the written word since illuminated manuscripts were developed in the medieval times. Artists’ letters, gleanings and drawings have often been known to give a glimpse into the innermost sanctums of an artist’s thinking.
In India, the religious manuscripts gave into legitimate platforms to extended the non-secular elements to secular explorations as in the work of K.C.S. Paniker’s words and symbols series where he worked with mathematics and the joy of the script against his earlier impressionistic garden series. Redappa Naidu also an iconic figure in the Madras Movement, used the script dramatically creating a beautiful gauze like shadow in his now iconic series of the Mahabharata that he created in the seventies.
The younger artists of the next generation like R.M. Palaniappan, C. Douglas, and Muralidharan are joined by A. Balasubramaiam, N. Ramachandran, George K., Sunil Shree, Bhavna Sonavane, Rajesh Patil, Bangalore Srinivasa Reddy, and Sunil Shree Prasanna, in still more different aspects of the written word as a layer to their paintings and sculptures.
Prasanna, for example, works in a space where he explores the communication with the blind with a series of white on white works that make complete sense to the sight impaired while almost being missed by others … It is this communication, that sometimes words bring, that is revered and respected by those who open their minds to see and listen to what lies in the pictorial space that artists create. It is but a narrative, a chronicle of a time, a personal line that art brings us… and for us as followers of art and viewers of these personal thoughts, it is the form that we are left to enjoy.
Indulge yourself at Foccacia
Indulge in the soulful flavors of southern Italy at the antipasti & dessert buffet at Focaccia, The Hyatt Regency, all through the week from Monday until Friday. Make sure to pick from their varied menu from bacon to fagioli salad to tenderloin carpaccio and top it off with a buffet of all things sweet at their exquisite dessert bar. Also be sure to check out their Trattoria-styled brunch for the entire family unlimited antipasti and desserts. With pasta and pizzas ahoy, have a fantastic time as you lounge at the poolside with your family before you indulge in the colossal Italian feast. With unlimited juices & mocktails: Rs. 1299 + taxes; With unlimited spirits & cocktails: Rs. 1599 + taxes.
The Hyatt Regency, 365, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018. Ph: 6100 1234
Meet The Rocky Star
Known for his unique sense of style, designer Rocky S talks to Asmita Aggarwal about his love for prêt and an exciting stint on television.
Rocky S has a reputation that precedes him. Known as the man who dresses most of Bollywood and international stars like the Pussycat Dolls, Rocky S is looking forward to a new show on Fox Traveller called Style and The City in addition to launching a prêt label aptly christened Rocky Star. In a quick chat, the acclaimed designer shares about his journey in the world of fashion and fabrics; anecdotes and a few favourites along the way.
When you started what was your design philosophy?
I graduated in B.Com and started off with a course in fashion and then there was no looking back. I was always inclined towards creativity and passionate about style and fashion. I believe fashion is the variant while ‘style’ is elemental. So, my mantra is to create your own style and wear it with élan.
What made you do fashion for films?
I never directed myself to do fashion for films. I always had an eye for styling and creating a niche in my style. Designing for Bollywood is different. If it is designing for a celeb for an appearance, the look is altogether different depending on the event. But for a movie, it involves lot of inputs from the director to the actor to the character of the actor.
Which have been your most memorable film designing so far?
All my projects have been close to my heart. It’s too difficult to name one but I would say designing for Koi Mil Gaya and Krissh was a memorable experience as it gave me a change to explore two totally different looks for a same person playing two varied characters and Hrithik is a perfectionist, so it was exhilarating yet wonderful experience.
Who among the newcomers do you think is fashionable and avant-garde?
I would say Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor.
What according to you is good design?
Good design doesn’t need any definition. It’s simple and not necessarily required to be creatively ‘out of this world’. But yes, it should be wearable, connect with the person who wears it and one should feel stylish and at the same time, comfortable.
What are your future plans?
I have a long way to go. For me this is just a beginning. I like to explore, get inspired and there’s no end to my creativity.
As prêt is the future of fashion, will you launch a line that will service these buyers?
Yes definitely! I love prêt and plan to bring out a pret line soon!
When you do shows, is having a Bollywood showstopper imperative?
I don’t mean to say that shows shouldn’t have Bollywood showstoppers as I have had a lot of my celeb friends walk for me at my shows. But I don’t feel the pressure of absolutely or necessarily having a celeb or a star as a showstopper. Every ensemble I make is a showstopper ensemble in itself.
Tell us about your new TV show and working with Dia Mirza?
I found the concept very interesting. I love to travel and explore. This show gave me the opportunity to visit nooks and corners of the smallest of market places and show the masses the masterpieces that can be made out of the elements which are created by the masters of art.
Dia is great friend and very fine actress and an awesome human being. Working with her is like fun with work. She’s very professional and needs sheer perfection! Yes, it’s a fabulous experience working with her as always.
Who have been your style muses and who in Hollywood would you like to dress?
Julia Roberts is the one I would like to dress.
Can you tell us about launching a resort wear line soon as that is becoming a fast emerging sector?
Resort wear is becoming a fast-growing sector and we are getting a very good response for its launch. The launch is in its process and we would be revealing much more about it once everything is completed.
How would you describe your journey till today in the world of fashion, what would you like changed?
It’s been a wonderful journey so far. I’ve seen downfalls, risen from them and seen the best highs and yet I feel there is more to come, more to achieve, and become successful as there is no end to creativity!
Skirting to the top
Film producer Krishika Lulla reveals to Asmita Aggarwal how she has never given up through a lonely journey fraught with testing times.
She sits sharply dressed in Donatella Versace, a side slit, fitted, pencil skirt and a white ruffled top and tells you with a straight face, “Being a woman producer in Bollywood is no easy feat.” Growing up in Bangalore, Krishika – wife of Sunil Lulla of Eros International – never knew that she would be a star maker one day. “When I was growing up, I observed my dad financing Tamil and Kannada movies. Sunil Dutt sahib and superstar Rajinikanth sir used to visit us regularly. I was always interested in movies, they were an integral part of our culture and dinner table conversation, so I knew I would do something in films,” says Lulla.
But it hasn’t been that easy for Krishika, who admits it is a struggle to keep her head over water in a world dominated by men, and coming even this far has been an uphill task. “If you see the statistics, and compare data you will see that men are still ruling corporate boardrooms. Women are getting there slowly and surely, but the percentage is not equal, in fact it is skewed. “Very few women have become directors or CEOs. Men have an easier with male actors. They can strike friendships without worrying about rumours. So, I would agree that being one of the few women producers has been arduous, but I am not one to give up, I am just trying to work and create a place for myself,” she smiles.
Being at the top of the ladder and making decisions that could make or break careers, keeps Krishika on her toes and when it comes to launching new talent or giving an opportunity to greenhorns, Krishika has never been one to be afraid of the challenges. “There is a lot of pressure on me to be successful, to steer the company in the right direction, make winning films. But I feel it all depends on the script. And we chose actors based on the audience’s reaction; Dhanush, for example, I felt fit the part of a common man, we needed somebody not stereotypical. He was already a star down south and was a hit with Kolaveri Di, so people knew about him. Plus, he is a brilliant actor, so when we cast him in Ranjhanaa, we noticed people loved his relatable looks, so the risk paid off,” she smiles.
Ready with her next film, the jet-setting Krishika, will be busy promoting their other projects while her husband is busy with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Ram Leela and Rambo Rajkumar. “I have learnt some very important lessons being a solo flyer; never give up your dreams no matter what you face in corporate world. Have lots and lots of patience, it is the only thing that will prove you were right. Go slow, never be in a hurry to succeed as this is not a race to be won,” she smiles.
Krishika’s Fav Couturiers:
“I am a mix and match queen, I do not like to wear sets, but like to pair different designers creating something completely clashing and offbeat,” shares Krishika who lists out her favourite designers.
Versace: I was a great fan of Gianni Versace, he was an artist who understood the beauty of glamour and taking the road less travelled. After him, his sister Donatella, who took over the business, added her raw and powerful energy into the label, making it marvelous! I like the way she makes you feel like a woman, in edgy, over-the-top styles.
Roberto Cavalli: I like his animal prints and the way he injects sensuality to his garments. Italians really know what a woman likes.
Turkish designers: Few know that Turkey has some fabulous designers who are original and give you something that is unique. Even though they are as expensive as the Italians I prefer shopping in Turkey, like I recently did when I took a 15-day break to rejuvenate.
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