Decadence by Barbe

DECADENCE

DECADENCE THE RISE OF RUSSIAN COUTURE

NOVEMBER 2015 VOLUME I ISSUE I

THE SENSUALIT Y OF A TUXEDO

DRINKING THE OLD FASHIONED LIKE DON DRAPER

MOORISH ENTOURAGE IN SPAIN

PARISIAN HAVEN OF THE LITERARY WORLD

THE SOVIET ISSUE

FEATURING ULYANA SERGEENKO VALENTIN YUDASHKIN THE DANISH GIRL BY THE SEA FRIDA KAHLO CARY GRANT LEE RADZIWILL MONICA BELLUCCI

DECADENCE

FASHION

NOVEMBER 2015

The Classic and Sartorial Style of Hollywood’s Leading Man.

“E

veryone wants to be Cary Grant even I want to be Cary Grant”. So was said by Hollywood’s most appreciated and favored leading man. So what was it about his suave and style that attracted us all. Women wanted to be with this sophisticated lady killer and men wanted to be like him. Always impeccable in his demeanor with not a single hair out of place, Cary Grant was often asked advice on his sartorial style. The debonair, who always shined opposite starlets such as Hepburn or Bergman, didn’t particularly have a great childhood in Bristol, England. Hence, Archie Leach (later Cary Grant) travelled to USA via the RMS Olympic and caught a glimpse of Mr. Douglas Fairbanks. This, as he said once had a great impact on him and revealed that “he always tried to imitate sophisticated people until he became them or they

became him”. Even after several years he could direct Ralph Lauren by recollecting an almost photographic description right down to the exact lapel width and button holes on Mr. Fairbanks’ attire. Grant always had well-tailored clothes often from Rome, Dunhill or Savile Row, in the case of the film North by Northwest. He always admired the military style clothing too as they had certain fit and discipline in them. His attires like said once had clean cut and attracted attention to his best lines. He had a very fit physique and hence could even wear clothes of the rack like from Abercrombie and Fitch. Grant believed in something called middle fashion. He never wore something outrageously new in trend or something completely outdated. He even followed this trick with the fit of his clothing which always seemed to be just perfect, never too tight or never too loose.

He once said that “My father always said; let them see you and not the suit. That should be secondary”. That is maybe the reason many people knew he dressed well but never let his clothes wear him. He was also very particular about his measurements of his lapels, shoes, ties, cuffs and even pockets. Another valuable advice he took from his father was that, “It’s you going down the street not your socks”. This may be the reason he emphasized on a well fit pair of socks when talking about his personal style. Always having a charming front, Grant was loved by all on screen and off screen. He was said to be Hitchcock’s most loved man. The man was always cordial in his mannerisms and clothing alike and hence is admired by all till date. Picture Courtesy : Pinterest

“My father always said; ‘let them see you and not the suit. That should be secondary’”

NOVEMBER 2015

DECADENCE

Sensual yet fierce, Campbell in AP lingerie

he sensual luxury lingerie brand, Agent Provocateur, brings in big house name Naomi Campbell, for their luxury Summer/Spring 2015 campaign. The enticing campaign shot by the famous Ellen Von Unwerth, features scantily clad Naomi in various lacy lingerie from the spring collection. The campaign was inspired by the glamorous femme fatale’s of the Neo Noir films, especially David Lynch’s lost highway. It pays homage to the archetype femme fatale in all her sublime yet mysterious beauty. Campbell looks murderous but irresistible in boudoir innerwear. The creative director of the brand, Sharon Shotton throws light on how the collection was inspired by 60’s and 70’s pulp novels and rebellious female gangs. There seems to be a concoction of crime and passion enhanced in the collection and effortless Campbell seems perfect to be the face of the brand and the campaign especially with her natural mystical features. Alongside Naomi starring were; handcuffs, shovels, sticks, whips, garters and other deadly props making it all the more fierce, strong and confident. Picture Courtesy : Pinterest

Tux,the new sexy for women

t has almost been 50 years since the introduction of Yves Saint Laurent’s Le Smoking Jacket and 85 years since Marlene Dietrich boldly sported a black dinner jacket and a dress shirt as she entertained in the film Morocco, yet even in the present modern society, we still get shocked as a woman dresses androgynously or wears a tuxedo, causing quite a sensation. But the tuxedo among most androgynous dressing has a certain kind of sensuality. It presents as a bold statement of power and seduction. Especially a fine tailored tux with clean lines looks all the more amazing, as it looks sharp and well fit. What’s more flattering than a good fit according to your body? Although the key lies in the fit and if that goes wrong, no matter who wears it looks dishevelled. So from the shoulder width to the sleeve fit, right down to the lapels should be on fleek. The shoulders should always be tipping at the right point and paired with a décolletage, sheer or a bra in itself makes it all the more sensual. Many powerful women wear the tuxedo often, like supermodel Eva Herzigova, Kate Moss or Stella McCartney and exude immense confidence. Wearing a tux can prove to be very empowering as well as rebel, breaking barriers. Even Angelina Jolie wore it on red carpet and Beyonce often wears it in her concerts and completely look sexy in them. It’s about time, women revamp their wardrobe and adorn this statement yet piece all the way being feminine at the same time.

Picture Courtesy : Pinterest

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DECADENCE

Soviet Haute Couture

ussian couture has recently been reaching great heights. Of course its great amount of credits goes to Ulyana Sergeenko. This porcelain skin, elegant 34 year old couturier has come a long way since her first show in Spring 2013. Now this Russian socialite and wife of billionaire Daniil Khachaturov, recently joined Chambre de la Syndicale earlier this year. This Russian matryoshka has been sharing stage with the biggest couture houses of the industry. Her collection has been worn by celebrities such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, Emilia Clarke and her most faithful client Dita von Teese and supermodel Natalia Vodianova. This Russian ‘It Girl’ always has a story to tell via her eponymous label’s collection. She always uses intricate handwork with the help of traditional Russian, Ukrainian and Vologda artisans. Her latest edition to her consummate storytelling was her recent Fall/Winter 2015 collection showcased in Paris couture week. Peeking into her Soviet heritage, the collection was based on communal living in the USSR when wealthy aristocrats in Petersburg were forced to live in small cringe-worthy spaces. The bizarre form of shared living created by the Bolsheviks hampered the Ruse woman in a desolate manner. The collection takes to a different world altogether, with beautiful classic Russian pieces playing in the background and the models dressed in dream like attires along with being held in a ‘confined apartment-esque’ set. The collection gave the vibe of Soviet era Romanticism and Decadence with flowing feminine silhouettes accentuating bosom and curves along with boudoir enticing sensual fabrics. The models had a dishevelled glamour and ruined make-up channelling the Soviet times after the 1917 revolution. Her attires were mostly elegant and vintage like her all collections but with a risqué lining to it. The soft cuts of her garments and smooth fabrics oozed sensuality. There were wrap dresses with thigh high slits and hour-glass silhouettes cinched at the waists rounding at the hips. The length of the dresses ranged from calves to ankle. White chainmail, bonnets, vintage rimmed cateye glasses, red pout and a sublime undercurrent of 1940s Hollywood glamour was also present in the collection. A lot of jewel tones were seen in the garments in juxtaposition with eclectic accessories like satin-embellished ice cream cones and Russian ballerinas with mink tutus as purses. There were a wide variety of colours and fabrics but the most common were Blush, Black, Ivory, and Powder Blue draped in Satin, Lace, Cashmere, Gazar, Velvet, Mink and Chiffon. To bring a further Soviet feel to the collection Sergeenko added snug Mink coats cocooned with soft touch, skirts with mini-curtain like pleats, vintage lamp shaped gowns Christmas décor and confetti on loose garments. There were also flimsy and sensual sheer blouses, sequined bustiers, knitted gowns and side fringes. Ulyana has employed over 100 home-grown Russian artisans who perform intricate handwork. Although the models hobbled in their very high Loboutins adorned with mink pom poms but the overall collection was a phenomenal success like all seasons and received many nods. Hopefully, these looks will be incorporated on the red-carpet extensively.

Picture Courtesy : Pinterest

NOVEMBER 2015

DECADENCE

The Russian Queen of Fashion

he woman always channels a whimsical fairy tale in her collections and in her personal style transporting us to a different land or era altogether. Now having the fashion world firmly at her feet with celebrity big names wearing her intricate designs, she seems to be ruling Paris couture scene with her fresh take on the Syndicale. She is heavily inspired by literature, European and her very own Russian culture. A previous socialite, Sergeenko has used her contacts to establish he own couture house which recently became a member of Syndicale. Extremely passionate about her collections, she exudes her emotions through her fashion and collections. She was a street style muse and has gone from the front row seats straight to the runway, becoming a creator. Growing up sewing her own clothes in Kazakhstan, she has a different yet particular and impeccable 1950’s babushka style which meets a vintage pin up. She believes in hand intricacy and workmanship, hence has over a hundred home-grown employees back in Russia. What is striking about her and makes her different from other couturiers is her traditional, feminine soviet attachment which she at the same time showcases daringly with a modern and androgynous edge making her all praise from Syndicale and Vogue.

The Fashion Czar of Soviet Fashion

alentin Yudashkin has been known as the Fashion Czar for several years, as he became the first post-soviet designer in Russia to have such a large scale success. Being a member of La Chambre de la Syndicale, Yudashkin draws inspiration from rural Russia, Soviet literature and poetry. His collections are curate work of art with intricate detail, luxurious, delicate embroidery and theatric appearances creating a strong statement and hence, making him a household name not only in Moscow but Paris, France too. Yudashkin has vivid imaginations having created picturesque and thematic collection named such as Fabergé, Music, Frescoes, Ballet and many others. He is very experimentative and has not only conquered the couture world but the world of prêt-a-porter. From Easter eggs to snow queens, the culturally submerged Yudashkin’s collections have such aesthetic beauty that couturiers like Paco Robanne and Pierre Cardin greatly admire his work. Such is his legacy that after the crash of Soviet Union, ‘a dress by Yudashkin’ was considered a not so affordable luxury. Most of his collections are iconic and therefore displayed in museums such as the Louvre and the Met. The designer says the ‘modern, sexy, athletic, pragmatic and working woman, inspires him the most.’

Picture Courtesy : Pinterest

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NOVEMBER 2015

DECADENCE

The Private Princess

iving in the shadow of her elder-sister for most of her life, Lee Radziwill has always lead a very private life. But surely a fashionable one, with tasteful and fine style, Radziwill has lead her life in High Society. Lee is the epitome of true elegance, with not a hair out of place and always holding out an impeccable demeanour. She like most socialites has tried her hands in various aspects public relations, acting and many other things, but she best proved to be a European Princess. She always had sharp and clean style with a strong statement piece. This made her a little more eccentric and bohemian in comparison to Jackie. She has a timeless aura that surrounds her but still exudes an up to date modern personal style. Radziwill has also inspired designers such as Yves Saint Laurent and Michael Kors. She was best friends with Truman Capote and Andy Warhol and this bond and their flairs reflected on her personally. At 82, she defies age and seems as fresh and chic as ever.

The man in the white suit

he 1951 film maybe a satire but pulling off a white suit is no joke in style world. The white suit is known to connote such contrasting impressions on people, you may be on the top of your style or suave game but if not worn right, you can embarrassingly find yourself in the depths of vulgarity. White suit is not only exuding a particular style or confidence, it is a statement on its own and there are very few men you try to even attempt it daringly. Such is a statement, the white suit, that debonair Jay Gatsby in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famous novel is introduced wearing one. Even Sean Connery, the ultimate Bond is seen sporting one in Goldfinger. Sporting a white suit may come off as a little bit narcissistic but gives you a faux sophistication from the Louis Armstrong jazz era. Speaking of sophistication a stark white suit doesn’t look as class as more of ivory, cream, light beige or an eggshell shade does. It is a symbol of purity, yet can be sexy like for instance, see how effortlessly Matthew McConaughey and co-star Jared Leto sported pristine white dinner jackets in the 2014 Academy Awards. Although, thanks to Tom Ford, men have started wearing the white suit more than often now and most importantly pulling it right. We see white suits, very frequently on runways but do hope more men can sport it off one without being mistaken for maître d.

Picture Courtesy : Pinterest

DECADENCE

LIFESTYLE

NOVEMBER 2015

Is Myster y Dead?

ften we wonder why we aren’t more mysterious about our lives anymore. We are all aware of the well-known phenomenon ‘Fifteen minutes of fame’. This phrase is actually coined by Andy Warhol referring to his sceptical view on fame and celebrity.

Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain to Michael Jackson, we have lost many celebrated artist on the face of extreme fame and paparazzi. But gossip columns and tabloid reporters have never seem to know the limit or draw the line. It’s not their fault either, at the end of the day people read, subscribe or listen to them fervently hence, boosting their views and readers. Why has mystery become more elusive?

However, this prediction seems to have proven much more than right. There even has been a lot of derivative phrase from this phrase. So what Take mega star is the hype about this Beyoncé, leading a fifteen minute fame? much publicized life yet keeps all her private This has been details to herself. interpreted as not only people worthy of it Similarly Scarlett but everyone will get Johansson, people their moment of fame. admire her profusely yet they don’t Tabloids and the know anything paparazzi have geared personal about her. up this trend, flaming what might have been Another of the quite sole coverage into lady is The Duchess of continuous media Cambridge who may haunting even after the be the most searched initial cause for media and photographed interest has passed by. woman in the world but veils her mystery This craze drives like a DVF Wrap Dress. people in the public light out of their sanity She is the quietest and and severely harassed. very elusive. Well if we Sure fame has great take reference from the heights and takes you history we have great places and for some examples of women even the attention is like Lee Radziwill an addiction boosting and Grace Kelly who adrenaline through had their charm and your veins. From

elegance in their

withheld mystery.

Greta Garbo never gave any interviews. There is an artful interplay between this game of reveal and conceal. Well In our own lives itself is it possible to retain a sense of mystery? Consider new age dating, there is no mystery or surprise element in it. Gone are the times when people met in person and had that veil of mystery which was exciting. Mystery has a charm of its own. The Pope is mysterious even while tweeting his fans, Anna Wintour is mysterious veiled by her signature glasses and Lagerfeld is mysterious too in his own way. Paradoxically, mystery actually sells. The sense of intrigue and curiosity is like a challenge thrown. We have seen anonymity is bad for business but then mystery is a tricky balance and not everyone’s cup of tea. There is an art in being mysterious which we should try and adapt again. Well, all for we know it may actually bring some anticipation and excitement in our mundane everyday lives.

We have seen anonymity is bad for business but then mystery is a tricky balance and not everyone’s cup of tea. Picture Courtesy : Pinterest

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DECADENCE

Iconic Stars and their Iconic Wheels Steve McQueen’s Sean Connery’s As1956 Jaguar XKSS ton Martin DB5 The ‘king of cool’ was an accomplished on-road and off-road racer of both cars and bikes. Although he is most closely associated with the Ford Mustang, he automobile love was the XKSS or as he called it his ‘Green Rat’.

James Bond and his quintessential British car maker would go far in fame world. This luxury grand tourer was popularized forever as the typical 007 ride. And till today Aston Martin has been synonymous with Bond’s character.

Mick Jagger’s Mer- Elvis Presley’s Pink cedes-Benz 300SEL Cadillac 6.3 Presley’s original Mick Jagger may have shocking pink 1954 sung about crashing Fleetwood Series his car in ‘Don’t 60 Cadillac has Tear Me Up’ but he always been in pop certainly wouldn’t culture and somehow have been singing represented the iconic his Mercedes-Benz. mega star. Presley The car was a perfect bought this car for his example of luxury mother Gladys and coming together had specially painted with power. His it pink, known as other love was his Elvis Pink. yellow Morgan Plus 8 roadster which he drove across Europe in the 70s.

James Dean’s Porsche Frank Sinatra’s 1955 550 Spyder Ford Thunderbird The silver Porsche 550 Spyder is synonymous with James Dean. The customised Spyder was an upgrade for the actor, who was currently filming Rebel Without a Cause. With Tartan seats and red stripes over the rear wheels, his “Little Bastard” sadly came upon to be the cause of his death.

Picture Courtesy : Pinterest

This was a gifted to him by Capitol Records. Always hoarder of vintage cars, this black convertible was his pride.

NOVEMBER 2015

DECADENCE

‘The Danish Girl’

ith the transgender society thrown into a new light especially after rebirth of the very famed profile Caitlyn Jenner, here comes a tasteful film this November celebrating the life of Lili Elbe, one of the firsts’ to go through with sex reassignment surgery. ‘The Danish Girl’ seeks adapted screenplay from the eponymous book by David Ebershoff. “This is not my body, I have to let it go….” Says Lili, in the crux of revelation of her true identity. With the refreshing Eddie Redmayne painting the upper class portrait and struggle of the Danish transgender, the movie has already raised Oscar buzz. Redmayne, teamed with his Les Miserables director Tom Hooper, the movie shows a very touching and intimate introspection. The trailer shows beautiful landscape shots of this 20th century period film with Redmayne transforming from this elegant Danish gentleman into the swan like demure Lili. The movie even stars the beautiful Alicia Vikander, who has starred in many period films in the past including Anna Karenina, in the role of a supportive wife and confidante, at the same time coming to terms with her own struggle and grief of losing her husband.

“This is not my body, I have to let it go….”

‘The Danish Girl’ seems to have a poignant approach towards daring themes in juxtaposition to modern and late 20th century society.

The film discovers depths of self indulgence in misery and monotony.

‘By The Sea’

‘B

y the Sea’ follows a very pessimistic and tumultuous relationship of an American couple portrayed by one of the most high-profile couple. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie star in this European Art house film, directed and written by Jolie herself. The film discovers depths of self-indulgence in misery and monotony. Following the journey of an American couple to Southern France and how gradually they grow apart. The screenplay is inconclusive and depressing too on many levels hence not really for everyone who wants a peek in the celebrity couple’s actual marriage. The characters are deeply fragile with several underlying issues beneath the surface. Set in the late 70s, the movie shows old world glamour in the start and later contrast into the marital tension which is nearly brazen. Hailing from New York, Vanessa (Jolie) is a former dancer and Roland (Pitt) is a novelist working on a book. The relationship takes an influential turn when a young local couple move in next door. The film has a harsh or rather bitter sense of perspective of the world and aging relationships with constant struggles and intensity that brims in the frame. The film is glacial but confident with inspirations from Antonioni and Godard, it portrays an audacious at the same time interesting project by Jolie. Although not a success, the film seems like a work of art for a green director as Jolie.

Picture Courtesy : Pinterest

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NOVEMBER 2015

DECADENCE

Drinking Old Fashioned like Draper

lthough this famous whiskey oldie has been there since the 19th century, it has recently been extremely popularized by the veiled 60’s Mad Men character Don Draper, played by Jon Hamm. This drink has been sported by the hunk Ryan Gosling’s character Jacob Palmer too in Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011), wooing Emma Stone’s character with this classy cocktail. Hailing from New York, this drink is smooth and comfortable with the ultimate kick at the end. Served in a tumbler like glass, the cocktail is prepared with a sugar cube, dash of bitters, rye whiskey, orange peel, cherry and cinnamon for the right amount of spice in your drink. While Draper drank this particular drink through all seasons and was even shot making one in a sequence. Originally known as whiskey cocktail, this is perfect for almost any occasion and also been finely preferred by leading men from Old Hollywood.

Monica Bellucci making a comeback

t may be the first time in Bond history that a Bond girl is older than Bond himself. The 50 year old sultry Italian actress Monica Bellucci stars in the newest and the 24th edition of Bond series, Spectre as the Bond girl or rather as the Bond woman. She is the epitome of Italian movie goddess. She has always had an electrifying intensity on screen and obviously made even the Bond screen writers smitten by her hence, changing the course of 007 franchise history. Starring as a mysterious femme fatale in the new instalment opposite Craig, she stuns us with her screen presence in a mainstream Hollywood film, making us believe that she really never does age. She brings the Italian Dolce Vita finesse to silver screen again.

“I am not a Bond girl, rather a Bond woman”, says she in a press conference while promoting ‘Spectre’. Picture Courtesy : Pinterest

NOVEMBER 2015

DECADENCE TRAVEL

Moorish entourage in Spain

spaña is cherished for its culture, art and architecture. Ruled by the Moors and Islams several hundred years ago, Spain still shows major Islam influence especially when you walk through its beautiful historic cities. We have seen the beautiful architecture of the cities through Allen’s 2008 film Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Antonioni’s The Passenger. But Spain owes a lot to its architecture treasure Antonio Gaudi. Gaudi had influences from Islamic art in his works studying, Moorish and Andalusian architecture. The Modernist artist combined these influences along with Renaissance, Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic style hence reflecting upon his great pieces of work. Even if you don’t know much about Gaudi, you will still certainly recognize his works if you walk across cities like Barcelona and Seville as they are so eccentric and unique in their demeanor. Some of the works to look at are La Sagrada Familia, El-Cabricho, Figuera Palace, Park Güell, Casa Milà and much more. We see a refined sophistication and sumptuous harmony in the Mudéjar styled Islamic architectures across this beautiful European country. There is a certain Mediterranean sensuality across the cities and its beautiful architecture. Amid the haste and sharp lines of the urban planning of the cities, these architectural wonders throw a reflection of nostalgia in the city.

Parisian haven of the literar y world

ituated opposite Notre Dame on the Rive Gauche, a dainty green panelled bookstore Shakespeare and Company is known to be Parisian treasure or rather a world treasure. A literary haven for book lovers, this humble bookstore is proud to own rare and cherished books, not only appreciated by avid readers but all kinds of tourists pay this niche a sure visit. This literary estate was re-opened by American George Whitman in 1958, which was handed to him by Sylvia Beach an American ex-expatriate. She opened the bookstore in 1919 and was frequently visited by Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ezra Pound. Joyce’s ‘Ulysses’ was also published here. She had closed it during the Nazi occupation. Whitman curated this bookstore like his own piece of art or novel. It was a home to him and many authors alike stayed and dined here. Nathan Englander also got married here. Whitman was friends with Hollywood stars like Sinatra and political icons like Jacky Kennedy. Shakespeare’s was a home to Sinatra to whenever he visited Paris. Actor Ethan Hawke is also a huge fan of this book store and even lived here in his 20s. He loves the bookstore so much that he shot a sequence from his famed film Before Sunset (2004), directed by Richard Linklater co-starring Julie Delpy. Picture Courtesy : Pinterest This two storeyed book store is like a literary utopia and should be visited by all as it certainly can be life-changing.

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NOVEMBER 2015

DECADENCE

Wandering in the French ‘Puces’

aris may be the home of haute couture channelling refined elegance and sophistication but Paris also has a bohemian side to it representing the Rive Gauche or the left bank. The Southern bank of the river Seine has also a home to several intellectuals and artists such as Gertrude Stein, Picasso, Hemingway and Fitzgerald. But this bohemian, eccentric side of the chic city also holds the most beautiful flea markets you will see across Europe. These markets are haven for street lovers. From books to flowers, you have a wide variety of products to shop from. It will take you many days to rummage through several flea and open markets across the city with leaving you wanting for more. These markets are vintage and antique lovers’ haven with treasures like furniture, postcards and dial telephones sold by eccentric stall holders. The most popular flea market of Paris is the Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen which is known to be largest in Europe.

These markets are vintage and antique lovers’ haven with treasures like furniture, postcards and dial telephones sold by eccentric stall holders.

Several hectares wide housing thousands of traders, this market has various spans of vintage items from 19th and 20th century alike. From Baroque to Art Deco pieces, you will find them all here. Mostly a very crowded space, you need to evade your way through. Other flea markets such as Les Puces de Montreuil or Marché aux puces de la Porte de Vanves which are smaller but have more unique treasures and also less crowded. You get best deals here scouring through vinyl records, old perfume bottles, flapper dresses and so much more.

Unraveling the ‘Windows of the World’

indows reflect lives and cultures of the human race and so is André Gonçalves passionate about windows around the world. Displaying the world through a different lens, he has a unique perspective in cultures across European countries. Projecting his work on social media made Gonçalves’ work go viral on the internet and threw light on his eerie yet enticing hobby. So much is his work popularized that he received a sponsored trip to Barcelona and London recently. He describes himself as a ‘window addict’ and it intrigues him how “a sheet of glass separating the interiors and exteriors gives you a sense of security”, as he told CNN. The artist and photographer hailing from Lisbon has this peculiar hobby since quite a time now and has even amassed over thousands of photographs capturing aesthetic of windows around the world. It’s a reflection of monuments and architecture capturing myriad colours, stills, textures and shapes. The Portuguese photographer highlights his work by differentiating the singularity of the places he ventures into. The large grids captured with perfection shows us this vital element of all our homes as a unique piece of art in juxtaposition accordingly to various cities. André wants to capture windows all around the world and publish his piece of art in the form of a book by next year. His photos range from having bright colours of Venice to muted colours of The Alps. He recently exhibited his beautiful collection in August in Romania. André’s work is very unique and gives us a fresh and intricate view of a city or a region.

Picture Courtesy : Pinterest

DECADENCE

Visiting Kahlo Home

“I

never painted dreams, I painted my own reality” Located around the corner of a shabby street in the Coyoacán, borough of Mexico City is the beautiful Le Casa Azul which captures the soul and eccentricity of the legendary Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Constructed sometime around 1929-31 by Frida’s father, Guillermo Kahlo, the bright cobalt blue house, strikingly resembles early 20th century Modern Mexican architecture. It was a personal home to Kahlo for most of her life, which was later converted to Museo de Frida Kahlo in 1958, four years after she died here. The home allows visitors to venture into the very private and curated life of Kahlo and her muralist husband Diego Riviera. The house is an expression in itself such as the couple’s artworks taking cues from indigenous Mexican culture and various European influences. With artefacts culminating Hispanic roots of their bohemian lifestyle. Capturing memorabilia and personal objects including cookware, photographs, letters, various postcards and of course their famed artworks, the Blue House channels the colours of an artist’s palette with organic and functional murals. The vibrancy of the house also exhibits Frida’s private diary reminiscent of her struggles and passions in life. We can also see portraits of Leon Trotsky and his wife, when they lived with Hispanic couple for two years after exiled by Stalin. We even find undercurrent imprints of Leftist intellectual circles. This June, New York Botanical Garden re-created the beautiful Casa Azul’s garden and studio in Bronx, New York. This was a first ever creation of a botanical-themed exhibition of Kahlo’s work. It had A-listers from Caroline Herrera to Queen B and the Carters visiting. The exhibition is for those people to indulge themselves in Kahlo’s cultural universe who are unable to visit the Mexican haven. However the Mexican corner captures Kahlo and Riviera’s passionate and tumultuous life as if time has been untouched.

Picture Courtesy : Pinterest

NOVEMBER 2015

Brunch at Charlot

or a city like Paris, there are more than slim options to eat and the connoisseurs would agree it is a hub for food lovers. Whether you want to dine in style or have a bohemian street dish, Paris, France has all the options in the world.

Arguably as we know the French do it the best, tourists are always hunting where the best brunch option is. Even though it is hard to choose or distinguish for a cosmopolitan place like Paris, the ‘ultimate place to be’ is sitting amid the buzz of Le Marais named Café Charlot. The perfect Après-flea market stop situated near the oldest market in Paris, Marché des Enfants Rouges which was made in the 1600s. The picturesque district of Marais gives this neighbourhood café a vintage and retro vibe making it not only tourist favourite but a local favourite too as its best for people watching, what the Parisians like to do. This bistro is even known to be liked by the fashionable and even is Balmain creative director, Olivier Rousteing’s favourite spot. Café Charlot takes you to Paris in the 20’s and also been a set for quite a few films. There is no particular place to sit here as the terrace, inside and outside all seem like a bliss with Parisians hassling around. The menu is elegant and very simple but still specks luxury in a great way. With light yet tasteful dishes to indulge in, this place is quite affordable too. The interiors are beautiful and well thought with vintage furniture and even décor is very comfortable too. This café is not only famous for being old school with the greatest range of food and drinks but also for having a great and polite service staff which is rare in France. And guess what they are even favoured for their delicious cocktails made in their small niche bar, so swing by any time of the day whenever you’re in Paris.

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NOVEMBER 2015

A reflection of personal photography

DECADENCE

Picture Courtesy : Riona S Roy

NOVEMBER 2015

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NOVEMBER 2015