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t h r i l l ma c h i n e g u r u s A C C E S S O R Y
l e t t h e r e b e c a n d l e l i g h t A UT O MO B I L E
mo v i n gl u x e E S C A P E j e we l i nt h e s e a E S S E NC E s e a s o n ’ s b e s t b o u q u e t s HI G HNE S S
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THEATRE ONEGIN.ONLINE
Lifestyle Living is a niche, high-end magazine, exclusively dedicated to creative, even edgy lifestyle. It showcases the best that life has to offer, through the perspective of cuttingedge design. It aims to provide a style statement through an inspired rendering of the unusual–be it original designer jewellery, electronic gizmos, futuristic automobile blueprints, a hi-tech airport, an automated, temperature-controlled swimming pool, a celebrity’s personal space, an airline’s service design and ingenious interiors–whether it is a spa, home, hotel or office. The magazine includes the realm of hi-fashion and cosmetics, inventive art & craft and world-class paintings. PUBLISHER/EDITOR KEWAL GILL EXECUTIVE EDITOR KAMAL GILL VICE PRESIDENT VIVEK MITTAL MANAGING EDITOR ARJUN GILL DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR SIMRAN MISHRA EDITORIAL SENIOR EDITOR PRABIR BISWAS ASSOCIATE EDITOR INDIRA LAUL ASSISTANT EDITORS CHETAN BHATTARAI, ROUBLE RAGHUVANSHI ASSISTANT EDITOR KANIKA MEHTA TRAINEE SUB-EDITOR RITIKA SARIN ART GROUP ART DIRECTOR AMITABHA SEN CREATIVE DIRECTOR ANKUR JAIN ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR MANDEEP SINGH SENIOR WEB ADMINISTRATOR MANOJ VERMA MARKETING & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT DELHI OFFICE GENERAL MANAGER AMIT KHURANA ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER VAGISH MISHRA SENIOR MANAGER (DELHI) MUKESH BHATNAGAR SENIOR MANAGER (MUMBAI) KIRAN PATIL ASSISTANT MANAGERS (DELHI) CHETAN MONGA, VIPUL BHATIA FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION GENERAL MANAGER AJITH KUMAR LR FINANCIAL CONTROLLER CA VIJAY GOSAIN ACCOUNTS & ADMINISTRATION INDU MATHUR FOR ADVERTISEMENT ENQUIRIES CONTACT: NEW DELHI Tel: 91-11-29841710 -13 Fax: 91-11-29841714 email: gillindiadel@gmail.com Editorial e-mail: lifestyle.editor@gmail.com Gill India Communications Private Limited O-46, 2nd Floor, Lajpat Nagar II, New Delhi-10 024 MUMBAI Tel: 91-22-29252652, Fax: 91-22-29254492 email: gillindiamum@gmail.com 111, 1st Flr., Atlanta Arcade, Marol-Church Road,Opp. Andheri-Kurla Road, Andheri (E), Mumbai-400059
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News events 6 Fashionist the cool clotheshorse 12
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Lifestyle Living is published/printed by Kewal Gill on behalf of Gill India Communications Private Limited and published from: O-46, Second Floor, Lajpat Nagar - 2, New Delhi - 110024, India Printing & Processing: Gokul Offset Pvt Ltd, D - 159/A, Phase 1, Okhla Industrial Area, New Delhi. All rights reserved All information in LIFESTYLE LIVING is derived from sources, which we consider reliable. Information is passed on to our readers without any responsibility on our part. The contents of this publication contain views of authors and are not the views of Gill India Communications Pvt Ltd (GIC). Similarly, opinions/views expressed by any party in abstract and/or in interviews are not necessarily shared/ do not necessarily reflect any opinion of GIC. All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction in any manner is strictly prohibited. Material appearing in the publication cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without prior permission. The same rule applies when there is a copyright or the article is taken from another publication. Publications reproducing material either in part or in whole, without permission could face legal action. Editorial enquiries and enquiries concerning the reproduction of articles, advertising and circulation should be emailed at gillindiacorp@gmail.com. The publisher assumes no responsibility for returning unsolicited material nor is responsible for material lost or damaged in transit. The publisher reserves the rights to refuse, withdraw, amend or otherwise deal with all advertisements without explanation. All advertisements must comply with the Indian Advertisements Code as well as the Advertisements Code of South Asia. The publisher will not be liable for any damaged or loss cause by the late publication, error or failure or advertisement to appear.
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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
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Getaway Luxury mayan splendour goes hip 26 pipe dreams 40 Wellness Essence unforgettable autumn escapade 30 season’s best bouquets 44 Escape Celeb home jewel in the sea 32 high fashion in manhattan 50 Hospitality Opulence marina bay sands—redefining luxury on your wrist 52 entertainment 34 Fashion star-spangled fashion fiesta 54
November 2010 | www.lifestyleliving.in
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Accessory Highness let there be candlelight 60 the catwalk princess 72 Amusement Celebration thrill machine gurus 66 today’s traveller awards 74 Chatterati celeb buzz 76 Forecast tarot 78
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THEATRE ONEGIN.ONLINE
this
(&) that news 6 the cool clotheshorse 12 Manish Malhotra has redefined Bollywood fashion and has managed to achieve a balance between designing for films, as well as haute couture
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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
April 2009 |2010 November www.lifestyleliving.in | www.lifestyleliving.in
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NEWS EVENTS
RUSSELL BRAND, KATY PERRY WED IN INDIA British comedian Russell Brand and US pop singer Katy Perry married on 23 October 2010, in a closely guarded traditional Hindu ceremony at an exclusive hotel resort in Rajasthan. While the festivities commenced on the grounds of the Amaan-i-Khas resort in Ranthambore National Park, the world's media strained to catch a glimpse. Reuter reports that over 80 international journalists, including 15 British photographers, jostled for space with their telephotolenses at the gates of the complex, more than 150 metres away. Private security guards, black screens and a mobile phone ban ensured a veil of secrecy over the wedding after exclusive publicity rights were sold to a London magazine. Brand, who was seen with henna patterns on his hands, arrived on a decorated horse for the wedding, flanked by camels and elephants, the Press Trust of India news agency reported. Other reports said pop star Rihanna played the Maid of Honor as a priest chanted Hindu hymns around a sacred fire. As the sun set through the early evening, the guests, who stayed at two nearby resorts, arrived in cars with blacked-out windows. The couple, who landed in Mumbai three days before the event, reportedly chose the resort for their wedding after Brand proposed to Perry at the same location in December 2009. Perry wore an Indian bridal nose ring as she passed through the airport.
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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
NEWS EVENTS
ORIENT EXPRESS OFFERS BESPOKE LUXURY TRAVEL Leading bespoke travel company, Orient-Express, is offering luxury packages to some of South America’s most legendary destinations. These include Lima, Cuzco and the world-famous Machu Picchu ruins in Peru, and the vibrant Rio de Janeiro and Iguassu Falls in Brazil. Located at the world-famous Iguassu Falls, a breathtaking collection of 275 waterfalls extending over almost 3 kilometres in an enormous canyon on the Iguassu River, the Hotel das Cataratas’packages include Eco-Adventures from US$760. The Adventure package includes luxurious accommodation at Hotel Monasterio, two round-trip tickets on the Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu, with a one-day entrance ticket and private guided tour of the ruins, alongside afternoon tea at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, priced from US$1,601. Las Casitas del Colca is a delightful collection of cottages and spa, set amidst the peace and serenity of the Colca Canyon in Peru. The spa package includes a breathtaking round-trip journey between the hotel and the airport and activities such as cooking classes, trout fishing, feeding baby alpacas, bike rides, trekking and free-style painting. Other incredible packages include the Miraflores Park Hotel in Lima and the glamorous Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro. Further information on the Orient-Express is available at: http://www.orientexpress.com. All packages are valid throughout 2011.
PARESA LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE WELLNESS RETREATS Chic new boutique resort, Paresa, introduces the world’s first self-actuated wellness retreats set amid the relaxing, tranquil and lush natural surroundings of Phuket’s most exclusive resort. “We are excited to be partnering with Experience / Premchit, as it allows us to offer our guests a unique Thaibased retreat experience beyond the normal resort spa experience,” stated Paresa General Manager, Scot Toon. Experience/ Premchit is the brainchild of Premchit Prateap Na Thalang, who has been described as an ‘aromatic alchemist,’ who has inherited generations of family wisdom and secrets for transforming aromatic plants into the ambrosias and elixirs of life. She traces these aromatherapy secrets back to 1592, when her ancestor, the former King of Phuket, traded natural aromatic plant products with the British. Combining this ancient knowledge with her own formal education at the International Federation of Aroma therapists in London, Premchit has drawn on her intuitive perfumery skills, to create highly enjoyable and effective therapeutic ambrosias, elixirs, scents and treatments as applied during Experience/ Premchit Wellness Retreats. The Natural Detox Retreat is available in 3, 7, 10, 14, 21 and 28-day programmes according to guests’ preferences and needs. From now until 20 December 2010, Paresa offers a 3-day, 4-night accommodation at the Premchit Retreat for one person, priced at just THB139,500 Additionally, from December 21 to January 5, 2011, Paresa offers a 3-day, 4-night Premchit Retreat for one person at THB220,000. Package rates include room plus breakfast for two guests, plus a 3-day Detox Retreat for one person only. A second person can enroll for the Detox Retreat at normal Retreat rates.
KING BHUMIBOL AND QUEEN SIRIKIT'S 60TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED Bangkok-Central Department Store held the Central Anniversary Flower Extravaganza, under the concept ‘Power of Love…Power of Roses’ to celebrate King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit’s 60th wedding anniversary during October 28-November 1, 2010.This event is designed to acknowledge the royal couple’s selfless efforts in their projects, especially King Bhumibol, who has stayed true to the ten virtues of the king and has been working tirelessly with love and care for his people since his accession to the throne. The highlight of this event are the photographs of the queen amidst various blossoms, which are taken by the king. The photographs were displayed at Lobby Lounge, 1st floor, Central Chidlom. Millions of roses from over 100 varieties were brought to transform Central Chidlom’s entire seven-storey building and its Emerald parking lots into a magical scene. Specifically, all window displays were given a makeover to look like gardens full of blossoms. Roses, the eternal symbol of love, were arranged on large trees in Central Chidlom, implying that the king’s love is like an enormous tree sheltering all Thais.
COPENHAGEN’S 8 HOUSE COMPLETE Celebrating its third project with the same development team in the maturing neighbourhood of Orestad, the construction of the 61,000-square metre 8 House is now complete, allowing people to bike all the way from the street up to its tenth level penthouses alongside terraced gardens, where the first residents have already moved in. The bow-tie-shaped 61,000-square metre mixed-use building of three different types of residential housing and 10,000 square metres of retail and offices comprises Denmark’s largest private development ever undertaken. The 8 House is a true example of ‘architectural alchemy’, according to Bjarke Ingels, Founding Partner of BIG, Denmark’s company of designers, builders and architects. The company’s design fundamental is that by mixing traditional ingredients, retail, group houses and apartments in untraditional ways, you create added value. “8 House is a perimeter block that morphs into a knot, twisting and turning to maximise the life quality of its many inhabitants,” comments Ingels.
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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
NEWS EVENTS
ITC LAUNCHES MUCH-AWAITED HAND-ROLLED CIGARS ITC has launched its long-awaited hand-rolled cigar, Armenteros, in the Indian market. Armenteros cigars have been developed to suit the discerning taste of the Indian cigar connoisseur. The perfect balance of flavour, aroma and taste, Armenteros hand-rolled cigars are the perfect option for the cigar connoisseur. Sourced from the Dominican Republic, the largest producer of hand-rolled cigars in the world, the cigars are being manufactured at La Aurora, which is one of the oldest cigar companies in the world and is run by the reputed Leon Jimenes family. The products and the packaging are custom-made to ITC specifications and stringent quality parameters. Armenteros is a trademark owned by ITC Limited. Available in the most popular cigar sizes (Churchill, Torpedo, Corona, Petit Corona and Robusto), The Armenteros portfolio consists of 8-pack sizes comprising 3, 5 and 10 cigars. They will be available exclusively at tobacco selling outlets in select hotels, fine dining restaurants and exclusive clubs—initially in Delhi and Mumbai, and subsequently in other metros. GREATEST PRÊT-A-PORTEA COLLECTION AT THE BERKELEY London’s most fashionable afternoon tea celebrates the fifth anniversary of Prêt-àPortea at The Berkeley and has surveyed fashion aficionados to vote for the most memorable creations from the past five years. Suitably named the ‘Greatest Hits’ collection, the votes represent the result of more then 1,700 fashionistas who selected their number one fashion pastry. The sparkly high-heeled Louboutin shoe biscuit came in first place, closely followed by the Alice Temperley apple and panacotta mousse. Philip Treacy’s show-stopping chocolate butterfly hat cake came in third. Commenting on his win, Christian Louboutin said: ‘The surprise of my shoe-biscuit becoming a 'winner' is, for me, the cherry on the cake!’With more than 24per cent of the votes, Louboutin proved to be a clear winner, with his signature red-soled heels, beating fashion legends such as Paul Smith, Zac Posen and rival Jimmy Choo. Prêt-à-Portea is served in The Caramel Room atThe Berkeley from 1-6pm everyday, and priced at £35.00 per person. (£45 including a glass of Laurent Perrier champagne, or alternatively for the fashion conscious, £52.00 per person, including a glass of couture champagne) To make a reservation for Prêt-à-Portea, call 020 7235 6000.
QATAR’S EMIR AND WIFE SHEIKHA MOZAH CAPTIVATE BRITAIN As the Emir of Qatar and his stylish wife Sheikha Mozah wrapped up their three-day visit to the UK, the couple continued to hold the public's attention. Hosted by the Queen at Windsor Castle and entertained by the royal family, the Qatari couple experienced British hospitality at its finest, with magnificent parades, lavish banquets and a wealth of open arms.
RAYMOND WEIL IN CHENNAI Raymond Weil, the Geneva-based family-run Swiss watch making company, launched its second exclusive boutique in India at Express Avenue, Chennai, and a special shop-in-shop corner at the Mantri Square Mall in Bangalore. Inaugurated by Olivier Bernheim, President & CEO, Raymond Weil, both events were graced by a particularly charming celebrity guest—the leading lady of Tamil cinema, Shriya Sharan— for the Chennai opening; and well-known cine-star Jennifer Kotwal in Bangalore, where Sushil Mantri, Chairman, Mantri Developers, and owner of the mall, also officiated at the opening of the Zimson shop-in-shop. The luxury watch brand has also initiated its first exclusive boutique in India—in Delhi—along with shop-in-shops in Hyderabad and Pune earlier this year. Inaugurating these new points of sale, Bernheim said, “India has long been part of Raymond Weil’s history; having established a distribution network 30 years ago. The country’s extremely rapid development, along with the emergence of a clientele that is extremely well-informed in watch making matters, make India a priority today among the brand’s international developments. Today, our family, along with our distribution affiliate RW India Distribution Pvt. Ltd, is committed to strengthening this association by enhancing the brand’s presence and market visibility while offering refined luxury timepieces at attractive prices that reflect the evolution and creativity of Raymond Weil.”
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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
FASHIONIST MANISH MALHOTRAI
THE COOL
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Manish Malhotra has redefined Bollywood fashion and has managed to achieve a balance between designing for films, as well as haute couture y his own admission, films and fashion have always been fashion icon Manish Malhotra’s‘daily bread,’so to speak. At age sixteen was when this intrepid youngster started work in his father’s office, but he didn’t think the business (air conditioners) was cool enough, so he often snuck out to a nearby theatre to catch the latest Hindi matinee. That’s where histrionics, clothes and a niche lifestyle combined to catapult him into a world and profession that was to bring unlimited success. Malhotra’s penchant for colours stems from childhood, when mixing and matching different hues was a passion. Shedding the shackles of the school uniform once he joined Elphinstone College was the biggest joy for someone who‘liked clothes and loved dressing up.’ At this time, Malhotra developed a love for English films. Says he, “Films have been my first love and have given me everything in return, including fashion.” In a repertoire of work that spans two decades, Malhotra is nothing if not ‘humble and grounded.’ It’s how he describes
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Rajnikanth, with whom he says he had the privilege of working with in Robot. Malhotra is crystal-clear when it comes to his perception about styling clothes for films—“Screen clothes have to look dramatic, yet be effortless for the wearer. Science fiction, fantasy or romantic comedy, to me realism is important when it comes to design. I believe in connecting with people through my clothes. If the audience can't imagine themselves in my creations, then I'm automatically distanced from them. Robot is futuristic, it's sci-fi. But I still wanted the costumes to have believable elements. So, even the metallic line I've done is not bizarre. I wanted it to be refreshing when compared to other films in the genre where costumes are weird and un-wearable.” The man who redefined Bollywood fashion with Urmila Matondkar's sexy outfits in Rangeela, the Kapoor sisters' (Karishma and Kareena) experimental costumes, Kajol's effortless elegance and Priyanka Chopra's Dostana-chic, says homework and hard work have seen him through his retail and film career. “I'm methodical. You'll seldom catch me spaced out.”
INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
Clearly, Malhotra has redefined Bollywood fashion. But, the icing came after years of blood, sweat and tears. His first foray into the film world was when he designed clothes for Juhi Chawla for the film Swarga. Since then, he has gained the reputation of transforming the looks of the stars to the characters they portray on screen—all through his costumes. Over the years, he has designed clothes for Sri Devi, Urmila Matondkar, Karishma Kapoor, Juhi Chawla, Kajol, Madhuri Dixit, Shilpa Shetty, Kareena Kapoor, Raveena Tandon, Twinkle Khanna, Aishwarya Rai, Rani Mukherjee and Preity Zinta. He has even attired male stars like Shahrukh Khan and Aamir Khan on occasion. But, the turning point in Malhotra’s career came with Rangeela, when he designed the costumes for Urmila Matondkar for the film. The film was a blockbuster and popularised Mantondkar’s image as a sex kitten. From then on, many of the films Malhotra worked for turned into hits. He was the first designer who asked for film scripts before designing the dresses for the stars. In this way, the clothes were conceptualised according to the characters that were portrayed. For instance, for Kareena Kapoor’s period costume in Ashoka, Malhotra brought out the essence of the princesse’s character, which was pure beauty in its simplicity. From Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Khamoshi, Hero No.1, Judaai, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dil To Pagal Hai, Hum Saath Saath Hain to Kaho Na Pyar Hai, Mast, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, Satya, Dhadkan and Mohabbatein, Malhotra has been associated with nearly all of the decade's most successful films. In 1998, Malhotra branched into mainstream designing, with his highprofile couture store Reverie-Manish Malhotra. The store received a tremendous response and his clientele featured socialites like Tanya Godrej, Tina Ambani, Haseena Jethmalani, Rhea Pillai, Avanti Birla, as well as important members of the NRI community. He created several wedding trousseaus for reputed families, and during this period, he was asked to design clothes exclusively for Michael Jackson for the Bollywood Awards held in New York. Malhotra's first fashion show in November 1999 was a tremendous success. His clothes were received with great appreciation and almost 70 per cent were sold out within three weeks. Malhotra created a coup of sorts by having Urmila Matondkar model the showstopper, an act that was followed by several designers for their shows. A part of his collection was the embroidered denim wear that became a rage all over the city; and international model, Naomi Campbell, bought a pair on her visit to the city. Malhotra’s forte is that he has managed to achieve the delicate balance between designing for films, as well as haute couture. The future includes a prêt a porter line for women along with his couture label and also a couture and prêt line for men. AWARDS AND ACCOLADES Some of the many awards Malhotra has received are the Indira Priyadarshini Memorial Award for his contribution to the fashion industry; the National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi; the Indo American Society for his contribution to fashion designing; he was named the most Stylish Designer Of the Year at the Elle Style Awards and won the Zee Cine Award and the IIFA Award for the year 2000 for the film Mohabbatein. LL BUREAU Malhotra will be crafting a new uniform for the Mumbai police. He is excited about the project but will not disclose any details, saying the project is in its early stages. “Now it's in a very early stage. We are working on it. It will take some time. Lots of approvals have to be taken. We all are very excited; it's a very prestigious thing for me. The work is in progress. I can't say anything more about it,” says Malhotra. Asked to give some hint about the design and colour of the uniform, he said: 'Nothing has been decided.”
November 2010 | www.lifestyleliving.in
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THEATRE ONEGIN.ONLINE
beijing’s knock-out bird’s nest 16 The Beijing National Stadium is a stunning landmark structure and one of the world’s largest enclosed spaces for sports and other events moving luxe 20 Not only is the Nissan Teana 2010 easy on the eye, it has the smoothest, most powerful V6 engine ever built
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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
April 2009 |2010 November www.lifestyleliving.in | www.lifestyleliving.in
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ARCHITECTURE BIRD’S NEST
Beijing’s Knock-out
BIRD’SNEST I
n the global arena of sporting events, stadiums have become an integral part of every country. All over the world, stunning stadiums vye with one another for their sheer size, technical virtuosity or beauty. A design involvement in sports facilities matters more than one would imagine, because it impacts the psyche and performance of the atheletes as well as spectator experience. The Beijing National Stadium is a case in point. Definitely intended for the ‘wow’ effect, the Beijing National Stadium is not just about aesthetics. It’s seemingly delicate nomenclature—Bird’s Nest—is misleading, considering that it’s made up of 40,000 tons of steel and is capable of housing 90,000 seats. Located at the southern part of the Olympic Green in Beijing, the Beijing National Stadium is a stunning landmark building, which staged the 2008 Olympic Games from
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8 to 24 August, 2008. The opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the athletic track and field events of the 29th Olympiad, took place at this stadium. It also hosted the Summer Paralympics in September 2008 and the Race of Champions in 2009. The Beijing National Stadium is said to be the world's largest enclosed space and also the world's largest steel structure. Designed by Switzerland’s Herzog & De Meuron Architekten, Arup Sport and the China Architecture Design and Research Group, this innovative structure has been nicknamed the ‘Bird’s Nest’ because of the web of twisting steel sections that form the roof. How did the team design this steel colossus, yet give it a delicate bird’s nest look? Arup Sport’s Senior Structural Engineer, Kate McDougall, suggests that the answer is 3D. She feels that using 3D software like CATIA is vital for complex stadium design and further explains, “Stadia are all unique and they always
INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
The Beijing National Stadium is a stunning landmark structure and one of the world’s largest enclosed spaces for sports and other events April 2009 |2010 November www.lifestyleliving.in | www.lifestyleliving.in
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ARCHITECTURE BIRD’S NEST
incorporate complex geometry. Coordinating their design, planning and construction involves making many changes and updates through the project’s life cycle. ” McDougall continues,“ This process is enhanced and facilitated through the use of 3D models. The software allows us to save costs by developing a route to manufacture early in the project and also by allowing us to make use of standard components to improve quality and make financial savings. The CATIA 3D-based model methodology also makes checking efficient, easy and quick, since complex geometry is modelled in three dimensions.” The main body of the Beijing National Stadium has a design life of 100 years. It is built to withstand an eight-magnitude earthquake and its fire resistance capability is purported to be first-rate, as also is the water-resistance capability of its underground project. The main elements of the gigantic steel structure support each other and converge into a grid formation, just like a bird's nest with interlocking branches and twigs. Being a seven-storey sheer wall system, the stadium's stand has a concrete framework. The upper part of the stand and the stadium's steel structure are separated from each other, but both are based on a joint footing. The roof of the stadium is covered by a double-layer membrane structure, with a transparent ETFE (a kind of plastic, designed to have high corrosion resistance and strength over a wide temperature range) membrane fixed on the upper part of the roofing structure and a translucent PTFE membrane (a resin with good resistance to chemicals and heat) fixed on its lower part. The roof is weatherproof, with the spaces in the structure being filled with a translucent membrane. Since all the facilities—restaurants, suites, shops and restrooms—rare self-contained units, there is no solid, enclosed façade. This allows natural ventilation of the stadium, which is the most important aspect of the stadium's sustainable design. The spatial effect of the stadium is unique and radical, yet simple. Located on a gentle rise in the centre of the Olympic complex, the structure follows the undulating elevations of the land, giving it a dramatic, sweeping form.
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The plinth area and the stadium merge seamlessly into one element, so that the pedestrian walkways flow smoothly from the structure of the stadium itself. The spaces between the walkways have amenities for the visitor, such as sunken gardens, stone squares, bamboo groves, mineral hillscapes, and openings into the plinth itself. Gently, and without your realising it, the ground level rises and forms a plinth for the stadium; the entrance to the stadium is therefore slightly raised, providing a bird’s eye-view of the entire Olympic complex. Conceived as a large receptacle, the structure leaves a distinct impression when viewed from the outsde. Inside, the bowl-like shape serves to generate crowd excitement and drive athletes to outstanding performances. The stands have minimal interruption and the acoustic ceiling hides the structure in order to focus attention on the spectators and the events on the field. A triumph of architectural innovation, the Beijing National Stadium incorporates symbols of traditional and modern China. The circular shape of the stadium represents 'heaven', while the adjacent square form of the National Aquatics Center (Water Cube), also designengineered by Arup, is a reflection of the Chinese symbol for Earth. The bird’s nest structure is inspired by Chinese-style ‘crazed pottery.’ The architectural team faced many challenges but overcame them brilliantly. The stadium design ensured that every spectator had a good view; the team was aware of the different uses of the stadium— for instance, when used as an athletics stadium, the most important view is at the finish line of the running track but when used for football, the best views are at the centre line. Getting everyone close enough in such a big venue was a real challenge and getting the calculations right was an immense task. While the surface of the structure was simple, the geometry was complex—the calculations were so numerous and complicated that special software was needed to make sure that the web of twisting steel sections fitted together, as they had to twist and bend to follow the surface accurately. INDIRA LAUL
INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
The Beijing National Stadium is said to be the world's largest enclosed space and also the world's largest steel structure. Designed by Switzerland’s Herzog & De Meuron Architekten, Arup Sport and the China Architecture Design and Research Group
April 2009 |2010 November www.lifestyleliving.in | www.lifestyleliving.in
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GETAWAY AUTOMOBILE PRIVATE ISLANDS NISSAN
MOVING LUXE
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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
Not only is the Nissan Teana 2010 easy on the eye, it has the smoothest, most powerful V6 engine ever built
April 2009 |2010 November www.lifestyleliving.in | www.lifestyleliving.in
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GETAWAY
PRIVATE ISLANDS f you’re looking to buy a luxury sedan in the slightly crowded D-segment market, you have several options. There’s the Hyundai Sonata Embera, which is superbly built and moves as well as it looks and the diesel Skoda Superb. Then, there are the biggies-the Toyota Camry, the Honda Accord and the Mazda 6. But, making a quiet and smooth entry is the Nissan Teana, which wins hands down over the other candidates. If you’re wondering why, it’s because under the hood of the Teana is one of the best V6 engines ever built. But, here are several other reasons why you should opt for the Nissan Teana 2010. Firstly, the Nissan Teana is strongly inspired by the European executive sedans like the BMW and Mercedez Benz and it shows in the strong, confident lines of this car, along with its classy, modern features like the striking headlamps and window profiles, which make it stand out from its contenders. This is definitely a sophisticated car rather than sporty. Performance-wise, the Nissan Teana is a powerhouse. Its robust and smooth 2496cc VQ25DE V6 petrol engine has been lauded as one of the‘Ten Best Engines’by Ward’s Auto World magazine for 15 consecutive years. The engine produces about 185 horsepower at 6000 rpm, and 232 nm torque at 4400 rpm-ensuring a lightning-speed pick-up on highways and city roads. Other than that, the Teana’s Xtronic Continuous Variable Transmission is very impressive too, as it offers a smooth ‘no-shift-shock’ driving experience, allowing for smooth gear change, a sense of acceleration, and efficient fuel consumption. It also rides on independent struts of ball-joint type suspension in the front and multi-link type suspension in the rear which can absorb all kinds of road irregularities. Safety-such an important requisite in an automobile-isn’t overlooked
as well, as the Teana features a high tensile steel body structure for optimum driving comfort, safety, and operation stability. The body is said to have been built using 980 MPA Ultra Steel, with characteristics similar to a French nuclear submarine. There’s all this and comfort, too. The Nissan Teana’s shotgun seats are done Ottoman-style, as in lazy-boy, so you can adjust the leg rest to match your comfort. There’s extra legroom for back-seaters as well, so they can stretch and relax during long drives. Luxury is synonymous with the Teana. Its plush leather upholstery and eight-way electronically powered front driver's seat will ensure endless relaxation. The sedan has a turning radius of 5.3 metres that gives you absolute control over the car. The Teana is longer than most cars in its segment and it has a wide wheelbase that improves its interior space and stability. However, it has a lower ground clearance that may make it difficult to speed over large bumps. The Teana also has a retractable, stylish glass sunroof with UV protection, so rear seat passengers can enjoy the sun. The sophisticated wooden interiors and the stylish dashboard make you feel you’re in a fivestar on wheels. The car’s cockpit is not only visually appealing but also carefully designed to deliver ultimate convenience and ease of use to the driver and all passengers concerned. The information console provides you with complete visual confirmation of air-conditioning settings, outside temperature, audio system and time, as well as allowing you to monitor the drive computer. A well-designed visual instrumentation with highcontrast white illumination assures excellent visibility. The large speedometer is further enhanced by a silver-coloured ring that cannot be ignored. A one-of-its-kind rear power sunshade
VITAL STATS Model : Type : Engine Displacement (cc): Bore x Stroke (mm) : Compression Ratio : Power (kW (PS)/rpm) : Torque (Nm (kg-m)/rpm) : Transmission : Forward Gear Ratios : Reverse Gear Ratios : Final Gear Ratios :
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VQ25DE V6 DOHC 24 Valve CVTC 2496 85.0 x 73.3 9.8 : 1 134 (182)/6000 228 (23.2)/4400 XTRONIC CVT 2.394-0.394 1750 6120
INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
The Teana’s Xtronic Continuous Variable Transmission is very impressive too, as it offers a smooth ‘no-shift-shock’ driving experience, allowing for smooth gear change, a sense of acceleration, and efficient fuel consumption. keeps the sunlight and glare away from rear passengers without blocking the driver's rear vision while also maintaining the temperature you set within the cabin of the car. There is a LED bulb on the centre console, front passenger and rear door grips that shines softly to create a more welcoming interior ambience. The revised Nissan Teana's exterior is a combination of beauty and elegance. It has wheel arches that fit perfectly over the wheels and add to the car’s pizzazz. It has high-projector headlamps, on either side of a stylish chrome grill, which not only add oomph to the car, but are designed to light up the road. Its high-mounted LED rear stop lamps and LED rear lamps will make sure that you catch everyone's eye when you press on the brakes. The Nissan Teana is designed to absorb impact. It features crushable zones and a safety restraint zone that function together with multiple Supplemental Restraint System airbags to avoid or reduce injuries, in case of an accident. In the event of an accident, active head restraints instantly move forward to support the head and reduce impact on the neck. Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, drive computer, twin exhaust, 8-way electrically powered driver's seat, 4-way electrically powered front passenger's seat, powered rear sun shade, active head rests, and 6 CD changer with 6 audio speakers. LL BUREAU
April 2009 |2010 November www.lifestyleliving.in | www.lifestyleliving.in
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GETAWAY HACIENDA PETAC
MAYAN
splendour goes hip F
The Hacienda Petac is a magnificent resort that offers a private villa experience, combining old-world elegance with stylish mod cons
or all classic workaholics, it’s that time of the year to unwind and getaway. When the blistering summer heat gives way to the mellow shades of fall and the lazy, hazy days of winter beckon from the wings, it’s time to refurbish jangled nerves and soothe frayed edges. It’s vacation time, and what better way to smooth the groove than to check in at the magnificently restored hacienda in the Yucatan region of Mexico, known simply as Hacienda Petac. Your journey begins via rental car to the tiny village
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of Petac, about 30 minutes outside the city of Merida, in Mexico. Petac is a one-horse town and exists because of the Hacienda. Two streets, a soccer field, a basketball court, two churches, a corn grinding factory, and three corner stores are about the sum total of what makes up this entire village, which has 170-odd residents. Owners of the Hacienda, Dev and Chuck Stern, are a Texas couple with tremendous foresight, who bought the heritage property in 2000 and restored it to its present grandeur. The couple fondly allude to Petac and the surrounding villages as ‘the Mayan countryside’.
INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
And, indeed, as you drive in, you might feel you’ve stepped back in time. Hacienda Petac (which means ‘House of the Turtle Catcher’) nestles on 200 acres in the lush Mayan countryside. This 17th century, former sisal plantation and farmhouse, built atop Mayan ruins, has been transformed into a stylish five-bedroom hotel providing exclusive care to a maximum of twelve guests. All five suites boast 30-foot ceilings, period furnishings and hand-painted floor tiles. A hacienda is typically a large homestead in a ranch or estate. The Moorish influence can be seen in the graceful, dramatic arches of the Hacienda Petac. The building was largely constructed from old stones collected from broken down Mayan structures that had originally sat directly on the grounds. The stunning wall colours are created from natural pigments and mixed in a traditional way, using lime in the base and allowing the colours to breathe, with incredible results. The main building houses the dining room, living room, bar, kitchen, library and a room for worship, which is adorned in the most brilliant shade of periwinkle, as well as a plethora of outdoor spaces for outdoor dining and living. The pool area and water features are rustic and enchanting as well as impermeable, as they were built using a traditional Mayan mixture known as chukum, a cement-like mixture made from eggs, honey, limestone dust and the bark of the Chukum tree. As you drive through the gates and past a small, charming old church, you will be greeted warmly by the staff of the estate, who will greet you with a welcome drink and authentic Yucatan snacks. Relax on the posh Mexican verandah, with magnificent views of the lush, jungle terrain. Feast on homemade tortillas and guacamole (avocado sauce), accompanied with refreshing cocktails made from freshly-picked limes. As you pass through the inner spaces of the Hacienda, you will notice that the furniture and details are an elegant mixture of antiques,
November 2010 | www.lifestyleliving.in
native stone, hand embroidery and custom-designed accents, all put together with a designer's finesse. The guest rooms are elegantly appointed, with soaring ceilings. The bathrooms, which have used stone, are dramatic and architecturally interesting. What strikes a visitor is the sense of freshness and naturalness, presented with style and elan. The Na'a Maya Spa at the Hacienda is to be seen to be believed. Also crafted from chukum, with a set of thatched roofs, the spa rivals
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GETAWAY HACIENDA PETAC
any luxury boutique hotel. The entire gym is enclosed in a chukum and glass circular room, and offers state-of-the-art equipment and cardio machines, including the elliptical. The second spa building has a private massage area with frosted glass, along with a pedicure-cum-manicure station like no other. The professional gym equipment, imported from the US, sits on a floor of Macedonia tile, quarried and cut in a village that’s an hour away. The traditional and the modern meet again in the eco-friendly technology that uses air- conditioning in a thatched house, while simultaneously heating a swimming pool. The outdoor covered walkway leads to a giant open-air tub for treatments such as a therapeutic flower bath; on the opposite side there is an open-air shower and massage area. Around the bend is a gorgeous open-air lounge with a thatched roof for just relaxing, taking in the surroundings, watching the more than 400 species of birds, or simply dozing off to sleep. The new Spa compound blends seamlessly with the colonial architecture and warmth of the Hacienda Petac. It has been designed solely for the personal enjoyment of guests who love a resort lifestyle, but prefer a private pool—the real benefits of a villa vacation. Says General Manager Colleen Leonard, "We are committed to bringing our guests the options that are normally found in grand class resorts, but missing in a villa rental. Our attention to detail rivals any premium hotel. The difference is that our services are devoted to 12, not 1,200." At the Hacienda Petac, meals are customised and ever changing, be it the menus, the locations, or the experience. One evening it could be an elegant long table in the dining room dressed with candles, magnificently arranged flower petals and unique napkin settings, followed by a delicious array of Yucatan specials. The next meal could be in the jungle, amidst the flora, under a moonlit sky and countless candles. The staff at the Hacienda have truly mastered the art of romance, and the art of fine, freshly prepared traditional cuisine, as well as the art of
pampering and relaxation without any apparent sweat. The Hacienda is an eco-friendly resort, for sure. The town benefits from the business generated by the hacienda. The owners have partnered with the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, to begin a microcredit programme, which currently funds a local woman who sews and does embroidery work. It has also supported the birth of a local honey operation and the development of an irrigation system for organic farming, which hopes to employ many of the local villagers. Dev and Chuck Stern also sponsor a monthly Bingo game that offers cash prizes to women who participate in a local gardening club, encouraging integrity to the village. Additionally, they have provided educational opportunities to several of their employees, right from primary school to college. All in all, the Hacienda Petac is a a luxurious private villa experience that seamlessly combines impeccable pampering and five-star service with that home-away-from-home feeling. It’s the good life coupled with elegance, culture, and integrity in every facet. LL BUREAU
SPECIAL WINTER ESCAPE PACKAGE Hacienda Petac is offering a special winter escape package for up to 10 guests. The four-nights offer combines an all-inclusive private spa weekend with a luxurious stay in the extraordinary 17th century hacienda. The package, which must be booked by December 15th, is designed to be affordably shared with friends. It includes spa treatments, meals and alcohol, and provides a special place to catch up and recharge. Begin the day with the songs of Yucatan’s 442 species of birds, and end it with sunset cocktails accompanied by the strumming of a Yucatan guitar trio.
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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
WELLNESS THE CLARIDGES SURAJKUND
UNFORGETTABLE
autumn escapade
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The Claridges Surajkund invites you to revitalise and rejuvenate at its spa, amidst the highest standards of luxury, unique sophistication, pastoral surroundings and innovative facilities
here’s a perceptible nip in the air, it’s time to unwind and stimulate tired limbs and jangled nerves. Time to embark upon a spa journey at the exclusive Claridges Spa at The Claridges Surajkund, where mind, body and soul are renewed through a combination of luxury facilities, exclusive treatments, healthy spa cuisine and service par excellence, to deliver the ultimate spa experience. Located 22 kilometres from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, The Claridges Surajkund is close to South Delhi’s posh colonies and nestles amidst sylvan surroundings, overlooking the 10th century heritage Surajkund Lake Complex. It’s the perfect place for repose. Sprawling over 15,500 square feet, The Claridges Spa embodies the essence of its neighbourhood, and the spa itself takes its cue from the ancient
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step well, which embodies the two vital energies of life, namely, the sun (suraj) and water (kund). The Claridges Spa spans two floors and consists of ten treatment rooms, a luxury spa suite, beauty stations, wet facilities and fitness. Guests make their way to the spa on the upper floor through a stunning, modern baoli (ancient Indian reservoir) room and into the spacious and open reception area, which houses a juice bar and boutique. This level also has the treatment rooms, inclusive of two dedicated Thai massage rooms and Ayurvedic treatments, a beauty area and hair salon. The raised pool area is accessible from the spa floor and features a spacious terrace with al fresco food and beverage service and airy, comfortable cabanas. Also accessible from the upper level, the luxury spa suite has an ergonomically-shaped, heated water bath, a private steam room and a Thai massage component.
On the lower level, guests will find a highenergy fitness facility along with changing and wet areas for ladies and gentlemen. Fitness guests can get into exercise mode with a full suite of the state-of-the-art Technogym® equipment. The gender-specific changing areas feature premium, digital-access lockers, dedicated steam and sauna rooms, along with an energising ice fountain. The spa’s incredible design, its sumptuous treatments and exceptional, luxury service promotes an ambience of replenishment and resurgence in mind, body and soul. The spa menu features a selection of bespoke treatments, based on internationallyrecognised product lines, created to evoke a sense of peace and calm. Visitors can avail of specific day programmes, wellness weeks and ongoing activities such as yoga and nutrition workshops in order to spend quality time rooted in
INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
conscious awareness of health and well-being, together with luxurious pampering. The Claridges Spa is managed by Spatality, a Bangkok-based hotel and spa management firm that is dedicated to delivering smart business solutions and the most cutting-edge wellness and guest experiences to urban resorts and spas around the globe. TREATMENT RITUALS The Claridges Spa uses top-of-the-line international product ranges. A selection of exclusive body rituals and luxurious treatment offerings take the spa to a completely new and unsurpassed level of spa experience. Beauty and hair services from exclusive product ranges are also available. In addition to welcoming hotel guests and members, the spa also welcomes nonresidential guests. Guests are also encouraged to arrive 45 minutes before the treatment starts as this allows optimum time for total enjoyment of the spa facilities. TREATMENT OFFERINGS The Surajkund Ritual- signature treatment The spa’s signature ritual is designed to balance the primary life forces of fire and water, recognised universally as vital elements in one’s well-being. Guests can surrender themselves to a one-of-a-kind bespoke treatment that combines a cleansing body scrub, advanced synchronised massage and the healing properties of hot stones. This treatment has the energising,
November 2010 | www.lifestyleliving.in
stimulating and invigorating qualities of fire and the cleansing and rejuvenating effects of water. Well-being Body Rituals This exclusive range of two-hour body rituals designed especially by Aromatherapy Associates for The Claridges Spa ensures an optimal experience. Each treatment begins with a welcome foot ritual followed by a body scrub and specialised massage, finishing with gentle face and scalp work. PRODUCT OFFERINGS The spa's luxurious treatment offerings and bespoke rituals are based on several top-of-theline international product brands. Aromatherapy Associates With thirty years to their credit, Aromatherapy Associates are passionately committed to producing natural, essential oil-based products, without compromising on quality, safety and efficacy. They use their collective wisdom to develop the purest products, which allow the essential oils within them to work effectively for immediate and far reaching results. Leighton Denny Expert Nails This treatment aims to provide aromatherapeutic and prescriptive care for the hands and nails. Leighton has a host of celebrity clients clamouring for appointments and his nails have been hailed as the ultimate accessory in top glossy magazines—taking nail grooming to new heights. Philip Kingsley With over 45 years of trichological experience at his London and New York clinics, Philip Kingsley is a world-renowned expert on scalp health and hair condition, behaviour and strength.
Sahyadri (Ayurvedic Products) A unit of Peermade Development Society, a social service organisation founded by the present Bishop Mar Mathew Arackal of Kerala, the Sahyadri Ayurveda Division is actively engaged in promoting Ayurveda in its authentic form. The society was first established to rehabilitate the tribal people, and empowered them economically to cultivate herbs for Ayurvedic medicines. Energy-giving and restorative, these purest of products translate into exceptional Ayurvedic treatments. LL BUREAU
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ESCAPE
JW MARRIOTT PHUKET
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jewel in the sea Totally self-contained, exemplary design and fine dining, stunning public spaces, and humungous recreational activities for adults and kids, JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa is worthy of the most discerning traveller
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his is not just any Marriott resort. The sprawling, lush gardens of the JW Marriott Phuket resort could make a poet out of anyone. It sits next to Sirinath National Park on Phuket’s northwest coast, along the endless stretch of sand and roaring surf that makes up the unspoilt Mai Khao Beach. The resort is a stylish masterpiece, as visitors who arrive by night will tell you as they go up the flaming torch-lined driveway. Says the resort’s General Manager, Robert Lohrmann, explaining his surroundings at the resort and the character of the location of Mai Khao Beach: “When we first opened the resort in 2001, the intention was for it to be a flagship Marriott resort, the first of its kind in the area at the time. It is exclusive in its natural environment and there isn’t much commercial development here in the northern part of the island, compared to other areas of Phuket. The beaches are natural and the resort sits on a protected leatherbackturtle-nesting beach and is adjacent to the Sirinath Marine National Park.”
For those who don’t want to venture out, the resort is completely self-sufficient; for those who do, the sky’s the limit as far as seeing and doing is concerned. There are islands to be explored, elephant trekking and safaris, a rich local culture to imbibe, and much more besides. Set in 27 acres of tropical gardens with swimming pools, freshwater ponds and natural, preserved, coastal wetlands, the eco-friendly JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa overlooks the sparkling Andaman Sea and enjoys ten miles of natural beachfront adjacent to the Sirinath Marine National Park and protected sea turtle nesting area. Experience the best of Thai hospitality at the JW Marriott Phuket resort. The design of the resort reflects this in the art, the batik fabrics in their vibrant colours, wood carvings, luxurious, polished wood floors, and balconies, which feature throughout the guest rooms. Woven baskets, lamp and lighting designs and water displays also add a unique flavour to areas such as the lobby, restaurants and dining rooms. Lohrmann’s description of the ethnic chic interior
INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
as being ‘sophisticated and family-friendly’ is more than apt. Apart from this, the resort features all the comforts and conveniences associated with the high-quality JW Marriott brand, such as information technology communications, hightech sound systems and excellent safety features. In all, the resort comprises 265 wellappointed rooms, including 13 suites, all facing the Andaman Sea. Every room has a balcony and a unique sala—a Thai-style, raised relaxation area. Also included are 12 spacious Ocean View One Bedroom suites with large terraces and 1 Royal Suite. The rooms are decorated with beautiful, Jim Thompson Thai silks, and have highly polished wooden floors. Experience the new Marriott‘Revive Bed,’with its 300-thread count sheets, and feel the difference it can make to your sleep. There are down comforters tucked inside custom-sheeted
‘Fit for You’ healthy menu is available in almost all the restaurants. But it’s as a family resort that the JW Marriott Phuket wins hands down. There are a mindboggling number of recreational facilities for adults and children. Kids, especially, are treated like royalty—a special section is designed for them, with fanciful murals, toys, even computers, and their very own pool complex. Familyfocussed amenities include KidzSole, Flying Trapeze classes and programmes that teach young guests about the surrounding natural environment and about the other residents they share the resort with—the turtles. Some of the other activities include dancing, language, introduction to Thai Buddhism, arts and crafts, Thai boxing, batik, origami, fruit carving, etc. There are three swimming pools with different concepts (Tranquil, Family and Sport). The pools have bubble beds and Jacuzzi points.
duvet covers, fresh for your arrival. And, thick mattresses with plush toppers, along with superfluffy pillows to absorb fatigue. Service at the JW Marriott Phuket is impeccable and the dining exemplary. Facilities include eleven restaurants and bars, a Thai cooking school, three magnificent pools, a Mandara Spa, a shopping arcade, extensive conference facilities, and an activities-packed kids club. The fitness centre includes two tennis courts, with golf available nearby. Fine dining incorporates six restaurants, which include the Marriott Café, Cucina, the Italian restaurant voted by Conde Nast Traveler as the best in Asia, the brand new Kabuki, Andaman Grill, Ginja, Siam Deli; five Bars, including Sala Sawasdee, Rim Nam, Beside the Sea, Out of the Blue Splash and Out of the Blue Drink. The Ginja Cooking school starts with a trip to the local market—there is also a Kids’ cooking school. A
Also on the cards is the traditional Thai sunset fire-lighting ceremony and dance held in the Reflection pond, adjacent to the main lobby, every evening during sunset. A 24-hour fitness centre and the awardwinning Mandara Spa features 16 private double treatment suites with romantic outdoor showers, a herbal steam room and access to a private tropical garden. A host of facilities include the signature 90-minute, 4-hand massage, using five different techniques. The Mandara Spa offers a complete range of traditional and Western luxurious spa treatments, with particular emphasis on Thai massage and beauty. It’s no wonder, then, that the family-friendly JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa was recently listed in Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List 2010 for the‘Best Place to stay in the World,’which was selected by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine. LL BUREAU
November 2010 | www.lifestyleliving.in
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HOSPITALITY MARINA BAY SANDS
marina bay sands REDEFINING ENTERTAINMENT From the thrilling experience of the casino and shopping at the Shoppes to the awe-inspiring SkyPark and the Art Path, Marina Bay Sands is a milestone in the form of an entertainment paradise
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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
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arina Bay Sands—an integrated resort fronting Marina Bay in Singapore—is a place that is vibrant and dynamic; a place that transforms from hour to hour, from day to night, and where the imaginings of a global city become a reality. Featuring three 55-storey hotel towers which consist of over 2500 rooms and suites, a state-ofthe-art convention and exhibition facilities, theatres, a world-class casino and the best dining and shopping region crowned by the Sands SkyPark, Marina Bay Sands is Asia’s most spectacular entertainment hub.
A PARK IN THE SKY The unique structural masterpiece—the Sands SkyPark— designed by visionary architect Moshe Safdie, floats atop the three soaring Marina Bay Sands hotel towers, 200 metres in the sky. Stretching longer than the Eiffel tower laid horizontal or four-and-a-half A380 Jumbo Jets, with an impressive 12,400 square metres of space, the Sands SkyPark can host up to 3,900 people. The gravity-defying cantilever, one of the largest of its kind in the world, offers spectacular views of Singapore. It also has a 150-metre infinity swimming pool—the world’s largest swimming pool at that height—which could glide you straight over the edge of Singapore, if not the world. SHOPPING SPREE Take a stroll through the eye-catching, modern shopping mecca and treat yourself to one of the most premium, luxury experiences in the world. With its contemporary, open design and breathtaking views of Singapore’s city skyline, the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands offers the very finest in the luxury fashion and emerging labels, from the four
November 2010 | www.lifestyleliving.in
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HOSPITALITY MARINA BAY SANDS
corners of the world. Boasting over 8, 00,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, it is Singapore’s first large-scale luxury shopping destination. A sampan ride at the Shoppes will take you on a unique and luxurious trip. Where else in the world could you take a break from an indulgent day of shopping and surrender to the whimsical pleasure of a relaxing, unhurried cruise down the canal in the beautifullycrafted sampans? CASINO Another entertainment milestone in the Marine Bay Sands is the casino, where the action never stops. From the simplicity and excitement of Money Wheel to the exhilarating and fast paced action of Roulette, the casino offers a choice of table games to suit all players. All table games are played using casino gaming chips, which may be purchased either at the tables, or at the cage. With more than six varieties of games on four levels of gaming, one of which is a non- smoking level, you can surely find what you are looking for in the type of environment that you desire. In addition to the basic games like Baccarat, Sic-Bo, Singapore Stud Poker and Money Wheel, more than two hundred additional games are available in the hotel’s High Limit, Ruby and Paiza areas. Featuring the world’s largest crystal chandelier, the 24/7 casino is sure to give you a thrilling world-class gaming action around the clock. TERRIFIC THEATRE Marina Bay Sands is home to two world-class theatres—The Sand Theater and The Grand Theater—located adjacent to each other, and will instantly transport you to a world of glitz and glamour. Both theatres boast magnificent interior design, with high ceilings, extravagant layout and plush furnishing, aiming to create a night of pure elegance. The two theatres are traditional proscenium-style venues, equipped with large orchestra pits,
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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
seat wagons and set rooms, which will surely dazzle everyone. The Sands Theater will be home to award-winning Broadway Musical ‘The Lion King’, whereas The Grand Theater will stage a wide range of headlining acts, performing acts and gala events. MAGNIFICENT MUSEUM The Museum in Marina Sands Bay is an awe-inspiring creation, which hosts blockbusters from all over the world. Designed as a symbolic gesture of welcome to guests from across the globe, the lotus-shaped museum in the hotel is a premier destination for major international touring exhibitions from the most renowned collections in the world. Located at the Marina Bay waterfront, the iconic architecture of the building, the world-class exhibits hosted within, and the museum’s innovative roof, which channels rainwater through the central atrium of the building as a waterfall, are worth appreciating. The roof can also be closed at night, to serve as an amphitheatre for spectacular light and laser shows, with fireworks against the glittering Singapore skyline. ART IS THE WAY TO GO Marina Bay Sands Art Path comprises a collection of spectacular art installations that are commissioned to integrate with Moshe Safdie’s extraordinary architecture. These large scale pieces create shapes, moods and interior spaces and will also provide you with a unique opportunity to visually and physically experience such large scale artwork. The site, where the works are positioned to create an inspiring and breathtaking path, is one of the largest art commissions ever completed as part of an architectural process, all with internationally-renowned artists, including Antony Gormley and Ned Kahn. RITIKA SARIN
November 2010 | www.lifestyleliving.in
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THEATRE ONEGIN.ONLINE
pipe dreams 40 Pipes can be collector’s items, but whether they deliver a good smoke or not is dependent on many factors season's best bouquets 44 Gift someone special any one of these stunning and exclusive scents, created by some of the world’s major fragrance companies high Fashion in manhattan 50 Tommy Hilfiger’s flair for fashion and décor is written all over his grandiose apartment at the Plaza in New York luxury on your wrist 52 For the festive season, Lifestyle Living showcases some elegant timepieces for you and your loved ones star-spangled fashion fiesta 54 The third HDIL India Couture Week 2010 proved that when the fashion fraternity and Bollywood come together, it can be nothing short of a blast
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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
April 2009 |2010 November www.lifestyleliving.in | www.lifestyleliving.in
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PIPES
PIPE
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dreams
LUXURY
Pipes can be collectors’ items, but whether they deliver a good smoke or not is dependent on many factors
INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
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here’s something about pipes that puts them in a class apart from cigarettes and cigars. The latter emits smoke that could be acrid and offensive. On the other hand, the smell of pipe tobacco is pleasant—a whiff of a nice clove or cherry wood blend conjures up images of rugged men in tweed jackets or kind, old men in an armchair next to a cozy fire, with a dog curled up nearby. Pipe smokers will tell you that a good pipe is a work of art. However, there are a few essential characteristics of a good pipe. The wood must be of good quality. It must be well cured, that is, made dry and relatively free of tannins, resins, saps, and the other nasty stuff that makes a pipe made from ‘green’ briar taste odious. The grain may actually matter very little, apart from the fact that it adds aesthetic value to the finished pipe. It’s a matter of opinion—some say that straight grains smoke better, others that cross grains are superior, and so on. Once you avail of a block of good quality, well-seasoned briar, all that's left is to craft a good pipe out of it. The basics of a pipe are a chamber, or bowl, in which tobacco or other substance to be smoked is placed, a stem of some sort and a mouthpiece through which the smoke is sucked or inhaled. But, a good pipe goes beyond the basics. How well a pipe smokes impinges on how well it is designed internally.
November 2010 | www.lifestyleliving.in
Pipe makers who have made significant inroads into these aspects of pipe craft have culled their skills from a master, but each maker has developed his own individual ideas and standards. Clearly, a pipe is not just a chunk of wood with two holes in it. Airway diameter, taper, the effects of expansion, turbulent versus laminar flow, and other thermo-dynamic factors play a significant role in the way a pipe will smoke. What, in effect, makes one pipe smoke better than another? According to connoisseurs, a good smoking pipe is one that smokes easily to the bottom, free from excessive gurgling and undue condensation. The flavour of the tobacco should come through clearly, without invasive colouration. The tobacco should smoulder freely, and not require excessive re-lighting. The draw must be fairly open and without obstruction. There are many types of smoking pipes, which are categorised according to their material and shape, which, in turn, influence the quality of a smoke. BRIAR PIPES The most common type of pipe, the Briar is either machine or handmade. It is exceptionally good wood since it is fire-resistant and capable
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LUXURY PIPES
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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
of absorbing moisture efficiently. Briar is procured from the root burl (wood from trees subjected to damage and used to make furniture, sculpture, etc) of the briar tree found in Mediterranean regions. Pipes are fashioned from two types of blocks that are cut from the centre and outer part of the root burl, called ebauchon and plateau. MEERSCHAUM PIPES ‘Meerschaum,’ meaning ‘sea foam’ in German, is a very rare mineral, a kind of hard white clay, found only in central Turkey. The light and porous structure of the pipe keeps the smoke cool and soft. The pipe itself is a natural filter which absorbs the nicotine, because of which, meerschaum pipes slowly change their colours to different tones of gold and dark brown, which adds to the enjoyment of smoking. Today, many old and rare meerschaums have found a permanent place in museums and private collections. CLAY PIPES Pipes made of fine white clay are of good quality, though making clay pipes is a labour-intensive process. All the air has to be beaten out of the clay and then, each pipe is handrolled before moulding. They are then pierced with a fine wire before careful firing. They tend to become hot while using and are therefore not very popular. CALABASH PIPES Associated with the legendary Sherlock Holmes, Calabash pipes are made from Calabash gourds, sometimes from mahogany wood, and have their own classic shape. Those made from gourds are expensive and usually have meerschaum or porcelain bowls set inside
them. An air chamber below gives the coolest, driest smoke. METAL PIPES Aluminum, brass and steel are the metals generally used to make metal tobacco pipes. The popular one is a pipe with a stem and shank of aluminum, serving as a heat sink. Mouthpieces are made from vulcanite or lucite. Other metal tobacco pipes are the Japanese kiseru and the Arabian midwakh. Hookahs also have metal stems, but they are categorised as water pipes. HOOKAHS Typically middle eastern water pipes, they cool the smoke by filtering it through a liquid chamber. The tobacco used in the hookah is usually dried whole leaf, soaked and crumbled, or canned, mixed with various herbs and flavours, sometimes with ice, lemon juice or even milk. The moist tobacco is heaped into the bowl and covered with a small charcoal fire. Some even have multiple mouth pieces so that more than one person may enjoy smoking simultaneously. The thumb rule for buying a pipe is that you must buy the very best that you can afford. Be governed by quality and you can’t go wrong. Know that pipes are not cheap or expensive, they are either good smokers or bad smokers, and without careful consideration of the aesthetics and mechanics, a cheap pipe and an expensive pipe are equally likely to be a good smoker, or a bad one. LL BUREAU
SOME PIPE MYTHS BUSTED Myth: Pipes are fashion accessories. Reality: Pipes are pipes. They are fashioned to smoke tobacco in, not to be an accompaniment to your jacket or tie. You should buy pipes because you like them, not because they might match your outfit. Myth: The shape of your face should determine the type/size of pipe you buy. Reality: You should buy pipes that you enjoy looking at, holding and smoking. Don’t limit your pipe horizons for such a shallow reason. Myth: Meerschaum pipes are for experienced smokers. Reality: No such thing. Meerschaum pipes are more fragile than briar pipes and have different physical properties, but that is no reason not to buy one for your first pipe if that is what you desire.
November 2010 | www.lifestyleliving.in
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ESSENCE PERFUMES
season’s best Gift someone special any one of these stunning and exclusive scents, created by some of the world’s major fragrance companies
bouquets
LALIQUE Lalique perfumes are among the most popular and well patronised by the contemporary generation. The designer perfumes were started and institutionalised by glass and jewellery designer Rene Jules Lalique, who was renowned for his stunning creations of perfume bottles, vases, jewellery, chandeliers and clocks. Lalique perfumes stand out because of their very appealing and unique perfume bottle designs. If other designer perfumes have stood up because of brand reputation and designer transfer-appeal, Lalique was noted for having the best, most artistic and most innovative perfume bottle designs. What sets Lalique perfumes apart is not the scent, though they are as exquisite and fragrant as other perfumes, but the bottle designs. Collectors acknowledge the fact that consumers purchase Lalique perfumes for their specially-designed bottles. In 2007, singer Mariah Carey is said to have invested $13,200 in just a few minutes, to buy 12 bottles of Butterfly scent Lalique perfumes. Lalique Limited Edition Perfumes are among the most expensive in the world. www.cristallalique.fr
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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
AMOUAGE Amouage is a luxury perfume house established by his Highness Sayyid Hamad bin Hamoud al bu Sai, the Sultan of Oman. Amouage uses the traditional Middle East perfume ingredients such as agar wood, incense, musk, rose and spices, but the scents are developed by perfumers from the major fragrance and flavour companies and are geared towards an international clientele. Founded 25 years ago, Amouage uses the rarest of ingredients, such as the Silver Frankincense, and is only meant for the discerning customer. Amouage's first fragrance was created as ‘the most valuable perfume in the world’. To achieve this aim, Amouage commissioned the renowned French perfumer, Monsieur Guy Robert, master of Chanel, Dior and Hermes, and briefed him that ‘no expense was to be spared’. For the creation of Amouage, the ingredients were chosen from the richest and finest products. It took over one hundred natural oils and essences to compose this unique perfume. Amouage will continue to be a niche, sophisticated fragrance...not meant for just anyone. www.amouage.com
CLIVE CHRISTIAN NO. 1 With names like ‘X’ and ‘No. 1,’ along with credentials that put Clive Christian as the Most Expensive perfume in the world, it is no wonder why his fragrances are so elusive and intriguing. With its serene and sophisticated attributes, No. 1 is a sweet bouquet of precious Indian Jasmine, Mandarin and Sandalwood. The bottle is equally divine, with a 24-karat gold-plated sterling silver neck, set with a brilliant-cut diamond solitaire, and a stopper fashioned after Queen Victoria's crown. www.clive.com
BOND NO 9 Creating a scent for every New York neighbourhood is the sole mission of Bond No 9. With their flamboyant bottles and clever names, every scent from Bond is truly fun and exciting. However, it is ‘Chinatown,’ with it's Swarovski-studded limited edition bottle, which is truly wild. This sensual feminine scent is a mélange of peach, peony, and gardenia and is dedicated to Chinatown. www.bondno9.com
November 2010 | www.lifestyleliving.in
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ESSENCE PERFUMES
PUREDISTANCE I Puredistance I can be described as stunning and beautiful, luxurious and rich. The fragrance was created by master perfumer Annie Buzantian at the fragrance house Firmenich. Puredistance brings together two opposite elements: coolness and warmth. The perfume opens with a top note of fresh, ozone-tangerine blossom blended with a hint of cassis. The natural scent is complemented with neroli bigarade, or orange flower oil, and crisp watery nuances. The heart of the fragrance warms to a sophisticated, modern blend of magnolia, rose wardia and jasmine; parmenthia and natural mimosa, before finally settling softly into the rich classical notes of sweet amber, vetiver and white musk. www.puredistance.com
KILIAN Kilian Hennessy, perfumer and heir to a long line of cognac makers, has launched his first collaborative effort for his opulent line of fragrances. Joining forces with painter Sophie Matisse, the duo have released 50 hand-painted bottles and boxes, to carry whichever Kilian scent you choose. Each bottle design is completely different from the other, and is numbered and stamped with the artist’s engraving. Packaged in Kilian's signature silk-lined black lacquer boxes, this little bottle of luxury not only smells luscious but stands out amongst the others. www.bykilian.com
CREED Creed is the world's only privately held luxury fragrance dynasty, and is one of the 100 oldest family businesses in the world. Based in Paris, Creed, today, is led by the legendary Olivier Creed, sixth generation master perfumer and company chief. Working alongside is his son, Erwin, 29, rising seventh generation and future head of the House. Creed adheres to unrelenting high standards in fragrance creation and client service, and uses methods of hand production, including maceration and filtration, instituted at the company's founding. Creed has a loyal clientele that includes royalty, Hollywood stars, political leaders, legends in business, sports, music and the fine arts, as well as discerning members of the public who value beauty and quality in scent. Silver Mountain Water is inspired by the exhilarating crispness of mountain air, with Citrus Notes, Tea, Black Currant, Musk, and Ambergris. This scent is perfect for man or woman. www.creedperfumes.us
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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
HIGHNESS OPULENCE PRINCESS LETIZA TIMEPIECES
Luxury on your wrist For the festive season, Lifestyle Living showcases some elegant timepieces for you and your loved ones RITIKA SARIN
ORIS ARTIX COMPLICATION Easy on the eyes, and available with a six-link steel metal bracelet or leather strap, the Oris Artix Complication is a graceful creation. The Artix steel case and 3D dial construction ensure that this watch stands out—even before you see what it can do. The dial captures the time with visually stunning hour and minutes nickel hands, treated with Superluminova compound, which ensures exceptional nighttime visibility. Joined by a nickel second hand with an ‘O’ counterbalance, they travel over elegant applied indices. With a moon-phase, day and date display and Oris’ famous pointer calendar, it’s not just a pretty face.
TAG HEUER MONACO VINTAGE CHRONOGRAPH REISSUE First produced back in 1969 in honour of the Monaco Grand Prix and famously worn by Steve McQueen 'back in the day', the Monaco is back once more, this time as the Tag Heuer Monaco Vintage Chronograph. Apparently, this latest version is based on one of the original Monaco designs, one with the original Tag-free Heuer logo, grey dial, a charcoal grey stainless steel case and, of course, the micro rotor for automatic rewinding.
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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
RAYMOND WEIL FREELANCER AUTUMN TIME A vibrant tribute to beauty and femininity, Raymond Weil’s Freelancer Autumn Time watch attracts the eye with its charismatic design, and is a contrast between pure stringency and sophisticated charm, absolutely in tune with the times. A magnificent response to today’s expectations, Freelancer Autumn Time is singled out by its mechanical movement, with automatic winding and visible balance-wheel, sure to set a woman’s heart aflutter. The 38-mm polished steel case and bezel are entirely inset with full-cut diamonds of the utmost purity. For the strap, saddle-stitched full-skin alligator lends its consummate sensual nobility to this timepiece, the stuff of dreams and definitively out of the ordinary. BREITLING CHRONOMAT 01 LIMITED EDITION With exclusive finishing and stylish transparent caseback, Breitling Chronomat 01 offers both elegance and top-flight performance. The leading model in the Breitling collection, this instrument is distinguished by the powerful character of its case, its bezel engraved with original numerals, and its distinctive blend of strength and sophistication. The Breitling Chronomat 01 Limited Edition provides a fascinating view of this watch’s highperformance motor, boasting a columnwheel, an entirely original architectural design, and assembled according to a revolutionary industrial process. The strong and unique design of the case, bezel and bracelet is highlighted by subtle, contrasted finishing—satin-brushed on the top and polished on the sides.
CHOPARD CLASSIC RACING SUPERFAST CHRONO WATCH As its name suggests, the Chopard Classic Racing Superfast Chrono watch provides the chronograph function, operated by the push-buttons, located at 2:00 and 4:00 clock. They serve to control a central second hand, a 12-hour counter at 6:00 clock and a 30-minute counter at 9:00 clock. The lastmentioned sub-dials are joined by a small seconds counter, positioned at 3:00 clock, and the date indication is arranged in an integrated exhibition window at 6:00 clock. Finally, a tachometric scale engraved on the screw-down bezel further contributes to making this model the indispensable instrument for all those with a love of high speed and finely-tuned mechanisms.
CHANEL J12 WHITE CERAMIC H0970 WATCH The Chanel J12 White Ceramic Watch is a very classy watch, designed for women who embrace an active lifestyle. The watch captures a sporty feel while remaining true to the Chanel’s classic and sophisticated style. With its unidirectional, rotating timing bezel, 200 metres water-resistance, and luminous hands and hour markers, the Chanel J12 White Ceramic Ladies Watch is an extremely durable and reliable dive watch, sure to make a big splash in the swimming pool, at the beach, or offshore, at the reef. Constructed with top-quality stainless steel and hi-tech, high-gloss finished white ceramic, this watch is super corrosionresistant and scratch-resistant, keeping it looking stylish and new for a very long time.
November 2010 | www.lifestyleliving.in
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FASHION HDIL FASHION WEEK
star-spangled
FASHION FIESTA The third HDIL India Couture Week 2010 proved that when the fashion fraternity and Bollywood come together, it can be nothing short of a blast
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H
DIL India has established itself as a coveted platform for showcasing the works of premier designers, proving yet again that India has a pivotal place in the global fashion market. Fashion councils and fashion weeks have come a long way and are doing every bit to promote the Indian fashion fraternity. And now, the Indian fashion fraternity has upped its index even further to include a whole couture week. The third edition of the HDIL India Couture Week 2010 was a fiveday glittering event in Mumbai’s Hotel Grand Hyatt. The show, which kickstarted on 6th October, began with top designer Manish Malhotra’s show. He showcased an animated, larger-than-life bridal couture
November 2010 | www.lifestyleliving.in
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FASHION
HDIL FASHION WEEK collection, with 55 models sashaying down the ramp and the stunning Aishwarya Rai as the showstopper. Looking ravishing in a white flowing lehenga, Rai walked with consummate ease, in spite of her long absence from the ramp. Lending glamour to the occasion were Sonam Kapoor, Rani Mukherjee, Deepika Padukone, Urmila Matondkar and Riya Sen, among several others. Also present were Shah Rukh Khan and wife Gauri Khan, and Akshay Kumar with wife Twinkle Khanna. Monisha Jaising ended the day with a dramatic show replete with impressive light projections and designs, choreographed and produced by Mehr Rampal. Day two was a dazzling affair, as jewellery designers Queenie, Raj Mahtani and Maheep Kapoor added a sparkle with their shows. Actress Ayesha Takia and Dabangg girl, Sonakshi Sinha, walked the ramp for Maheep Kapoor’s stone cuts. Also on this day was a show from the fabulous men’s wear designer Varun Bahl and filmmaker-designer Karan Johar. Bollywood biggies Amitabh Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan walked the platform as showstoppers for them. However, it was King Khan who stole the show with a non-scripted jig on the runway, with the other two stars. Day three saw a non-resident Indian designer, Dubai-based, Ayesha Depala, showcase a collection at this platform with her novel collection of 30 exquisite gowns. Rohit Bal closed the show on that day with some truly awe-inspiring presentation of couture garments. The choice of music was impeccable—‘Tears in Heaven’—and added soul to the atmosphere. For the final act, four models in creamcoloured Anarkali kurtas entered a pool of water and rose petals in the centre of the ramp, their garments billowing out to resemble lotus flowers. Day four at HDIL Couture Week saw former model-turned-actor Anushka Sharma walking the ramp for designer Rina Dhaka, with Bollywood hunk Salman Khan’s show being scheduled straight after. Khan roped in Bollywood beauties, who were wearing coveted diamond jewellery for his ‘Being Human’ show for a noble cause. The greater cause, however, was education and health care for the underprivileged. Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra, Sushmita Sen, Preity Zinta, Rani Mukherjee, Bipasha Basu and Karishma Kapoor walked the ramp with loads of oomph. Manish Malhotra endorsed the
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cause with his designs and Mona Mehta did it with her jewellery. On the last day, fashion designer Shahab Durazi, who was also the grand finale designer, showcased exquisitely-styled outfits with detailing that looked like fine prints. The reticent designer let his creations speak for themselves. Arjun Khanna rocked the audience with his menswear collection and took his bow in a unique way—atop a vintage Ariel mobike. A long line of male models showcased both western and Indian attire bearing his insignia on their jackets, skinny trousers and stylish accessories. Though the star quotient at the HDIL- India Couture Week was heavy, industry experts were not unhappy since film stars are premium consumers of high-end fashion and the event is an ideal platform for designers to reach out to a wider audience. Says designer Shahab Durazi, “Fashion week coverage is much better than the coverage a designer gets through any other medium. So, it is a bigger platform any day.It is a misnomer that couture doesn't bring business to a designer. To be very frank, the real couturiers earn more from their couture line and get better returns," he added. Organised by apex fashion body Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), Sunil Sethi, its president, feels that fashion and Bollywood go hand-in-hand, especially when it is a couture show. Says Sethi,"Couture means high-end garments and the presence of Bollywood stars can't be ruled out because they form a major chunk of couture buyers. All these garments are custom made and a lot of them place their orders after watching a show. So, you can't rule out the presence of Bollywood stars". The designers showcased all men’s wear, like designer jackets with asymmetrical button patterns, slim-fit trousers, waistcoats, military jackets and long overcoats as well.While Manish stuck to his favourite chiffons and nets and presented a contemporary line of lehengas and anarkalis, Rohit Bal showcased a detailed line of Persian-inspired magical collection, Khakastri, that had well-cut long jackets. Shahab and Monisha Jaising showcased a smart and chic line of women's evening wear, while Karan Johar, with Varun Bahl and Arjun Khanna, presented a stylish men’s collection. TT BUREAU
INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
November 2010 | www.lifestyleliving.in
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THEATRE ONEGIN.ONLINE
let there be candlelight 60 Candles have a universal and almost spiritual appeal and cut across all boundaries of religions, creeds and nationalities thrill machine gurus 66 Roller coasters let you have your thrills without the spills, because the men behind them are experienced with curves
galleri(e) 58
INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
April 2009 |2010 November www.lifestyleliving.in | www.lifestyleliving.in
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ACCESSORY CANDLES
Candles have a universal and almost spiritual appeal and cut across all boundaries of religions, creeds and nationalities
“There is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of even one small candle” —Robert Alden
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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
let there be
CANDLELIGHT T
here is something so incredibly soothing and soulful about a candle. Although it doesn’t have such a major role to play in our lives today ever since the advent of the electric bulb, the candle has always held a distinctive place in society and represents a link with our past. It is also synonymous with and generates feelings of romance, passion, security, warmth, hope, spirituality and wellness. Today, candles are relegated to the realm of the aesthetic– they are valued for their fragrance and to set a soft, warm or romantic ambience, and in aromatherapy. But, above all, they are universal in their symbolic reference in almost all religious and spiritual practices, creeds and nationalities. Candles are most definitely an intrinsic part of our identities and are still a significant part of our collective and individual consciousness. Candles make simple traditions come alive and make the holiday season magical and comforting. They generally take centre stage where holiday decorating and entertaining plans are concerned. Design trends for Christmas candles are the timeless reds and greens of the festive palette; deep crimsons and dark greens are often paired with rich golds and creamy whites in traditional homes. Ruby reds and peridot greens coupled with silvers and bright white are perfect for a more casual and modern feel.
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ACCESSORY CANDLES
But, whatever your style preference is—be it traditional or contemporary—you are likely to find swirls, patterns and texture adding a fillip to your candle décor this season. However, scented candles remain the most popular with candle aficionados. Favoured fragrances are the traditional yuletide scents—berry, cinnamon and evergreen, along with sophisticated notes of pear, apple, ginger, currant, mocha and vanilla. Before you set out to buy candles to enhance your home décor, here are some pointers about the popular candle types available. Taper: This is a slender candle—typically 6 to 18 inches high and sometimes called a dinner candle—designed to be held securely upright by a candle holder. Pillar: A free-standing candle, usually with a diameter of 3 inches or more, and one or more wicks. Despite the name, pillars or column candles, can be round, square, hexagonal, etc. Although they stand on their own, they must be burned on a heat-resistant candle holder. Container, Jar or Filled Candle: A candle that is poured, when manufactured, into a glass, metal or ceramic container, specifically designed to hold the wax and withstand the heat of the burning candle. Votive: A small cylindrical candle, usually about 1½ inches in diameter and 2 or 2½ inches high, designed to be placed in a ‘cup’ or votive holder, to hold the liquefied wax that results from burning. Votives were originally produced
as white, unscented candles for religious ceremonies; they are now available in many colours and scents. Votive Gel Candle: A transparent-type candle made primarily from gelled mineral oils or gelled synthetic hydrocarbons. Soft or semirigid gels are poured into a container to maintain the candle’s shape. ‘Hard’ gel candles have a consistency suitable for free-standing candles. Decorative wax items are frequently suspended within a gel candle to produce a special visual effect. Tealight: A small, cylindrical, filled candle— usually about 1 inch in diameter and 1½ inches high—often poured into a metal holder. Luminaria: An outdoor candle made by placing a 15-hour votive in a light-diffusing container filled with sand. Specialty Candle: An unusually shaped or sculpted freestanding candle, often depicting a three-dimensional object or
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November 2010 | www.lifestyleliving.in
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ACCESSORY CANDLES
designed to be viewed primarily as decorative artwork, and sometimes called a novelty candle. Everything seems so much lovelier by candlelight, because candles add warmth, style and ambience to any living space in the home. Whether they’re grouped together to provide some drama in the living room, or paired in candlesticks on the dining table, or nestled in coloured glass votives on the mantlepiece, candles add elegance and style to homes around the world. Here are some popular trends for decorating with candles. You could create a festive appearance at the entrance or foyer with a large white or red pillar candle with holly leaves or ornaments nestled around its base. For your mantelpiece in the drawing room, have groupings of tapers or pillars in metallic candlesticks of varying heights, surrounded by some evergreen boughs. Use red or white candles along with some ornaments to lend colour and sparkle. For the dinner table, keep it simple—you don’t want extravagantly-scented candles to interfere with the aroma of your food. For formal dinners, there’s nothing more dramatic or pleasing than a simple but elegant centerpiece, with an oblong glass bowl of ornaments. Dim the lights, light the candles and allow the ambience of the candlelight to take over. Buffet tables and casual family meals call for simpler centerpieces. Place a series of elegant pillars on a flat ceramic or metal tray flanked by small vases of red carnations or poinsettias for an appealing seasonal tableau. Add an Oriental flavour by placing one or more pillar candles on a pillar plate and surrounding the candle base with flat, gray or black stones. This looks best with neutral-coloured or deephued candles and pillar plates made of metal or heavy pottery. Think metallics and textures. Square and round pillars with intriguing textures and patterns, and uniquely-shaped candles with soft-toned patterned metallic surfaces, are rapidly gaining favour with interior designers seeking to merge the traditional appeal of candles with artistic flair. You can even transform the look of your garden or patio with candles. Bring a shimmer of candlelight to your patio dining with groupings of white or cream candles protected by votive holders. Consider sconces or brackets for an outside or garden wall, and luminaria to light the garden walkway. INDIRA LAUL
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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” —Gautam Buddha
November 2010 | www.lifestyleliving.in
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GETAWAY AMUSEMENT PRIVATECOASTER ROLLER ISLANDS
Thrill machine gurus 66
INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
Roller coasters let you have your thrills without the spills, because the men behind them are experienced with curves
November 2010 | www.lifestyleliving.in
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E
GETAWAY PRIVATE ISLANDS
ver wondered what it feels like to be blasted from 0 to 120 miles per hour in 4 seconds? Or, what it's like to descend a 400-foot vertical spiral? Top Thrill Dragster, one of the world's tallest and fastest roller coasters, does just that. Fun? As the adrenalinepumping device rolls over twisted tracks and loops, the riders may perhaps fleetingly wonder if the person who designed this mean machine knew what he was doing. Even though roller coaster rides may appear to defy all laws of physics and are designed to raise screams, their creators will assure you that they are safer than crossing the street. What controls the ride is a simple matter of physics—a roller coaster gains potential energy as it ascends the top of a hill, which changes to kinetic energy as it descends downhill. Once the coaster is speeding away, gravity, velocity, friction and acceleration are some of the principles that control the ride.
WERNER STENGEL Roller coaster designers create these dynamic rides, simulating a genuine air of danger. A roller coaster designer requires a combination of childish enthusiasm for thrills, along with a sound knowledge of structural engineering. German engineer Werner Stengel is such a man, responsible to some extent for over 70 per cent of the world’s greatest roller coasters. Founder of Ingenieur Buero Stengel GmbH, Werner Stengel is a notable German roller coaster designer and engineer. A native of Bochum, Germany, Stengel first worked on amusement park rides in collaboration with Anton Schwarzkopf in 1963, and established his own company two years later. Thereafter, for more than forty years, Stengel Engineering has been involved in amusement rides of all kinds. Till date, Stengel’s engineering company has created more than 500 roller coasters—almost two-thirds of the world’s big roller coasters are Stengel’s brain child. Through the years Stengel’s company has proven its reliability, its precision and loyalty to all its clients; and the company has the awesome reputation of having worked on more than 500 roller coasters and more than 600 other moving structures. Stengel is known as the undisputed guru of roller coasters—he is the first reference, worldwide, for theme park owners when they are planning to have a new roller coaster ride in their parks. From his unobtrusive office in Munich-Forstenried, Stendel constructs dreams of steel and wood.
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Stengel’s story began in 1959, when he studied construction engineering at Kassel University in Hesse, Germany, after which he graduated as an engineer from the Technische Universität in Munich. Five years later, Stengel worked with the amusement company called Schwarzkopf and was making out static calculations for the first German roller coaster made of steel. Until then, roller coasters were made with circular loops and their security was not full-proof. The challenge for Stengel was to turn the loop into a fun experience without it being hazardous to life. With the Klotoid-Loop, Stendel made vertical loops in roller coasters totally free of risks by allowing gentler changeovers at the starting and ending of a looping. Stengel was also the first engineer who calculated roller coaster rides using the principle of ‘Raumkurve’ and ‘Heartline’. This means, an up-shift from the rail’s centre pivot point towards the passenger’s approximate cardiac region, ensuring that safer, yet more thrilling and eccentric rides become possible. Some of the roller coasters developed by Stendel and his team are Desert Race, Colossos (Holiday Park), Winja’s Fear & Winja Force (Phantasialand), Expedition Ge-Force (Holiday Park), Stealth und Nemesis Inferno (Thorpe Park), Rita: Queen of Speed (Alton Towers), Typhoon (Bobbejaanland), Goliath (Walibi World). Another ride designed by him is Top Thrill Dragster in Cedar Point (It was the world’s highest and fastest roller coaster, from 2003 to 2005), as well as its successor, Kingda Ka; and the three biggest wooden roller coasters of the world— Son of Beast, El Toro, and Colossos. Stengel’s revolutionary innovations, along with with the breathtaking configurations in his rides, were responsible for the enormous success of theme parks. He won numerous awards for his achievements and is a member of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), and has received the status as honorary doctor at Gothenburg University in June 2005. Stengel received official recognition for his work at an exhibition in 2001/2002 in Munich. But, perhaps the title he was awarded with by his fans is more valued by him than any official decoration: ‘Werner Stengel–The Guru of roller coasters.’ When asked what he feels when astride one of his machines, Stendel has this to say—“Most likely, I do feel the same on top of a roller coaster as every other passenger, as well: Joyous expectation, the flowing of
INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
Till date, Stengel’s engineering company has created more than 500 roller coasters–almost twothirds of the world’s big roller coasters are Stengel’s brain child adrenaline, a slight feeling of insecurity and fear, together with the certainty to reach the station safe. The difference lies in my continuing check-backs: Is the transverse gradient all right? Are the parallel-shoulder whams not too intense? Are the positive and negative accelerations well-spread over the length of the ride? And, finally, is the excitement of it good enough?” THE GRAVITY GROUP Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, The Gravity Group is an American-based roller coaster design firm, which was established in 2002 out of the engineering team of the famed but now defunct Custom Coasters International. The design and engineering team has more expertise and experience than any other wooden roller coaster manufacturer, and the company’s core group of designers and engineers have backgrounds in civil, structural and mechanical engineering. The company’s experience stems from having worked on over 40 different wooden roller coasters around the world. The first coaster designed by them is called Hades and opened at Mount Olympus Theme Park in 2005. This was followed by The Voyage at Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana, which opened in May 2006. Both accomplishments were received with great success by the industry and coaster enthusiasts alike. The company has been producing top notch wooden coasters even though it is just a few years old. When the West Chester–based international wooden roller coaster firm known as Custom Coasters International (CCI), descended into bankruptcy in 2002, four of its engineers —Chad Miller, Mike Graham, Korey Kiepert, and Larry Bill—rose Phoenix-like from the wreckage and formed The Gravity Group, where they specialised in the design of wooden thrill machines. From their innocuous office premises the Group designs worldclass scream machines for amusement parks all over the world. For instance, in Shanghai’s Happy Valley amusement park is China’s first
November 2010 | www.lifestyleliving.in
wooden roller coaster, Fireball, a Gravity Group–designed 3,821-footer with a 106-foot drop and a top speed of nearly 60 mph. But, you don’t have to travel to the other end of the world to enjoy one of The Gravity Group’s creations. On their home turf are some notable samples of their work, namely, The Voyage coaster at Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, the largest in The Gravity Group portfolio. The Voyage, a two-minute-45-second screamer that reaches nearly 70 mph, comprises 1.2 miles of track supported by Southern yellow pine. The blueprint for a new Gravity Group roller coaster begins on a blank sheet of paper—the first step is assessing its final length, which is often determined by the park’s budget. Says Chad Miller, “If you know how big it needs to be length-wise, then you know how big it needs to be height-wise, because they’re directly related.” Everything else is governed by the imagination of four grown men who are boyishly enthusiastic about their product. The entire creative process generally takes about twelve months. The Group’s newest coaster is to open in spring 2011 at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, Connecticut. It’s being designed and built at the same time. Most of The Gravity Group’s coasters are built in phases. While this may seem like an unusual way to complete a sizeable project, there is method to the madness. The track work is done on site, and therefore, there is leeway to change something right till the last minute. Moreover, the work involves computer programmes to articulate the design, the need to study the site’s topography, as well as the the structures around it. LL BUREAU
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THEATRE ONEGIN.ONLINE
(n)tertainment the catwalk princess 72 The stunning Princess Letizia of Spain dons the mantle of royalty and fashion icon with effortless ease and grace today's traveller award nite 74 Kumari Selja, Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, and Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, stressed the significant contribution made by the hospitality, trade and tourism industries towards promoting the Incredible India campaign celeb buzz 76 tarot 78
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April 2009 |2010 November www.lifestyleliving.in | www.lifestyleliving.in
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HIGHNESS
T
the
PRINCESS LETIZIA I
CATWALK princess
The stunning Princess Letizia of Spain dons the mantle of royalty and fashion icon with effortless ease and grace
he closest that most of us have come to knowing a princess is from the pages of a fairytale book. Or, at best, from fleeting television glimpses as they move from public engagements to ribbon-cutting ceremonies to United Nations commitments. But, have you ever wondered what it means to be a young royal in the twentyfirst century? It’s not all tiaras and the Tatler. These are all young men and women with normal fears, passions and aspirations, many of whom have serious agendas or who have had flourishing careers in the past. Like Princess Letizia of Spain. Letizia Ortiz has evolved into being one of Europe's most
sartorially-savvy princesses. She was nothing if not discreet, keeping her relationship with the Crown Prince Felipe of Spain in wraps, while she worked as a TV newsreader for a prominent Spanish channel. It is this very independence and the achievements in her chosen career which are partly why she was so warmly embraced by the Spanish people when the announcement finally came. Just six months after becoming engaged to Crown Prince Felipe of Spain, the TV newsreader made a stunning formal debut in royal circles, standing out even among the most dazzling of guests. But, before her meeting up with her Prince Charming, Letizia proved her mettle professionally by reporting from some of the world's most
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hostile environments. During the invasion of Iraq, she flew out to the country and communicated live from the frontlines. Also in her repertoire were such complex and delicate stories as the US presidential elections and the September 11 attacks. It was in November 2002, when she was sent to northern Spain to cover the sinking of the oil tanker Prestige and the subsequent ecological disaster, that she met and fell in love with the Prince of Asturias. Felipe had journeyed to the coast to offer his support to the beleaguered communities who were worst affected by the spill. They started dating immediately afterwards, but the relationship remained a closely-guarded secret for many months. When the moment finally arrived to formally announce their engagement in November 2003, it quickly became clear that the people of Spain were delighted with their future princess. Even the fact that she was a commoner became a cause for celebration, as politicians and headline-writers declared her ‘a queen for the 21st century’. Letizia's father was also a prominent journalist, while her mother, a nurse, was a union representative at one of Madrid's main hospitals. Little did they realise what the future would hold for their daughter, who was born on 15 September, 1972, in the northern city of Oviedo. Though Letizia evinced a fondness for ballet and literature at school, she finally chose to follow in her father’s footsteps and chose the media as her career choice.
INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
She moved to Madrid, where she graduated with a master ’s degree in journalism, before starting out as a professional reporter. The aspiring journo then joined the Asturian daily La Nueva España, before going on to complete a stint with the Mexican newspaper Siglo 21. But, there was little doubt that television was her first love. After being hired by Bloomberg T V's Spanish division, she moved to CNN Plus and then the national channel Television Española, where she became the anchor of its flagship show. With an outstanding CV to her credit, and at such a young age, it came as no surprise when Letizia was awarded winner of the Madrid Press Association's Larra Award for Most Accomplished Journalist under 30. For the first time, since as far back as 1879, Spain would have a Spanish queen. The current monarch's wife, Queen Sofia, originally hails from Greece, while her predecessors, Maria Christina and Victoria Eugenia, were Austrian and English, respectively. And, the line of succession was likewise guaranteed when, in the early hours of October 31 2005, the prince and princess welcomed their first child, Leonor. The couple's second child, Sofia, was born on 29 April, 2007. Letizia Ortiz's transformation into one of Europe's most stylish princesses was a whirlwind one. The cool-headed journalist has stepped effortlessly into her new role as national fashion icon, unfazed by the scrutinising eyes of the world. Right from the black Armand Basi bubble dress with the yellow flower brooch to the cunning orange sheath with the pleated waist that she wore to receive the heir to the Japanese throne or the one-shouldered white cocktail number that she paired this summer in Mallorca with the chunky necklace, Letizia has come into her own. Says Jesus Maria Montes-Fernandez, a prominent fashion journalist in Spain, "Letizia always had personality, even when she was just a journalist.” The scrutiny of her fashion sense began with the announcement of her engagement in November 2003, when she wore a white Armani suit for the occasion, which reportedly sold out of Spanish stores within days. From then on, Letizia was the cynosure of all eyes, at every event. She appeared at a 2008 state dinner for Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah in a raspberry-coloured silk blouse and
November 2010 | www.lifestyleliving.in
matching organza skirt. She took to pairing well-cut trousers with bright, ethnic print blouses in summer; and she recently trounced the famously well-dressed French first lady, Carla Bruni, as a fashion icon, when she received the French first lady in a plum Felipe Varela bandage-dress. "She's much more sure of herself now," says Montes-Fernandez. "Her clothing is still elegant, but it's more contemporary, even semi-daring for a princess. She's feels more comfortable with herself in the role, and her clothing reflects that." However, there’s one thing that is a constant in Letizia’s wardrobe, and that’s her signature high heel. Seldom photographed in anything lower than three inches, she is famous for her devotion to peep toes and platforms. She is the perfect blend of confident Spanish style with a generous twist of high fashion, especially when it comes to accessorising. She can confidently team a demure high-neck shift dress with hip skyscraper heels. She embraces colour and shops local, opting for the Spanish high-street brands Zara, Mango and Massimo Dutti to wear with her designer pieces. She borrows diamonds from her mother-in-law and
makes no bones about recycling her outfits —the tiered Felipe Varela shift worn for Frockgate was debuted in America in March. Spaniards revel in their princess' new status as fashion icon. "She has done more for Spanish fashion in the past five years than decades of catwalks and advertisements," writes Maria Jose Iglesias, a journalist, whose columns appear in regional papers throughout Spain. The local edition of Elle magazine agrees; in May 2009, it ran a special issue on Letizia, declaring her ‘the best ambassador of Spanish fashion.’ LL BUREAU
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CELEBRATION TODAY’S TRAVELLER AWARDS
today's traveller AWARDS NITE Kumari Selja, Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, and Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, stressed the significant contribution made by the hospitality, trade and tourism industries towards promoting the Incredible India campaign
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November 2010 | www.lifestyleliving.in
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CHATTERATI CELEB BUZZ
HRITHIK TO STAR OPPOSITE KRISTEN STEWART American actor Kristen Stewart is reportedly stepping into Bollywood domain. And, if reports are to be believed, the Twilight lass will be romancing none other than heartthrob Hrithik Roshan in the upcoming Shekhar Kapur film Paani. So, after his much talked-about chemistry with Spanish actress Barbara Mori, Hrithik will next set the screen on fire with American star Kristen Stewart. According to sources associated with the film, Paani is inspired from the Romeo and Juliet-theme of Shakespeare. The Shekhar Kapur film tells the story about a poor boy, portrayed by Hrithik, who lives in the slum areas of Mumbai. A rebel at heart, the boy comes across a rich girl, played by Kristen Stewart, and the two fall in love. Paani has been in the production stage for some time now and while Hrithik had already been finalised for the male lead, Shekhar Kapur was on the lookout for somebody to play the part of the contemporary Juliet. The grapevine has it that Shekhar Kapur approached Kristen Stewart directly for being a part of his upcoming venture, and she is said to have agreed without giving it a second thought.
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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
ELTON JOHN & LADY GAGA DUET FOR DISNEY Elton John and Lady Gaga have already united on stage, but now word is out that the two have recorded a song together—for the mouse house. Entertainment Weekly’s Dave Karger reported that Gaga and the piano prince recorded the track ‘Hello, Hello,’ which is set to be a part of Gnomeo & Juliet, an animated film from Disney, which is due out on February 11, 2010. The song, described as a ‘charming pop track,’ by Karger, reportedly plays when the two lead characters in the film— garden gnomes Gnomeo and Juliet—meet. Gnomeo is voiced by Scotsman James McAvoy, while Juliet is given a voice by English actress Emily Blunt. The story follows the two smitten garden gnomes, whose romance is put to the test as they become caught up in a fracas between neighbours. HEALTHY HOLLYWOOD: DO PILATES AND BE HEALTHY LIKE SANDRA BULLOCK Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Aniston both know Pilates tightens the abs and gives the body a long and lean look. But, did you know it could also boost your health?“I believe in the power of Pilates exercise to lower the risk of not only cancer but other illnesses as well, like heart disease,”states Pilates guru Mari Winsor, who’s worked with Bullock and Madonna.“It is widely thought that cancer cells like fat cells. Pilates exercise, when performed correctly, is designed to help you lose weight, especially when you combine your exercise with a well-balanced diet,” adds Winsor. WHO WILL BE APPROPRIA TE FOR 2 ST APPROPRIATE STAATES TES? Filmmaker Siddharth Anand has announced that he will be making a film on Chetan Bhagat’s bestseller 2 States, as he has bought the movie rights of the novel. It was reported that the film will go on the floors with Saif Ali Khan in the lead role of the Punjabi guy. However, a controversy has risen regarding the female lead. A buzz is doing the rounds that producer Sajid Nadiadwala and director Siddharth are already in a fallout regarding the leading lady. They are willing to cast Deepika Padukone in the lead role as they feel that she can justify the character of a South Indian girl better than Priyanka Chopra. Moreover, Deepika and Saif have been loved by the audience as an onscreen couple in the movie Love Aaj Kal, in which Saif played a Punjabi man for the first time. However, the makers are not ready to disclose the cast officially at this moment because everything is at the initial stages. AVATAR TO OFFICIALLY BECOME A TRILOGY James Cameron has agreed to make Avatar 2 & 3 as his next films, Access Hollywood has learned. The award-winning director will begin working on the sequels’ scripts early next year, with a goal of beginning production towards the end of 2011. Though Cameron first spoke of possible sequels to the LA Times in April (saying that a planned follow-up to the blockbuster film would head for the fictional planet’s oceans), the news is now official. “It is a rare and remarkable opportunity when a filmmaker gets to build a fantasy world, and watch it grow, with the resources and partnership of a global media company,” Cameron said, in a statement to Access Hollywood. Avatar was conceived as an epic work of fantasy—a world that
November 2010 | www.lifestyleliving.in
audiences could visit across all media platforms, and this moment marks the launch of the next phase of that world. ‘With two new films on the drawing boards, my company and I are embarking on an epic journey with our partners at Twentieth Century Fox. Our goal is to meet and exceed the global audience’s expectations for the richness of Avatar’s visual world and the power of the storytelling.” Cameron has yet to decide if he will shoot the films back-to-back after the scripts are completed, but release of the second and third films are tentatively scheduled for December 2014 and December 2015, respectively, and will be produced by James Cameron and Jon Landau for James’ Lightstorm Entertainment. Avatar is the highest grossing film of all time, taking in nearly $2.8 billion in worldwide box office. It is also the topselling Blu-ray disc of all time. The film won Golden Globe awards for Best Motion Picture and Best Director; and was nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and won Oscars for art direction, visual effects and cinematography. DAVID & VICTORIA BECKHAM ARGUE ON ELLEN David Beckham opened up about some of his home habits in an interview that was taped for The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Tuesday, but his story raised his wife, Victoria’s, eyebrows. The soccer hunk stopped by Ellen’s daytime talk show, and while his wife watched from the audience, he said something to her, which Posh considered a fib. “What do you do that drives her crazy?” Ellen asked.“I’m very tidy and she’s not,”David replied. After hearing her husband’s answer, Victoria couldn’t help herself and chimed in from the audience with her version of events.”He always says that he is tidy, but you’re not actually that tidy, are you David?” Victoria asked. The Galaxy soccer star wasn’t prepared, however, to let his wife’s version of their inner household workings stand. “We’re going to have our first argument in 11 years,” he laughed, referring to how long the couple has been married. SHAH RUKH KHAN TAKES 300-FEET PLUNGE FOR DON 2 Shah Rukh Khan takes a 300-feet plunge for Don 2. Post Ra.One, it seems like Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is yet to come out of his superhero persona. After doing some death-defying stunts for sci-fi thriller Ra.One, the actor took the challenge again, with a 300-feet plunge while shooting for Farhan Akhtar’s Don 2 in Berlin.Shah Rukh recently tweeted about this incident as, “Just did an over 300-feet base jump for Don… because you all make me believe I can fly. Time to tell kids about the birds and the bees… ha ha. My jump was the last shot of the day. Want to thank my duplicate and action team, to do it before me for wide shots and make me feel confident about it,” he added.
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FORECAST TAROT
forecast SCORPIO Scorpions will find the coming months excellent for both initiative and confidence. Career offers may present themselves in November and this will open new vistas and opportunities. You will experience energy and enthusiasm and an increase in income. However, when you receive the Hermit card you must slow down your rhythm for reasons of health and your mental well-being. It would be ideal if you take a week off at the beginning of the year to energise and rejuvenate yourself.
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INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY
ARIES 21March ~ 19 April
The Judgment card usually turns up when you are at the crossroads and it is time to begin a new phase in your life. It comes at a pivotal time, when you ought to be honest with yourself, judge what action is best to face up to the challenges of life. Judgement signifies the start of a new journey, guided by lessons learned in the past.
TAURUS 20 April ~ 20 May
The Ace of Wands brings new opportunities. Seize these with an attitude of fun and excitement. Travelling helps you understand other belief systems in the world, as well as inspiring you to expand your business ventures
GEMINI 21 May ~ 20 June
The Ten of Pentacles indicates financial stability and possibly a good amount of wealth and prosperity. It is an excellent card for business endeavours and land transactions. With regard to family and relationships this card indicates strong family ties, a family reunion or just the pleasures of a family outing.
LIBRA 23 September ~ 22 October
The Wheel of Fortune indicates a sense of great completeness and harmony. You experience completeness and the future holds much promise. Fate spins off in new directions and presents new opportunities for those are resourceful. This is a promising time, since efforts and work done in the last two years will all bear fruition this year.
SCORPIO 23 October ~ 21 November
The Moon casts experiences in a different light, making things appear differently from what they actually are. Not only does the card indicate duality, it also shows an indulgence in fantasies, losing direction and having unrealistic ideas.
SAGITTARIUS 22 November ~ 21 December
This is the card of a person in possession of logic, power and authority. The Emperor brings you the capacity to accomplish what you want and allows you to relax and enjoy these accomplishments. You will be able to successfully wield your own power, attracting prosperity, balance and security.
CAPRICORN CANCER 21 June ~ 22 July
The Magician indicates that if you want to achieve your highest possible destiny, become a magus of sorts to yourself. You have the intelligence, knowledge, strength and organisational skills to make your dreams come true You are revitalised and remain unchallenged.
LEO 23 July ~ 22 August
The Lovers indicate a harmony of opposites, at all levels of being and self, a balance of the archetypal union of male and female. A union with someone is indicated; perhaps a choice needs to be made. If you do not have a partner, the card is symbolic of your own inner struggles, so use your intuition to realise your needs.
VIRGO 23 August ~ 22 September
Great opportunities arise as you explore your potential, and create the necessary environment that best serves your endeavors. The Ace Of Swords helps you align with your higher purpose, and your inner drive will lead to great success.
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22December ~ 19January
The new year started with Judgement as your personal card, now conjoining with Temperance, suggesting both a crisis and a breakthrough in your career. With Pluto in the career area of your solar chart, you can expect a number of changes. Expect a career transformation, which will bring you more power and control, eventually giving you a sense of harmony and peace.
AQUARIUS 20 January ~ 18 February
Use your mind and strong organisational powers to help make some necessary changes in your career. As you align yourself to your inner knowledge and sharp business sense, your efforts will pay rich dividends. Socially, this is an excellent time to meet new and exciting people.
PISCES 19 February ~ 20 March
The Star helps you to be highly energised. This is no time to be laidback. Express yourself and move forward with your visionary ideas. As you forge ahead, you discover new possibilities that help you connect with your highest star.
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