34 minute read
Nothing greater than magic of shared experience
It was called the “Dark Continent”, not only due to lack of (European) knowledge of its expansive hinterland, but also for political reasons. Terming Africa backward and unenlightened gave colonial powers license to seize huge swathes of territory for
“development” and “progress” of the natives. Unfortunately, the common stereotypes still persist in much of public - and literary - consciousness elsewhere.
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There are 54 independent countries on the continent, but for most of the outside world, all its (‘black’) people, outside the handful of Arabspeaking countries in the north, are thought as one. Take crime reports, usually relating to drug seizures, in Indian newspapers - “Narcotics worth Rs 1.5 crore seized, two
Africans arrested”, “Three African nationals arrested in Dwarka; 1 kg heroin seized” or “Noida: Three
African men arrested for cheating people by posing as customs officials”. Have you seen this used for people from other continents?
This amorphous lumping is not far apart of the stereotypical cultural descriptions of Africa, as usually as the land of poor, illiterate, sick blacks living in hut villages/ untamed wilderness and at the mercy of repressive/grossly corrupt governments led by unbalanced, egoistical leaders as political instability rages, since the transition from colonial rule. Big business and superpower rivalry also figures somewhere when it comes to national resources and aid. It is the “Wakanda” type (as from 2018 film “Black Panther” - but not that technologically advanced), a small country nestled somewhere in sub-Saharan Africa with thick jungles or parched savannahs, the residents a mix of white and blacks (the latter speaking pidgin English mostly).Evelyn Waugh’s Azania from “Black Mischief” (1932) and Ishmaelia from media satire “Scoop” (1938) are early examples. Then there is Zangaro in Frederick Forsyth’s “The Dogs of War” (1974), Zanj, Kush, and Sahel in John Updike’s “The Coup” (1978), and Zamzarin in William Boyd’s James Bond novel “Solo” (2013). Earlier, and even worse, there was “Darkest Africa” approach - even if the the setting was sandy wastelands, the grassy plains, the ruins of mysterious, unknown civilisations, or usually, the dense, treacherous jungle.You can see this in Lee Falk’s Phantom, Edgar Rice Burrough’s “Tarzan”, H. Rider Haggard’s “She” and “King Solomon’s Mines”, Michael Crichton’s “Congo”, Jules Verne’s first-published work, “Five Weeks in a Balloon”, Edgar Wallace’s “Sanders of the River” series - posthumously continued bu Francis Gerard, Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness” - using African wilderness to contrast a character’s descent to savagery, and almost everything written by Wilbur Smith. All, or most of these works, were also marked by the presence of the “Mighty White Hunter/Explorer” who made discoveries/restored peace/kept order, and so on, of course, helped, by the wise native advisor/warrior/tracker or other noble savages. As Kenyan writer Binyavanga Wainaina remarked: “Always use the word ‘Africa’ or ‘Darkness’ or ‘Safari’ in your title. Subtitles may include the words ‘Zanzibar’, ‘Masai’, ‘Zulu’, ‘Zambezi’, ‘Congo’, ‘Nile’, ‘Big’, ‘Sky’, ‘Shadow’, ‘Drum’, ‘Sun’ or ‘Bygone’. Also useful are words such as ‘Guerrillas’, ‘Timeless’, ‘Primordial’ and ‘Tribal’.” “Taboo subjects: ordinary domestic scenes, love between Africans (unless a death is involved), references to African writers or intellectuals, mention of school-going children who are not suffering from yaws or Ebola fever or female genital mutilation,” he added in “How to Write About Africa”. However, there are a host of writers - American, British, Australian - who have dealt with Africa, be the colonial period or the present, with better understanding.They include William Boyd with “A Good Man in Africa” (1981), “An Ice-Cream War” (1982), “Brazzaville Beach” (1990), Robert Wilson with his West African noir crime series comprising “Instruments of Darkness” (1995), “The Big Killing” (1996), “Blood Is Dirt” (1997), and “A Darkening Stain” (1998), while Nicholas Drayson’s “A Guide To The Birds Of East Africa” (2009) and “A Guide To The Beasts Of East Africa” are an engaging look at the Indian diaspora in Kenya. Then, there is Alexander McCall Smith’s “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” series.But, let’s look at some five-six works of writers from across the continent, especially from countries usually underrepresented on the global literary map. This will rule out South Africa - which has two Nobel Literature laureates already in Nadime Gordimer and J.M. Coetzee, Egypt with Nobel winner Naguib Mahfouz and a vibrant literary scene, and Nigeria, where Wole Soyinka became the first Black African to receive the Nobel (it took 35 years before Abdulrazak Gurnah became the second). Let’s begin with Sudan - the continuum between Arab north Africa and the rest of the continent where the people are mostly culturally Arab but look “African”. (Confusingly, there is also a geographical sub-Saharan area of ‘Sudan’, which doesn’t include the country, as it forms a belt between the Sahara Desert and coastal West Africa). Leila Aboulela is one of the foremost Sudanese authors, even though living in Scotland and writing in English. While her debut novel “The Translator” (1999) is the story of a young Muslim Sudanese widow living in Scotland and her developing relationship with Scottish Middle Eastern scholar, her “Lyrics Alley” (2011) is an absorbing read. Loosely adapted from her own family, it is an evocative account of a prominent business family in Khartoum as the country moves towards independence from the UK (and Egypt) and how fate trumps its patriarch’s succession plans, and the conflict between his first traditional-living wife and second, modern one wreaks havoc for the latter’s daughter, but, above all, of the resiliency of the spirit. Algeria, the largest country of the continent, has also a vibrant literary scene, right from the colonial period - Albert Camus and Frantz “Black Skin, White Masks” Fanon being some prominent examples. It does fall in the Arab cultural space, though its version of the language is quite different for other Arab speakers, and there is also the Berber influence.Ahlem Mosteghanemi is deemed the top-selling woman Arabic author and her trilogy - “Zakirat el Jassad” (1993), “Fawda el Hawas”, and “Aber Sareer” show why. They are available in English as “The Bridges of Constantine” (2013), “Chaos of the Senses” (2015), and “The Dust of Promises” (2016), a lyrical and heart-tugging about loss and remembrance, exile and belonging, and love and longing. The first covers over four decades of Algerian history as it interweaves the characters’ life trajectories and memories from 1945 to 1988 when Khaled, the protagonist-narrator who fought in the liberation war, is writing a memoir of his in the form of the novel we read. Living in exile, his life undergoes tumult when Hayat, the daughter of his old revolutionary commander and now an enticing young woman novelist, unexpectedly reenters his life. The second takes up the story of Hayat who is trapped in a loveless marriage to a senior security official as the Algerian civil war rages and finds solace in a forbidden and singular love affair. while the third brings destiny of Hayat, Khaled, and the narrator of the second book to a heady conclusion in Paris. Travelling southeast to Zimbabwe of Robert Mugabe, we have Tendai Huchu’s “The Hairdresser Of Harare” (2015). It seems a frothy comedy of manners till its somewhat disturbing denouement but is actually deftly served socio-political commentary with pity observations on classism, racism, and homophobia.It tells of a woman stylist in a Harare hair salon, who seems upstaged by a new male employee. They get close eventually but then she discovers something untoward - some readers might see where there is heading to. Kwei Quartey, the son of a Ghanian father and an African-American mother, started writing along his medical career in the US. His Inspector Darko Dawson series - “Wife of the Gods” (2009), “Children of the Street” (2011), “Death at the Voyager Hotel” (2014), “Murder at Cape Three Points” (2014), “Gold of Our Fathers” (2016) and “Death by His Grace” (2017) are innovative, intricate, and atmospheric crime stories that well capture the flavour of Ghana.His latest - “The Missing American” (2020), and “Sleep Well, My Lady” (2021) - bring in woman private investigator Emma Djan, with a nod to Raymond Chandler’s style.Finally, we come back to Wainaina, who tragically succumbed to a stroke in 2019, aged 48. If the excerpt from his 2005 satirical essay whetted your appetite, wait for “How to Write About Africa”, a collection of his trenchant writings on politics, cultural heritage and redefining sexuality and more besides, due to be published in September this year.
From experiencing weekly concerts her grandmother hosted at home in Chennai to her formative education at the Jiddu Krishnamurti School, where her love for art and culture really took off, by the time
Jaya Asokan, Director of India Art Fair, scheduled to take from April 28 to May 1 in the Capital, finished school, she went on to study Fine Arts at Stella Marris and Graphic Design at Parsons in New York.
From experiencing weekly concerts her grandmother hosted at home in Chennai to her formative education at the
Jiddu Krishnamurti School, where her love for art and culture really took off, by the time Jaya Asokan,
Director of India Art Fair, scheduled to take from April 28 to May 1 in the
Capital, finished school, she went on to study Fine Arts at Stella Marris and Graphic Design at Parsons in
New York.
Since then, she has worked broadly in diverse creative roles across design, fashion, jewellery as well as at an auction house and gallery. "The learning throughout was the value of continuously making bridges across fields, and to work to bring in new ideas and audiences to any creative endeavour. At the India
Art Fair too, our hope and mission is to broaden our base of collaborators, collectors and visitors by continually creating exciting content and programmes," she tells IANS.
Asokan, who took over as Fair
Director in April 2021 says it has been a year of learning and experimentation, not just for her, but for the whole team, and that they used as an opportunity to trial and test new ideas to adapt to changing conditions. "Through the lockdowns and pandemic, we realised the immense potential of art and culture, as entertainment, therapy and an object, which led us to evolve the fair strategy and transition from a 4-day event into a year-round brand with 365 days of presence, whether through pop-up events, programming or editorial." Thrilled to return to the physical format in 2022 in partnership with
BMW India, the director adds they have expanded our digital activities massively with the goal of becoming a year-round platform championing
Indian and South Asian art and artists. "Our refreshed website with newly commissioned artist films and stories, IAF Parallel exhibitions and events, a Noticeboard section with opportunities for artists and arts-professionals, virtual walkthroughs and workshops around the year will serve as the go-to source for all things Indian and South Asian art," she says. However, she feels there's no greater thing than the magic of a shared experience, and we really look forward to experiencing art in real-time and real space, instead of on screens. One of the major and most visible highlights will be the fair facade, which will be transformed into a work of art by the young artist and printmaker Anshuka Mahapatra, celebrating ideas of hope, love, life and togetherness through phrases taken from poems in seven Indian languages. The exhibition halls will welcome some of the most prominent galleries while the fair outdoors will be dotted with monumental art commissions, from the colourful 50-feet long mural titled 'The Future is Femme' along the front walkway of the fair created by trans and cis-women artists of Aravani Art Project supported by Saffronart Foundation, and a impressive metal sculpture made of reused silencer pipes evoking optimism in challenging times by the young Kolkata-born and bred Narayan Sinha supported by the Arts Ananda Trust. Asokan says that besides hosting some of the biggest collectors and art-patrons, we are launching a revamped Young Collectors' Programme to empower the next generation of collectors with the know-how and confidence to make their first purchases, as well as support artists as patrons. Talk to her about the fact that Delhi heat in April end might keep many visitors away, and she asserts: "This is the first time that India Art Fair will take place in May, and we look forward to a memorable summer celebration. As always, the fair will ensure the comfort of visitors and will have fully air-conditioned exhibition space and sufficiently shaded outdoor areas." With a major focus on inclusivity and accessibility, India Art Fair will be working with 'Access for All' so as to create experiences that are welcoming to our diverse audiences. "We are committed to providing similar, if not identical experiences for all visitors participants regardless of their ability and strive for equity, accessibility and inclusion," she adds. The exhibition halls will show works of some major artists like Amrita Sher-Gil, V.S. Gaitonde and Nasreen Mohamedi (Chatterjee & Lal), and also contemporary ones Sujith S.N, Faiza Hasan and Subodh Kerkar who will reflect powerfully on climate change and sustainability. Achia Anzi, Kumar Misal and Baaraan Ijlal for who the personal is political; Tsohil Bhatia, Anupama Alias and Shine Shivan, Suchitra Mattai and Bushra Waqas Khan will make the viewer look at gender and sexuality with new eyes.
First-ever international film festival begins in Manipur
The first edition of the 'Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival' began on Saturday at the Palace Auditorium of Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), manifesting a new feather in the cap of Manipuri Cinema as it completes 50 years. The five-day non-competitive festival, supported by the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry, is being organised as part of the year-long golden jubilee celebration of Manipuri Cinema. Speaking as the Chief Guest at the inaugural ceremony of the festival, eminent Manipuri filmmaker, Aribam Syam Sharma emphatically pointed out that special financial assistance from the government is a must for success of the festival in its future editions. Syam Sharma, who has been associated with Manipuri cinema since its inception, lamented that the government had always exuded indifferent attitude towards the growth of Manipuri cinema. Nevertheless, he drew the attention of the government to make the Manipur State Film and Television Institute fully functional at the earliest to facilitate professionalism and production of good films in the northeastern state. MSFDS Secretary, Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, while delivering the keynote address, stated that the festival has been conceived to catalyse the amplification of motion picture storytelling in Manipur. He further expressed joy over realising the dream of an international film festival where one experiences world cinema which slices life and intrinsic cultural and political experiences beyond one's boundaries and transpires invaluable knowledge. Manipur government's Commissioner of Art and Culture Department, M. Joy stated that the Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival marks the new beginning for Manipuri cinema. He also exuded confidence that the festival will fill up the void of a voracious cinematic culture in Manipur. Deputy Director of Directorate of Film Festivals under the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Tanu Rai, Assamese filmmaker Utpal Borpujari, Khasi (Meghalaya) filmmaker Pradip Kurban among other prominent personalities also attended the inaugural function. Eminent filmmaker, Romi Meitei's award winning film "Eikhoigi Yum" (ours home), in its Imphal Premier screened in the opening day of the festival. Prior to the screening, contemporary dance performance aMeepao', a tribute to the pioneer filmmakers, choreographed by Surjit Nongmeikapam was also showcased. Manipur Film Development Society (MSFDS) Secretary Sunzu Bachaspatimayum said that in the 5-day long international film festival, 11 feature films, 8 non-feature films and one short film would be screened. Films including those from Iran, Germany, Korea, Philippines and Norway would be screened.He said that two Manipuri films -- Romi Meitei's "Eikhoigi Yum" and Haobam Pabankumar's "Nine Hills One Valley", acclaimed Khasi (Meghalaya) film, "Iewduh", directed by Pradeep Kurbah and Assamese film, "Ishu", directed by Utpal Borpujari will also be screened in the festival. Bachaspatimayum said that the festival being organised jointly by MSFDS and Manipur State Film and Television Institute (MSFTI), with financial aid from the Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF) under the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
TV stars taking over Instagram with their fashion sense
Aside from Bollywood celebrities who have achieved name and fame in their Hina Khan (16.6M) Nia gained notoriety after being named the sexiest Asian woman for the third time. Her sense of style is own industry, we cannot ignore television stars who are well-liked by audiences for their acting ability and fashion sense. With a sizable fan base, these television actors are taking Instagram by storm.
Mouni Roy (22.6M)
incredible, and you’d want to steal it. Just taking a look at her Instagram feed can teach you how to dress up in various avatars.
Krystle D’Souza (7.1M)
With 22.6M followers on Instagram, we wouldn't be mistaken to say Mouni's fashion sense is always on point throughout her journey. She has never failed to look stunning and understated at any event, whether it is a party, a trip, or an award ceremony.
Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya (18.9M)
Divyanka has received a lot of love from her fans for all of the different roles she has played on television, particularly her role as Ishita in the TV show ‘Yeh Hai Mohabbatein’, but that isn’t all. It’s incredible how much love she receives from her fans for her fashion choices. Hina Khan has not only put on a show with her acting abilities on the TV serial ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’, but she has also displayed fashion ranging from ethnic to modern, and she has looked stunning in all of them. Even when she isn’t on television, she tries to make a statement with her style, as evidenced by her Instagram profile.
Jennifer Winget (12.2M)
Diva in Glamour Jennifer Winget is a television-style icon. Is it really necessary for us to say anything to her? Her fashion sense has always been in the spotlight, and the Diva never fails to dazzle her fans.
Nia Sharma (7.3M)
Krystle D'Souza, the stunning TV star, is the fashionista of television. Krystle is well-known among fans for her stunning appearance and high sense of style. Her hair, outfits, and make-up are always making headlines, and for good reason.
Tejasswi Prakash (5.5M)
Tejasswi Prakash’s performance may have taken a topsy-turvy turn, but that hasn’t stopped her fans from showering her with love and acclaim for her style game. Tejasswi has always made headlines for her fashion choices, establishing her as one of the most talented actresses in today’s small screen industry.
Grand Finale: FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week 2022
A shimmery and spectacular end to the five-day fashion extravaganza being held in the Capital
Actress Ananya Panday closed the show for Falguni Shane Peacock at the Lakmé Absolute Grand Final
Globally acclaimed designers Falguni Shane Peacock presented their collection,
“Earth Bound” at the Lakmé
Absolute Grand Finale. Keeping up with their maximalist aesthetic, their whimsical line-up consisted of cut-out dresses with exaggerated shoulders and feather detailing, sequinned bombers, embellished bodysuits, & shimmery gowns and skirts. For menswear, there were a variety of glittering statement jackets on display. Gen-Z star
Ananya Panday closed the show for the power couple in a shimmery short pink trail dress. From casual swimwear, metallic jackets and layered tops to printed separates, heavily embroidered saris and lehengas, the designer opted for a variety of silhouettes and styles. Actor Aditya Seal and former Miss India Neha Kapur were his showstoppers.
There were a bunch of other celebrities who were spotted on Day 5. Neha Dhupia walked for ALL – the plus-size store, Urvashi Rautela for Reynu and Nikitha Tandon, Divya Khosla Kumar for Sejal Kamdar and Nargis Fakhri for Romaa. Like all good things must come to an end, this fashion week did too and we can only wait to see what’s in store next season. Siddhartha Tytler at FDCI x LFW
Timeless jewellery pieces you can pass down onto generations fondly
Make the most out of your high-value luxury goods
Jewellery, and particularly the fine jewellery industry is driven heavily by classics. Since they're high-value luxury goods, everyone wants to make the most out of them which is only fair and really supports the idea of investing in a quality that can be worn multiple times and still be passed down onto generations fondly. Prakshi Sharma, Creative Head & Designer of Prakshi Fine Jewellery shares timeless jewellery trends: • Tennis Bracelets - When we say Tennis Bracelets are never going out of fashion, we really mean it. It's truly a classical and timeless piece of jewel. It consists of a single row of handcrafted diamonds of any one shape, which encircle the wrist and can always be customized for your exact wrist size. It can also be made with coloured gemstones like emeralds, sapphires, or rubies. Wear one as it is, pair it with a watch, stack, mix and match with bangles, there's nothing you can't do with a tennis bracelet. It's an invincible piece of jewellery for everyone.
• Fancy shaped eternity bands
- An eternity ring typically consists of a continuous band of your preferred cut/shape of diamonds or gemstones.
While round cut stones are most commonly used, choosing a different cut like marquise or oval can also make a lot of difference. Eternity band is the kind of jewellery that makes you happy season after season and year after year with its unhinged timelessness.
• One statement jewellery piece
- Jewellery really has the power to make or break your look. While staples are staples for a reason, having a statement piece is another evergreen essential you must have in your jewellery box for when you want to look effortless, easy but still striking. Having a talking point such as your statement jewellery is what makes you stand out from the crowd.
• Dainty Diamond Necklaces
- Necklaces and pendants in diamonds with the daintiest chains are staples individually and never go out of trend. When you layer some of them together they look extravagant and yet approachable. These days the chains also have closures at different lengths for your convenience and can also be worn as chokers or even anklets. It's also always smart to have minimal jewellery that is multi-purpose and will remain evergreen. • Solitaire Studs - Solitaire refers to a single gemstone, generally a diamond. A solitaire stud typically features a diamond mounted on the end of a post, which passes through a piercing in the ear or earlobe. With no visible point of connection, studs appear to float where they are located. They are so effortless, and with multiple cuts and shapes of gemstones, they look even edgier. They can be worn on both ears, on just one, or through different piercings across the body. It's hard to find someone who doesn't own a good old treasured and go-to pair of solitaire studs. This trend isn't going anywhere anytime soon but ear sliders are picking up in the market as well.
Hairstyles to beat the summer heat
The sun has finally shown its face, and we're eager to embrace our summer vibes. Though, in the blazing heat, no one needs a thick mop of hair around their neck, that's why some low-maintenance summer hairstyles are a must to keep our hair looking great while also keeping us cool. Plus, no matter how hot it gets, they're quick, don't require any heat, and remain out of your sweaty face. Here are some of our favourite summer hairstyles that will keep you looking cute while you're out and about. of the ponytail, pointing up, to add volume.
Low Slicked-Back Twisted Bun
Pull all of your hair back into a low pony at the back of your head to achieve this sleek bun. Then, twist your hair clockwise all the way down and style it into the desired bun shape. You can make a classic bun shape.
Space Buns
Space buns are classic because they look chic and cool with very little effort. They are probably the easiest hairstyle out there. Simply create two small buns on either side of your head and secure them with an elastic or a bobby pin. This look works well whether it's sleek or messy, making it as versatile as it is.
Braided Bun
This style gives your low messy buns a little something extra. Part your hair on the side and braid it from the crown of your head to the back, where you want the base of your bun to be. Then, using elastic and bobby pins, gather the rest of the hair into a messy bun.
Sleek Low Pony With Accessory
Ponytails are popular because they can be styled in a variety of ways while remaining incredibly simple. Brush your hair back, removing any lumps or creases. At the nape of your neck, gather all of your hair and secure with an elastic. Complete the look with your favourite hair accessory.
Messy Wrapped Ponytail
This ponytail looks great because it highlights any natural texture or leftover curls. Make a ponytail at the nape of your neck with your hair. To keep the pony in place, use an elastic. To hide the elastic, pull a small piece of hair from underneath the ponytail and wrap it around it. Pin the end of your hair to your head with a bobby pin.
Twisted Up-Do
This simple updo looks elegant while requiring little effort. Pull your hair back into a ponytail with an elastic, and make a space at the base of the pony to pull the ponytail through and add a twist to the hair.
Twisted Top Knot
A sleek top-knot is one of the most popular hairstyles because it looks put together and looks good on almost any hair type. Pull your hair to the top of your head with a brush, making sure to brush out any creases or bumps. Gather your hair into a ponytail and secure it with an elastic to keep it tight and in place. Then, twist your hair into a bun and pin it in place with bobby pins.
The sunshine is illuminating the earth and everywhere feels light, bright and whimsical again. KIKO MILANO Blossoming Beauty Collection celebrates that perfect moment when everything is coming to life and bursts of colour begin to appear.
• Blooming Rose Body Shower
Mousse, Rs 1090: As the season changes, it’s time for a skincare overhaul. Shed the heavy stuff and make way for lightweight, high impact products that bring out your inner beauty. Begin with an invigorating shower using Blooming Rose Body Shower Mousse, letting the soft rose floral aroma awaken your senses. Now it’s time to give your face your full attention.
• Secret Garden Face Toner Rs
1090: Begin with Secret Garden Face Toner, applying to your face, neck and décolleté for a refreshed feeling. Enriched with petals, it will have a hydrating and brightening effect that will help reveal a new complexion.
• Refreshing Eyes & Face Serum
Rs 1450: Reach for Refreshing Eyes & Face Serum in an easy to apply format. Roll across your face to reveal the perfect dose of a product designed to hydrate and refresh
• Hydrating Face Cream SPF
20, Rs 1690: Apply directly to your under-eye areas for a moisture-rich area. Finish with Hydrating Face Cream SPF 20, enriched with floral extracts and containing all UVB protection for skin that feels radiant and ready for the day ahead.
• 3-in-1 All Over Stick, Rs 1290:
Create a perfect base with two products designed to deliver a look that feels effortlessly flawless. Pair 3-in-1 All Over Stick with Hydrating & Long Lasting Blurring effect Foundation combining a creamy, easyto-blend base with hydrating blurred effect.
• Multi-Finish Floral Blush,
Rs 1890: Begin by dusting Multi-Finish Floral Blush to the apples of your cheeks, letting the extreme colour release enhance the natural radiance of your complexion, then create the first hint of sun-kissed radiance with
• Romantic Shades of Face &
Eyes Palette, Rs 2390: Romantic Shades of Face & Eyes Palette, places radiant, sheer colour in places that might catch the gentle springtime light.
• Blooming Perfecting Powder,
Rs 1890: Finish by sealing the look with Blooming Perfecting Powder, dusting lightly across places that might feel shiny as the day wears on. The powder will glide on effortlessly bringing a glowy finish to your skin and making your look last longer.
Tuck the powder away in your bag for touch-ups if you end up enjoying a day outside as the day goes on. Use the 4-in-1 brush as one side is designed for face powder products: face powder, blusher and highlighter.
• 3-in-1 Eyeshadow & Eyepencil,
Rs 1250: Intensify the look a little further by bringing more pigment to your lash line and waterline with a 12 hour long-lasting 3-in-1 Eyeshadow & Eyepencil. Use the matte eyeliner and kajal end for definition. • 3-in-1 Mascara, Rs 1490: Now you’ve doubled down on colour, pick up a mascara that truly does it all: 12 hours long-lasting 3-in-1 Mascara, which creates volume, curl and length effects. The dramatic impact of volume effect delivered from one end and effortless length effect and definition from the other is guaranteed to do the most.
• Long-lasting Matte Lipstick,
Rs 1290: Select a springtime lip shade that will tell the world you’re ready to play again, whether that’s a vibrant pink or a rich, warm nude, and find a texture that you like to wear the most. For matte lip lovers, Longlasting Matte Lipstick creates 8 hours of creamy textured colour and a filler effect for your lips, making them defined. • 4-in-1 brush, Rs 1950: Use Kiko Milano’s magical 4-in-1 brush as one side is designed for face powder products: face powder, blusher and highlighter. And just like that, your springtime beauty overhaul is complete - you’re in bloom!
Travel skincare woes solved with a moisture enriched regime
Following a minimal yet effective skincare routine while travelling is the key to overcoming travel skincare issues
Nothing beats packing your bags, planning your itinerary, and giving in to your wanderlust. Traveling to a new place full of endless adventures and possibilities is an unrivalled feeling that should be felt whenever the opportunity arises. While travelling has many advantages, there is one disadvantage that can put a damper on travel plans: the effect it has on the skin.
If you frequently return from trips with irritated and flared-up skin, we've got you covered with the best travel skincare routine to follow.
It is critical to first understand a problem before attempting to solve it. There are a variety of environmental factors that can cause skin problems when travelling.
Changes in humidity, air quality, temperature, and even sun exposure can all have a negative impact on the skin. It can cause it to feel dry, irritated, itchy, red, flaky, or even break outs. Furthermore, factors such as travel stress and aeroplane dehydration can play a significant role in this. Changes in our external environment throw the skin off its usual routine and game, causing it to deviate from its normal health.
While the causes, concerns, and treatments for these skin issues vary from case to case, there is a general skincare regimen and hacks that you can use to prevent damage and stay one step ahead. To begin, it is critical to maintain some consistency and familiarity in the midst of a lot of change. Pack one or two of your daily skincare products that your skin is familiar with and responds well to. Obtaining travel-sized versions of them or using mini travel containers and transferring some product into them is an easy way to accomplish this. One important skincare tip for travellers is to keep things simple but effective. Traveling may not be the best time to bring your 12-step skincare routine with you. What you require is a gentle cleanser capable of removing all dirt and excess makeup from your trip adventures. Following that, you’ll need a light yet deeply hydrating moisturiser to restore the suppleness of your skin. The skin frequently becomes dehydrated while travelling for a variety of reasons. As a result, a variety of other skin issues arise. Keeping a highly effective moisturiser in your suitcase is the best travel companion you can bring along to maintain your vacation look every day while keeping your skin healthy. It is critical to scale back the regime and eliminate products that serve only a single purpose. The key word here is efficiency. You need products that contain all of the necessary ingredients and can assist you in addressing a variety of skincare concerns with the help of a single formula. This will save you space while also allowing you to maintain a minimalistic skincare routine that works wonders without breaking the bank. To name a few, essential ingredients to look for include hyaluronic acid (to smooth and plump the skin), vitamin C (to reduce lines and boost radiance), activated C (to help increase skin clarity), salicylic acid (to visibly reduce discoloration and renew the skin’s texture), and peony extract (to prevent oxidative damage). When combined with activated C, the last few ingredients work wonders. This ingredient list is also beneficial for a variety of skincare issues, including dark spots, sallowness, post-acne marks, uneven skin tone, and loss of radiance. Travel is meant to be a blessing that allows you to explore the world and all that it has to offer, and something so wonderful should not come at the expense of your skin’s health. Following a minimal yet effective skincare routine while travelling is the key to overcoming these travel skincare issues. Oath Him & Her is the latest fragrance from Ajmal Perfumes, a globally recognised, homegrown perfumery brand with a rich heritage accumulated over 70 years of experience.
Oath Him and Her is a limited-edition scented offering inspired by the power of written promises. Oath
Her is a Floral Fresh accord with a chypre Woody Ambery base. Oath
Him is a Fresh Woody fragrance that envelops the wearer in Amber and
Woody notes.
Abdulla Ajmal, Perfumist and
Business Mentor, Ajmal & Sons – NHA division, India, elaborates on the launch, saying, “At Ajmal
Perfumes, we have refined the art of perfumery to the point where we can create everlasting memories through our fragrance. We take pride in being one of the world’s leading end-to-end fragrance houses. We grow our raw materials and conceptualise designs in-house to ensure a world-class product. Oath Him & Her is not only a unique fragrance, but also a design breakthrough. The product line will be a collector’s item because the glass bottle appears to be resting on a solid stone slab, but it’s not. Oath
Her & Him is a gesture of commitment, promise, and stability, in my opinion.
“This is our product debut for the Indian market this year on
International Fragrance Day, and we are excited to see how our customers react.” It’s also significant from a market standpoint, as we just launched the Ajmal Perfumes India e-commerce platform, and the timing couldn’t be better. With the launch of our website, we have become the only established direct-to-consumer fragrance company in India that can meet the needs of our customers. “Oath for HIM and HER is an extension of Ajmal Perfumes’ ongoing effort to provide world-class fragrances at affordable price points,” says Saurav Bhattacharya, President – Ajmal & Sons – NHA Division, India.
Mood: Adventurous & Enigmatic Fragrance Family: Aromatic Woody Ajmal Oath Him is an aromatic woody fragrance with top notes of lemon, bergamot, black currant, and plum; it has notes of lavender and iris in the heart, which comes alive when surrounded by cedarwood and patchouli. Oath Him is inspired by the spirit of a daring man who refuses to back down in the face of
Oath Him
adversity and stands firm. Price: INR. 5,000
Oath Her
Mood: Sophisticated & Elegant Fragrance Family: Floral Chypre Ajmal Oath Her is an extravagant bouquet of fresh, floral, and citrusy notes that blend beautifully with patchouli's richness and vanilla's sweetness. Oath Her is inspired by the panache of a self-assured woman who ensures she leaves an impression on everyone's hearts and minds.
Price: INR. 5,000
Changes to the Male Grooming Industry post COVID
The content of men's grooming startups has shifted from looking attractive and attracting the opposite gender to feeling confident and looking presentable
While the male grooming industry in India is still in its infancy, it has tremendous growth potential and all of the building blocks to scale into a mainstream industry." COVID 19 caught everyone off guard and brought the world to a halt before the industry could react or adapt. Individuals have found the pandemic and involuntary time off to be eye-opening. We re-evaluated and realigned our priorities, which is the overarching emotion. We were able to spend more time with ourselves and look at ourselves objectively because we had taken a break from our routine. And when we put societal norms and trends on the back burner, many of us love how we look in our natural state and want to play with it. This accelerated the shift in mindset from beauty consciousness to self-care for a sizable portion of the market. Increased use of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube exposes men to global fashion trends, contributing to an increase in demand for male grooming products. During the lockdown, sales of grooming products such as beard oils, hair gels, face washes, deodorants, perfumes, and electronic trimmers and clippers increased. The Indian male grooming market was worth $643 million in 2018 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 11 percent to reach $1.2 billion by 2024. The rise of ecommerce is having a positive impact on industry growth. Companies such as Nykaa launched a men's portal called NykaaMan in order to gain market share in the expanding men's industry. International cosmetics companies such as The Body Shop went from having one male product to having a dozen. Men began to seek out products that were specifically designed for them, rather than by-products of the women's range. As a result of this, the barbershop culture is gradually gaining a foothold in India. The content of men's grooming startups has shifted from looking attractive and attracting the opposite gender to feeling confident and looking presentable. We've also seen some innovative marketing campaigns in recent years, such as The Man Company's #GentlemanInYou campaign with Ayushmann Khurana, in which he debunks gender stereotypes in a heartfelt poem. On his social media, Hrithik Roshan also refers to himself as a Beardo. To reach a larger audience, all of the new Indian male grooming startups are investing in trying to create strong brand associations through content marketing and influencer marketing. According to a recent Mintel Reports study, 45 percent of GenZ men were encouraged to use products by their male friends, while only 23 percent were influenced by celebrities, 19 percent by promotional offers, and 17 percent by bloggers. So, while celebrity and influencer endorsements aid in brand awareness and investment in memorable content aids in brand recall, social circles have begun to dominate as an influencing power. Brands are shifting their focus to community building and storytelling in order to convert customers into brand promoters. We've noticed that since the reopening, a lot more customers are experimenting with looks they wouldn't have tried before COVID-19. Men who have traditionally worn deep fades and crew cuts are now experimenting with longer hairstyles such as top knots and man buns. Following the COVID-19 lockdown, a greater number of our customers want to understand and educate themselves about the products they use, and we're also seeing a shift away from styling products and toward more nourishing products. The pandemic has provided our industry with an opportunity, albeit an unwelcome one, to delve deeper and focus on why we're here in the first place. On the most basic level, The Lair, like all other salons and barbershops, sells haircuts and personal grooming. The Lair's experience is built on customer co-creation and positive network effects.
