*Opening in Ahmedabad soon.
RODARTE
RODARTE
I S H W A R I
A M B A V A N E
RODARTE
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EDITOR’S
I have noticed one thing as a design student- every effective tendency arises from the most minimalistic ideas, extracted from the mindset of a large population of different opinions. Be it the world famous coffee house- Starbucks, who basically sells overrated beverages with a multi-functional brand name, or the social media imbibed will to respect gender-fluidity; something that has almost turned into a new phase of the young world. An abstract mind collaborates to form indigenous content: a series of events in and around the city. I’ve been around Ahmedabad, trying to find my story, and this magazine’s main attraction shall encase the incidents I’ve encountered on my voyage- The Street Accents. It finds peace in the feature, The Ethereal Alley that shall lead you to the spiritual centre of yourself, and bond with the innermost desires that lead you to decision making. An article that focuses on stripping you off your anxieties and playing with colours that define your mood. As a debut issue, Etherea’s main objective is to reach out to women of all ages and backgrounds and help them form an opinion- about themselves, and about the industry. Each issue of Ethera shall promise editorials featuring new cities of India, and the cultures prevalent there, along with the usual dose of fashion and trends. Etherea encases a wide range of topics- a tour that begins with the common fashion issues, encases new cultures with each new issue and also circles down to ease your inner inhibitions- with a tinge of counsel that simplifies your correspondence with the outer circle of people. It is a magazine that helps you help yourself.
Rachana Shete, Editor, Etherea
"New season equals new fashion, changes in choices and with passage of time, a wider outlook towards social dynamics. The first issue of this magazine addresses the broader strata of communal issues, merged with the idea of setting a trend: probably relating to thinking.."
ETHEREA May 2018
contents 17
ETHEREA | FASHION Includes an article on the nature of fashion, it’s current effects and consequences and how it is reshaping everything as we know it.
21
ETHEREA | INTERVIEW Includes an interview with the famous photographer, Helmut Newton and his wife.
Page 30 > The Ethereal Alley
30
60
Includes an editorial that encases 7 energy centres of our body, along with ways to calm yourself.
Includes The Street Accents, a photo editorial on the city of Ahmedabad, and fashion from the streets.
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81
Includes an article about the classic trend of Over The Knee boots that shall soon be seen again on ramps later this season.
Includes A Photo-editorial that focuses on the Japanese culture inspired Geisha’s and the summer trends there.
ETHEREA | SELF-HELP
ETHEREA | TRENDS 2018
ETHEREA | AHMEDABAD
ETHEREA | CULTURE
Cover Story > Page 60
Model: Maansi Singh Styling, Make Up and Photography: Rachana Shete
“ “ Well, the summer is here. The season of popsicles, late night parties, pool weekends and romantic getaways! It's all here. Warm tones hidden under cool drinks, and a tangy vibe tickling your senses- This issue of Etherea sums it all for you. Starting with an exclusive interview with the most renowned photographer, Helmut Newton, to ways to channelise your mind and energy! The first issue is packed with lot's of material that shall entertain you, and also satisfy your fashion hunger.
MAY 2018 ETHEREA | 12
Model: Maansi Singh Styling, Make Up and Photography: Rachana Shete
The Party Aftermath Model: Shreya Verma Styling, Make Up and Photography: Rachana Shete
t h e
p a r t y
a f t e r m a t h
ETHEREA | FASHION
FASHION:
the ultimate kamikaze
“ “ So often dismissed as superficial, fashion has the power to bombard occasional explosives that reshape the concept of accepting change. Does that mean it's the Ultimate Kamikaze?
Fashion has been the most perceptible mercantile activity to shape opinions and beliefs; times have significantly changed fashion, and indeed, fashion has changed the times too. Eloquent amends have materialised in the past that sufficed the potential of fashion, and bombarded the world with life-changing, era-defining moments. Much like the Japanese fighter aircraft Kamikaze- that carried explosives that could possibly embark consequential recasts.
Happily, the notion that fashion is only about clothes, and therefore superficial is not as prevalent as it once was. Nor is the conviction that the fashion gene have always understood its depths, even those who would love to dismiss it can’t fail to have noticed that fashion has far more power than simply the ability to shape a look. To discount fashion from the equation while acknowledging art, music, history and politics as agents of change is remiss – Fashion is currently more political than ever.
Katherine Hamnett, an English designer from the 80’s, famous for her political T-Shirts, began lobbying over the way the industry operated. She viewed her t-shirts as a way of getting her message across: “If you want to get the message out there, you should print it in giant letters on a t-shirt.” Thirty years later, political t-shirts are everywhere, and although the idea of just printing some alphabets on over-sized t-shirts might sound a little futile, social media ensures that messages travel beyond the runway. When in September 2016, Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri sent out T-shirts bearing the legend “We Should All Be Feminists”, opinion was divided, and not just because they cost £270. The 17 | ETHEREA MAY 2018
T-shirts first appeared 12 months ago, so let’s fast forward to October 2017, and Chiuri’s commitment to the feminist cause is stagnant. Why wouldn’t it be? She’s Dior’s first female creative director in its 70-year history – a strong woman who wants to design for women like her. Besides, the female empowerment theme is perfectly intact for the label’s reputation over the “new look”. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Christian Dior designed for real women. The freedom that the bar jackets and calf-length skirts provided the to the women was their most significant feature. Hemlines have always raised questions, especially when men were made to strut down the ramps in unbelievable plaid skirts. It was 1984 when Jean-Paul Gaultier sensationally sent male models down the catwalk in plaid skirts and platform trainers, in a show called And God Created Man. Numerous questions were raised with such sort of projection on ramp, but eventually, the idea percolated and soon enough, in 1998, David Beckham was spotted in a sarong with his wife Victoria Beckham at the World Cup. While both Beckham and Jean-Paul Gaultier were needlessly concluded over their bold choice of androgynous clothing, they eventually softened the panorama of vision, and made everyone question about gender boundaries. Fast forward to the Vogue cover of August 2017, the millenial coupleGigi Hadid and Zayn Malik, managed to mainstream a very millennial ideal: gender nonconformity when it comes to clothing and style. In the couple’s Vogue cover story, the duo talked about how both of them shop out of each other’s closets, meaning it’s not just Hadid wearing her boyfriend’s
Katherine Hamnett
Back to 1974, Beverly Johnson became the first African American model to appear on the cover of US Vogue- a forlorn voice calling for activism and support. Decades later, Naomi Campbell followed her footsteps and paved a path for an entirely new gene of models to walk into the industry, adding an ultimate edge over the exaggerated white models available in abundance. Jourdan Dunn, Neelam Gill and Tyra Banks are the ones who followed Campbell’s ideals and spoke highly about the racism that they encountered in the industry. Here in 2017, fashion is the ultimate kamikaze. Whether it’s Leomie Anderson and London Myers speaking out about the low-level racism they’ve experienced from hair and makeup artists or Halima Aden becoming the first hijab-wearing model on the catwalk, fashion is now soaring high, dropping off occasional bombs that define unity in diversity that the world is experiencing. All hail Rihanna, whose Fenty Beauty range, featuring 40 shades of foundation, is the first brand to convincingly attempt to provide makeup for every skin tone. For all that is worth, the fashion industry is currently full of positives. It has always been an agent of change, but now, more than ever, these changes feel benevolent. Fashion has always been a powerful force- a force that is high up there, only looking for moments to plant explosives and give a new dimension to our thoughts.
19 | ETHEREA MAY 2018
“We Should All Be Feminists” ,Dior Sept. 2012
Maria Grazia Chiuri
white button down, but also Malik wearing Hadid’s pieces.
Zayn And Gigi for Vogue
ETHEREA | INTERVIEW
The
Kingof
“
kink! “
To be honest, I'm always full of taking risks. I've always been all for taking risk. If I don't push people, I won't get a photograph that I want. I'll get a photograph that they want!
Sometime back in 2005. On a summer afternoon, she smiled evidently, whilst shooting a very busy Helmut Newton in his element, ‘Few years ago, I offered Helmut a Video camera for Christmas. He refused it, so I started using it myself. I looked through the lens and I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. To film Helmut.’
side earning a few answers from June, who worked the video camera for her film on Newton.
The story of Helmut sets a milestone in the field of photography. With his bold, women-empowering shoots, Newton claimed to be first ever photographer who set the bars for playful and kinky fashion photography to a whole new standard. Distinguishing perfectly between what is vulgar and what is fashion, Helmut’s style fore-saw the future, and gave the 40’s world what would soon be featured as Vogue Covers.
I believe that a perfect fashion photograph is a photograph that doesn’t look like a fashion photograph. *he smiles* It’s a photograph that looks like some part of a movie, like maybe a portrait, maybe a souvenir shot, maybe a paparazzi shot but like, anything but a fashion photograph. Everything is a little slice of life. Every picture is based on reality. I have no feverish imagination, it’s all real and it happens every day. And every scene that I do here is all plucked from the reality, the harshness of everyday life. The way I photograph the things is the way I see the world. *he takes a sip from his tea* And I think that is what will matter in the future as well.
In an exclusive interview with Helmut Newton, and the woman behind him- June Brown Newton, we bring to you the original Master who established the roots which we see as boudoir and kinky photography now. Lounging in his all-time favourite hotel in Paris, Hotel De Paris, he talked about his profession, passions and subjects, side-by-
21 | ETHEREA MAY 2018
So tell us, Helmut, what were your thoughts about fashion photography, and how do you think it matters today?
He cautiously looked at his newly printed photographs of Rachel Williams, almost eating a rose in their backyard garden, sporting the most red lipstick ever.
Courtesy: Orange County Register
Styling, Make Up and Photography: Rachana Shete Inspiration: Helmut Newton Model: Shrishti Soni
Styling, Make Up and Photography: Rachana Shete Inspiration: Helmut Newton Model: Akshita Mishra
Most of the times, your subjects were beautiful strong women who carried along a statement. Do you think that the woman influence in your life had something to do with your selection of models? I’ve always liked strong women because I feel secure. It’s a..You know I’m not very strong, I haven’t gotten many muscles and if the wind blows out and I’d probably fall down *he laughs heartily* so I have a strong woman in life like June- she has muscles and she’s very strong. Now my mother was a spoilt woman, and when it come to save the family, during our last days in Berlin- my dad was at the concentration camps at that time- she was... she was very much there, and very strong, and she pulled the chestnut out of the fire. This is the kind of spark I like in my woman, I don’t like a 150% feminine subject, I like a little bit androgynous- the one where you feel the strength. How did your models react to the kind of pictures you suggested? To be honest, I’m always full of taking risks. I’ve always been all for taking risk, when I had no money, when I started out, I always stuck my neck out and I still stick my neck out now. When it comes to model’s comfort, you know I’ve always been attracted to sadomasochistic images. These accessories look great on a woman, but to be sure I mean no harm. But If I don’t push people, I won’t get a photograph that I want. I’ll get a photograph that they want! He then gets up in order to call the room service for another
round of desserts and pasteries. Meanwhile, June flops on the sofa and sips her tea, as I turn over. Had you ever tried to predict what Helmut’s next shoot is going to be like? *she laughs* People want to get inside his head, to find out where the images come from, they want to know the formula! But there is no formula. He sees things differently, and you don’t know what exactly it is that he’s seeing until you see the photograph. And...Had this choice of Helmut’s genre ever bothered you? *she clears her throat, and places the cup on a white crochet doily.* I’m often asked if I’m jealous of the girls he photographs. But it’s his job, it’s his livelihood. It’s how he makes his living. He loves statues, paintings, sculptures, live ones- esp. live ones- because he can manipulate them. He can control every muscle in their bodies. He was photographing girls when I met him, so nothing’s changed really. The only time I was a bit worried, was when he started photographing flowers, that too dead flowers. But it’s more than a job, it’s passion and obsession. He’s obsessed! *Helmut gets back with more pastries and sits beside June.* There were lots of talks about your bold choice in photography subjects. How did you deal with that? *he looks up from his dish* I like how people write things about MAY 2018 ETHEREA | 24
ETHEREA | INTERVIEW
my photography, which delights me of course, but I’m getting used what they write- it interests me somehow because that is not at all what I think about, so I like to twist things a little bit. But it’s always the same. All they talk about is- they say, “Oh we can’t show the nudes, we’re gonna bleep out the nipples, and bleep out the sex. They put some kind of um, optical um thing over photographs- I don’t know. It’s very... I think it’s very sick- the society. So that is how they show the nudes. It doesn’t offend me, but it kind of saddens me. Well, on a brighter note, you’ve shot the Prime Minister of England, Margaret Thatcher. How did that feel? Margaret Thatcher had been my pin-up girl, for a long time I used to call her my pin-up girl. One day I come home and Junie’s looking at the news and when I’m out of the room, she says ‘Sweetheart, your pin-up girl’s on the screen’, and I’ve always wanted to photograph her. She is so interesting, and seductive. To think that this woman was the Prime Minister of a very important country, and that somebody at home was going to bed with her, making love to her- and it’s very conceivable as she was a woman, she is a woman- that there were other people that loved her. So I would think to myself, imagine going to bed with the Prime Minister! Wouldn’t that be the greatest thing in the world?
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Styling, Make Up : Rachana Shete Photography: Prachi Sethi Inspiration: Helmut Newton Model: Rachana Shete Courtesy: Fowon.Shop
Sensuous Nude THE
SEDUCTIVE
NEW
FRAGRANCE
ETHEREA | SELF-HELP
The
Ethereal Alley ‘Spiritual exhibitionism and hallucinations are symptoms of imbalance’ Seven has always been a holy number- Be it the number of layers of skin, the human auras or even the number of energy centres inside our bodies- known as Chakras. The study of chakras, or energy centres originated in the Eastern spiritual traditions that consider the seven primary chakras the basis of our human existence. Similarly, today’s Western approaches place an emphasis on the seven chakras as representations of different aspects of our life and describe their function in various terms encompassing the psychological, physical, energetic and spiritual facets.
For centuries, the Indian culture has respected the study of Chakras and followed the various ways to activate each of these centres, in order to attain peace and tranquillity with one’s body. It is like an alleyway between the mind, body and the soul, that connects the dots of feelings and emotions, along with physical relief for particular areas. Each chakra in our body maintains the health of a particular section of the physical body and can be balanced with proper chakra meditations, among other things. In this article, we’ve deciphered each Chakra for our readers, decoding the color psychology attached with it. Like a guide to activate and attain maximum energy from our body roots, we course along fashion imagery highlighting each Chakra.
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‘Muladhara’ Styling and Photography: Rachana Shete Model: Ishie Parihar On Ishie: Red Gown from Global Desi, Silver Bracelet from Accesorize, Black Stilletos from Stella.
ETHEREA | SELF-HELP
Muladhara- The Root Chakra The first of the 7 chakras in the human body, called the root or base chakra, is located at the base of the spine in the area of the coccyx. When a person is grounded, energy from the earth enters the subtle energy system and gives us the feeling of being connected to the planet, Mother Earth. The root chakra is feminine (yin) by nature and is polarized negatively. It is the chakra that governs understanding of the physical dimension. It glows a fiery red color. Each chakra when open and clear through chakra meditation and other practices has a gift from spirit. The gift from balancing the root chakra is spatial or unlimited intuition. The first of the 7 chakras in the human body controls spinal column, excretion, digestion of food, vitality and sexual well-being (fertility), in men the testes, prostate gland, in women the ovaries, the bones, muscles and blood, the internal organs and the adrenal glands. It is the centre of self survival and self-preservation, and proper chakra meditation enhances our capacity to have and hold and our power to attract material abundance.
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ETHEREA | SELF-HELP
Swadhishtana- The Sacral Chakra The second of the 7 chakras, or the sexual chakra, also known as the sacral center is located just above the genitals in the pubic area, three inches below the navel. It regulates sexual energy, sexuality, sensuality and intimacy. It is the physical creative center. It controls the pelvic organs, the urinary tract, the bladder, the hips, legs and feet and energizes the sexual organs. It radiates the color orange, is feminine in gender (yin) and is polarized negatively. Its gift when open and clear is clairsentience (feeling). Through the second chakra meditation, a person experiences deep feelings of childlike wonder and a magical sensual nature for the world and everything in it. This chakra is the focus of a person’s earliest and most fundamental emotions, the basic sense of acceptance or rejection, the sense of belonging to a group or a family or being alone in the world, and the ease or difficulty a person has in connecting with God.
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‘Swadhiishtana’ Styling and Photography: Rachana Shete Model: Maansi Singh On Maansi: Orange Studs from Aldo, Silk Tube Top, Orange Straight Pants from Zara, Snake Skin Stilettos by Aldo.
‘Manipura and Anahata’ Styling and Photography: Rachana Shete Model (L to R) : Vaishnavi Pal, Shrishti Soni On Vaishnavi: Yellow Tassel Earrings from Old City, Ahmedabad, Off-White Bralette from SheIn, Yellow Floral Embroidery Jacket by Global Desi, White Shorts from Forever21 and Yellow Heels by Steve Madden.. On Shrishti: Green Stripped Dress by Zara, Silver Ring by Accessorize and Heels by Stella.
Manipura- The Solar Plexus The third of the 7 chakras in the human body, also known as the solar plexus, is located in the hollow area between the ribs, two to three inches above the navel and is the seat of personality. It is known as the centre of our creative power. It is part of our perceptual feeling. Intuitiveness comes in the form of gut reactions. The spiritual gift of this chakra meditation is sensitivity to vibrations from other people and places. It radiates the color yellow and is masculine in gender (yang) and is polarized positively. A balanced third chakra controls the pancreas, liver, gall bladder, diaphragm, large intestine, appendix, stomach, small intestine, blood, lymph and to a certain degree other internal organs and other parts of the body. It is responsible for the assimilation of food. It acts as an emotional energy clearing house center and a cooling and heating system of the body. When balancing the third chakra, a person has plenty of physical stamina and resilience, plenty of selfcontrol and self-respect, self-love, self-esteem and self-worth. When the third chakra has energy blocks of fear, anger, pain or fear of pain, a person experiences indecisiveness, a sense of inadequacy, anxiety that other people are out to take advantage of them.
Anahata- The Heart The fourth of the 7 chakras in the human body, known as the heart chakra, is the gateway between the lower and higher chakras. In classic Yogic texts it is known as the gateway to the soul. It controls the horizontal section of the physical body about two fingers above the solar plexus extending to the collarbones. It radiates an emerald green in color; it is feminine in gender (yin) and is polarized positively. The act of breathing comprises the respiration of air and the circulation of the life force, prana. By stimulating or calming the heart chakra through meditation, the breathing rate can be slowed, quickened or made regular. Those suffering from asthma or emphysema may find this information helpful. The heart chakra is the center through which we feel love. It is the centre of compassion and connectedness to all things. The heart is the source of love, compassion and light, not only human love but Divine love, which the New Testament describes as the “rivers of living water.” An open heart knows how to forgive self and others, is able to surrender and have faith that what happens in any experience is for one’s best good and accepts “what is” in many situations in life as well as with personal relationships. The gift of the heart chakra meditation is increased empathy.
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‘Manipura and Anahata’
ETHEREA | SELF-HELP
Vishuddhi- The Throat The fifth of the 7 chakras in our body, known as the throat chakra, is centred in the hollow of the throat. Its location extends from the base of the neck by the third cervical vertebra. It relates to the ethereal as well as with hearing and the principle of sound. It controls the horizontal section of the physical body from the midpoint of the nose to the collar bones. It governs the ears, nose, mouth, jaw, vocal cords, bronchial apparatus, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands and metabolism. The throat chakra is masculine in nature (yang) and is polarized positively. It radiates the color blue. Yogic texts tell us that the fifth chakra represents the intellectual body, which means that once this chakra is balanced a person is able to separate the functions of the mental body from that of the lower bodies, the physical, emotional, and ethereal. This chakra meditation then leads to achieving detachment as well as increasing the power of understanding. The function of the mental body in a clear and balanced state perceives in purity, which means no gain or motive just pure divine love. Clarity is achieved along with a clear perception of one’s life purpose. . The throat chakra is the centre through which we communicate and express ourselves fully and creatively in our body, as well as formulate judgments of others (positive or negative). It transmits the intent of a person’s soul (emotional and mental bodies). It controls a form of energy (Prana) that permits vocal expression as well as facial expressions, gestures and even the amount of personal space a person demands.
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‘Vishuddhi’ Styling and Photography: Rachana Shete Model: Ishwari Ambavane On Ishwari: Cat Eye Sunglasses from Fastrack, Bell-Sleeved Crop Top by Sajal Anubhuti, Blue Pencil Skirt, Black Double Strap Heels from Inc5.
‘Ajna’ Styling and Photography: Rachana Shete Model: Shreya Verma On Shreya: Black Corset Bustier by Shriya, Indigo Flared Pants by Mehak Gupta, Waist Chains by Pipa Bella, Black Strap Block Heels from Aldo.
‘Sahasrara’ Styling and Photography: Rachana Shete Model: Khushi Agarwal On Khushi: Lavender Scarf Turban by Global Desi, Necklace by Kalyan Jewellers, Dress by Forever 21, Heels by Steve Madden.
ETHEREA | SELF-HELP
Ajna- The Third Eye The sixth of the 7 chakras in the human body is commonly known as the third eye or face chakra. It is located between the eyebrows. Its opening at the back is just above the atlas vertebrae, the top most vertebra in the neck. It is feminine in nature (yin), is negatively polarized and radiates the color indigo, a deep red-blue. The organ it controls is the pituitary gland, which represents the control centre. It also controls the endocrine glands and the left eye, the eye of personality. It governs the lower brain and nervous system. As a command centre it controls the other chakras in the human body and hence is an important point to pay special attention to during chakra meditations. The choice of thoughts is what determines external manifestation. Through the third eye one can orchestrate one’s God-given energy from within. This chakra represents the way a person presents him or herself to the world. The face and the expression on it are like a painting of one’s emotions at any given time–stresses, worries, fear, anger or joy.
Sahasrara- The Crown The 7th chakra in the human body, known as the crown chakra, is also known as the head heart centre. It is located at the top of the head. Some texts locate it above the crown in order to differentiate it from the rest of the chakras in our bodies. Yogic texts describe it as a thousand-petaled lotus. It controls the upper brain and the right eye. The 7th chakra is the highest frequency of all the body’s chakras. It is feminine in nature (yin), polarized negatively and radiates the color violet, which oscillates faster than any other color. It is the centre for final divine integration. It is the instrument that is a person’s direct communication with divine light. Although a person has transcended fear, identified him or herself as the Higher Self, experienced unconditional joy (love), and knows him/herself in his or her multiplicity, the development is not complete. There is still duality. The seventh chakra in the human body opens to knowing that one’s identity goes beyond the physical form. The experience of soul love is where you feel connected to the greater whole of which you are always a part. It is a state of being a part of the oneness where you are loved and you are love, where you are accepted and you accept. MAY 2018 ETHEREA | 44
Models (L to R): Vaishnavi Pal, Shreya Verma, Ishwari Ambavane, Maansi Singh, Shrishti Soni, Ishie Parihar and Khushi Agarwal.
mehak gupta
amr i ts a r | m um bai | ahmedabad
Eros B
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ETHEREA | TRENDS 2018
NEW OVER
HEIGHTS
If there is anything growing altitudinous this season, it would definitely have to be a pair of Over The Knee boots. Fall is almost around the corner, and what bad could a couple of relief-givers do to your feet? Although, the moment we envision these thigh high wonders, an illustration of Julia Roberts’ sleazy silhouette strutting with floozy air catches our mind. But 1990’s definitely saw these boots differently. Almost always considered as a piece of harlot’s enticing demeanour, these OTK’s have been slaying ramp for a long time now- and definitely not as stripper boots, but as chic and sophisticated gems, creating a powerful identity for themselves. Emanating from the 15th Century as an indivisible part of men’s riding attire, the Victorian Era partly launched the idea of adapting this- now-almost-androgynous-trend - for elite women as well. Laced leather boots began reaching new heights in the 19th Century London, when the exaggerating world of fashion reportedly marked them as erotic entities for foot fetishes, conveniently helpful to fulfil the role of a dominatrix.
Dior | 2015 51 | ETHEREA MAY 2018
But since the iconic movie Pretty Woman in 1990, the arena for these aphrodisiac boots changed tremendously, and not only did they entice erotica now, but also started becoming a sign of luxury and chic finesse. With a whole lot of designers working on their rudimentary characteristics to make them look more poised and chaste than beforeonly for the fashion world to call them, once-again, in-vogue.
“ “ This trend can be considered as a classic, that revives itself every fall and kills the ramp with its cut-edge fashion qualities and glorious style statement look.
Thigh-Highs or OTKs have been a part of the Autumn fashion wear for a long time now, although their debut come-back was, 20 years after Pretty Woman, in 2010- When the audience accepted them less as sex objects, and more as a style statement. Ever since, these boots rebound every fall, with new heights and designs. Major designers and fashion houses like Dior, Burberry, Mulberry, Stuart Weitzman, Manolo Blahnik, Moschino, Christian Loubotin, Victoria’s Secret and many more have done overwhelming work over these boots- launching new designs every season. The old vinyl was substituted by more authentic materials like animal skins and various types of leather and suede, along with designs that matched the trends of the season.
The year 2015 saw major new heights of these boots- almost reaching the crotch, with Dior making latex boots- with transparent block heels to sculpt the straight silhouettes of the models. 2016 saw this trend of just-over-the-knee boots percolating to the audience in large amounts, with brands like Forever 21 and Asos taking up the cheaper, affordable versions of these booties. Celebrities like Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Selena Gomez, Kylie Jenner and supermodels like Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner strut their stuff with these everygirl’s-dream boots down the ramps and along the red carpets. The boots address an air of confidence and elegance- both very important for today’s women- but at the same time, pair up with almost any piece of garment, be it a dress, a skirt, or even a pair of leggings. These boots definitely bring luxury and sophistication to the table. Talking about this season’s aspects, Stuart Weitzman’s new collection for 2017 embarks the infamous Gigi Hadid in a pair of white leather thigh-highs, paired with just a black deconstructed t-shirt, highlighting the boots. Funky brands like Moschino are experimenting with the colors and prints, taking these boots to a new level. All in all, this trend can be considered as a classic now, that revives itself every fall and kills the ramp with its cut-edge fashion qualities and glorious style statement look. It not only covers the entire legs- but is functional, structural, convenient and also elegant. What else are you looking for this fall? MAY 2018 ETHEREA | 52
Gigi Hadid for Stuart Weitzman, Dec 2017
ETHEREA | TRENDS 2018
Forever 21 | 2016
55 | ETHEREA MAY 2018
Moschino | 2017
RAW MANGO
styling, make up and photography: rachana shete models (from L): pooja tripathi, anzorie raghuvanshi, neha kolte
ETHEREA | AHMEDABAD
THE STREET ACCENTS Borrowed from the streets of Ahmedabad’s ol d city, Etherea brings to you an exclusive photo editorial about the traditional ensembles of this vibrant city full of Indian culture. With a combination of bright yellows, typical Rabari black and colorful ghagras , The Street Accents brings together the people who are prominent in their choices of clothing, as complimentary to being happy within their skins. Caught in the moment of their regular works, this editorial is a derivation of common peopleinspired from their colors and silhouettes- be it the typical black wearing Rabari women, the Kediyu men, or just the vibrant dressers. Ahmedabad is full of cultural diversity, and yet, the city finds its heart beating over the lines of its traditions. The Street Accents is one effort to bring that city to life and recreate the moments that defines it.
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Styling and Photography: Rachana Shete Model: Neha Kolte On Neha: Jhumkas from Rani-No-Haziro, Necklace from Aldo, Bracelet and Armlet from Manek Chowk, Dress from Law Garden Road, Juttis from Inc5.
Sina Ben, a local from the Relief road, Ahmedabad, is spotted wearing colorful clothes. She was homeless and wore every piece of clothing that was ever handed down to her, or she had owned. Her story was inspiring. Shot by Rachana Shete
Styling and Photography: Rachana Shete Model: Pooja Tripathi On Pooja: Leather Ghagra by Sifra Solomon, Bustier by Shubhi, Jewellery from Rani No Haziro.
Anil BHai sits at the Manek Chowk corner every morning, reading his newspaper, with a chai and bidi. Shot by Rachana Shete
Anil Bhai’s Neighborhood.
MAY 2018 ETHEREA | 68
Styling and Photography: Rachana Shete Model: Anzorie Raghuvanshi On Anzorie: Kediyu from Pooja Kreations, Gandhinagar, Stilletos from SheIn, Turban by Pooja Kreations.
ETHEREA | AHMEDABAD
The Relief Road as before the mankind jostles on the streets and builds chaos. Shot by Rachana Shete
Hari Bhai at Rani No Haziro, waiting for business. Shot by Rachana Shete
Th
The Sunday Market, Ravivari, Ahmedabad.
he Vintage Pitara
ETHEREA | CULTURE
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER | JUNE 2018/19
MAY 2018 ETHEREA | 80
Styling and Make Up: Rachana Shete | Photography: Prachi Sethi
ETHEREA | CULTURE
Geisha
They stand by my doors, and knock relentlessly; Entertainment expected as soon as it could be. I serve tea, I dance and I pray; These men, someday, understand I’m a womanA woman with feelings,, dreams and aspirations; But all I am to them, now, is a Geisha.
Styling and Make Up: Rachana Shete Photography: Prachi Sethi Model: Vasihnavi Pal
Styling and Make Up: Rachana Shete Photography: Prachi Sethi Model: Vasihnavi Pal
Styling and Make Up: Rachana Shete Photography: Prachi Sethi Model: Akshita Mishra Garment By: Anzorie Raghuvanshi
Styling and Make Up: Rachana Shete Photography: Prachi Sethi Model: Akshita Mishra Garment by: Anzorie Raghuvanshi
Styling and Make Up: Rachana Shete Photography: Prachi Sethi Model: Deenpar Chinir
Styling and Make Up: Rachana Shete Photography: Prachi Sethi Model: Deenpar Chinir
*Available on NYKAA
End of Summer Sale. See You Soon.
The Ahmedabad Issue