October 2015 | Vol 5
OUTLOOK SPLURGE october 2015 VOL 5
The Timeless
bride
TOP COUTURIERS ON
WEDDING
TRENDS Gourmet
Persian Delights
SPLURGE EDIT
Here comes the BRIDE
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eddings in India are almost always about the bling. You may take your cue from the glitter of the Bollywood stardust, as portrayed so effortlessly on our cover muse, actor Tamannaah Bhatia in a crimson Manish Malhotra creation, or you may choose to keep it weightless, à la Tarun Tahiliani. Or go all-out opulent with an emphasis on banarasi work, like Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla. So many options, so much colour, and all the drama that only an Indian wedding can conjure. We speak to some of India’s top couturiers to help us decode the latest trends, only to learn that it’s all about classic elegance. And we’re inspired by Bollywood’s favourite designer Manish Malhotra, who’s carved a special niche for himself after 25 years in the industry. He’s unapologetic about the glitter and the glamour, and has stayed true to himself. Kudos to him. Our bridal issue brings you the latest in wedding décor, gourmet catering, even a few exclusive honeymoon ideas. But where there’s a bride, shopping can never be far behind, as we go to one of luxury’s favourite online addresses, that will deliver your dress from the Turks and Caicos Islands to Toronto. We’ve curated some stunning cocktail dressing looks, in our fashion feature set at Olive, Mehrauli in New Delhi. And we’re delighted to have our special guest, jewellery designer extraodinaire Nirav Modi, spill on the perfect sparkly trousseau. A JJ Valaya lehenga at Exclusively.com - Priya Kumari Rana
Editor-in-Chief Krishna Prasad President Indranil Roy Associate Publisher Vidya Menon Executive Editor Priya Kumari Rana BUSINESS OFFICE Vice Presidents Johnson D Silva, Shishir Saxena National Head Kabir Khattar Business Head (Digital) Avneendra Mani Tripathi Brand Head Shrutika Dewan CIRCULATION National Head Anindya Banerjee Assistant General Manager G Ramesh (South) Vinod Kumar (North) PRODUCTION Assistant General Manager Shashank Dixit Senior Manager Shekhar Pandey ACCOUNTS General Manager A G Subramaniam Senior Manager Diwan Singh Bisht HEAD OFFICE
CONTRIBUTORS
AB-10 Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi 110029, India Tel: 011-33505500 Fax: 011-26191420 Email: outlook@outlookindia.com OTHER OFFICES Mumbai Tel: 022-33545000 Fax: 022-33545100 Kolkata Tel: 033-33545400 Fax: 033-24650145 Chennai Tel: 044-33506300 Fax: 044-33506327
Nikhil Agarwal This sommelier is the director of All Things Nice, a consultancy firm that caters to wineries, spirits, and gourmet food companies across the world. It also organizes events.
Nirav Modi The Antwerpborn Nirav is inspired by nature and art to create with the world’s rarest diamonds. Precision and innovation are some of the hallmarks of his jewellery pieces.
Nivi Shrivastava
Olya Milentis & Jaf Jafri
Shveta Bhagat
She’s a freethinker, traveller, and writer, in search of new adventures. A former newspaper journalist, she runs her fashion blog Msjunebug.
Olya is a fashion photographer with a poetic understanding of the craft. Jaf has advertising and editorial shoots to his credit, and together they’re J&M Image Studio.
She’s been writing on lifestyle and luxury for several years, and enjoys the thrills of brand consulting for startups. In her free time, she loves to bake and do the zumba.
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Bengaluru Tel: 080-45236100; 45236105 Hyderabad Tel: 040-23371144 Printed and published by Indrani Roy on behalf of Outlook Publishing (India) Pvt Ltd. Printed at IPP Limited. C4-C11, Phase II, Noida and published from AB-10 Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi 110029 Cover & Layout design @alarinks
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Contents October 2015
Covetables
20 | Trousseau Novelties From a Downton Abbey jewellery box and rare French fragrances, to clutches lined with real 24k gold and wedding invites from a 200-yearold company, a few bridal must-haves.
Splurge Watch
28 | Everything you need, now
Cover story
36 | The designer’s bridal muse Couturier to the Bollywood stars Manish Malhotra opens up about 25 years in showbiz, styling the beauteous Tamannaah Bhatia, and how he’s always remained true to his design aesthetic.
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20
28 fashion
42 | A brave new world Maestro Tarun Tahiliani tells us how weightlessness is the new chic, his Savile Row connection, and a new jewellery line with Azva.
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cover photograph by Rohan Pingle. Tamannaah’s bridal lehenga is by Manish Malhotra; earrings are by Manish Malhotra for Anmol Jewellers with Forevermark diamonds; necklace by Anmol Jewellers with Forevermark diamonds.
Burn some rubber with the new Ferrari California T, pick up a rare new single malt, hot new smartwatches, catch designers on the rise, and see the latest honeymoon destinations.
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October 2015
Contents Fashion
44 | Romance never dies Designer Suneet Varma marries traditional zari and resham with soft net, georgette, metallic, and banarasi fabrics to weave an unforgettable bridal tale as seen at his last couture show.
46 | Varanasi calling
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This wedding season, flamboyant design duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla takes a cue from the ancient city of Varanasi, to weave magic from zardozi, chikankari, and banarasi silks.
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FASHION
48 | Courtship and seduction We bring you tantalizing bridal cocktail looks, from short flirty frocks, to floral gowns, and even a lehenga gown, while your man dons tailored three-piece suits, soft camel jackets, and even a velour suit, as part of a whirlwind fashionable affair.
60 | Building the perfect jewellery trousseau Jewellery designer Nirav Modi lists the season’s shiny baubles, that are just apt for a newlywed to wear on a multitude of occasions – from casual lunches to family dinners, and everything in between.
48 64 64 | An exclusive shopper’s delight We speak to Mohini Boparai Guleria, the co-founder of one of India’s most luxurious online shopping destinations, Exclusively. com, and learn about its myriad bridal offerings, and a bespoke by-appointment only service with top designers.
Catering
68 | A Wedding affair to remember
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AD Singh’s The Moving Kitchen caters sumptuous international fare for even the most discerning tastebuds, and promises a wedding feast that will be hard to forget.
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October 2015
Contents
wedding dÉcor
70 | An Aura of luxury Evoking the grandeur of gold, designer Varun Bahl launches his luxe weddings design venture that encapsulates everything from décor, to flowers, cutlery, menus, to bien sûr, gourmet food.
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gastronomy
gourmet Teas
74 | A touch of Iran in India
78 | The mistress of leaves
Chef Manpreet of the Fairmont Jaipur brings home a slice of sheer Persian heaven: from Tabriz Koftey to Atta Raan, he’s recreated authentic Iranian fare at Zarin, the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant.
We meet entrepreneur and tea sommelier Radhika Batra Shah, who’s travelled through the interiors of China to bring back the perfect brew.
78 High Spirits
82 | A Swiss escapade We travel to Geneva, to the Vendage du Russin harvest fest, and uncover the hidden delights of Swiss wines. We also savour the sights, sounds, and of course the delectable cheeses on offer.
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Wanderlust
84 | A Parisian affaire du coeur What better way to spend a honeymoon that tucked away in a luxury suite of the La Réserve Hotel and Spa, a stone’s throw from the Champs Elysées and exclusive excursions for two.
sports
86 | A bicycle for all seasons We meet Pravin Patil of Starkenn Sports in Pune, who retails the world-famous Giant bicycles that is winning tournaments all over the world, from the Olympics to the Tour de France.
Parting Shot
88 | A Latina at heart
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The bootilicious Jennifer Lopez is raring to go: despite a final season at American Idol, she’s got a new gig in Las Vegas, and a new cop show on TV. And there’s also the young beau in her life.
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COVETABLES
novelties Trousseau
From chateau-shaped jewellery boxes and clutches, to an emerald brooch and Ganesh haute horlogerie timepiece for the guys, there’s something for everyone this wedding season.
Castle Coffer
Charming Autograph
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ring home some Downton Abbey. The famous Highclere Castle is reproduced here by London designer David Linley as a stunning jewellery box in maple and burr maple, with over 10,944 pieces of marquetry that have been meticulously pieced together by Linley crafstmen. Lined in faux suede, the jewellery box contains three main drawers, and a secret drawer. Limited to five pieces. Price: `65,28,350 (approx.)
Bee-autiful Bouquet
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ind a place on your boudoir for some bee lovin’. L’Abeille aux Ailes d’Argent, an exclusive scent by French luxury parfumier Guerlain, comes in a precious handmade bottle by Baccarat crystal shaped like the Bee, the maison’s emblem. With its silver wings, Baccarat achieved a new expertise seen in the aeronotic sector, to create modern perfume. This sumptuous, limited-edition Rêve de Lune creation has floral and spicy notes with fresh notes of bergamot and neroli. Price: `12,59,135 (approx.)
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he Ecridor Mademoiselle palladium-coated ballpoint pen by Caran d’Ache is perfect to pen those thank-you wedding notes. You can engrave a secret message on the message charm, or choose among the heart, bow, padlock, or four-leaf clover charms. Price: `14,850 (each charm is `2,400 approx.)
Gilded Grip
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ormer magazine editor Stefanie Phan creates handcrafted, handpainted 24k gold and lucite clutches that will go well with any outfit – Indian or Western. She can also customize clutches for brides, using Indian embellishments as per the bride’s desires. Brides may inquire at hello@stefaniephan.com Price: `1,23,000 (gold); `1,33,000 (bridal)
Nights in Gold
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or those endless rounds of cocktails, clutch the Sweety Charity Laser Egypto Nappa Gold by Christian Louboutin, and you’re set. Its petite body and feminine bow detail make in an evening favourite. Price: `98,000
Pomegranate Passion
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lay the world’s oldest board game à deux with this Alexander Llewllyn Design Pomegranate set, commissioned to celebrate the rich culture of Azerbaijan, with hand-painted pomegranates on American lacquered black walnut. Limited to 10 pieces, and available exclusively through Vault Privé, a boutique in Baku. Price: `2,85,500 (approx.)
Fairy-Tale Minaudières
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ou can never have too much bling, with these Judith Leiber clutches: the Castle Minaudière Champagne Multi or the New Frog Champagne Jet Aurore with hand-beaded Austrian crystals. Price: `3,50,000 onwards.
Ruby Treasures
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ew for 2015, the Ruby Jewellery Box by David Linley is made of hand-dyed wood panels, that create an abstract marquetry pattern. Price: `9,54,145 (approx.)
Put on those Dancin’ Shoes
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lip on those suede shoes, with Christian Louboutin’s new pump with allover chain trim, the sexy Dollyparty 120 Suede Night Gold. Price: `1,69,000
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COVETABLES
Royal Brooch
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or your man, there’s no better way to dress up a bandhgala than with an Emerald and Diamond brooch, like this one by Amrapali for Men. The lustrous sirpech end is pinned to the chest, while the other end is pinned to the sleeve. Price on request.
Floral Chuda
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he chuda is a special gift given to the bride by her maternal uncle. Try a modern version in diamond, ruby, and emerald chuda especially designed by jewellery brand Mirari for the wedding season. Each bangle is studded with the princess-cut precious stones in a single line within a floral silhouette. Price on request.
Pin-up Girl
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here’s nothing more Indian than a nose pin... Enjoy yours with a contemporary twist by Forevermark. The Capricci collection comprises one classic diamond nose pin, two diamond stud earrings, and one charm bracelet. The Nose Pin collection includes seven gold ‘jackets’ – one for each day of the week – that can be worn as different nose pins or attached to the bracelet as charms. Perfect for the back-to-work bride. Price on request.
ELEPHANT Love
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elebrate the royal heritage of Rajasthan with this exquisite bangle by Anmol jewellers, to be displayed at Bridal Asia 2015 in New Delhi. Inspired by the Elephant Festival of Jaipur, this handcrafted 18k rose gold and yellow gold piece is adorned with emeralds, uncut diamonds, coffee diamonds, and round brilliant diamonds. Price on request.
Emerald Obsession
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very trousseau needs that one, regal, statement piece. Pick this majestic necklace by Farah Khan Fine Jewellery inspired by the grandeur of Indian maharanis, with a total of 19ct emerald and diamonds set in 18kt white gold. Or pick these exquisite earrings with rare 320ct Colombian emeralds set in 18k white gold. Price on request.
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COVETABLES
Timepiece Receptacle
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tow away those precious watches in a specially designed 9 Watch Trunk with Watch Winder by the Trunks Company Jaipur, India’s first bespoke luxury trunks maker. This one features a watch winder for your precious timepieces. Founded by Paritosh and Priyank Mehta, with Parisian designer Livio Delesgues, the company also designs bespoke trunks as per your heart’s desire. Price: `1,37,500 (approx).
Lord Ganesh
AT HAND S wiss watchmaker Blancpain unveiled a special Ganesh timepiece at Baselworld that uses the Japanese technique of shakudo, as part of its Métiers d’Art collection. Lord Ganesh, the Remover of Obstacles, graces the dial and sits on a hand-engraved gold throne. The ornaments have been crafted in Damascene, and the watch is housed in a 45mm gold stepped bezel case, with a sapphire back case. Price on request.
Festive Deities
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ust in time for the festive season of Diwali... Bring prosperity and good luck home with this set of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi on a lotus by Frazer and Haws. With its exquisite silver detaling and graceful forms, these will be perfect in your new home. Price: `1,50,800
Feline Floral
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artier’s symbol of femininity is the panther: divine and rebellious. First inspired as a perfume in the 1980s, it captured the zeigeist of its day. The all-new La Panthère Eau de Parfum by Cartier sits in a flacon carved with a feline’s face, and emanates notes of gardenia, musk, and chypre. Price: `11,000 for a 75ml bottle
Bespoke Stationery
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or truly bespoke wedding cards, order yours from Prantl, a UK-based luxury stationery maker founded in 1797. From square to folded, engraved to bordered, these invitations use fine papers and traditional British printing techniques. Order yours at michael@prantl.com. Price on request.
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MASTER OF MALTS
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ts first blend since 2007, iconic whisky maker Chivas Regal launches Chivas Regal Extra, a special selection of whiskies matured in Oloroso sherry casks together with the rarest of Chivas malts, creating a rich and generous blend. Master blender Colin Scott creates a Scotch with a fruity, sweet nose, with notes of ripe pears, creamy toffee, and ginger. The Extra is brought to you by Pernod Ricard, and is now available at the Mumbai Duty Free International Terminal T2 of Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, just in time for the festive season. n
The Chivas Regal Extra
KICK OFF IN STYLE
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or the football-mad youngster or aficionado of the sport, the joy of the game lies in speed and agility. Both are possbile with Puma’s lightest football boot ever, the evoSPEED SL 103gm, with its almost translucent textile upper material. The minimalistic heel counter gives a snug fit and the traction studs provide a better grip. It’s now being worn by players like Marco Reus, and Sergio Aguero. Price: `13,999. n
Driving LUXURY HOME
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erman automotive giant BMW unveiled its latest 7 Series recently at the mecca of motoring, the Frankfurt Auto Show. The new luxury sedan comes with a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic in the body structure, engines from the BMW Group’s new generation of power units, the Driving Experience Con-
trol switch with ADAPTIVE mode, and the new BMW Laserlight. In the interior, there’s the Executive Lounge feature with massage function, and the illuminated Sky Lounge Panorama roof. The iDrive system also includes Touch command for controlling infotainment in the rear, and a Remote Control Parking System. n
The new BMW 7 Series
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The Greubel Forsey Art Piece 1
Sculptural Tribute TO ROBERT FILLIOU
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s a tribute to French artist Robert Filliou (who passed away in 1987), and part of the Chapeaux! exhibition in Paris that brought together 14 contemporary artists, Swiss watchmaker Greubel Forsey has launched the Art Piece 1. This limited-edition timepiece features a microscopic sclupture by Willard Wigan (visible through a magnifying glass integrated on the side of the case), of a black bowler hat with cards flying out of it, as an homage to Filliou. The dial is in bronze, with a large stamp that reads ‘Well made, Badly made, Not made’, an ironic reference to Filliou. n
SHE’S A GYPSY AT HEART
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emember we told you about Madonna's costumes for her Rebel Heart tour being designed by Gucci's creative director Alessandro Michele? Well, here they are – a first look at the outfits she wore in Montréal, her first concert stop. “It’s been marvellous collaborating with Madonna,” says Michele. “She’s a true artist and I’m mad about her.” She wears a gypsy outfit with a lurex-lace bodysuit, with multicoloured trimmings and a crêpe de Chine skirt. She tops in off with knee-high lace-up boots. Fancy! n
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Splurge Watch Louis Vuitton’s trunks take centrestage at the Grand Palais, Paris
Traveller’s TALE
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rench luxury maison Louis Vuitton will celebrate ‘Volez, Voguez, Voyagez – Louis Vuitton’ at the Grand Palais in Paris from 4th December 2015 to 21st February 2016, as an exhibition retracing Louis Vuitton’s fabulous journey from 1854 until today. Curated by Olivier Saillard, it has been designed by Robert Carsen and navigates through nine historic chapters, opening with that emblem of the maison – the antique malle. It features luggage within themes of Classic Trunks, the Invention of Travel, the Portain Trunk, Fashion and Beauty, and the Music Room. n
Indian designers’ DOUBLE WHAMMY
Cutting-Edge meets FRENCH HERITAGE
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t’s the fashion statement du jour, when Apple® and French luxury major Hermès get together to present the Apple Watch® Hermès Collection, a stainless steel watch in leather bands in distinctive styles from Hermès. This collaboration has merged Apple’s innovation with French craftsmanship, creating an unique, classic expression of the iconic Apple Watch®. n
California DreaminG
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peed demons, rejoice. With Select Cars Pvt Ltd’s state-of-the-art showroom opening mid-October in Mohan Industrial Co-Operative Industrial Estates in New Delhi and Navneet Motor’s brand-new showroom in Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai, Ferrari lovers have a lot to look forward to. Add to this the delight of having the Ferrari California T available for the first time in India. With its turbocharged V8 engine, fuel consumption is down 25 percent from the outgoing model, and torque is increased by a huge 49 percent, to 755nM. It delivers 412kW at 7,500rpm, and accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in a cool 3.6 seconds. The flanks are inspired by the 250 Testa Rossa’s pontoon-fender styling, and interiors are in Frau leather, as usual. n
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ere’s a first we’re proud of. Design duo Hemant & Nandita will be the first from India to retail under their own brand name at luxury U.S. store Neiman Marcus. They’ve just launched their Cruise/Resort collection, with bohemian maxis, tunics, and short dresses in eclectic prints that are the duo’s forte. They are also retailing a loungewear collection under their eponymous label for e-commerce behemoth Amazon. com. “It’s great to be associated with these phenomenal international retailers. We’re building our Hemant & ‘label’ into Nandita for Amazon.com a ‘brand’ now,” says the duo. Bravo! n
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Ferrari’s California T
Frederique Constant’s Horological Smartwatch
The Apple Watch® Hermès starts at US$1,100
The Blush Rose maang tikka
CRYSTAL BAUBLES
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ce couturier Suneet Varma has collaborated with Swarovski to launch his first bridal jewellery collection for the modern bride. On offer are maang tikkas, hath phool, kamar bandh, and baju bandh, inspired by Mughal and European styles. “Swarovki is a perfect fit for the high-end jewels that match our wedding attire,” says Suneet Varma. n
Swiss Smartwatch
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eneva-based watchmaker Frederique Constant unveiled its brand-new horological Smartwatch in New Delhi recently. Powered by MotionX®, the smart watches communicate bi-directionally with iPhone and Android apps. There is a built-in accelerator for step and sleep tracking; there’s no digital screen; information is displayed in analog form via the laser-cut hands. n
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Setting SAIL
Enjoy the breathtaking vistas of Middle Earth, while sipping champagne from the deck
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fter the wedding festivities, comes the fun escape. Plan for a honeymoon on the seas with Celebrity Cruises that takes you to exotic locations across Australia and New Zealand. On board the Celebrity Solstice, you will depart from Sydney and be whisked away for 12 nights to Hobart, Tasmania, Milford Sound, New Zealand, and Dunedin, New Zealand, among other stunning locales in Middle Earth. As part of Celebrity’s Premium Package, you will enjoy a mimosa breakfast for two in bed; in the evening, you savour an exquisite specialty dining experience before retiring to your stateroom, where you toast some Perrier Jouet champagne to your future. Sailing date is November 2, and the price for a couple is US$6,000. Celebrity Cruises are brought to you by Tirun Travel Marketing, exclusive India representatives. n
Bedroom view of Hong Kong harbour. Inset: The vertical garden
HONG KONG is all about modernity
Aqua waters and white sand at Pebble Beach. Inset: Sailing fun
ISLAND GETAWAY Aussie Style
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ucked away in the northernmost point of Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays, Australia, qualia is the perfect honeymoon destination for those wanting to unwind in their own private piece of heaven. Those wanting to explore the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef, can do so via a private helicopter flight, or get up close and personal by snorkelling or scuba-diving in the azure waters, watching whales, turtles, reef sharks, and dolphins. Go to Australia’s most photographed beach, the seven-kilometre White Haven Beach. Each of qualia’s 60 pavilions face the water, some with private decks and infinity pools. Lastly, dine at Long Pavilion and Pebble Beach, for the freshest fare. www.qualia.com.au n
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hen you’re short on time, sometimes a quick city honeymoon offers a quantum of solace, especially when combined with artsy activities and finedining experiences. Hotel Icon in energetic Hong Kong is one such destination. Owned by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, this luxury hotel is also a training ground for some of the best graduates in hospitality, and houses over 100 works of art. Local architect Rocco Yim created this 262-room, 28-floor masterpiece using all-glass exteriors for spectacular views. An unique feature is the 18m-tall indoor vertical garden designed by French botanist Patrick Blanc. Indulge your tastebuds at Green, a café and bar, The Market, inspired by local food markets, and Above & Beyond, for Cantonese cuisine with 360° views of the city. www.hotel-icon.com n
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Cover Story
The
Gentleman
& the Bride
It’s been a year of firsts…Bollwood’s most beloved couturier – Manish Malhotra – celebrates 25 years in tinseltown, a decade of his own label, his first menswear label, and two swanky new boutiques abroad. Splurge meets him with his bridal muse, captivating actor Tamannaah Bhatia. text by Priya Kumari Rana | photographed by Rohan Pingle
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s Stage 3 of Mehboob Studios resonates with the riffs of Bruno Banks and his band, models – female and male – stride onto the carpet-strewn oblong catwalk overhung with white wooden chairs and given a cigar-lounge feel with fauteuils and settees. Front-row denizens, including members of the Bollywood brigade led by Karan Johar, Arjun Kapoor, Tabu, Vivek Oberoi, Tamannaah Bhatia, Shraddha Kapoor and others, break into applause as showstopper Ranbir Kapoor suddenly appears in a burgundy velvet suit, while Nita Ambani clasps her hands in glee. This is the moment that marks a few milestones for the city’s very own designer Manish Malhotra – couturier to the stars – as he ends his first-ever menswear show, The Gentlemen’s Club, in Mumbai. Not only is he celebrating 25 years as costume designer in the Hindi film industry, and a decade of his eponymous label, he’s also expanding his gargantuan 9,000 sq ft New Delhi flagship – a paean to brides everywhere – to include menswear, and opening two new boutiques abroad. The soft-spoken Mumbai boy who was “crazy about movies” growing up, recalls joining painting classes in the sixth grade, and passing his science exams on the sole advantage of getting “full marks in diagrams”. He’s been fascinated with colour ever since – it’s the genesis of his creative design work – even as he continued to draw, sketch, and
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paint, all the while working in a boutique as a sales boy to get extra pocket money during his years at Elphinstone College. A late application to NIFT to study fashion design caused the then 21-year old to consider an alternative career in costume-making in that mecca he so coveted: celluloid. “No one was looking at movies at the time,” says Malhotra. Designers such as the late Rohit Khosla, Tarun Tahiliani, Rohit Bal, Suneet Varma, and Abu-Sandeep had all teamed up to start Ensemble (India’s first luxury boutique), but this was a world that the young Manish Malhotra had no access to, as he hadn’t studied fashion formally. But he was determined to be a part of it. “I told myself, why don’t I go to the movies since I love them so much, to make my name there,” says Malhotra. It’s this same determination that has stood him in stead since 1990, the year he did his first costumes for Shilpa Shirodkar in Apradhi (he had earlier made a costume for Juhi Chawla in 1989 for a song sequence in Swarg), where he’s carved out a unique position for himself in the Hindi film industry. “I was the first person in the entire fraternity of Indian designers to take such a big step,” says Malhotra. “I don’t fear hard work; I love it, and I’m willing to take a chance.” He even dressed the boys, designing for Sunny Deol and Chunky Pandey in Looterey,
Manish Malhotra with Tamannaah in his bridalwear. Her earrings in 18k rose gold are designed by Manish Malhotra in collaboration with Anmol Jewellers and Forevermark. The 18k rose gold necklace is by Anmol Jewellers, set with Forevermark diamonds.
Cover Story first designer to do so, bringing the concept of styling in costume design. After a decade of designing for the silver screen, Yash and Avanti Birla approached him and encouraged him to start his own store. He was directly exposed to the doyennes of haute societé, and put up his first fashion show in 1999, with Urmila walking the ramp for him. And today, he’s as busy as the year 2012, when he designed for multiple Hindi films. “This year, I’m doing seven films, plus my shows, of course,” says Malhotra. “I work 18 hours, so it’s crazy.” There is Puli, a Tamil film for Sridevi, Dilwale for Kajol, Ki and Ka for Arjun Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor, Fitoor for Tabu, and Karan Ranbir Kapoor on the ramp with Manish Malhotra at the designer’s Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushfirst menswear show at Lakmé Fashion Week in Mumbai kil for Anushka Sharma and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Although he’s enjoyed dressing all the stars, including heroes and the next thing he knew, he was on a flight “I see a lot of A look like Imran Khan for I Hate Luv to Chennai to meet Sridevi. “I did the sweater from his designers and Amazon Storys, and Ranbir Kapoor for and jeans look for her in Khuda Gawah, and Couture critics who look Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, have now worked with her and Kajol for 25 Week he always felt that it’s the years. In fact, I’ve done the clothes for the collection down upon womenswear that would first shot for Karisma Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, glamour, and get him noticed. “It was Deepika Padukone, Preity Zinta, and say there’s too more experimental in Rani Mukherji – the first time they ever much shine, too the ‘90s. It’s only now that men are more faced the camera,” says Malhotra. adventurous with colour.” Moreover, he But it was one film – many sequins. has an emotional bond with the heroRangeela – that changed his life. All of them ines of his films, to whom he can never The image of Urmila Matondkar have eventually say no, as far as work goes. gyrating in one of his creations Malhotra remains “unapologetic” remains etched in popular given in. I’ve about the glamour and the colour of memory and fetched him his always been his creations. “I see a lot of designers most prized award yet – the doing what I and critics who look down upon it, Filmfare Award for Costume and say that there is too much shine, Design in 1995. “It changed the believe in,” says too many sequins,” he says. “All of way India looked at glamour,” Malhotra. them have eventually given in. I am says Malhotra. A series of firsts a person who has not changed at followed: In Jab We Met, Kareena all, who’s always been doing what Kapoor plays the small-town girl I believe in.” He adds that the fact who’s “modern in her mind” that his brand crossed the `100 and wears a denim jacket with crore turnover last year without a T-shirt and a salwar, or a an investor, is proof of that. His kurta with jeans and sneaknext goal, after the menswear ers, which was emulated by store inside the courtyard of his many films that followed. Mehrauli flagship, is a store in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham A look from London, followed by one in Duintroduced designer his Lakmé bai. His Western eveningwear clothes.“In Dil to Pagal Hai Fashion collections both at the BMW Week 2015 I had bought DKNY clothes collection India Bridal Fashion Week from London,” says Malhotra, the
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The designer with models at the preview of his collection The Gentlemen’s Club at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter Festive 2015
“No one is a self-proclaimed genius. I wake up every day to learn something new, and that is what drives me. I observe people and have a good equation with them, and this has been my real source of success.”
and the menswear at Lakmé Fashion Week this year point to his customers’ growing interest in Westernwear. The designer has always been a champion of Indian crafts: he showed ultra-light renditions in chikankari earlier this year at LFW in collaboration with artisans from Azamgarh for Shabana Azmi’s Mijwan Welfare Society. “I want to take all these dying crafts and textiles and reinterpret them in my way,” he says. “To the weavers and the embroiderers, I want to pay them their worth.” He is also set to launch The Limited Edition, a label that will incorporate real gemstones and zari on garments, that turn them
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as a showstopper for Malhotra’s Amazon Couture Week collection
A gown from his couture collection
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into rare, exclusive, museum-like pieces. And today, his bride is 25-year-old Tamannaah Bhatia, who’s a huge star in Tamil and Telugu cinema, recently seen in Bahubali. “I’ve just got to know her,” says Malhotra. “She’s a very sweet girl, and she’s been wearing my clothes. She’s young, bright, already established in one cinema, and is now trying to establish herself in Mumbai; I respect that.” Her classic red lehenga by Malhotra symbolizes the red of India. “It’s beautiful and is considered very auspicious,” he says. “This year we’ve also had experiments with brown, dark burgundy, and navy blue.” For those lucky brides whom he meets by appointment only, Malhotra is available at his store, and travels at the drop of a hat to Hyderabad, Delhi, and Dubai to meet them. “I did the Hinduja wedding in Jaipur, and other international weddings, so I know what youngsters are looking for,” he says. “People are fed up of wearing just Indianwear for all of their 4-5 functions. This made me introduce a wider Western collection for women this time.” The designer says that it’s his observation of people and keeping a good equation with them, that has been his real source of knowledge and success. “There’s a lot of travel, hardship, and stress, but I like to manage everything. My two brothers work with me, so family is very supportive,” he says. “India has fabulous talent, but sometimes lacks focus. And whether it’s a fashion designer or a critic, or other artists, I find them too full of themselves, which is sad. They think they are geniuses, while others are rubbish. No one is a self-proclaimed genius. I wake up every day to learn something new, and that’s what drives me. I see what all I have to do during the day, and how I can make that better. There’s this quote by Tom Ford, where he says that he doesn’t think of himself as an artist, but as someone who loves to do what he does, and somebody who makes a garment and wears it – it’s almost like a wish accomplished. That is exactly how I feel.” The dapper Malhotra, who’s just shy of 50, admits he would love to make his own film someday, and had he not been a designer, he would have worked as a director or a producer. “Creativity is life itself – whether it’s a design, setting up beautiful flowers in my house, creating a beautiful look – that’s A bridal lehenga what life is about.” n
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The Unbearable
Lightness of being Couturier Tarun Tahiliani creates a nouveau aesthetic with delicate lehengas, menswear pieces with a Savile Row connection, and his own brand of jewellery with Azva. text by Priya Kumari Rana Velvet bandhgalas and dhotis in royal blue for the groom
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hen the maestro of Indian fashion presented his latest couture show ‘Our Eclectic New World’ at the BMW India Bridal Fashion Week this year, with globes scattered upon the stage, and a streaming audiovisual of the earth and planetary constellations, what we were seeing was the beginnings of a brave new world in bridalwear – one that’s modern, yet sensual, traditional yet sensible. “We Indians have become these weird schizophrenics,” says designer Tarun Tahiliani at his boutique at the DLF Emporio, at an exclusive post-show walk-though of his collection. “We’re very Western most of the time, and overtly Indian, heavy, and pretentious for the two days during weddings. It’s a fake space, this overpowered, overjewelled, over-maharajaed thing.” So while he feels there is a market for the costumes of royal India, there is a whole new chic set that is aching for something more contemporary and light to wear at weddings. “I don’t see my sons wearing anything more dressy than this at their weddings,” says Tarun pointing to a cotton velvet bundi. “They may just dress it up with a safa.” Dhotis are a big hit this season, and he continues to create embroidered ones for the aficionados. And the rise of the destination wedding has spurred the trend towards this new, lighter sensibility. “Why not have simpler pieces that you can wear again and again?” says Tarun. “I see these lehengas as investment pieces because they are so exquisitely fitted, and will last a lifetime.” Taken over a year to make from concept to finish, the collection includes a stunning powder blue, Swarovski-encrusted lehenga that was no doubt inspired by Cinderella’s ballgown, soft blush, jade, red, and Tarun Tahiliani’s signature golds, soft powder blush pastels, and a sea of ivory. “I worked on the lightness,” says Tarun, “We used lots of tulle, did things
Gold remains the designer’s forte, as seen in this fishtail lehenga Tarun Tahiliani for Azva jewellery
softly, and appliquéd them all.” He admits that he kept a few lehengas deliberately heavy, but they’re still lighter than what they used to be before. He recounts what Long Island-born model Diva Dhawan told him after the show: “It’s shocking, when I put on your lehenga, I can move, I can dance. It doesn’t get stuck; it’s light. I can’t do that with anyone else’s lehenga.” A lot of the movement is attributed to the crinolines under the lehenga, that gives it a special bounce. And remaining true to his moniker as the king of drapes, Tarun has done a few lehenga saris in his couture collection, which are very subtle. His collaboration with Savile Row bespoke tailors Whitcomb & Shaftesbury, continues. He points to a sleeveless sherwani and a monochromatic tuxedo. “They’ve trained people to tailor in Chennai, so the patterns are made in London, and get sent to Chennai, where the toiles are made. They come here for fittings, and go back,” he says. Price depends on the fabric, so even if a customer chooses a Scabal from the top mills of the world, it costs `2.5-3 lakh, half the price it would cost in London. This year he’s designed jewellery especially for Azva, the pieces of which were reproduced from Tarun’s sketches. “This is our foray into doing old-world jadau with a modern twist,” says Tarun. He’s taken Mughal beads and strung them together to create a navratan; there’s stackable jewellery that can be worn with a dress or turtleneck post wedding festivities, malleable necklaces that can be worn on their own as a chic style statement, silver buttons for the guys with bezels and cubic zircons. There are even ‘embroidered necklaces’. “Beauty isn’t just about costing `1 crore,” he says. He points to a stunning embroidered veil: “It’s cut in panels, just like a Western veil.” His wedding clients can’t get enough. “They want lightness, fit, and all these things,” says Tarun. He continues to take bridal appointments at his Chhattarpur boutique. Asked about some of his celebrity clients, he says, “It’s nothing secret; we just did Sunil Mittal’s son’s wedding, and they are always understated and classy. We are not likely to do a big ghutka Lisa Haydon walks the ramp for Tarun Tahiliani’s Bridal week showing wedding anytime.” n
From his couture campaign – delicate embroideries and Swarovski crystals rule
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fashion
Romantic
Interlude
Suneet Varma’s appui on embellished headgear at his latest couture show completes his love story of textiles and crafts. text by Nivi Shrivastava
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The rich jewel colours of Persia, for Suneet Varma’s bridal show. Inset: Kangna Ranaut wears an ornate headpiece, made by the designer in collaboration with Azva.
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t’s been more than 20 years in the fashion industry for Delhi-based couturier Suneet Varma, but he manages to stay evergreen with each collection. His latest showcasing at the BMW India Bridal Fashion Week 2015 was entitled ‘Couture – A love story’, and for onlookers it proved to be a beautiful tale of textiles and craftsmanship. The lavish ensembles and luxurious accessories showcased kept in mind India’s rich heritage, infused with the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire and the beautiful poetry of the renowned poet Omar Khayyam. The veteran designer mentioned that this Fall-Winter bridal line was a result of six months of brainstorming and hard work that started after he conceptualized the collection. “My world is about creating a dream – it is a chaotic place that I live in day in, day out. From the inspiration, to the sets, accessories, and the music of the show – it builds up like an enormous surge, and I treat it like a vast ocean of endless possibilities. And in the midst of all this chaos is the woman who is the true source of my inspiration. The collection is always her story,” says Suneet. Speaking about the standout style of this collection, he says, “As always, the accessories are an important part of the show and styling. They are designed and handmade for this collection. Headdresses in beaten metal in antique shades of gold, ornate pieces of meenakari jewellery, and Swarovski crystals were the most prominent highlight of the line.” Swarovski crystals and Persian blues, an ode to Suneet’s couture collection based on the arts and Khayyam’s Rubaiyat literature of Persia was divided in three sub-categories: Arzu, Aziz, and Ahibba. “The Arzu segment highlights the zari and resham embroidery on soft nets, as well as short jackets and soft stoles in velvet. The Aziz showcases silk georgette two-piece saris, as well as metallic tissue fabrics used for skirts with cutwork embroidery, and the Ahibba segment displays velvet silhouettes along with banarasi fabrics used for the stoles,” concludes the designer. n
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The Pride of
Varanasi Designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla reinvent the beauty of Varanasi and mold it into a luxurious bridal trousseau for new-age brides. text by Nivi Shrivastava
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in Gujarat, and zardozi in Bareilly in the past, and this time it was banarasi silks. This collection isn’t the culmination of a journey, but rather a first step. As designers, we are passionate about the traditional, and are re-imagining it in order to give it new expression through our couture.” Speaking about the highlights of this vibrant collection, the designers point out that their task lies in creating with mind, body, and soul – the rest is for the people to decide. They say, “As designers, everything we create is precious to us. It is therefore impossible for us to choose one standout piece. We work with an entire spectrum of inspirations as well as techniques, fabrics, embroideries, and embellishments, and the entire expression is 100 percent standout to us. Every part serves the whole. Otherwise it wouldn’t be a part of our collection.” Speaking about the inspiration behind this extravagant show that featured the bustling ghats of the city, the duo insists that “Varanasi was the star of the show.” Their collection ‘Varanasi’ was divided into five sub-collections, namely: Vrindavan, The Ghats of Varanasi, Aisha, Lotus, and Pashu/ Animal. The beautiful banarasi silk saris, brocades, georgettes, and silver-and-gold work on the ensembles in the rich hues of an Indian colour palette have been reinterpreted by the designers in their typical flamboyant style. n
photographs by Ram Shergill
he beauty of woven textiles and the heritage of handcrafted arts took centrestage when veteran Mumbai-based couturiers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla opened the bridal season this year with their dramatic ode to the ancient city of Varanasi. The wellestablished designers, who are currently in their 29th year of partnership, showed us glimpses from their journey on the ghats of Varanasi that inspired them to create an amazing line of handcrafted ensembles. “Our mission was to deepen our relationship with the city and its astonishing pool of talent, its weavers,” says the duo. “We have revived the beautiful chikankari from Lucknow, indigenous embroideries and mirrorwork from Tharad
Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla
Bridalwear from Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla’s latest show inspired by the ancient city of Varanasi
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FASHION
Rules of engagement Usher your own fairy tale in tulled gowns, flirty frocks, and lacy shifts in primary colours of red, blue, and white. Let your beau remain insouciant, bedecked in fitted waistcoats, camel jackets, and velour pantsuits in the mossy hues of autumn. Couple your diamonds and coloured gems with his dapper bow-ties and scarves, and walk off into the sunset. photographed by JAF JAFRI & OLYA MILENTIS OF J&M IMAGE STUDIO styled by RANJUNEE CHAKMA makeup by KANGNA KOCHHAR hair by HIRA models SONALIKA SAHAY, DEEPKARAN WALECHA location courtesy OLIVE BAR & KITCHEN, MEHRAULI flowers courtesy FERNS N PETALS
Get set to walk around the sacred fire in crimson red and a formal suit. On her: Lehenga gown: Tarun Tahiliani Necklace, earrings, bracelet, and ring: DiaColor set with Gemfields rubies Sandals: Christian Louboutin On him: Shirt: Karl Lagerfeld at The Collective Bow-tie: 16 Stitches Waistcoat and trousers: Hugo Boss Belt and shoes: Ermenegildo Zegna Watch: Hublot
Whisper sweet nothings in scarlet, set off with the brilliance of diamonds. On her: Dress: BCBG Sling bag: Christian Louboutin Necklace, earrings, bracelet, and ring: DiaColor set with Gemfields rubies On him: Waistcoat and trousers: Hugo Boss Shirt: 16 Stitches Shoes: Christian Louboutin Watch: Zenith
A blossoming romance turns into a formal cocktail affair. On him: Shirt: Karl Lagerfeld at The Collective Sleeveless front-open cardigan and trousers: Hugo Boss Bow-tie: 16 Stitches Shoes: Johnston & Murphy On her: Dress: Dior Sandals: Michael Kors Earrings, bracelet, and ring: Symetree set with Gemfields emeralds
Pirouette in the fullness of florals to catch his attention, and keep it. Dress: Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor Bag: Tod’s Sandals: Michael Kors Necklace, earrings, and bracelet: Ganjam
Sometimes, even cowboys get the prewedding blues. Shirt and bow-tie: 16 Stitches Jacket: Vivienne Westwood at The Collective Trousers: Fred Perry at The Collective Watch: Audemars Piguet
A sartorial pair made in heaven, that no man can tear asunder. On her: Dress: D’Squared at The Collective Clutch: Bottega Veneta Necklace, earrings, bracelet, and ring: Ganjam On him: Three-piece suit and pocket square: Hugo Boss Shirt: Karl Lagerfeld at The Collective Belt and shoes: Ermenegildo Zegna Watch: Hublot
I take thee as my lawful wedded wife, wearing what else but white lace. On her: Dress: Suneet Varma Bag: Gucci Watch: Audemars Piguet Earrings, bracelet, and ring: Nirav Modi Sandals: Michael Kors On him: Shirt, coat, trousers, and stole: Corneliani Shoes: Christian Louboutin Cufflinks: 16 Stitches Watch: Audemars Piguet
Planning for a jet-set honeymoon, with the right amount of sparkle. Dress: Michael Kors at The Collective Earrings and necklace: Nirav Modi Watch: Audemars Piguet Bag: Gucci
Say it with flowers, and a nifty, casually draped waistcoat. On her: Dress: BCBG Earrings, necklace, ring, and bracelet: DiaColor set with Gemfields rubies Sandals: Michael Kors Sling bag: Christian Louboutin On him: Shirt: 16 Stitches Waistcoat and trousers: Hugo Boss Watch: Zenith Shoes: Christian Louboutin
A power couple if there was ever one: glitter and velour go hand in glove. On her: Dress: Michael Kors Sequinned jacket: Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna Necklace, ring, and bracelet: Symetree set with Gemfields emeralds Bag: Gucci Sandals: Michael Kors On him: Shirt: Versace at The Collective Coat, trousers, belt, and shoes: Ermenegildo Zegna Watch: Zenith Shoes: Christian Louboutin
fashion
All that
Glitters
Celestial ring with a pear-shaped diamond
It’s every girl’s dream to get her trousseau together. And with a plethora of options to choose from, choosing the right baubles can be quite the task. Jewellery designer Nirav Modi decodes the perfect jewellery trousseau for the busy bride, with some must-haves, and always a tonne of sparkle.
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ewellery has come a long way in India, from the very traditional to modern, minimalistic pieces. But curating just the right pieces can be a challenge, If you pick a few, classic pieces, you can never go wrong, as these will hold you in stead in the years to come. So whether you dress up, or prefer bijoux for your casualwear, here are a few options that will never let you down.
The daytime classic look Solitaire studs or rings are a classic, and always remain in style. We have signature versions of these timeless jewels with a Nirav Modi interpretation. For instance, our Celestial collection is inspired by heavenly bodies and features solitaires specially set in raised
Top: Celestial pendant, and Celestial long earrings. Right: Pink Embrace ring. Middle: Celestial drop earrings. Far right: Mughal Front-Back earrings
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baskets that appear to be floating, and are surrounded by a halo of diamonds.
For ladies who lunch Sometimes all you need are dainty, statement jewels. Choose something light and floral such as the Fluire Duet earrings, along with a Fluire pendant,that are apt lunch or brunch companions. These jewels are delicate and beautiful without being overwhelming, and complement a light summer dress or casual separates equally beautifully.
The traditional family gathering The Mughal pendant with its intricate detailing has an air of exclusivity, owing to its
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fashion specially cut and globally patented Mughal Cut™ diamonds. Pair these up with the Mughal Front-Back earrings if you are looking for something stately, or go for the Mughal earclips for a classic appeal. Either way, the motifs inspired by the Mughal miniature school of art will surely complement any Indian attire.
The classy cocktail If she’s wearing a dress, the bride could look at the Nirav Modi Embrace bangle. This bangle has an unique innovation that allows it to stretch; it is playful and can be slipped on with ease. Perfect for an evening or cocktail party, it is the ‘little black dress’ of jewels. Variants of the bangle are available in classic white diamonds as well as in pink and yellow. For the more adventurous, there are leopard-, zebra-, and flamingo-inspired bangles featuring coloured diamonds and pink sapphires.
Top: Mughal Front-Back earclips. Below: Nirav Modi’s brand-new flagship boutique in New York City, with its handcrafted paper-art frieze backdrop
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If the bride is wearing a dress, she may consider the Embrace bangle, which has an unique innovation that allows it to stretch. It’s playful and can be slipped on with ease. Perfect for a cocktail party, it’s the ‘little black dress’ of jewels.
The all-out Indian festival The Constellation necklace, which features solitaire diamonds in a knife-edge setting, is ideal for an Indian function. The necklace gives the impression of diamonds floating on the skin of the wearer. The necklace can also be paired with solitaire studs or with the Constellation earrings.
For the international bride All our boutiques have our core collections – these include the Luminance collection that draws inspiration from the different shades and intensities of light; the Fluire collection which features our unique Jasmine-cut diamonds; the Lotus collection that emulates the sacred lotus flower; the Mughal collection inspired by the art and architecture of the Mughal era; the Celestial collection that takes after galactic bodies, and our iconic Embrace collection. The unique mechanism of the Embrace bangles makes the jewel stretch, allowing you to lithely slip on the bangles. We will be launching our Embrace rings for the first time in New York City. Bridal solitaire jewels will also be featured in the New York City store in an unique, hanging display case suspended from the ceiling. This range will have solitaires in three specialized settings: Tulipe, Signature, and Celestial. You will also see a special ‘Bombay collection’, which is a selection of enchanting earrings. And there will, of course, be a selection of exceptional high jewels in each boutique. The New York boutique also features a special, handcrafted paper art frieze, which serves as a backdrop for the jewellery display, and reflects the inspiration of the collection. The theatrical display will be changed each season. n
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Exclusively
Yours
This fashion e-retailer means business. With its bespoke bridal services that showcase India’s top designers, it’s dressing up brides everywhere, from the Caribbean to Kolkata. Splurge speaks to its cofounder and fashion expert Mohini Boparai Guleria.
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ith the e-commerce industry in India slated to cross $16 billion in 2016, and, according to Flipkart co-founder Sachin Bansal, set to reach $50-70 billion by 2020, it’s no wonder that clued-in fashionistas are snapping up apparel online as never before. Even bridalwear, for brides and their families, a domain reserved for boutiques and family tailors heretofore, is literally flying off online shelves, straight into packages delivered in India and abroad. And one e-commerce site that has steadily been making its online presence felt in luxury fashion, is the e-retailer Exclusively.com, headed by Sunjay Guleria and Mohini Boparai Guleria, and recently bought by megasite Snapdeal.com, that has emerged as one of the country’s top players. With around 150 Indian designers and their apparel on board, with a huge laundry list that spans accessories like clutches, jewellery, and shoes, besides the burgeoning menswear section, Exclusively.com is all about serving up outfits sometimes in minutes (no later than 24 hours), once a couture or bridal collection has hit the ramp. “Our focus is quality,” says Mohini Boparai Guleria, the petite, Amsterdam-born general manager, Fashion & Lifestyle, who co-founded the company with her now husband, business head Sunjay Guleria five years ago. “We started out selling to customers in the U.S., so they actually set our standards pretty high.” She tells us about a recent destination wedding that they delivered
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Melanie, who had her destination wedding in the Caribbean, wore a Manish Arora lehenga paired with a T-shirt, ordered via Exclusively.com
bridal outfits and lehengas to, of Melanie and Neeraj Chandra in the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean, where the bride wore a blue Manish Arora lehenga – paired rather innovatively with a T-shirt – on her nuptials – along with Ritu Kumar and Sabyasachi outfits, while husband Neeraj wore colourful garb by Shantanu & Nikhil and Tarun Tahiliani.
A Beau Monde clutch, `4,410
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“Some of Manish Malhotra’s outfits go for $20,000. It would be fair to say that out of the 1,200 orders we get per month, around 50 percent of these are wedding related – for the bride, her family and friends, not to mention the groom,” says Mohini.
Melanie and Neeraj Chandra’s wedding in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where Exclusively.com created all their outfits A clutch by Karieshma Sarnaa, `7,875
Mohini Boparai Guleria
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A sari by Ashima-Leena
“I would say that around 70 percent of the designers realize how big the wedding industry is, especially in tier-two and three cities, so most will have bridalwear,” says Mohini. You can order a lehenga from an established designer for around `3-4 lakh, but with the top designers, the sky is the limit. Exclusively.com’s Couture & Bridal Services include bespoke lehengas by Manish Malhotra, Manish Arora, Rohit Bal, Gaurav Gupta, Anita Dongre, JJ Valaya, Varun Bahl, and AM:PM, among others. “We’re also powering Manish Malhotra’s website, so when customers place an order there, it comes to us directly,” says Mohini who adds that some of his outfits go for $20,000 and above. With this exclusive service, the team gets in touch with the bride, finds out her style and tastes, and gives suggestions from lookbooks that she can pick from. The service itself is free, and is part of the cost of the wedding dress. For a truly bespoke piece, Mohini says to allow around eight weeks to make and ship; for made to measure around four weeks, and off the rack, three days to ship in India, and five internationally. There are three stylists who work out of the Delhi/Gurgaon office (the Udyog Vihar office employs around 200 people), and they liase directly with the designer, fixing meetings between designer and customer via Hangouts or Skype calls. “It would be fair to say that out of the 1,200 orders we get per month, around 50 percent are wedding related, for the bride, her family and friends, not to mention the groom,” says Mohini. Menswear is a rapidly expanding segment; currently, the e-retailer stocks bandhgalas, kurtas, and jackets by Krishna Mehta, Anita Dongre, Tarun Tahiliani, Shantanu & Nihil, and Rohit Bal, but this is set to increase in a few months. There is also plenty of jewellery on offer, including that by designer Eina Ahluwalia and New York-based Madhuri Parson. “We currently have around 15 of her pieces, all handmade in Jaipur, that sell for around $1,000,” says Mohini. There are juttis and clutches too, and Mohini hints at more international brands for shoes and clutches – Jimmy Choo perhaps – coming in a big way, plus international brands for menswear. “I grew up watching Elsa Klensch on CNN, lapping up fashion,” says Mohini who trained as an architect and wanted to be a pilot in the Netherlands. “As far as luxury fashion in India, the country has truly come of age, else we wouldn’t be here. Our acquisition by Snapdeal has been amazing; it will help us scale and take it to another level. Our goal is to turn Exclusively.com into a $1 billion company.” n
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CATERING
A Gourmet
Wedding affair
Here’s something that even the most seasoned wedding crashers won’t get enough of: global cuisine with innovative serving ideas, tailor-made to the minutest details. text by Shveta Bhagat
A host of international delicacies and cooking stations distinguish The Moving Kitchen from its competition
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AD Singh
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he Moving Kitchen, the specialized catering wing of the Olive group is pushing boundaries when it comes to wedding catering. Their attention to detail, from helping guests design their menu, to meeting the most offbeat needs, is awe-inspiring. The range on offer spans; Mediterranean, Indian, Modern European, Japanese, Chinese, South-East Asian, fusion, and New World. The clients being the crème de la crème, their offerings also complement the well-travelled, discerning foodie with a global palate. Apart from presenting a great meal, there’s a demand for specialized cuisine from obscure countries and untapped regions, and The Moving Kitchen does it with aplomb. For example, there are appetizers paired with miniature drinks, strolling chef stations, deconstructed menus, food bars like cheese and sushi bars, and sommeliers, to name a few. Owner AD Singh says, “We work with the best chefs representing varied cuisines. We have specialized bartenders who can create special cocktails, as per the theme. We also work with home chefs to bring a home food experiences and to meet special regional requirements. There are lots of possibilities by way of presentation and taste, that we are constantly experimenting with.” This is coupled with the many
challenges that are part and parcel of the catering business, especially one which offers such a wholesome experience. However, they have the capacity and infrastructure to meet the requirements. Take for instance, a special demand for a sit-down dinner for 2,000 people, with platter-to-plate service. They carried it out like a synchronized symphony with more than 50 varieties on offer. With a large repertoire of bespoke catering, come interesting anecdotes. “There was this one incident when we had packed up and the food was over,” says AD. “Unexpectedly, a group arrived late as their flight was delayed, and the guest requested us for something to munch. So we rustled up a shrimp cocktail and some hummus with pita. They loved our shrimp cocktail and enjoyed the same with chilled shots of vodka.” Another memorable experience that left an indelible impression was Himani Dalmia’s wedding. AD reminisces, “There was a huge buffet spread consisting of live stations for kebab, rustic hand-tossed thin-crust pizzas, Mongolian grill, dumplings and sushi bar, cold buffet and salad bar, varieties of pasta, Mediterranean grill, Japanese yakitori/robata stations, a crêpe station, a Spanish churros station, a waffle counter, and many more.” Now, if these eats won’t get the juices flowing, we don’t know what will. n
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wedding dÉcor
Ornate Aura
From regal table menus to crystalware, no detail is too great
Aurum created the dramatic set for Varun Bahl’s last couture show in New Delhi
Designer Varun Bahl unveils his bespoke luxury wedding solutions company, Aurum, that has caught the fancy of the Capital. text by Nivi Shrivastava
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Varun Bahl
or a designer, the runway is the ultimate canvas for his or her fertile fantasies; however, for New Delhi-based designer and couturier Varun Bahl, dreaming beyond the runway has taken him to an entirely new realm, that of grand Indian weddings and luxe events. The designer recently launched his very own luxurious bespoke event and wedding company – Aurum by Varun Bahl. Varun recently gave audiences a taste of what he has to offer, at a private couture collection showcasing, part of the Amazon India Couture Week. The event and décor were executed by his new wedding company and
Top and right: Lavish décor, fine cutlery and crockery, as well as gourmet food are Aurum’s hallmark
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received the admiration of guests (allegedly the opulence and creativity of the ambience brought tears to the eyes of designer Rohit Bal, so you can imagine the impact). Varun gives an insight into his latest venture and why he is curating and conceptualizing such luxury events. He says, “Creativity knows no boundaries, and my interest in design is not just limited to clothes. I decided to embark upon a journey to take that dream of designing weddings further, by forging the ultimate gold standard in weddings, niche events, and milestone celebrations through Aurum by Varun Bahl. This promises niche, end-to-end bespoke luxury wedding design solutions, which will give my client his or her desired dream wedding or event, through the ultimate in customized bespoke luxury design, crafted with precision and expertise.” The company gives a larger-than-life experience that promises to remain with members of the wedding party rather than just focus on a single element, such as the décor. The floor plan and placements are worked out according to the flow of events and the experience to be created for the guests. Varun adds, “In this entire set-up, hospitality is a crucial element. As food is one of the most important components of any happy occasion, we have an array of gourmet and culinary experts who, in conjunction with the rest of our team, bring together the most exotic and international standards of gastronomic presentations and beverage experiences. Our USP is the creation of every element from scratch.” n
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As You Like it
Ajay Arora and Sanjay Arora (right)
The 16-year-old company exports fabrics to 65 countries, and is a world leader in furnishings. We discover its new campaign featuring superstar Shah Rukh Khan, that is all about the cornucopia of fabric choices on offer. text by Shveta Bhagat
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’Decor, India’s leading home décor brand, crowned in 2014 as the Largest Woven Upholstery and Curtain Mill in the World by Fabrics and Furnishings International, is all set to push the envelope some more with its new communication campaign, ‘As You Like It’, with its dynamic brand ambassador duo Gauri and Shah Rukh Khan who have been associated with the brand for over five years. This campaign exemplifies the diversity of D’Decor fabrics’ range in a broader palette of colours and styles, highlighting the urbane lifestyle and its ever-growing needs.So far, the brand has only been known for its upholstery and curtains, but with the new campaign, this is set to change. Founders Ajay and Sanjay Arora say, “The objective was to move D’Decor from an upholstery and curtains brand to a complete home décor brand by showcasing to our consumers a glimpse of the wide range of fabrics and designs D’Decor now offers, without losing sight of the brand’s motto – ‘Live beautiful!’”. As they cross over into their second decade in manufacturing life-celebrating home textiles, they add the chapter of the D’Decor EBOs. With
Below and right: The brand introduced digital printing on fabrics for the first time in 2010, as seen here in its colourful manifestations.
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Top and left: D’Decor is expanding its bouquet of existing products like furnishings, and evolving into a complete home décor brand. this bold step, they come even closer to their dream and mission of beautifying homes across the world. The D’Decor exclusive store will be a one-stop shop for the wide portfolio of products that comprises curtains, upholstery, embroidered fabric, velvets, wallpapers, digital printed fabrics, bedding, blinds, cushions, and curtains. The company targets the women of today who are fashion-forward, contemporary, and whose homes are a reflection of their very own style statements. The campaign film charmingly weaves in the new range in a premium, mischievous, and entertaining way with stunning and fashionable visuals. With a game of musical chairs, and the playful mood and warmth between Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan, the campaign aims to connect with the viewers on a human level. Glamorous models accentuate the various facets of urban individuals’ different states of mind and choices, by unveiling the extensive range and designs one at a time. No matter what you like, D’Decor has everything, is the final message being driven home. The swatch catalogues, with inspiring visuals, are world class and make buying simple and engaging. Endorsed by none other than Shah Rukh Khan and the inspiring Gauri Khan, D’Decor’s leading the décor revolution, one room at a time. n
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Gastronomy
Persian
DELIGHTS Zarin is an epic journey through Iran’s rich, majestic past
Inside the ramparts of the Fairmont Jaipur sits a gem of a restaurant. Zarin, which means ‘gold’ in Persian, offers authentic Iranian fare, brought to India by Chef Manpreet.
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he Pink City of Jaipur has always been a fabled romantic getaway, a backdrop to one of the world’s greatest love stories, that of Maharani Gayatri Devi and Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur. Today, luxury hotels like the Fairmont Jaipur, part of the FRHI Hotels and Resorts group, attract wouldbe brides and grooms (and their families) by the droves, as the perfect setting for a destination wedding. What’s not to fall in love with, when one first catches a glimpse of the stony façade of the Fairmont Jaipur that harks back to a Rajasthani garh, as one pulls into the driveway, right up to the imposing, immense wooden gate, from which one is showered with rose petals, to the clamour of the trumpet-and-drum welcome ceremony that is typical of the region. But it’s inside the charming edifice that one discovers a sur-
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prise – the ultimate mingling of exotic flavours of Persia, perfect for that romantic meal à deux. Sitting 20km from the Pink City of Jaipur, and built over five years, starting from 2008, the nine-acre property opened its doors at the end of 2012 with 199 rooms (the number is set to increase to 255, with nine two-bedroom villas with private pools and private dining, and special butler services). With almost 50,000 visitors thronging the property last year alone, and 70 chefs to attend to the hotel’s five dining options, all-day restaurant Zoya, rooftop bar lounge Asmaa with a Raj-era menu, a tea lounge, and an alfresco bar area, perhaps the most tempting one of all is the unique Persian restaurant, Zarin. “We wanted something different,“ says Chef Manpreet Rizwan Shaikh, general manager of the Fairmont Jaipur. “We researched the origins
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Gastronomy
Zarin’s authentic menu
The fort-like edifice of the Fairmont Jaipur is the perfect backdrop for a destination wedding
of Persian food, and recreated this dying art.” Named after the Persian word for gold, this plush, lavishly decorated restaurant has been designed by Singapore-based Clive G Ray. Hanging lamps, carpets, and large, wooden chairs create a majestic feel, that immediately transports one to another place and time. Tables are laden with German crystal glasses, with cutlery from La Tavola in Italy; the ambience is relaxed, and cozy all at once. “There’s nothing Indian about our menu,” says executive chef Manpreet Singh Malik, who got his training chops in some of the world’s best kitchens, from London to Bangkok, and Dubai. “The ingredients and the way of cooking are different, with a lot of clay pot and tandoor cooking, taken from ancient Iran.” For example, no chilli or turmeric is used in this cuisine, nor is the ubiquitous Indian garam masala anywhere to be seen. Cinnamon is used generously, as are herbs like cilantro, mint, and basil. “There is a certain sweetness, because a lot of onion is used, which caramelizes; this gives it a sweet edge,” says Chef Manpreet, who learnt under the expert guidance of Middle-Eastern chefs in Abu Dhabi, to understand Iranian cuisine and see if it was possible to recreate its unique flavours back home. First come the meat platters – boneless New Zealand Lamb Shishlik on skewers, chicken Sheesh Kebab with tomatoes and saffron, boneless fish Mahi Zameen Doz, and the pièce de résistance, the Tabriz Koftey, which takes its moniker from the town of Tabriz in Iran. This is a succulent chicken dumpling filled with nuts and spices, swathed in onion broth. One would think that the vegetarians have been left out, but not so. With the Nargisi Aloo, which are tandoor-roasted potato barrels filled with soft paneer and sweet apricots, delicate Nadru Ki Gullar, a mixture of fried lotus stems and
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Zarin showcases crystal stemware, silver tableware, and teakwood tables
The Atta Raan, a leg of lamb wrapped in dough
The Tabriz Koftey take their moniker from the town of Tabriz in Iran, and are chicken dumplings filled with nuts and spices, swathed in onion broth. For vegetarians, there’s Nargisi Aloo, roasted potato barrels filled with soft paneer and sweet apricots.
The succulent Tabriz Koftey
paneer in a tangy sauce, and saffron-tinged, tamarind-flavoured Dal Adas, there are options aplenty. The Haleem, a porridge-like wheat dish is surprising in its simplicity (there is a meat version as well). The sweetness and spicy aroma of the dishes are a far cry from anything tasted locally. The richness of the fare is tempered by bites of melon, pomegranate, and feta cheese salad – the Shiraz salad – fragrant Iranian biryani, and soft Persian breads. A staff member brandishes with a certain flourish one of the stars of the repast, a flamboyant tandoor-made Atta Raan, inspired by hunters’ meats, a juicy rack of lamb wrapped in flour dough, baked for 4-5 hours, and opened at the table to reveal the juicy meat inside. The luxurious meal is then topped off with a smooth Sheer Kurma, which is milk cooked and sweetened with dates, and a regional delicacy, Baklava. Whether for a romantic meal for two, or an indulgence among friends, Zarin is a place to remember. n
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GOURMET TEAS
The Tea
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ea, with a cultural legacy that transcends borders and dates back thousands of years, owes its origin to China, regarded as its birthplace. So rich is its history, that one would need quite a few servings of yixing tea pots to discuss the matter. And the perfect companion to do this with would be Radhika Batra Shah, whose fate with tea was sealed much before she knew it. “Tea was so much a part of our lives, that we rarely gave it a thought while growing up,” says the Mumbai-based tea sommelier. You won’t be surprised when you know her family was acquainted with Gingsheng oolong and Longjing while the five-star hotels and local Chinese restaurants’ knowledge was still limited to Jasmine tea. Her father, who was into shipping, would bring home boxes of tea and interesting etiquette from across the South China Sea. The tea culture permeated into the lifestyle of the family, who according to Radhika, “began and ended every meal with it”. However, not paying much attention to what was soon to become a passion, Radhika went on to build a career by getting an MBA degree and going headlong into the corporate world with McCann Erickson, handling strategy for some of the most premium brands in India. It was only some years into her career in 2003, that she had an eureka moment, when she wanted to be independent and spend
Temptress Her family’s love of tea grew into a lifelong passion for Radhika Batra Shah, entrepreneur and tea sommelier. She tells us about the exotic brews that have her traipsing into the heart of China. text by Shveta Bhagat
photograph Shutterstock
A teapot and tea leaves, part of a Chinese tea ceremony
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GOURMET TEAS Radhika’s Teas, the tea sommelier’s own brand
more time bringing up her newborn daughter. While she was racking her brains, she realized that her interest lay close to home, and the idea to do something in the area of tea took hold. Radhika says, “Once the idea struck, I was on a mission. I took a one-and-a-half year’s break to recce the most inaccessible, hidden tea gardens of China. Information kept opening up and opportunities seemed boundless.” Her search took her to the Laoshan, 40km from Beijing, which is a temple town with an organic tea garden that produces only a small amount annually, but of very premium quality. The other internationally reputed tea gardens where Radhika spent time was Longjing, near Hangzhou, a UNESCO heritage site. In layman’s language, Radhika explains, “Longjing tea is a breakfast tea, somewhat like what Darjeeling tea is to us.” What she learnt here, no tea school could have taught her, claims Radhika. From plucking to processing, every phase goes into ensuring the quality of the leaf. And the biggest wonder, all this practical learning in areas where they didn’t speak the same language. “Tea is the only language we spoke,” recollects Radhika. Now it has been many years of dealing with the same people who first taught her the craft, as she is the sole authorized buyer from
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Radhika Batra Shah
Radhika’s journey took her to Laoshan, 40km from Beijing in China, which is a temple town with an organic tea garden that produces only a small amount of tea annually, but of a very premium quality. The other tea garden she visited was Longjing, near Hangzhou, a UNESCO heritage site.
India for the tea cultivated in this region. On a lighter vein, Radhika says, “While I haven’t been able to pick up Chinese, they now speak a little English owing to our subsequent interest in their tea gardens.” Call it perfect timing or a date with destiny, for a long time Radhika was the only one dealing in specialty teas with a vast repertoire of about 300 leaves, and the expression ‘tea sommelier’ was probably coined for her. Her boutique Teacup that opened in February 2006 on Mumbai’s Carter road, piqued a lot of curiosity, and many converted to a new way of consuming tea. In just a few months, a surprise visit from the head chef at Taj Lands End, led to the first tea ceremony conducted for 20-odd chefs and sous chefs. The tea boutique had to be shut for commercial reasons, but its clientele was loyal. There on, Radhika continued to deliver tea on order, while foraying into tea appreciation sessions, for a range of occasions and audiences. From setting up tea bars at derbys and fashion weeks, to holding tea classes for corporates and even enlightening young students at cultural fests at IIT, Radhika’s passion has rubbed off. Radhika’s company is now called Radhika’s Fine Teas, and also includes tea from Darjeeling where she has long partnered with tea connoisseur Sanjay Bansal. His gardens which were sick at one time, are not only organic today, but their produce has been auctioned at Harrods in London. In 2011, a signature gourmet line of organic teas, mainly Darjeeling and Assam, under her brand name, was introduced, and was retailed at Godrej Nature’s basket. Over time, her mastery is quite evident. Take for example, a high-tea kitty party Radhika is presiding over which garners applause for expert advice such as, “for anti-ageing properties, just go for the Butterfly Pea Tea infusion”. n
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High SPIRITS
Alpine Libation
Besides the refreshing mountain air, charming lakes, cheese and chocolate, the canton of Geneva has much to offer in terms of delightful, undiscovered local wines, as we pay a visit to the harvest festival of Russin. text by Nikhil Agarwal
A carnivalesque scene from the Vendage du Russin wine festival
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he birthplace of the Red Cross, home to the United Nations, and the global centre of peace – is how locals like to think of Switzerland. There is a genuine sense of welcoming and happiness. I was lucky to witness a kind of Utopia where culture, natural beauty, luxury, and the desire to be the best or to make things better, especially on a human level, all seamlessly woven into a fabric that is Geneva. I’m finally here, writing and often glancing outside my window at the wonderfully luxurious Hotel D’Angleterre. My room overlooks the lake, the beautiful city, and the magnificent Mont Blanc in the background. Getting here was easy; I flew Business Class courtesy Swiss Air and after a light bite over a couple of glasses of PSI 2010 from the ultra luxury and rare Dominio dePingus estate and a cognac, I settled into my bed to snooze. There’s a sense of indulgence here just like the beauty that surrounds you. You want a hedonistic bottle of fine vin-
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tage Bordeaux, go around the corner to Lavinia or perhaps you’d like a box of some very fine Cuban cigars and a bottle of whisky from Karuizawa, a fabled silent distillery from Japan. So head to the original Davidoff store down the road. And don’t get me started on the chocolate; I went on a tasting spree at Philippe Pascoët, a master chocolatier based in Geneva. Some indulgences don’t need money of course; a ferryboat takes you across the lake, and the iconic Jet d’Eau sprouting water 460 feet into the air is intoxicating to watch. Or take a walk into the old town to see ancient architecture, art galleries, and the Cathedral. Food and wine is taken seriously here. I had Smoked Fera topped with caviar at Cottage Café, which I washed down with a crisp local Chardonnay. I also relished freshly shucked oysters at Café du Central paired with Sauvignon Blanc de Genève. Even the nightlife is enjoyable, with restaurants serving
Top: Cigars made using an exclusive blend of tobacco, only for the Davidoff Geneva store. Left: A scene from the Vendage du Russin wine festival. Far left: High tea at the Hotel d’Angleterre.
cuisines from around the world, and from neighbouring countries like France and Italy, with lots of bars and restaurants. Some of the nightclubs are decadent playgrounds for the wealthy, with high-end consumption at equally high prices – for example, I’ve never so many people drink Louis XIII cognac in any one given place. I loved that before I set off for dinner in the evening, the head sommelier at my hotel would start my evening with a glass of Dom Ruinart, a truly luxurious champagne. A short tram ride away is Carouge. I would recommend a visit, if just for the market, buying some local cheese perhaps stuffed with truffle and bread, a bottle of wine, and then heading off to one of the city’s many secret gardens. My highlight was a trip to Vendage du Russin, the harvest festival in the tiny village of Russin, a 15-minute train ride from Geneva. This is harvest time when the grapes are picked from the vines and brought into the winery for fermentation. The wineries open their cellars and serve delicious
It’s harvest time in the tiny village of Russin, a 15-minute train ride from Geneva. The wineries open their cellars and serve delicious food, and the whole town erupts into a carnival with festivities continuing all day, and late into the night.
Top: Fine wine in Cariste, in Carouge. Left: Burratina Italienne crémeuse sur salade de tomates de Nicolas et olive taggiasche at Café du Marché.
food, and the whole town erupts into a carnival with a parade, and festivities continuing all day, and late into the night. It’s simple to get there, and if you’re in Geneva when this takes place, it’s well worth a visit. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting the 26th and 27th generation father and son duo of the Domaine des Molards, who took me on a private tour of their immaculate cellar that was built in the early 17th century, and offered a personal tasting of all their wines. The tastings are usually charged for, and the money is split between various charities and organizations in the town, as the wineries don’t keep the money. This Domaine does an unique blend of both red and white wines, of 26 different grape varieties each. I’ve never tasted a blend like that, and the white was very good. Geneva produces a number of grape varieties like Pinot Noir, Gamay, Gamaret, Chardonnay,and Sauvignon Blanc, to name a few. You wouldn’t necessarily know it, but they have been producing wines for centuries. The wine is good and expensive (average salaries are four times that of France or Italy), and you don’t really see too much of it outside of the country, which is a pity.I found a grape variety that I now adore, called Chasselas. There were over 135 wines to choose from, so I spent my time visiting wineries trying out their best ones and pairing them with some fine cheese that I bought from the producers themselves. There is nothing finer than sipping on great wine up in the vineyards surrounded by mountains in 10°C weather, chowing down on charcuterie and Swiss cheese. They were also serving up ’must’, which is delicious, freshly squeezed grape juice. I cycled through the vineyards on an electric bicycle, making my hour-long cycle journey up and down the picturesque sloping vineyards a breeze. The thing is, and I mean this, Geneva is a hedonistic pleasure and I will visit it again to spend time in my kind of Utopia. n
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Wanderlust
From
Paris
with Love
A sumptuous fireside setting by the reception of La Réserve Hotel and Spa
Stay far from the madding crowd in the newly opened La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa, an elegant retreat in the heart of town that offers newlyweds privacy and the chance for exclusive forays into the city’s seductive charms.
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ocooned by trees along the shaded avenue, with sweeping views of the city’s most iconic, droolworthy sights – from the Eiffel Tower and the Panthéon, to Le Grand Palais and the Concorde obelisk – La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa is a haven of the haute Parisian life that bursts with the promise of an exciting stay. The 19th-century mansion it occupies on 42 Avenue Gabriel, an ode to the Haussmann era, when the latter was commissioned by Napoléon III to beautify and renovate the city with its large boulevards and classical buildings, was originally built for the Duc de Morny, step-brother to the Emperor. This year, it threw its fabulous, large red doors open to the public as a hotel that is part of a bouquet of exclusive hotels owned by entrepreneur Michel Rey-
bier. With its chic feel of a private club, first impressions past the doors lead one to a plant-filled lobby, and a little further, a first-floor terrace and interior courtyard filled with seasonal plants and shrubs. Celebrated designer Jacques Garcia has drawn inspiration from James Tissot canvases – that perfectly captured Paris in all its 19th-century bourgeois beauty – to create a home that evokes that era. With an unusually high suite-room ratio, the interiors are airy, and classical in their style, with lots of intricate woodwork, mouldings, and cornices modelled on the historic styles that were discovered while the building was being restored. So the 26 suites and 14 rooms are decorated in four distinct colour palettes – bronze, beige, prune and tearose – and the walls hang with silk, damask and brocade, as well as taffeta and velvet.
The dramatic red doors of the Haussmann-era building
A bedroom in the Presidential Suite
The 16-metre indoor swimming pool A view of the Eiffel Tower from the bathtub
A sweet treat at Le Gabriel
The floor-to-ceiling Carrera and blue Turquin marble bathrooms are the perfect complement. Chef Jérome And beneath its Banctel classical good looks lies a plethora of technology. On arrival, you are taken immediately to your room or suite, with your passport and credit card scanned discreetly by a member of the staff holding a hand-held device, for an on-the-spot check-in. This avoids the need
The concierge team at La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa can arrange for a romantic dinner cruise on board the Don Juan II, for couples to enjoy a gourmet meal while sipping a flute of Dom Pérignon or a Krug Grande Cuvée as they pass the Eiffel Tower. Or the hotel can arrange for a picnic basket in the Luxembourg Gardens.
for filling out tedious forms and documents. In your room, control lighting, temperature, and TV/movie/radio channels via an interactive iPad, which also lets you live-chat with the concierge, access restaurants and bars nearby, look up museum timings, and book airport transfers. The free-standing, stunning glass speakers allow for wireless music streamed from a smartphone. And for the newlyweds looking for an unique night in the bright city, no request is too big for the concierge team at La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa. One of the most romantic experiences at hand is a dinner cruise on board the Don Juan II, while you enjoy a gourmet meal by Chef Guy Krenzner (selected Best Artisan in France), all the time sipping a Dom Pérignon 2004 or a Krug Grande Cuvée as you pass the Tour Eiffel on the river Seine. Or you can have dinner at the Jules Vernes restaurant on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. In the warm summer months, La Réserve can arrange a delicious picnic basket for couples to enjoy in the stunning Luxembourg Gardens. One of the biggest attractions of La Réserve is its spa. Swiss anti-ageing brand Nescens is available exclusively at the hotel, and was created by Professor Jacques Proust to maintain clients’ youth and beauty. The Signature Nescens Better Aging Body Massage targets muscles and energy meridians (80mins, €260). The spa is also home to a 16-metre swimming pool and fitness centre. What better way to enjoy the city’s world-famous cuisine than the hotel’s Le Gabriel, for contemporary French cuisine? Led by Executive Chef Jérome Banctel, a native of Brittany who’s worked in some of the best culinary establishments in France, such as as Le Crillon and L’Ambroisie, the menu overflows with fresh, authentic flavours. Signature dishes include Le Homard Bleu (Blue Lobster), Le Pigeon de Racan (cocoa-marinated squab) and Le Cochonde lait de Burgos (suckling pig). End the meal with a sweet something, a confection made especially by Chef Jérome.n
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sports
Simon Geschke, stage 17 winner of this year’s Tour de France, on a Giant bicycle
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giant among
bikes Splurge discovers how a Punebased company is making tracks in the premium bicycle business, and racing to the finish line with its international, Olympic-level cycles.
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hen Starkenn Sports Pvt Ltd first opened shop in Pune in 2012, little did industry pundits realize that it would emerge as the market leader in premium cycles in three short years. Its founder and managing director Pravin Patil cleverly introduced high-end Giant bicycles directly imported from the Netherlands, China, and Taiwan (where international brand Giant is headquartered) for the professional, high-income urban dweller, many of whom were returning to India after stints abroad. “Our biggest customers today are IT professionals, followed by doctors, then fitness enthusiasts,” says Patil. As more and more professionals, accustomed to the eco- and pocket-friendlier commute of the bicycle rather than the car in Western countries, relocated to India, they looked for top, international-quality bicycles to ride here, and found that few brands lived up to their expectations, until Starkenn Sports came along. Today the company offers its in-house brand Starkenn, made with a technical collaboration with China, prices of which go up to `30,000. Beyond that, are the lustworthy Giant bicycles for on-road, off-road, and its hybrid, the X-road, that range from `26,000 all the way to an eye-popping `11 lakh. Giant has distribution rights in the entire South Asian region – from India to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Bhutan (which are set to take off soon). Internationally, Giant is a world leader, producing around 70 percent of the world’s bicycles, including some of their own competitors like Trek and Scott. Starkenn Sports also sells Liv, made just for wom-
en, that goes up to `10lakh. World champions like Dutch bike racer Marianne Vos is a Liv rider. And where you see a top international competition like the Olympics or the Tour de France, Giant is never far behind. There is even a Giant team at the Tour de France. “I can’t disclose the names, but the majority of the other stickers that you see on a Tour de France bike, are also produced by Giant,” says Patil. What is it about Giant bicycles that make them such world leaders? “Our engineers created a revolution of sorts at the 1997 Tour de France,” says Patil. “They wanted to reduce the weight of the bicycle to give better control to the rider – that is when the Compact Frame Design (a Giant innovation) – became the industry standard for road bikes in the days to come.” Today, Giant bikes come in alloy and carbon frames, the first called Allux that combines aluminium with other metals. Both come in super light ‘SL’ variants. So whether you’re a city slicker, a weekend warrior, or an elite athlete, there’s something for everyone. “We have a vertical and horizontal grid of offerings,” says Patil of his Giant range. The vertical slots on the grid are occupied by three bike categories – On Road, to be ridden on a tarmac road (such as the Tour de France), Off Road, to ride around mountains and dirt trails where no roads exist (high-end ones cost `6,99 lakh), and X Road, the crossover bike, a meeting of mountain and road bikes, whose tyre thickness falls between the thick mountain bikes and the skinny road bikes. On the horizontal grid, there are again three categories: lifestyle, sports, and professional. “Customers choose as per their level of sportiness,” says Patil. So while a ‘regular’ urban rider will need a city bike, there are those who take the sport seriously and hit the road five days a week, and may even clock up to 100km over
The Starkenn Sports showroom at Pune
A Tour de France competitor on a Giant bicycle
Pravin Patil
“In the 1997 Tour de France, Giant engineers created a revolution by introducing the Compact Frame Design as a special innovation. Today, this is the industry standard for road bikes.”
Women’s bikes also come in on-road, off-road, and X-road variants
A cycling club in full gear
the weekend alone. For professionals like Race Across America participant Sumit Patil, the right Giant bike is the `11 lakh Trinity Advance. Giant bikes are customized to people’s bodies, and come in six sizes, adjusting that frame perfectly to one’s body. Bicycles can be ordered via the Giant website, but PravinPatil says that it’s best to get one customized, like a suit. Currently, there are two showrooms, the 7,000 sq ft flagship in Pune, a 3,000 sq ft store in Bengaluru, and a brand-new 2,000 sq ft space in Mumbai. “We’re also present in 50 cities, via multi-brand outlets and 102 dealers,” says Patil. The standalone showrooms also include ‘bike spas’ where special biodegradable degreasers are used to restore sparkle to one’s bike. Biking enthusiasts can take a morning ride on a tour organized by Starkenn Sports, and take a shower at a special facility in the showroom itself, before returning to work. The company organizes cycling clubs in major cities – Delhi Cyclists in the Capital, Giant Starkenn Rider in Pune and Bengaluru – where aficionados hit the tarmac as early as 4.30am. Patil says that his bicycles don’t have a brand ambassador as such, but a lot of brand friends like actors Salman Khan, John Abraham, Sonali Kulkarni, and even magnates like Sanjeev Bajaj, who owns a `1 lakh bike. The company is planning to sponsor the 12th MTV Nationals for mountain bikes in Pune this year, as part of their event outreach. They’re also nurturing nascent stunt enthusiasts, as seen in the West. Bicycling has never looked more fun. n
October 2015 | Outlook Splurge | 87
Parting Shot
Elegant Hipster
Jennifer Lopez
The megastar’s known to stay off alcohol to preserve her good looks. Right now, her future’s so bright, she’s gotta wear shades.
A
t 46, the actor, entrepreneur, and pop superstar has never looked better, as she redefines what it means to be a modern world celebrity, with a slew of gigs, roles, and videos coming her way, even as she wraps up participation as a judge in the 15th season of Fox’s American Idol, a job for which she’s reportedly been paid $20 million. The Bronx-born Latin bombshell donned a white figure-hugging cutout leotard/suit showing off her famous derrière at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas for the iHeart Radio Music Festival, where she said in an interview that she was “sad” to leave American Idol but also “blessed” and “excited” about the future. She prepares for a 20-date stint at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Vegas, entitled ‘All I Have’, leaving fans to guess at the show’s concept – but one thing is certain, it’s bound to exude the energy the dancer and entertainer is famous for. She’s also been shooting her NBC television show, the cop series Shades of Blue, in Brooklyn, New York, where she plays a single mom and cop-turned-informant for the FBI’s anti-corruption task force, co-starring Ray Liotta. She’s also shooting a music video with singer Jason Derulo for their song Try Me. On the personal front, the thrice-married chanteuse and mother of twins Max and Emme is happy with her young beau and former backup dancer Casper Smart, as the pair released a hilarious Dubmash recently on Instagram. n
88 | Outlook Splurge | October 2015
Jennifer Lopez brings back retro-glam, wearing a pair of Chloé Carlina sunglasses in New York City
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