October 2016 | Vol 4
OUTLOOK SPLURGE October 2016 VOL 4
SANIA
MIRZA THE PRINCESS BRIDE
Dazzling
TIMEPIECES
THE BOLDEST BAUBLES
splurge edit
Season to Shine W
hat’s more captivating than a glowing bride? Few occasions in one’s lifetime will guarantee that for once, all eyes will be upon us as we walk to the altar, or around the fire. It’s just a given. Today’s youthful bridal brigade wants to do things a bit differently. Tired of conventions but respectful of traditions, they’re looking to stand out, but in their own style. Some of the last fashion weeks have seen designers come up with innovative accents and details, that give lightness and grace to outfits, not a feeling of being weighed down. With an ever-burgeoning wedding market, marked by the boom in retail exhibitions, couture collections, limited-edition offerings, and jewellery lines, it’s raining bling and bespoke. And sometimes there’s a cultural mix to add to the fun. Our cover personality, tennis superstar Sania Mirza tells us that her own wedding came in two parts, a traditional Hyderabadi Muslim affair and a celebration in Lahore. For our special cover shoot at The St. Regis in Mumbai by photographer Rohan Shrestha, she wore the prettiest, floatiest lehengas, and we discovered that her festive side is yet another facet of her charming personality. And ornaments are now being specially made with young people in mind, a strategy that one of India’s biggest jewellery success stories, PC Jeweller, espouses. Young people also want to know the story behind the sparkle; they want responsibly sourced diamonds, and invest in companies that have made a social impact. Time is ticking by... and sometimes a watch reminds you that you have to make the best out of life – that’s what Oscar Award®-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow feels about her favourite timepiece. We’ve got the latest novelties from Switzerland, specially for women who want to wear a piece of art, haute joaillerie, or history on their wrist. Time stops for no one, but for one split second, we can live the fairytale. Félicitations…! - Priya Kumari Rana, Executive Editor
contributors
Editor-in-Chief Rajesh Ramachandran Executive Director Indranil Roy Associate Publisher Vidya Menon Executive Editor Priya Kumari Rana Managing Editor Riddhima Seal Business Office Vice Presidents Johnson D Silva, Shishir Saxena National Head Bhavna Oberoi Brand Head Shrutika Dewan Deputy General Manager (Marketing) Jyoti Ahuja Circulation National Head Anindya Banerjee Assistant General Manager G Ramesh (South) Vinod Kumar (North) Production General Manager Shashank Dixit Chief Manager Shekhar Kumar Pandey Deputy Manager Ganesh Shah Assistant Manager Gaurav Shrivas Accounts Assistant General Manager Diwan Singh Bisht Head Office 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 Bengaluru Tel: 080-45236100; 45236105
ROHAN SHRESTHA
ESHAA AMIIN
UMESH JIVNANI
In college, he studied under his father Rakesh Shrestha, a prominent photographer. Rohan crafts an inimitable product, and has worked with celebrities, photographing covers and editorials. Sir Cecil Beaton and Richard Avedon are his idols.
This NIFT-educated celebrity stylist has worked with all the top Bollywood stars, including Karisma Kapoor and Lara Dutta, and tennis great Sania Mirza. She also designed the costumes for the Akshay Kumar-starrer Singh is Kinng. (2008).
This prolific writer started his career in 1995, and has written for the top Mumbai (and now Delhi) publications. He is often spotted at fashion weeks and haute société dos around the year.
10 | Outlook Splurge | October 2016
Printed and published by Indranil 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 2016 Covetables
16
16 | Trousseau Temptation Bejewelled idols, gold slippers, ruby chockers, and sapphire cuffs – a few trinkets for the bride-to-be.
Splurge watch
22 | ‘Tis the Season to Give From limited-edition wines and hampers, to the season’s newest fragrances, a few gifting ideas.
Cover story
28 | A Real-Life Fairytale Tennis sensation Sania Mirza stuns in bridal ensembles and jewellery by PC Jeweller and tells us about the ‘fuel’ that’s propelled her to the top.
Jewellery
34 | Visionary Sparkle Balram Garg of PC Jeweller on the right designer pieces for high-end customers, and growth plans.
28
36 | Responsible Luxe We find out what drives Forevermark’s campaigns and how it pays to be sustainable.
38 | Art-Deco Inspiration Bridalwear master Sabyasachi Mukherjee creates a retro jewellery line with Forevermark diamonds.
40 | Bespoke Beauties New York-based jewellery designer Payal Mehta tells us about her unique, artistic collections.
42
34
46
COUTURE
42 | The Nouvelle Bride
October 2016 | Vol 4
OUTLOOK SPLURGE OcTObER 2016
No longer limited to over-embellished garb, today’s bride wants freshness, lightness, and spontaneity. We look at new offerings from LFW.
VOL 4
Couture News
SANIA
44 | Crystalline Dreams
BRIDE
Rohit Bal’s new crystal collection, a watch collab with fashion icon Christian Louboutin, and Suneet Varma’s Couture show with Diacolor jewellery.
ROYAL lifestyle
50 | Princess Diaries Two graceful royals revisit their weddings, and tell us about the tradition and heritage behind their ensembles and family heirlooms.
MIRZA THE PRINCESS Dazzling
TIMEPIECES
THE BOLDEST BAUBLES
on the cover Sania Mirza, photographed by Rohan Shrestha. Styled by Eshaa Amiin. Jewellery: PC Jeweller; Outfit: Sabyasachi. Location: The St. Regis Mumbai.
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October 2016
Contents 52
54 Wanderlust
69
66 | Neapolitan Princess
52 | Canadian Tryst
Breguet launches a special jewelled watch, a tribute to the Queen of Naples, Napoleon’s sister.
We bring you five iconic experiences in Canada, from jetting in the Niagara River to bear-watching.
67 | Butterfly Surprise
54 | New York, New York
This pendant-style, butterfly-winged tourbillon watch by Cartier is a watchmaking marvel.
Stay at Manhattan’s most exclusive hotels, in a famous penthouse or James Dean’s former suite.
68 | Woven Wonder
56 | Idyllic Resorts
The rare Japanese technique of Raden appears on the dial of this exclusive piece by Harry Winston.
Own your very own island villa in the Maldives, and visit elephants and giraffes in a Kenyan tented camp.
69 | Celestial Shimmer
Watches
64 | Serpent Expressions Bulgari has two new snake-inspired, jewelled timepieces from its High Jewellery collection.
Jaeger-LeCoultre has brought out two majestic jewelled pieces, a tourbillon and a moon phase.
70 | Constellation Excellence Omega adds to its iconic series, with a new timepiece with a small seconds and chronometer.
71 | White Light Rado’s new white ceramic offering is light, and has a transparent dial to see the ‘heart’ of the watch.
72 | The Year’s Stunners Women’s watches with new movements, innovative cases, and historical renditions.
Watches what’s new
75 | Pavé, Gilt, and Complicated Brilliant-cut, auric, or studded with precious gems, these are artful timepieces with bling.
tÊte-a-tÊte
78 | Hollywood Diva Gwyneth Paltrow, Frédérique Constant’s new brand ambassador, on her passion for cooking and travel.
parting shot
64 14 | Outlook Splurge | October 2016
80 | Latina Superstar Sofia Vergara is TV’s highest paid actress.
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Covetables
The
Wish
List
The wedding season is upon us, and with it comes trousseau planning. Here’s a pick of trinkets, accessories, and décor pieces for the bride’s accessory closet and her new home.
Festive Deity
W
elcome the festive season with this bejewelled Ganesh idol from Hazoorilal’s Legacy range. The idol is embellished with round, brilliant-cut diamonds and polki (vintage flat-cut diamonds), set in sterling silver and 14 kt yellow gold trim. Emeralds, rubies, tourmalines, and pearls add to its glory. Price on request
Ruby Embrace
T
his stunning necklace by Minawala is set with flat-cut Gemfields Mozambican rubies and diamonds, set in pink gold, and is perfect for your trousseau. Price on request.
Samovar Special
T Fringe Benefits
K
olkata-based couturier Anamika Khanna has lent her delicate Bohemian elegance to this 18 kt white gold, pearl, and diamond round fringe necklace by Amrapali. Price on request.
16 | Outlook Splurge | October 2016
his Georgian-style teapot in hallmarked 92.5 percent sterling silver from Frazer and Haws has a rococo stylization. The body is decorated with hand-chased motifs, with a half fluted spout. The special stand adds a regal touch. Price: `3.78 lakh (approx.)
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Covetables
Grand Gesture
I
t recalls the era of the maharajas. This grand neckpiece from Mirari boasts of a 21 carat natural yellow sapphire (non-treated, GRS certified), and a total of 32.519 carat diamonds (VS clarity, GH colour), with strings of freshwater pearls, set in 18 kt gold (84.436 gm). Perfect for a classic cocktail soirée. Price on request.
Sapphire Sensation
D
illano Jewels has launched its Bridal Bijouterie collection for a bride’s treasure box, to wear on your wedding day, or the months of dress-up that follow. Pick one statement piece, like this bracelet in 18 kt white gold set with diamonds and sapphires. Price on request.
Clutch It
F
eaturing the iconic arch logo clasp, this gold Vero Dodat envelope clutch by Christian Louboutin is inspired by the covered passageway that houses the original Louboutin boutique. It comes with a removable chain strap. Price on request.
PEEP Toes
D
ance the night away in these 100 mm opentoe strappy Christian Louboutin Circonvolulu shoes with exquisite hand-sculpted circular leatherwork pattern in gold specchio. It’s an evening stunner. Price on request.
18 | Outlook Splurge | October 2016
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Covetables
Emerald Affair
D
esigned by Manju Kothari, creative director, Entice, this two-row necklace with diamonds, yellow diamonds, and Colombian emeralds (23.25 carat) took almost two months to complete. It will illuminate your every move. Price: `14,328,000 (approx.)
Lord’s Abode
L
lladró has breathed life into Lord Shiva, in this limited-edition high-porcelain figurine. The luxury porcelain company has captured with incredible detail, the trident, drum, snake, bands of rudraksha, and the bun in his hair from which flows the River Ganges. The rounded base provides space for the optional lingam. Price: `7,20,000.
Foliage Vision
F
rom the catwalk of Dior’s Fall Winter 2016-17 collection come these innovative mirror lenses with a foliage motif, the Dior Umbrage sunglasses in pink. The retro-futuristic round front is in Havana acetate; 100 percent UV protection. Price on request.
Structured Style
P
erfect for the bride-to-be, the Diorama Satchel in beige and pink Dior Oblique fabric embroidered with burgundy tufted velvet, has a pale gold-tone metal crest-shaped clasp, and can be carried on the shoulder or across the body. It is part of Dior’s Autumn-Winter 2016 campaign featuring actress Jennifer Lawrence. Price on request.
20 | Outlook Splurge | October 2016
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Splurge Watch
a gemstonE’S STORY
GUILT guile
T G
emfields, one of the world’s leading suppliers of responsibly sourced coloured gemstones, unveils a tryptich of films featuring upcoming talent from around the globe, including actress Sophie Cookson and model Grace Guozhi, and our very own Aditi Rao Hydari. Giving a glimpse into the women’s lives, the short films uncover the meaning behind the gemstones. The films come with a global ad campaign. n
TOAST TO A Change Of Guard
J
acob’s Creek marks a milestone and a change of guard with the release of its special ‘Limited Edition’ Shiraz Cabernet 2010 wine, that coincides with the retirement of its Chief Winemaker, Bernard Hickin, who’s been making wine for Australia’s leading brand since 1976. The label features a sketch of Bernard, while production has been overseen by his successor, new Chief Winemaker, Ben Bryant. Tasting notes reveal blackberry, plum, chocolate, star anise, and cedar oak. 900 bottles. n
Sole LUXURY
I
ndia’s first designer jutti brand, NeedleDust, has launched its Autumn-Winter 2016-17 collection with 16 styles that are apt for the upcoming wedding and festive season. The collection has two notes – the first is bright, pop, and quirky, with designs like flamingos, birdhouses, and umbrellas, while the second has rich, luxurious elements, with motifs like night scenes in havelis, palanquins in rich gold embroidery, muted silk in pearl embroidery, and rich dori embroidery. Available at NeedleDust in Shahpur Jat, Delhi. n
22 | Outlook Splurge | October 2016
he house of Gucci, spearheaded by creative director Alessandro Michele, has just transformed its most signature scent Gucci Guilty, that celebrates the freedom and anarchy of this generation. “I just want people to be free,” says Alessandro. Gucci Guilty for Her is defined by a signature Fougère accord of geranium and lilac flower laced with amber. A hedonistic fume. n
ABSOLUT RAINBOW
A
bsolut, the world’s most iconic vodka, launched in India its globally acclaimed limited-edition Absolut Colors, dressed in the colours of the famous pride flag made in 1977 as a message of love, solidarity, and respect for diversity. For the event, artists from India’s LGBT community came together to represent expressions for each of the six colours, with dance, book-reading, and standup comedy. n
RED AHEAD
I
conic UK retailer Marks & Spencer launches its latest collection of tops, blouses, shirts, and T-shirts for women. Whether for a special occasion, or for work, there are everyday staples and stylish colourful options, like printed shirts, blouses with crochet lace detailing, ruffled shirts, peasant blouses, fitted formal shirts, and many more at Marks & Spencer. Available in over 50 stores in India, as well as Flipkart and Myntra. n
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Splurge Watch
radiant femininity
F
or its debut perfume campaign, Louis Vuitton unveils, in a series of photographs of actress Léa Seydoux by Patrick Demarchelier, the seven fragrances created by Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud: Rose des Vents, Turbulences, Dans la Peau, Apogée, Contre Moi, Matière Noire, and Mille Feux. Featured here is the breezy Rose des Vents. The campaign was shot in Lone Creek Falls, South Africa. n
HISTORICAL HAMPER
R
olls-Royce Motor Cars has created a Picnic Hamper for the Phantom Zenith collection, a rare and collectible addition to Rolls Royce’s new bespoke end-of-the-line Phantom models. Each hamper is crafted from American walnut wood and natural grain leather, and finished in three colours to match the car. Piano-black picnic tables fold out to reveal lead crystal wine glasses, handmade stainless-steel cutlery, napkins, and crockery. Limited to 50. n
LAMP ART
R
oche Bobois, the French Luxury Furniture brand, has unveiled a spectacular collection of lamps for the festive season. This Robin Floor Lamp designed by Carlo Zerbaro, reflects the simplicity of raw materials, as it uses varnished steel with a matte finish. Its oxidized steel screen gives out a multihued reflection. There are other lamps in metal and glass, and a suspended one with LEDs. n
british HONOUR
A HAUTE PRESENT G etting a great gift hamper for the festive season just got easier! Take your pick from one of the specially curated Signature hampers by JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity. We liked the one that includes exotic mithai chocolate truffles, cookies, tulsi tea, olive oil, macaroons, dry fruit cake, apple rings, mandarin rings, barbecue spread, and a gold-plated elephant. Price `11,000. n
Sweet Set
C
hocolate is always welcome. Sweeten your Diwali with this leather gift box, Grandeur, by Choko La that includes almond marbles, butterscotch crunchettes, dark chocolate hearts, and dark chocolate rochers. The box can be personalized with flowers and ribbons. Price: `10,000. n
24 | Outlook Splurge | October 2016
lessandro Michele, the creative director of Gucci, has just received British GQ’s Designer of the Year Award 2016, at the GQ Man of the Year Awards which took place at the Tate Modern in London this September. Alessandro is seen here with British icon and singer Sir Elton John. n
SNOW POLO
B
adrutt’s Palace hotel in St Moritz, Switzerland, recently held the CBC Sport Arena Polo World Cup in September. As the official polo hotel in St Moritz, it will be hosting the Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz from January 27-29, 2017. Book your place now at the 157-room, 37-suite luxury hotel with stunning views of the Swiss Alps, for winter ski action.n
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INTERIORS
A New
Beginning
Simplicity is the new luxury. For a young couple starting off their lives in a new home, what better way to live, eat, clean, and socialize, than surrounded by intelligent appliances that do all the work for you.
A
s you prepare to move into your new home post your nuptials, you’re excited about fitting it with the best products. The kitchen or ‘hearth’, the ‘heart’ and core of a family unit is a modern kitchen today, taking on the role of a social hub, where you prepare the gourmet dishes of your choice, and with easy access to beverages like wine or coffee. It also has high-tech cleaning devices nearby for germfree living, be they for clothes, dishes, or interiors. And this is where intelligent products from Miele can help. Miele, a family-owned German manufacturer of high-end domestic appliances founded at the turn of the 19th century by Carl Miele and Reinhard Zinkann, opened its doors in India seven years ago. Worldwide, it’s clocked a turnover of around Euro 3.6 billion, and has adherents like the late Steve Jobs, who’s written about his admiration for the brand in his biography. Back to Miele products – the most exciting are
26 | Outlook Splurge | October 2016
Family-owned German firm Miele, maker of high-end domestic appliances, was founded at the turn of the 19th century by Carl Miele and Reinhard Zinkann. It’s adherents include the late Steve Jobs.
the ones from their latest range, Generation 6000, which simplify the use of machines like never before. “Our 2016 range is an upgrade from what we launched last year,” says Rana Pratap Singh, Managing Director, Miele India. “We’re present in three categories – cooking, cooling, and cleaning/ laundry. And our washing machine is brand new.” For the tech-savvy Generation Y who grew up swiping the screens on their phones, the Generation 6000 range has a new interface with M Touch controls, which translates into high-resolution thin-film transistor displays on flagship models, just like smart phones. “To bake a cake, just swipe your finger; our oven’s interface will give you the
right temperature and baking time,” says Rana. And for cooking the conventional way, there’s a host of non-traditional options at Miele. “Today, people prefer a wet kitchen, for staff to prepare food, and a dry kitchen, which includes the kitchen island – which is not just for cooking, but for socializing,” says Rana. So in this fun-meets-function area, Miele offers combinations of products, such as CombiSets that combine gas, induction, barbecue, teppenyaki, wok, and fat fryer. And there are ventilation hoods, wall-attached or hanging, that will whisk away pesky smells via charcoal filters. And to clean the dishes, one can no longer rely on domestic staff to blast germs at a hot 60°C or 70°C. That is something only a good dishwasher can do, and Miele caters to those young professionals who realize that. “Almost 80 percent of kitchens today include a dishwasher,” says Rana. Miele’s new range of washing machines too, are more innovative, with Power Wash and Twin Dos. They also conserve electricity and water. “Regular ones weigh 55 kg: ours weigh 95 kg,” says Rana. “We use iron as a counterbalancing weight
for the spinning function, so that our product lasts 20 years, not 6-7.” The new “honeycomb drum” inside protects clothes from hitting the drum’s metal surface, via a thin film of water. “We’re about laundry care, not just washing,” he says. And it’s easy to use. Symbols direct you to the right cycle, and the machine senses the load, and dispenses detergent accordingly, resulting in savings. When you’re entertaining at home, there is no better place for ‘water cooler talk’ than around the wine cooler! Miele has upgraded its counter wine conditioner to a freestanding wine unit, with a sommelier set. This new wine unit has three separate temperature zones, so you can safely store your reds, whites, and bubbly at different temperatures. “With the sommelier set, you have your wine accessories in one place, including the glasses,” says Rana. “And if you have a collection of a 100 bottles, you can even make a note of the names, as we have provision for that.” Other lifestyle products include warmer drawers so that food can be maintained at an even temperature – preferable to zapping it in the microwave for a quick reheat. Coffee machines can be personalized to remember the coffee preference of your partner so if you like espresso, then she or he can set his or her profile to get cappuccino every time. The Steam oven is another novelty by Miele, that allows vegetables to retain their nutrients, flavour, and colours. “Our next big launch will be the Microsteam, that combines a steam oven and a microwave,” says Rana. And one product we just can’t do without is the vacuum cleaner. “With NRIs returning to India, we’ve seen an increase in sales of vacuum cleaners,” says Rana. “Ours have a HEPA filter that helps remove 99,9 percent of fine dust in the house.” With its slogan of ‘Immer Besser’, ‘Forever Better’ in German, it’s clear that Miele products have their work cut out to ensure seamless, intelligent solutions for the home and hearth. n
Opposite page: A kitchen island with integrated Miele products in PureLine finish, which combines glass and steel for a sleek look. Inset: Rana Pratap Singh, Managing Director, Miele India. Below: The freestanding wine unit, with three different temperature zones. This page, clockwise from top: The new Miele washing machine; A Miele dishwasher; A Miele coffee machine; The Miele vacuum cleaner (with HEPA filter).
October 2016 | Outlook Splurge | 27
Cover Story
Outfit, Sabyasachi. Jewellery: PC Jeweller
Sania Mirza
All Aglow She’s festive and radiant. And basking in the warmth of her world number one ranking. Tennis superstar Sania Mirza teaches us a thing or two about always coming out a winner, despite the odds, and charms us with her own bridal fairytale. photographed by Rohan Shrestha
jewellery by PC Jeweller | styled by Eshaa Amiin hair and makeup by Bianca Louzado | location courtesy The St. Regis Mumbai text by Priya Kumari Rana
T
hough she’s just celebrated Eid the evening before, and even found time to wrap up a shoot, she hasn’t missed her training this morning. So we meet around noon at The St. Regis Mumbai. Her face bereft of makeup, and wearing fashionably ripped baby blue jeans, tennis champion Sania Mirza strides through the lobby, oblivious of the stares her presence generates, into the elevator, and disappears into her suite to rest. An hour later, she’s getting her makeup done in the
Presidential Suite, as we match the ornate PC Jeweller jewellery sets lying on the bed, to her lehengas. The transformation is magical. From the sporty look, with sneakers and tied-back hair, she’s suddenly morphed into an Indian version of a Disney princess, with the perfect dress or lehenga, and a matching crown or tika! The Mumbai-born, Hyderabad-raised Indian sports star who hasn’t reached 30 quite yet, just keeps amassing those trophies. She’s just won the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo with
October 2016 | Outlook Splurge | 29
Cover Story
For Sania, who’s known for her strong forehand, competition is gruelling, but she’s got what it takes. “My biggest idol has been Steffi Graf,” she says. “I can’t think of one particular thing that fuels my desire for competition. It takes everything to be competitive. It basically takes all the fuel you’ve got in your tank.”
doubles partner Barbora Strýcová of the Czech Republic, and is climbing towards yet another doubles’ victory at the Wuhan Open in China. So far, so great. Her achievements on court are nothing short of spectacular, and she admits that her crowning moment came when she became world number one in the WTA women’s doubles’ rankings, something no Indian has achieved. And how did she celebrate her win? “I didn’t actually celebrate as such,” says Sania. “I just went for a dinner as I was in the US that day. The next day, I was on a flight, heading to my next tournament.” Of her partnership with Barbora Strýcová, Sania admits it’s been a “great partnership”. “I’ve won two tournaments since we became partners; she’s a good partner to have and plays well,”says Sania. Her previous partnership with tennis legend Martina Hingis, with whom she won the 2016 Australian Open Women’s Doubles championship, ended in August this year, after an unbroken streak in the years 2014-15. It’s clear that for Sania, who’s known for her strong forehand, competition is gruelling, but she’s got what it takes. “My biggest idol has been Steffi Graf,” she says. “I can’t think of one particular thing that fuels my desire for competition. It takes everything to be competitive. It basically takes all the fuel you’ve got in your tank.” She’s had a few disappointments this year, the biggest one being losing the chance to get India a tennis medal at this year’s Rio Olympics. “Yes, it was very disappointing, but it’s part of the game, and we have to bounce back,” says Sania. Fortunately for me,I’ve been playing well!” And jetting from one tournament to another is habit for Sania, whose father Imran travels with her for every match. He’s also her coach. (Robert Ballard is her sports trainer.) “Honestly I would not have been able to achieve all this without their support,” she says.“My relation-
30 | Outlook Splurge | October 2016
ship with my parents has grown stronger and stronger over the years.” She even wrote her autobiography Ace Against Odds, with her father Imran, where she documents her rise to the top from the age of 16. In an interview, Sania has said that the book is a “roadmap to guide the next generation of tennis players from India”, and that she wants to inspire young people to win tournaments. Born into what was essentially a cricket-playing family, and encouraged by her father to pick up a racket at age six, she was catapulted to instant fame in 2003 when she won the Junior Wimbledon Girls’ Doubles championship. Asked if it’s difficult to live up to people’s expectations, she says quickly: “No, it’s not. I’ve always had pressure on me, and it makes me stronger. I would keep playing like this as long as I enjoy this pressure.” Her winning strategy, to retain her current numero uno spot in the world, sounds simple enough. “It’s the same as it has always been – give it your best, and play the best,” she says. All this talk of competition is making our heads spin. But Sania is unruffled, as she patiently waits for stylist Eshaa Amin to show her the bridal couture pieces she will be donning for us. We choose a red Sabyasachi for one look. Her own nuptials come to mind. Sania wed Pakistani cricket player Shoaib Malik six years ago in a traditional Hyderabadi Muslim ceremony at the Taj Krishna in Hyderabad, followed by a Pakistani ceremony in Lahore. She wore the traditional khada dupatta for the Indian ceremony, while she donned a sharara for Pakistan. “It was a great experience,” she says, “meeting and knowing people from there. It was a real cultural amalgamation.” When asked if there are any cultural differences that she perceives between the two countries, she replies, “Not at all, just a few traditions were different, as they follow a
Outfit: Manish Malhotra Jewellery: PC Jeweller
Cover Story
Outfit: Gaurav Gupta Jewellery: PC Jeweller
32 | Outlook Splurge | October 2016
Asked if marriage has changed the two of them as people, Sania says, “It hasn’t changed us at all. We are still focused on what we do. What it has taught us is to be more patient.” And the little time that she gets, she spends with Shoaib at their home in Dubai.
more Punjabi tradition.” But every bride likes to wear one family heirloom on her big day, and Sania was no different. “I wore the Hyderabadi maang tika which has been in my family for years,” she says. Her trousseau shopping was completed beween Delhi and Mumbai. When asked about her official honeymoon, she says, that after all these years, she still hasn’t been on hers yet! “Because we travel round the year, we prefer to stay at home and spend quality time with each other.” Sania and the former Pakistan skipper appear as a couple in a Pakistani TV ad this year, which sees them disagreeing on everything, from food, to music, to cricket strokes (as one talks about India and the other about Pakistan). Asked if marriage has changed the two of them as people, Sania says, “It hasn’t changed us at all. We are still focused on what we do. What it has taught us is to be more patient.” And the little time that she gets, she spends with Shoaib at their home in Dubai. (He fondly addressed her as ‘Bae’ on his social media account, in a post of a snap of the two of them together.) Sania’s desire to give back to the community she grew up in has resulted in her opening her eponymous tennis academy with her father, on the outskirts of Hyderabad in 2013, for growing Indian talent, as well as the underprivileged. For the latter, no fees are taken at the worldclass facility of the Sania Mirza Tennis Academy. Some hundred-odd children are enrolled there (although Sania does not give a precise number), and she’s known to spend time there when she is not travelling. Sania’s also outspoken about women’s issues. “Very little is spoken about women’s issues, and because I have a strong voice, I like to speak of it whenever I can,” she says. Popular she is, if her social media account is anything to go by. She’s got more Facebook followers than Serena Williams. To which she replies: “I don’t think it’s a competi-
tion, but I do feel grateful.” The star on court, a national darling, will soon be seen in Sajjid Khan’s Yaaron ki Baraat, with her friend and Bollywood star Parineeti Chopra. The show, co-hosted by actor Riteish Deshmukh is a fun look at friendships. “I’m excited and looking forward to it,” says Sania. “The format is that it’s a chat show where two close friends who host it, and even the guests on the show will be two close friends sharing laughs and good times.” Sania is a big movie buff and likes to watch films whenever she gets time. When asked about who would play her in a movie on her life, entirely possible, going by the way this Padma Bhushan awardee’s career is going, Sania replies, “There are quite a few names that come to my mind, but I will decide when the time comes to make the movie!” she says. And the tennis star, the constant traveller, loves Rome as a getaway, but particularly loves shopping in New York and Paris. As a foodie, she loves all kinds of cuisines besides homemade Hyderabadi delicacies, and particularly loves panAsian Manhattan eatery TAO. But for her, festivals like Eid are more than just great food. “It signifies sacrifice, self-control, discipline, and most importantly, time spent with family,” she says. And with the festive year-end season around the corner, she likes to wear Indian anarkalis and lehengas, and loves to accessorize with jhumkas. And it’s easy to understand why: while sportswear is her uniform on court, it’s clear that Indianwear and gems suit her to a T. Case in point: she looks particularly pretty in the PC Jeweller diamond tika that she’s worn with one of her lehengas. For India’s sweetheart, after all the accolades, awards, and trophies, it’s clear where she’s headed. “My goals are always the same,” she says. “I try and compete in and win as many tournaments as I can.” Spoken like a champ. n
October 2016 | Outlook Splurge | 33
jewellery
Shining
Bold & Bright segment, and always serving up fresh designs in an ever-connected world. “I learnt about the trade from my maternal uncle who was already in the business,” says Balram Garg. “And partnered with my elder brother, joining him in 1991.” Since the early days, Garg was interested in building a brand, initially signing on Shilpa Shetty as their brand ambassador in the first jewellery company he founded. In 2005, that gave way to the PC Jeweller we know today. “We know how jewellery is made, how to make the sale, and how to understand our customers’ psyche,” says Garg. “The first thing they want is quality, which is our main emphasis.” He’s addressed this by selling hallmark jewellery and certifying his pieces, and procuring the best. “Our gold is 24 kt, from the bank; our diamonds and coloured gemstones are procured in India by traders who cut and polish the best stones,” says Garg. PC Jeweller also prides itself in stellar after-sales service. “We’re the only jeweller that will give you a full refund if you return a piece within a week,” says Garg. And they understand who their customers are. “For our very highend customers, we have created special lounges since the last
Balram Garg, founder of PC Jeweller
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here’s a flurry of activity in PC Jeweller’s white-façade boutique on Bank Street in Karol Bagh, New Delhi. There seems to be a design overhaul going on, as we climb the marble stairs to meet Balram Garg, the founder of this jewellery behemoth that began as a solitary store in this very neighbourhood in 2005. Today, with 65 showrooms in 18 states, PC Jeweller is on an expansion spree, as news comes of their `1,500 crore investment for 200 new stores. And there’s lots to rejoice about, with the festive season coming up. PC Jeweller has just been featured in the Deloitte Global Powers of Luxury Report 2016, at number 44 among world luxury companies, rubbing shoulders with the world’s top companies like Louis Vuitton SA, the Richemont group, and Estée Lauder. From the outset, PC Jeweller’s has been a strategy of brand-building, understanding the customer, catering for each
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A wedding set typically combines gold and polki diamonds
Balram Garg photographed by Vishal Koul
PC Jeweller’s ascension to the ranks of the luxury power elite is remarkable. Splurge speaks to its founder Balram Garg, and discovers the vision behind the sparkle.
Each PC Jeweller design is unique, as seen in this polki diamond wedding set
five years – whereas our showrooms target the upper middle-class and middle-class segment,” says Garg. They even take special appointments for celebrities and HNIs in the 15 exclusive ‘lounges’ that the brand has created in some of their showrooms. Acquisition has also been a goal. The company recently acquired gold jewellery brand Azva from the World Gold Council, as a separate entity within the PC Jeweller umbrella, tying up with designers like JJ Valaya. “We’re also in touch with international designers, to create pieces for our lounges,” says Garg. And while they will expand in India, their sights are firmly set on those meccas of retail, Fifth Avenue, New York, and Bond Street, London. “We’re taking our brand internationally, ‘Make in India’, and sell in our own way,” says Garg. The brand’s manufacture is in NOIDA, where 80 designers churn out a collection a month for their online jewellery, and three new collections a year for offline, store sales. “We’ve launched Flexia (interchangeable jewellery) for working women, priced between `15,000-50,000,” says Garg. He’s also launching Inayat, a special ‘fusion’ brand with polki diamonds and gold to catch the Navratri and wedding seasons, priced from `1-3 lakh. “Our biggest market share has been in diamond jewellery,” says Garg, “But trends have changed. People are turning to gold, and they want fusion pieces that they can wear with Western clothes.” By selling online via their website, or wearyourshine.com the jewellery mart that they own, where they also retail other brands, PC Jeweller is targeting future wedding customers, at prices between `6,000 to `20,000. For the coming wedding season, they’re gearing to sell wedding and trousseau sets, where a bride can pick up diamond sets for `5 crore, or have one specially customized for her, where the sky is the limit. At PC Jeweller lounges, 40 percent of the pieces shown are one-
The Princess Grace diamond necklace, a very high-end piece
While PC Jeweller expands in India, their sights are firmly set on those meccas of retail, Fifth Avenue, New York, and Bond Street, London. “We’re taking our brand internationally,” says Balram Garg. “We’ll Make in India and sell in our own way.”
An Inayat fusion design necklace
off pieces, and are not repeated. Brides can discuss customized pieces directly with designers in the factory via video chat. Even the demand for silver skyrockets during wedding season. “We recently made a silver Parliament for `2 lakh for a Delhi customer,” says Garg. They’ve also partnered with Tarun Tahiliani for a range of silver jewellery. Balram Garg has big plans. “We’re doing hair accessories, in gold and diamonds, and earcuffs. We’re launching 400 designs in January alone,” he says. There is also a groomswear line on the anvil, a ring for singletons, and a ‘smart’ bracelet in silver or gold (with or without diamonds) where he’s tied up with US company Martian to track fitness and call alerts to an Android phone. That’s PC Jeweller for you – a company with a vision. n
A gold temple jewelleryinspired necklace
October 2016 | Outlook Splurge | 35
JEWELLERY
Romancing the Stone It’s beautiful, and also represents sustainable luxury. For a Forevermark diamond to become the ‘one’, there are criteria it must meet, besides being part of a unique design.
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ith a diamond as rare as Forevermark, it’s all about a one-of-its-kind beauty, but also responsible sourcing, and giving back to the environment. Costantino Papadimitriou, head of business strategy and innovation at Forevermark, part of the DeBeers group of companies, understands that. That’s why he’s at a retail forum in Pune for Indian jewellers who stock Forevermark designs, with Diana Verde Nieto, the founder and CEO of Positive Luxury, a UK-based portal and company that helps brands grow their sustainability programmes, and give consumers access to their social and environmental actions. “We are here because the momentum in India is very quick. People have got on board our goals,” says the Greek-born Costantino. “We want to take the occasion to go back to basics and remind manufacturers and retailers that the reason they are choosing Forevermark is because there is more to it than it being part of DeBeers.” He says that by giving people a peek into the world of sustainability, they’ll become more conscientious. Forevermark’s last television campaign, about the ‘journey to become one, “tried to make a distinction between diamond jewellery and a diamond,” says Constantino. “We are talking about not just any diamond, but a diamond that has gone through quite a complicated selection process, and being finally chosen as the ‘one’, or the most beautiful.” As head of innovation at Forevermark’s design centre in Milan, Costantino says that, “Our competitive edge today is the fact that we’re responsibly sourced, that sits behind the diamond. No other company can make that level of promise. We have traceability; we know where our diamonds are sourced. And then we have the design part – story telling and aesthetics.” Designers at Forevermark’s Milan centre work with Indian companies like Joyalukkas, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, and TBZ Left and right: Forevermark creates designs for the international market, which are then picked up by local retailers.
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Left: Costantino Papadimitriou of Forevermark; Right: Diana Verde Nieto of Positive Luxury
to come up with specific designs for them, like the iconic design for Nakshatra. This is done by understanding the consumer experience, as Costantino says. He also runs the brand’s websites, programmes, what goes in-store, and works with different markets around the world to make campaigns like the last TV campagn, happen. Even their design inspirations like Millemoi or the recently launched Baroque, come out of these “conversations” with consumers. This year, they’re launching enamel colours in the Capricci nose pin collection launched last year. As for the piece’s sustainability, “It’s inherent in the piece, says Diana Verde Nieto. “You won’t throw away a Forevermark diamond; you will keep it, or you will pass it on to your daughter or someone in your family. The two words that are an oxymoron, sustainable luxury, are actually interconnected.” That’s why brands like Forevermark receives her company’s butterfly mark, “So when you buy a Forevermark diamond, you can trust that only one percent of their diamonds qualify for it, but also all the way through, that supply chain has been cared about, and they represent the right values.” The brand is assessed in areas of governance, suppliers, local communities, innovation, philanthrophy, and employee care. A long journey indeed. n
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JEWELLERY
An Art Deco
Love Affair
Sketching vintage-style Sabyasachi earrings
Sabyasachi Mukherjee
Bridalwear genius Sabyasachi Mukherjee turns his design eye to fine jewellery, with his new Zanyah Collection, created entirely with Forevermark diamonds.
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his is a pairing that was written in the stars. Sabyasachi Mukherjee, über weddingwear designer, has come together with Forevermark for the first time to create a vintage-inspired jewellery line. “When I look at women wearing diamond jewellery, I want them to wear something very precious – simple yet exotic,” says Sabyasachi. “Forevermark diamonds are beautifully set with the most perfect quality, which is in sync with the quality of my clothing.” His jewellery line, like his clothes, talk about time travel. “We mix cultures and craft methods to make one garment,” says Sabyasachi. “Similarly, with our Forevermark Jewellery, we time travel back to the 1920s and the Italian Renaissance of the 15th century, where we’ve revived crafts like mixing yellow and white gold with enamel, and the Art Deco shapes of the ’20s.” The designer continues to dip into the roaring
From dangling earrings, to rings for both men and women, Sabyasachi’s jewellery line with Forevermark encompasses 35 pieces
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‘20s for inspiration, with “people living their lives in extreme decadence”, a strong art and culture movement, and a glamorous sense of style. With his strong roots in Calcutta, Sabyasachi has studied old vintage photographs of chic women of the day wearing long, dangling earrings with gossamer saris and retro hairdos. “I wanted to bring that imagery back into the Forevermark designs,” says Sabyasachi. For each piece, he gave the design team at Forevermark an idea about his inspiration, making a Pinterest board of jewellery as references. He then travelled to Milan to meet the design team, and together they scoured antique shops, where he pointed out the types of finishes he wanted, after which the team came up with sketches. From there, the final collection was built, the entire process taking 18 months. The Forevermark Zanyah collection consists of 35 pieces, including eight pairs of earrings, and 27 rings for men and women. Sabyasachi says that today’s bride wants jewellery that is traditional, and also a few whimsical pieces that she can wear every day. “The diamond jewellery I’ve made for her could be dressed up with formal clothing or can be completely dressed down with a basic T-shirt and a pair of jeans as well,” says Sabyasachi.“The sad thing is that most jewellery in India lies in lockers and people rarely get to use them. So I wanted people to have a bit of fun with my pieces.” As someone who’s literally going places, Sabyasachi is excited about his next big collaboration. “It’s with a home brand in the US, which will be announced shortly,” he says. We can hardly wait. n
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jewellery
Modern Classics Payal New York, now among the top jewellery design brands worldwide, creates magical stories for brides with gems and diamonds, that are contemporary, and utterly bespoke.
Payal Mehta
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he’s just fresh from the honour of being fêted by the National Jewellery Institute, and Parsons New York, as one of the top designers at the Fine Art of High Jewelry and Timepieces Gala held recently in New York City, putting Payal Mehta in a similar trajectory to jewellery superbrands like Bulgari and De Grisogono. With an atelier overlooking the East River in New York, and an office in Dubai, Payal New York has clients from all over the world, including India, and especially loves designing pieces for brides, for their special day. “Creating a piece for a woman’s big day is a big responsibility for me,as I think of bridal jewellery as creating a legacy, something to be passed on from one wedding to another,” says Payal who sources some of her diamonds from Indian company Rosy Blue, which also happens to be her
Above: Some of Payal Mehta’s creations. She is the first independent designer to partner with Le Bal des Débutantes in Paris
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husband’s company, a fourth-generation diamantaire. She says that today’s modern bride wants to stand out, but in a tasteful manner. “Colour, line, and subtle structures are used to enhance the modern bride’s special day,” says Payal. “I use one-of-a-kind stones, especially yellow and pink diamonds, for these occasions.” Payal, whose mother was a bespoke jewellery designer, studied math and physics, before training to be an architect and eventually an interior designer. “There is symmetry, geometry, and measurement involved in creating beautiful art,” she says of her math creds. She’s also a trained chef (“A chef too mixes artistry and craft.”). She started design “on (her) dining table, sketching many years ago, which lead to the establishment of Payal New York”. Then in 2015, she became the official jeweller of Le Bal des Débutantes in Paris. “I got involved with Le Bal because my daughter, Ashna was invited as a débutante,” she says. Her collection pieces are priced between $15,000 to $100,000, and bespoke pieces start from $5,000 all the way to $3,000,000. From the Japanese-inspired Slice to Moonstone, Bird and Feather, and Starburst, each of her creations is “monochromatic, textured, and layered through an etching effect”, says Payal. “It’s like wearing a sketch that has come to life.” And with her brandnew accolade, she hopes to make a difference in the jewellery world. “It feels wonderful, as my pieces were viewed at Christie’s. I was proud to be part of NJI and Parsons Initiative, a nonprofit founded 10 years ago by Judith Price, that aims to educate and promote fine jewellery timepieces.” A noble, sparkling beginning indeed. n
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BRIDAL COUTURE
The New Order
As the bride takes centrestage on D Day, Umesh Jivnani evaluate her options this season, as bridalwear moves away from the unconventional, and adopts a light, contemporary language.
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he bridal market, backbone of the Indian fashion Industry, is roughly estimated to be valued at over $50 billion and growing. It’s today the most lucrative business for most designers in India. Alongside, the bride has become a risk taker; someone who enjoys fashion and goes all out to be ‘different’ on her special day. At the recently concluded Lakmé Fashion Week in Mumbai, two of the country’s highest-selling bridal designers showed unconventional wedding ensembles. Sabyasachi Mukherjee sent out his traditional bride wearing black, a colour never worn at Indian weddings. Later he said, “As a designer, I don’t offer myself any limitations. Today, people are wearing unorthodox clothes to wedding functions such as sangeets and cocktails. Within the elements of my design DNA and signature, my label will continue to present offerings for the risqué bride”. Manish Malhotra’s bride took the sexier path in sheer pieces. “In the last two
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“As a designer, I have no limitations,” says Manish Malhotra. “People are wearing unorthodox clothes to sangeets and cocktails. I will continue to present offerings for the risqué bride.”
Clockwise from opposite page, top: Anita Dongre’s 2016 bridal collection; Sabyasachi at Winter 2016 LFW; Menswear at Shantanu & Nikhil, Winter 2016 LFW; Payal Khandwala, Winter 2016 LFW; Detail of a lehenga pocket in Anita Dongre’s bridal collection
years, girls who come to us for their wedding outfit know what they want. They follow trends, are on Instagram and social media, see how film heroines dress, and want to experiment,” says Manish.“They are willing to try unusual colours and silhouettes. The new rage is gowns, as many brides want to wear a Western outfit for their reception as opposed to a lehenga. In my LFW show, I showcased fully embroidered gowns, which have become so popular.” Another radical change that Manish sees, is that today’s brides want to wear well-cut blouses sans embellishment, to highlight jewellery. “Until a few years back, everything had to be heavily embroidered,” he says.“This season, I’ve also showed sheer blouses, not worn by brides before.” Designer Payal Khandwala, known best for her stark silhouettes and minimal ensembles, showed an entire textile-based bridal show at LFW. Beautifully woven brocade floor-length skirts (her version of the lehenga) worn with fitted silk shirts and jackets, were her look for today’s no-fuss bride. Anita Dongre shares a similar sensibility. “Four years ago, I was the first Indian designer to put pockets in bridal lehengas, because I found them functional and practical,” she says. “The Anita Dongre bride is a modern, independent, fuss-free dresser, a bride who would be dancing at her own sangeet. And even though she loves culture and tradition, she would not want to be overdone on her wedding day, but rather be comfortable and looking ‘herself’ on her special day.” With destination weddings becoming extremely popular in the last decade, the look of the bride has changed radically and cool comfort has taken over ostentatious
bling. Today’s bride wants to look different at all her wedding functions and its myriad moods,with looks that have led to different niches in the bridal market. From lighter lehengas to stylized gowns, the new look has become sharper. Groomswear too has evolved, with the groom wanting to experiment on the big day. Shantanu & Nikhil’s trademark look has been their draped menswear, and this now extends into their bridalwear too. “From the time we launched our label, we wanted to take a risk and show Indian menswear in a different light, be it construction,inspiration or silhouettes,” says Shantanu Mehra. “In the last few years, we have brought in new techniques of garment construction, and this evolved look has found acceptance from men who want to stand out, yet look sharp”. Kunal Rawal, who dressed actor Shahid Kapoor for his wedding, feels the attire for grooms is younger, slightly more casual and contemporary, with a greater focus on cuts and textures rather than ornate embellishments. In the next decade, Indian bridalwear is sure to take a contemporary turn where tradition marries modernity to create an outfit that is new age. It’s an exciting time for designers as the Indian bride comes of age. It’s her time to shine but this time with subtle elegance and restrained bling. n
October 2016 | Outlook Splurge | 43
couture NEWS
Crystal Bal Master couturier Rohit Bal presents his crystalware collection, handcrafted in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
Fine crystal goblets with 24 kt gold trim
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ith his opulent Rohit Bal sense of style and love for the ornate, designer Rohit Bal has turned his attention to a different kind of cut – that of genuine, handcrafted 24 percent lead crystal, made in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The designs, shapes, and motifs are trademark Rohit Bal from lotus gardens to dancing peacocks, there’s a strong Indian sensibility that permeates the work of the European artisans and crystal-cutters. From limited-edition tableware to collectible ornamental objects that include bowls, vases, tea sets, platters, salvers, vases, and urns, there’s something for everyone who
loves genuine crystal, but had to wait to travel overseas to pick theirs up .The borders and bases have been crafted in 24 kt gold and pure platinum. The collection also includes an affordable tableware range in the form of glasses - champagne flutes, red wine and white wine glasses, water goblets, tumblers for whisky, and decanters in crystal. “This collection is close to my heart,” says Rohit Bal. “It’s the perfect blend of a strong Indian sensibility and incredible European heritage of fine handmade crystal. It’s a magical combination.” He unveiled his collection at an exquisite sit-down dinner in Bikaner House, New Delhi, with a table laden with flowers, part of his Rohit Bal Luxury Weddings décor. n
Floral Tribute With 3D embroidery, crystals, tassels, and a mix of silhouettes, Varun Bahl creates romantic looks with incredible detailing, that are not just for the bride.
D Varun Bahl Fall 2016
esigner Varun Bahl’s typical bride is “modern, and knows what looks good on her”. She also has an eye for detail and intricate embroidery. That’s why she’s bound to love the designer’s latest couture offerings at India Couture Week presented by the Fashion Design Council of India. Varun’s floral theme, where vintage-meets-modern pastels came like a breath of fresh air. “I’ve used Baroque embellishments such as
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A sketch by Varun Bahl
crystal-encrusted borders, which are quaint,” says Varun of his long skirts and tops. There were add-ons like tassels (“They’re huge at the moment.”), small jackets, and capes. “It’s a very feminine collection, so we did layers,” he says. “Like a top over an anarkali instead of a dupatta.” For the boys, the roses and blooms continued on to the sherwani. “The bride and groom want to look good together, for the pictures,” says Varun. One of the Delhi-based designer’s wedding outfits was recently featured in the New York Times as one of the world’s best bridal looks. “It had a wonderful, trailing veil,” he says. As he gets ready to open two new stores, in Delhi and Mumbai, it’s clear he has a busy season ahead of him. n
Wedding
Doyenne The final lineup of Runway Bridal with Ramola Bachchan
Ramola Bachchan
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amola Bachchan has been one of the pioneers of fashion and bridal exhibitions in the country, and needs no introduction. She hosted an exclusive preview of her Runway Bridal exhibition, now in its fourth year, at Roseate House at Delhi’s Aerocity, with designers like JJ Valaya, Anju Modi, Rohit Bal, Anita Dongre, and Ashima-Leena, in association
As Ramola Bachchan’s Runway Bridal exhibition enters its fourth season, we find out what makes her shows such a hit. with Sunar Jewellers. “Runway Bridal (which takes place at Ashok Hotel) is targeted for bridalwear designers and jewellers, and ensures that a brideto be and her family get all the choice they want under one roof,” says Ramola. This year, around 60 designers and 30 jewellers participated, along with makeup artists and accessory designers. “India is booming as far as bridalwear is concerned,” says Ramola. “Weddings are big business.” She feels that today’s bride is looking for something edgy and creative, and some of the young designers that Ramola supports offers just the looks that a bride may want. With exhibitions like Runway Rising and HouseFull under her belt, Ramola is known for her exhibition-hosting prowess. But she welcomes the competition. “Any segment that is successful will have competition,” she says. “You have to look after and care for your exhibitors and in the end, be better than everyone else.” Spoken like a true doyenne. n
Louboutin’s Reverso
For the iconic watch’s 85th anniversary, legendary designer Christian Louboutin dresses up the Classic Duetto in his own inimitable style.
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Behind the scenes with Christian Louboutin, for his film Reverso
s part of its 85th birthday celebrations, the Reverso by Jaeger-LeCoultre appears clad in festive garb, with uber-designer Christian Louboutin giving it his inimitable and original touch. Actress and social entrepreneur Elisa Sednaoui takes the lead role in the film Reverso by Christian Louboutin. The Jaeger-LeCoultre friend of the brand plays an independent, impatient, and attractive woman who changes her watches to match her activities and her outfits. Christian Louboutin shows up to swivel the case of the Reverso Scarababe on Elisa Sednaoui’s wrist, a friendly move that appears to make the watch spring to life under the amused gaze of its owner. To dress up the Reverso, Louboutin decorated it and played with the strap. “Reverso’s iconic Art Deco lines and specific format could be customized, but never improved,” he says. Available in two sizes, the Reverso Classic Duetto retains its
emblematic front, while the back is framed by two rows of diamonds on either side of the dial. One model sports the iridescent colours of a scarab; another has a textured, white, mother-of-pearl dial. In some, the straps have cutouts, or are completely transparent, while all of them have Louboutin’s unmistakable, playful, mischievous touch. n
A Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso dressed up in Christian Louboutin
October 2016 | Outlook Splurge | 45
couture NEWS
Couture &
CaratS Rishabh Tongya and Suneet Varma
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In his third successive association with luxury jewellery brand Diacolor, designer Suneet Varma showed a spectacular, youthful Fall women’s couture collection at Delhi’s DLF Emporio, as an ode to the ‘70s and ‘20s, with beaded blouses, nude, pink, and citrus, gowns, saris, dhoti pants, and lehengas. “Diacolor aesthetics are beautiful, and complimentary towards my couture collections,” says Suneet of the necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets worn by his models along with the couture outfits. “We met a few times to discuss the design concept, and we had joined hands to pull off this amazing show,” says Rishabh Tongya, creative director, Diacolor. “The essence of every Diacolor jewel lies in the simplicity of form and intricacy of the craft of jewellery making, a feature that we found master couturier Suneet Varma’s designs relate to.” Adds Suneet: “We exchanged images of styling and mood boards of the show. Rishabh and his teams suggested the pieces and we discussed each piece with each garment and styled it accordingly.” This time, Suneet’s offerings were youthful and fun. “To cater to a younger audience with more eclectic silhouettes was a conscious decision,” says Suneet. “As they keep the brand identity young and fresh.” So out came lehengas, but paired with innovative cholis or long jackets. “Most of my young clients want
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A Swarovski-embellished gown by Suneet Varma Couture is teamed with a diamond and ruby necklace by Diacolor
their own language, that is, traditional with a twist,” he says. “I like to mix up silhouettes and show saris draped on churidars, and jackets with lehengas.” Besides his homage to the ‘70s with the tone set by retro Bollywood hits sung live by chanteuse Kanika Kapoor, Suneet also dipped into his favourite decade, the roaring ‘20s. “I’m forever stuck in this decade,” he says. “From art to architecture, to the brilliant, creative fashion, the ‘20s have always inspired me.” And from the joyous hues of his outfits, came jewellery inspiration in the form of flowers in coloured gemstones and diamonds. “We used citrines, sapphires, rose quartz, beryls, complementing Suneet’s clothes,” says Rishabh. So whether sparkling in a necklace with an ivory sari and sharara pants, or as a long yellow pendant worn with a long black velvet anarkali, two of Suneet’s favourite looks, diamonds were ubiquitous. “The name Diacolor itself comes from ‘diamond’ and ‘color’,” so it’s natural that we use diamonds with coloured stones,” says Rishabh. Besides, modern brides are looking for contemporary looks, especially for the cocktail party and sangeet, where they can put aside the heavy jewellery. “I find that the glamorous, dressed-down idea works,” says Suneet. “Sometimes, less is more. It’s best to show a jewellery piece that is minimal, yet makes a statement, with my couture.” n
photographs by Faizan Patel | styled by Ranjunee Chakma makeup by Cash Kandera | model: Ira (Brave Models)
Design maestro Suneet Varma teams up with fine jewellery brand Diacolor, for his young, vibrant Fall couture show that channels the ‘70s and the ‘20s.
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ROYAL LIFESTYLE
Two Princesses remember Two modern aristocrats look back upon their big day, as they tell us about the stories and traditions behind their ceremonial outfits. photographs by Chandra Shekhar | text by Priya Kumari Rana hair and makeup by Shallu Chandla | jewellery by Diacolor | location Furncraft Decollage, Delhi
PRINCESS NANDINI SINGH OF JHABUA Art Revivalist
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Princess Nandini wears a poshak by Vrinda Kumari Singh. Inset: She wears her grandmother’s tiara for her wedding.
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he 30-something, Nandini Singh of Jhabua, granddaughter of the late HH the Raja of Jhabua in Madhya Pradesh, grew up knowing that she would have a traditional ‘arranged’ marriage. “My parents always said that we will get you married to a Rajput boy, so save your heart for him!” says Nandini. So 13 years after her marriage to restaurateur Pitamber Singh (whose grandfather was Thakur Mahendra Pratap Singh of Orai, who became collector during British India), and after spending more than a decade in New York City, Nandini is doing what she loves best – putting artists of her home region in Madhya Pradesh on the map, thanks to her work as an art curator. “I’m trying to get their work prominence in the West as well as in India,” she says. Her pieces will soon be seen this October in the upcoming edition of Royal Fables, an exhibition of heritage textiles, jewels, and art, created and curated by royal families of India. For her wedding, Nandini wore a magenta poshak with gold tissue, from Rukmini boutique in Jaipur (presented in a padla by her mother-inlaw, as is Rajput custom), with a nath, tika, and a big aad in polki (diamonds). For her reception, she wore a 100-year-old velvet lehenga that weighed 22 kilos, that belonged to Nandini’s grandmother, who was from the Rana family of Nepal. “It had Basra pearls around the flowers, and was the most beautiful outfit I’ve ever worn,” says Nandini. “It had this huge cape that people were carrying for me!” On her head she wore a Cartier-design tiara that belonged to the same grandmother. “She was a remarkable lady,” says Nandini. “She’s been a huge influence and I try to emulate her qualities.” n
RAJKUMARI RAJESHWARI KUMARI OF PATIALA Ace Shooter
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Princess Ria wears a heavy green salwar kameez by Umang Hutheesing. Inset: She wears an orange lehenga for her wedding.
he 24-year-old princess of Patiala, a professional shooter, inherited her passion for the sport from her father, Arjuna Award-winner, Olympian, and Asian Games champion Raja Randhir Singh, who is the brother of Captain Amarinder Singh, Maharaja of Patiala. Rajeshwari, or Ria as she’s called, started shooting two years ago and is currently on the Indian team, ranked number one in the country. “My mum would kick me out of bed in the mornings to get me to practice,” she laughs. Ria, a trap shooter, has competed in international shooting events, including the World Cup in Azerbaijan. She will also be seen at the upcoming Royal Fables with her mother Rani Vinita Singh. Ria says that her 2013 wedding to Mehtab Singh, whose family owns stud farms in Haryana, was “traditional from day one”. “I threw a fit, and asked my dad for a fun youngsters’ Gatsby-themed party and a Bollywood party for my friends,” says Ria. So the bride wore lehengas for all the ceremonies. “There was a haldi, a sangeet, a mehendi, a milni, and the shaadi or wedding,” says Ria. For the day of milni, when the baraat or bridegroom’s procession arrives, she wore her grandmother’s deep magenta lehenga, with pure silver work (restored in Jaipur). On her head she wore a diamond tika and mathapatti (“In Punjab you wear both.”) made for her by Delhi-based Padma Jewels. For the Anand Karaj ceremony in the morning, Ria wore a bright orange lehenga with real zari work, and an emerald and diamond set. “I had the ghungat (veil) over my head, so I was confident, as no one could see me,” says Ria. “While Mehtab was quite anxious.” For Ria’s sangeet outfit, “Sabyasachi Mukherjee had gone to the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, and found this cloth belonging to a Patiala maharani,” says Ria. “So he designed a lehenga for me based on that exact pattern.” A former ambassador for Khanna Jewellers, Ria admits she’s fond of everyday jewellery like her Cartier bracelets. Her favourite brand is Padma Jewels. And with her family’s polo-playing tradition, are horses on the radar? “My mother never let me ride, after she saw a deadly fall in Gone With the Wind,” laughs Ria. But right now, her sights are set on the next Olympics. “I will only have kids after I’ve made it to the Olympic Games,” she says. n
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wanderlust
OH CANADA !
Explore five iconic destinations in majestic Canada. From adrenalinpumping jet boat rides, to a chance encounter with a grizzly bear, and a dreamy culinary experience, here’s something to regale everyone.
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oving past maple syrup and the nation’s obsession for ice hockey, take a look at five of the most iconic experiences the incredible nation of Canada has to offer.
SKY-HIGH RUSH You’ll never see Toronto in the same light again. Rising up to 131 storeys of the iconic 1,815 ft CN Tower, the EdgeWalk is the world’s highest full circle, hands-free walk, and makes you test your limits and throws any fear of heights you may have, right off the ledge. To get there, ride the glass bottom elevator to the top. Once there, you’re harnessed to safety and made to walk full circle around the ledge, for half an hour. Pose for a picture-perfect shot, as you hold your breath, almost dangling on the edge. The $CAD 195 ticket includes a video and printed photos. Celebrate with regional Canadian fare in 360 The Restaurant at CN Tower, with the world’s highest wine cellar (9,000 bottles and counting.). You can even get married on EdgeWalk, May to October, for $CAD 5,000.
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One of Earth’s greatest spectacles, the Niagara Falls; You will be soaked to the teeth in this high-powered craft as it bumps and grinds on the Niagara River Rapids.
Walking above a rainforest, on the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Below: Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute.
JETTING ON THE NIAGARA One of the best-loved destinations on earth, the 13-storey tall Niagara falls that spews 168,000cubic m of water a minute, becomes the locale for thrills and water spills, in an exciting, wet ride through the seven-mile gorge on the lower Niagara, that collects the swirling waters in a narrow gorge and creates incredible whitewater rapids. Get soaking wet as the Whirlbool Jet Boat slices through class 5 rapids at Devil’s Hole, and experience the power of the Whirlpool Jet Boat. There’s a pre-trip safety orientation, and you’re asked to bring an extra change of clothes!
A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Suspended 30 storeys above the ground, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, one of the most popular destinations in North Vancouver, British Columbia, lets you stroll high above the misty evergreens and frothing whitewater with Cliffwalk, a breathtaking exploration of the ancient ecosystem of one of the world’s last remaining coastal temperate rainforests. With its unique system of seven wooden walkways with only 16 anchor points, suspended along a glacier-carved granite cliff-face, Cliffwalk lets you soar above the Capilano Canyon in total safety, gaze over the natural home of deer, bears and eagles and immerse yourself in the birthplace of a millennia of First Nations legend and myth. It’s open year-round, except Christmas Day, and receives a million guests a year.
DINE AT LE CORDON BLEU institute At the only Le Cordon Bleu culinary institute in the country, indulge in incredible Canadian cuisine prepared with traditional French techniques by some of the world’s best-trained chefs. Housed in the historical Munross mansion in downtown
In the Great Bear Rainforest, spy on grey wolves, cougars, Sitka deer, sea lions, sea otters, or the rare cream-coloured spirit bear. See white-sided dolphins frolic in the water.
Ottawa, sample Canadian specialties such as Alberta beef, Québec foie gras, and British Columbia salmon. You can take a group gourmet session for a demo or specialty class, or take a weekend class with a world-renowned master chef and learn the secrets to creating Canadian epicurean delights such as traditional Québec Tourtière, cedar-smoked maple syrup salmon, or ice wine granite. Learn secret techniques to impress future dinner guests. And after class, enjoy a meal prepared by professional chef at the school’s five-diamond Signatures Restaurant. Classes are priced between approximately $CAD 60-200.
GET YOUR BEAR-INGS
The misty islands of the Great Bear Rainforest, 250 miles along coastal British ColumLeft: A 300 kg grizzly greets visitors bia, await; a place where rich First by the side of the river. Right: Travel Nations culture meets awe-inspiring by boat to see wildlife, and to expore the cultures of the local people wildlife. Join a guide from the local Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw people and travel by boat into territories occupied for 15,000 years. Pacific white-sided dolphins frolic in the watercraft’s wake. Ahead, grizzly bears rummage on beaches, searching for sedges as they flip shoreline rocks. Travel along the Xakwikan River and view these 300 kilogram bruins as they feast on spawning sockeye. Spy on grey wolves, cougars, Sitka deer, sea lions, and sea otters, or the rare cream-coloured spirit bear. Orcas and humpback whales breach the waters of Queen Charlotte Strait as the tour draws to a close; Join Sea Wolf Adventures’ Grizzly Bears of the Wild and explore one of the last coastal temperate rain forests on earth. n
October 2016 | Outlook Splurge | 53
wanderlust
LOFTY ABODE
Immerse yourself in a world of luxury, à la Harry Styles, with a view to die for, in the very plush Penthouse Suite of the InterContinental New York Times Square.
From top: The glass railing of the grand staircase in the Penthouse Suite, that leads to more bedrooms upstairs; Floor-to-ceiling windows in the suite where One Direction’s famous video was filmed, gives a bird’s eye view of the city
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ising up above the Manhattan skyline, the InterContinental New York Times Square sits in the heart of the world-famous Times Square district, the throbbing epicenter of American theatre, fine dining, fashion, and media worlds. Located on Eighth Avenue, the hotel is flanked by hundreds of restaurants that include the famous Restaurant Row, Broadway, shopping on fashionable Fifth Avenue, and the city’s green lung, Central Park. For a very private séjour in the city, you may wish to book the Penthouse Suite on the top floor of the hotel (for a cool $15,000 a night), with its 2,700 sq ft of opulence spread over two floors. The most striking feature as you walk in, are the two-storey, floor-to-ceiling windows in the lounge area with curtains, that draw audible gasps as these part to reveal the cityscape outside. The penthouse feels like a luxurious home with
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a fireplace in the bedroom, a grand staircase with glass railing, an in-room kitchenette to serve hot meals, and a dining room that seats eight. All interiors have been designed by Jeffrey Beers International, and the suite’s plush, yet far-from-overpowering décor is modern and fresh, and just right for the space. Even the three Manhattan Suites, located on the two floors below, offer plenty of space with their open-floor plan. “You’ve probably seen the Penthouse Suite in One Direction’s video for their song Perfect,” says Ruztique Toscano, director, Marketing at the InterContinental New York Times Square, of the Brit boy band’s popular black-and-white video. “The entire sequence was shot right here.” One can just imagine Harry Styles crooning into the camera as he paces about in one of the stunning bedrooms. There’s a total of four, so plenty of room to pace, Harry-style. You can even bring your pet along, for a fee of $250. If you’re hungry, and want to nibble on a pre-theatre snack, there’s lots to choose from, including the menu at Ça Va, the restaurant by world-famous Chef Todd English. n
A date with
James Dean
Footsteps away from Times Square, sits one of the oldest hotels in New York City. Hollywood legend James Dean stayed here for two years, and its bar was a speakeasy from the Prohibition era. Clockwise from left: The facade of The Iroquois, which is the frequent haunt of senators and diplomats; The plush bed and peach decor of the James Dean Suite; The Iroquois bar, which resembles a speakeasy
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n West 44th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, sits one of New York City’s most historic hotels, that was once home to legendary Hollywood star James Dean. Designed by Harry Mulliken, built in 1899, and opened in 1901, The Iroquois is one of the oldest hotels in the city. “Since Shimmie Horn took over the property in the late 1990s (inherited from his grandfather Jack Horn, who owned it in ‘50s when it was a residential hotel with Dean living there from 1951 to 1953), he spent $13 million on renovating it,” says Breandan Gallager, general manager, The Iroquois. “And he continues to invest in the hotel.” And to good effect. The hotel is now part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the world, with 117 rooms over 12 floors, a rooftop kitchen garden, and a 48-cover restaurant headed by Swiss Chef Florian Wehrli who dishes out “French cuisine with an American spin” as Breandan puts it. The menu changes seasonally, and house specialties include fish cooked in parchment paper, and a baked Alaska, that is lit up as it’s brought to the table, the old-fashioned way. But what’s really unique about The Iroquois is the bar, built to resemble a speakeasy from the Prohibition era of the 1920s, with dim lighting, classic paintings on the walls, and small
“Vodka was banned during Prohibition, so as our homage to that era, we don’t serve it on our menu,” says Breandan Gallager, general manager, The Iroquois.
wooden chairs. “There are still corners of New York where you will find hidden bars, and we’re one of them,” says Breandan. With 45 cocktails on the menu served by hipster bartender guys and gals, and favourites like the Old Fashioned making the rounds, there is one drink that is never served here – vodka. “It was banned during Prohibition times, so as our homage to that epoch, it’s not on the menu,” says Breandan. Staying in the James Dean Suite, the very quarters that James Dean occupied when he acted on Broadway in the ‘50s, is thrilling. With its Kohler bathroom fittings, porcelain bathware, and plush bed, it’s like living a classic Hollywood dream. n
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wanderlust
Secluded Splendour At Soneva Jani, a collection of over-water private residences in a Maldivian lagoon goes up for sale this month, offering solace and 360° views of the ocean.
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ctober marks the launch of over-water villas for sale at luxury resort Soneva Jani in the Maldives. It’s the ultimate in desert island living with 24 water villas perched over a 5.6 kilometre lagoon of crystal-clear water in the Indian Ocean. Situated on the island of Medhufaru, part of the uninhabited Noonu Atoll, the villas, plus one island villa, each have a private pool and open out to their own private stretch of lagoon, with some villas featuring glass slides going into the lagoon below. The retractable roof in the master bedroom
Access crystal blue lagoon waters from a private deck
lets you stargaze at night. Interiors are designed by Eva Shivdasani (wife of Sonu Shivdasani and co-founder of Soneva), using sustainable materials. With turtles, rays, and dolphins, you can go kayaking, sailing, and swimming in the calm waters. There’s a ‘silent’ cinema, that uses Bluetooth earphones, so that marine life is not disturbed. There are five dining outlets. Price: $ 3 million onwards. n
African Safari Go horse riding or fishing during the day
Enjoy views of the north Kenyan savannah from the infinity pool
Elewana opens the new luxury Loisaba Tented Camp in the Loisaba Conservancy, with views of Mount Kenya, heralding the preservation of elephants and other fauna.
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uxury safari camp operator Elewana has opened a new luxury tented camp on the site of the former Loisaba Lodge in Laikipia County, Kenya. Located on a 600 ft escarpment, every room in Loisaba Tented Camp enjoys spectacular views that stretch across the Laikipia Plains to Mount Kenya. The 56,000 acre
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Loisaba Conservancy spans three ecosystems that let you view game like the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, and wild dog. It ensures that the land benefits local communities and wildlife, like the 700 elephants who live here. The Camp comprises six stylish and spacious ensuite tents, while the Private Residence houses three ensuite tents with a private bar, dining area, and infinity pool. Eat from a small à la carte menu where the chef sources ingredients from a 50 km radius and the camp’s garden. Typical dishes are: a duo of carrot and beetroot soup with basil oil and sour cream, or deep-fried brie with cucumber and mango pickle followed by pea and lemon risotto. You can go for day and night game drives, guided bush walks, camel rides, lion tracking, and horse riding. Price: $490 onwards (person/night). n
Advt.
WatchES
Kiss of the
Serpent Italian jewellery maison Bulgari, has added two stunning timepieces to its High Jewellery atelier collection, the Serpenti Seduttori and the rounded Serpenti Incantati.
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ulgari prides itself in possessing the same magnetic power as the snake which is steeped in legend as the one animal that carries great ability to seduce. Drawing inspiration, the Serpentine collection is most beguiling. As a seductive parure to its jewellery line, Bulgari has created the Serpenti Seduttori cuff-bracelet watches, reborn in geometrical shapes that feature a translucent cabochon central gem. With sleek new designs that focus on the snakehead – the dangerously beautiful part of the animal – iconic Serpenti’s eyes are featured in a stunning way that celebrates the “hearts of the head”. Serpenti Seduttori is the first cuff-bracelet watch to be produced by Bulgari, an innovation consistent with the Roman jeweller’s ceaseless creativity. With a prominent cabochon-cut stone atop the serpent’s head, the watch’s jewel matches the gem on the décolleté, to create the purest splash of colour pairing the world has ever seen. As much jewellery as it is timepiece, Serpenti Seduttori tips open its jaws to reveal the watch dial inside. Whether capped by a tourmaline, a tanzanite, or a sapphire gem atop its head, the bangle Serpenti Seduttori shimmers in pink or white gold, and the resplendence of diamond pavé or diamond baguettes. Staring with perfect emerald or ruby eyes, Serpenti Seduttori timepieces give a new meaning to the preciousness of time. A magnificent one-of-a-kind creation, the Serpenti Seduttori timepiece of white gold, diamond, and emeralds encircles the wrist with a seductive resplendence. Feminine in its sensual detailing, its gemstone “flowers” atop its head and tail appear to almost come alive, a mastery of high
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Whether capped by a tourmaline, a tanzanite, or a sapphire gem atop its head, the Serpenti Seduttori bangle shimmers in pink or white gold, and diamond pavé.
jewellery craftsmanship. In graceful marquise-cut gemstones, its jewelled bouquets splay with artisanal splendour, while the snake is sensually coiled in supple white gold. As the iconic evolution of the collection, the Serpenti Seduttori watch reigns as the queen of seduction. Enchanting to say the least is the other timepiece in the seductive collection – a round shape Serpenti Incantati. Inspired by a resplendent high jewellery diamond brooch, the diamond serpent encircles the watch dial, appearing perpetually in motion. Under the guise of a round watch, its delicate dial reveals a gemstone serpent frame, while its precious tail slithers into the watch’s diamond bracelet. Geometrically shaped diamond elements
Clockwise from top left: Serpenti Incantati with its round shape; A Serpenti Seddutori bangle watch; Making a Serpenti watch; Artistic sketch of the Serpenti Seddutori; The Serpenti Seddutori in 18 kt white gold. Previous page: Serpenti Seddutori two-row bracelet.
produce flexibility, as each is carved, hand-set, and assembled in the High Jewellery atelier. With a snow-set dial and brilliant-cut diamonds alternating with baguette-cut gemstones, Serpenti Incantati – ‘enchanting’ in Italian – is the culmination of Italian creativity and Swiss watchmaking, and seduces the onlooker. Coiled in lifelike renditions, the Serpenti two-row watch-bracelets hiss with the mastery of Bulgari’s craftsmanship, as they encircle the wrist with colour. With a shiny, transparent hand-applied lacquer that is dried and individually reapplied multiple times on each gold hexagonal shaped scale, Bulgari meticulously recreates the iconic sheen of the one-of-a-kind polychrome enamel snake bracelets the Roman jeweller was first famed for. The finish of this limited-edition Serpenti watch-bracelet crystallizes as it dries, while the metals feature an engraved stripe pattern – each detail echoing a sinuous serpent and in
colours found in fashion rather than in nature. In dramatic matte black or sunny yellow with electrifying brilliant red scales, the Serpenti watch-bracelet is also available in more precious versions of vivid black, ruby red, or emerald green with exquisite marquise-cut diamonds alternating on the scales. Tipping open diamond-encrusted jaws as it peers with diamond, emerald, or ruby eyes, these exclusive Serpenti High Jewellery interpretations beautifully celebrate the precious nature of time. Sensual, sinuous, and exotic, the two new head-over-tail Serpenti jewellery watches are hypnotic in their colourful femininity. The vibrant snakehead stares with precious gemstones – the centrepiece amidst gem and hardstone resplendence. Masterful in its metalwork, the adjustable bracelet-watch is secured without a spring, for the wearable comfort Bulgari is known for, and is available in coral or turquoise. n
October 2016 | Outlook Splurge | 65
WatchES
Queen Neapolitan
Swiss watchmaker Breguet launches an enhanced version of the much-touted Breguet Reine de Naples Princesse Mini 9818, to the delight of its women patrons.
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reguet has yet another enchanting offer this year for its women patrons. The Reine de Naples Princesse Mini watches launched last year in rose gold and steel versions, now comes in a 32.7 x 27.3 mm white gold case. This new model from the collection designed for the daintiest of wrists, also adopts other distinctive features including a bezel and lug entirely set with brilliant-cut diamonds. The domed dials of the rose gold and steel versions, respectively crafted in natural white or Tahitian mother-of-pearl, are replaced in this model by a lavender-coloured motherof-pearl dial. A large Roman XII is crafted so as to form a natural, textured white mother-ofpearl marquetry motif, which is difficult to achieve. Mother-of-pearl being an extremely delicate material, this work represents an authentic technical feat. A briolette-cut diamond on the crown further magnifies the radiance of this model. As far as the movement is concerned, this timepiece, entirely made in the Breguet workshops of the Vallée de Joux, is equipped with Calibre 586/1 with a silicon balance-spring. Its 38hour power reserve is ensured by an engine-turned platinum oscillating weight.
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The 18 kt white gold case has a bezel set with 64 diamonds, while the dial is lavender mother-of-pearl
Mother-ofpearl being an extremely delicate material, the textured white marquetry motif on the dial is a technical feat. A briolettecut diamond on the crown magnifies its radiance. To create it, Breguet was inspired by historical descriptions of the model worn by the Queen of Naples.
First launched in 2002, the exclusively feminine Reine de Naples collection is a tribute to the first wristwatch ordered from Abraham-Louis Breguet by Caroline Murat (Queen of Naples and Napoleon Bonaparte’s sister) in 1810 and delivered in 1812. To create this line, Breguet drew inspiration from historical descriptions of the original model, known by its production number, 2639. Like their predecessors, the creations comprising the Reine de Naples are oval-shaped. Some models feature moon phases or a power-reserve indicator, while others house sophisticated complications such as sonnerie au passage (automatic or ‘in passing’ hour-strike). Over the years, Breguet has enriched the Reine de Naples line with mechanical timepieces specifically designed for women, combining technical mastery with sophistication. From the technological success of improving the notable Tradition Répétition Minutes Tourbillon launched last year to the creative craftsmanship of modifying a few sparkling timepieces that attract a discerning feminine clientele, Breguet has offered a roster of ground-breaking watches that adhere to its historical, pioneering legacy and rich tradition of innovation. n
Night
Butterfly
Cartier’s newest marvel is both jewel and technological masterpiece. Unveiled at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva, it boasts of the maison’s unique expertise in jewels and tourbillons.
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s it a pendant, a watch, or a medallion? The superb Tourbillon Mystérieux Azure pendant watch by luxury maison Cartier, revealed at this year’s SIHH in Geneva, remains strangely undefinable, a creation that intrigues from the first time you set eyes upon it, with its interplay of transparency, technology, and gem settings. This is to be worn as a piece of jewellery, designed by an expert hand, out of which the form of a butterfly appears amid outstretched lines and rhythmical curves. The wings are made of sapphires, with rows of diamonds making up the butterfly’s body. At the centre of the totally transparent dial is a mysterious double tourbillon, the emblem of Cartier’s watchmaking expertise, a mechanical movement with a manual winding calibre 9463 MC, suspended in the void. The movement is clearly visible on the rear face thanks to its sapphire back. The chain of diamond-set geometrical motifs is adorned with a detachable 25.93 carat oval sapphire from Sri Lanka. An object of incredible
The pendant comes with a detachable 25.93 carat oval sapphire from Sri Lanka
complexity, which took almost 2,500 hours of work (17 months of intense collaboration), it embodies a form of pure jewellery in which all mechanical features remain invisible, since at Cartier, that which is concealed is as impressive as what is seen. The watch also reflects the maison’s 160-year-old jewellery making expertise. Water resistant up to 100 feet, the Tourbillon Mystérieux Azure pendant watch is a unique piece, and is the perfect collectible. The maison also adds to its haute joaillerie atelier this year by crafting the fantastical Dragon Mystérieux watch in white gold, that comes with the fascinating heritage of Asia, and a sleeping feline pendant watch, the Panthère Mysterieux pendant watch in white gold. Cartier’s master jewellers and master watchmakers have merged their skills to create these extraordinary watches, that extend the maison’s magic beyond the limits of imagination, and explore new creative territories. We salute them. n
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WatchES
Precious
Weave
The Premier Precious Weaving Automatic 36 mm by Harry Winston unveils the sublime work that borrows from an old Japanese art form, and is an ode to the founder’s boundless creative spirit.
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The Premier Precious Weaving Automatic uses the Japanese technique of Raden, shells applied onto the surface of wood or lacquer
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ith its four artistic crafts creations, the Premier Precious Weaving Automatic 36 mm is the result of a rare Japanese weaving technique in which threads of gold are woven with slivers of natural mother-of-pearl to create a unique tapestry of shimmering beauty. Inspired by the ancestral Japanese technique of Raden – involving the application of shells onto the surface of wood or lacquered objects – this particular decorative art uses silk thread and wafer-thin slivers of natural mother-of-pearl to weave a supple fabric that scintillates with a light of its own. A year-and-a-half of creative reflection and development were invested in the project, which marks the first time this technique of weaving silk with mother-of-pearl has been used to create a miniature canvas for a timepiece. The Premier Precious Weaving Automatic 36 mm is composed of four distinctive creations, two revealed in rose gold and two in white gold, presented on elegant black satin straps, complemented with a flourish of 57 brilliant-cut diamonds on the case. The ardillon buckle is also set with 17 brilliant-cut diamonds for a total weight of 2.47 carats. The first creation in a rose gold case features a chrysanthemum flower on the dial, the symbol of the Japanese Imperial family. The second interpretation presented in a white gold case displays a bold abstract motif created from interwoven mother-of-pearl, silk and gold leaves allowing the dial to shimmer like the fabric of an haute couture evening gown. Inspired by an antique Koi fish motif, the third version in a rose gold case features golden, overlapping scales sewn together with silk, gold thread, and slices of mother-of pearl. The fourth timepiece of the cluster, presented in a white gold case, features the same fish scale motif but uses greenish and darker hues of mother-of-pearl in the weave, to dazzling effect. Looking at this dial is almost like looking down from a New York skyscraper at the lights of Broadway on a rainy night. n
Rendez-Vous with
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Moon in white gold
With these two haute joaillerie models released this year, Swiss manufacture JaegerLeCoultre proves that its craftspersons’ artistic talent is second to none. We look at the beauteous Rendez-Vous Tourbillon Enamel and Moon models, and come away completely enraptured.
The enamelling process at Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre
Spinning through time, darkly For the very first time, the Rendez-Vous Tourbillon model adopts the intensity of black on an opaque enamelled dial exuding a unique sense of depth. This resolutely graphic watch in an 18 kt white gold case is lit up by the presence of 254 diamonds on the dial, bezel, lugs and crown. With its stylized, gracefully elongated Arabic numerals, and white-gold hour and minute hands, the watch radiates an inimitable allure. Its elegance is also expressed through a sophisticated movement equipped with a tourbillon designed to compensate for the effects of gravity. This model embodies both technical and aesthetic elements. The mechanical automatic movement, visible through the aperture, is enriched with the tourbillon, crafted and assembled by hand at the workshops of Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre, and has a 45-hour power reserve.
A heavenly ode to gemsetting This exceptional Rendez-Vous Moon model in white gold is a true anthem to gemsetting, expressed through technical mastery and creativity of the artisans of Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre. The watch is a stunning sight from all angles, radiantly adorned with baguette-cut and brilliant stones. Spanning almost half of the dial, the starry blue sky is depicted by 301 blue sapphires of various sizes in a snow-setting technique. With its sparkling stones and heavenly array of colours, this model is simply fascinating. The moon phase, the most feminine of all complications, occupies pride of place on the dial. Jaeger-LeCoultre
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Tourbillon with an obsidian black enamelled dial
has also endowed theirs with peak precision emblematic of the innovative spirit driving the maison. Whereas a classic moon phase accumulates a one-day difference every two and a half years, this Rendez-Vous Moon is designed to remain accurate for an eye-popping 972 years. A mysterious star on the dial indicates the time of a future rendezvous, and can be set as a reminder. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 935, a mechanical automatic movement with its 40-hour power reserve is enriched with this special moon phase. n
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WatchES
Constellation
The Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 8704 beats at a frequency of 25,000 vibrations per hour
Perfection With the Constellation Master Chronometer Small Seconds, Omega has once again set the bar high. With refined precision and perfect elegance, this one is here to woo.
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ontinuing the modern reinterpretation of the iconic Constellation, Omega has taken the innovation even further this year with a new small seconds feature as well as Master Chronometer status. It is this Master Chronometer certification that sets the watch apart. Introduced for the first ladies’ timepieces to reach the new standard, this Constellation model defines Omega’s new era of excellence. For such a refined and compact movement, this is a major achievement for the brand. The Constellation has often set the benchmark in watchmaking precision, so it makes sense
The polished bezel is set with diamonds
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As a Master Chronometer, this watch has passed the eight intensive tests set by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology, confirming its accuracy.
that it should again be leading the way. As a Master Chronometer, this watch has passed the eight intensive tests set by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS), giving the wearer full confidence in terms of accuracy and performance. In design, Omega has retained the popular attributes of recent Constellation models. The combination of stainless steel and 18 kt red gold in a 27 mm case delivers a warm aesthetic, while the gentle, white-hued mother-of-pearl dial adds simplicity and elegance. Other stunning additions include the diamond-paved bezel and sapphire crystal caseback that enables viewing of the new Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8704. Finally, the new charm of this Constellation lies in the small seconds feature that has been placed at 9 o’clock, with four diamond markers. To give balance, Omega has also moved the date window to 6 o’clock.Once again, the Constellation delivers on elegance – as well as inspirational craftsmanship that sets a higher standard. In watchmaking, the name Constellation has been closely linked with the art of creating luxurious precision watches at the highest level since 1952. Omega is a hot favourite among connoisseurs across the world. Famous personalities from diverse domains are found sporting Omega watches. Some of the noteworthy names include actors Ray Donovan, Nicole Kidman, Jon Hamm, George Clooney, Kate Beckett, and Daniel Craig. n
Open
Hearted purity
The Rado True Open Heart, launched at this year’s Baselworld, is an ode to luxury, lightness, and comfort. It comes in two variants, limited to 500 pieces each. One is matte black, while the other is polished white high-tech ceramic.
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ver since its beginnings in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado has had a pioneering spirit, with the brand philosophy being, “if we can imagine it, we can make it”. Staying true to this very guiding principle, the brand has now launched the Rado True Open Heart. Relaunched with a new streamlined edge just last year, the Rado True family has been given yet another beautiful twist in Rado’s lightness-inspired collection with this stellar addition of two new models. Limited to just 500 individually marked pieces, the True Open Heart is crafted in either matte black or polished white high-tech ceramic, and features the clean,
light lines of the Rado True family. The beautifully decorated Swiss movement is framed by stylized cutouts in the dial, lending the piece an airy, spacious feel while giving the wearer a glimpse into the enigmatic mechanics within. The shimmering colours of the True Open Heart’s delicate, razor-thin mother-of-pearl dial change along with the lighting conditions and angle of view. Like an aurora borealis on your wrist, the diaphanous 0.6 mm dial evokes feelings of weightlessness, as if floating through time and space. Beneath this sheer iridescent layer is a sight to behold: the bare-naked movement, or literal ‘heart’ of the watch, effortlessly glides and twirls, powering what is both a precision instrument and an object of beauty. Housed in the brand’s signature monobloc case, the Rado True Open Heart offers all the benefits of a watch crafted from Rado high-tech ceramic. Engineered from ultrafine zirconium oxide powder, high-tech ceramic is an incredibly light material: at 25 percent lighter than steel by volume, it is amongst the lightest materials used in luxury watchmaking. In addition to its remarkable lightness, ceramic adapts to the wearer’s body temperature almost immediately, so it will never feel too hot or too cold against the skin. As a non-metallic material, the high-tech ceramic is also gentle and hypoallergenic; hence it can be worn by anyone with metal allergies or sensitive skin. n
Light high-tech ceramic houses the ‘heart’ or mechanics of the watch beneath a sheer dial
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WATCHES
AUDEMARS PIGUET
Simply Sleek
Its tough looks belie a soft modernity, and powerful movements inside.
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ith its tough case, strong-look pushpieces, and chronograph function, the Royal Oak Offshore, created for men by Audemars Piguet in 1993, complements the style of modern women thanks to its performance-ready credentials. A new ‘Lady Tapisserie’ design gives the dial of this Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph a softer look, perfectly offsetting the 37 mm case size. A precise circular grain sweeps around the dial, playing with light and shadow. Available in two versions, the bezels, crowns, and pushpieces (previously made in rubber), are now sleeker in steel or 18 kt pink gold (as shown here). There is glare-proof sapphire crystal, a 32 brilliant-cut diamond-set bezel (1.02 carats), and a screw-locked crown. A choice of interchangeable strap colours has been created and slender indices replace the sporty Arabic numerals and cabochons of previous designs. The movement is the self-winding Calibre 2385 with a total diameter of 26.2 mm and thickness of 5.5 mm, with a frequency of 21,600 vibrations an hour, and a power reserve of 40 h. There’s chronograph, small seconds, and date functions, besides hours and minutes. The strap is in white rubber with an 18 kt pink gold folding clasp. n
VACHERON CONSTANTIN
Seamless Refinement
With the female traveller in mind, this dainty beauty is all geared to take you overseas.
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edicated to the spirit of travel, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas has dynamic lines, its signature bezel, and a solid caseback adorned with the depiction of the famous Amerigo Vespucci’s three-masted ship, an invitation to travel the seven seas. The Overseas Small Model is adorned with 84 round-cut diamonds totalling over one carat, and daintily set on its six-sided trademark bezel. At the heart of its stainless-steel (shown here) or 18 kt pink gold 37 mm diameter case beats the new Calibre 5300 developed by Vacheron Constantin. This 128-part self-winding movement powers the hours, minutes, and small seconds at 9 o’clock, while ensuring a two-day power reserve. You can choose either a rosy beige (shown here) or blue dial. Gold luminescent hands sweep around hour markers, while the caseback reveals the 22 kt gold oscillating weight. The stainless steel model has half Maltese cross-shaped polished and satin-brushed links, and comes with a second strap in rosy beige (shown here), or blue Mississippiensiis alligator leather. n
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TAG HEUER
Linked In
A reworked design with S-shaped links launches in style.
A BLANCPAIN
Ladybird Legend
design that dates back to 1987, Link by TAG Heuer has a highly distinctive bracelet, with links in the shape of an S. It is both iconic and ergonomic in terms of comfort, with a smooth feel on the wrist. In steel (shown here) or black ceramic, the new Link Lady, with an elegant diameter of 32 mm, now has a strap that’s fully integrated into the case, and looks sophisticated and polished, with each link having a brushed surface. It also abandons the circular shape of previous models in favour of a case that sits midway between a traditional round case and a cushion case. The movement is quartz with a date window at 3 o’clock. The sapphire crystal is anti-reflective and scratch-resistant, and the caseback is in steel. The dial is mother-of-pearl, with a white, blue-grey (shown here), or black effect, and the bezel is set with diamonds (shown here). Recently at New York Fashion Week, the Swiss watchmaker unveiled the Link Lady collection, partnering with designer duo Monse during the Week, where its newest brand friend, nonagenarian interior designer Iris Apfel sat in the front row sporting the new watch. n
This iconic 1950s watch is revived with one of the tiniest calibres ever.
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he daringly avant-garde Ladybird by Blancpain was the world’s smallest round watch at the time of its birth 60 years ago. Today, its style remains timeless, and Blancpain pays homage to its beloved Ladybird with a new automatic 15.7 mm 6150 calibre, that’s one of the smallest in the world. To mark its 60th birthday, this 60-piece limited edition has a delicate foliage motif and Louisiana alligator leather strap with fine scales for a refined effect. The bezel is set with 32 diamonds surrounding eight of the same gems on the dial, swept over by droplet-shaped hands and framed by a white gold case. The transparent caseback lets you view the winding rotor, delicately decorated with a diamond. In addition to this new timepiece, the Ladybird collection has been expanded to include two new models presented at Baselworld this year. The first features a motherof-pearl dial bearing four small ruby hearts. A removable charm in the form of a reversed heart brings a flirty touch to the model. The second new piece is crafted in red gold. Its opaline dial is surrounded in brilliance thanks to its diamond-set bezel. n
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WATCHES
HUBLOT
Linen Elegance This burst of colour in refreshing linen shades sports gems and a chronograph.
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fter lace and denim, it’s time for linen to take centre stage. Classic and uncomplicated, and made of natural plant fibre, linen is not just used for the strap of Hublot’s Big Bang linen, but is an alternative to carbon for its watch cases. So the case and dial of the Big Bang Linen is made of linen fibres cultivated in Switzerland, in a unique weaving process where the weft is paired with a transparent composite. This radiant collection comes in four eye-catching colours – Ocean Blue, Turquoise, Purple or pink (shown here), and Orange. Blue or orange sapphires, topazes, and amethysts, depending on the watch’s colour, intersperse the dial. The finished look is one of monochrome beauty, where many months of R&D were needed to match the materials and shades to get the perfect combination. The Big Bang Linen houses the HUB4300 self-winding mechanical chronograph movement in a 41 mm case. The date window is at 4.30, the crystal is sapphire, and the watch is water resistant to a 100 metres. The power reserve is for approximately 42 hours. The linen strap is sewn onto matching rubber. Each of the four models is in a limited edition of 200 pieces. n
Ulysse Nardin
White Balance This signature piece for women unleashes its beautiful femininity in stainless steel.
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first among many, Jade entered the Ulysse Nardin family of high horology as the signature timepiece for women. Never before had the manufacturer designed and produced an inhouse movement exclusively for a ladies’ collection. Uniquely, to set the date and time, a woman need not ruin her manicure by pushing or pulling the crown. The ‘1-2-3’ calibre allows easy manipulation by turning the crown forwards or backwards without pulling it out. It’s details like this that make it popular with women. Moreover, Jade incorporates silicium, an advanced material that renders functionality impervious to magnetic items like mobile phones. This year’s Jade is in stainless steel. With a name that invokes images of Eastern royalty, it’s especially feminine, with diamonds enfolding the mother-of-pearl dial in as S shape, while a diamond-set bezel and diamond drops swirl across its face. Time markers are curved Arabic numerals. The watch is driven by the Calibre UN-310, with a mechanical self-winding function, and a power reserve of 48 hours.There’s a date at 6 o’clock, and it’s water resistant to 30 m. There’s a total of 78 diamonds (1.176 carats), and the case is 36 mm x 39 mm. The bracelet is a satin strap with a folding buckle. n
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WATCHES WHAT’S NEW
Brilliant
Timepieces These precious picks celebrate the marriage of fine jewellery and watchmaking. Each is a piece of wearable art that glimmers like a perfect jewel on the wrist. 01
Magical Movements A little complication and lots of sparkle. 01. JAQUET DROZ The Petite Heure Minute Thousand Year Lights celebrates flowers with the Korean technique of enamelling and miniature painting,
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‘Najeon Chilgi’. Its off-centre subdial at 12 o’clock, and flowery landscape below bring the spirit of founder Pierre Jaquet-Droz to life. Each watch comes in five versions, limited to 28 pieces, in red or white gold cases, set with or without diamonds. 35 mm or 39 mm case size; 68hour power reserve.
watch dedicated to women by the La Cote-aux-Fées and Geneva manufacture, with a lunar cycle in a fan shape on the dial. The inhouse automatic movement, Calibre 548P, drives the hours, minutes, seconds, and moon phases at 12 o’clock, so one can see the moon wax and wane. The bezel is oval-round with baguette-cut diamonds. 36 mm case diameter; 42-hour power reserve.
03. LONGINES
02. PIAGET
La Grande Classique de Longines first presented in 1992, is a symbol of the brand’s elegance, and slim steel case – barely 4.2 mm and 4.45 mm for these quartz movement watches (L209 for 24 mm case with 48 diamonds; L420 for 29 mm case with 56 diamonds). Water-resistant to 30 metres.
The Limelight Stella is the first complication
04. ParMIGIANI
02
04
The Tonda Hemisphere Globo has two time zones, represented with a domed disc with an image of Earth, half in sun and half in shade. A red triangle indicates whether it’s day or night in each. With its self-winding inhouse calibre PF 337, you can adjust the second time zone to the nearest minute, and synchronize it with local time. It has an opaline ivory dial, a bezel set with 80 diamonds, and Hermès calf leather strap.
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WATCHES WHAT’S NEW
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The rose and yellow gold casing is PVD coating, and strap is leather. Water resistant to 30 m.
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Metallic Allure
Gleaming in steel or rose gold, they’re true classics. 05. CALVIN KLEIN
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The Calvin Klein Minimal is a classic revisted, and is inspired by vintage timepieces. Following the brand’s unisex tradition, this iconic offering for both men and women features a clean dial of exquisite sobriety. Each watch is paired with a refined mesh bracelet for ultimate comfort. Unpretentious and classy, the minimal watch comes in three chromatic versions – tone on tone black, black and pink gold PVD, and pink gold PVD with a silver dial as shown
here. The hour and minute hands are in polished pink gold. The movement is the ETA 901.001, and it’s water-resistant to three bar.
06. TISSOT The Le Locle Automatic Lady is a classic watch, with a touch of contemporary design. It has a mother-ofpearl dial and thin Roman numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. The larger 39.3 mm case gives it a trendy feel. This model has Top Wesselton diamonds on the indices for added bling. The movement is automatic, and the case is in stainless steel with seethrough caseback.
07. VICTORINOX The Alliance Small is a time capsule for women, where celestial inspiration encounters functionality. On the top half of a midnight blue dial is the moonphase functionality. Consecutive round circles, symbolizing planetary motion, structure the Alliance Small.A round 35 mm polished case contains a lacquered circular zone directly underneath the applied indices. The watch’s centre is a mother-of-pearl circle that gleams like the full moon. At 6 o’clock sits a round diamond and a date aperture. The dark blue leather bracelet elegantly orbits the wrist twice. The Swiss-made quartz movement is the Ronda 708. 35 mm case in stainless steel; Water-resistant to 100 m.
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Diamanté Desire Time well spent is paved with the promise of a glittering future. 08. ROLEX In 18 kt Everose gold and adorned with the rarest of diamonds, this treasured version of the Oyster Perpetual Pearlmaster 39 is equipped with the new-generation calibre 3235, with the Chronergy escapement developed by Rolex. The dial in pink gold is set with 713 diamonds, while the bracelet is set with 144 brilliantcut diamonds. 39 mm case; 70-hour power reserve.
09. ZENITH The new Elite Lady Moonphase jewellery model in rose gold has an ultra-thin automatic Calibre 692 that vibrates 28,800 per hour. The dial is fully set with diamonds, and there’s a moonphase
at 6 o’clock. 36 mm case diameter; 9.1 mm thickness; 50 hour power reserve.
10. Carl F bucherer The Swan, part of the Pathos collection, is an exquisite piece of jewellery with gemstones set in rose and white gold. Exactly 922 diamonds and sapphires adorn the case, mother-of-pearl dial, and strap. The movement is quartz with the calibre CFB 1851; 34 mm diameter case; thickness is 9.45 mm.
set with diamonds, and crown set with a pink sapphire. The white gold dial has diamonds, yellow and pink sapphires, tsavorites, and spessartite garnets, spinels and miniature painting. 40-hour power reserve.
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11. VAN CLEEF & ARPELS The Lady Jour des Fleurs with a manual movement, has a 33 mm case in white gold and diamonds, bezel
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tÊte-a-tÊte
Delightfully
Yours
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow loves to wear the Slimline Moonphase for Ladies for a day on the town
Academy Award-winner Gwyneth Paltrow is Frédérique Constant’s new Global Charity Ambassador. She tells us about acting with Robert Downey Jr, her dad’s passion for cooking, and her favourite getaways.
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our most inspiring moment as Global Charity Ambassador for Frédérique Constant? The very fact that I’ve been considered as Global Charity Ambassador for a brand like Frédérique Constant is inspiring. Especially since the brand has been engaged in so many social causes since 2004. For every Ladies’ collection watch sold, $50 of the watch cost is donated to charities that include those related to the heart, children, and women. How does the Frédérique Constant Delight Automatic fit into your busy lifestyle? What I like most about a watch from the Delight Automatic collection is its gem-set crown, which is hidden, and only for the keen eye to see. I feel grounded when I have a watch on, as
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“The very fact that I’ve been considered as Global Charity Ambassador for a brand like Frédérique Constant, is inspiring. Especially since they’ve been in so many social causes since 2004.”
it reminds us that time is ticking away and we should always be doing our best. Which Frédérique Constant watches would you like to wear for a casual lunch out, and on the red carpet? My favourite for a casual lunch out would be the Manufacture Slimline Moonphase for Ladies, and for the red carpet, I prefer the new Delight Automatic models. What’s been the best part about working in the Iron Man movies with Robert Downey Jr? Robert is really the most spontaneous, mad genius. It’s really interesting, actually, to see how all these different actors work. I feel incredibly fortunate that my work has always stemmed out of passion and continues to do so.
What do you wear on a typical day out on the town? I’m a real blue jeans girl, I wear jeans all the time and I couldn’t live without them. Jeans and blazers. And then I have a couple of couture things that I bought before the children. Like a mini Chanel dress. There are some things that you buy that are really timeless and classic, and I value them a lot. Your biggest inspiration? I have prepared and served food both in California and NYC in soup kitchens. My mother instilled in me a sense of responsibility to society, and having the experience of working closely with populations who were struggling definitely engaged my empathy, my anger at the systemic problems, and my passion to be involved. Your cookbook on Spain has been a hit – your favourite Spanish food? There are tons of A-MAZING foods there. And when it’s done properly it’s the best food in the entire world. There is one episode where we were in Barcelona and we went to this tapas bar called Inopia. It’s one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Your favourite wine? Au Bon Climat (in Santa Barbara County). Foodwise, what’s a Gwyneth staple dish for a family lunch? Juicy roast chicken, no-fry fries, and fudgy chocolate brownies. What are the fundamentals of cooking that you learnt from your late father Bruce Paltrow? I’ve always loved food – being around it, preparing it, and of course eating it. This adoration was instilled in me by my incredible father, a supreme gourmand who had a deep love of great food and wine. He was the love of my life, and I always feel closest to him when I’m in the kitchen. I can still hear him over my shoulder, heckling me, telling me to be careful with the knife, moaning with pleasure over a bite of something. My father, who died in 2002, practiced incredible care and precision while preparing food, as if its deliciousness would convey the love he felt in direct proportion to the people at the table. Now, as a mom, how do you involve your kids in cooking? I let my kids have treats. I always feel like the kitchen is fertile ground for my kids to expand in all ways. It’s so practical and essential for life
and they really grow into their bigger versions of themselves when they are in the kitchen. I always have fun cooking with them. How do you remain svelte, at the same time enjoy great cuisine? To me, it’s more important to measure in inches with a measuring tape because weighing yourself can lead to shame and guilt. I follow a healthy balanced diet. I often have a glass of red wine in the evening.
Gwyneth’s cooking is inspired by her dad
“The best vacation I’ve ever taken was with my kids to Indonesia. We stayed at a resort in Bali and slept on a wooden boat for three or four nights. We also hiked with Komodo dragons. It was magical.”
What are three beauty/skin products that you always carry with you? Restorsea Restoring Night Cream, Max Factor Excess Volume Extreme Impact Mascara, and Stila Convertible Color. Your favourite holiday destination with your family? The best vacation I’ve ever taken was with my kids to Indonesia. We stayed at a resort in Bali and slept on a wooden boat for three or four nights. We also hiked with the Komodo dragons. It was magical. Your best loved hotel? There’s a resort in Mexico called Cuixmala that’s incredible for kids. A restaurant that you go to again and again? Benz is a restaurant on Koh Kood island in Thailand, which one reaches by boat, going up a river. It has the most exquisite, spicy Thai food I’ve ever had. The philosophy you live by? Empowerment is knowing your own voice. n
Gwyneth swears by her favourite night cream to keep her skin youthful
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Parting Shot
In Hot Pursuit of
Sofia Vergara Fierce Colombian Modern Family star Sofia Vergara creates a sensation on the red carpet and cracks us up on television. But as TV’s highest-paid actress and a dreamy husband by her side, she’s doing all the laughing.
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Sofia Vergara stuns in Atelier Versace at the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
photography Helga Esteb/Shutterstock.com
he’s the most in-demand Latina in showbiz today. Colombian-born, Emmy Award-nominated Sofia Vergara, who’s best known for her role as a suburban mom in Modern Family, was recently spotted on the red carpet at the 2016 Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, her sixth appearace so far, in a figure-hugging dress by Atelier Versace, paired with danglers and a mean cuff by Lorraine Schwartz. And just the night before, she was out celebrating her son Manolo’s 25th birthday in style. Sofia was seen onscreen a few nights later on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, where she proved her comedic chops by inhaling helium from a ballon (making her sound like a chipmunk and only adding to her heavy South American accent), much to the audience’s hysterics. But her career is nothing to giggle about. The 44-year-old Sofia has been named by Forbes as the highest-paid actress on television today, raking in $43 million last year alone. She’s also married to fellow actor-director Joe Manganiello (they tied the knot in 2014), with whom she recently shared holiday snapshots at Turks and Caicos islands on Instagram for her fans. Her notable films include the 2003 Chasing Papi, followed by Madea goes to Jail (2009), Chef (2014), and last year’s Hot Pursuit. She will next be seen in British-American heist comedy The Brits are Coming, with Uma Thurman and Tim Roth. n
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