October 2012
the woman of
Substance
October 2012
the woman of
Substance
w man October 2012
the woman of
Substance
Chairman’s Letter
8
coming of age Over the years, Jet Airways has become one of the most preferred domestic airlines in India. It is an automatic first choice carrier for the travelling public and set standards which other competing airlines find Jet Airways commenced its operations in May
difficult to match. The airline has achieved this pre-
1993. It is an airline that has pioneered concepts like
eminent position by offering a high quality of service
through-check-in, city check-in, web and kiosk check-
and reliable, comfortable and efficient operations.
in, SMS check-in, automated tickets at travel agency
Today, Jet Airways has upgraded the concept of
locations, e-ticketing, JetMobile and the unique five-
domestic airline travel.
tier frequent flier programme, JetPrivilege, in India. As an Indian corporate body, Jet Airways also
Simultaneously ensuring consistent profitability, achieving healthy, long-term returns for the investors
recognises its responsibility to society and nation.
and providing its employees with an environment
Consequently, in 1998, Jet Airways launched its
for excellence and growth, Jet Airways aims to grow
Yellow Rose campaign as we feel people are like
every day and maintain its numero uno status.
roses and like the flower, they require friendship, warmth and care. Jet Airways has striven not only to extend these qualities to its passengers but also to the country in times of crises or calamities.
Naresh Goyal
contents on behalf
12
CEO: Kuldip Singh
splurge
What to wear this Fall Exquisite baubles that’ll take your breath away
16
What’s in vogue
We analyse what makes the colour ‘red’ stand apart
20
Finesse
Woman power
We bring you four exceptional women from various walks of life
30
boudoir beauty
Natural ingredients make a foray into the world of cosmetics
34
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Pooja Makhija tells us what to eat and delete while travelling
22
Information: info@gujindia.in
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mommy diaries
Actress Shilpa Shetty on motherhood For Advertising | 91.9892010669
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interiors
42
What’s in vogue
46
haute cuisine
Fashion designer Payal Jain takes us on a tour of her gorgeous arty home
Luxe brands take androgyny to a whole new level
Bite-size food is the hottest new trend in the world of gourmet
Platinum magazine is printed and published by Kuldip Singh on behalf of Gruner & Jahr India Pvt. Ltd. (GJIPL) for Jet Airways and published at GJIPL, Unit No. F2B, 2nd floor, Mira Corporate Suites, Plot No. 1&2, Ishwar Nagar, Mathura Road, New Delhi - 110065, India. Platinum magazine is published twelve times a year. All rights reserved. the writing, artwork and/or photography contained herein may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of GJIPL. GJIPL does not assume responsibility for loss or damage of unsolicited products, manuscripts, photographs, artwork, transparencies or other materials. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. All efforts have been made while compiling the content of this magazine, but we assume no responsibility for the effects arising there from. FOR INQUIRIES | GJIPL Tel: +91.11.47411100, FAX: +91.11.23416265 www.gujindia.in
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Splurge
12
deals &
steals This month’s most irresistible and positively affordable fashion finds
`5,900
Silk chiffon dress, Debenhams
`4,800 Cotton denims, Mango
`8,700 Wool coat, Zara
`7,800 Chain and stone bracelet, Forever21
`4,300
`9,000
Polyester and cotton dress, Promod
Leather bag, Miss Sixty
`1,200
Leather and metal bracelet, Diesel
`3,500 Satin shoes, Aldo
Splurge
14
green
eyed
Emerald and gold danglers, Ben Amun.
Embrace the season’s biggest gemstone in all its glory – the Emerald – in danglers you will covet
Emerald and diamond drops, TBZ Jewellers.
Emerald, topaz, diamond, and gold earrings, Gehna Jewellers.
Emerald, diamonds, topaz, and gold shoulderdusters, Farah Khan Fine Jewellery.
Emerald, topaz, and platinum earrings, AKM Mehrasons Jewellers.
what’s in vogue
16
the aura of
red
In Indian culture red is the colour of purity; in mythology it denotes strength & protection, and in a marriage it signifies wedded bliss. Probably, that’s the reason celebrated Indian designers can’t resist but use this colour so extensively in their creations. words meghna sharma
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what’s in vogue
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T
communities. Red is dynamic and constantly breathes fire in the eyes of the beholder. The connotation is also with harvest and religious festivities, so the use of other colours is not considered as auspicious.” She adds, “This holds true for saffron, orange and green – all of which are accompanied with red. Without really
he colour of love, seduction and
defining the relevance of colours, the anthropology of
power, red plays a symbolic role
the colour red reflects in choices made by most brides
in many cultures. The vivacity
and their kin who like to complement the vedic fire
intrinsically aligned with the
with a colour which goes with fire. Since the wedding
colour has been interpreted and
trousseau is an intrinsic part of the fashion world, this
followed across the world. The
colour has made its way onto the ramp and everybody
devilish connotations of red in
seems to love it. Perhaps it’s our culture that teaches us
the West are amusingly juxtaposed by the traditional
to love this colour.”
bearings of red in the East.
The colour red plays an instrumental role in Indian
traditions and beliefs, perhaps the most crucial one being in the life of a married woman. In our culture every girl’s arrival into her role as a married woman is symbolised by the red henna (mehendi) on her hands and is sealed with the pinch of red powder (sindoor) on her head. The matrimonial bliss and a promise of togetherness are all sealed by the warmth and binding power of the red drape and red accessories. The red vermilion (tilak) is also used as a ritual mark while greeting guests or family members at a festival or simply into one’s home, whereas in mythology red denotes bravery, protection and strength. Indian culture and customs are often described as riots of colours with almost every desirable colour thrown in for good measure. But the colour red truly remains the core symbol of power and spirituality, of protection and commitment. It is a colour that has not faded the trials of time and stands alone as the most powerful. The sexual connotations of the red colour in the West are replaced by the simplicity, purity and ritualistic candour of this colour in India. The dynamism of red has always led it to command power and awe and that’s why this colour is such a hit among Indian designers. Be it traditional outfits or contemporary ones, this colour adds a dash of sizzle in any attire. Designer Ritu Kumar who is known for creating dazzling Indian outfits, says, “The colour red as well as all warm colours come in the auspicious category
Red is symbolic in Indian tradition & makes for a bold colour as well a s a cheerful palette
and are used as an expression of fertility in most
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Finesse
20
how to eat
delete
What kind of diet
During holidays
should a person
people tend to put on
follow on a flight?
a lot of weight. How
While on a long flight it
to avoid that?
gets very uncomfortable
I personally lose weight
sitting on a chair for
on every holiday and
hours on end. So it is
that gives me an internal
advisable to eat small
high. Holidays are
portions from time to
meant to relax your
time instead of binging
body and mind and not
or starving. Basically
the intestine. You can
avoid oily food and fried
eat judiciously and toss
snacks. It will be great
up something that is
to carry snacks such
healthier or snack on
as biscuits, crackers,
stuff from local groceries
Pooja Makhija tells us ways to insert a diet chart during travel
khakras (crispy Gujarati
instead of binging on
flatbread), dry kurmura
rich hotel food. Also,
words sayanti banerjee
(puffed rice), carrot
it’s important to eat at
sticks, protein bar and
regular intervals instead
the likes. One must also
of having a huge time
have lots of water and
lag between meals while
juices instead of alcohol
out for sight-seeing.
and colas. This will keep
You have many
one hydrated.
Bollywood stars
Is there a diet to avoid
like Ranbir Kapoor,
jet lag?
Sonam Kapoor,
Since jet lag is more
Karan Johar and
about the body clock,
Deepika Padukone
there’s no diet that
as your clients. Do
can take care of it as
you recommend any
such. But yes, it’s best
special diet for them
to avoid caffeine that
while they travel?
activates the BMR
Not really. I recommend
while one wants to
food to my star clients
sleep. Instead, opt
according to what they
for something more
prefer to eat as well as
relaxing such as hot milk
their body requirements.
or chamomile tea that
While travelling, I ask
has serotonin. This helps
them to carry little snack
to calm you down and
packs in order to avoid
let you get some sleep.
unnecessary calories.
TIPS Author of the recently released weight-loss book, eat.delete., (Harper Collins India), Nutritionist Pooja Makhija is an M.Sc in Food Science and Nutrition and a B.Sc in Dietetics from Mumbai. She is currently on the Board of Studies in Food Science and Nutrition of the SVT College of Home Science, Mumbai. She is also the official nutrition expert for Femina Miss India.
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woman power
22
Glamour & Glory They are intelligent, they are beautiful, they are courageous and they are achievers. We bring you four exceptional women of substance. words meghna sharma
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woman power
24
Jhumpa Lahiri Jhumpa Lahiri, an Indian American author whose debut short story collection, Interpreter of Maladies, won the 2000 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and her first novel, The Namesake (2003) was made into a film. She is also a member of President Obama’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities.
Jhumpa Lahiri was born to Bengali Indian parents in London,
simultaneous existence in two cultures. They are Indians living in
moved to Rhode Island before she could say her first words. She
America or India, and/ or their lovers, neighbors, or landlords are.
often vacationed in Calcutta during her youth and now lives on
With informed cultural chiseling, their creator shapes them into
the border of Greenwich Village. After graduating from Barnard,
sharply sculpted personalities.
she attended Boston University’s creative writing program and obtained a Ph.D in Renaissance Studies. A two-year fellowship at Provincetown’s Fine Arts Work Center followed. The muse of writing first visited Lahiri in primary school and, at the ripe old age of seven, she began co-authoring “books” with a classroom friend during recess. The Indian-American author’s debut short story collection, Interpreter of Maladies, won the 2000 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and her first novel, The Namesake (2003)
The Indian-American author’s debut short story collection, Interpreter of Maladies, won the 2000 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and her first novel, The Namesake (2003) was made into a film. She is also a member of the President Obama’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities. While Lahiri’s stories bear the stamp of the same painstaking craftsmanship as Buddhist sages apply to the making of a mandala, their lives are far from fleeting.
was made into a film. She is also a member of the President
Most of Interpreter‘s characters play out a simultaneous
Obama’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities. While Lahiri’s
existence in two cultures. They are Indians living in America
stories bear the stamp of the same painstaking craftsmanship
or India, and/ or their lovers, neighbors, or landlords are. With
as Buddhist sages apply to the making of a mandala, their lives
informed cultural chiseling, their creator shapes them into
are far from fleeting. Most of Interpreter‘s characters play out a
sharply sculpted personalities.
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woman power
26
Anoushka Shankar Known for her distinct musical sense, Anoushka Shankar is a sitar player who is contemporary yet traditional and rooted in many ways. She has collaborated with artistes like Jethro Tull, Sting, Karsh Kale and sister Norah Jones in the past, but never had a band or an ensemble of her own. However, since the last two years, Anoushka Shankar has been giving voice to her experimental inclinations through her ensemble ‘The Anoushka Shankar Project’.
Known for her distinct musical sense, Anoushka Shankar is
Shankar Project and she says, “I realised that people would
a sitar player who is contemporary yet traditional and rooted
come for the sitar concert expecting it to be a purely
in many ways. She has collaborated with artistes like Jethro
classical concert, but they would be disappointed with
Tull, Sting, Karsh Kale and sister Norah Jones in the past,
electronics and the bass or the vocals. On the other hand,
but never had a band or an ensemble of her own. However,
some would hear about my fusion ensemble, buy a ticket
since the last two years, Anoushka Shankar has been giving voice to her experimental inclinations through her ensemble ‘The Anoushka Shankar Project’. Besides touring, the woman with the magical fingers has many things to look forward to in the coming year working with artistes like Herbie Hancock, Lennny Kravitz and Nitin
and then would be disappointed with the classical concert (laughs), so I realised I needed to just separate the things that I do and that is the reason why I created the ‘Anoushka Shankar Project’.” She adds, “Anything that I do under the name of
Sawhney. As the band readies to hit the road, Anoushka
‘The Anoushka Shankar’ project is more of experimental,
Shankar speaks to us about her music, her upcoming
composition based, ensemble music. And under Anoushka
projects, her thoughts on the changing sound of the sitar,
Shankar, I am doing pure classical concerts¦ that is one of
the Grammies and much more!
the reasons why I created this distinction - And now I am
Ask her what’s the purpose of starting the Anoushka
finally bringing this to India after two years.”
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woman power
28
indra nooyi A woman is a powerhouse through which she empowers people with powerfulness which makes them powerfully powering with absolute power.
How do you balance the operation of a multi-billion dollar
law! I was very upset, but I went and bought the milk and
company worth almost $60 billion and maintaining a home
banged it on the kitchen table in front of her and said, ‘Tell
with two children? With love, tender care, careful planning,
me, why do I have to buy the milk and not somebody else.’
wise decisions and tact. Indra Nooyi is a wife and mother,
She just looked at me - and I will never forget it and it was
a woman with extraordinary insight who is not afraid of
a powerful lesson she left in me and said - ‘look, when you
challenge or taking the road less travelled – the woman
pull into the garage, leave the crown there. Don’t walk in
who oversees one of the world’s largest corporations and
with it, because you are first a wife and a mother. And if the
best known name brands – PepsiCo, Inc. Her success is a
family needs milk, you go get the milk. That is your primary
testament that sometimes life doesn’t need rhyme or reason
role in life. Everything else is what you acquired or what you
to make sense. Whatever you aspire to do, you can achieve;
got because I pray for four to five hours a day.’ That is the
you can achieve greatness.
only thing she tells me. She says, ‘what did you accomplish?
From potato chips, to bottled water and other products,
You sit in a meeting on a chair all the time, and I pray for
PepsiCo’s brand can be found in kitchens across the globe
4-5 hours.’ She also said that her stay-at-home mother
and Indra Nooyi is at the helm of ensuring the success of
“encouraged us but held us back, told us we could rule the
the company.
country as long as we kept the home fires burning,” And
Much has already been written about this great Leader
that every night at dinner her mother would present a world
but here’s an interesting anecdote in her own words about
problem to her and her sister and have them compete to
the huge role that her mother has played in her success.
solve it as if they were a President or Prime Minister. Nooyi
“When I became the president, at 10 o’clock in the
appreciates the support from families, she says, because
night I went home and said, ‘Mom I have some very
her career has been tough on her own family. She believes
important news’. To which she said ‘leave that important
that for any woman, the people one loves are the bedrock of
news, just go buy some milk’. To which, I said, ‘Raj is home,
success. “Build around you a terrific ecosystem, preferably
why don’t you ask him to buy the milk?’ She said, ‘he is
with family,” she advises. “But it’s ‘family’ defined every
tired’. Typical mother you know, can’t disturb the son-in-
which way you want.”
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boudoir beauty
30
Appetite for beauty
beauty bites The chemistry between the boxes on kitchen shelves and the bottles on dressers is indeed beautiful. Step into the world of kitchen cosmetics. words sara kapoor
F
ew drops of fresh lemon juice, the rich pulp of papaya, a thick serving of soymilk, the sweet texture of honey, a tiny piece of dark chocolate and the moistness
of fresh lemongrass. No, we’re not reading out the ingredients of an exotic dish, instead we’re simply stating
31
the elements that are sitting pretty on our dresser. Yes, oberoihotels.com jetairways.com
boudoir beauty
32 remedies that have survived for centuries are actually meticulously planned sciences that advocate a diet and lifestyle regimen
by using natural remedies we boost our immune system TIPS we’ve indeed come a full circle when it comes to all things bright and beautiful. A journey that began from the kitchen may have diverted to the labs for a while but once again is back to the kitchen. As cosmetic brands pack grandmom’s secrets into bottles we re-live the most trusted loved beauty secrets. “Our grandmas never resorted to any chemical peels, lasers or scalpels to look radiant and beautiful. Modernisation, kind of, deviated us from our roots and rich heritage but with growing awareness and latest scientific know-how regarding cosmetic skincare ingredients, both synthetic and natural, the consumer is eagerly treading their path to good health via safe and natural skincare products,” says Dr. Uma Singh, medical director, Ozone Ayurvedics. Almost all the products that Ozone Ayurvedics offers contains ingredients that come straight from grandmother’s kitchen “A rising number of cosmetic companies are now formulating products from ingredients found in the kitchen, which is because of the escalating interest in natural products. The use of food ingredients in skin care cosmetics that started from home recipes has now indeed conquered the beauty industry,” says Rahul Kale, the founder of Iraya. Iraya manufactures products based on classic Ayurveda literature references using elements like orange, almond, apricot, basil, ginger, apple, apricot, mustard, etc. “Since ancient times Indian women
Pure saffron lightens and brightens the complexion. It evens skin tone, clears blemishes, minimises fine lines & surface imperfections. Aloe Vera plant is known for its cooling & calming properties. Watermelon juice not only refreshes you but also proves to be good for skin care, due to its moisturising properties. Honey is a popular anti aging skin care and has excellent moisturising properties.
properties that can accentuate beauty. Also, these ingredients resonate the modern day consumer’s choice who is moving away from chemical based options to natural Luthra Curls and Curves) range of body
have used simple, natural and tropical
lotions this winter indeed look yummy.
ingredients for skin care. We have always
“Elements found in the kitchen garden
believed that beauty from within connotes
have always known to hold beauty secrets.
that the nutrients we consume affect the
Say the mulberry fruit extract is known
way we look, and the beauty market has
to be a botanical skin-lightening agent or
tapped into this idea,” adds Sanjali Giri,
cocoa butter is a natural moisturiser,” says
product manager, The Body Shop, a brand
Vandana Luthra, the women behind the
which manufacturers skin care, bath and
VLCC empire. Interestingly, Aroma Magic
body products using natural ingredients.
by Blossom Kochhar offers a range of oils
“Through osmosis your skin absorbs
called vegetable oils - olive, jojoba, wheat
whatever (ingredients) you apply on it.
germ and almond. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead
Consequently, all the skin and hair products used get absorbed in your blood stream,”
get instant face lift from egg-whites, lively
explains Bharti Malani, who runs a home-
and cheerful eyes from cucumber slices and
run project, Waterline, which helps women
tea bags, and supple, soft and gorgeous
cleanse their skin of harmful carcinogens
skin from almond and olive oil!
while keeping them all made-up. “Since time immemorial, cereals, grains, spices, fruits, nuts, milk, honey, and other edible
Turmeric is the most popular in cosmetic use as it heals & prevents dry skin, treats skins conditions like acne, thereby producing natural golden glow.
kitchen cosmetics is gaining popularity
Olive, almond, carrot seed, lemon and clove are other big winners in the kitchen cosmetics segment.
Sanjali. “A number of food ingredients have
ones,” says Rahul. VLCC’s (Vandana
Cucumber not only makes delicious salads and refreshing health juices but also it is known for its cooling properties.
In cereals, lentils and chickpeas have also been high on the popualrity chart.
for a healthy mind and body,” explains
articles have been used for skincare. These quintessential food articles have successfully and pleasantly carved their way from dining tables to dressing tables. The concept of across the globe as it provides healthy beauty products. Also, it’s a well-known fact that approximately 64% of the applied cosmetics get absorbed into the system from the skin,” says Singh. So how does what’s on the platter work it’s way around in the beauty world? “Most natural cures work on the belief that the body is capable of naturally healing itself. By using natural remedies we boost our immune system, giving our body the power to heal faster. These simple
Kitchen cosmetics Take a closer look at the modern day cosmetics and you’ll observe that most of these products contain turmeric, cloves, gram flour, lentils (masoor), rice bran, sandal wood, papaya, apple, apricot, walnut shell and orange peel along with essential oils of wheat germ, almond, olive and rose, which are depicted at various places in ancient Indian texts. Such s k i n c a r e ingredients that come from natural resources are free from inherent adverse effects that are frequently associated with synthetic and chemical based cosmetic products Anyone can experiment with some si m p l e and s a f e k it c h e n recipes for routine skincare requirements. One can even start a natural beauty product line. You can work towards n at u r a l b e a u t y or even pursue your dream as a cosmetic maker.
Mommy diaries
34
M
otherhood is surely one
that tops the list,” she says adding, “Losing weight and
of the greatest joys of
being in shape requires a lot of hard work, a lot of time,
being a woman. And the
a balanced diet. But when it comes to skin care, it is far
stunning Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty is no different.
easier. I think less is more when it comes to skin. The lesser
Her son Viaan has turned three-months old and all that
you do it, the better it looks. That has always been my
yummy mummy can think about right now is how to take
mantra. We are in a time and age when people don’t want
care of him better everyday and enjoy this phase of her life.
to see something fake or too overly done up. If you have
“Right now, I am a full-time mother and completely enjoying it. I have no time for films. I am on a sabbatical for I don’t know how long. Motherhood is such an amazing
to look good, you should have good and healthy skin,” told the actress. Shilpa credits everything to her well-managed prenatal
experience that everything else takes a back seat. Life
care that helped her emerge her svelte self again. “Doctors
has changed from being a woman to a mother but it is
advise you against massages until the fifth month as
beautiful,” says Shilpa.
applying pressure on the wrong points could induce uterine
Viaan is said to have changed her life totally. Shilpa told, “Life has changed from being a woman to a mother but
contractions. I recommend the 50-minute-long prenatal massage, administered by a trained therapist and advised
Motherhood has changed me
Shilpa Shetty has no plans to return to silver screen anytime soon. Her baby Viaan has turned three-months old and mommy Shilpa is busy taking care of him and is enjoying motherhood. words meghna sharma
it is beautiful.” Talking about the post-pregnancy weight,
from the fifth to the ninth month. Pregnancy massages
Shilpa says that getting back into shape is quite stressful for
have been found to reduce stress, decrease swelling in
any lady. “There are surely lot of insecurities about
arms and legs and relieve aches and pains in muscles and
your weight, skin and the way you look post-pregnancy.
joints. When choices for pain relief, such as medication,
But all this becomes a lot easy when you have good and
are often limited, back massages alleviate pain and reduce
right advice. There are pressures on every woman but
anxiety and depression as well. Not only are they likely to
being a celebrity when we are scrutinised every time for
minimize pain and guarantee a smooth delivery, they also
everything, the pressure surely increases. But I haven’t
ensure that there is no water retention in your body. It’s a
started losing weight because it is not on my priority list
known fact that water retention is the main reason most
right now. It is my baby and all that is important for him
women do not lose weight after childbirth.”
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P interiors
36
ayal Jain Homework In fashion designer Payal Jain’s sprawling bungalow, art isn’t an external, decorative entity. It is the house itself. From its hand-sculpted railing to its dragonfly embedded floor and from its master canvasses to unknown works from Bali, the home is a living example of an artistic life. words jayita bandhopadyay
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interiors
38
T
here are some houses that are decorated with art pieces and then there are some that are works of art. Fashion designer Payal Jain and her architect husband Manish’s farmhouse
in South Delhi fits the latter category perfectly. They haven’t bought and displayed art works to just beautify their tropical, resort-like home. They have blended art in as many ways as possible; in the open spaces, into the furniture, walls, pillars, door knobs and even the staircase and the flooring. The red-brick house with a private bedroom wing, has been built with an eye on the minutest of details and Payal has poured her creative sensibilities into it. “My biggest and most ambitious project,” is how the designer describes her labour of love, built over six years. Art is all over the house. From the larger-than-life Buddha at the driveway, the metal ballet dancer by sculptor K S Radhakrishnan rising from the sunken lotus pond at the entrance, the life-sized heirloom Nataraj to the handsculpted white metal staircase railings and the black and white montages of nostalgic family moments. Yet, it isn’t an ostentatious art gallery with limited access to its prized possessions. It’s a warm and loving home for two growing kids. “I didn’t want the art in my house to stand out. Everything had to blend in. So I chipped staircases, shifted windows and widened walls to make perfect spots,” says Jain, adding, “and sometimes the pieces just fitted in as if they had been tailor-made for me.” In her house art isn’t demarcated by names; it’s democratic in creativity. Canvasses by Arpana Caur, Sakti Burman and Satish Gujral and a rare paper work by Paresh Maity sit comfortably with quirky works by unknown artists from Bali. Vintage carpets from old havelis and 100-yearold textile pieces from Central Asia share space with a pop art piece with over 300 reels of machine thread created by
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interiors
40
members of Jain’s garment unit. And new-age coffee tables blend with furniture made from old wooden railway sleepers. “We started planning this house about 10 years ago. It was around then that we started collecting art, too. With a background in art history studies, I was the collector in the house, while Manish supported me. Later, through the
We started planning this house about 10 years ago. It was around then that we started collecting a lot of paintings and artefacts
years, he too has started appreciating art,” she says. But as they didn’t have enough space in their previous house, their artworks were stacked away at a gallerist friend’s home. “As the house started taking shape, I knew where my art pieces would fit in.” The house is still not complete, with work in progress in Jain’s studio-cum-office on the ground floor. In this under-construction space what catches the eye is the unique floor. Embedded in the unpolished grey cement are hundreds of glittering metal dragonflies. “I got the dragonflies sculpted and asked the contractor to embed them in the floor. All it now needs is a polish,” Jain says. The attractive, streamlined shape of the dragonfly is all over her house. In the living area hangs an example of Jain’s fashion designing sensibilities. Those familiar with this successful designer’s work know that she has experimented extensively with monochromatic palettes in white and black and sometimes gone completely exotic with bright colours. On the wall behind the dining table are two blinding panels of colour, an instant magnet in the otherwise white space. The two vertical canvasses by artist Pradeep Puthoor make an interesting contrast with two almost-blank frames on an adjoining wall. The “empty” frames are works by one of Jain’s favourite artists, Seema Gorai, who works mostly with layers of white. “She is not a commercial artist but I know how tough it is to work with white, yet give it character,” says Jain, rueing that the guest reaction to the works are often disappointing. But, then, she adds a rejoinder, “It’s my home and my family and I have to live here. This space is not for public scrutiny. We love every corner here.”
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what’s in vogue
42
fashion’s
latest fixation Luxury designer brands are leading the fashion pack when it comes to the ‘tux and tie’ revival in women’s clothing. words meghna sharma
43 oberoihotels.com jetairways.com
what’s in vogue
44
O
n the streets
for calling black a “refuge” and has described the
of fashion
Smoking as an “essential” because it makes a woman
capitals
feel “constantly fashionable”. “It’s an item of clothing
around
of style and not of fashion. Fashions pass, style is
the world
eternal,” Saint Laurent had said in an interview. Pierre
a sexual
Berge, former chairman of the YSL couture house
revolution is
had remarked, “By appropriating male apparel and
emerging. But this modern movement has got nothing
enabling women to wear it, Saint Laurent transferred
to do with free love, it’s about androgynous fashion. For
the attributes of power from one sex to the other. For a
years women have raided their man’s wardrobe and
woman, Le Smoking is an indispensable garment with
hell, they have worn it better, be it the boyfriend jeans
which she finds herself continually in fashion, because
and jackets, oxfords and brogues or man suits and bow
it is about style, not fashion. Fashions come and go, but
ties. And the designers have loved the women in it as
style is forever.”
much as we have. But when they present to us models
While Dietrich and YSL are instrumental in
strutting down the runway wearing mannish attire, the
triggering androgyny in the world of fashion, many
question that crosses our mind is, how can a woman
brands like Gucci, Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana,
wear ‘man pants’ and still look so chic?
Prada, Ralph Lauren, Abaete, Balmain, Hermes,
The tuxedo revolution in women’s clothing began over 70 years ago. Singer and actress Marlene Dietrich
Salvatore Ferragamo, etc, have joined the bandwagon.
pushed the envelope of the fashion-world by pioneering
Priya Sachdev, COO and creative director, TSG
an androgynous look that has transcended into today’s
International Marketing Pvt. Ltd, that represents a host
trends. During her career, Dietrich was frequently seen
of international brands like Stella McCartney, Dian
incorporating menswear into her wardrobe with boxy
Von Furtsenberg, etc, in India, says, “Androgynous
sport coats and high-waisted trousers. Her look evoked
fashion definitely kicked off with YSL and it’s still a big
a stark contrast to the gentile and feminine silhouettes
part of runways season after season. YSL and Stella
that were popular during the 1930’s.
McCartney tuxedo jackets and trousers make their women look strong, beautiful and chic in them.”
This look was then cemented as a fashion classic in 1966 by the iconic Le Smoking suit. Created by the
The very beating heart of fashion – as all style divas
famous couturier Yves Saint Laurent, the Le Smoking
know so well – is change, a thirst for something new.
tuxedo suit for women was the first of its kind to earn
While many would argue that the androgynous trend
attention in the fashion world and in popular culture. It pioneered long, minimalist, androgynous styles for women, as well as the use of power suits and the pant suit in modern-day society. Sequinned, cropped, belted, double-breasted, long, mini-dress-like, caped, draped, shaped and uncollared but always black, the Le Smoking was a perennial favourite of Saint Laurent with a new design practically every year. He’s famous
The tuxedo revolution in women’s clothing began over 70 years ago
is anything but new, it has made a roaring comeback indeed. Gucci’s women’s Autumn/Winter 2011-2012 collection floats on the clouds of colourful fur, elusive transparency, masculine accents, and glimpses of patent leather. Fashion has always played with androgyny, but lately it has taken a proactive step onto the centre stage. Our verdict: embrace it.
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haute cuisine
46
Itsy bitsy,
teenie weenie You don’t give up all the good things in life to look good. We have developed a penchant for tiny treats as it takes giant size bites of miniature desserts. words purva grover
47 jetairways.com
haute cuisine
48
W
hen waist-sizes
The small size dessert savours the palate and not the belly We’re living in the world of size-zero, power yoga
expand, what
and organic food, where a giant bite of a tiramisu cake
does one do? Go
is evil, sinful and unhealthy; hence the small dessert
cheenikum. No, instead one hops on to the mini dessert
trend. “Everyone is becoming more health conscious,
trail. Yes, what’s big in desserts now, is small. Your two-
yet they don’t completely want to give up all the good
tier cake has downsized to a frost rich cupcake, the big
things in life. The bite-sized desserts helps satiate your
doughnut delight has trimmed into a teeny glazed treat
desires without piling up the calories,” says Mini Yadav,
and the triple sundae to a gooey shot glass. Believe it or
director of bakery chains Le Marche and Sugar & Spice.
not, the small dessert revolution has overpowered your
“Watching the weighing scale is necessary. The small size
taste buds and how. It satiates your baby sweet tooth
dessert savours the palate and not the belly,” says Akassh
and tempts you to try out the new with least effects on
Kalra, owner, Sequel by United, Saket, New Delhi. “It is
the weighing scale. Food experts and researchers call
relatively new in India, but overseas, especially the US
this trend ‘the attack of the miniatures’, as for us we are
where people eat big meals and bigger desserts,” says
smiling teeth to teeth. We love these guilt-free teenie
Sonia Sareen, co-owner, Well, there couldn’t be a better
weenie treats. Take small-size bites with us as we explore
time to gorge on. Don’t get stuck with one large slice of
the giant world of small nothings.
cake, try out these mini treats.
49 jetairways.com