Luxury Fashion and its Downfall
The Hijab Coup d'état
Modest Fashion: Tips and Tricks
CARAVAN: Featuring The Tinker Store
Featuring Hitashi with Makeup Competition Winner Yamini Nandakumar’s Look
WHERE
Spring MEETS BLING!
CONTENTS
04 09
Luxury Fashion and its Downfall over Time
The 3Ms of Fashion
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17
The Hijab Coup d'état through Fashion
Modest Fashion: Tips and Tricks
25 Shoppertainment
29 Caravan ft. The Tinker Store
38 Make Up Competition Winning Entry
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CONTENTS
39 Hidden Gems to Visit in India Once during your Lifetime!
43 Sustainable Fashion
48 Fashion Activism
54 Almanac
51 Chocolate Pudding Recipe
60 Credits
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LUXURY FASHION AND
ITS DOWNFALL OVER TIME - Mitula Sai Subramanian
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Gucci. Chanel. Versace. Louis Vuitton. Dior. Celine. Yves Saint Laurent.
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These are all leading luxury fashion brands that are ever trending because of their exorbitant prices. And also maybe because they have pretty designs (very subjective).
This segment of the fashion industry not only caters to those who are filthy rich, but also those who search for gratification and self-confidence. But before looking at the dynamics of this industry, let’s first take a look at its origins. The concept of luxury clothing is not new; it can be traced back to the past when luxury goods were traded across borders by wealthy merchants. They were mostly used as offerings for various religious and political purposes in the past.
With the passage of time and evolution of the fashion industry, luxury fashion became representative of “haute couture” which basically refers to exclusive custom-fitted high-end clothing.
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Haute couture adds artistic value to the fashion industry by giving the designers the freedom to be as creative as possible, all while being paid a handsome amount. Luxury fashion in the form of haute couture is therefore still understandable as the prices at least somewhat match the output, albeit still reserved for the elites. Fortunately, with the democratization of society and the amalgamation of various classes, and unfortunately with the industrial revolution, luxury brands started making their collections available to the masses. Clothing, which is ready to wear by the masses anytime, anywhere, is known as
“prêt-à-porter” and is most importantly, cheap(er).
Luxury brands embraced capitalism and started selling their less innovative collections (almost always a copy of what was already available) as prêt-à-porter clothing with the exception that the price was still way too high and thus, “luxury.” This is where luxury fashion took a turn from being unique and creative to just a brand name.
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The current luxury fashion is reflective of the same; a simple white T-shirt with the Gucci logo retails at $590. It’s neither innovative nor creative - but it is definitely expensive. And people are still ready to indulge in this so-called “luxury” if it means a nice Instagram post. Besides the lack of value creation, many of these brands do not follow sustainable and ethical practices.
While many brands like Prada were quick to post black squares during the Black Lives Matter movement, they were met with backlash with how some of their clothing had racist undertones. Reports also state the lack of inclusivity in the luxury fashion industry right from its sizes to the lack of designers and models from a variety of backgrounds. Also, even if the industry were sustainable and ethical, at the end of the day, it still implicitly creates and relies on class divides to ensure their survival. It is not luxurious because of its quality - it is simply luxurious because it is not affordable to an average consumer.
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The luxury fashion industry has changed over time, and clearly for the worse. Like all things under capitalism, demand affects supply. Changing consumer perceptions about sustainability and ethics during the pandemic have led to reduced sales across the industry.
Hopefully, luxury fashion brands realize that Gen-Z and millennials, their customer base, are no longer reliant on overpriced shirts for confidence and instead, invest their time on breathing life into the creatively dead industry to add more intrinsic value to the tag of
“luxury.”
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THE
3M's
THAT DEFINE FASHION
-Aasma Shakuli
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What is fashion, really? Well, for my 10year-old self, Disney was peak fashion. Anything Hannah Montana or Selena Gomez wore, I was sold. Sparkly-eyed staring at the screen, Himawari style of saying “I really want that”. For my 13-year-old self, when someone was complimented with “you look like an actress/model” or “you look like you walked right out of a magazine”, it meant that they were highly fashionable, and it stayed with me. I believed that I had to look like someone in order to become fashionable.
But today, for my 21-year-old self, fashion is just combinations of clothes I put together that I think look good on me with, of course, sprinkles of Pinterest inspiration and confidence. I like it because it’s more me. But I can’t say I’m free and unburdened from the expectation to look a certain way to be what’s conventionally fashionable
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See, I don’t like to admit it but my 13-yearold self’s idea of fashion is something I still can’t fully shake off. I know it’s not just me. Even today, when I think of the word “fashion”, it’s still narrowed down to one image – tall, glamorous, pretty, skinny clothing on pretty, skinny people with amazing hair and makeup. And don’t get me wrong, I’m not putting this body type in a negative light here, take this from a naturally tall and skinny person. There’s nothing wrong with clothes being designed with the tall and skinny in mind, but there’s something very wrong for the fashion industry to be blind to the rest. You could tell me fashion is evolving and it’s more realistic and inclusive, and I will agree, but is it evolving at a rate we want? A rate that we need? At the end of the day ‘Fashion for everyone’ is a fantasy. Fashion in the real world is for the selected. Selected by whom you ask? By the three M’s – Media, Magazines & Mannequins – and they have one mantra. Fashion + specific body type = fashionable.
THE
3M's that define Fashion
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The whole fashion industry is still majorly hiring models that are skinny and tall, there’s no space for inclusivity and real representation for different body types, and hence, when we go through shopping apps and even to our search engines and type “fashionable outfits”, we watch the result page fill with outfits on one single body type.
JUST A SCREENSHOOT I TOOK A FEW SECONDS AGO How frustrating is that? Walking by every store with mannequins not matching your body, flipping through magazine pages and watching movies and going through social media and it’s all just one body type everywhere that looks nothing like yours but is wearing the outfit that’s defining a new fashion trend, yet again.
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One could argue that fashion is not selective, that what we see is just a sample and there are different sizes to suit different body types. But many people also struggle with not knowing how to style their body type because there are not many models out there with their body type they can relate to and make choices from, or significant representation in the media or the fashion industry. Tell me – why can’t a plus sized model be on the forefront too? And I don’t mean a plus size category on my shopping app, I mean the main page. The sizes XS to XXXL will always be there for the rest, right? The fashion industry is shifting, yes, we’re grateful for plus size models today, and the plus size category itself, but it shouldn’t stop here, and it shouldn’t have taken this long to get here. So, what is fashion really? You know what, I don’t care what it is, but let me tell you what fashion should be. It should be a creative outlet independent of your size, forget the mantra you’ve been listening to forever. Make your own mantra, and let this M be different. Let it be yours, let it be the only M that matters.
Fashion is art and you are the canvas - Velvet Paper
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THE HIJAB COUP D'ÉTAT THROUGH FASHION
-Srijana Ghosh
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The country has been stirred again, following the hijab controversy, where the Western nomenclature on the Islamic headscarves have made their way to the shore of India – a country that once took pride in its rich heritage and culture which sheltered several different beliefs under one roof and nuanced as “secular”, has entered the political movement where practicing one's faith has countered belligerent views that are obstinate and unpragmatic.
A hijab is a head covering scarf that some Muslim women wear in public Where liberalism is lost, fashion is the supreme religion that steps forward to make a greater impact. Fashion has been an expression in art and culture, an amalgamation of the tales you want to tell and the impact it has. The tectonic plates of fashion have shifted to an era where it's not about what you wear but more so on how you feel and what narrative you present, a statement that you create. "Fashion is something that comes from within you." - Ralph Lauren
Fashion is always something unexpected and this is how hijabi influencers like Tuba Dagli IG: tubv.dvgli) and Tuba (IG: tubathehoodjabi) - coincidentally we picked two influential creators with the same name - have been creating waves on Instagram and giving us inspos with their unique style.
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Tuba Dagli is a well-known Tik Tok and Instagram content creator. Her USP is her hijab cosplay of various anime characters, which have been warmly received, as well as the way she styles her hijab – making charming pigtails and space buns while adhering to softcore and grunge/e-girl aesthetics With 230k views, her most popular clip is a “Hijabi Itachi” cosplay from the hit anime show Naruto. Tuba is a content creator who usually makes videos on fitness and lifestyle. Her page is very entertaining with posts on her gym workout or her dance reels. Her fashion leans towards streetwear, grunge and hip-hop culture. The way she wraps her hijab and styles it is super chic and something worth making a Pinterest board for.
IG: tubathehoodjabi India too has seen a rise in hijabi influencers, normalizing hijabs and modest fashion. There are now some established and several up-and-coming hijabi influencers who are taking social media by storm. These women have been an inspiration as they continue to swerve the world into making a substantial impression, chastising the animosity of society while inspiring and invigorating women wearing hijabs all across the globe.
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Modest Fashion SARA JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
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For a myriad of reasons, some people do not prefer showing off their skin and look for modest fashion pieces for their everyday use as well as festive occasions. As a hijabi, I believe I have enough expertise (lol, I guess) to help out beginners in modest fashion. 1. Love wearing dresses but can’t find flattering midis? Here’s the most basic but life-saving hack. Get short dresses and pair them with skinny jeans or jeggings.
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2. Sleeveless tops and kurtas make our shopping trips really difficult. Invest in shrugs and jackets to wear over these tops and take your outfit to the next level.
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Tip: Try using open abayas as shrugs!
Source: @eenasajax on Instagram 3. Deep v-necks on dresses have to be the hardest to pull off but their oomph factor makes them irresistible. Get full sleeved round neck t-shirts to wear underneath them and have fun with modest deep necks. Source: @halalgirlnewyork on instagram
Winter hack: a turtleneck inside a plunging neckline
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4. If you’ve ever watched fashion hack videos, you may be familiar with the tip – pair tight with loose and loose with tight. Trust me, it’s pretty subjective. You can totally skip the tight and look chic with just loose and comfy pieces of clothing. A straight pair of jeans or wide-legged trousers can save the day. Just a hoodie or short kurta can make the outfit stand out.
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6. Accessorising tips for hijabis: Look for longer necklaces
RINGS!
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Try out beanies, caps or bucket hats on top of your hijab
Source: @_hadha.ana_ on Instagram Ditch the neutrals. Colour blocking can work wonders for your outfit. Pick out contrasting shades of hijabs to master this style.
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Another way to make your outfit stand out is to pair it with a printed hijab.
8. Fall in love with desi outfits: Kurtas and palazzos can be your best friend for everyday college/work use and they take minimal effort to style. 7. This has to be a favourite of Oxidised jewellery, a watch and tote mine. Get a printed stole, shawl or bag and you’re good to go and even a dupatta and put it around comfortable. your neck with its ends hanging in front. Cinch the waist with a belt and see the outfit transform from basic to fashionista level in an instant.
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9. Raid the men’s section at the store or your dad’s or brother’s closet. Look for shirts to pair with your denims and style them any way you want
10. Co-ords make for easy and modest outfits that take minimal effort to rock.
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11. The best advice I can give (I still don’t know if I’m qualified to give advice) is just have fun and experiment. See what works for you and what you like wearing because that’s all that matters.
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SHOPPERTAINMENT:
A FUN WAY TO SHOP - Saleen Marandi
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Entertainment is an event, performance, or any activity that people engage in for the purpose of enjoyment or distraction from their bustling everyday schedules. The extent of activities has evolved with time to keep the audience’s attention on different things according to their preferences. From storytelling, music, and drama to video games, cooking, and shopping, entertainment is a vast concept.
Wait, did anyone say shopping? Yes, winter is on its edge, which marks the beginning of spring and getting rid of those heavy layers of clothing. And it’s an alarm for shopping, as our closets need some refilling. It is evident with the increasing number of online markets that shopping is not just about buying things. But over time, it has become a source of amusement. With a few years spent in lockdown and the outdoor activities reduced, we have been pushed online for all the activities that were priorly done offline. And hence, shoppertainment was born.
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Shoppertainment is an effective way of shopping that combines e-commerce with entertainment, involving online content streaming, in-game advertising and whatnot. The main objective of this idea is to promote and sell products through live streams in an entertaining and informative way that creates an enjoyable experience for the audience. For instance, Alibaba, one of the biggest e-commerce companies, provides the consumer with in-app live streaming, gamification, and
“see now, buy now” technology to connect with us through more effective interactions. Furthermore, the cosmetic brand ‘e.l.f.’ partnered with Australian YouTuber Kathleen Belsten to strengthen their brand promotion. Despite the worldwide shutdown, digital platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram have become a powerful source for brands and customers to form meaningful bonds.
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And why not? With entertaining content, live streaming, better product descriptions and reviews, and a key feature of getting participative interactions, it holds a customer's attention effectively.
As previously mentioned, entertainment is not restricted to one common perception, and within these evolutionary years, shopping has become a feverish idea for leisure activity. Consumers are always looking for some new content and new distractions, so we are looking for a convergence of shopping and entertainment.
Though online shopping is not a new trend, shoppertainment with its new digital features allows communication to flow both ways, creating a truly interactive experience. In the coming years, live stream shopping is going to be the future of shopping with its most creative means in social media.
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CARAVAN e r e a h s o t Stories
THE TINKER STORE
IN CONVERSATION WITH MARIYA IMAD INTERVIEW BY SARA SIDDIQUI AND SAMIAH ANJUM
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When the March issue was decided as the “Fashion” issue, we immediately knew who we would feature in Caravan this time. Meet Mariya Imad, a young entrepreneur from Hyderabad who has her own online jewellery store called TheTinkerStore. We sat down with her (over a Zoom call, of course) and asked her some questions about her business as well as some dumb queries wondering
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Q&A
Mariya Imad A young entrepreneur from Hyderabad
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which jewellery she could be. Read the full conversation below, featuring me (SA) fangirling over her tiara, her (TTS) being completely downto-earth with her awesomeness, and no matter what she says, it was Sara (SJS) who had internet problems. (The power truly does lie in the transcriber’s hand.) SJS: The power actually lies in the editor’s hands. What was that spelling of your name you hated so much, again? Asking for other reasons.
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SA: Can you please tell us a little something about yourself and your business? TTS: My name is Mariya Imad and I started this business just one year ago. I would say it was just a spur of the moment thing. I just didn't think that I would actually be starting something. It was during the lockdown and I was bored, and I thought that I have to do something productive. That's when I came up with the idea. I started it in like 10 days or something. And yeah, I did my research and all of it and found that Instagram was the best platform SA: That is really cool. So, it was basically a lockdown idea? TTS: Yeah. I was bored and you know, just trying to be spontaneous. Online classes weren’t doing much and I just felt like doing something. I felt really unproductive and I was like I’ve got to do something. I started feeling like I'm not doing anything in my life and I should just start something. SJS: And that something turned out to be something really cool.
So, we're not into very formal questions, but we still want to know the basics about you and about your business, things like how you got about it etcetera. What were the challenges that you faced before starting? TTS: I think the worst challenge that I had to face was that it was lockdown and it was really hard to get the raw materials and stuff to start off with. I had some options in mind, like stuff that we could just DIY and I thought I could start some business like that. But then I couldn't find them online, and even if I did, all of it was really costly. I am just a student so I had very little money. I couldn’t afford all of this for a business. But then again, it was really hard to go to the market and get it because of the whole lockdown restrictions.
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That was the biggest challenge that I faced. Somehow, I got my hands on the materials and found some places from where I could get them. SA: So, what exactly did you have in mind when you were thinking of making jewellery? Like, what was it in your mind that you knew the jewellery will look like this or these are the materials that I will use for it?
TTS: The first time I actually went to the market, I knew that it wouldn't be easy to get all of these things. I had lots of ideas, but I knew that it's really hard to get these things in India. I haven't lived here my whole life so I didn't know where to go, how to get it and all of that. So, I was like, “let's just go to the market, see what I can find best and then decide what I should actually do.” So I went there and found some stuff, like the beads that I use. I was like “I can just come up with something with these beads” and I wasn't sure what, but I thought, let's just see. I bought the beads, came home, experimented with them and then decided that jewellery is the best idea. SA: That is so cool!
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SJS: Yeah! So, how did you actually learn how to make jewellery? I mean, you had that idea. You started it, but how did you actually learn how to make it? TTS: Some random YouTube videos. I've always been into these DIY things and I like to try stuff out. So, I was just watching some videos on Pinterest and YouTube and then I decided to learn it. SJS: Spur of the moment is your deal. TTS: (laughs) Yeah, in everything. SA: A little bit of a serious question: do you think it's harder for a Muslim woman to be an entrepreneur considering the current situation?
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TTS: Yeah, I think so. If I talk about my case, on Instagram, the best way to grow your business is through reels and for everyone who is not a Hijabi or not a Muslim, they have so many options on how to make them. But, for me, it is really hard because I can't wear and show everything that I sell. Like, if I have earrings, I can't show all of that on myself. I'd have to hire a model which I cannot afford right now. So yeah, I think there are some challenges, especially on Instagram because Instagram is all about, you know, putting everything out there. And I cannot do that. I don't even want to. But yeah, a lot of businesses have grown through reels advertising in a way that I can’t. So, I think there are some challenges that you have to face.
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SA: But there is one particular reel of yours that I really liked. It was, I don't know if it was you, but it was someone in white and I think it was advertising your tiara and it is really, really pretty. TTS: Yeah, it was just me. (laughs) I don’t have anyone else I can put in. SA: I don't think you have anything to worry about.
SJS: Yeah, I think you are doing great in terms of reels and marketing on Instagram because even though you have these challenges, you've been showing off your products really well and advertising it as much as you can do on Instagram. That's really commendable. Also, I just want to jump in and show you that I'm wearing one of your pieces. That's how much we love your stuff.
TTS: Oh, wow! (laughs) Thank you so much! You guys are so sweet. I love seeing people wear my creations! SJS: So, I think the prepared questions are more or less done, but there's just one more thing that we'd like to ask you, which is what advice would you give to people who are looking to start a small business online?
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TTS: I think one advice that I could give, because I have been doing it for one year and I have a lot of points to point out, it's like as soon as you start, I should have known this that I should start making reels earlier on. I thought, what videos would I make? I wasn't doing all of that, but later when I saw that people are growing because of this, I was like I should do it and so now I feel like I should have done this earlier. So yeah, start making reels and, also, be consistent. I had some personal stuff to deal with in the middle of all of it, so I've been doing it for a year, but I have taken a lot of breaks. In January, I had my wedding so I had to take a break for, you know, at least 1.5 months and then I had exams going on so I took another break and then I had another wedding in my family. I took a lot of breaks but I could have grown more if I hadn’t. You have got to be consistent and be regular here as well.
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RAPID FIRE SA: If you were an item of jewelry, which one would you be? TTS: Tiara because you wear it on your head. The best one. (laughs). SJS: What is your favourite item from your collection? TTS: I think it's that one silver tiara that I make, the one from the reel that you were talking about. SA: This one is a little bit of a standard question, but do you prefer books or movies? TTS: I think books, even though I don't have a lot of time to read right now. It’s been so long since I properly read a book, I am so annoyed with myself. Where's the time? (laughs) SJS: About the process of your orders, do you prefer making them or packing the orders? TTS: Packing them, for sure. SA: When it comes to the making of the jewelry, do you prefer working with the beads and pearls or the wires? TTS: I think they go hand in hand. Wires are easier to handle, but I like working with pearls because it just adds that class.
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s e k a t t u O SJS: Samiah and I have been friends for a while now and half the time she was like “look at Tinker Store! Look at her jewellery, look at the tiara! They're so pretty!” TTS: That is so sweet!
SJS: And she actually made me fall in love as well. She just showed it to me and immediately I was like, I'm getting this one. I don't get this length of necklace anywhere and as a Hijabi, I was really looking forward to this.
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TTS: I'm still a whole book nerd. SJS: I think we have that in common as well. SA: Yeah, we understand.
SA: I know I have already said this before, but I think that's the item (tiara) that I saw and I was like, okay, this is really, really nice.
SA: Also, can I just say, your packaging is beautiful. TTS: Yeah, I love the whole aesthetic scene of the creation. I am always like, okay, I am packing it. It looks so pretty. I am always obsessed with that part.
WINNER
tion i t e p Com p u e k Ma
YAMINI SWETHA NANDAKUMAR @yana.artistry
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Hidden gems in India to visit once during your lifetime - Vanshika Seth
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1. DOODHPATHRI, KASHMIR: A tourist destination and also a hill station, it is one of the finest hidden gems of Kashmir and India. The lush green landscape and shining streams running over the large stones increase its overall beauty. The water flowing through the meadows has a milky look from a distance.
In winters, the meadows are covered with snow and are difficult to access, so summers are the best to visit and get a beautiful portrait in a lovely background of lush green grass and adorable sheep.
2.LAITMAWSIANG, One of the undiscovered and MEGHALAYA: unpopular places to visit. It is commonly known as “the home of cotton-candy clouds”. It is endowed with sweeping views of lakes, waterfalls, ancient caves and timbered valleys. The destination, at present, is illuminated with sun rays. The waterfall creates a great sparkling view to savour. The garden caves lead to a perennial underground water source which is great for drinking as it has medicinal benefits.
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3. MAITHON, JHARKHAND: The Maithon Dam is located 48 kms from the Coal City of Dhanbad. It is located on a picturesque landscape amidst a beautiful lake and green forests. The dam with an underground power station is one of its kind in the whole of South-East Asia. It is a paradisiacal place with white waterfalls that one should definitely explore.
If you are a nature lover, then this is a place you must visit and explore. You could also avail a boating ride with family and friends. Watching the sunrise and sunset here is truly delightful.
4. CHOPTA, UTTARAKHAND:
It is a picturesque hamlet that is still unexplored by travelers and is famously known as “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand”. It promotes its snow-capped trekking expeditions. Chopta is a birding paradise too, with over 240 species of birds including native and migrating species. It has much more to do and explore for a tourist. It can be visited anytime through the year, but November to May are the best months to visit.
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5. HAFLONG, ASSAM:
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The only hill station in Assam, it is a beautiful place for a vacation in the North East. It is often called the “White Ant Hillock” with a very rich cultural heritage.
The Haflong Lake is a mesmerizing sight, the nature lovers will surely be allured with the beauty. There are two main attractions near Haflong which are also visited by tourists – Maibong and Jatinga. There is a lot in store to explore in these areas.
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SUSTAINABLE FASHION A Walk into its History and a Run into its Present
Meghna Andrews
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“Sustainable Fashion” is a common enough term these days in fashion circles. Wherever there is a fashion brand or event, there are always questions on how sustainable they are. Words used so widely in modern vernacular often lose what they stand for when their history is ignored, and fashion sustainability happens to be one of them.
A change in fashion products and fashion industry in a more holistic approach to normalcy is known as sustainable fashion. One can also term it as ecofashion or evergreen fashion. Although the term green fashion can remind most of us of NGC groups from our school days.
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Let's go back to history to really understand the objective of its nature The inception of this idea began from The PreRaphaelite movement, where some artists saw the disastrous effects that new fashion trends and ways of industrialization brought. Men like William Holman Hunt, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and John Everett Millais founded this group. They were against the industrialization of design and art. They gave importance to nature and craft and were against the division of labour. Together they soon made their work eco-friendlier in nature such as they rejected restrictive corsets and crinoline supports women used to wear. Bows, ruffles, and trimmings were said to be of no practical use. Their garments were dyed with natural vegetable dyes instead of bright, loud chemical dyes. So, we have the Pre-Raphaelite movement to thank for the start of this revolution. Soon followed the Hippie movement to a more able sustainable fashion. This group was known as the least bothered by society's standards of life and openly rejected every norm that called for more than what was just enough to live by. They rebelled against the establishment through their choice of clothes, lifestyle, and music. They preferred natural resources and a return to all things of nature and a much simpler living. Going head-tohead against the capitalist consumerist society of their time, they were the founders of what we now call Sustainable Fashion.
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The punks and Goth movement of the 70s and 80s also rejected the then fashion trends and chose to wear unique vintage and second-hand clothing of the previous era, thereby starting the trend of recycling or re-wearing clothes. Following them, the 80s saw the evils of fur and helped ban them and tried to get rid of them to an extent. No sooner did the trend of fast fashion begin, clothes became cheaper, more accessible and unessential. People didn't care about quality anymore but wanted to buy new clothes that were in vogue every season. All of this increased demand and production. Cut chase to different timelines, there are many notable people who brought about huge changes. People like Naomi Klein who wrote the book ' No Logo' and 'Silent Spring' written by American biologist Rachel Carson. These books were widely read and exposed the big fashion houses and the underlying actions of effects and causes. Masses felt more responsible to an extent to educate themselves to at least learn what was going around them. Movements like slow fashion, which was influenced by slow digestion, tried to bring in some hope of better usage of resources and ethical manpower.
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Despite these movements, the core idea of how these businesses run is paradoxical in nature, to keep up fashion, an ever-changing and evolving body, and sustainability which is about the ever going and resourcefulness. These are like chalk and oil. So, to imagine and voice them, to run wild gives us away. We could take the example of Darwin's concept of sexual selection in the evolution of apes to man. The point being that our naked skin is our very selection. This does not mean the absence of clothing but most importantly the primary need for clothing, but the need for clothes is very loud for all human species. Bare skin not only echoes Darwin and provides a surface foundation that can be disguised and marked, but is also an "alternative form of bodywear of choice for generations." I feel Darwin's thinking has the potential to change and reconstruct the historical meaning of traditional aesthetics in a way that fashion begins to be seen as part of the evolutionary process. To begin the ideas to run its course on sustainability more so. Things would be better.
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E N T W I N E FASHION & ACTIVISM D WOKAL
Saleen Marandi
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Activism is an action to achieve social change for a good cause. Once started to bring change to the world through a myriad of ways, it has now become a hoggish idea to garner fans and get compliments. From getting dressed in khadi for swaraj to getting dressed in black for an Instagram trend, a proper outfit has become a tool of high value. For centuries, fashion has remained an important means of maintaining social and political prestige. Be it an environmental or political movement, a visual message has been the best way to spread awareness without voicing a word. But why? Isn’t it obvious that we live in the era of the internet and social media where people believe in “show, don’t tell” to be more expressive and noticeable? For instance, wearing a pantsuit as power in an election campaign, Hilary Clinton broke the stereotypical fashion of skirts for women in politics. Fashion choices with deeper meaning create a great impact among the audience, but not always. Sometimes a good initiative takes a different turn and leads to something else. As in the case of the Black Lives Matter Movement, many popular, as well as local brands got into the business of releasing merchandise with the same slogan to proclaim their support. And it appeared more like marketing than actual participation, which soon became performative rather than a genuine concern about the issue. Just like at last year’s Met Gala event, where Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez justified her presence with the message "Tax the Riches" printed on her dress. While the dress was considered subversive, it appeared to the critics as a mere performance to gain fans and social capital. And how can we forget the buzz when Cara Delevingne made her appearance with a “Peg the Patriarchy” vest, to deliver a social issue that remained just a fashion outfit?
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All these examples may or may not be performative, but the idea of bringing these social issues through fashion into the limelight turned out to be a success. Undoubtedly, what matters, in the end is delivering the message to be “The Talk”, and a great outfit acts as the cherry on top. What was once a great tool to spread awareness has now become a matter of popularity because fashion is the new means of activism.
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CHOCOLATE PUDDING R E C I P E
-GUPIL GARG
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Ingredients • Chocolate bar or chocolate chips • Unsweetened cocoa powder • ¼ cup of sugar • ½ cup of milk • 2-3 spoons of butter • 3 eggs • 1 teaspoon of salt • 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
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• Put the saucepan on the stove with medium heat for around 6 minutes and whisk it constantly • Take 3 large eggs and separate the egg yolk from the egg whites • Place the egg yolks in the bowl on medium heat and whisk until it's light and frothy •Slowly, pour half a cup of the contents of the saucepan into the bowl while whisking •Put the mixture back in the saucepan once the ingredients are thoroughly mixed •Put the pan on low heat and whisk till it thickens which takes around 3 minutes •Turn off the flame and add the chocolate chunks, butter to the pudding while whisking •Secure the pudding with a plastic wrap and let it set for around 2-3 hours. Topping Ideas – Homemade whipped cream, chocolate nuts, berries. Tip – Whisking should never stop
Instructions • Cut one chocolate bar into small chunks or use chocolate chips • Take a saucepan and add cocoa powder, sugar, salt and cornstarch into the pan • Add milk while whisking the contents to avoid any lumps
ISSUE 17
March
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ZERO DISCRIMINATION DAY
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INTL. WOMEN'S DAY
WORLD POETRY DAY
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WORLD THEATRE DAY
2022
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WORLD PIANO DAY
1 ZERO DISCRIMINATION DAY This day reminds everyone that one shouldn't be discriminated against regardless of our general ways of being. A day to really honour the dignity everyone deserves, from being allowed to study regardless of attire to being allowed to celebrate the one festival their faith has. As we progress into the 2020s, somehow it seems that everything is getting worse on this front, which is why we need this day now more than ever.
8 INTL. WOMEN'S DAY International Women’s Day was brought forth by women fighting for the basic right of voting, it can also be recognised as the “Whyis-there-no-men’s-day” Day. This day recognises and celebrates the importance, strength and achievements of women in all spheres of life. It also marks the fight against gender inequality globally and shows us that despite the visible progress, there is still a long way to go.
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WORLD POETRY DAY
This is a day to truly value the poets around us who help bridge the daily drill of life. These words that move us must be applauded, held with respect and treasured for the cultural impacts they’ve had and will continue to have on generations to come.
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WORLD THEATRE DAY Theatre has to be one of the oldest art forms thriving. The impact of seeing one perform in the most intimate, awe-inspiring way right in front of an audience is truly an experience to behold! It has a huge influence on society and culture as well since the messages that are conveyed through theatre performances are incredibly touching, to say the least.
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WORLD PIANO DAY
It aims to bring people of all ages and groups to share the love for this beautiful living instrument, trying to share the centuries-old delight. A definite treasure to return to one's favourite classical pieces!
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PARIS
Fashion
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Paris Fashion Week is a series of designer works presented to an audience and is held twice a year in Paris, France (duh). The first displays were presented on mannequins and were only for clients, which made it difficult for them to see the pieces due to lack of mobility. Later, they were displayed on women. Over the years, it became a contest between the French and American fashion houses. The event was splashed with stars, giving out further events to become what it is today. Creativity and fashion have a history of toying with the other side of humanity which sparked fires to a lot of practices and ways of life. These actions are entertained to the extent of reacting only. From glamourising suicide by having models wear a noose around their neck to having whitewashed models, gagged models, pregnant prosthetic bellies, cultural misappropriation, getting a horse to walk on the ramp which sparked anger among animal lovers alike. The extensive list of controversies seems like just another accessory to add to the glamour quotient since stunts of this nature have been part and parcel of these highly known events. There is grudging beauty amidst the controversies. Take a look at some of the most stunning displays from previous years.
C R E D I T S WOKAL DIGITAL MAGAZINE
MANAGEMENT Editor in Chief Alina Ahmed
Editor
SECTION HEADS
Aabiyah Zehra
Head Columnist
Hitashi
Hiba Ahmed
Makeup and Fashion
Executive Editors
Mitula Sai Subramanian
Sara Jamshed Siddiqui
Activism
Samiah Anjum
Vanshika Seth
Social Media Head
Travel
Bilal Ahmad
Content Head Aarzoo Kumar
COLUMNISTS
Art Director
Aasma Shakuli
Krishika Choudhary
Gupil Garg
Director of Photography Aabiyah Zehra
Layouts & Design by
Kathan Pandya Meghna Andrews
Krishika Choudhary, Nicole Kharjana, Nikhitha V., Harshul Narang, Aasma Shakuli
Cover Photograph by Hitashi
Cover Model Hitashi
MARCH 2022 • ISSUE 17
Romita Handa Sagar Rathi Saleen Marandi Samridhi Singh Vidhi Gupta
INFORM. INSIGHT. INSPIRE. WOKAL M A G A Z I N E ISSUE 17 | MARCH 2022
ISSUE 17 | MARCH 2022
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