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Showing posts from 2011

2011's Style Shakers

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OH KATE: The world’s newest fashion icon and royal, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, was photographed shopping at affordable chain stores. Designers talked directly to fans on TV and Twitter, and sold cheap chic collections on eBay, and at H&M, Target and Macy’s. It was the royal wedding of the century (April 29, 2011, to be exact), and Catherine wore Alexander McQueen . The bad boy British designer died last year, but his fashion label has never been more popular thanks to the designs of artistic director Sarah Burton, who is carrying on his legacy. More than half a million people went to see “Savage Beauty,” the retrospective exhibition of his work, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, kicking off a frenzy among museum curators the world over to come up with more fashion programming. CURVES ARE BACK: Will give it to Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor for flaunting her full figure in RA.One , something that most Indian women already have. May be, Indian men need to ...

The three inspiring men in my life, are gone...

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RIP Mario Miranda, Shammi Kapoor and Jagjit Singh It's eery the way this year (2011) has ended with some of my most inspiring men, going away, forever. Mario Miranda, cartoonist, Shammi Kapoor, actor and Jagjit Singh, singer. These men moulded my thoughts and my aspirations, kept me wacky and humoured. I shall miss them, forever. A salute to the kings - Mario, Shammi and Jagjit. Mario Miranda : Acclaimed cartoonist Mario Miranda, who made Goan landscapes and people come alive on canvas, died at his ancestral home in Loutolim on December 11, after a long illness, family sources said. He was 85. “He had been ailing for long and he passed away peacefully in his sleep,” his grieving widow Habiba told. Miranda is survived by his wife and two sons. Lautolim is 35 km from Panaji, Goa. Mario had been ill with multiple complications for few years and had not been very active on the art scene though he occasionally made sketches for some publications . Shammi Kapoor : Tributes have been paid...

Aishwarya Rai - Abhishek Bachchan's baby girl

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Aishwarya Rai Bachchan , Bollywood actress, former Miss World and L'Oréal ambassador's baby girl has been one of the most talked about topics around the globe. Naturally, everyone wants to see how pretty the baby girl is, considering her mom Aishwarya's said to be the most beautiful woman in the world. But it seems that the wait will be a wee bit longer. Amitabh Bachchan , who has received requests for pictures of his newborn granddaughter, says he can't share the photos because it is a personal thing. "Many asking for the picture of the baby...I am afraid that is not going to happen... too personal...you will understand...thank you," Big B tweeted. Meanwhile new dad Abhishek has asked fans to suggest names for his daughter through his tweet.

Miss World 2011

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Miss World crown rests on Miss Venezuala's head Miss Venezula, Ivian Sarcos , waves after winning Miss World 2011 at Earls Court in London, on November 6, 2011. The glitz and glamour of Miss World returns to its British home to celebrate the global beauty contest's 60th birthday. A record 122 beauty queens from Albania to Zimbabwe take part in the pageant, which will be broadcast live to more than 150 countries. India's entry this year was represented by 23-years-old Kanishtha Dhankhar, who fared well but couldnot make the cut in the top slot. The last time India won the Miss World title was in the yeae 2000 by actress Priyanka Chopra.

Tokidoki - Tattooed Barbie

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Look momma, Barbie's got a tattoo Imagine parents' horror when their little girl would demand the new tattooed Barbie doll? With pink hair and tattoos across her shoulders and neck, U.S. toymaker Mattel's latest collector's edition Barbie doll is a reflection of rockstars style. Something, that young girls should not grow up on. Since its release earlier this month online, the $50 limited edition doll designed by Los Angeles-based fashion company tokidoki and aimed at adult collectors, has sold out and caused a huge controversy, already. Also called the 'Tokidoki' Tattoo Barbie. It was asked if the doll was inappropriate for children. A parent in the US said, 'Have you seen Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, Rihanna?' These pop stars have tattoos and wear wigs and crazy clothes. Back in India, most parents fear that this doll may promote the liking toward tattoos at an early age. Debarati Sen, a journalist, who has a 10-year-old daughter say...

Demi Moore's anorexic and waif-like

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Demi Moore's alarming weight loss It's such a sorry sight to see, Demi Moore , one of the prettiest and the sexiest Hollywood actresses is now reduced to being a bag of bones. Born on November 11, 1962 as Demi Gene Guynes), Demi became one of the highest paid actresses in Hollywood with her successes in Ghost (1990), A Few Good Men (1992), Indecent Proposal (1993), and Disclosure (1994). Moore took her professional name from her first husband, musician Freddy Moore, and is the mother of three daughters from her marriage to actor Bruce Willis . She has been married to actor Ashton Kutcher since 2005. Incidentally, Ashton and she are having problems in their marriage, it was reported in the international websites. Girl with the Blue Scarf says: Wonder if Demi Moore's anorexic, bony condition has got anything to do with her marriage 'woes'?

Sonakshi Sinha at Paris Fashion Week

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Dabangg girl Sonakshi Sinha looked pretty and chic at the Paris Fashion Week . She tweeted with glee, 'In Paris, do as the Parisians do'. A fashion design student herself, Sonakshi helped backstage for many years at the Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai before she forayed into Bollywood. Dressed in a lacy black number, shiny red lips and high bun, she attended the Louis Vuitton show at Paris. Girl with the blue scarf says: Sonakshi's looking chic. What do you think?

Freida Pinto stuck in colour row

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Oh Freida! We like you, just the way you are Slumdog Millionaire girl Freida Pinto recently shot for an ad campaign for L’Oréal . As the shoot wrapped up, she went home happily looking forward to some positive reactions. But little did she know that she will fall into a 'colour trap' of sorts. Instead of compliments on her rich Indian look, she received brickbats on lightening her skintone for the shoot. Freida has a big fan following and most of her fans across the world condemned the move. Quick to the rescue, L’Oréal issued a public statement. Here goes: This is with reference to certain incorrect reports on the Internet about L’Oréal Paris lightening Freida Pinto's skin-tone in the campaign 'Colors Take Flight Project Runway' . L’Oréal Paris strongly reiterates that Freida Pinto's skin-tone in the campaign 'Colors Take Flight Project Runway' limited-edition collection has not been altered in any way. This campaign was meant to highlight Freida Pint...

Mausam is like film couture

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Film: Mausam; Rating: * * * * (4 stars) Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Supriya Pathak Director: Pankaj Kapur Must say two years of Shahid Kapur's dedication shone well in his father Pankaj Kapur's film Mausam. Capturing the essence of a small town boy's dream to fly, this movie kickstarts its look from a village in Punjab. Shahid Kapur aka Harinder Singh, lovingly called Harry 's the joyful, active boy who's waiting for his sarkari joining letter from the Indian Air Force. And in those days of fun and waiting, he falls in love with Aayat (Sonam Kapoor), a Kashmiri Muslim, who takes shelter at her aunt's ( Supriya Pathak ) place in Punjab. Harry starts to send subtle love signals to Aayat, so she would accept his love. TWIST: Sonam has to leave town in a rush and then one after the other Ayodhya-Babri masjid demolition issue comes up. Just then Harry receives a call from IAF and goes for his training. Seven years hence, he accidentally meets Sonam at Scotlan...

Anil Chopra quits Lakme Fashion Week

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Anil Chopra , CEO Lakmé Lever, has resigned from Lakme Fashion Week Rather shocking, the man who founded the Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai over 11 years ago has decided to part ways with LFW. He intends to pursue an external opportunity by end September. THE WORKS: Anil has had a rich experience of more than 25 years in the Tata group followed by 12 years in HUL. Anil has had a distinguished career and established Lakmé as a highly aspirational and iconic beauty brand in this country. He is recognised as an expert on beauty and customer experience. Best known for his exhaustive work as VP – Lakmé, Oral & Deos and VP Lakmé Beauty & Wellness Services and HUL Network. Under the leadership of Anil, Lakmé has grown to be one of the largest salon chains in India with 160 Salons across 36 cities. He was very encouraging toward the young designers and took special interest in helping the Gen Next category. Girl with the Blue Scarf says: Anil Chopra is a stellar personality. Without h...

Angola's Leila Lopes is Miss Universe 2011

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First winner from Angola, Leila is one of the few black Miss Universe winners Newly crowned Miss Universe Leila Lopes hopes her victory will allow her to assist her native Angola further escape its history of war and impoverishment and said she plans to focus on combatting HIV around the globe. She says, "I've worked with various social causes. I work with poor kids, I work in the fight against HIV. I work to protect the elderly and I have to do everything that my country needs," she said. "I think now as Miss Universe I will be able to do much more." Lopes said that she has never had cosmetic surgery of any kind and that her three tips for beauty were to get a lot of sleep, use sun block even when it's not sunny and to drink lots of water. She said her smile was her best weapon in the competition. Asked about racism in light of the fact that she's one of the few blacks ever crowned Miss Universe, Lopes said that "any racist needs to seek help. It...

SOMEONE GUARD US FROM BODYGUARD (film)

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Film: Bodyguard (**) Director: Siddique Stars: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Raj Babbar and one promotional song by Katrina Kaif Review: My hunt for director Siddique is still on. I'd like to express my apologies toward his lack on imagination. And also such brutal use of a fabulous starcast of Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor on a weak script like this. HYPE: The hype for Salman's Bodyguard was gripping in the days that followed Eid (31st Aug). And cinema halls across India went house full, clearly out of curiosity to see how Salman 'Bhai' would entertain us as a bodyguard with rippling muscles and eight pack abs. The film opens with Katrina Kaif, looking absolutely hot in a black number. And as the storyline progresses, Salman (Lovely Singh) was chosen as the bodyguard for Kareena (Divya) as there was threat to her life from gaon ka goondas . Kareena's dad Sartaj (played by Raj Babbar) was a surprise element as he looked quite young to play the dad...

Supermodel Ujjwala Raut is 'single' now

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Supermodel Ujjwala Raut was in Mumbai recently visiting her parents. With daughter Ksha, 5, the proud momma says she has moved on from her nightmarish marriage to New York-based model Craig Maxwell Sterry . "I am single and happy. I've learned from my mistakes and put my past behind. I am still open to love though. Just like anybody else, I aspire for happiness too," she says. She wants to fiercely protect her daughter who lives with her in New York. "Why wouldn't I? I am a mother, and I will never let any harm come to my child. I can face any hardship but my daughter needs a normal upbringing. Thankfully, I am able to give her that in NY," she says with a sigh of relief. Some time ago, Ujjwala endured a lot of media bashing, "Thanks to Maxwell. He even emailed those articles to me. Everywhere I went, be it US, UK or Italy, the media kept asking for details about my marriage. I finally decided to put an end to this. Why should anyone know what...

Kareena ka jadoo

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When it's Mumbai-based designer Manish Malhotra's ramp show, the anticipation in the air is thick. This time around at the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2011 last day in Mumbai, everyone knew actress Kareena Kapoor would walk the ramp for him as his muse. And so, the crowds started to get restless when the show time neared. So much so, that the photographers got into a muddle and fist fights when they couldn't notch a good spot to shoot the ramp show. Finally the doors to enter the main show area opened and celebrities came in. Manish's special guests including Karisma Kapur, Neha Dhupia, Amrita Arora and Karan Johar got seated. With him came the cast of his forthcoming film Mere Bother Ki Dulhan including Katrina Kaif, Imran Khan, his wife Avantika, Deepika Padukone and director Punit Malhotra . This grand finale show launched Lakme Absolute, a longwear makeup range and Kareena wore it while walking the ramp. Gosh, she looked so gorgeous that people gaped in...

AKI NARULA'S CREATIVE BRATS

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The GenNext show at the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2011 was absolutely rocking Over the years, one of the most anticipated shows at LFW, held in Mumbai, is the GenNext show. This season too, presenting 8 designers (many of them duos presenting a label), mentor Aki Narula brought forth a fabulous collection forward on the ramp. Apart from the design students, interestingly, a non-design student Nikhil Thampi debuted on the ramp. Shall I say, this young lad had a commendable effort to display. Aki Narula says, "I understood Nikhil's sensibilities because I myself am from a non-design background. Nikhil put in hard work and I am happy with his collection." Menswear and womenwear celebrated inspirations from punk rock, Himalayan terrains, sequined beads, flowy drapes and winterwear, all aptly labelled, with various lines. Bright bold colours to the fore, many designs were also understated. In short, the entire show was worth every moment in the F-Row. T...

All male show at 9.30 pm slots in Lakme Fashion Week

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An interesting observation I made was that the prestigious 9.30 pm sponsored slots at Lakme Fashion Week have gone to only male designers . Some of the most established names in the design fraternity are participating in the LFW Winter/Festive 2011 season this Aug 16 - 21 . With Delhi-based designer Rohit Bal aka Gudda (from Kashmir and based in Delhi) opening the Week at the off-site show in Tote, Mahalaxmi Race course, Mumbai, a male-centric trend will set in. JJ Valaya (Delhi) will present his Aircel sponsored collection on Wednesday. Followed by Narendra Kumar Ahmed (Mumbai) on Thursday, Sabyasachi Mukherjee (Kolkata) on Friday, Wendell Rodricks (Goa) for Himalayan on Saturday and Manish Malhotra (Mumbai ) as the Lakme grand finale. Girl with the blue scarf says: Actress Kareena Kapoor will be unveiled as the face of Lakme Absolute range this time. Every reason, you don't miss the finale. To check out what's happening at the LFW, log on to: www.la...

Sonam Kapoor plays Manish Malhotra's new-age bride

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DELHI EMBRACES MANISH Designer Manish Malhotra takes Delhi by storm with muse Sonam Kapoor at SynergyOne Delhi Couture Week . The capital city celebrated classic bridal grandeur on the Delhi Couture Week ramp in a slick, stylish and contemporary avatar on Sunday night (July 24, 2011). Moving away from the showstopper concept, the designer introduced the muse of this collection, Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor, who opened the show in a beautifully embroidered cherry red outfit (bright brick red is back in the bride's wardrobe) With smoky eyes and hair pulled back in an avant-garde style, Sonam's grace brought forth the new contemporary bride of India, one who knows exactly what she wants. Make-up expert Mickey Contractor conceptualised the look for Manish's models. The collection had 25 uniquely stylised looks for women and five looks for men, which were inspired from the old world charm and majestic opulence of royalty that prevailed in India during the 1920s to 40s. Four m...

Stars on the Delhi Couture Week runway

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Bollywood actresses will walk the ramp for leading couturiers at the SynergyOne Delhi Couture Week (July 22 till 25, 2011) In India, no one can skip noticing Bollywood stars. And with good reason: They look great, act and speak well and love to wear their fave designer's clothes (they charge for wearing them on ramp and often pick it free-of-cost for casual outings). That's also the reason why even Delhiites wait for this time of the year so they can get a sneak peek into how the actresses would look in couture designs in the capital city. Sunil Sethi, President FDCI is hosting the entire 5 day show at the Taj Palace Hotel. "It's going to be uber grand," he promises. STARS ON THE RUNWAY: Actress Madhuri Dixit will come to India, take a break from doing dance shows on television and sit pretty in the Front-Row for designer Varun Bahl . Karisma Kapur walked out the last minute. She was to walk for designer Anju Modi . That couturier's team is now looking at so...
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Styling Amitabh can be fun yet tough Everyone loved superstar Amitabh Bachchan's impeccably stylish looks in the film Bbuddha Hoga Terra Baap . Stylist Leepakshi Ellawadi , 28, London School of Fashion graduate, is the girl behind this star's makeover. And now that the film's looks have been appreciated, she's really happy girl, who's busy receiving compliments for styling Amitabh Bachchan in Bbuddha Hoga Terra Baap . On meeting Abhishek Bachchan (Amitabh aka Big B's son), who was excited about his father's new look, she said, "Kaash yeh buddha hota mera baap." And the two shared a hearty laugh. Having styled Salman Khan's look in Wanted film, Leepakshi is not new to the idea of film styling. In fact, the latest uniform by Jet Airways employees is her design idea. Working on director Puri Jagannadh's next untitled project, Leepakshi has her hands full. People are complimenting her for her work and the girl's got a spring in her feet. ...

Man Bra is here

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The 'Man Bra' has made its debut at the Paris Spring-Summer 2011 menswear show recently. Just a fashion statement? Not really. If you have ‘ moobs ', ie male boobs, then the man bra can help you with some support. Men who’s chest muscles are sagging or have boobs can now ‘heave’ a sigh of relief as man bra designer wear will soon to hit the stores. Here's what some Mumbai-based celebrities have to say: Hope I’d never need one: Vir Das (stand-up comedian and actor) I earnestly pray to God that I would never need to wear a man bra. Every time I think of a bra, I think of beautiful women, not a man, surely. But then if someone needs it, by all means, go ahead, buy and wear it. Imagine the partner’s horror: Sapna Bhavnani (hair stylist) How disgusting! There's nothing manly about a womanly item like a bra. A man who'd wear a man bra should never get laid. Imagine his partner’s horror. I don't approve of this trend at all. This metro sexual bit is going too far...

‘The Shiva images on my leggings are not offensive’

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Designer Manish Arora on the recent controversy that’s surrounded him on using Nataraj images on legwear Manish Arora, the most celebrated Indian designer internationally is unhappy and upset. He can not fathom why his fellow countrymen are spending so much time introspecting a controversy created by a foreign body about his latest collection. WHAT HAPPENED? US-based Hindu groups and Jews have protested against the depiction of the image of Lord Shiva in Nataraj form on leggings, harem-pants and miniskirts, by Manish Arora fashion label. Rabbi ElizaBeth W. Beyer, a Jewish leader in Nevada (USA), in a statement recently, said that although reflection of the sacred may be an attempt to compliment, the fashion house is obviously insensitive in trying to market Hinduism’s venerated deity and sacred concept. MANISH’S REACTION: Manish is very upset about this. He says, “I have always been inspired by Indian Gods and Goddesses. And I am sensitive toward religious sentiments. I do not crea...

Was Sonam’s Gaultier gown at Cannes inspired by India?

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More so, by desi designer Rahul Mishra’s Maheshwari collection showcased in 2008. Here are some striking similarities... Surely, we’ve all heard of Indian designers ripping off international designs and reinventing them here. But it’s seldom that one gets to see a reverse inspiration in place. And so, when actress Sonam Kapoor made her debut at the Cannes film festival recently, looking absolutely elegant in a black and white Jean Paul Gaultier gown with a French tulle sheer drape waist down, fashionistas back home in India felt a definite designer Rahul Mishra’s touch in it. Incidentally, Rahul had showcased similar designs in Maheshwari textile in the year 2008 at the Spring/Summer season of the Mumbai Fashion Week. Incidentally, Gaultier’s Summer couture line in 2009 had similar offerings. And finally, when Sonam walked the red carpet at Cannes in a white and black bordered French tulle sheer drape gown, the ‘Indian borders’ inspiration was evident. Rahul, a promising designer based...

Sonam Kapoor looks ooh-la-la at Cannes

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It was Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor's debut at Cannes Film Festival. And she sure floored the audiences there with her smile, clothes and style. RED CARPET CALL: Walking tall in a Jean Paul Gaultier couture gown, Chopard earrings, Amrapali ring and Ferragamo shoes, Sonam looked elegant and well turned out. Hair and make-up looked very prim and chic. 9/10 is what we give her. EVENING INDIAN STYLE: Sonam opted for young designer Masaba Gupta's design and chose a bull sleeve black blouse with funky cut at the back. Large polkas on the saree defined her slim, tall figure. Masaba said that, "Basically Sonam's sister Rhea and me had a few meetings on the look, we were aiming for a nice chic feminine but vintage inspired look. The saree is very conventional but the blouse is shirt inspired. We tried on almost 5-6 options on Sonam and settled for the Polka dot since she carried it off beautifully." Sonam wore the saree too high on the waist, but the saree and blouse we...

Aishwarya's Cannes look

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10th appearance but looks not 10/10 enough This is actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's tenth year at the Cannes Film Festival 2011 and for some reason, this lady never completely sweeps us with her choice of red carpet ensembles. Beautiful that she is, she also commands a great fan following there with fans stumbling all over each other to catch a glimpse of this Indian celebrity. Her light eyes emphasised with a hint of mascara and her glossy red lips were outlined by L'Oreal Paris, the official make-up experts at the fest. However, her dress sense still didn't strike a buzz, this time around as well. MORNING GLORY: For the screening of the film Sleeping Beauty, Aishwarya came wearing a corset like off-white top with a fishtail dark hued skirt. Not too tight but fitting enough, this Indian Bollywood actress looked nice and elegant, considering it was during the day hours at Cannes Film Festival there. Don't miss her big statement bracelet. Score: 8/10 is what we give her...

Aish, Freida and Sonam together at Cannes...

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Aishwarya, Freida and Sonam at Cannes Film festival together Making it a fashionable first and a testimony to India's growing influence on the world stage, three Indian beauties — Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor and Freida Pinto, who are the brand ambassadors of L'Oreal Paris will light up the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival to be held from the 11th – 22nd of May 2011. This Festival is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious and L’Oreal Paris has been the official make-up artist of it for 14 years. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan , who till last year did not want any Indian celeb to share this platform with her had a different view this time and said that she was happy to attend for the tenth consecutive year. Sonam and Freida, both beautiful women, are also being invited to the festival this year, India will have a stronger presence, which is a clear sign of the growing importance of the country. Slumdog Millionaire star, Freida Pinto and Sonam Kapoor too are excited...

'What nudity? It's a free expression of art'

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Choreographer and IPL fashion show coordinator Prasad Bidappa defends his expression of art — a calender of nude men, which leaked out in the public recently Prasad Bidappa was a hassled man recently as he prepared for the Indian Premier League 2011 show in Mumbai. Reason being: His hobby of exotic photography was costing him his reputation and ruining his sleep. Some of the pictures he had shot of nude males, which were sent to an exclusive friend list on email were mysteriously leaked out to in the public eye. Apart from hushed talks amongst the modelling circuit who are participating in Bidappa's own IPL fashion shows, a fashion blogsite too posted this incident as a scandal. Bidappa was unhappy, worried and restless. THE TALE: It was Sri Lankan photographer and artist late Lionel Wendt who's work inspired Bidappa for years. So, last year, Bidappa shot pictures of nude males in different sexual positions and compiled it for a select invitee list of friends. It was done wi...

Delhi Buzzers: Anna at Jantar-Mantar; Vidya Balan-Sabyasachi at Delhi

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My maiden visit to the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week 2011 in Delhi was buzzing in more ways than one. At Jantar-Mantar, social activist Anna Hazare broke his fast on Friday April 8 and many socialites and actors made a beeline to serve him nimbu paani . And right next to it at The Park Hotel, models including Hemangi Parte, Minu Verghese and Bhawna Sharma and designers like Anamika Khanna , lined up sans make-up to make their way to Pragati Maidan where the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Autumn Winter 2011 was taking place. I was put up there too, so all the action was delighting me to no end. For starters, I was immediately consumed by the humongous size of the venue where two show areas kept switching fashion shows in gaps of 30 minutes. The buyers area was thick with transactional activity with designers. Yes, I witnessed some real buying and selling there. Pradeep Hirani of Kimaya was placing orders for horse hair handbags. Alka Nishar of Aza , was happy to do her buying...

Tease your mind

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In-your-face sexy silhouettes are out, longer hemlines, sheer kurtas and clothes that give hint of suggestion, is the 'new sexy' Bare legs and plunging necklines are passe. Internationally, sheer blouses, longer hemlines are making a comeback on the ramp. The entire perception is now - sexiness is in the suggestion. Indian designers too feel that wearing your attitude is what is considered sexy. And it's no longer about just revealing clothes that make you stand out. Firing the imagination is the new buzz word for the modern-day fashionista. So, dig into your wardrobe and rediscover clothes that are not in-your-face sexy. What remains covered and yet gives a hint of what's inside (read fit bod) is what’s making news these days. Manish Malhotra who's LFW show recently had sheer kurtas for men and sheer blousons for women, says, "Everyone's fit and aware now. Being comfortable in your skin is integral thus sheer is in. But it's a niche trend and not every...

Manish Malhotra bowls over Mumbaiites

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India's loss to South Africa not withstanding, Manish Malhotra brought in much cheer with his resortwear show on Saturday night All roads on 12 March, Saturday night led to celebrated designer Manish Malhotra's Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2011 show in Mumbai, quite literally though, for Indian cricket team was on its losing leg with South Africa at that hour and select invitees desperately needed for cheer. Inside the LFW venue, as the lights dimmed from the beautiful Istanbul lamps hung from the ceiling, for the show to start, there was immense anticipation in the air. Well, that's something, that Manish always manages to offer, fairly effortlessly. Choreographer Lubna Adam gave the cue for the show to start and male models came strutting in kurtas with rich textures of jute, Tussar silk and brocades in beiges, greys and navy blues, wearing Jodhpuris, Bandhgalas and slim pants (guys, take note). A firm believer of giving a twist to the traditional with the contemporar...

The big fashion hoax

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Promising young designers in Mumbai and Delhi are being offered slots in New York Fashion Week but are being duped and taken elsewhere In the past few months, many young and upcoming designers have received a phone call from a heavily accented voice that promises them a slot at the coveted New York Fashion Week. Needless to say, they all jumped at the offer. Television actress Neena Gupta's talented daughter Masaba Gupta , recently did too, and soon realized she’d been duped. At 500 US Dollars, the designer was told that a select set of buyers, media and audiences will attend her 'Talent from India' fashion shows 'during' the New York Fashion Week. Says Masaba, "I was told that I would get to participate at the 'high profile' New York Fashion Week because they found my work good and of international quality.” She now knows that these calls are not international but are from an agency in Delhi. They’d had approached her last season too. “Now they have ap...