I have been in Mumbai all through March, and I dare say that
it has been a vibrant and activity-filled month. Some would even say, it has been hot and happening.
Sabyasachi's resort show was at the (now) defunct and iconic Richardson and Cruddas warehouse two Sundays ago. What the collection lacked in terms of the Sabya touch was amply made up by the drama of the unique location and the star-studded front row guests. Sabyasachi epitomises success in contemporary Indian fashion wear for Indians in India and elsewhere and continues to hold fort as the leading bridal couturier. The show was a sharp departure from his usual style; say the critics, but in my "fashion outsider" eyes, it was quite simply, blah. Most blah were the gawky, awkward models, who walked for him - poor body language and catwalk style. Was Sabya making a subliminal statement of “Let's mix it up”, with the unexpected psychedelic laser light show and the 70’s retro remix music that replaced the antique chandliers, mogra-infused haze and Satyajit Ray music?
It's true - there ain’t no romance, like a Disney romance and the
2015 adaptation of the classic Cinderella doesn’t disappoint. Staying
absolutely true to the story, the movie maker didn’t muck up the
tried-and-tested formula by adding any gimmick. Director Kenneth Branagh and screenwriter Chris Weitz have grounded this romantic tale with sincerity amid the dazzle. Perfectly cast, every character
was easy to relate with. The beautiful Lily James (Lady Rose from Downton Abbey) as the humble, obedient, beauty wins over your heart from the very beginning. Cate Blanchett plays
the evil stepmother effortlessly and brilliantly, along with her two awkward
daughters, as the cruel step sisters.
First up - the jewelry house I have worked with since 2010
opened its flagship boutique in Mumbai amidst great pomp and style in Kala
Ghoda. The NIRAV MODI boutique is housed in a beautiful heritage building and
the space has been used cleverly and stylishly, reflecting the aesthetic vision
of the brand's creative head Mr. Modi. The novel use of space must be attributed to
another creative genius, Spanish-based Jamie Hayon (pronounced “Haymee”). But most importantly, the jewels have found
their rightful place in the creative display vitrines with intricately crafted
paper art. It is a matter of great pride that I look forward to welcoming
guests and friends to the boutique, knowing that the jewels on display in this
wonderful setting shall enthrall them.
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| Put a Bow on it! |
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| Girl Crush moment with Lisa Haydon |
low.jpeg) | |
| Welcome to my Office! |
Kala Ghoda is shaping out to be a great address for shoppers
and city folks to hang out in, with its quaint pedestrian streets, terrific
eateries, chic boutiques and of course, art galleries a plenty. The
periwinkle-blue synagogue in the heart of the district makes for the perfect
picture postcard. The city's oldest music store, The Rhythm House has also
spruced up its facade with an eye-popping blue and yellow coat of paint. With
many age-old haunts like Khyber, Chetana thali, The Golden Thimble still
holding their own, I hope the area continues to flourish and attract more
stand-alone entities to add to its collection. It is the one part of South
Mumbai that has an eclectic energy to it with such a diverse offering. The
edgy-artsy-hipster vibe is definitely what the city needs and I am most glad
that it so close to home! For my parents and their friends, the closing of the
Cafe Samovar in the Jehangir Art gallery has been the source of huge waves of
nostalgia and sadness as it closes down after 50 years of service...Alas, hopefully
it signals the beginning of something new and wonderful none the less.
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| Saturday workstation at The Pantry |
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| Lovely new tea house |
Sabyasachi's resort show was at the (now) defunct and iconic Richardson and Cruddas warehouse two Sundays ago. What the collection lacked in terms of the Sabya touch was amply made up by the drama of the unique location and the star-studded front row guests. Sabyasachi epitomises success in contemporary Indian fashion wear for Indians in India and elsewhere and continues to hold fort as the leading bridal couturier. The show was a sharp departure from his usual style; say the critics, but in my "fashion outsider" eyes, it was quite simply, blah. Most blah were the gawky, awkward models, who walked for him - poor body language and catwalk style. Was Sabya making a subliminal statement of “Let's mix it up”, with the unexpected psychedelic laser light show and the 70’s retro remix music that replaced the antique chandliers, mogra-infused haze and Satyajit Ray music?
Speaking of organisation, Anamika Khanna was the closing
designer for the Fashion Week and three hours before the show, political goons
came and shut down the show at its original venue - the spectacular Bhau Daji
Lad museum.
But, the Show Must Go On and contrary to their violent and
regressive vision of the political mafiosi, the fashion fraternity showed a
harmonious and productive spirit. The show venue was changed to the Palladium
hotel lobby and the entire production and choreography had to be changed,
naturally. All the guests still came to show support and feast their eyes on
the ethereal garments. Sure, there was a long delay and a poor execution of a
new seating plan, but when the show eventually started, all these hassles were
forgotten. African Goddess meets Earthly Nymph was the look and the feel of the
models with their dewy, wet hair, red wine stained mouths and strong eyes. Designed by
AK’s equally talented sister, Suhanie
Pittie, the
accessories were very eye-catching.
The rest of the fashion week continued on at the new venue -
the Palladium Hotel and I did happen to see a few more shows of young
designers presenting their work on the New Talent runways. Afterwards, walking through the
stalls, I was just amazed at the powerhouse of talent they had. I saw such
great work and workmanship in the garments on display. The Indian hand is
golden in my opinion, and it angers me when I see the great Western design
houses borrow so greedily into our deep talent pool. Buying cheap, only to sell
it back to us...! When will we learn to show pride in our metier and ancient
know-how? Mostly, when will we have the discipline to make a uniform,
international level product. I don't mean to lament, because I do see a sense
of organisation kicking in (Nirav Modi, Sabyasachi stand as case in point) and
I look forward to strolling down the Avenue Montaigne's of the world and
spotting Indian brands commanding top spots in the international retail map.
Stand-alone eateries are much welcome in Mumbai, especially
when it is not just the vibe of the place that is cool, but the food is
terrific. The latest addition to the local food scene is The Bombay Canteen at
Kamala Mills. Opening 6 weeks ago, it is impossible to get a last-minute
reservation here and the aam janta’s reviews
on the food have been terrific. So it became the restaurant venue of choice for
a big, fat family get-together on account of my New York-based sister’s
milestone birthday celebration. Arriving there a little bit before the
reservation time, I was tired-famished-thirsty all at the same time. The
restaurant was buzzing with all the tables occupied and the bar was busy too.
Finding myself a spot, I grabbed the menu, which resembled an accounts ledger
(taking me back to my school days – Accounts was my favourite subject!). A
quick scan of the cocktail menu, I picked the Tar-Booze (vodka, watermelon
juice, kala namak) and then pondered over what appetizer to pair it with. I
didn’t need to ponder too long as I was approached by a server carrying a tray
of “pick-and-eat” bites, adorably called “Chintoos” priced at a swet Rs.40 for
the vegetarian (lotus stem fritters with chaat masala) and Rs. 60 for the
non-vegetarian (Deviled eggs served in the egg white) selection. How clever was
that! Hungrily attacking the bites and washing it back with the yummy drink, I
was quickly relieved of my earlier disposition. When the rest of the group came
and we were seated at our table within the art-deco inspired glasshouse, the
chintoos were ordered by the tray! The final verdict was that it had been a
superb meal – the Raan was the clear winner and warranted its 24 hour advance
order. For me, the banana leaf steamed snapper and the thepla tackos were the
winners, not to mention the ridiculously humble coconut rice, which I could eat
sans accompaniments. My only grouse was the poor acoustics and high sound level
that rung through the period I was there, definitely making it impossible to
enjoy a polite dinner table banter. I nearly lost my voice on account of
bellowing over the music level (perhaps the icy cocktail played its part too).
I look forward to discovering the rest of the menu, especially the dessert
section, soon and wish the young, talented team behind this venture tremendous
success.
( A good review can be found at:http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/zk2mYgKTdBMCfQ8it8yJCK/FOOD-REVIEW-Bombay-Canteen-Mumbai.html )
And slowing down the manic month a tad, was an evening at
the movies (Inox of course!), whilst eating popcorn and watching Cinderella.
Sigh
It's true - there ain’t no romance, like a Disney romance and the
2015 adaptation of the classic Cinderella doesn’t disappoint. Staying
absolutely true to the story, the movie maker didn’t muck up the
tried-and-tested formula by adding any gimmick. Director Kenneth Branagh and screenwriter Chris Weitz have grounded this romantic tale with sincerity amid the dazzle. Perfectly cast, every character
was easy to relate with. The beautiful Lily James (Lady Rose from Downton Abbey) as the humble, obedient, beauty wins over your heart from the very beginning. Cate Blanchett plays
the evil stepmother effortlessly and brilliantly, along with her two awkward
daughters, as the cruel step sisters.
In these fragile times that we live in, it is very important
to remain positive, focused, optimistic and retain innocence. The arts,
particularly movies often work as therapy. And watching Cinderella that evening
along with my sisters and friends like sisters, proved to be a therapeutic
session for me. Perhaps it would have also worked as a suitable alternative therapy for Andreas Lubitz.
We are our own monsters.
Yet another air calamity has hit the news with the Germanwings crash in the deep ravines of the French Alps. The devastation of this incident is compounded by the fact that the utterly young (27) co-pilot was in a distressed and disturbed state of mind and as a consequence, can be held responsible for ending his own life, along with that of the remaining 151 passengers on board the flight. Young people today have such bizarre mental activities. In India, little is known of clinical depression – what triggers it, how to treat it and what its possible repercussions maybe. Perhaps this horrific incident turns attention to this modern-day killer and raises awareness on how to identify it and help those suffering from it.
We are our own monsters.
Yet another air calamity has hit the news with the Germanwings crash in the deep ravines of the French Alps. The devastation of this incident is compounded by the fact that the utterly young (27) co-pilot was in a distressed and disturbed state of mind and as a consequence, can be held responsible for ending his own life, along with that of the remaining 151 passengers on board the flight. Young people today have such bizarre mental activities. In India, little is known of clinical depression – what triggers it, how to treat it and what its possible repercussions maybe. Perhaps this horrific incident turns attention to this modern-day killer and raises awareness on how to identify it and help those suffering from it.
I am definitely going to begin my
spring fling with a greater endeavor to continue the practice of gratitude and always remember to Be Kind and Have Courage
