BEST OF LUXE | Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2015 Asia is a perfect opportunity for Asian luxury brands to acquire new business connections and gain extra credibility among the target audience worldwide
The Luxury Lifestyle Award, an international attribute of excellence granted to companies in the luxury segment will host its 9th annual Gala Ceremony–the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2015 Asia at the Fairmont hotel, Singapore on the 26th November. The ceremony is expected to bring together more than 300 honored guests.
The companies and brands are invited to register and participate in various categories of luxury business: residential real estate, luxury restaurant, luxury hotel, boutique hotel, national brand, spa and wellness center, jewelry brand, interior design studio, luxury travel company etc. The registration will be closed on the 30th October for the evaluation process. Thereafter, the voting will be conducted by the honorary International and local jury boards comprising of notable names including the members of Royal Families of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, representatives of companies such as Audi Corporate, Ritz Carlton Hotels and Resorts, Jumeirah Group, Etihad Airways, Bvlgari and LVMH, Xerjoff International, RFMAS Group, EMEA Trump Hotel Collection, The Kanoo Group, ESCADA, Vertu, Meissen Couture and others.
The Award’s transparency and accuracy of the votes are verified by the official Awards Advisor. The winners will be announced at the Gala Ceremony and will be granted with the Golden Crown, the bespoke prize representing the power and uniqueness of the luxury world.
SUITED UP IN STYLE | Taking time out to buy a classic business suit requires some forethought and the cut, colour, texture are just some of the details to look out for
When Frank Lloyd Wright said, “Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities”, he was speaking for a generation of fashion-loving, hip trend-setters.And with an evolution of that nature, those limited edition Adidas sneakers which figured on a teen’s must-have list, no longer quicken the heartbeat of the suave gentleman who loves his all-bespoke closet like his secret armour. For him, it is rather the classics and timeless stuff that he wishes to own as luxury is not an option, but a necessity. Should you identify with our man here, and want to follow in his sartorial footprints, still keeping your pocket size intact? Well then, it’s time to look towards the luxury store for your armour of choice – that luxe business suit! And to make matters easy, we bring to you a compilation of some drool-worthy yet affordable luxury suit options for men (all you need to do is trek to the nearest store to get it, and if in Delhi then just head to the DLF Emporio Mall).
BESPOKE LOVE | Zegna’s made-to-measure suits are offer a dream fit and are wardrobe must-have
Like with most other brands on the list, Zegna’s offerings can be classified into three: Couture (Hand-made and top-of-the-line), RTW or Ready to Wear and MTM or Made to Measure/Order. Zegna’s Su Misura (MTM) suits are priced higher by fifteen per cent when compared to the RTW line, but guarantees that perfect fit. How, you ask? Well, they do not have craftsmen in India. After a thorough scan of the fabrics and looks in the booklet, your entire measurements are sent to master craftsmen in Italy and everything is done there itself.The only use of needle that happens here is when you need a minor alteration such as with the trouser’s length.
When talking of the fabrics, Zegna’s got plenty! However, rather than flood you with names and technicalities let us cut it down to our top pick for you–the Trofeo fabric. It should be your pick, for it happens to be one of the brand’s classic fabrics. The very name trofeo (Italian for trophy) alludes to the excellence of all the raw materials used in the production of Zegna fabrics. Made using Australian wool with a fineness of approximately 17 micron, the long and soft fibers enable the fabric to deliver perfect performance, even after prolonged periods of use. The key qualities of these trans-seasonal wools are in fact fineness, length, cleanness and uniformity. Coordinate with a shirt, a tie and calf leather shoes and you’re all set. An EZ logo belt, optional!
Those looking for a more affordable variant try the sporty line from the brand, called Z Zegna and walk out with a suit for INR 1.2 Lacs!
Ermenegildo Zegna is, without a doubt the most high-end on the list, but considering the heritage value and artistry that has gone into the making of your piece, it sure is phenomenal value for your buck!
Most affordable suit: INR 1.9 Lac for Zegna suits; 1.21 Lac for the Z Zegna range of suits. Most affordable buy: The Zegna pocket square (called pochette) So worth a buy: Zegna’s new project titled casual luxury, where they shall custom-make cashmere knitwear (yes, knitwear!) for you. It certainly doesn’t get any more luxe than this!
On our wish list: The suits made from the 13 milmil 13 fabrics. It is an Australian superfine Merino wool fabric that is used exclusively for Zegna’s Couture collection. The fineness of the fibers is 13 thousandths of a millimeter, which makes both fabric processing and garment making particularly delicate operations. Such fine fibers are extremely rare and 13 milmil 13 is in fact a limited production fabric made in a single version, a pinstripe on a mélange gray ground (280 g/m).
Moving on, the brand that comes next is one with that instantly recognizable and iconic tartan print. It further has three categorizations, namely–Burberry Brit, Burberry Prorsum and Burberry London.
The Prorsum label (Latin for forwards) offers, high-end, high-cost evening wear and is the most fashion forward of the lot. Off-the-runway outfits are what you should expect to see here. More conservative than Prorsum is London. It lies between Prorsum and Brit in terms of style, wearabilty, glam quotient and price. Outfits from the London label can be worn to work.With the same high standards as all others, Brit is the most casual offering from Burberry. It includes denim and sportswear and captures the relaxed, scruffier side of its clientele.
A DELIGHT TO DON | Burberry Prorsum offers suits in classic British style and impeccable tailoring
With a fair idea of the labels offered, chances are you would want to opt for Prorsum as it also has suits on the offering.
The men’s suits fall within the Travel Tailoring collection from Burberry, that brings together English and Italian woven wools. Crafted with the brand’s unique memory fabric, the suits (and even separates) are available in Slim and Modern fits. The Slim fit is a sharp, straight silhouette. The jacket is close-cut with a strong shoulder and narrow lapels. Trousers are flat fronted and tapered for a clean, slim fit. The Modern fit is a close fit with added ease for a variety of body shapes. A longer length jacket sits clean at the waist and hem, while trousers are flat-fronted and slightly tapered. Their Classic counterpart is not available in India but is the one that’s tailored with a wider lapel. The jacket covers the chest with ease added through the waist, while maintaining a sharp silhouette. Trousers are flat-fronted and straight.
But the one thing that sets their suits apart from the others is the very English tailoring . Add to it, Burberry’s motion canvas that lends added mobility to the wearer and the garment’s distinct A-Line cuts–and the result is pure British Luxe!
Most affordable suit: INR 1.25 Lac
Most affordable buy: The Burberry Polos, for that sports luxe look
So worth a buy: It’s almost criminal to shop Burberry without getting your hands on the iconic tartan. We suggest you pick the exploded tartan shirt or its crisp white counterpart with the print running along the front buttons, collar and cuffs.
On our wishlist: The yet-to-arrive limited edition suits from the Autumn-Winter range with gorgeous appliqué details.
Now, in case you thought that you’d walk into a store and walk out with your first luxe suit, then Tom Ford is not your destination. There aren’t any RTW suits happening here. Full-on couture, and MTM services is what we’re talking about at Tom Ford, with its exclusive couture suits on the offering.
And even the fabrics used aren’t the regular ones at all. We’re talking never-before-seen hues of cyan and reds. The color palette is literally sumptuous. And so are the fabrics, equally sumptuous in innovative blends–linen and cotton, linen and silk, linen and mohair and trans-seasonal wool. You can even buy evening jacket, which are MTM of course.However, you need to understand one crucial aspect while visiting this store. You’re going here to get a particular Tom Ford look for yourself, so made-to-your-order is not the kind of bespoke on available here.
OF VIBRANT HUES | Tom Ford’s suits not only redefine the luxe fit, but also the colour palette of business suits
Research shows that you will have some idiosyncrasy of figure that makes you not abnormal but simply individual. So your stance can be stooped or straight, your right arm slightly shorter than your left, and trouser length depending on how high you wear them. And that’s where MTM helps. You measurements are taken and then sent to Italy, where, hold your breath, more than 60 percent of your suit is made by hand!
Add to it the horn buttons, the trouser stitch along the pockets, hand-weaving along the cuff and Tom Ford’s signature Drop 7 Cut – and you have a masterpiece in fabric! (For the uninitiated, the Drop 7 Cut is your chest measurement minus your waist measurement. Say your chest is 41” and waist is 32”, then subtracting the two a value would be obtained to lend your suit that sharply-tailored feel). To know about how much time does this perfection-in-wool take to make? Precisely, 8 weeks!
Most affordable suit: INR 2.4 Lac (they go up to 5.5 Lac and above)
Most affordable buy: Without a doubt, Mr. Ford’s perfume for men.
So worth a buy: The wallets made from the most exquisite leathers – stingray, lizard-skin, anyone?
On our wish-list: The otherwise ‘anti-branding’ Tom Ford does produce a very chic T-buckle belt. No wonder then, it’s always sold-out.
Next in the reckoning is Armani, the brand name with its distinct Italian feel after veteran designer, Giorgio Armani. The store houses everything, from coats to innerwear and is just perfect for the ‘younger’ crowd. Somewhat like a Z Zegna.
ITALIAN PRECISION | For those young at heart, Armani offers a range of business suits which are ready to wear
While store representatives here will enlighten you with the fabrics and brand’s heritage,they will also emphasize, “The most important aspect of the suit is the fit. A suit can be stitched entirely by hand for which some brands might charge you a bomb, but once worn it can resemble a rug sack. However, a suit might be entirely machine-stitched, even using superglue, but fits impeccably. So, the fit of a suit is a subjective thing, as it not only depends on your shape, but also upon your preferences as some people like a tight-fitting suit, others like a more relaxed fit. But having said that, its importance doesn’t decrease even by an iota.”
Most affordable suit: INR 90,000 (they go up to 1.25 Lac and above)
Most affordable buy: Cufflinks, priced upwards of INR 8K
So worth a buy: The tie & pocket square set, worth INR 15,000.
On our wish-list: The formal shoes in calf-leather with the laser-cut Emporio Armani basket/eagle on it. Very subtle, yet very classy.
(DIM) SUMMING IT UP | Dim sums have been comfort food but have evolved from their Cantonese origins to imbibe Shanghainese, Szechuan and other local influences, fast becoming a much-loved item on gourmet menus around the world
Dim sum is a style of Cantonese cuisine prepared as small bite-sized or individual portions of food traditionally served in small steamer baskets or on small plates. This is how Wikipedia simplifies unique culinary object that came up thousands of years ago when people opened up Tea houses for the folks who travelled along the Silk Road through China. Tea was served with bite-sized snacks as an accompaniment, and thus yum cha was born. Today, dim sums are becoming centerpieces on restaurant menus, even as trendy dim sum tea houses are springing up all over the world. As chefs in fine dining restaurants are introducing varied dim sum menus featuring steamed, pan-fried or baked dim sums with myriad fillings – of pork, chicken, prawn, crab, shredded cabbage, asparagus, chives, lotus root, scallops, wild mushrooms, and more – they are no longer the humble appetisers that it began as. With nutritionists also giving their nod to these light bites in their gleaming translucent skins (unlike the Tibetan momos encased in refines flour), the tribe of dim sums is flourishing. Hard-to-please herbivores and hardcore carnivores are both taking to the idea of tucking into these flavour-filled pouches with tasty, meaty, spicy mixes, lightly bathed with seasonings of oyster sauce, honey, Hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, five spices, Chinese wine, salt and sugar. Eating a dim sum can be a very Zen experience in itself, given that the simplicity of its appearance belies the complexity of what it contains – fresh, flavour some ingredients in harmonious blends bringing out a richly layered taste and satisfaction.
DIMSUM TRAILS AT YAUATCHA | Drool over this tempting feast of dim sums, at their best and most varied
While crafting a dim sum requires patience and practice, the idea of it also begins at the very basics where flour is the most critical ingredient. While some specialty restaurants and chefs use carbohydrate-free flour, others import ingredients like potato starch, tapioca, wheat starch, red lotus flour, rice paper and wonton skin to make that perfect outer casing which then needs to be filled in, but not too much for fear of it breaking, and then folded and steamed, but not over-steamed. It’s an exercise in perfection and also imagination, as one can see chefs experimenting with the fillings to offer varieties like dim sums without the flour casing – steamed vegetable bundles, or one-piece items like tofu and radish cakes, filled with carrot, radish, corn flour and Asian vegetables, or veggies stuffed in an omelette covering, or even spinach and lettuce leaves stuffed with mince or veggies. There are harga osin cute bunny shapes, pan fried gyozas, open faced siewmais, melt-in-mouth baos, and some with sweet fillings of chocolates and caramelized sesame. Improvisation is key here and chefs in India are adapting the Cantonese dim sum to offer varieties which are tempting to the Indian taste-buds, which in turn are also evolving as contemporary, cosmopolitan culture is giving the dim sum a focal space in the culinary landscape. Be it a business lunch or a laid back dinner, the pretty and packed dim sums are very much the trend, and not just because of being low on calories and cost, but because of their ease and essence, at once appealing and satisfying.
ALL FUNK AND FLAVOUR | Quirky shaped dim sums are part of the reinvention that this Cantonese classic is undergoing while being featured in trendy tea and dim sum pairings
Coming to an exclusive dim sum tea house, Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore have their fair share of stand-alone restaurants and those housed in the 5-star hotels. One name to mention here is that of the Michelin starred dim sum tea house – Yauatcha – from London. Their forte` is authentic Cantonese cooking with a contemporary, and their creative dim sum menu boasts of a wide range made from the freshest ingredients. Interestingly, the design architecture of Yauatcha’s gives a modern twist to the old Chinese tea house where the ambience does not take away from the food, the lighting helps to soothe you, and the seating embodies the atmosphere of a congenially vibrant ‘chatter shop’, akin to the traditional Hong Kong dim sum restaurants.
SOUVENIR FROM THE SILK ROAD | While dim sum teahouses offered respite and a light bite to the traders and travellers, yum cha also became a way of life for the Chinese
Chef Stanley Lum Wah Cheok is the Head Chef for Yauatcha India heading the team of expat and Indian chefs there. Chef Stanley started his career in the year 1989 and has a proven flair for Cantonese cuisine in which believes authenticity is the key ingredient to sumptuous food. Having honed his culinary skills at some of the most well reputed establishments around the world, in countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and parts of Europe, he is a widely-travelled and widely revered culinary artist. Here is an exclusive heart-to-heart with the man himself who opens up about his love for dim sums, the intricacies of making it, and Yauatcha’s best on the platter.
1. Tell us about the yumcha culture that is so associated with the evolution of dimsum?
Dim sum is a style of Cantonese food that has grown increasingly popular in the Western world in recent years. It is inextricably linked with yum cha, or the act of drinking tea so much that even now the two phrases are used interchangeably.
The unique culinary tradition began thousands of years ago. Those who travelled along the ancient Silk Road through China would often need a place to rest before continuing on their journey. In response to the increasing amount of people passing through, tea houses opened up along the roadside of southern China. It was later discovered that tea aids digestion, so tea house owners began offering bite-sizes snacks as an accompaniment, and thus yum cha was born.
CHEF AT WORK | Chef Stanley LumWahCheok, the Head Chef for Yauatcha India, enjoys his favourite steamed dim sums with prawn or pork filling
2. What is an authentic dimsum like? Is it only about the thin skin or are there other characteristic traits by which to judge a good dimsum?
At Yauatcha we serve different types of dim sum which are steamed, poached, fried and baked. Our cuisine is modern authenticity with a contemporary flair.
Its not about the skin alone, it is the delicate art in making these dim sum. The filling plays a major role since they are perfectly mixed and matched with herbs, meat, seafood, vegetables and the balance of each ingredient makes them glimmer and the taste buds gets tingling with the flavours and aroma.
3. What is your take on the art of making dim sum? Is it something best suited to specialized kitchens or multi-cuisines restaurants can also make it real good?
Making dim sum is an art and comes only by experience. Our chefs, the culinary experts have spent years to achieve this level of accuracy and perfectionism for each dim sum. We have a wide variety and each of them are different in visual, taste and style of cooking and we are able to maintain excellence by being a kitchen dedicated to Cantonese cooking only.
MEDITATING WHILE COOKING | Dim sums are a work of art, at once non-pretentious but at the same time a delicate craft where each piece has to in sync with the other for a pretty plate
4. What is your take on the trend of dimsum tea houses opening up in London and New York, and now in Delhi as well? Do you think it is another fad or is it actually the long overdue recognition for dim sum as tasty, healthy ‘fast food’?
This trend is definitely here to stay. People love our dim sum especially since we concentrate on high quality ingredients. With well travelled Indians now dining all over the world, tastes are constantly evolving, and people are becoming more open minded in trying a new specialized cuisine.
5. What are the major types of dim sum? Which are your favourite types and why?
Dim sum are separated into different categories depending on the cooking method used:
Steam
Dumplings
Buns
Rolls
Meats Cheung Fun
Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf
Baked
Veg Puff
Chicken Puff
Poached
Peking Dumpling
Fried
Puffs
Rolls
Cakes
Others
As a chef, I enjoy steamed dim sum especially with prawns and pork as fillings.
TECHNICALLY TASTY | Dim sums need to part of a process which is right from the start, from the kneading dough to rolling out the casing, to filling and folding in the right amount and steaming to the optimal temperatures
6. Tell us more about the highlights of the Dimsum Trails menu on offer at Yauatcha? Is the menu crafted keeping in mind the Indian taste buds or is it in keeping with Yauatcha’s international offerings?
Yauatcha now offers a delightful menu of “Dimsum Trails” to provide gourmands a classic touch of China with a modern twist.
This menu offers a choice of 6 classical dim sum portions from the 13 varieties of dimsum available in this menu. Each dim sum offered in this menu is from different region, but their basic origin is from China. And all these dim sum are modern interpretations of classical dim sum either in respect to the ingredients used or the technique involved in making them.
The menu ranges from Chiu chow dumpling, Asparagus cheung fun, Vegetable Shanghai dumpling to Fried turnip cake with vegetables for Vegetarians. In meat select there is a vivid range starting from Hargau, Crispy duck roll to Chicken char siu bun. This tastefully set trail is a great blend of modernity with tradition and appetizing to tongues.
TRAILING TRADITION | Rejuvenating a culinary classic takes improvisation and a chef’s instinct which then turn out dishes like truffle edamame dumplings, another one from Yauatcha
7. What are the latest trends taking over the world of dimsum making (I have heard of kitchens using gourmet ingredients like truffle oil)? How does the contemporary meet the traditional techniques in making dim sum a trendy food?
Being a modern dim sum tea house, it was important to marry the two concepts, traditional and modern. We have taken certain ingredients like Truffle oil and made a fabulous signature dim sum Truffle edamame dumpling, which is a perfect example of this marriage. This modern take on a traditional dumpling, has left many wanting for more.
8. Please tell us about your favourite dimsum joints in the world, wherever you have travelled?
It’s always Yauatcha but other than this,
Tim Ho Wan – Hong Kong
Din Tai Fung – (all over the world)
A READER'S RETREAT | From page-bound to hill-bound, The Kumaon Lit Fest will bring authors and their readers closer to words and woods
Kumaon Literary Festival is a uniquely conceived annual retreat literary festival which brings in the beauty of destination and the book together. A not for profit festival, Kumaon Literary Festival, or KLF, will bring the country’s well-known authors, cinema and media personalities, political commentators, thought leaders and opinion makers together for a five day lit-fest to be held at the picture-book pretty Te Aroha in Dhanachuli, an enchanting little Himalayan village and in the sprawling Abbotsford estate in Nainital.
As one will hear of, this hilly region of Uttarakhand shares a special relationship with literature, perhaps as old as literature itself. This strong bond between writers, poets, dreamers and the lush green hills of Uttarakhand flourishes even today, as there have been and still are many writers who belong to this place or have made it their home.
Founded by Sumant Batra, an eminent lawyer of global repute and senior consultant to IMF, World Bank Group, museum curator and philanthropist, KLF is conceptualized & planned by a directorate comprising of distinguished personalities such as, Barkha Dutt (NDTV), Priya Kapoor (Roli Books), Anuj Bahri (Red Ink Literary Agency & Bahrisons Booksellers), Janhavi Prasada (Srijan Media) and a number of accomplished authors, poets, media personalities and thinkers of the country like Kiran Manral, Sujata Prashar, Dr. Saif Mahmood, Sudeep Sen, and Rishi Suri among others. KLF is produced by NHP Centre, a not-for-profit entity with a governing board comprising of thinkers, artists, planners, community organizers.
Conceptualized as an unusual destination event, KLF aims to be that one platform where insightful, interesting debates &discussions will be held while also allowing the participants to indulge in a host of leisure activities like performances (both cultural and culinary), picnics, jungle treks, village walks, bird watching among others. Those attending KLF can also choose to go beyond the ambit of a regular lit-fest and imbibe the eco-system which characterizes a locale such a Dhanachuli, and get to bond with children from local schools who are fond of reading and eager to meet the festival guests. An experience to unfold, KLF will invoke emotions as much as words and thoughts.
Slotted to be held from 23rd – 27th October every year, this multi-faceted festival will bring not only the intellectuals together but also Dhanachuli and its neighbouring hamlets, as it will spill over into the quaint summer homes and other retreats located in and Dhanachuli. On the last two days, the festival will travel to Nainital, where events will be held in and around Abbotsford, a stately heritage mansion surrounded by dense oak forests. In a sense, KLF can also be seen as the first traveling literary festival in India. True to form, “KLF is an experiential festival. It is a deep dive into contemporary content but in an enjoyable, interactive and layered format”, says festival-founder Sumant Batra, who is also the driving force behind art initiatives like the Chitrashala, a one-of-its-kind museum of rare vintage graphics from India dating from the middle of the nineteenth century to the end of the twentieth century located on the premises of Te Aroha.
CREATIVE COMFORTS | Home is where the hearth is, and with KLF on its premises, Te Aroha will be host to the literature and culture aficionados of the country in October
To paint a more detailed picture of Te Aroha, one has to know that this chic boutique hotel rests in the lap of the mountains of Dhanachuli, a quaint Kumaoni village in Uttarakhand. The property is a harmonious blend of traditional architecture and contemporary comforts, it retains the flavours of a colonial-style summer house. Its huge decks and terraces, antique furniture, massive glass windows with breathtaking views of the landscape and the high ceilinged lobby replete with carefully selected furniture can transport you through time to the bygone elegance of the colonial era.
This is to heralding KLF as a welcome highlight on the littérateur’s calendar with these wise words –
Kiran Manral (journalist, author, blogger and winner of Women Achievers award by Young Environmentalists Group in 2013) says,
As authors we tend to be solitary creatures, working in our ivory towers, or in my case, my little attic, barely venturing out and meeting people unless essential
Therefore, for her, ” KLF is an unparalleled opportunity to interact with a wide spectrum of very talented writers, creative people and intellectuals from within India and abroad, across disciplines and genres, to open myself to learning, to seeking, to soak in debates and discussions, thrive in the cross ferment of ideas and thoughts, and return enriched by the experience.”
Janhavi Prasada (journalist & author, founder of Srijan Media) says, “Imagine if Mahatma Gandhi had access to media and communications back in the days like we do today what a mind blowing impact would his on-ground freedom struggle movement have all over the world! KLF is that very literary on-ground movement that will have an impact not only in Kumaon but the world over at a click of a button. Millions will be able to participate, listen live, question and engage in the first ever online festival of India. The wonder of our times is that we live two lives one is the three dimensional world and the other is the virtual world – where the sky is the limit. You can share, learn, be what you want to be and move on from that experience to another. KLF is that platform for the free minds. Having my ancestral roots in Kumaon since the last 150 years I firmly believe that KLF is the platform to revive Kumaoni literature back into the mainstream as a few decades back.”
Dr. Saif Mahmood (poet, translator, blogger, lawyer & founder of SAALARC) says, “I survive on literature and I breathe poetry. A Chinese scholar had said that when you write in prose, you cook the rice. When you write poetry, you turn rice into rice wine. That is what we are trying to do at KLF and that is how KLF promises to be different. We won’t just cook rice. We will create a literary cocktail that will intoxicate sublimely beyond explanation. This is what makes KLF special for me.”
(The Luxe Café is glad to be associating with KLF 2015 as the festival’s digital curator & partner)
STYLE STAMP | Bespoke services like shoe customisation, offered by luxury brands like Zegna, enhance client’s experience offering them an opportunity to create and flaunt a personal style
Heritage luxury brands strive to offer a more personal shopping experience to their loyalists and optional customization of the fashion houses’ iconic items is a service now being increasingly made available across boutiques worldwide. This trend, on the rise, is also a way for these brands to differentiate themselves from mass produced luxury goods and enhance client relations, brand loyalty, and consequently in-store traffic. With the suave,sophisticated buyer willing to pay a premium for made-to-order unique pieces, luxe brands have spotted this as an opportunity to not only amp up the prestige factor of their product but also to make an impression with personalised services. While bespoke is the way to go for a really luxe experience, the option to customize your LV bag, monogram your Burberry cashmere scarf, or have La Perla design a made-to-measure lingerie set is definitely take-worthy, considering it adds that extra oomph to an otherwise ‘regular’ indulgence, making it a high-end, individualized possession.
HANDCRAFTED BEAUTIES | Bespoke shoes are a mark of true luxury for the wearer, and not just in terms of comfort but also personal style
The trend of custom made luxury products goes a long way back in India when the Indian royalty made their eclectic, extravagant presence felt on the map of global fashion trends with their commissioned specialities making news and the ateliers proud. In 1926, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala sent a trunk full of precious gems to Cartier wanting them to be remounted in Parisian style, and the result was the world famous, one-off Patiala necklace. In 1925, the polo loving ruler of Jammu & Kashmir, Hari Singh, ordered several customised trunks from Louis Vuitton for his polo outfits and equipment, including one specially designed for his mallets. And then there is the oft-quoted story of Indira Devi, Maharani of Cooch Behar, whosent precious stones from her collection to embellish her customized wedges designed by Salvatore Ferragamo. While all this was then, the fashion-conscious, affluent buyers are now at the fore-front of bringing on the trend of personalization services. Reflecting on this, Patrick Normand, MD, Cartier, Middle East, India and North Africa has been quoted as saying, “These beautiful objects know no rivals, no copies, and give their owners the euphoric feeling of having played a major part in creating a work of art. It’s not anymore the years of ‘crazy 90’s’ where anything branded would sell.”
ROYAL INDULGENCE | The trend of shoe customisation goes back in time to when Indian royalty commissioned Western designers to create one-off pieces like Ferragamo’s Maharani wedges
Signature perfumes, personalised dials in watches, initials on bags are just some examples of what is already on the counter of high-end fashion stores, and the client’s imagination seems to be the end of it even as surveys conducted by Technopak Advisors peg the expanding market for such services at being 15% of the total Indian luxury market. While a cut-to-size Brioni suit costs between Rs 3-12.5 lakh and takes more than six weeks to be delivered, it has a long line of patrons willing to wait for it. Joining the line with these cosmopolitan males, who know their minds and sprezzatura,are those who know their shoes well and give it no less importance. Victor Lee, CEO of Diamond Walker, who was in India to conduct bespoke shoe appointments at the British shoe retailer – Heel & Buckle, said, “I think there is a pent-up demand for good quality handmade shoes with a high degree of customisation.” And highlighting this in their evolving brand philosophy are leading luxury footwear brands like Tod’s, Christian Louboutin, Salvatore Ferragamo among others.
CREATIVE COLLABORATION | Victor Lee’s Diamond Walker shoes involves the buyer in the process from constructing the insole to outsole to hand-painting the show with a patina of antiqued look
Christian Louboutin has set up the Wedding Suite, one of its kind in the world, at Louboutin’s Horniman Circle boutique in Mumbai, which offers several customization services to the Indian bride. While finding shoes and bags to match the bridal trousseau is one thing to do there, what is more exciting is to get a consultation to customize the style, colour, heel height or even replicate the embroidery ofthe bridal outfit [or your initials] on a pair of your favourite Louboutin heels.With meticulous embroidery done under the umbrage of the famous Jean-François Lesage, this service is a truly decadent one for the discerning client. And in the spirit of all things classy and time-taking, you will have to give the brand’s atelier in Paris three to five months to have your custom made soles to waltz in. While the charges for such additional services varies as per the style and degree of customization ordered for, the best way is to start early and engage with the in-store specialist to get the best possible out there [one has also heard of indulgent brides-to-be going in for a solitaire topping on their shoes!]. And should you be the more prosaic type, then you have the classic pair of Pigalle, waiting for your creative eye, to be reinvented in the colour and material of your choice.
The bespoke elements to go with a pair of Louboutins does not just stop here, as there is also the ‘Tattoo Made-to-Measure’ service available for those looking to carry on with their love for getting inked. With this service, clients can get their favourite tattoo designs [or even their initials] transferred onto their shoes, customised to perfection with their choice of fabric, colour and embroidery. Speaking on the occasion of the launch of this unique service, Christian Louboutin said, “I realised that tattoos are not just a part of pop culture, but a bit of a map on someone’s body which says something about their personality. It is a part of their life, like an armour or a crest. Instead of carrying someone else’s crest on a loafer, I thought it would be ideal to carry your own.”
TATTOOED LOVE | Redefining bespoke is Louboutin’s Tattoo service which customises shoes with your own tattoo design, making it, literary, only one-of-its-kind
Joining in the hoopla is also Tod’s. For their iconic Gommino men’s moccasins, there is a Gommino Club in select retail locations that lets customers personalize their pair of leather loafers. Clients can get their made-to-measure pair once they choose from thenine shades of suede and six different coloured swatches in an array of leathers for the body, while the top leather braids can be customized from among the 20 combinations of one, two or three colours. To finish it off, the pair is monogrammed with the client’s initials. The membership card and serial number that comes in when you opt for this service allows you to track the progress of this process which takes about two months to complete given the hundred steps leading to the assembly of this classic style. The Gommino Club moccasins are yours for a price tag of approximately $645, and the service is available by appointment only at the Tod’s boutique in New Delhi.
DRIVING YOUR WAY THROUGH | Ferragamo’s MTO Driver project is a new functional high in the field of customization services offered by most luxury brands
The option to personalize is, as apparent, offered mostly for iconic Maison styles and could be interpreted as an effort to keep the classic still relevant through customizable frills. In a report titled “Mass Customisation is (Finally) the Future of Products,” Forrester Research describes the process as, “Mass customisation bifurcates the product experience of customers into two stages. First, the customer participates in design by making choices around particular features. Second, the manufacturer produces a unique built-to-order product for delivery to the customer.”Revolving around such a brand ethic are various services and platforms designed by the luxury labels, such as LV’s Mon Monogram, Prada’s Customize and the online initiative of Burberry Bespoke. Speaking of Prada, the globe-trotters can keep a look out for its customisation service which is offered on its range of classic brogues. You can get you own Prada brogues [in about a month after finalising the details in store], having chosen from the 32 colours available [across the uppers and trademark foam soles], with monogrammed initials on the bottom, and this beauty will set you back byaround £740.
For men there is also Ermenegildo Zegna’s exclusive ‘Su Misura’ custom-tailoring service extending to tailor-made suits, leather garments, jackets, pants, coats, shirts, ties, and shoes. You can visit the Zegna boutique to choose from among the three signature footwear styles- Derby, Oxford and Moccasin – and have them customized using a choice of leathers such as calf and suede, or ostrich and alligator. Further personalised details include that of the lining and sole and the fire branded monogram of the client on the bottom.
VERSATILITY MEETS PERSONALITY | The Tod’s Gommino men’s moccasin becomes a men’s wardrobe fashion staple in its new customizable avatar
Italian luxury brand Salvatore Ferragamo had a lot of publicity going around the ‘Shoes for a Star’ project whereby the brand gifted a pair of custom-made Tramezza to AbhishekBachhan, and a pair of Sage peep-toes to SonamKapoor. Following this isFerragamo’s initiative called MTO Driver (MTO stands for “made-to-order”) which lets men customize the brand’s driving loafers as per their choice – fromthe design to details like material, colour, finish, the leather and the laces, to imprinting the buyer’s initials on the soles. There are about a hundred permutations possible with myriad options of upper body, sole construct, and hallmark Gancio metal hardware. While your own imagination is the limit there is a waiting time of eight to twelve weeks until delivery and the price ranges around $750. But the process makes it an easy, interactive one as it requires you tolog on to the Ferragamo’s dedicated MTO Driver page and customise your shoe virtually, then submit the order online and collect the shoes at the nearest Salvatore Ferragamo boutique. Signature style and iconic value blend in beautifully with this MTO service which also reinvigorated demand for customised Vara or Varina ballerinas for the ladies.
FRESH START | Few things in life can mimic that feeling of waking up amidst lush greens and walking on a thick carpet of dew kissed grass. Photograph: The School Estate, Coorg
Dotted with a cluster of red-roofed dwellings, the town, situated at an elevation of 1,525 m, has that charming old-world look. Not much is known about the early history of Kodagu. However, today the place is nothing short of breathtaking. And we at the Luxe Café have fallen in love with Coorg – a place which is a flawless snapshot of another age…
VICTORIAN GLORY | The School Estate’s vintage and modern elements are so well balanced that it makes it hard to believe for the guests that it actually belongs to the 19th century!
The School Estate
The School Estate is a grand old plantation bungalow, erstwhile home to Rev. Richter, a 19th century missionary. It is now home to the Aiyappas and continues to host travellers from around the world. Surrounded by carefully tended gardens and verdant plantations, the country home provides an idyllic setting to unwind and leave behind the rigours of city life. With two detached cottages, one large family room and two other rooms to choose from, no matter where you are at The School Estate, you can rest assured of a great view. If you’d like to do nothing more than read a book all day, there are plenty of chairs lying around to settle in to. And when you feel like putting your feet up, you can pick a comfy couch overlooking the gardens, or alternatively snuggle up in a hammock under a tree.
Most of what you’ll find on the dinner table at The School Estate comes fresh off the plantations. Whether it’s the spices that curry traditional Kodava dishes, or the fresh cream that accompanies your dessert, sourced from their very own cows.(Yes, they do house cows!) Also, every cup of coffee at the estate is made using handpicked coffee beans from the plantation. Adding to the culinary experience, are the settings you can savour all of this in – al-fresco breakfast, under a bottle brush tree, coffee and cake in a sunken garden or dinner at a century-old pool table.
And if you ever feel inclined to leave the comfort of your hammock at School Estate, there is plenty to do and take in. From exploring the estate to mountain walks along ancient pathways, from bathing baby elephants to fishing for the majestic mahseer in the River Cauvery, from languorous cycling trips to a visit to a clan house, the place is sure to make your Coorg experience unforgettable.
Tariff per night: INR 6,300 onwards
VINTAGE MARVEL | The majestic Spring Dale bungalow stands amidst 100 acres of coffee and spice plantations and is so effortlessly stylish
Spring Dale
Spring Dale is a 10,000 Sq.ft charming bungalow situated amidst a 100 Acre coffee and spice plantation in the South of Coorg. The house offers some of the finest country side luxury accommodations in Coorg.
The bungalow offers Bedrooms with classic wooden ceilings. The rosewood dining table and the drawing room with its teakwood floor and a fireplace, offers an unmatched experience of staying in a authentic Coorg home with a colonial flavour.
You can stroll along meandering streams and inhale the fragrance of the coffee blossom, listen to a live symphony of bees, enjoy the dance of sunlight and shade on the myriad evergreen trees. Come back to the dwelling for a freshly brewed coffee and a meal mildly spiced with home grown pepper, vanilla and cardamom.
Fresh homegrown and wild produce from the plantations are sourced to cook a delicious meal for the guests. It is amongst a few homestays in Coorg where you can to savor authentic Coorg cuisine. The Paputtu (cut in wedges) is a tasty dish of broken rice steamed with a generous helping of fresh coconut milk – is a must try!
Tariff per night: INR 5,000–8,000
WORLD CHARM | The vintage style architecture, thatched roofs coupled with modern amenities are in perfect harmony at the Gowriniwas
Gowrinivas
This Kodava home is unlike other on the list as it claims to offer an affordable budget to those looking for a vacation in luxury. Nevertheless, the homestay situated at the heart of Madikeri the capital of Coorg, does provide you that lovely warm comfort (and luxury) of home.
The Cottage consists of two independent rooms which are well furnished with cable TV, hot water kettle, attached bath with running hot / cold water with a common sit out. The House consists of one room which is well furnished with cable TV, hot water kettle, attached bath with running hot & cold water. It is connected with the common living and dining area.
But our favourite has to be the seasonal micro-lite flights that set our adrenaline levels soaring! But if height isn’t your cup of tea but you still want to satiate your adventure call,, we suggest you try from the other offerings, such as the still water kayaking, river rafting, Rock Climbing, Rapelling, Trekking. Just do not forget to make a request for the arrangement of adventure at the time of booking.
Tariff per night: INR 3,900 onwards
MAGIC MOMENTS | With its large windows, and aesthetic elements, properties like the Rare Earth Estate bring you closer to nature in unprecedented ways
Rare Earth Estate
Exclusive yet easily accessible, the Rare Earth Estate is centrally located and is situated at 8 kms from the Madikeri town. Surrounded by coffee estates, the property is an ideal place to unwind and relax.
But it’s the very construction and architecture of this property that has us hooked. The main house consists of three executive king bedrooms with attached washrooms, sitting and dining areas with a common washroom, a kitchen and a large veranda. There are two executive king rooms, with attached washrooms, together yet not far from the main house. Each executive king room has an attached private sit-out and an exclusive garden. This ensures maximum privacy.
Also, the food is perhaps the best available. After all, when both Revathi and Yogesh (your prospective hosts and the owners of the property) themselves take interest in maintaining the kitchen, the results are nothing short of perfection.
However, for us at The Luxe Café, who are totally in for the promotion of the sustainable aspect of tourism, we were struck hard by the fact as to how beautifully the very concept of conservation has been incorporated into the property. For instance, at the very grassroots level, the doors, windows and pillars used in the making of the house, have been procured from broken down homes in South India and then restored and used. Water heating is done using Gujarat Geysers and broken branches & logs. But the icing on the cake is undoubtedly their very selection of over 150 indigenous trees with special emphasis on those that attract birds and are essential for maintaining eco balance.
So go ahead and enjoy, without worrying about leaving any carbon footprint!
Tariff per night: INR 4,500–6,500
BREATH OF FRESH AIR | Cinnamon, Cardamom, Pepper and Coffee are consumed often, but it’s an altogether different feeling when you literally get a chance to see them grow–just like at the Silver Brook estate!
Silver Brook Estate
If awards and accolades are your yardstick while picking a property then look no further. This property is a clear winner year after year! Winner of the best homestay in india award by a leading travel magazine, this property is indeed a traveller’s delight.
At Silver Brook Estate Home, there are three kinds of accommodations: two executive rooms, two superior executive rooms and one special executive room. The main bungalow in the estate, has been created with relaxation and comfort in mind.
The main house consists of two Superior executive bedrooms with attached washrooms, sitting and dining areas with a common washroom, a kitchen and a huge, running veranda which ensures privacy to all bedrooms. The executive rooms, with attached washrooms and an interconnecting door, are placed together yet not far from the main house. But our favourite happens to be that one independent special executive room which has a private sit-out–perfect for those bonfire-lit evenings! We can’t help but make a mention to the floor tiles used here, which are made individually by artisans from a remote village in Tamil Nadu, with an endeavor to encourage their artistry. Sweet!
As for the gastronomy aspect of your stay, you may savor pure vegetarian or non-vegetarian gourmet food. The choice can be as varied as a complete meal of local Coorg cuisine or a Continental or Indian meal.
As a final thought, we’d say that though it’s called the Silver Brook Estate, but it sure is the gold standard in hospitality!
Tariff per night: INR 4,990–6,500
BESPOKE LUXURY | Perched high on a hill, the Sun House is an oasis of calm offering a feel of life in the days gone by
Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), is a tiny island nation south of India in the Indian Ocean. It is a rugged land dotted with Buddhist ruins, rainforests, diverse wildlife and endless beaches. What makes it more interesting is the flavourful local cuisine featuring fresh seafood and a balmy climate which is so conducive to appetite and merry-making in general. If a massage followed by lazing under the sun on the beach, cocktail coolers in hand, followed by an alfresco dinner and dancing by the seaside is your idea of a perfect holiday, then go ahead and book your next trip to this beach paradise. Also, Sri Lanka offers a varied platter of mini islands and beaches off-the-beaten-track for those who wish to explore not just the party lights in Colombo but also exotic locales like Balapitiya, a river-crossed, jungle-strewn, ocean-side escape.
BEACH BLISS | Sri Lanka is a an emerald green island of calm, idyllic charm and yet-to-be-discovered beauty
To jazz up the prospect for you we have gone onto dive a little further to give you a list of hand-picked boutique and luxury hotels in Sri Lanka. Your experience of this beach country will only amplify if you are to couple it with a stay at an authentic planter’s house, or a colonial bungalow, or a beach-side cottage which bring you closer to the sea, sand and the sea-food. So, consider for yourself this collection of cosy, comfortable and chic retreats as opposed to run-of-the-mill five star plushness.
The Sun House, Galle, was once the house of a Scottish spice merchant located close to the UN World Heritage site of Galle Fort, Buddhist temples, rainforests, tea plantations, wildlife reserves and some of the most fabulous beaches in the Indian ocean. This colonial house, built in the 1860’s, has been converted into a small hotel exuding a country house atmosphere offering guests the chance to experience a planter’s life where the day began with an English breakfast and ended with sun downers on the balcony overlooking the beach. With seven individual bedrooms, an eclectic décor boasting artworks, books and furniture, this colonial property also has two beautiful gardens – the fragrant frangipani (“temple tree”) garden, leading to the swimming pool, and the mango garden which faces a stunning view of Galle harbour. The gardens are an idyllic and serene place for guests to relax, read, write or sunbathe. The evening drinks at the famed Dick’s Bar and the fusion cuisine served in the airy verandahs add to the charm of a laidback holiday spent in picturesque Galle.
THE SUN HOUSE | Boutique glam is redefined at this planter’s retreat tucked into the heart of Galle
Casa Colombo, Colombo is a 12 suite Retro-chic boutique hotel with suites individually designed by the hotel’s flamboyant owner, Lalin Jinasena. The ruby-red rooms have 15 foot high moulded ceilings, Mosaic and sea-grass floors blending in a contemporary style with the charms of a magnificent 200 year old Moorish mansion. Acres of Italian and Indian mosaic floors, carved arches, moulded ceilings and Moorish styled balconies are mark of effort that has gone in to restore the building back to its former grandeur. Located in Bambalapitiya in Colombo 4, it is in the heart of Colombo’s business district, and yet it is a gated and private hotel. Lazing on the sun bed by the unique pink pool [which could be the first pink pool in the world], or dining by the poolside, or reading from their well-stocked library, one can do a lot in terms of spending time on the hotel premises or venture out with help of the hotel’s luxuriously executed adventures and excursions to exciting hot spots in the city. Eating in is a delight here as this famed Sri Lanka hotel boasts of world class eateries and some which are curiously designed like the ZAZA Bar, a mystifying glass cube that contains chic, comfy ball chairs with plush cushions.
CASA COLOMBO | Retro chic is how the ruby red rooms of this eclectic property can be best defined
Kandy House is a boutique nine-room hotel in the hills, and a 20-minute tuk-tuk ride from Kandy. This ancestral manor house was built in 1804 and has a rich history with exquisite restoration work evident. Its room, categorised as Ultra and Deluxe, are kitted out with four-poster beds and fans, whitewashed walls and a colonial ambience. Interestingly, the rooms are named after Butterflies which thrive in Sri Lanka, and are styled individually incorporating local fabrics, antique furniture with all modern amenities in place. There’s an infinity pool set around tropical trees which look out over the paddy fields and stay here to read and soak-in or you can take a bicycle for exploring the countryside. In-house chefs serve traditional Sri Lankan delicacies and modern international dishes but the highlight twice a week is their highly acclaimed feast of ten traditional Sri Lankan curries.
KANDY HOUSE | Colonial elegance is pervasive in this limited occupancy property which brings you close to the untouched countryside
Club Villa Bentota is a boutique beach-side hotel located just 1.5 hours drive south from Colombo. This Paradise Road property has been much talked about as one of Sri Lanka’s best and has catered to guests such as Paul and Stella Mc Cartney. The hotel’s 15 rooms are all designed by Shanth Fernando, a well-known local lifestyle guru, who has also modernised parts of this pioneering boutique property, going on to add new wing, entrance pavilion, and a new swimming pool. The Villa Café is housed in this newly built pavilion in Paradise Road style and serves some local favourites like Lemongrass and Ginger Chicken, Wasabi-coated Salmon, fresh Cucumber Salad and an unrivalled desserts menu.
CLUB VILLA BENTOTA | Paradise Road’s pride is this beach side resort which was first spotted in its original beauty by renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa
Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka’s first Relais & Chateaux resort, is situated south of Hatton in the Dickoya and Bogawantalawa region of the hill country in south-central Sri Lanka. It comprises four luxurious colonial era planters’ bungalows, connected by walking trails through poetica, beautiful Ceylon tea gardens. Each of the four individual bungalows offer delightful views and unparalleled luxury. There is Summerville with an air of a country cottage, Castlereagh with an eclectic style of its own, the high colonial Tientsin and the more modern Norwood. Built between 1888 and 1950, the bungalows offer a taste of living in the yore, replete with butler service & period furnishings, Victorian bathtubs, chaise lounges, four posters and gourmet meals prepared by the chef assigned to each bungalow.
CEYLON TEA TRAILS | A complete experience is promised here as you savour the varied landscapes, exotic flora, abundant birdlife and the laidback rhythm of a luxurious tea garden life
You can follow the Tea Trail from one bungalow to the next, while taking in all the views as you trek, bike or picnic in the heart of Sri Lanka’s picture book pretty Ceylon tea country.
Delhi finds itself at a cultural vantage point as it invariably is a part of an India-bound artist’s itinerary. One such culturally enriching evening would still remain sharp in the memory of those who witnessed the beautiful time spent listening to piano virtuoso Balázs Fülei playing some of his favourite compositions, ranging from the eternally loved Bach, Liszt, Schubert to folksy Hungarian tunes. A consummate performer, his renditions lifted the lucky listeners to such a plane of beauty as is possible only through the magic created by artists, and the grand Steinway piano gracing the dimly lit interiors of Nostalgia at 1911, the Brasserie at The Imperial Hotel, only added to the glamour of it all. For those who missed being a part of this, here is an exclusive recording of the musical genius playing some of the stellar pieces. Enjoy!
CLOSETED CLASSIC | A well-fitted white shirt is a wardrobe staple that no man can go wrong with
When in doubt, turn to white. Sounds like a dictum but has been a go-to rule in fashion, be it for men or women. And when one thinks of white, the quintessential item of clothing that comes to mind is the white shirt. To sex it up the ubiquitous white shirt is another game altogether, one nailed to perfection by our dear darling John Hamm in Mad Men. Preppy plaids, quirky prints and vintage chambray might come and go, but the white shirt remains a closet staple for men who remain unbothered by fashion fads and those who like the challenge of carrying a white shirt on through the day. The multitasking white shirt will stand you in good stead at a board meeting and also at an evening out, when coupled with a blazer. No wonder then that designers and international fashion houses have spent considerable energy in reinventing this classic piece of men’s clothing such that the white shirt remains firmly there on the fashion map as the silent knight in shining armour.
MINIMALISTIC DELIGHT | The design, texture and details of the celeb-favoured white shirt can go a long way in redefining it for a day-to-evening wear
Not that the white shirt ever faded into fashion oblivion, but then in matters sartorial there is more to consider when choosing the right ‘white’ for you. The nuances of picking the white dress shirt extends to that of the cuff (barrel or French), collar (semi-spread or point), fit (slim or boxy), and fabric (Panama or broadcloth). And to make matters easy here, we went on a trip to enlist our favourites from among the best out there, so you can now stock up your wardrobe with these five picks.
“When I look at a man’s shirt, I see his passions, his dreams and his ambitions. I see his personal sense of art.” — Charvet Co-Owner Anne-Marie Colban
Tom Ford’s own take on the white shirt has him saying, “When I put on a white shirt, it’s the same feeling as getting into crisp, fresh sheets at night.” The Tom Ford model shirt is a classic-fit high collar stand, barrel cuff white shirt (priced at about $990; tomford.com) which when paired with blue jeans will give you a lean, clean masculine look. Should you want to flaunt your gym-toned body then this is the shirt for you.
TOM FORD | One of the most celebrated American designer sports monochromatic power and a cool vibe in an open – necked white shirt
A point to note when outfitted in a crisp white shirt is that the shirt should not be ballooning around you, but at the same time it should not be a case of straining buttons. While slimmer silhouettes suit athletic bodies, bigger guys (read – ‘dad bods’) should opt for shirts with a couple of box pleats for that tiny bit of extra room without compromising the shape. Herein comes the bespoke tailoring which is offered by legendary English shirtmaker Turnbull & Asser. Turnbull shirts are cut splendidly and generously to house bigger builds but they recently introduced a slim fit version, the Slim St Jim, for the first time in a 130-year long history. The slim-fit white marcella dress shirt (GBP 205; turnbullandasser.co.uk) is a great one to go tieless with as its regent collar offers a more open and less severe look than the cutaway collar, and it features the brand’s signature three-button cuff.
TURNBULL & ASSER | The pleated bib-front white shirt dress from this legendary shirtmaker is all about reinventing the classic
Going the bespoke way, and turning towards more Continental luxury, one arrives at the door of fine-shirt companies like Charvet which boasts of having shirts from more than 400 white fabrics, including micro jacquards and poplin, and also Egyptian and Sea Isle cottons, woven by Italian or Swiss mills, which soften with repeated wear. This upscale Parisian brand has custom designed for the royalty and is an institution in itself. If you are looking for that one shirt which epitomises your perfection, rather the pursuit of it, then you can get one made to your exact measurements from one of the 6,000 fabrics in Charvet’s Paris boutique. A slim-fit oxford shirt from Charvet will set you back by $515 but will be worth every cent and centimetre.
CHARVET | A luxurious indulgence is getting a white pointed collar shirt in ivory white from this Rolls-Royce of bespoke shirtmaking brands
Now, if we go past the fabric and cut, we arrive at the collar which according to Calvin Klein Collection designer Italo Zucchelli is an important aspect as the size has to be right, be it a point or a spread collar. “A medium collar is modern. Too big and you look like a dandy,” Zucchelli says. “Too small and you look like you shopped in the boys’ department.” One of the best variations of a white point-collar shirt from a luxury brand will be from the house of Ermenegildo Zegna. Made of cotton-twill, it is comfortable, sleek, and tapered at the waist for a flattering fit to show off the broad shoulders. But it also comes in many size combinations (priced at around $345; zegna.com).
ANN DEMEULEMEESTER | Taking a casual but more structured route will be this plain woven long white shirt with collar detailing from the namesake brand
There are more bespoke brands which offer good options when looking for your favourite shirt sleeves like the Swedish brand Eton which prides itself on quality and craftsmanship. Eton’s Red Ribbon collection offers a selection of dress shirts in different collar and cuff variations and four varied fits ($235; etonshirts.com). Also, worth a look is the long sleeved, slim cut, white dress shirt ($310; corner.com) from Ann Demeulemeester, of the famous Antwerp Six designers, which is perfect for tucking in or for wearing over tapered pants.
THOM BROWNE | Channel in effortless American cool with the Thom Browne white shirt over sharp trousers
And if you think we have huffed and puffed enough about the white shirt’s anatomy, well then you need to be made aware of on the hot debates: oxford cloth versus poplin, or rugged versus delicate. Poplin with its higher thread count is more masculine and expensive while the oxford is sportier, non-fussy and at the same time elegant. Thom Browne, who professes his love for the oxford button-down quite evidently, has a runway-hit white shirt($330; thombrowne.com)made of breathable oxford cotton, which is different from his extravagant creations but still carries Browne’s signature red, white, and blue stripes showing at the neck (although there is another version with the striped armbands jazzing up the whites).
BEAUTY AND A BEACH | It’s very rare to get that perfect amalgamation of luxury and nature, and that’s where Kerala steps in–offering some of the most serene spots on the planet. Photograph: Bougainvillea by Marari Villas
History speaks of Kerala to be among the most pristine spots on the planet. The culture and traditions of this part of the map enrich the Indian civilisation. And for that luxe traveller in you, who is either travelling across the blue seas to reach India or flying from within the country to this lovely state, the place is sure to offer you a sense of tranquility unlike any other. To take that sense of bliss another notch higher, we at the Luxe Café handpicked some properties to offer you that warm and cozy, home away from home experience!
SPOTLESS PERFECTION | The bungalow stands tall amidst vast expanses of green and resembles an innocent budding flower, thanks to its pristine white hue
Evergreen Estate Bungalow
Totally living up to its name, the Evergreen Estate Bungalow is perhaps the most picturesque on the list. The owners (and your potential hosts) are George, Anju, Rose and Little Abraham. They belong to Pottamkulam Family, who are associated with the pioneers of the Rubber plantations from 1910 who started off as farmers and forged into the plantations. Today their family’s diverse interests have come to include Cardamom, Rubber and Coffee.
In fact, being located at the foothills of the Periyar, the very place, Mundakayam, is the one where commercial rubber plantation was born in 1903. The bungalow is at Koottickal, at the midland slopes of gateway to the high ranges of Kerala. The bungalow enjoys that sumptuous art deco-style architecture, reminiscent of the period from 1940-60 in South India. The two massive rooms offered to guests are aesthetically furnished and appointed with modern facilities.
Food is served from the routine Kitchens of Kerala and North Indian. The menu is set between the guest and the host with controlled use of spices, with homegrown and organic fruits, vegetables and spices finding a place in the cuisines.
Plus, whats more lovely is the fact that the homestay is recognized by Kerala’s Department of Tourism and is even classified as a Diamond House, the highest rating prevailing under classification scheme.
Go ahead, shine bright like a diamond, we say!
Tariff per night: INR 10,000 for the AC heritage Rooms.
LUXE GOES PARADISICAL | The clouds, the birds, the villa and easy flowing waters against perfectly rustic sunset! Need we say more?
The Kayal Villa
If the size of a property is the first thing on your vacationing mind, then this might just be ‘the’ place for you. The Kayal villa is a sprawling 2-bedroom villa that sits on 6.5 acres of private estate, surrounded on all sides by Kerala’s backwaters.
A large yard between the villa and the water is used for relaxation, recreation, or banqueting functions. A lovely aspect their management is their effortless effort of striking a balance between nature’s elements. How, you ask? The three ponds are used for aquaculture and the remaining lands for agriculture that supply guests at Kayal Villa as well as their other properties with a farm-to-table dining experience.
And for that adventurous luxe traveller, the Villa’s hospitality team shall be more than happy to assist you with activities including fishing, kayaking, bicycling or exploration of the nearby Fort Cochin.
Tariff per night: INR 10,000–15,000.
CLASSIC AND CHIC | Luxury gets a whole new meaning when you are between antique pieces like this vintage dining table and the very era-reflective architecture
The Anthraper Gardens
One look and you’re hooked! This beautiful heritage home in Cherthala, at a 45 minute drive from Cochin) is among a few rare properties that are surrounded by water on three sides with a private boat-jetty and a sprawling garden.
The homestay building is 75 years old, well maintained in a 2 acre plot surrounded by backwaters on three sides. A verandah runs around the building with a view of the backwaters. The property is well landscaped with 6000sq ft of lawn, varieties of fruit trees and coconut palms.
On the offering are two air conditioned suites with twin beds, attached dressing rooms and modern bathrooms with 24 hours hot water facility. What’s more, all rooms have a view of the backwaters and decorated in old world style. Vibrant and elegant, with a dramatic view of Vembanad Lake the Anthraper Gardens Home Stay is a vantage point from where you can explore the sights, sounds and experiences around you.
The present house Anthraper Gardens with waterfront on three sides is a very quiet and picturesque place with a spacious and well-manicured garden. Away from the hustle & bustle of the city, it is an idyllic place to unwind and rediscover oneself.
Anthraper Gardens offers you that memorable as well as exotic experience of elegant traditional living in an atmosphere of age old charm.
