Your bar may be stocked with the best liquor from across the world but like you and me need to be decked up with the right accessories. Say cheers to The Luxe Cafe’s list of select items for connoisseurs of good life. First on the list is the Lalique 100 Points by James Suckling with Leather Briefcase by Salvatore Ferragamo which will leave your wallet $12,500 lighter. The handcrafted Linley Cocktail Box costs twice as much at around $25,000. Versace by Rosenthal’s Medusa Lumière collection of champagne flutes start at $550. The Teroforma’s Whiskey Stones will keep your drink cool @ Rs 2,500 for 9. Frazer and Haws Ice Bucket from The Royal Cup collection which has an imperial insignia is priced at a princely Rs 94,400. Roberto Cavalli pitcher from the Monogram Platinum Collection will cost you $498 upward. Last but not the least is the Trunks Company Bar Cabinet Trunk which even has a Bose music system and comes for Rs 8,75,000.
NOT JUST PANTS | From nipped to high waists, flared to cuffed hems, trousers are day-to-evening garments for the modern woman who keeps a tussle-free and trendy wardrobe
Trousers are not just part of a working women’s day wear conundrum but they are a wardrobe essential for the style savvy ladies, whether they belong to the classics-only clique or to the a-wardrobe-a-season gang. The versatility and the variety both make it a garment which deserves a special mention and place in the cosmopolitan women’s closet. While Eastern culture had their women of yore wearing pants, or versions of it, in the West trouser-clad women were more figures of feminist emancipation. French designer Paul Poiret, in 1913, created loose-fitting, wide-leg trousers for women called harem pants inspired by the costumes of the then popular opera, Sheherazade. Then there was iconic designer Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel who loved wearing pants herself and in bucking fashion norms of the day, created pants to suit activities that women in the post World War I era were engaging in. Her riding trousers for women won her many classy patrons who had previously ridden side-saddle clad in heavy skirts.Further glamourising the trouser-trend were Hollywood divas like Marlene Dietrich and Lauren Bacall who sported pant suits, flared and fitted trousers with much aplomb. In fact, Marlene Dietrich spoke for the liberated, individualistic women when she said, “I dress for myself. Not for the image, not for the public, not for the fashion, not for men.”
ANDROGYNOUS CHARM | With mannish silhouettes, trousers were symbolic of a liberated female, but were worn for their own reasons by Hollywood divas like Marlene Dietrich
Today the essential trousers have seen many style incarnations with capris to palazzos to dhoti-pants dominating trend reports from season to season, and runway to ramps. Despite the wide range of silhouettes and designs available for the ubiquitous trouser, there is nothing which can take way the timeless elegance of sharply creased, well-fitted tailored trousers. In 2015, with wide-legged, nip-waisted, maxi lengths, sporty, skinny styles being the more visible ones, there has also been a revival of the co-ordinated pant suit for women. With such a range to choose from, one needs to be confident about what compliments the body rather than the trend. So, for ladies on the curvier side of things, wide-legs are the pick and for the petite frames, the high-waisted ones accentuate it better. For those with an hourglass shape, straight-fit trousers with pleats will be good, while for the leggier divas the slim-fit, cropped-hem pants are a must have. Trousers can very well transition from day to evening wear if one chooses the fabric and detailing carefully. Silk or crepe de chine pants could be code to power dressing for a boardroom meeting as well as acocktail party, while fitted, ankle-length pants with cuffed hems ring in office-wear chic.Should you be a prints-only kind of girl then a pair of patterned or textured pants will jazz up monochrome tops for a lunch or dinner date.
TROUSER GLAM | Transitioning from work to party wear is easy with trousers, given the right fit and fabric for the right body shape
That trousers should be tried before buying is an implied rule because an ill-fitting trouser mars the entire look while a well-fitted one can carry forward an ensemble on its sharp creases. In an attempt to move away from the high-street labels offering some good options, to more bespoke brands imparting a twist to the regular trousers to make them more than just pants, here are four of our favourite young designers who are steadily bringing western wear into its own on the fashion landscape of India. Check these design houses, from different parts of India, for eclectic prints, eco-fabrics, excellent cuts – all in the form of trousers for you ladies of discerning taste and definitive style.
FROU FROU | Structured cuts and a bold palette of colours and patterns characterises the vintage charm of Archana Rao’s trousers
Archana Rao, with her flagship store located in the upscale Banjara Hills neighbourhood of Hyderabad, thinks of fashion as functional art. Her aesthetic is minimalistic, contemporary and understated – perfectly complimenting a modern sensibility. She says, “To me every design should have a purpose so I prefer making clothes that are wearable, useful and efficient.” A fashion graduate from NIFT and Parsons School of Design, her label FrouFrou has won accolades including the Vogue India Fashion Fund last year. Her line includes, among others, dresses, pencil skirts and of course, trousers. Her emphasis on structured and well-cut, tailored look is evident in her collection of trousers which comprised a part of her well-received Summer 2015 collection where she recreated vintage Parisian charmclever juxtaposition of ethereal fabrics with strong silhouettes. Her collection, titled ‘The Apartment’,was a palette of soft hues starting with nudes, blush pinks, pearly whites transitioning into strong shades like military green and ochré. If you are looking for sleek pants showcasing soft femininity and strong tailoring in solid shades then this is one label you must look out for.A mustard high waist trouser pants in cotton, pleated khaki pants, military green straight led trousers and one in twill with cotton embroidery all over, are just some of her leggy pieces that stand out through her collections. She has aptly described her design ethics when she said, “As a designer, I look for a garment that is usable and re-usable. It should have the potential to be worn differently each time. That’s what makes it worth it.” So, here you are with a potential brand as a closet staple for when you go trouser shopping.
DEV R NIL | Hand-woven ikat, khati, silk trousers with innovative prints perfectly cut in a wide range of shapes from palazzos to ankle lengths talks about their home grown chic
DEV R NIL, also known as the Boys of Bengal, are creating what they like to refer to as “the wardrobe from the east”. They have been duly credited for their ability to play with beautiful textiles, subtle surface texturing and classic cuts. Their forte, seen through their collections, is print, which they have reinvented variously. A subdued to bold colour palette, structured silhouettes, eclectic prints and fabrics, meant to make an understated yet powerful statement,further enhance their line of functional ensembles which includes trousers in many interesting combinations, such as with long shirts, flowing jackets and tunics. Their Spring Summer 2015 collection, with prints, mirror work and layered hemlines, depicted the works of Rabindranath Tagore, with his handwriting printed on ensembles, alongside Moroccan mosaic patterns. Hand-wovenikats and silks were seen not only oncoats, layered maxi skirts, crop tops but also on trousers for women, and suits and bandhgalas for men. Worth mentioning here are the printed palazzo pants which have found favour with the designers and can be worn with their stunning crop tops, so there is a script print ivory palazzo, white and blue ikatprinted wide pants, and those in bold colours like in red with geometric prints which could lead the way with the palazzo trend. Ochre yellow and ivory ikat straight trouser pants, red khati ankle length pants, psychedelic patterned cropped pants and print-on-print pant suits are some pieces from the designer duo which are worth a mention and looking out for. So, if you are looking out for a bohemian vibe combined with power-prints in your trousers, Dv R Nil is your brand to consider.
MASABA | Flirtatious prints, fabulous colours and funky designs make Masaba a go-to brand for some ‘cool’ trousers for premium daily wear
Masaba Gupta is a name to reckon with when it comes to refined and eclectic pre`t couture. Pop colours, quirky prints and avant grade styles with a focus on western wear characterises her line of easy-to-wear garments. Her iconic hand prints and cows print fabrics have slowly faded out and replaced by city skylines, sanskrit texts and alphabets, bold patterns and Chandragupta prints. With dresses, skirts, jumpsuits, summer blazers and crop tops, there is also room for jumpsuits, dungarees, and the skyline printed linen trouser and blazer combo has been a stand out from her line as has been the white applique jacket paired with white culottes. Bold separates and bustling prints characterise Masaba’s ready-to-wear collection Lite Collection and you will find airy dhoti pants, palazzos, flared culottes along with fitted cropped pant, printed wide-legged trousers. The very-wearable garments come in contrasting colours interspersed with checks, stripes, floral prints, animal prints & her motifs borrowed from everyday life like taps, scissors, and glass of water.At the Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015, Masaba Gupta’s arty ‘On Your Mark’ collection was inspired by a horse’s prowess, gait and dynamism and further made waves as Bollywood’s current-favourite couple, Shahid and Mira Kapoor, walked the ramp with Miralooking stunning in an off-shoulder crop top teamed up with Masaba’s printed white trousers with neon yellow piping.
SHIFT | Understated glam, a European aesthetic combined with organic fabrics and impeccable detailing make Nimish Shah’s trousers a lovely fit for the diva on-the-go
Nimish Shah’s label Shift embodies a certain kind of laid back chic which is sort of retro cool. Combining functional comfort and modern utility, Shift has the kind of offering which fit perfectly into the wardrobe of a cosmopolitan working woman. Apart from the French chic that the garments channel in, the label is eponymous with sustainable fashion with its use of organic fabrics which are excellently cut into shift dresses, midi skirts, blazers, shirts and tops, roomy trousers with abstract florals and geometric prints. Light and breezy fabrics like linen, cotton-silk, khadi, organic cottons come alive with expert detailing and in a palette of understated hues like blue, indigo, coral, candy pink and beige. In his collections, you will find midrise straight leg trousers in powder blue and khaki, navy linen work pants with sharp pleats and fitted waistline, olive green cotton gabardine peg pants and drawstring trousers and soft coat in checks and stripes with a relaxed fit. The designer has described his label as a labour of love wherein, “Shift plays creatively on the idea of European flair while still retaining its Indian soul. I adopt a very straightforward, no-nonsense aesthetic when it comes to both colour and cut, and it works for a lot of busy working women these days.” His collection at the Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2015 featured separates which are perfect for a travel wardrobe, being minimal in design and fabric and espousing a global sensibility. Take to Shift if you are not only fashion conscious but also if you are environment-conscious and love dressing down in style.
IN HIGH SPIRITS | Alexandre Ricard, the 42-year-old Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard took over his family business earlier this year
On a balmy afternoon in Paris, Alexandre Ricard, the 42-year-old Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard—who officially took over his family business earlier this year after stints of consultancy at Accenture and investment banking at Morgan Stanley—looked surprisingly fresh and energetic for somebody, who for the past few days, had been juggling with inquisitiveness of the press and expectations at the world’s second largest spirits maker.
As he sat down at the café in a quiet by lane of the city, dressed in a simple navy blue suit, one could have easily mistaken one of France’s richest men for an ordinary businessman in the hunt for his afternoon shot of caffeine. His manner suggested the eagerness of a teenager given his first super car. “India will soon topple France and become our third largest market,” he said. Local spirits such as, Blender’s Pride, 100 Pipers, Royal Stag and Imperial Blue notch up the numbers for his company here. But Ricard also drew attention to the prestige brands his company has nurtured over the years.
An iconic French brand and prestigious house of champagne—GH Mumm is the official champagne brand of Formula One
Martell, which Pernod Ricard claims is the oldest cognac brand in the world, was created in 1715 by Jean Martell, in France’s Charente region. Its Royal Salute is a leading brand among luxury Scotch whiskies aged over 21 years, created to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. G.H. Mumm and Perrier-Jouet are champagne houses par excellence, noted for their heritage vintages. And of course, Glenlivet, the Speyside single malt founded by George Smith in Scotland’s Livet Valley in 1824, brings up rear.
“There are things money can’t buy, such as experiences,” said Ricard.
Bottles of a particular vintage sold for around 10,000 pounds, said a Pernod Ricard executive. “We sold out the entire stock in a very short time,” he said.
Luxury spirits are an important focus area for Ricard. Lately, the company has been facing difficulties in two of its largest markets, the US and China due to various reasons. While its Absolut vodka is losing ground in America because US consumers are shying away from vodka, authorities have cracked down on extravagancy in China, which is one of the company’s biggest markets for cognac and champagne.
“Last weekend, I spent time with some of our important customers in Monaco. I got to meet the racers too,” said Ricard. There was of course luxury private yachts, shimmering emerald waters, the uncorking of bubblies, an extravagant lunch. GH Mumm is the official champagne brand of Formula One. “We often organise experiences such as these for our esteemed customers. High-net-worth individuals come together, while our craftsmen and masters create blends for them to taste at exclusive settings,” said Ricard. Polo, golf and Formula One are sports the company associates with for prestige brands.
“I love India. I am not scared of the heat or the dust. I simply love its buzz.”
On being asked about personal pursuits, the scion of one of France’s most influential corporate dynasties refused to be drawn into a conversation that would perhaps make him appear beyond the common touch. “When I want to relax, I spend time at my islands,” said Ricard, who feels equally at home running in the scorching heat of Dubai. “I love India. I am not scared of the heat or the dust. I simply love its buzz,” he said.
Room balcony of the hotel Delos situated on one of the Mediterranean islands—Ile de Bendor, developed by Paul Ricard
Interestingly, Paul Ricard, Ricard’s grandfather and the man who helped create the French drinks giant through a merger in the 1970s, developed two Mediterranean islands—Ile de Bendor and Ile des Embiez, off the coast of Provence’s Var region. Though Ricard did not mention whether those are the ones he disappears to for his prized moments of calm, research reveals them to be two unique private islands resembling fairy-tale proportions, replete with vineyards, enchanting beaches, pine forests, elegant hotels and provincial homes. They look like decades of hard work, and love. And probably like Ricard said, not something money can easily buy.
ARTFUL FASHION | Art Nouveau could be called the Pop Art of its time. In the picture is the famous Art Nouveau 1897 print by Alfons Mucha
Art Nouveau presents itself with good reason as breaking with the styles of the past, and promoting a “modern” environment based on a revival of forms and decorations. From the point of view of work produced, on the other hand, and this in spite of its social aspirations, it belongs to the tradition of the often- expensive technical experiments that brought fame to the luxury goods industries in France throughout the 19th century and until the early 20th century.
Art Nouveau is considered a “total” art style, embracing architecture, graphic art, interior design, and most of the decorative arts including jewelry, furniture, textiles, household silver and other utensils and lighting, as well as the fine arts. “Tiffany Style” in the United States was named for the legendary Favrile glass designs of Louis Comfort Tiffany.
As the son of Charles Lewis Tiffany, who founded Tiffany & Co. in 1837, Louis Comfort Tiffany might have followed in his father’s footsteps. Instead, with an affinity for hard work and a fertile imagination, he followed his own path to success and renown. Just as Charles Tiffany created exquisite jewels for the affluent, building his “fancy goods” store into one of the great success stories of the age, Louis Comfort Tiffany created his own extraordinary designs that enriched the lives of all Americans.
Art Nouveau fashion questioned conventional gender norms with daring flamboyance, presenting women in suits, influenced by tailored menswear, for the street and overtly seductive lingerie for the boudoir.
Anna Sui’s trademark bohemian prints takes an Art Nouveau turn
Between 1890 and 1914 with the rise of the art nouveau style, the dress was granted the status of decorative art. This paralleled the ascent of the Paris couture houses with the success of clothing designers at Maison Worth, Maison Paul Poiret, Jeanne Paquin, and Lucile who utilized publicity from advertising and fashion.
Art Nouveau is characterized by the use of long organic lines with moderate and dark colors. Mustard yellow, dark red, olive, brown, violet and blue are some of the most popular colors
The art nouveau “look” was at the cutting edge of modern style. Only the most fashionable wore it in its fullest manifestation, while others preferred moderated versions. These styles were spread internationally through fashion journals, such as Les Modes and down through middle-class oriented magazines like The Ladies Field and La Mode illustrée. Les Modes of July 1902 featured, for example, an art nouveau ball dress by Maggy Rouff with full-length swirls in silver and diamante, on a straw-colored silk ground trimmed with alençon lace.
Some of the major artists involved in Art Nouveau were Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh, Czech artist Alphonse Mucha, American glassmaker Louis Comfort Tiffany, and English illustrator Aubrey Beardsley
Art Nouveau is characterized by the use of long organic lines with moderate and dark colors. Mustard yellow, dark red, olive, brown, violet and blue are some of the most popular colors. The specific ornamental characteristics of this modern style were asymmetrical, rising and falling pattern of lines, which used to take the form of flowers, buds, insect wings, vine tendrils and other motifs inspired from nature. Some of the major artists involved in Art Nouveau were Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh, Czech artist Alphonse Mucha, American glassmaker Louis Comfort Tiffany, and English illustrator Aubrey Beardsley. It’s Influence On Fashion: American fashion designer Anna Sui often seeks inspiration from Art Nouveau. Her Spring 2010 and Spring 2015 Ready-To-Wear lines had strong hints of Art Nouveau-inspired floral prints and organic designs. Another major designer inspired by the movement was Coco Chanel. Jean Lanvin, Leon Bakst (Russian costume designer), French fashion designer and art collector Jacques Doucet and French designer Paul Poiretare are also known for bringing Art Nouveau to mainstream fashion.
The writer is an artist with an ability to render brilliant visages, fusing the visual arts with an innate understanding of global fashion, and photography, which are really an extension of our lives, along with culture
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!
