LAP OF LUXURY | A lavish stay coupled with the beauty of Ladakh is all it takes to make your experience an unforgettable one
Ladakh has long been on the map for backpackers, mostly staying in and around Leh, it is has not yet come on the radar of the adventurous luxury traveller. The Luxe Café brings to you a pick of the choicest of boutique properties to stay when visiting this pristine paradise on earth.
GOT GLAMOUR | The tents recreate the magic of the good-old world, taking canvas luxury to a whole new level
The Chamba Camp at Thikse introduced India to glamping – glamorous camping. Each of the tents is uniquely designed, with en-suite bathrooms, private decks, crisp linen and the services of your very own butler. What’s more, you can enjoy delicious local recipes, spend hours as professional story-tellers regale you with tales and then there are bonfires in the evening.
From watching a game of polo to rafting down the Indus to picnics at the some of the most picturesque spots, there are umpteen options which make the experience one to remember for the lifetime.
HAUTE HERITAGE | The five lavish tents scattered across the orchard have reading rooms and bedrooms with attached bathrooms
Situated in the village of Nimmu at an altitude of 3,100 m, the house is a jewel of Ladakhi architecture. Built in the early twentieth century by a cousin of the King of Ladakh, the house has regained its lost glory thanks to a transformation project in 2012.
The complex has 30 rooms including 2 Buddhist temples, a stable and a sprawling orchard with apricot, walnut and fruit trees. The Nimmu House management is among a handful few who understand their responsibility of promoting sustainable tourism as well as the preservation of traditional cultures, which means you can cast aside your worries about leaving a carbon footprint.
HIDDEN TREASURE | With its ancient-meets-contemporary architecture and ‘secret’ guest rooms, the Stok Palace is full of surprises!
The Stok Palace used to be the summer home of the royal family of Ladakh. The three-storey building is among the rare restoration projects where descendants of the royal family still reside. Ancient treasures are on display in some of the rooms open to the public. The palace’s café is a favourite of the visitors. Its open terrace seating offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped hills and pristine peaks. Count yourself among the lucky few if you get a booking for one of the five ‘secret’ guest rooms that still house original murals and paintings.
LADAKH LOVIN | The deluxe rooms at the Grand Dragon, offer magnificent views of the Stok Kangri‘s spotless-white peaks, Khardong La pass, Leh palace and Shanti Stupa
The Grand Dragon Ladakh was one of the first luxury hotels in the region. It combines a unique blend of the state-of-the-art modern amenities such as electronic key cards for the rooms and rich cultural heritage in the form of handmade paintings by Gulam Mustafa (the first modern artist of Ladakh) and bespoke fixtures.
The tastefully done interiors with intricate paintings on walls look even more beautiful when you see that the entire facility is wheelchair accessible. Add to it the solar-powered central heating system, and it indeed is luxe with responsibility!
WATCH THIS SPACE | Nothing quite makes a better statement than a wrist watch. Shown here is a Cartier Ballon Blue wrist watch. Photograph: Cartier.com
Time is money and the hip and happening want a chronometer that not only keeps track of every second that ticks by but also makes a fashion statement. The choices vary from person to person. But more the merrier seems to be the motto when it comes to features that most watch buyers are looking for. Tachymeter, compass, multiple time zones and everyone’s favourite chronograph are some of the must-haves for the high-end sports watches.
OMEGA DEVILLE HOUR VISION ANNUAL CALENDAR | The watch is aptly named: the beauty of the movement is clearly visible through sapphire glass apertures in the side of the watch case and through the sapphire crystal case back
For the rich and the famous, watches today are accessories on which they are ready to splurge. Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul with his expensive Cartier and the new Superman Henry Cavill, whose favourite is the $24,000 Omega Deville Hour Vision Annual Calendar, symbolize the craze for big, mean watches.
If you are finding it hard to pick from among the Gucci, Rolex, Longines, Panerai, Chanel et al, take time out with Luxe Café and become wiser by the second.
ROLEX EXPLORER 1016 | The watch oozes classic appeal like no other. Photograph: Hodinkee.com
If you love the vintage look, Rolex Explorer 1016 from the 70s and Tag Heuer 36 mm chronograph with a Valjoux 72 movement would do your wrist proud. Those looking for a classic touch need n’t waste time and simply pick from among Panerai Radio mir 1940 Chronograph, Jaeger LeCoultre Ultra Thin Date and the $1095 G-timeless collection by Gucci.
JAEGER LECOULTRE ULTRA THIN DATE | Maintaining the philosophy and character of the master ultra thin line, the watch displays its traditional hour, minute, central second and date functions in a minimalist, timeless design
PANERAI RADIOMIR 1940 | The watch comes with a P.999 hand-wound movement, the smallest and thinnest in the range of calibres produced by the Officine Panerai manufacture in Neuchâtel
For the rough and tough look, go for Longines’ Heritage Military watch. Drawing inspiration from their 1930s military range, it boasts of a three-hander, a two-register chronograph and a sleek GMT.
MODERN AND METROPOLITAN | The G-Timeless collection offers a highly contemporary design and a variety of styles and variants are available–from the smaller feminine sizes to unisex medium
If exclusivity is what makes you tick, check out the Burberry Limited Edition Automatic Chronograph Britain, Alpina Vintage Star Timer and, of course, the iconic Chanel J12 Matte Black Superleggera.
LONGINES HERITAGE MILITARY | With its clean, flowing lines and distinct feel,this masterpiece has rightly been called the quintessence of classicism in watch making
There are two things to keep in mind while buying a sports watch. First, always look for one with automatic winding. Second, as far as the number of features goes, fewer the better because the clutter-free display adds to the sophisticated look.
ALPINA VINTAGE STAR TIMER | The watch is built on traditional lines, is highly wearable and maintains the vintage feel that is distinctive for the entire alpina startimer range
In case you are looking for features, your check list must include new-age trends such as altimeter, chronograph, moon phase, multiple time zones, tachymeter, power reserve indicator and tour billion.
BLACK IS BACK | The J12 Matte Black Superleggera can rightly be credited to have made ceramic enter the leagues of gold and stainless steel as preferred materials for watches
One last advice before it is time to upload this article, pick a piece that complements your personality and befits your style quotient. What you sport on your wrist can make you stand out for time to come or end up being a waste of time and money.
HAUTE HORLOGERIE | Jaipur watch company embeds precious coins, insignias and motifs into their watches, like their King George V watch, making them family heirlooms
Watch making is an art and a science together, that has not only with stood the test of time but has only evolved over time. There are discerning clients, world over who appreciate and yearn to be the sole owners of an “Independent” time piece, made especially with unique features that push boundaries and are so bespoke, that it’s the making of it, that holds more importance than just a label that is a draw for fashion victims. Independent watches take the baton far ahead. It is not just for the luxe loving but for those who understand the intricacies of a watch, are true connoisseurs and are seriously rich.
Taking into account the last half decade, the Indian watch market shows great potential, with Indians also being the major buyers across the globe. India has become the hotspot for bespoke watch brands. Recently we have seen three exclusive brands from Switzerland make a beeline for India; GreubelForsey, Breva SA, Thomas Prescher with the world’s only triple axis tourbillon. Along with new retailers and watch market partners, a new breed has emerged.
BREVA GENIE 02 TERRE | This watch combines the stunning sophistication of a beautifully crafted mechanical timepiece with the practicality of a fully functional, high-performance altimeter
Bespoke watches are resource consuming thus expensive, but same time Indian consumers are penny wise but value driven. They feel pride in ownership and don’t mind spending extra if they treasure something and even see it as heirloom. This gives way to market space for the smaller more craftsman driven brands to cater to this enthralling client segment.According to Rahul Kapoor, CEO Excedo Luxuria and an independent evaluator, “Since acquiring Excedo Luxuria globally in 2010, one of our key focus countries has been India. Increasingly we meet clients who are disowning big mass luxury brands i.e. Hublot, Rolex and Breguet and choose to invest in brands which represent a part of them and do not allow a status tag to be applied to the wearer.”
ExcedoLuxuria is a premiere luxury retailer, who cater to a very niche section, with a set patronage from usually diplomats to businessmen to even Hollywood biggies. The brands under their umbrella are usually estimated at a crore or upwards mostly.Mapping the potential, ExcedoLuxuria worldwide from time to time hold an ‘Independents Of Time’ series, where they create private salons for 24 hours in various cities, allowing enthusiasts and collectors to invest in Independent watches, in peace without prying eyes.
PITLANE CARLO ANCELLOTI TIMEPIECE | This Cecil Purnell piece is based on the award winning Pit Lane and the CP-V12 and integrates Ancelloti’s preferred color, initials and a soccer ball
Traditionally hosted in private residences and hotel suites, 4 2014 – Jan 2015 saw a tremendous growth in general interest in Ultra-Haute Horlogerie, along with a healthier global economy. 2015 sees “Independents of Time” grow from Hotel Suite Previews, for single brands to Private Exhibition with Independent brands focusing on craftsmanship and limited production. September 2015 will see the Independents Of Time being hosted in India for the very first time, in New Delhi.“While the larger, widely known brands bring quantity and masstige recognition, smaller more selective independent brands focus on a limited number of time pieces each year, displaying painstaking detail and quality and, attract clients willing to invest in their passion for the many generations to follow and come to learn with an appreciation for the mechanical arts, with investment representing a part of the clients,” says Kapoor.
CECIL PURNELL LADY LACROIX | Equipped with Cecil Purnell CP-V11 tourbillon caliber, this watch from the Lacroix series displays a refined and elegant interpretation of the model, more suited for the fairer sex
Many brands such as Jaipur Watch Company and Cecil Purnell are offering a wide and well varied degree of customisation, so much so when looking at just the watch many will only see what the client has asked for and nothing else. A prime example is the Cecil Purnell Carlo Ancelloti Pitlane piece, with only 10 pieces made in the world, subtle changes were made for Ancellotti (manager of Real Madrid Football Club) and he proposed becoming Cecil Purnell Brand friend.
Breva SA, is another Swiss watch brand into Independents, that has debuted in the country recently with their globally feted Genie collection (Genie, being genius in French) that was also launched at the Basel world 2014. Built on concept of “monitoring your environment” and driven by innovation, Breva is the link between watch making tradition and modernity. It is highly mechanical, in sync with the environment, tells you the altitude, barometer pressure and every minute detail.
BREVA GENIE 3 BLEUE | A limited edition with 55 pieces, Breva offers this “sailing” watch, which is the world’s first mechanical self-winding wristwatch with a functional anemometer
Adding to the momentum citing a market that is traditionally known to patronize true luxury, Jaipur Watch Company has been established by Gaurav Mehta, a keen horologist.“The major inspiration behind Jaipur Watch Company was the realization that India is not yet recognized as a country that specializes in fine watch making. That thought with my passion for horology and numismatics is what planted the seed for Jaipur Watch Company. I want to see India on the global map as a country that produces fine bespoke timepieces,” says Mehta.Priced anywhere from Rs23,000 to a lakh upwards, their target clientele is anyone with a penchant for history and a love for unique timepieces. Their watches hold appeal to numismatists and horologers, alike. They embed coins, insignias and motifs into the watches making heirlooms that can be passed down generations. Anyone who is looking for a piece of Indian history can find it at JWC.
Dated coins are often an integral part of bespoke watches. And in India there are families that have possession of coins from pre-Mughal era, such as a family from Andhra Pradesh that is known to have some of the most collectable coins in the country. They continue to preserve them and for the first time are going to participate in a watch auction, as are confident, they will be of utmost interest to watch makers. Chaitanya Sravanth Pillutla, from Hyderabad and founder of the Therencia collection, says, “Good craftsmanship stays and we are very proud of our heritage. While we will be putting up 40 of our collectable coins in an auction, we are also very interested to have people see and know about their history and feel proud. We are happy if watches use them, because that’s one way to keep our glorious history alive in the minds of people too”.
JWC IMPERIAL COLLECTION | For a trip down Indian history, look no further than the JWC Imperial Collection
The most sophisticated watch piece at JWC is the Imperial Collection wrist watch. The watch embeds the 70 year old King George VI coin into the dial. It is reminiscent of the King George VI, the last ruling emperor of the British India and the first head of Common wealth of Nations. The watch coin signifies the adaptation that the Indian currency underwent during independence. It took almost a year to come up with the final piece.
It was an evening of spectacular virtuosity in the 1911 Brasserie, at the Imperial New Delhi, as Balázs Fülei – Junior Prima Prize winner, the most prestigious award in Hungary for young musicians, took to the Steinway piano for an evocative piano recital only to leave the audience spellbound. His renditions captured the essence of J. S. Bach’s grandiose piece to the piano song by F. Schubert and the scintillating pianism of Liszt to the melodies of Hungarian folk songs and dances. And this bespoke musical sojourn, best described by those who attended the concert, was another great addition to the PIANO CLUB repertoire of showcasing globally renowned pianists. The Luxe Cafe` relished being a witnesses to this cultural evening dedicated to music aficionados and enjoyed having the much-traveled pianist talk about his favourite concerts and pieces, memorable concerts and why he loves visiting India everytime.
NATURAL NIRVANA | There is nothing quite as rejuvenating as being in touch with nature in its pristine glory.Shown here is a guided jeep drive-through of the coffee plantations
A blend of heritage charm and modern amenities, the bungalows here are over 100 years old, yet well maintained. Amongst various heritage bungalows, the recently restored ‘Thaneerhulla’ bungalow is the most sought after. It is a unique colonial-style property, combining the grace and grandeur of a bygone era with contemporary comforts and warm hospitality. The century-old bungalow has 5 spacious and airy rooms, wooden flooring, cozy fireplaces, Victorian furniture and an overwhelming sense of serenity. The recent restoration has also added the luxury elements to its old colonial charm. Every room has a view of the coffee plantations and in addition to these amenities, the bungalow is equipped with personalized cook and butler service to give an exclusive holiday experience.
ROYAL HIGHNESS | The architecture, reminiscent of the Victorian era, has been intricately balanced with modern amenities
The heritage bungalows also offer vacationers a first-hand opportunity at experiencing a planter’s way of life. The tour of the coffee plantations, lavish greens, blue skies, refreshing breeze, neighbouring hills and the soulful environs add to the authentic aura at this property which takes us back to a time, when leisure meant refinement and space.
Activities here are limited but the plantation experience is exemplary. The guided plantation tours and long nature walks are the most befitting for a relaxed holiday. The experts would tell you everything you would like to know about Arabica and Robusta coffees. The aroma of vanilla, cardamom and pepper grown as inter plants would be a surprise element. Long treks amidst the lofty peaks of Baba Budan Giri are a great option for adventure lovers. The Hebbe and Kalahatti water falls call for a special mention as they add the mellifluous beauty around. Chikmagalur is also home to ancient Hindu architecture and mythology with the intricately crafted, historic temples at Belur and Halebeedu from the Hoysala Empire.
MYSTICAL MAGIC | The Cottabetta bungalow, with its natural surroundings ancient architecture and a moonlit sky, has a distinct mystical quality to it
The property also overturns the myth that Coorg is not a monsoon destination. In fact, the secluded, airy, heritage bungalows promise to give you the magical monsoonal experience. Plantation Trails is a holiday address that’s hard to forget – for the nature lover, the wildlife enthusiast, the culture vulture, the intrepid adventurer, the luxury connoisseur and anyone who needs a serene, rejuvenating break.
Tariff per night–INR 10,234 for Cottabetta Heritage Room; INR 9,632 for Thaneerhulla Heritage Room
For the man, who popularised Jodhpurs and bandhgalas, luxury is a way of life. He believes it is precious and must be earned. However, Rathore says clothes must represent the wearer’s personality first. The designer’s imprint and influence come second. He spends time with clients to understand their tastes, to find a realistic middle path between their desires and practicality. He advises his gentlemen clients to pay attention to the right pocket square and bespoke footwear, as they add a wow factor. “The clothes you wear should seem to have been made for you,” he says.
RISE & SHINE | Veteran designer Tarun Tahiliani takes a bow amidst a thunderous applause following the showcase of his Spring Summer 15 collection
Whether it is Saif Ali Khan sitting pretty in the front row at The Burberry Show at London Fashion Week or Sonam Kapoor flying to Rome to attend a Bvlgari event–luxury brands have their eyes set on India.
Till about five years back, an overseas trip would be synonymous with the “shop till you drop” tag. Indian travelers would carry bags full of luxury items bought from destinations like London, New York, Paris or Dubai. Today, stepping into New York’s Saks Fifth Avenue or London’s Selfridges is no longer a larger-than-life experience [given upscale department stores like Neiman Marcus ship to India as well]. Add to that the fact that most luxury brands have their presence in India—from Dior, Gucci, Fendi to Pucci, Tumi, and Chanel.
Another interesting trend in the market is the rise of E-Tailing. With organized retail at 8% of overall retail trade–one of the lowest in the world–the Indian etailing segment could be safely pronounced a fast-growing one
In 2014, the consumer aspiration for luxury goods in India continued to soar even as the retail expansion showed a slow but steady rise with Bulgaria setting up store in Delhi and La Prairie arriving soon. India has a growing young population which is well-heeled and well-travelled and this bodes well for the international brands eyeing Indian shores. While Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Gucci are the top three brands in India in the luxury segment, there is growing consciousness of newer luxury brands as well.
Another interesting trend in the market is the rise of E-Tailing. With organized retail at 8% of overall retail trade–one of the lowest in the world–the Indian e-tailing segment could be safely pronounced a fast-growing one. In fact, industry analysts predict online retail bypassing organized retail in India in the long run. There are many indie operations afloat as well making this a busy domain with scope for personalized and proactive business set-ups creating differentiations, like 335TH, an online brand launched in 2014, which offers affordable everyday essentials that define fashion, quality, versatility and modern styling.
As the race for a piece of the Indian market share is heating up, the next few years we will witness more global brands coming to India along with the rise of homegrown Indian brands to take on those from abroad. Here is where I say, may the best brand win.
KING OF SPICES | Glorious red mathania mirchi is the pride of Mathania in Jodhpur, the only region where this sought-after chilly grows. Picture courtesy: Jatin Tulsiani
Mathania is a town in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan, India. The fiery heart of the Thar Desert finds itself in the bright and fiery symbolic produce of this region – the Mathania mirchi. Belonging to a land where many a bloody battle was fought for honour, the Rajastahni cuisine reflects the stoic and spirited temperament of the Rajput warrior, in its simplicity and liberal use of chillies, especially the Mathaniamirchi – the highly flavoured red chilly found only in the western region of Mathania.
GATEWAY TO THE THAR | Mathania is about 30 kms from the railway station in Jodhpur and is an outpost housing various communities, fringing the heart of the Thar desert. Picture courtesy: Jatin Tulsiani
With conducive weather conditions in Mathania, the region finds itself the chosen ground for these chillies which flourish during the tropical months between March and July. In its uniqueness, this chilly grows only in Mathaniain Rajasthan and has, therefore, come to be known as “Mathania lal mirch”. Rajasthani cuisine not only appreciates this particular spice but has traditional dishes cenred around its flavour and colour – laalmaas and kairsangri being two of them. Simmered with dry Mathania mirchi, laalmaas has the sharpness of the chillies contrasting with the tender and sweet desert goat meat. The pungent, flavourful preparation is a beauty on the plate with its red hues making it a feast for the eyes too.
FROM THE LAND OF THE SUN | From picking , to selecting and drying the chillies, the ladies of Mathania are at the helm of operations here, and their courtyards the stage. Picture courtesy: Jatin Tulsiani
In its past, Mathania was also known for the industrial production of malmal, but the textile trade soon withered away. Today, Mathania has resident families working on harvesting, drying, grinding the chillies, while the ladies of the house also make the very Rajasthani, very intense mirchiki chutney with chillies soaked overnight and then ground with garlic and a few other spices.
IN TUNE WITH THE TEMPERAMENT | The simplicity of Marwari cuisine finds a fiery counterpart in the Mathanimirchi which forms the base of the coarsely ground, hot Rajasthanimirchki chutney. Picture courtesy: Jatin Tulsiani
In Marwari and Rajput cooking, the Mathania mirch is used mostly as a dry spice which lends colour and body to the dishes. There is also the culture of soaking the chillies, when fresh, in mustard oil and consuming it later as a pickle. But this ‘boutique spice’ is also expensive, owing to limited production and burgeoning exports to Arab nations, and to the restaurants. While there is little to spare, local kirana shops are careful of quantities of the ‘Lal Badshah’ being sold.
RARE BEAUTY | With challenging conditions threatening the Mathaniamirchi’s future, a boost for its production is much needed and that will also come with its adoption in more kitchens and cuisines all over. Picture courtesy: Jatin Tulsiani
With changing soil and weather conditions, this red beauty is facing challenges in the near future, According to a report by Central Arid Zone research Institute, Mathania chilly is said to be on the verge of extinction and the best way to keep it alive is to use it abundantly in your kitchen. Buying it locally will be another encouragement for the trade, so look out for it on your next trip to Jodhpur. In fact, make the famous M.V. Spices Shop a must visit on our itinerary. A local landmark, this shop is named after Mohanlal Verhomal – credited with starting the spice craze which characterises this city as well – and is now run by his daughter daughter Usha Verhomal, oldest of seven sisters. The store stocks more than 100 spices including its signature Maharaja curry, a 15-spice blend from her mother’s secret recipe.
CLASSIC SUNSHADES | Eye wear shapes not only accentuate your face but could be part of a Hollywood-inspired vintage style overhaul as well
From the ’80s-style Wayfarer to the oversized Jackie Os, sunnies or sunshades or sunglasses are essential style accompaniments, so much so that they can, by themselves, glam it up for you or make it your day of ‘less cool’. So, even as the fashion houses come out with their new styles and shapes every season or two, there are some iconic eyewear shapes which never had to make comebacks, because they never went off the fashion radar. Paying tribute to these time-tested variants, we have here a style directory of select sunglasses fitting a certain look, sometimes invoking recollections of character-defining Hollywood divas, which are must haves for your closet, come summer or rains.
Retro Round and Teashade Sunglasses
Remember John Lennon’s round frames – that is classic nostalgia when it comes to eye wear. Retro styles are very much here to stay and no more the domain of the vintage-obsessed diva, as even our next-door fashionistas seems to be in love with horn-rimmed, wooden-framed, or just plain black acetate glasses. Retro-vintage glasses have typical frames conjuring up a ’50s, ’60s, or ’70s look, with thick rims and double bridges. Wayfarers and cat-eyes are common frame shapes associated with this style but not the only ones. While fresh design inspiration have re-infused life into retro sunglasses coming from fashion houses like Temperley London, Emilio Pucci, Stella Jean, Gucci, Valentino, and Chanel, there is no denying the vintage charm of round framed sunnies, a la Jodie Foster from Taxi Driver. To get it right on spot, look up a pair of Linda Farrow Metal Circle Sunglasses and you can choose between 22k gold plated titanium frame or those of yellow gold. Perched on your nose, these are your way to a feminine, fey grace which never ages. Also of interest to the ilk of rounded frame-lovers is MiuMiu’s round sunglasses crafted from tortoiseshell acetate with burgundy lenses and sleek gold-tone arms, particularly fetching on an angular or square face, but pretty nonetheless.
FRAMED MYSTIQUE | Perfectly round tinted frames make up the teashades, a constant favourite of artists, writers, musicians over the decades
Worth a mention here are the Teashade Sunglasses – thin, wire-rimmed shaded sunglasses with small circular lenses. Teashades are frequently associated with artists or members of counter culture. The 1960s and 70s saw these sunglasses made famous by John Lennon, Mick Jagger, Ozzy Ozbourne among others.
Oversized Sunglasses
The spring 2015 fashion collections of Roberto Cavalli, Moschino, Guy Laroche, Julien MacDonald brought in new, fresh, and creative rendering of sunglasses. Standing out were the shield sunglasses of PrabalGurung, Suno’s and Matthew Williamson’s oversized options and the daisy-motif oversized sunglasses from Maison Martin Margiela. While these are of today, Jackie O style stamped oversized sunglasses way back in the 60s. Widowed in 1963, she took to redefining her delicate style with jackets, silk Hermès headscarves and iconic, oversized sunglasses in frames – round, square, hexagonal or oval.
Then oversized shades became so popular that Ray-Ban® decided to create two pairs of sunglasses to honour her – Ray Ban Jackie Ohhand Ray Ban KackieOhhII . And then an Nina Ricci commemorated this1970s style wave of Jacke O special edition glasses with an exact replica of the oversized square acetate frames with metal accent and signature logo at temple. Available in tortoise with brown lens, brown/purple with grey lens, smoked grey with grey lens or black with grey lens, they could be bought from Saks Fifth Avenue and other upscale stores.
LARGER THAN LIFE | Notch up your glam quotient with oversized glasses, a la Jackie O
The Retro Wayfarer
Never going out of style are the Wayfarers, introduced in the 1950s by Ray-Ban. The Wayfarer’s distinct sharp-cornered frame in carry-friendly plastic made it stand out as a favoured unisex style choice among other eyewear styles in vogue.John Lennon also wore Wayfarers in the mid-1960s, before taking to his teashades. John F. Kennedy often wore Wayfarer-style sunglasses from American Opticals.Cutting-edge with not just the shape, Ray Ban Wayfarers took advantage of new plastic molding technology, moving on from metal eye wear to an era of plastic eye wear.
While the popularity of these frames went down in 1990s, there were revivals centred on celeb endorsements like the instance of Tom Cruise sporting it in Risky Business and Bret Easton Ellis referencing it in his zeitgeisty novels. Wayfarers came back into fashion in the late 2000s when celebrities including ChloëSevigny and Mary-Kate Olsen began wearing vintage frames. The 2008 film Twilight features vampire Edward Cullen wearing black Wayfarers and in 2010 Grammy-nominated pop singer Katy Perry sports a pair of black Wayfarers in her Teenage Dream music video. As of 2007, Wayfarers are available in Original Wayfarer, New Wayfarer, and Wayfarer Folding styles and are not to be confused with the dark, square Manhattans by Oliver Goldsmith sported by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
ONE FOR THE ROAD | Design critic Stephen Bayley’s take on the wayfarers’ shape was that it hinted “at unstable dangerousness”. But there is no denying its hipster chic as channelled by Ashley Olsen
Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Remember the 1991 film,Thelma & Louise, in which Susan Sarandon and Geena David take off together on an iconic road, on the run from the law? In the movie, Susan Sarandon as Thelma wears a style-defining pair of big Ray-Ban cat eye sunglasses, paired with a 60s style scarf around her head. To channel the sexy feline in you, the trend of cat-eyed sunnies should be your go-to style inspiration. Favoured by glamourous celebs like Ditavon Teese, Jessica Biel and many more divas who love the face-framing potential of these shapes, you can also give these uber-chic sunglasses a try with Dior’s Sauvage, 56mm Retro Sunglasses with two-tone curves furnished with gradient, scratch-resistant lenses.
MAMA MEOW | Retro cat eye sunglasses are much in vogue due to the wear-ability for a wide range of faces, but their feline grace is undeniable as seen on Susan Sarandon
For the fashionistas with an edgier style sense, there are cat-eyes with geometric available to tease the norm while revoking retro. To get seduced by these shapes, get onto Fendi’s armoire of Spring/Summer 2014 and 2015 styles. Worthy of being checked out are Fendi’s 49mm Cat Eye Sunglasses with angular retro silhouette and vibrant colour blocking which adds eclectic glamour to the light weight Italian sunglasses finished with logo-embellished temples. The Fendi 52mm Crystal Tipped Cat Eye Sunglasses have translucent frames tipped with faceted crystals, which look at once vintage and modern.
EDGY COOL | Classic aviator shapes have found favour with fashion houses revamping it with coloured frames and all
Aviators
If thinking of conjuring up the sporty allure, nothing can ever compete with the traditional aviator sunglasses. The 1986 movie, Top Gun, officially launched Tom Cruise as a ‘star’ and popularised the classic 3025 Ray-Ban Aviator model, worn by Cruise’s Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. They’ve stayed in style ever since. Giving it a modern take, there are the mirrored aviator sunglasses of Christian Dior, the unique versions by Valentino and the slightly rounded retro aviator designs of Felder Felder. Worth checking out is Gucci’s Logo Temple 63mm Aviator Sunglasses with signature stripes and a logo letter subtly branded on the temples of aviator sunglasses crafted with gradient lenses.
A SIGN OF THE TIMES | Chef Manish Mehrotra’s signature dishes are now going abroad, carrying with them the best flavours from all across India! . Photo courtesy: Sajeev Kumarapuram
“I am not here to do charity,” says the chef, arguably one of India’s finest right now. “Food comes from my head and not my heart.”
Tucked away in an unremarkable bungalow in New Friend’s Colony in the Capital, Indian Accent is where Mehrotra churns out some of his most thrilling concoctions, albeit with a touch of his much-applauded twist.
THE MASTER’S MIND | The Chef behind the famous Indian Accent restaurant has a mind full of delectable ideas, which New York is set to get a taste of . Photo courtesy: Sajeev Kumarapuram
“It’s about starting a movement,” he says. “I want to change stereotypes about Indians and what they eat. Indian food is just not chicken tikka. People from the North East don’t always eat insects. It’s not that Biharis don’t get to eat at all.”
Perched on a green sofa at the Manor, the hotel that houses the restaurant, Mehrotra talks ardently about his business plans. “Delhi cannot afford another Indian Accent. One is enough. It’s time to move somewhere else, to New York,” he says.
BRUSHING AWAY STEREOTYPES | Mehrotra is resolved to change the perception of Indian food on the international scenario . Photo courtesy: Sajeev Kumarapuram
The chef, who hails from Bihar, has rustled up a loyal fan base here. Food-search apps such as Zomato and Tripadvisor are rife with rave reviews of Indian Accent that is run by Old World Hospitality, a group that operates other establishments as well, including the poignant India Habitat Centre.
LAUGHTER THERAPY | Manish’s jovial nature passes into his dishes through his cooking–making it what we call the comfort food. Photo courtesy: Sajeev Kumarapuram
Globally, Indian food has acquired the tag of a cheap greasy takeaway. We need to remove that with a great glass of wine,” says Mehrotra.
He says his cuisine is ordinary Indian food with a modern soul. “It has solid Indian integrity,” he says. “Just imagine, 20 years ago European chefs start using foam and it becomes the in thing. Here, we have been using milk foam for centuries. What is Daulatki Chaat from Allahabad? It’s milk foam.
A quick scan of Mehrotra’s menu makes you take a jog down your favourite memory lane. The first item on his vegetarian starters is atta and semolina puchkas, Calcutta jhal potato, five waters. Ask any Calcutta-bred Bengali worth his puchkas and aloo kabli about it and you will know what Mehrotra is trying to rouse here. Then comes tandoori bacon prawns and wasabi malai cream! Need we say more?
India is a poor country. But Indians are rich,” says Mehrotra and breaks into a hearty laugh. His food might have all the traces of cross-border diplomacy but, thankfully, the man shows no sign of it.
THE DESI MODERN | Manish’s creativity takes even the simplest of dishes, many notches higher
The conversation veers towards international destination weddings and Mehrotra recounts quite a few Indian ones that had the hosts pushing the envelope. “There was one by a Jain diamond merchant. Despite the limitations of Jain food, the molecular gastronomy on display was spectacular,” he says.The wedding market has changed, according to Mehrotra. “Street food is big these days. From Kulchewalas from Amritsar to panwallas from Benaras, street vendors are flown down to all parts of the world,” says the man, who has been a part of a quite a few lavish destination weddings.
“Cooking is the only form of art that can satisfy all your senses, taste, smell, heart, mind. Horses from MF Hussain can only touch your mind.”
Mehrotra gives his team enormous credit for the success Indian Accent has notched up. “I can’t cook good food and sell it alone. You can prepare the best dish in the world but imagine a scenario where the person serving it at the table messes it up with bad behaviour. Your efforts will go up in smoke,” he says.
The award-winning chef is all praise for his family. His wife Vindhya, who is a chef too, is from South India. They have an eight-year-old daughter Adah. When asked whether he enjoys cooking at home too, Mehrotra shakes up the quaint room with a booming one liner. “Any chef who says he cooks at home is probably lying,” he says.
