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Elite speed fix | Private jets take the edge over fastcars

Mention Formula One and images of ultimate luxury lifestyle flashes across one’s mind. The sport is all about speed, big bucks, yachts, hi-tech cars and extravagance.

While at the track serious talent and determination is at work as the smell of burning rubber, petrol fumes, sound of the engines revving and roaring, fills one senses, you get an adrenaline rush and realize speed has no limits. And, as those who make their living by driving super-fast cars or even owning the Formula One teams, have found, that an even more speedier mode of transport when they’re not in their cars- private jets.

Those magnificent flying machines are part and parcel of this jet set. And what could be more befitting to the speedy lane than luxurious jets for Formula One race drivers? And when doing some crazy adventurous activity like Red Bull’s driver Daniel Ricciardoracing an F-18 fighter jet,generally after a Grand Prix in Europe, they return to the safe haven of their hangars where their private jets are parked.

Speed thrills with Red Bull fast car racing an F18 jet

Mercedes team Chairman offered a ‘ride’ to Lewis Hamilton back home following a victory at the Chinese Grand Prix in Europe, in April aboard his Bombardier Global 5000. This was ofcourse because Hamilton hadn’t flown in his newest purchase into China, a shiny new red £20 Million Bombardier Challenger 604 complete with its private registration G-LCDH (Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton)! Hamilton whose dog Roscoe was given a VIP pass once by F1 supremo 85-year old Bernie Ecclestone who own a Dassault Falcon 7X, gave an explanation on why he chose to paint his jet red. “Because every airport I go to every plane is boring white or with this really sad brown stripe down the side. What were they thinking? If you are going to spend that much money on a plane, it doesn’t cost much to get a paint job….So I did it properly, just as when I buy a car. I don’t just buy a car off the lot, I like to design it and make it mine. I think it is the nicest plane. I will die if [Roscoe] does a turd in it.” Good enough reason you’d think!

Signature flair of luxe private jet interiors

While our very own and known once flamboyant ‘King of Good Times’ Vijay Mallya’s Sahara Force India F1 team starts to go up the rankings, his ultra luxurious on which he travelled to all F1s around the world, the large A319 private jet is seeing bad times having been seized by the IT department. The Airbus Corporate Jet with plush interiors and a bar, is believed to have priceless paintings in the interior.

Closer to home, the recently owned Caterham F1 Team ofwhich India-born Malaysian citizen, Tony Fernandes was Co-Chairman and also founder of the largest budget career in Asia, AirAsia, shuttles in a Global 5000 around the world. Fernandes recently launched a domestic carrier, AirAsia India. Many of you will recall him hiring and firing interns on the Asian version of ‘Apprentice’.

Arrive in time and style in your own speed carrier

Who can forget the eternal Michael Schumacher and his penchant for every sport possible? Sadly following his accident, his wife Corinna Schumacher had decided to sell his over $30 million silver Falcon 200EX that can fly up to a maximum speed of 460 knots, which he once used regularly for F1 and for family holidays. When asked once why he hadn’t got a pilot’s license as yet, he said: “’Very simple. Sitting there at the front is too boring for me. The start and the landing are interesting, the rest is routine….I think helicopters are more exciting. But even that is not that thrilling. I’d rather jump out of the airplane…..once you’re out there in the sky it’s unbelievably beautiful.”

SUIT UP IN STYLE | Savile Row comes to Indian shores

Whitcomb & Shaftsbury, standing tall amidst the legendary stretch of luxury tailoring houses on Savile Row, is named after two intersecting streets in the posh London neighbourhood of Mayfair. With a name foretelling no history but an ingenuous compliment to its locality, this is, however, an establishment in itself commanding a clientele of Hollywood stars, billionaire businessmen and sporting legends, all besotted with its brand of hand-made bespoke suits and shirts using traditional tailoring techniques.

Saville Row-based Whitcomb & Shaftesbury Tailors is a 400 year old establishment. — Saville Row-based Whitcomb & Shaftesbury Tailors is a 400 year old establishment

Whitcomb & Shaftsbury, interestingly, is owned by Chennai-born ex-Wall Street banker brothers, Suresh and Mahesh Ramakrishnan who entered the closed circles of Savile Row and succeeded in redefining the trends while keeping in place the trademark cut-to-order precision offered by virtuoso craftsmen and famous head cutters of Savile Row. Diversifying further, the Ramakrishnan brothers have added another dimension to their range, blending tradition with innovation, by signing on master Indian couturier, TarunTahiliani, for a bespoke collection of ethnic menswear replete with his signature sherwanis, bundis and bandhgalas.

Obsessive attention to detail is a symptom of hand-crafted apparels. The Whitcomb & Shaftsbury brand keeps this heritage of Savile Row alive, and has the same ethos permeating the line of men’s fashion being constructed at the Tahiliani’s Couture Studios in Delhi’s Chhatarpur.

Bespoke designs by TarunTahiliani for Whitcomb & Shaftesbury. — Bespoke designs by TarunTahiliani for Whitcomb & Shaftesbury

The twist lies in the interesting permutations and combinations to come from the famous designer’s aesthetic trove, and we are looking at hand-sewn sherwanis in merino wool with embroidered collars, black satin bundi paired with crepe dhoti, along with classic tuxedos and more to come in this collaborative collection. Also, make no mistake about the dilution of Savile Row rituals, as you can avail this luxury in the true fashion of an appointment-only custom service at TarunTahiliani’s plush Couture Studios.

Designs showcasing Indian innovation with Savile Row standards

Ace designer, TarunTahiliani, has spoken about this joint venture outlining his vision in no uncertain terms- “In this collection with W&S, I’ve combined their classic tailoring with our drapes. You’ll also see our interesting take on a sherwani with a tailcoat back. So we are now going to try and experiment more with styles other than our classic sherwanis and bandhgalas. What we have here is their expert technique and fine Savile Row tailoring with our identity to create a modern and a minimalist version of traditional Indian wear to go global.”

Sean Connery, our favourite Bond-man, being fitted out in Savile Row. Sean Connery, our favourite Bond-man, being fitted out in Savile Row — Sean Connery, our favourite Bond-man, being fitted out in Savile Row

So, the next time you plan a quick trip to London to replenish your season’s wardrobe, save yourself the effort and look no further than the TarunTahiliani Couture Studios for a Savile Row-style fix of power dressing made-to-order for you!

Tags Indian collaboration, Mahesh Ramakrishnan, Savile Row, Suresh Ramakrishnan, TarunTahiliani, Whitcomb & Shaftsbury

SWEET SIN | Make merry this season with the best in bakeries . — SWEET SIN | Make merry this season with the best in bakeries

Having a sweet tooth is like having a weak spot these days, like a chink in your armour, otherwise fortified by all the calorie-counted fancy dabba and diet wallahs grabbing both web and mind space. But giving them stiff competition are the glistening, gleaming glass cases with a tempting array of cupcakes, croissants and cookies calling out to the wide-eyed child in each of one of us. Bakeries and patisseries, traditionally, have been a stronghold of our civilisation by offering us, mere mortals, a chance to soak in the thick, buttery fumes of bread in the oven, to sink into the taste of a sinfully rich cake, escaping momentarily into a wonderland where all is set and sweet. So, here we are, paying tribute to the bastions of the bakery-world in Delhi, places which have become ‘establishments’ and those which are on their way to becoming one soon.

La Baguette, the French pastry shop at The Imperial in Delhi, has a picturesque view and some impassioned baking happening which produces a delectable range of gateaux, breads, chocolates, sunrise and teatime eats. The Chef at La Baguette is known for his attention to detail as is apparent with the thoughtfully crafted pastries, cakes, and the traditional Napoleon pastry with artistic designs, all very rich in taste, thanks to the ingredients imported from overseas.Innovating to add variety, they also have an exclusive range of West-Asian pastries, patties, homemade ice-creams and exquisite chocolate showpieces. The bakery-patisserie is also known for its festive hampers which have handpicked eats, gourmet faves and signature souvenirs.

Petit fours at La Baguette, The Imperial, New Delhi

Another time-honoured Delhi tradition is having high-tea at the Ye Old Bakeryat Claridges, which is among the city’s oldest five star patisseries. Known for its signature dishes like bitter chocolate cake and corn pudding, Ye Old Bakery also boasts of freshly baked breads, cookies, cakes as well as pastries, chocolates and savouries – all baked with love and gobbled up with ease by the ever-present throng of people. This bakery is also where you can indulge your seasonal craving for the Christmas puddings, ubiquitous chocolate Santa, traditional Yule log, Christmas cookies while fetching your Christmas goody hampers to gift.

High tea with scones and cream, cupcakes and more

Going on a slightly more exotic tangent is The Daily Treats at the Westin in Gurgaon where you can savour their trademark pumpkin cake with black pepper, blueberry sweetbread torte with five spice, and minced fruit tart.The pastry chefs at Daily Treats are also taking the custom cake tradition a notch further. So, even as you have relished the bespoke cake service from The Gourmet Shop at ITC Maurya or even tried Sucre` cake studio, you would be in for a delightful time getting a couture cake done with some help from their‘Treats Cake Album’.Speaking about this offering, Sanjay Sharma, Complex General Manager, The Westin Gurgaon and The Westin Sohna Resort says“The endeavour of this specialty offering is to produce cakes worth remembering just like the priceless memories an occasion hold for our patrons.”

And if now we come to the matter of the oft-feted bakery, there is no other than Sidewalk at Hyatt Regency. It has won the prestigious Times Food Award in the category of Best Confectionary in 2012 and 2013 as well.

Exquisite couture cake designs from Daily Treats, the Westin, Gurgaon

A European style bakery with premium delicatessen, like hand-crafted breads, tarts, savouries, artisanal pastries, pralines and truffles, it is the creative den of pastry chef DevenderBungla who has been with Hyatt since 1982.His forte isplaying with taste and texture using a wide variety of flavours and the results are to relish. While one can relish fresh organic strawberries at Sidewalk, one can also pick from their range of celebratory hampers with goodies for gifting at Christmas.

Cute ‘Christmassy’ cupcakes to include in your hamper

With the above being iconic bakeries and patisseries at luxury hotels, there are also stand-alone boutiques for artisanal and high-quality desserts and savouries. While the average South Delhi connoisseur has had his fill of sumptuous cakes at Elma’s, the high-tea at L’Opera is also on his list of things to do on a Saturday evening. From the inimitable red velvet cake at Elma’s to the fruit Danish at L’Opera, one is spoilt for choice. Adding to this list is Shirani Mehta’s Maison de Desserts in Hauz Khas Village Market where one can splurge on international varieties of cakes, gourmet desserts and tea-time petit fours. The pavlovahere is a stellar creation and the meringues and macaroons will have one swooning, what with high-quality ingredients imported from London having gone into their creation. The Victorian sandwich cake is testimony to Shirani’s time spent in London and at Wilton, and will give you the reason to revisit.

Bakery chef Marcus at the Swiss Gourmessa is also your go-to man if you are looking at breads and buns, pastries and tortes, cakes and cookies made with all imported ingredients and ready-to-be-catered.

Sumptuously light, sinfully bright Pavlova

Swiss Gourmessa is a labour of love by Patricia Beerli, a Swiss citizen who made India her home a few years ago, whose search for gourmet bread led her to opening a bakery where the mille-feuilles and meringues are perfect recipes to spread some love and cheer around.

With the above names and destinations adding up to form a veritable best-bakeries-map of Delhi, you know the nearest place to head to should you be having a bad day or just a very sharp sweet tooth!

ROSITA MISSONI | Sitting pretty with the iconic zig zag patterns inspiring timeless elegance

The most iconic knitwear pattern owes its existence – and evolution – to the late Ottavio Missoni and his lifelong spouse and companion, Rosita. Together, they founded the Varese-based fashion house Missoni in 1953 and since then have developed new colours, patterns and machinery that has shaped the infectious Missoni chevron (the Missoni stripe), which has lost none of its appeal despite widely copied in everything, from cashmere stoles to fast-fashion T-shirts. No wonder then, that Rosita is elegant and at ease in her brilliant chevron jacket, with a cheeky Missoni bow holding her diminutive braid together. Here, the 80-year-old matriarch of one of Italy’s most revered fashion families talks about the more simple things in life such as, little luxuries, big mirrors and easy-to-follow style tips. Read on to find out more from the legend herself…

What do you love about India?

I have been to Jaipur. I have visited the crafts museum, seen and felt your textiles. I am in love with your crafts. The colours are simply amazing. They look so Missoni.

“Indian people have a fantastic sense of style, which they should never lose. While travelling in rural Rajasthan, I was struck by the brilliant and unique style of the local people.”

What about its people?

Indian people have a fantastic sense of style, which they should never lose. While travelling in rural Rajasthan, I was struck by the brilliant and unique style of the local people. A few males were huddled in a conversation and the jewellery that they were sporting was magnificent.

Have you seen the work of any Indian designers?

No, but I am sure it would be interesting.

What is the inspiration behind Missoni?

Missoni is everywhere. Once we were in Peru and I told someone, “Look, we have been copied 2,000 years ago.” (Laughs). In Egypt, around 3,000 years ago, ladies dressed in patterns that look like ours. The Nile was painted in a zigzag fashion. It’s difficult to explain, but I guess it’s what you absorb from things around you and express it through certain patterns.

Missoni Rugs

What is your most precious possession?

It’s a wooden coffee table painted by my granddaughters Margherita and Jennifer, when they were kids. It is kept in the most lived corner of our house.

You have achieved nearly everything a person can think of achieving. What is luxury to you?

It is the time on doing all the things I like without feeling guilty. It could be something as simple yet precious as hunting for mushrooms on a sunny morning.

If somebody has to invest in a piece of furniture for his or her house, what would you suggest?

I would go with a big and beautiful mirror. Mirrors are a great help in small spaces. Imagine a lovely mirror overlooking a nice garden.

You have a keen eye for detail. You have overseen every aspect of the Missoni collection, even Hotel Missoni when it opened in Edinburgh. What is your advice to the Indian homeowner?

Functionality, comfort and cleanliness. I emphasise a lot on good furniture with nice comfortable design. I love Hans Wegner’s Wishbone chair. I have them in my home as well as my hotel. For instance, if the conversation moves from one corner of the house to another, you need to be able to move your seat. You can just pick up the Wishbone chair and move it. It looks classy too. And I prefer cleanliness to just good looks—for instance, while everybody wanted to carpet the corridors of my hotel, I insisted on using wooden flooring. They are easier to maintain.

One essential style tip?

I am scared to give advice. But you should be at ease in the clothes you wear and the way you carry yourself. Fashion is not something compulsory. I like it when people feel free.

STUNNING BEAUTY | The Spirit of Ecstasy, also called 'Emily', was designed by English sculptor Charles Robinson Sykes. Early Rolls Royce cars did not support radiator mascots, they simply carried a Rolls Royce emblem. Copyright@The Luxe Café

A Rolls-Royce motorcar has seen it all. Greasy streets, creepy traffic and over enthusiastic doormen at corny five-star hotels. Without breaking into beads of Swarovski sweat, for generations it has wafted gently through a vibrant claustrophobia fondly called India. In fact, some say that the idea of the first Rolls-Royce motorcar was forged in the tropical jungles of India when the marque’s co-founder Charles Stewart Rolls visited this country and accompanied Maharajas on their elaborate hunting trips.

Charles was so impressed with the customised motorcars of the royals that he went back to England and wasted no time in teaming up with Henry Royce to form Rolls Royce Motorcars. And so started a journey that has awed many and flattered a select few for over a century.

A 1933 Phantom II Continental Touring Saloon at Le Cap Estel. Copyright@The Luxe Café

A Rolls Royce Phantom, which is the flagship model of the brand, costs around Rs 8 crore and above here. Along with its steep price tag, the craftsmanship, aura and heritage of this automobile make it one of the finest cars that money can buy, anywhere in the world.

A Rolls Royce Series II Phantom Drophead Coupe. Copyright@The Luxe Café

However, for those who decide to acquire one, the Phantom comes with its own club membership. It is an association that is discreet, private, and at the same time exhilarating. Throw in an equally fine location, such as the beautiful south of France, and the plot is complete. Here is such a story.

The tiny airport at Nice was nothing to write home about apart from the sunny weather cooled by the winds blowing in from the Mediterranean. Burly palm trees waved from craggy cliffs as the who’s who of the world walked, drove and frolicked their way unnoticed through the famous town. A Rolls Royce Ghost whisked me away quietly through the narrow roads. Soon, my chauffeur, lovely in her golden off-shoulder tube dress, and I, reached the gates of one of the most private resorts in the world, Le Cap Estel.

A private balcony at Le Cap Estel. Copyright@The Luxe Café

She showed me to the lobby. I noticed Phantoms parked in the driveway. The sheer girth of the car was intimidating, as we would find out the next day.

Rolls Royce Series II Phantom parked in the driveway at Le Cap Estel. Copyright@The Luxe Café

The night went by quietly. Perched on a private peninsula that juts out sharply into the sea, Cap Estel was aloof in its silence. The folks there said Hollywooders looking for their pound of privacy would stay at Cap Estel. As the fresh lobsters crackled on the fire in the open kitchen by the lawn, I was regaled with tales of the Beatles composing tunes by the pool or Greta Garbo going for her morning walks along the old ramparts that fell steeply into the cold waters shimmering below.

Rolls Royce Series II Phantom Hardtop Coupe . Copyright@The Luxe Café

Morning came quick and I found myself strapped into the seat of a white Phantom coupe. We steered the car out of the massive gates. Soon, we were cruising through the picturesque countryside with the sun beating down on the massive leather clad dashboard. I was very curious to know whether a Rolls Royce is as quiet as they say, whether one can hear the tick-tock of the analog clock embedded in the dashboard. But no, at full song the clock could not be heard. All I could hear was the fantastic selection of tracks belted out by the Harman Kardon speakers on board.

A Rolls Royce Phantom Series II Extended Wheel Base is over six metres in length and two metres wide. Copyright@The Luxe Café

A tank designed for the richest man in Saudi Arabia with a super quiet engine—that is how the Rolls Royce Phantom feels on open roads. We drove a lot, though the rich French countryside dotted with fairy tale cottages, over mountains with speeding motorcyclists bearing down upon us at breakneck speed, through lively towns and finally in the evening, exhausted, we were back at Cap Estel.

A quick shower later, we were chauffeured down to the harbour where a couple of J Craft Torpedos lay anchored for us.

Our J Craft Torpedoes in the foreground, comes for around Rs 15 crore each. Copyright@The Luxe Café

A J Craft is a stylish powerboat made in Sweden that costs around Rs 15 crore. For instance, the one I stepped into had a lovely handcrafted Nardi steering wheel, made famous by the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO. The sailor, his face weather beaten by the strong winds and the sun, uncorked a bubbly and we sipped from our unbreakable plastic stems. Life felt good.

The luxury motor yacht ‘A’ built at a rumoured cost of $300 million for a Russian billionaire and designed by Martin Francis and Philippe Starck. Copyright@The Luxe Café

I tried my hand at piloting the craft. At full throttle, as the hull smashed back into the waves, I gave up and bravely fought back a wave of nausea. As we powered by the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, the official residence of the prince of Monaco built in 1191 as a fortress, I caught sight of the luxury motor yacht ‘A’ built at a rumoured cost of $300 million for a Russian billionaire and designed by Martin Francis and Philippe Starck. It was just a coincidence that we were headed for A’TREGO, one of the most loved restaurants of the region designed by Starck himself.

Arriving at the A’TREGO, a Phillipe Starck designed restaurant. Copyright@The Luxe Café

Dinner was a heady affair with billionaires walking in with lingerie models on their arms. The famous Casino de Monte-Carlo started in the late 1800s by a shrewd Princess Caroline was a stone’s throw away. As the surf crashed on the rocks, I stood on the wooden deck of the A’TREGO and lit a cigarette. A gorgeous blonde pushed open the door and joined me on the deck. She was quiet. The sea drowned out the laughter and music wafting out of the yellow portholes.

PRIVATE BUSINESS | Purchasing a jet is not like buying a Mercedes or BMW. Hire an aircraft management company or a consultant to help you choose the right one

For those subscribing to the adage time is money, owning a private jet is a necessity and not a luxury. It not only means more comfort but also increases productivity. The slowdown and resultant stalling of investments had hit sale of private jets. But now with the economy gaining steam the demand for private business jets is expected to soar again.

The roll call of the elite club of those with their own jets reads like India Inc’s who’s who — Ambanis, Tatas, Ruias, and Jindals to name a few. But before your ambitions take wings, The Luxe Café would advise you to run a thorough check to avoid getting short changed.

To start with ask yourself whether you are one of the frequent flier who deserves to own a jet. Besides the purchasing cost, a private plane has hidden costs such as maintenance, salaries and parking.

First up on the list are your requirements. To start with ask yourself whether you are one of the frequent flier who deserves to own a jet. Besides the purchasing cost, a private plane has hidden costs such as maintenance, salaries and parking. The global ballpark figure used to justify ownership of a jet is 350-400 hours of flight time per year. Indians are more royal and prefer the convenience of owning a jet though they may be spending less time in the air than the above benchmark.

With the economy gaining steam, the demand for private business jets is expected to soar again

Besides the utility factor, also check out the availability of airstrips as well as the parking slots in the airports you wish to fly to and fro.

Other variables which will weigh on in your decision making include: the distances and the number of hours you expect to fly in a month and how deep are your pockets. The choice between buying an old and a new aircraft will finally depending on your finances. Remember aircraft are not considered an asset in India as per RBI regulations, which makes aircraft financing more difficult.

Once you have decided to buy a jet, the next step is to find an experienced independent expert.

Once you have decided to buy a jet, the next step is to find the right match. You should talk to an experienced independent expert. Remember a wrong advice can be disastrous. For example, a pilot would not be the right advisor as he would not have flown all the available options and could have his own agenda. Also, don’t let glossy advertisements influence your decision. Use the ads to make an informed choice. The expert will be with you for at least 3 months and cost anything upwards of Rs 4.5 lakh. The next step would be to shop around.

“Once your requirements are worked out, and you understand the capability of the aircraft and performance levels, get in touch with 2-3 sales representatives of the models and see where you get the best price that should include clearance of documents, supply of pilots, maintenance contracts amongst others,” advises Group Captain Bali, Secretary of the Business Aviation Operators Association.

Hire an aircraft management company or a consultant. They will not only coordinate the purchase but also keep your plane ship shape afterwards, of course for a fee.

Purchasing a jet is not like buying a Mercedes or BMW, where you can walk into a showroom and pick the one you like. In any case, you should not do it yourself. Hire an aircraft management company or a consultant. They will not only coordinate the purchase but also keep your plane ship shape afterwards, of course for a fee.

Arrow Aircraft, for instance, is a sales representative of Beechcraft and Gulfstream. The OEM, Embraer is known for helping clients buy and maintain Embraer jets including the smaller Phenoms. Then there are companies such as K-Air and Empire Aviation.

Make sure the jet you are buying meets the latest DGCA norms. Also, it would be a good idea to remember that financiers have their own internal rating based on residual value after certain years. Check with an expert to find the jet’s resale value.

Remember to specify the cabin interiors and layout. Photo by Taj Air

Once you have made your choice, remember to specify cabin interiors and layout. For example, you can choose to have the galley in front or aft; the size of television screens, quality of leather on chairs, internet access, headphones, and bath – but all these will come at a price.

If you are a globetrotter, it is essential to check on the support network to take care of your maintenance and clearance issues.

Footlicious | Royal craft and splendour mark Needledust’s range of vibrant, contemporary juttis

Pretty feet call for prettier foot gear. Taking the baton forward for this, are two young ladies of royal lineage — Malvika Kaur Jind along with her sister in law Shirin Mann Sangha, re-creating the fabled Punjabi juttis in colours and designs that pop out in all their resplendence. Needledust boasts of limited edition handcrafted juttis with intricate designs, embroidery, embellishments and carrying a vintage allure that none can miss. While they promise to brighten up the shoe closets, these juttis are sure to add a bit of luxe touch to foot fashion on an everyday basis.

Juttis in soft pastels blending into fluorescent pinks and vintage minimalism. — Juttis in soft pastels blending into fluorescent pinks and vintage minimalism

Replete with heritage in their form but with a modern vibe and contemporary design, Needledust has juttis in soft pastels blending into fluorescent pinks and vintage minimalism even as the rich detailing gives these, a traditional attire for the feet, a sparkling new appeal.

Painstakingly handcrafted by some of India’s finest artisans, Needledust’s line of bespoke juttis is made of genuine leather which is given to taking the form of your feet while staying cushy and comfortably soft around them. Needlework is then done on the juttis with Resham (Silk) threads in vibrant colours as each jutti is hand-sewn to perfection.

The front covering area of each jutti is about 2 and a half inches. — The front covering area of each jutti is about 2 and a half inches

Another unique trait of Needledust jutti is that they are all ‘chotta panja’ (panja is the area that covers the fingers of your feet) with a front covering area about 2 and a half inches. Historically, when Indian ladies stayed behind the veil, they could only reveal their feet, and the then shoemakers made ‘chotta panja’ juttis for the royal ladies as it made their feet look dainty and beautiful. Steeped into the culture of yore, the brand Needledust combines the charm of old school artisanal craft highlighting the magic of the curved needle, while working with some of the country’s best talents to produce gorgeously designed pieces of royal fashion, infusing them with today’s sensibilities.

Tags ethnic footwear, expensive shoes, handcrafted footwear, handcrafted juttis, Malvika Kaur Jind, Needledust, vintage footwear

Vikram Singhji, Maharaja of Sailana participating in the food preparations at the Surajgarh Fort

Royalty has always fascinated the masses. The hands which once wielded the sword are now merrily chopping and cutting with the kitchen knives. The blue-blooded are revealing the secrets of the royal kitchens guarded tenaciously over the generations. Some are doing it for the love of food because, after all, nothing gives more pleasure than watching another person enjoy your cooking. Others are simply spilling the beans because they need the money. Whatever be the cause ultimately it is a reason for the gourmet and the gourmand to rejoice and enjoy a royal meal. The Luxe Café caught up with some of the royal food lovers for ingredients to spice up your dinner table.

Tikarani Shailaja Katoch of Lambagraon-Kangra on Royal Sailana Cuisine

Signature dish: Dilip Shahi. It is named after my great grandfather the Late Maharaja Digvijay Singh of Sailana. He was a legendary gourmet, a lavish host and an indefatigable culinary chronicler.

The dish is mutton prepared with just green chilies and a hint of coriander powder. It is flavoured but not spicy.

Royal Ingredients: Every dish has a signature ingredient which makes it different than the other. The family enjoys the delicacies prepared strictly according to the recipes researched, collected and standardised by the late Maharaja Digvijay Singh of Sailana.

Recipes which haven’t changed: Traditional and heritage recipes are so original and delicious that they haven’t changed at all. Everybody loves them for the authenticity. For example, Jungli maans, Banjara gosht which have attained cult classic status thanks to my father’s infectious enthusiasm.

HH Maharaja Brajraj Singh of Kishangarh on Kishangarh Cuisine

Signature dish: It is Meat ka Achar Kishangarh style, whose specialty are the condiments.

The Royal Ingredient: Mostly saffron.

Recipes that haven’t changed till date: All these recipes are unchanged till date. They were originally conceived in Kishangarh using special masalas of the region.

Rajkumar Kartikeya Raje of Sandur and Rajkuwrani Ambika Raje of Sandur on the Sandur Cuisine

“Recipes have remained the same for hundreds of years and have not been changed even a bit,” says Rajkumar Kartikeya
Raje of Sandur.

Signature dish: All game meat. The specialty is it can be preserved for over a month.

Royal Ingredients: Common Indian ingredients are used and hence it is easy to cook.

Recipes which haven’t changed: Recipes have remained the same for hundreds of years and have not been changed even a bit.

Maharashtra has a long coastline and people living along the coast have developed their very own seafood recipes such as prawn pulao and fish coconut rasa. The Dal is a very unusual and wholesome recipe from the house of Sandur. The akki (rice) rotis are staple rotis eaten in coastal Karnataka and goes well with the fish rasa. The apricot sweet is a well-known Hyderabadi recipe made in our kitchens for years now, and is served with whipped cream.

Nawab Kaazim Ali Khan of Rampur on Royal Rampur Cuisine

Signature dish: There is no one signature dish. Royal Rampur cuisine had a number of unusual and unique recipes each in rice, mutton, chicken, fish, vegetables, breads and desserts. According to me, the signature dishes in each of the categories are: Pullau Yakhni Badam (Rice), Do-Pyazaa Nargisi (Mutton), Qorma Joaza Murgh (Chicken), Panjatan Mahee (Fish), Zersarmani Paneer (Vegetables), Naan Takhtaan (Breads) and Halwaa Sohan Magzi (Dessert).

Royal Ingredients: White elaichi, bhuna besan, dakhni mirch, adrak, lassan, dhania, saunf, peepal, kevra, kapasi colour, maawa, mewa, roasted chana, chironjee, imli, pudina and of course cooking medium is essentially desi ghee to get the right flavour and essence.

Recipes which haven’t changed: Almost all recipes of Royal Rampur are the same but there are hardly any cooks who now can make them. The cooks who were in the palace kitchens never passed on their expertise to their children as they feared that their children may replace them and they were afraid of being unemployed in their old age. Therefore, the art of cooking kind of passed away with that generation of chefs. Also with the end of Princely states, the lifestyle and diet of the royalty changed. Another interesting point is that there were no forms of measurements in the good old days. For example, the measures were chutki-bhar or chattak etc. So it ultimately depended on the cook to get the taste and flavour of the recipe right.

“Luxury is not a logo. It is how fantastically something makes you feel from inside,” says one of the country’s foremost designers, Tarun Tahiliani. In this short film by The Luxe Café, the designer reveals what the new Indian bride is wearing . He talks about experimentation with the new colours, the bridal trends and his new collection—the Modern Mughals. Take a look.

Tags bridal wear, designer wear, Modern Mughals, Tarun Tahiliani