FINEST ADDRESS | Spread tastefully over five acres, Le Cap Estel is flanked by the Mediterranean and the Maritime Alps
The craggy cliffs talk an ancient language with the surf while the frosted moon listens to their conversation with her soft kind heart. At Le Cap Estel, time stands still.
A few hills throw away from the tiny sparkling airport at Nice in the South of France, the extraordinary Le Cap Estel is a gated resort tucked away on a private peninsula that juts rudely into the azure serenity of the Mediterranean Sea.
Unlike most seaside destinations this side of the world, the weather is crisp as a sprightly nippy breeze will gently buffet your romantic heart around
It’s a hush-hush life that one leads at one of the most revered addresses in the French Riviera. Spread tastefully over five acres, flanked by the Mediterranean and the Maritime Alps, Le Cap boasts just eight guest rooms and 12 suites. The suites are large, sometimes exceeding 5,000 square feet.
The suites at Le Cap Estel are quite large, sometimes exceeding 5,000 square feet
On a bright sunny day, which is usually the norm in Cote d’Azur, you can step out in your balcony to be greeted by palm trees and the blue sea receding into the horizon. Unlike most seaside destinations this side of the world, the weather is crisp as a sprightly nippy breeze will gently buffet your romantic heart around.
Le Cap Estel is one of the most revered addresses in the French Riviera
Le Cap has played host to some of the most famous yet reclusive celebrities in the world. Read Greta Garbo, Ernest Hemingway and the Beatles among others. You will do well to grab a glass of your favourite wine (I prefer Scotch hopelessly stirred and not sassily shaken) and walk down to one of the many hidden corners around the resort to watch the sun splash down into the cold bleak water in a burst of his masculine glory.
There is an inexplicable nostalgia around the place, almost hinging on loneliness. Le Cap’s impeccable service is unobtrusive yet special. That’s how the celebs—the real ones—dig it.
For those of you who prefer sculpted pecs over stiff pegs, Le Cap offers two personal trainers in its ocean-view training facility. You can also savour a Mediterranean menu that will be designed especially for you, even before you set foot in France, at one of the many dining spots scattered across the property.
Leave your guts and generosity for the next evening. One of the world’s best casinos is just a drive or a boat ride away, in Monaco.
I for one, prefer philanthropy. That’s how the rich—the really rich—dig it.
HERITAGE INSPIRED | Mirror wall and an original 19th century chandelier in the lobby adds to the grandeur and charm of this heritage building
The adage “don’t judge a book by its cover” could never have been truer. The restored wooden and iron entrance belied its reputation of being Mumbai’s first luxury boutique hotel, even as the double-storeyed building standing in bustling Colaba exuded an old world charm.
Hotel Abode is the renovated avatar of the 114-year-old Landsowne House. The Sham family had purchased this residence of David Sassoon, once Bombay’s most influential entrepreneurs, in 1982 and turned it into a budget lodge called Regency Inn. In 2013 inspiration stuck Abedin Sham, son of the owner Essa Sham, who transformed the inn into an abode of luxury housing a blend of Bombay’s tradition with Mumbai’s modernity.
The hotel features carefully restored vintage teakwood furniture purchased from local antique sellers
Sitting on the vintage furniture purchased from local antique sellers you can connect with the world using the latest technology. A pillar with two clocks on opposite sides, one saying Bombay and the other Mumbai aptly symbolises this marriage. The Sham family’s masterstroke, which today is USP of this hotel, was to provide hospitality in the true sense of the word.
In the words of the owner Essa Sham: “What makes Abode a truly luxury experience is its unique touch of personalised services. A lot of five-star hotels offer every possible amenity but miss out on this simple but crucial one.”
Each room has sumptuous bedding and the latest entertainment technology
The pampering starts at the check-in counter where you are served the hotel’s special tea along with glucose biscuits. You can complete the formalities from the comfort of your room. Keeping up with times, each room has a cell phone instead of the usual fixed line phone for calling up room service, concierge and other service staff. If the cell phone provides the modern touch then the good old days when maps and not Google helped travelers are recreated through a cute, customised Abode Map of South Bombay detailing the area and its eating joints.
The staircase displaying the restored original artworks
Australian architect and interior designer Sian Pascale has succeeded in engraining Indianness in the décor and design. From the restored vintage teakwood furnishings to the unusual picture of Mumbadevi, the deity after whom the city is named, the décor is enchanting. The ivory white walls are brought alive by some amazing photographs of Mumbai. Frames containing vintage books in Bengali, Marathi and other Indian languages with signed covers add class to the surroundings.
The floors are laid with hand-made cement tiles, using a 100-year-old technique and reclaimed Burma teak, salvaged from demolished houses.
The mirror wall and the 19th century chandelier in the lobby add to the grandeur. Deft use of lighting multiplies the beauty and charm of this heritage building and leaves you enchanted.
As I bid adieu to Essa Sham, I meet an Australian who has made the hotel his abode for almost 4 months now. “This place is awesome, mate!” he chirps in a typical Aussie drawl. I couldn’t agree less and, leave the hotel feeling like a tourist who makes a promise to himself to return to complete the adventure.
INDIAN SUMMER | First lady Jacqueline Kennedy in a classic three stranded pearl necklace during her visit to India way back in 1962. Photo by JFK Library
Jewellery trends are the quick, wicked cats of the fashion industry. You never know when trends fade away or sneak their way in and most of the trends have as many lives as a cat’s. One such trend to make an official comeback this year is pearl jewellery. Around the globe, pearls are ditching their classic stature for a more cosmopolitan look.
It all started with Chanel’s spring 2014 catwalk where Karl Lagerfeld’s innovative use of chunky pearls on the entire line created a bit of a storm and got everyone talking. This was quickly followed by international designers creating attention-grabbing looks with pearls, be it Alexander McQueen’s modern take on pearls in his last fall collection or Valentino’s brilliant use of them as accessories.
Jacqueline Kennedy with her son, John F. Kennedy, Jr Photo: JFK Library
Pearls have a classic appeal, which can easily transform you from demure to edgy. For instance, if you are aiming for a fun-filled, club meets grunge sort of look, simply adorn your apparel with multi-layers of pearls and chains intertwined, like shackles. And this is just one option. Says popular Bollywood jewellery designer, Suhani Pittie, “Pearls have that luminescent quality that adds a certain glow to the face. Club something as simple as a shirt or your casual wear with a thick pearl row bracelet or pearl hoops for that chic modern look.”
Another way to combine a classy and a chic look is to go for designs that combine pearls and spikes. A simple pearl neck piece or bracelet with spikes does the trick. While pearl drop earrings do wonders for a dress, a pearl choker with gold strings can make a statement.
“Pearls have that luminescent quality that adds a certain glow to the face,” says jewellery designer, Suhani Pittie
However, when it comes to investing in pearls, you might face a dilemma. It’s immensely difficult to grade. Like diamonds, the main criteria is quality, followed by size. Suhani explains, “A big pearl doesn’t always denote quality. Pearls are expensive because of their heritage and rarity, for instance, Basra. Look for lustre on the surface and then pick the most unblemished piece that your budget allows.”
Another thing to look out for would be your point of purchase. Stick to established jewellery brands while investing in pearls. There is a huge market for imitation and flawed pearls.
And remember, if nothing makes sense, you can never go wrong with simple, round pearl studs. It certainly never did for the legendary Jacqueline Kennedy or Coco Chanel!
ON YOUR SIDE OF THE SEA | There are myriad options to choose the dream boat to literally let you own the waters
You might be living in the heart of a bustling metropolis but have you ever thought of buying a boat? No seriously. It’s not impossible at all. Nor is it impractical. Like a sumptuous Bentley or a nifty Maserati, there is a boat to suit everybody’s needs and desires. And need we tell you that our oceans have enough…err…parking space.
It is a popular myth that boats are extremely expensive and sailing is a passion only the ultra-rich can afford! Thus the first question to ask yourself would be, why do you want to buy a boat? The reason could vary from you being an avid boating enthusiast, a love for the water or maybe because you need it as a medium of transport.
Malav Shroff
The answer will help you determine the next important step: the size of the boat. Boat models generally indicate the length in feet or meters. If you are looking at entertaining large number of people and the purpose of owning a boat is simply pleasure, you may want to consider a luxury boat builder for a larger yacht. If transport is a priority on your list, you would be better off opting for a speedboat!
Boats are broadly categorized into power and sail. Sail boats are suitable for individuals who enjoy sailing as a sport and are adventurous in nature. If you have penchant for adventure sports and enjoy the outdoors, learning to sail may augur well for you.
Power boats, on the other hand, are ideal for those individuals who love speed. Several certified training courses are available for those who wish to learn sailing or how to operate a power yacht.
For your purchase, you may consider buying a new boat or a pre-owned boat. When looking at a pre-owned boat, you would have to look at the condition of the boat, the year it was built and the engine hours. Along with a service check, these are the true indicators of what sort of life the boat has led. For new boats most manufactures offer a number of customizations, to suit your tastes and requirements.
“A benchmark for annual maintenance would be around 5-7% of the cost of the yacht,” Malav Shroff says.
Options for financing a boat and co-owning a boat are available. If you feel that the investment cost is high and your usage may not be enough, you can find a friend and go in for a co-ownership option. In this arrangement, all owners split not only the purchase price but also the operating costs in a pre-decided ratio and use the boat on a time share basis.
But ensure that you purchase the boat from a reputed dealer. This will take care of post-sales issues like maintenance and spares. It is also advisable to use the dealer’s expertise in terms of certified crew, fuelling and maintenance support for an annual fee.
Most dealers would be able to offer a sea trial of a yacht or a speedboat to give you a fair idea of what to expect from you boat. In case the yacht is manufactured internationally, one trip to the shipyard would be recommended.
“Ocean Blue has an annual maintenance service which looks after all preventive maintenance, as well as services such as, manpower/crew management, fresh water supply and fuelling among others. Routine daily-checks are performed and a weekly-maintenance log is,” Malav Shroff says.
Four steps to your first boat:
1) For people who live in cities that are not directly connected to the water, they can contact us and we can help them with buying a yacht that would be suitable for their requirement. Based on their reason for buying the boat, how much they would be using it, how many people they need it to accommodate, whether they want a sailing yacht or a power yacht and where they want it to be located, we can help determine the correct product and take things forward accordingly. We can also arrange a visit to the manufacturing yard of the yacht (most of our brands are based in Europe) in order to ensure that the customization is to their taste.
The price of a luxury yacht could start at roughly Rs 3 crore and there is no upper limit
2) Once the boat is acquired, it can be kept at a city as per the owner’s preference, such as Mumbai, Goa, Kochi (Kochi is home to India’s first commercial marina, built and managed by Ocean Blue). Alternately, in the case of smaller boats, sometimes a lake or river closer to the city of residence could also be their preferred location for the boat.
3) Maintenance is very important. Ocean Blue has an annual maintenance service which looks after all preventive maintenance, as well as services such as, manpower/crew management, fresh water supply and fuelling among others. Routine daily-checks are performed and a weekly-maintenance log is. As and when the boat requires any replacement of spare parts or specific servicing, the owners are alerted. For boats that are kept in a different location, our technicians would travel to that location for monthly checks.
4) The price of a luxury yacht would start at roughly Rs 3 crore and there is no upper limit. A benchmark for annual maintenance would be around 5-7% of the cost of the yacht.
Malav Shroff is the founder and organizer of the Mumbai International Boat Show and managing director of Mumbai-based Mahindra Ocean Group.
ELIXIR OF YOUTH | Graceful aging is not only for the mind but also for your skin
You are a law-abiding, politically correct, liberal man, who supports women empowerment and abhors anti-gay laws or anything else remotely regressive. In other words, you are familiar with some basic skin care products that the global cosmetics industry has grudgingly bestowed upon you. Other than standard shaving cream, astringent and a “musky”or “marine”body wash, you are the proud user of a Clinique facewash or may be a bodycare astringent. Of course you are not one of the really experimental men who so far as to use foundation and lip color. That is for models and filmstars. Right? Maybe. But even if you don’t “get” make-up, you could certainly do yourself a service by browsing the market for new skincare products which every man over 30 needs to know about. Actually, according to experts, the earlier, the better — even though most research shows that facial aging is slower in men than in women, mostly due to higher collagen content.
The bad news is that you should stop secretly using women’s night creams, anti-aging creams and sunblocks — starting from the texture, to thickness, to pH, your skin just isn’t the same as hers. Now that the market offers so many products, there is no holding you back. And you imagine yourself, glamorously gracefully gliding towards 50s like Johnny Depp, or George Clooney, or Richard Gere, or Arjun Rampal. There is just one drawback: you are not sure what is what.
“Indian male grooming sector is very active in India compared to the rest of the world,” says Gilles Moutounet, Country Head for L’Occitane, India.
Skincare for men has grown globally in the last decade, with India following suit, its market currently worth at $500 million per year, and estimated to grow at about 15 percent annually. Anti-aging products are a top priority in this category, providing premium and exclusive brands with incentive to make their products available in India. Gilles Moutounet, Country Head for L’Occitane in India explains, “Indian male grooming sector is very active in India compared to the rest of the world. The top VIPs (based on bills and amount spent) for L’Occitane in Indian market are mostly men.”
Immortal Divine Cream by L’Occitane
We offer you some simple guidelines to upgrade your daily routine with top-of-the-line products created for your skin.
WHO NEEDS ANTI-AGING TREATMENT?
An anti-aging routine is recommended if you are approaching your thirties. A stressful urban lifestyle exposes the skin to pollution, dehydration, free radicals and sun damage. All these contribute to loss of elasticity, firmness and texture — most visible on the face as fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, large pores or dullness.
WHAT DO THESE PRODUCTS DO?
Most active ingredients in these products focus on reversing the process of cell damage. Peptides promote the collagen production (absence of which results in wrinkles) and improve cell-repair.
Global anti-aging cream by Dior. Photo by Dior
Retinol This is an animal form of vitamin A. Its main effect on the skin is removal of fine lines and discoloration, and it is used in almost all intense anti-aging treatments worldwide.
Anti-oxidants Another popular ingredient, anti-aging anti-oxidants promote collagen production and eradicate free radicals from your skin. Common example: Vitamin C and E.
Cytokines, popularly known as Stem Cell Extract: probably the latest entrant in this list, and some claim in works wonders by simply removing the old cells and stimulating the skin cells to manufacture new tissue.
“Although the market is filled with 2-in-1 products, I always suggest to opt for separate products because any product can target only one problem area effectively at a time,” explains Delhi-based skincare expert.
WHAT DO I NEED?
Anti-aging Face wash/Exfoliant/Cleanser As with a regular skincare routine, it is important to prep the skin by removing the accumulated sweat, dust and dead cells. This will ensure optimum effect of the topical treatments.
Anti-aging moisturizer When your skin is well-hydrated, it behaves its best. The sebum production is less, resulting in less oily skin and less open pores. These are loaded on ingredients that help prevent the lines on your face by keeping skin plump and fresh. Always use it twice a day post cleansing.
Classic La Mer Moisturizing cream
Sunscreen/Sunblock We shop for a sunscreen before a seaside vacation, forgetting that in our climate, we are probably getting more sun than is good for us. UVA/UVB rays can damage the skin beyond repair, besides causing unsightly pigmentation. “Although the market is filled with 2-in-1 products that claim to protect from sun as well as moisturize/brighten, I always suggest to opt for separate products because any product can target only one problem area effectively at a time.” explains a popular Delhi based skincare expert.
nti-aging serums/eye creams Age becomes most visible around the eyes, as the skin is both fine and sensitive and the muscles in that small area take a lot of stress. These intense formulas specifically work on the problem area. While regular use of anti-aging eye creams before sleeping takes care of puffiness and crow’s feet at the delicate skin around eyes, the serums are the hottest new thing these days with a water-fluid based consistency.
Recent research underlines the restorative power of sleep. Tap into this fountain of youth with a night cream.
Anti-aging night creams Recent research underlines the restorative power of sleep. Tap into this fountain of youth with a night cream. These heavy-duty products are heavier in consistency, working on your skin while you get ready to face the day. You wake up with a noticeably refreshed and younger looking skin.
Hydrating facial masks As opposed to masks that deal with oily skin and acne, moisturising masks hydrate and fight signs of aging. While they gently exfoliate and unclog pores, their main job is to hydrate the skin to its depth and improve blood circulation, promoting skin renewal.
BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS:
TwinLuxe Anti-aging SPF moisturizer ($50) (Available in India)
Dior- Global Anti-aging skincare collection ($70-$127) (Available in India)
L’Occitane Immortelle Anti-aging Skincare Repair & Rejuvenate Set ($79) (Available in India)
La Prairie Anti-aging Stress Cream ($138)
Crème De La Crème- classic La Mer Moisturizing cream ($250)
MORE SUGGESTED PRODUCTS (Available in India)
Dermalogica Extra-Firming Booster
Age Fight Anti-Age Perfecting Fluid from Lancome
Shiseido Men Deep Wrinkle Corrector
FEAST IN PEACE | Dining on the Rocks during sunset, Koh Samui, Thailand
Is it just a restaurant? No. Is it an experience? Yes. That too, thoroughly sophisticated, yet outrageously unexpected. Koh Samui’s Six Senses resort introduces you to a soul-searching journey that has got nothing to do with just choices, good service or the highest quality of food. The ordinary here is deconstructed and twisted to create the extraordinary, which is more like an all-out assault on your taste buds and senses.
Book yourself a table on one of the nine cantilevered verandahs of weathered teak and bamboo, and witness them yawn over the Gulf of Siam. An uninterrupted 270-degree panorama of islands and ocean is sure to make you feel you are dining atop a wooden barge that’s floating on a starlit sea-of course, after sunset and a glass of wine.
270 degree panorama view of island
The kitchen moguls at Dining on the Rocks have raised the bar a few notches higher by introducing what they call Modern Interpretive Cuisine. Original recipes are reconstructed in such imaginative ways that you get a completely different result. Head chef Ryan Dadufalza likes to turn Asian staples on their heads by mixing up textures, tastes and temperatures. While grain-fed beef tenderloin almost drowns in a sukiyaki broth with a whiff of sesame-flavoured air and a side of spiced popcorn, Tom yam surprises you by appearing as tangy foam, served with ginger-tinted scallops and a crumbly cracker of parmesan cheese.
If you still feel way too spoilt for choice, you could ask the chef to even customise and create a special menu for you. Just brief him on the food you like or clarify something that you may be allergic to.
You won’t be disappointed even one bit as the focus is always on fresh, wholesome and local ingredients. The dishes are prepared using fresh herbs and organic vegetables procured from the resort itself. But you can pretty much feel confused, as every dish on the menu is available as an appetiser as well as a main course. To ease your predicament, the restaurant created the ‘Experiences’ set dinner that provides 10 mini-courses-taking care of temptation and variety at the same time! An example of such an ‘Experience’ would be: Tartar Dégustation; Reduction of Coconut and Truffle with rosemary roasted chicken; Tian of Seared Tuna with spiced lentils and balsamic; Roasted Duck with citrus and an orange-lavender granite; Iced Tom-yam Gazpacho with oysters; Steamed Hor-mok Soufflé; Iced Coconut and Blue Curacao; Lamb Cutlet filled with spiced potatoes served with raita and mint; Jasmine Tea-flavoured Chocolate Pots with spiced pineapple; and Organic Lemongrass Tea.
Book a table on one of the nine cantilevered verandahs of weathered teak and bamboo
If you still feel way too spoilt for choice, you could ask the chef to even customise and create a special menu for you. Just brief him on the food you like or clarify something that you may be allergic to. There’s also something called the “Surprise menu” that can leave you wondering what’s going to be served next. Slightly strange for the uninitiated, but the experience can be outstanding.
The ‘Hot dog’ deserves a special mention, for its accompaniments are quite innovative. The ketchup comes in shape of a small ball and the mustard in the form of an ice cream.
The gastronomic revolution that began in 2004 offers distinctively different New Asian Cuisine with a cross over accent. The sheer ingenuity of the diverse tastes mingles together and the glint in your eyes can make your gastronomic partner in crime smile too. The ‘Hot dog’ deserves a special mention, for its accompaniments are quite innovative. The ketchup comes in shape of a small ball and the mustard in the form of an ice cream. Their philosophy is in combining tastes of east and west, different textures and contrasts of hot and cold to give your mouth a treat that will have it crying out for more.
P.S. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, book Table 99 well in advance; it’s best for a proposal-indecent or otherwise.
Marilyn and N°5 – Inside Chanel
To the question “What do you wear to bed?” Marilyn responded, “CHANEL N°5.” What inspired Marilyn’s
world-famous reply? Discover the answer in this beautiful film by Chanel, titled “Marilyn and N°5.”
WET SET | The adventurer in you needs more than just a sophisticated dial. Photo by Oris.com
Watches have been a constant source of fascination for men. Their craftsmanship, beauty and effortless style easily make them one of the most prized possessions in a man’s wardrobe. While classic watches are your best bet to add understated elegance to any casual/formal event, the adventurer in you needs something more than just a sophisticated dial.
A diver’s watch is a must-have in your collection. Equally popular among both the sexes, their sense of ruggedness and modernistic beauty combined with jaw dropping features make them a favourite of even those who would not be found near a pool anytime soon.
You can opt for something that offers water resistance ranging between 200 and 2000 metres. Whether you prefer an old school analog watch with a mechanical power source or a new-age digital version popular for its ease and accuracy, explore the pros and cons well before making a purchase decision.
Here are certain points for you to consider:
Watchstrap: Don’t get confused when you see multiple options to pick from including titanium, stainless steel, leather, nylon, rubber, silicone and leather. However, unless you’re planning to wear it mostly for events away from any wet work, try and avoid leather as it deteriorates over time.
Bezel ring: A bezel ring is a safety feature that helps diver calculate their total time spent under water and the leftover air in oxygen tank before they have to resurface. While initial watches had bezel ring working in both directions, today’s watches come with only uni-directional bezel rings.
A clean dial that is easy to understand and luminous hands (with backlighting in some cases) helps the diver negotiate the murkiness under water
Helium-release valve: Even though you would hardly need this feature unless you’re spending long duration deep below the ocean, this extreme safety valve is a rather cool feature to have. It releases the air pressure inside the dial to avoid any blow up of the crystal.
Luminosity and clean dial: You don’t want your watch to just look good! You want it to shine through in the times of obscurity. A clean dial that is easy to understand and luminous hands (with backlighting in some cases) helps the diver negotiate the murkiness under water.
Rolex Oyster Deepsea Dweller. Photo by Rolex.com
Adjustable with diving suit: Your watch needs to be adjustable with the compression a diving suit goes through when underwater at great depths. Usually these watches come with either a rippled section at the end (in rubber/nylon straps) or come with an extension link.
A depth gauge helps you keep a track of depth and bottom time without compromising on the fun while diving
Depth gauge: Staying under water for long without decompressing can cause serious bends in your body after surfacing. To save oneself from this, a depth gauge helps you keep a track of depth and bottom time without compromising on the fun while diving.
Smart picks
Panerai Luminor Marina 1950 (up to 100 m) – $11,200
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Chronograph (up to 600 m) – $8100
Bremont Supermarine 2000 (up to 2000m) – $5900
Girard Perregaux Sea Hawk (up to 1000 m) – $10,500
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Sea Dweller (up to 3900 m) – $12,000
Jaeger LeCoultre Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph (up to 100 m) – $10,700
BUTTON DOWN | Two buttons Mohair jacket by Canali. Photo by Canali.com
Summers are the perfect excuse to indulge yourself in breezy cocktails and beach vacations. However, the trouble with finding the perfect clothing that can stand up to the heat waves is a task. For women, it means taking out all the colourful prints, chiffons, georgettes and polkas of their wardrobe. But what happens when it comes to men’s attire?
For the Martians, playing it up with the fabrics is the best way to beat the heat. Although cotton and linen remain the preferred choices for the comfort they offer, there are other interesting sartorial choices that can help you make a style statement.
Here are some of the popular fabrics and blends that are doing the rounds among style mongers across the world:
Poplin: Easy to wear and almost wrinkle-proof, Poplin is one of the most favoured fabrics today for shirts and suits in men’s clothing. It comes in as many blends as possible, the most popular one being cotton poplin. Our picks: Burberry and Canali.
Cotton Poplin shirt by Burberry. Photo by Burberry.com
Wool, linen & cotton/silk: While the silk lends the luminous, sophisticated touch to the overall weave; cotton adds an understated style to the structured, breathable blend of wool and linen. May we suggest the Oxford jacket by Oliver Spencer, and for suits, our vote goes to Hugo Boss.
Cotton-Gabardine: Created by the founder of Burberry Thomas Burberry, gabardine is a tightly woven fabric which is popular for trousers. Our favourite: the classic Burberry.
Slim fit Cotton Gabardine Trousers from Burberry. Photo by Burberry.com
Chambray: A staple for summers, Chambray received its name from Cambrai in France. While it can be used for anything from shirts and shorts to jackets and pocket squares, the versatile chambray retains its charm due to its glossy appearance and breathable, lightweight structure. Try Ernest Alexander.
Chambray work shirt by Ernest Alexander. Photo by ErnestAlexander.com
Mohair: Liked for its silk-like sheen, mohair is one of the most high-end fabrics available in the market. The fabric is known for its crease resistance, moisture-wicking qualities and unique sheen. Have a look at Canali’s summer jackets collection.
Seersucker: Known for the air space it allows between the skin and the fabric, seersucker is a rare choice for suits. However, as far as trousers and shirts are concerned you can’t go with it on vacations.
Giza is the best quality of cotton available across the world. The softness, strength and whiteness of Giza are incomparable to that of any other cotton.
Merino wool: Don’t shy away from the fabric just because it says wool. Merino is the best fabric for those who love a little bit of run or physical activity all year round. This is a refined, scratch and smell resistant fabric that helps keeps you cool during summers and hot during winters. We suggest Ultra Fine Super 200s range by Zegna.
Giza Cotton: Hands down the best quality of cotton available across the world, the softness, strength and whiteness of Giza are incomparable to that of any other cotton and make a good choice for a stellar jacket or classic shirt.
PRETTY POINTS | Add some glamour to your wadrobe with some beautiful summer accessories direct from the runway. Photo by Tods.com
At this year’s Oscars, Cate Blanchett’s Armani Prive gown grabbed eyeballs. Charlize Theron’s Dior dress was breathtaking and Jennifer Lawrence was the darling of the red carpet, classic stumble notwithstanding. In essence, Cate’s exquisite Chopard opals and Charlize’s Harry Winston diamonds made their looks. But it was Jennifer’s backward flip of her Neil Lane necklace that stole the show.
An accessory can make or break the look of your ensemble and can completely alter the expression of your outfit. It can add interest, glamour and become the focal point .The versatility and feasibility of a garment increases with accessories, it breaks the typical reasons we keep in mind while shopping for clothes. A simple summer dress can be a refreshing option for a night out with the girls with the help of a spectacular neckpiece and a pair of stilettos. The pretty precious sparkle does not just add glamour but if sported correctly takes the focus away from other areas.
The impression of coveted and highly desirable bodies pasted on our minds from the catalogue of bikini magazines or calendar shoots are now slowly being altered and the beauty of other shapes and sizes are being embraced with warm, relieved smiles. Finding your lovelier points makes it easy to build a wardrobe and dress without stress.
Here are a few ideas direct from the runway to brighten up your summer—after all life is too short to wear boring jewellery.
PRETTY | Gold filligre earrings by Dolce and Gabbana. Photo by DolceGabbana.com
Nothing plays up a beautiful smile like bold earrings—seize the evening with Gold filigree statement earrings from Dolce and Gabanna paired with a well-tailored red dress or jumpsuit. Flaunt a great cleavage in a spectacular flora and fauna neckpiece from Proenza Schouler or an elegant turquoise petal vine wrapped around the neck from the collection of Oscar de la Renta. These can also work well with a slimmer torso in off-shoulder styles. Another way of creating interest around the neckline is a conversational scarf, or a beaded heart jewel scarf from Louis Vuitton.
Got gorgeous hair? Try a bright hairclip or headband, like the subtly bohemian interpretation in Anna Sui’s look, adorned with flower appliqués. Dolce and Gabbana brings a more classic and feminine floral interpretation, the delicate headbands distinctly hellenic.
Model wearing a Hippie flower headband from Anna Sui’s SS’14 Collection. Photo by Annasui.com
There are nights when you want to look more feminine although you love your strong shoulders. Use striking jewellery, big necklaces and dangly earrings. One way is to reverse the proportions—with a majestic and colossal drop stone neckpiece by Lanvin, the emphasis is on square stones. Another way is to distract the eye completely—achieved perfectly with gold chrome dipped geometric cuffs from Alexander Mc queen. Stark and unusual, they will instantly add sophistication to a simple ensemble.
Tan Leather puzzle piece from Donna Karan New York. Photo by Donnakaran.com
And if your trump-card is a pretty waist, fashionable waist-belts are your best friends. Keep things in proportion by sticking to a slimmer belt, a more contemporary and every day option like the simple tan belt from Chloe with a school girl bow that is perfect for a shorter torso. A more futuristic look could benefit from a modest Metallic band by Josie Natori providing enough glamour to dress up from one simple accessory. For a longer body, a Tan Leather puzzle piece from Donna Karan is an exceptional choice a white layered or wrapped around dress, long skirts and high waist silhouettes.
If you want to streamline your silhouette and create the illusion of height, simple styles such as classic pumps, kitten heels and smooth leather boots in neutral or transparent colors will create a visual continuity and a sleek, elongated silhouette.
The Foot-note If you want to streamline your silhouette and creating the illusion of height , the worst way to do it is to wear vertiginous heels in loud styles. Simple styles such as classic pumps, kitten heels and smooth leather boots with minimal detail in matching, neutral or transparent colors will create a visual continuity and create a sleek, elongated silhouette. A mid-heel halter or a Hangisi satin pump from Manolo Blahnik will work with most outfits, as would Christian Louboutin Djalouzi PVC cap toe pumps. Also worth the investment are classics such as the Ferragamo D’orsay pumps or the Rilly bow pumps.
D’orsay pumps by Salvatore Ferragamo. Photo by Ferragamo.com
Long legs are desirable irrespective of body types and figures—choose shoes and boots with a medium to high heel, Knee boots to draw the eye to lower legs instead of thighs, knee high chic and strappy dark brown leather buckled boots from Michael Kors add an oomph factor to the attire besides providing height.
Wearing heels is a sport, if you can play the game. Marriage of punk and classic gold describes Balmain’s open toe, tee strap shoes with heels. Worn with a calf-length tapered skirt, it will give you the desired curvy figure.
The gems and stones, the pearls and gold, they are ageless . The most precious of all ornament is always confidence—wear it like you own it.
If you have broader shoulders and slimmer hips and legs, then party with joy. If any woman has a licence to splurge on fabulous shoes it’s you, as they will divert attention from your mid-section and accentuate your striking legs.
Chunky wedges will draw the eye down, be bold and go for a bright colour. Slender and eye-catching Tom Ford stilettos with a disco feel are perfect for a crazy night out.
Among the din and clamour of fashion, maintain inner composure and don’t run after celebrity trends. The idea is to create harmony the overall impact of your attire. The gems and stones, the pearls and gold, they are ageless . The most precious of all ornament is always confidence—wear it like you own it.
Bezel ring: A bezel ring is a safety feature that helps diver calculate their total time spent under water and the leftover air in oxygen tank before they have to resurface. While initial watches had bezel ring working in both directions, today’s watches come with only uni-directional bezel rings.
