YACHT WATCH | Charting the high waves is the super indulgent and much talked-about 'The Indian Empress'
There are only a few things that spell luxury and indulgence like a well-appointed yacht. And when connected with the king of now-not-so-good times, it falls in a different realm altogether. The Indian Empress, Vijay Mallya’s former yacht, is up for hire. With a rich history of famous guests and absolutely stunning facilities on board, the Empress will not fail to impress anybody with the right budget.
Indian Empress is one of the most exquisite pieces in the superyacht category
At 95 metres, the Indian Empress is one of the prettiest sights on the sea with a dedicated crew of around 30. Nearly 500 guests can be entertained at the same time, which gives you a good idea about its size.
The Empress was conceptualised at a Dutch shipbuilding yard by designer Richard Hein. “It is one of the most exquisite pieces in the superyacht category and is a favourite for charters throughout the year because of its colourful history,” says a spokesperson from the company that acts as its charter agent at present.
The superyacht is a favourite for charters throughout the year because of its colourful history
Its grandeur is evident from not just its huge, well-crafted suites or the three 10,000 hp monsters but also in its detailed nuances. When Vijay Mallya owned it, he displayed his love for the boat every now and then with various personal additions of his own. And those touches are what make it truly an exotic experience for guests. Take, for instance, the grand piano at display or the exclusive toy garage or the classic paintings by Dali and Picasso among others.
To charter The Empress, you need to make a booking at least two weeks in advance for the crew to customise the cruise facilities and arrangements as per your preference. Once you’re done paying an advance of 50%, you are good to sail to your destination for a minimum duration of one week. The charter takes into account every little detail. Says the spokesperson, “We even have the provision of an Indian chef on board.”
To charter The Empress, you need to make a booking at least two weeks in advance
For the Empress, the south of France rules the list of favourite places, especially in summers. Another peak time when The Empress is in demand is during December during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
LUXURY ON WINGS | A customised private jet announces your arrival like nothing else does
An economy that is waiting to pick up pace does not imply luxury experiences have become a blip on the radar. Senior executives understand the relationship between productivity and comfort. While this might not be the best time to buy a private jet in India, alternatives to spread wings in comfort exist in plenty through charters that offer choices from small Phenom 100 jets to spacious and flamboyant Gulfstreams.
Keeping your budget in mind, the foremost thing is to ensure you are leasing the right sized jet for the right distance and of course, your requirements. While shuttle flights from a bustling Mumbai to a neighbouring city like Pune by Invision Air are becoming popular, others are discovering that Taj Air’s connectivity between 130 locations in India is a great way to indulge in hotel hopping.
Seaplane by Mehair. Photo by Mehair.com
Mehair’s seaplanes will soon operate flights from Juhu airport to Nasik, Amby Valley, Lavasa, and Lonavala for around Rs 6,000. Mehair is also launching a seven-minute Rs 750 flight from Juhu to Chowpatty.
In the meanwhile, Baron Aviation has found a niche for women looking at bespoke shopping in Dubai. As has Taj Air with a fleet of Falcon 2000, a brand new Falcon 2000LX jet and mid-sized P.180 Avanti II turbo-prop aircraft with Italian interiors. Taj Air offers special packaged deals to all its resorts in the country. Its tagline says: “Charter flights with Taj Air are like staying in your favourite suite at the Taj, and whilst you take care of business or spend time with your loved ones, Taj takes care of everything else.”
Interiors of Taj Flacon 2000EX. Photo by Taj Air
However, before booking your flight, you should weigh a few factors. A reputed company will ensure confidentiality and anonymity, treat you as if you’re the last client left on earth by planning every detail, draw out your tailor-made iternary to save you costs of overnight parking, offer your cuisine choices and ensure you can take-off within the shortest time of your arrival at the airport. It is generally a good idea to book three working days in advance.
While it costs between Rs 60,000 to Rs 6 lakh an hour, ensure there are no hidden surprises as, often, the customer does not know what he is paying for. Rajeev Wadhwa, CEO of Baron Aviation, tells The Luxe Café that every cost is transparent. “We give the client a break-up of flying costs, ground handling, crew accommodation, airport charges, and taxes. Costs are based on flying time actuals, not sitting time,” he says.
If you are planning to fly regularly, check whether the charter service offers a jet card, similar to an airline frequent flyer miles card that earns you benefits along the way.
Around 40% of Indian airports are not geared for larger jets as they have restricted runway length. This has led operators such as, Baron, Invision Air, and Air Charter Service to offer smaller aircraft, from small, medium and large to helicopters. Baron’s mixed fleet of eight on offer, for instance, includes two Challenger 604s, Falcon 2000s, Global Express, Hawker 750, AS3555N, Bell 412 and 407.
If you are planning to fly regularly, check whether the charter service offers a jet card, similar to an airline frequent flyer miles card that earns you benefits along the way. Baron’s global corporate card, Platinum for $0.33 million, for instance, allows issue of four cards that can also be transferred, and is refundable. Membership of the platinum card “enables bookings to be made from anywhere to anywhere in the world,” said Wadhwa. The card has been customized to Indian corporate traveller’s specific requests for music and cuisine, in particular. “Once a request is made, including (for) medicines, it will be followed through the journey, whether in India or abroad,” says Wadhwa.
Interiors of a private jet by Invision Air. Photo by Invision Air
Baron’s Gold card at $0.08million, permits bookings from India to any international or domestic destination. Silver for $0.04 million, is purely a domestic card primarily for entry-level customers, says Wadhwa. Invision’s jet card is for 25, 50, and 100 hours of flying.
Spend a few minutes and check on payment mode, cancellation policy and the type of insurance being provided by the operator.
Meanwhile, if you’re based in the south, K-Air claims to be have one of the best deals for a jet card with great benefits including guaranteed aircraft availability with as little as 10 hours’ notice and a choice of up to 20 aircraft types including helicopters, offering an option to exchange your jet for a smaller or a larger cabin depending on your needs (subject to availability) and no long-term commitment—you can buy blocks of 15/30/50/100 hours and renew or walk-away when complete.
At the end of the day, what is essential is the value proposition. With many unreliable operators in the business, you need to be aware of the nitty gritties that can get you seamless service for your money. Spend a few minutes and check on payment mode, cancellation policy and the type of insurance being provided by the operator.
The Author contributes to major aviation and tourism-related publications, having written for inflight and specialist publications all over the globe for the past twenty years. Her passion for aviation has resulted in her taking a ride in some of the swankiest private jets, and following the sector at a regular pace.
MARK OF A MAN | To choose the right cigar needs not only inclination but also expert information
Where to buy Cigar?
If this is the first time you are buying, make it a point to do it from a brick and mortar shop or online. Never buy a cigar from a convenience store. They may be cheap but they may not be well-stocked. Reputed cigar shops always keep the cigars preserved in a humidor. Beginners can also get some good suggestions from the tobacconist there.
Humidor: Helps in maintaining the quality of cigar with just the right moisture required for tobacco. The cigar will loseits flavour and aroma if not kept in humidor.
What kind of cigars?
You need to decide the type of cigar you want to start with.Ideally, one should start with mild to medium flavoured cigars. Jumping to stronger ones may ruin the first experience.
Mild to medium flavoured cigars are also slightly less expensive and being a beginner you will not have to worry about the technique of cutting an expensive cigar and lighting it in a wrong manner. A lot of inexpensive cigars are also considered to be good.
Cigars from countries like Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Honduras are considered to be good
Though, the size of cigar is just a matter of preference. We suggest you start with medium or large ones as they are slightly milder compared to the small cigars that are stronger.
Cuban cigars are considered excellent. Not only do they use the best quality tobacco, they are also rolled by the some of the most highly-skilled cigar makers in the world.
Cigars from countries such as,Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Honduras are also considered to be good.
Are handmade cigars better?
Handmade cigars score over the ones that are made by machines. They are made with pure tobacco while machine-made ones contain chemicals and preservatives. Right from the filler to the binder that holds the filler, the entire body of handmade cigars is made from pure tobacco leaves and yes, they taste better.
Buy a only a few in the beginning
Don’t buy a box just because its looks or smells good.
In the quest to find the best cigar, you may have to try quite a few. So, it would be a good idea to buy two or three cigars at a time. Sometimes, you may not be sure of your first smoke but may develop a liking after second or third cigar.
Tobacco quality, cigar construction and its freshness are considered to be most important while choosing a cigar.
Inspect your cigar carefully
Tobacco quality, cigar construction and its freshness are considered to be important. So how do you inspect the cigar? To check, hold the cigar between your thumb and index figure. It should be smooth, consistent,without any lumps when you are running through the fingers. The taste of the cigar is directly related its construction. If the construction is bad, you may have not have a smooth draw when
you inhale it.
Look at all the cigars in the box carefully for cracks and discoloration. If the cigars are hard to touch, it indicates that they have been tightly packed. Ideally, they should be tender to touch.
Buy good accessories
a) Humidor: If you are serious about cigars, a humidor is a must. You need to keep the cigars well-preserved so that they stay fresh for a longer period of time. A humidor helps maintain the right moisture required for tobacco. Moist cigar could be bitter to taste and dry cigars develop cracks and burn quickly.
Humidor case to preserve cigars
Humidors come in various sizes. A humidor could be a piece of box, or could be as big a size of a room. Our suggestion? You can either buy a personal humidor for home or a portable humidor for travel that can accommodate up to 100 cigars. It can range anywhere between Rs 3,000 to Rs 15,000 or more.
If you can’t get that, you can preserve the cigars in a simple air-tight plastic bag or a container to prevent them from drying out. You can also buy humidor pouches from a tobacco shop that can keep cigars fresh for up to three months.
Cigar smoking is an art. You cannot smoke a cigar
like a cigarette.
b) Use the right lighter
A lighter makes a lot of difference. It is a sheer waste of an expensive cigar if you light it up with a wax match or fluid filled lighter or a Zippo lighter. Cigars may acquire a chemical flavour and spoil the experience. It is better to use an ordinary matchstick or a gas-filled lighter.
Let the match head or lighter burn properly for few seconds before you start the process of lighting. While lighting, do not let the cigar touch the flame. Rotate it slowly and let the heat do all the work. While you are doing this, take gentle and small puffs, till the cigar lights up evenly.
c) Use a good cutter
Be wise and invest in a good cutter. There are many cutters available in the market offering different cuts. Our suggestion? Go with a straight cut using a double blade guillotine cutter. It gives a clean fine cut to the cigar
A double blade guillotine cutter gives a clean cut to the cigar
Follow the etiquette
Cigar smoking is an art. You cannot smoke a cigar like a cigarette.
Do not inhale the smoke. Allow the smoke to roll in your mouth for a while and savour the aroma before you blow the smoke out.
As much possible, try smoking slowly with small puffs. It helps develop a better aroma.
A newbie is often found chewing on the cigar. It not only puts you down but also tastes bitter.
The ash at the tip of a burning cigar should not be allowed to grow more than half an inch.
As much possible, try smoking slowly with small puffs. It helps develop a better aroma. Smoking fast will burn the cigar very quickly and give it a bitter taste.
Never share your cigar.
A good drink for all the hard work
SANCTUARY OF REJUVENATION | Awe-inspiring expanse of greenery for healing and repose at the Vana Malsi Estate
An ashram of the contemporary world or a sanctuary near the forest, the Vana Malsi Estate is an ideal cosmos of real life, so if an authentic wellness vacation is on your mind, you must arrange for a visit. Spread over 21 acres in the quiet awe-inspiring surroundings of mountains in Uttarakhand, it is a modern place for re-connecting with your inner self. It offers wonderful experiences of Ayurveda, Tibetan healing, natural healing, spa, fitness and yoga.
Vana Malsi is an ashram of the contemporary world
The property has around 90 luxurious rooms and 50 treatment rooms, with nature as the focus that bring together various elements ofcontemporary design aesthetics, bespoke and natural materials, exceptional comfort and thoughtful lighting. One of the distinct features of this retreat is ‘bespoke art’ in various mediums, complementing the deep root philosophies and principles of Vana. The property has nearly 500 pieces of artwork including oil on canvas, oil on paper, kite paper, metal mesh, mirror and a variety of ceramics.
Living suite at Vana
When you arrive at Vana, the experts will craft a bespoke wellness program for you, with the aim to deliver tangible and measurable results.
“Guests choose one or two from a list of 12 possible retreat objectives being offered. They may even choose ‘don’t know yet’, if they wish to decide later. These queries are related to individual goals and what they wish to achieve during their stay here,” says a Vana spokesperson. “We understand the different perspectives of wellness and work with each guest to restore balance, using what works best for them. Our contemporary design, daily guided meditation and yoga, music performances, fruit orchards and herb and vegetable gardens create an overall experience of wellbeing.”
If you have time on your side, we vouch for the Panchakarma program, which is one of the most profound experiences at Vana, lasting 14 or 21 days.
If you have time on your side, we vouch for the Panchakarma program, which is one of the most profound experiences at Vana, lasting 14 or 21 days. Be it the temperature in the room or the right cuisine, painstaking attention is paid to the Panchakarma guest. The program aims to restore equilibrium using basic principles, treatments, supplements and nutritional advice. To experience Vana, a minimum of three-night stay is recommended.
The food served at Vana will help you rediscover your sense of taste
The food served at Vana is seasonal, organic and sourced locally. It is the kind of menu that will help you rediscover your sense of taste. According to the Vana spokesperson, they do not airfreight food, nor do they use refined sugars, grains or oils.
Guests at Vana have the option of two restaurants: Salana based on Vana’s wellness principles inspired by a variety of cuisines and Ańayu that infuses Ayurveda principles into Indian cuisine.
Vana doesn’t offer fixed packages. The Retreat price per night includes daily treatment(s) based on retreat type and objective(s), guest room/suite (as selected). Guests at Vana, Malsi Estate must be 16 years of age and above. Tariffs start at around Rs 35,000 per day.
INTER-TWINING FOOD & FASHION | Cavalli Caffé, New Delhi
They say you can’t have the best of both worlds. But when fashion flirts with food, the two most amorous and artistic mediums conspire to whisk you away to a different world. Cavalli Caffè in Delhi’s uber-luxe DLF Emporio is a chic addition to such fine dining experiences. Let’s just put it this way: It seamlessly bridges the gap between haute couture and your taste buds.
Bar at Cavalli Caffè offers some exclusive Cavalli vodka and wines
The Cavalli Caffè showcases designer Roberto Cavalli’s passion for sensuality and elegance. The designer’s everlasting quest for beauty and clever combinations of fine materials and iconic prints are embodied in its ambience. Great attention to detail has been dedicated to the creation of this café:
Decorated with unique elements created personally by Roberto Cavalli and inspired by the interior-design elements present in his homes, his boutiques and his Cavalli Clubs where textiles and elements of décor are carefully selected in order to convey the exclusivity and prestige of the Cavalli style.
Fittingly furred over in zebra print and leopard spots, a unique Cavalli characteristic, the cafè was conceived to stimulate and inspire every moment of the day, offering a refined menu. From breakfast to aperitif, from coffee break to after-dinner drinks, the Cavalli Caffè atmosphere enables its clients to savour different moments throughout the day in an intimate yet classic setting where the cuisine proposes a wide range of traditional Italian products and flavours.
Try Contadina Pizza, the thinnest pizza in Delhi (as claimed by the chef) generously topped with spinach, asparagus, artichokes and zucchini.
For starters, opt for a tangy and delectable salad-Beetroot Vinaigrette—that’s served with feta and rocket leaves. The crunchy zero-calorie aspect makes it an instant winner with men and women alike. Continue with the designer-food excursion by trying Contadina Pizza, the thinnest pizza in Delhi (as claimed by the chef there) generously topped with spinach, asparagus, artichokes and zucchini. The Chilli Caramel Basa with Wilted Spinach & Wok Tossed Noodles is generally cooked to perfection, and Burrata Ravioli in Burnt Butter and Sage is a flawless preparation complementing the richness of the burnt butter.
Pull the curtains down with the Hot Chocolate Foam with Rum Granita—a highly recommended dessert made of chocolate foam as light as a feather and made to rest atop iced-rum waiting to be scooped out. The cafè also has Cavalli merchandise on sale: Cavalli chocolate gift boxes, Cavalli vodka and exclusive Cavalli wines.
TOWERING LUXURY | Cut through the Mumbai clutter and buy your own piece of secluded heaven at the Ahuja Towers
Imagine relaxing in a quiet corner of your plush living room and soaking in the soothing ambience of the sea view unfolding right before you. And if you want it even bigger, then just walk up to your balcony to take in the breathtaking 270 degree view of the Arabian Sea as well as the Bandra-Worli Sea Link that majestically surrounds your viewing deck.
Breathtaking 270 degree view of the Arabian Sea as well as the Bandra-Worli Sea Link from the balcony
An absolute indulgence, Ahuja Towers in South Mumbai’s Prabhadevi area offer the promise of grandeur and space in an otherwise crammed real estate market of Mumbai.
The 53-storey skyscraper has designer apartments and limited-edition penthouses. Priced at Rs 33 crore and upwards, Ahuja Constructions has roped in leading names in construction from Singapore, New York and the UK.
A sprawling 5000 sq ft entrance lobby rises to 28 ft and shows off intricate designs and lighting. A ceiling to floor water feature lends a cooling effect to the overall ambience. If you want to book reservations for any of your meetings or vacations that are a part of your tight calendar, the in-house concierge desk at the lobby will address all your queries.
The living room captures clean views of the sea
A total of nine high-speed elevators, with four of them exclusively for residents ensure that you reach your private abode in about a minute. Privacy is a given as each floor in the towers is built with only one apartment in each wing. The living room which covers 750 sq ft gives you clean views of the sea. While the floor to ceiling height in apartments is 13 ft, it scales up to 26 ft in the limited-edition duplex apartments!
Master Bedroom
The master bedroom spread out on an area of over 590 sq ft leads to a stylish closet designed by New York based Wilson Associates.
Walk in Wardrobe designed by New York based Wilson Associates
Lending able support to the master bedroom is the well-appointed bathroom in marble and wood. You can look forward to a few quiet moments with a glass of wine in the king-size bath tub.
Master Bathroom with king-size bathtab
The dining space shows the ‘wet kitchen’ area as well as the ‘dry kitchen’ and the dining room. A range of international consultants can help you customize your kitchen. Both kitchens come with cabinets by leading German kitchen brand Poggenpohl as well as a wine cellars!
So, if you are thinking of an ideal place to invest in the country’s financial capital, you now know where you should be headed. And if a home overlooking the deep blue sea is what fascinates you the most then this place is just apt. Just take a steaming cuppa and head out to your private deck for the view you have always dreamt off. Reality is beautiful, isn’t it?
BLING TWICE | Rock the bling look in more ways than one and then wait for the compliments roll in…
The Bling Ring
If you thought you could flaunt your Swarovski only on your jewellery and watches, then you might well be living under a rock. Rock the bling look in more ways than one and then wait for the compliments roll in…
Rocker Jacket
On a freezing January night in Paris, French couturier Jean Paul Gaultier showed the world how to make Swarovski crystals multitask. His special creation, a ‘diamond rocker’ sleeveless denim jacket became the talk of the town as soon as it touched the ramp. Studded with Swarovski-crystal spikes and studs and Swarovski-crystal embroidery, the jacket can be worn over a satin dress or a skirt.
A ‘diamond rocker’ denim jacket by Jean Paul Gaultier.
Sexy Stilettos
Rather than acting as a just something you threw on, your Swarovski-studded stilettos, in all its dazzling glory, can take the centre stage. Walk tall in Christian Louboutin’s Fifi stilettos embellished with Swarovski crystals. This sinful footwear with its almond-shaped peep-toe and signature red leather sole will complete any ensemble you throw in its way.
Christian Louboutin’s Fifi stilettos embellished with Swarovski crystals. Photo by ChristianLouboutin.com
Clutch Queen
Recently in news for allegedly not paying an intern, British fashion house Alexander McQueen is known for his quirks. But, you don’t have to worry till you get to lay your hands on his famous skull-decorated super glamorous statement clutch. The real cherry on the cake are the Swarovski crystals used on the skull clasp closure. Embellished with pearls and golden beads, it might just work as skull and bone sign for your own safety.
Alexander McQueen’s skull-decorated statement clutch. Photo by AlexanderMcQueen.com
Eye Balls
Want an eye-grabbing alternative to the white kohl liners and smoky eye make-up? Well, luxury fashion brand Dior just did. During a fashion show, the make-up artists decorated models’ eyes using tiny Swarovski crystals (that were glued over a coloured base) aptly calling it ‘techno butterfly’. Maybe it’s time to be brave and add a new hue to your eyes and life.
Crystal Call
If you think iPhone’s 24k gold phone was tad cool, wait until you have seen Samsung’s limited edition Swarovski Fine Crystal Rocks studded cover for its latest Galaxy Note 3 models. Priced at about $299, you can get this cover in three colors: jet (black), silver, and a blend of crystal Bermuda blue and metallic light gold. Each case comes with a matching crystal encrusted bracelet.
Swarovski’s crystal rock studded cover for Galaxy Note 3 models. Photo by Sammobile
OLD WORLD | Explore your grandma's closet to find some rare collection of clothes and jewellery.
In a life less ordinary, a beautiful Maharani with a keen appetite for luxury and intrigue ordered gold tongue-scrapers from Van Cleef & Arpels. But that was just one fleeting detail in the extravagant life of Maharani Sita Devi of Baroda. Apart from a bold personal style and a scandalous second marriage,Maharani’s story involves the Baroda pearls (mysteriously missing several of its strands when it was auctioned at Christie’s for $39.1 million), a 34-carat pink diamond named after her son, and a whole lot family royal jewels discreetly reset in platinum. Long after her death, Sita Devi lives on in the popular imagination through the lore of her jewels.
The old splendor of the Maharajas may have lost some of its shine, but our fascination with heritage will always define our style, in fact now more than ever. So if you have caught yourself admiring a sepia photograph of your elegant grandmother (with a serrated edge and embossed gold lettering), demurely posing for a studio portrait—chances are, you are about to raid her treasure chest (or almirah).
Allow us to take you on a journey to reconnect with your family heritage while making a unique style statement. Soak in some of that serene glamour—something other than the accurate colors of the season, ombre georgettes, zari, pearl and crystal embroideries on net and silk. Something other than the carefully orchestrated and airbrushed designer looks.
Kanchipuram Silk saree depicting Raja Ravi Varma’s painting.
Most prominently, you will discover beautiful textile pieces in varying states: from the very well-preserved to the nearly decomposing. Depending on where your grandmother came from, you might find a collection of sarees: gorgeous Kanjeevarams from Tamil Nadu, delicate Jamdanis of Bengal, elegant geometric double ikats—Pochampally from Andhra Pradesh and Patola from Gujrat. Banarasi brocades with real gold and silver zari is a very special find, as would be anything with real gota patti work. If you have roots in North India, the treasure hunt may yield an exquisitely worked chikan on cotton or silk, or an intricately worked zardozi lehenga.
You can give a new lease of life to a ruined brocade or jacquard saree by getting the motifs appliqued on to a fabric to create a new style—try simple silhouettes like oversized shirts, shirt-jackets, wrap shirts or dresses.
The great thing about unstitched textiles is that they are versatile—undamaged sarees and dupattas can be used as it is (and they don’t need alteration!), while pieces which have damaged areas may be incorporated in new customised garments and accessories—in necklines and collars for Indian and Western Silhouettes, as borders for dupattas and sarees, or for small purses and handbags—since it is easy to reinforce them with a strong backing. You could also manage to cleverly manipulate the intact fabric to create a beautiful saree blouse. You can give a new lease of life to a ruined brocade by getting the motifs appliqued on to a fabric to create a new style—try simple silhouettes like oversized shirts, shirt-jackets, wrap shirts or dresses.
Kareena Kapoor in her grandmother-in-law’s lehenga. Photo by Avinash Gowariker
You might also come across some stunning bandhini and lehariya which may be updated as a dress detail or border, if damaged. Vibrant kutch embroidery with its geometric shapes and mirrors, can be incorporated as a detail or a centre-piece in a new garment or even patched on to a favourite denim jacket. The list goes on: detailed and tactile Kantha work, Kashmiri stitch, precious Parsi borders, flamboyant fulkaris and pipli, subtle kasuti—all of these can be used and added on for amazing effects. If you are lucky and the wardrobe has been regularly aired, you might find shawls. A plain pashmina shawl or a Naga shawl are easy enough to wear in any wardrobe, while the discovery of a Kani Jamawar should be treated as a special occasion. In the days of royal patronage, these were created exclusively for the aristocracy, the jacquard pattern so skillfully woven that it was impossible to tell the wrong side from the right.
Often, you may find home textile pieces. These, too may be brought back to use as home accents. However, a great way to incorporate them in your life is to get them mounted and framed. This will improve their longevity and visibility as well. The main beauty of all these finds is that the craftsmanship is so exquisite, the materials precious and handmade, and the color palettes so much more subtle and sophisticated, more inspired by nature than their present-day descendents.
Brooches can perk up many a drab and monochromatic outfit. More delicate silver pieces look fantastic with block-printed ethnic ensembles or separates.
Besides these more perishable pieces, you may also stumble upon other interesting items, such as hand-fans and book-jackets—which again will do well in home decor. Shoes are a rare find, as mostly they get worn out, but if you are lucky, you might find a ceremonial or decorative pair of jootis. While it is unlikely that any gold jewellery would be locked away waiting to be discovered, silver and gold-plated jewellery might surface. Brooches can perk up many a drab and monochromatic outfit. More delicate silver pieces look fantastic with block-printed ethnic ensembles or separates. However, chunky silver coins, amulets, armbands and cuffs can work with long and voluminous western silhouetted, creating an edgy, contemporary aesthetic.
Storage and care of these precious objects is not to be taken lightly. Just a few helpful hints:
Store away from moisture and light
Air regularly
Do not wrap in ordinary paper; use muslin or acid-free paper to avoid further damage
Use a professional cleaner that you trust; the wrong chemicals can destroy textiles instantly
Lastly, in case you have discovered a really beautiful piece which is damaged, and you are unable to use it or preserve it at home, please donate it to an interested public or private museum, so it is able to tell its tale to those who are waiting to hear it.
Oh, and about that photograph. Don’t put it up on your wall. Old photos are fragile, and must be stored away from light in archival photo sleeves. Frame a digital print and place it on your favourite wall, along with your framed pieces of heritage.
