An exercise in mythmaking - Shigorika Singh-June, 2017What will be the uniforms of an age where lifestyle is work?
Sportswear has been given a warrior makeover; even as cricket comes to symbolise war. Now you have Under Armour, Admiral and what not. Designed to radiate competence, whether they are actually utilitarian or not is not really quantifiable. Trunks are aerodynamic and leggings breathe, sports bras will have you sweat proof.
Some argue that the heritage tag is what makes handloom expensive. Handmade fabric is dear abroad because hand-skill is a rarity there; we’ve adopted that model without looking at the nature of the indigenous market. A large chunk of the domestic market is opening up and is interested in buying linens and cottons that are homespun.
Poetry in time - Shilpa Dhamija-Feb 2016Fun watches to come out of the Salon International De La Horlogerie 2017
Cartier has probably already made hundreds of watches dedicated to the brand’s favourite wildcat. At SIHH, connoisseurs were treated to yet another caricature of the panther, a playful one this time. The panther dominating the ‘Joueuse de Cartier’ women’s watch is not just ornate, but plays a functional role in telling time.
A second chance - Elizabeth Matthew-July 2016An industry developing around second-hand luxury goods is making high-end fashion affordable
About 40 per cent of buyers, says Mehra, are from tier II and III cities, while the sellers are mostly from metro cities. And with discounts ranging from 10-30 per cent for a brand new product (in its original packaging) to 35-60 per cent for a ‘gently used’ product that’s in good condition, to a huge 65-80 per cent discount on a ‘frequently used’ product (one that is still functional and has no missing parts, but looks aged), there is something for every one on such websites.
Drawn to design - Payel Majumdar Upreti-Oct 2017Homegrown designers are gaining new ground, as pockets expand for a design-friendly new generation
There’s renewed attention to design elements, and fashion designers are expanding scales of production beyond the festive and wedding market as clearly visible at fashion weeks. These events themselves are becoming democratised with young designers and design houses showcasing here. Fashion weeks are also more accessible to the public, with designs available at shops, and online the moment they’re off the ramps.
A century in a decanter - Riaan George -Jan 2017A cognac that takes over 100 years to make?
To the untrained ear, the very thought of drinking something that is over a century old may appear odd. Not in this case. What makes Louis XIII the most famous and luxurious cognac of all is that it takes over 100 years to arrive at the final product. This is certainly what justifies its hefty price tag of ₹3.7 lakh for a bottle, and hotels charging up to ₹20,000 for 30ml. So basically, as things stand, the cellar master who starts work on the cognac, never lives to taste the final product. Once the final blend is ready, it is bottled in Louis XIII’s handmade crystal decanter, which has in itself become a signature.
The heart collectors - Blessy Augustine-April 2017Moving beyond investment, contemporary collectors make art a part of their lifestyle
Tarana Sawhney, who has been actively collecting art since 2006, had two firsts at the IAF this year. It was the first time that she bought from the art fair itself and her first Mithu Sen. “Over the years, I have matured as a collector. I always found Mithu’s work fascinating but too dark to live with. Now I get her practice and ‘Touchstone’ had something happy and whimsical about it which I instantly connected with.”
A house for Yves Saint Laurent - Joanna Lobo-Oct 2017 Heritage conservator Aurélie Samuel is the head of collections, and curator of the new museum. Here, she sheds light on what awaits visitors at the museum: The desire to create a patrimony first arose in 1964, when Saint Laurent decided to set aside certain designs after each show.
In 1982, the word ‘museum’ first appeared in the ateliers’ specifications sheets for these pieces, which were kept in special storerooms beginning 1997. This legacy, composed of thousands of designs and the documents related to their creation, is unequalled in the fashion world.
Internet of design - Manika Dhama-July 2017How to smarten up your home using the principles of design
A sustainable lifestyle with the help of technology is the way forward for the modern home. This need not involve compromising on its character, a common inhibition among homeowners. This is where the role of design comes in, to ensure that each home retains its unique identity. A home can be energy efficient, without turning its inhabitants into drones, and making décor impersonal.
A weekend with the 911 - Dhiram Shah -Oct 2017How the Porsche 911 Carrera S measures up on city roads
The rear-wheel drive Carrera S is bolstered by the new 3.0-liter, twin-turbo flat-six engine that delivers 420 bhp and 368 lb-ft of torque. According to Porsche, 0-to-100 kmph comes in 3.9 seconds, and that according to me is really fast.
Spoilt for choice - S Muralidhar-June 2016The new A4 is plusher and smarter
The new A4’s design continues to be unadventurous outside and in. But that is not surprising given the fact that there is nothing wrong or amiss with the design. The cabin in the Merc C-Class maybe viewed more favourably in terms of design, but the new A4 manages to more than catch up in terms of its luxury vibe.
Uncompromising in style and delivery - Dhiram Shah-Jan 2016B&O Play H2 Headphones are just right save for some minor glitches
The audio quality is crisp, clean and balanced proportionately across the entire acoustic range that high-end players are equipped to dish out. The definition of the audio is, in a word, sublime. The H2 handles deep bass with panache and delivers a solid grounding sound stream.
What’s in your christmas cup? - Karina Aggarwal-Dec 2016Christmas drinks from around the world to make merry with this season
Caribou-This deep blood-red concoction comes from Canada, like the Caribou deer, after which it is named. Comprising red wine, a dark spirit like Canadian Club whisky, and maple syrup (Canada’s cinnamon, really) it is a potent winter-warmer and drunk copiously around Christmas. If it’s warming enough for Canada, it is certainly correct for our climes.
Sweet Saviour - Sarah Todd-Dec 2015Cooking with elderflower is a great way to blend aesthetics and medicinal values, says former Masterchef Australia contestant
Australia is more than just a land of sun, sand, sport and barbeques — we embrace diversity and this is most evident in our food. While Australians still love their pies and fish and chips, the options are now endless with almost every cuisine available. Food is a common ground that makes people from all cultures come together and embrace each other’s differences.
Fun for one - the post V day edition - Payel Majumdar Upreti-March 2016The “day of love” is over. But you were over it first. Things to do if you are single
Did someone use the V-word? Valentine’s Day is done. Over. Kaput. It’s worked to death. It’s a commercial joke, that doesn’t even work commercially anymore. Okay, maybe it does, but only because the cultural colonialists have successfully marketed it back to Asia. All the cheap token gifts and unnecessary boxes of chocolates that you receive? That’s right. It’s a marketed idea, and you’re clever for not buying into it.
I Knew My Food Would Work - Veena Venugopal-Jan 2016When Chef Akira Back decided to open shop in India, he had no vegetarian dish on the menu
Akira Back: I wanted to infuse more Korean palate. Koreans use a lot of spices, a lot of fermented stuff. So the flavour profile is strong and, in that sense, similar to Indian food. Indians are quite similar to Koreans. They either like you or they don’t. They don’t beat about the bush. I like that.