KOLKATTA FASHION WEEK – SEASON II

The Indian designers are no longer confined to the domestic fashion and apparel market. With India is becoming the latest fashion hub for the fashionistas, the DESINGERS are gaining recognition and fame from all over the world.
One of the major platforms that provide the Indian designers to showcase their talents is through the fashion shows. Kolkatta Fashion Week is one of the most popular fashion show celebration of India where the talents of already established and upcoming designers are showcased.
TRICITY CALLING took a tour to the Kolkata Fashion Week – Season II or KFW 2009, which began with the ace designer Ritu Kumar’s who paid a tribute to rich Bengali traditional designs and craftsmanship, while got concluded with the grand finalé of Manish Malhotra’s show.

This feast featured:

Ritu Kumar, Bibi Russel, Manish Malhotra, Wendell Rodricks, Rocky S, Narendra Kumar, Mandira Virk and many more. The five day fashion extravaganza was held from September 9 to September 13 at the ITC, The Sonar, Kolkata.
Star cricketer Virender Sehwag, sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Director Rituparno Ghosh and film actresses Riya Sen, Nitin Mukesh and Irrfaan Khan was among the few showstoppers, who were a part of the event.
This event was a fashion celebration laced with lots of glamour and national as well as international media coverage, wherein many high profile designers as well as famous Bollywood celebrities were part of it.
Actor Neetu Chandra, who was walked the ramp for designer Soumitra Mondal, said, “I’ve been busy shooting for the Tamil version of Bachna Ae Haseeno. But when I got an offer to walk for KFW2, I immediately agreed since I’m in love with Kolkata’s vintage appeal and the city’s connect with all things arty. Though being a showstopper is a nerve-wracking act”, added the all excited Neetu. For Neil Nitin Mukesh, it’s both a love for Kolkata and Nari’s sensibilities that’s making him walk the ramp. “I love Nari as a human being. This translates into his work too,” he said. Meanwhile, walking for Mandira Wirk was Sophie Choudry’s way of strengthening her ties with Kolkata, a city where she had spent her holidays.

Collection by Some of the Designers:
Anita Dongre
Showstopper - Rimii Sen
With her love for Luxury and Lifestyle, Anita launched her one of a kind couture line, ANITA DONGRE TIMELESS. The label catered to custom made occasion wear. Be it a bridal trousseau or a red carpet stunner, ANITA DONGRE TIMELESS is termed as a luxury outfit you’ll desire to own and have forever.
The collection made ingenious use of traditional weaves and silks all over the country to create styles that are classis, feminine and eternal. Each ensemble, delicately handcrafted by adept craftsmen, is precious, luxurious and opulent enough to be considered as rare pieces for heirloom.

Aarti Vijaygupta
Her work was all about ‘breaking the compromise’. Merging old with the modern, creativity with practically. The box pleats, pyramid cones, quilted yokes yet feminine to the contours- classy, wearable and realistic yet affordable, this summed up her USP.
Collection
The Spring Summer 10 collection alternated the signature austerity of the label with more creative inputs. Her collection into the fold ’, inspired by Japanese art of Origami she felt is self explanatory of her collection. Her main objective was to fuse the traditional with the more topical. She tried to do so by blending of linen fabric in earthy colours with sophisticated cuts, which she believed, certainly will enchant the modern feminine world.
The color palette evoked metropolitan shades of grey, offset against purple softened by the matte of linen, broken by beige, brown and sand tones, and greens have a dry, olivey patina.

Aditi Jaggi
The designer Aditi Jaggi Rastogi is an alumnus of S.O.F.T, Pune, and has won the sobriquet of the ‘most commercially viable designer. A thorough experience under designer Rina Dhaka, a stint @ SSL, and designing for Mallika Sherawat etc. are the laurels that prove the strong foundation of the label.
Collection
This collection was an attempt to add to the grace n persona of a bride who considers comfort and value for money as her priorities, yet she wanted to indulge in a bright colorful collection for her trousseau, picking a mix of ensembles for all occasions. There was ample use of brocade from grandmas’ closet in the form of appliqué delicately highlighted with tiny beads and colorful stones. There were lehengas, saris, anarkalis, churidars and also a wide range of tunics. In short there was a mix of all that a newlywed bride wants in her wardrobe. Being spring summer 2010, the fabrics used were very easy chiffons and cotton blend silks.

Narendra Kumar
Showstopper: Neil Nitin Mukesh
Narendra Kumar was part of the first ever graduating class from NIFT in 1990, when it was still being run in conjunction with FIT, New York and Trent Polytechnic, UK. The NK line for both men and women is based on modern cuts and silhouettes but integrates the luxurious aspects of specially woven Indian fabrics and hand-crafted detailing to maintain a couture feel to the line.

Abhishek Dutta
Showstopper: Irrfaan Khan
Winner of Smirnoff International Fashion Award and an award winning student of Wigan & Leign College, Abhishek Dutta believes in creating garments with a difference. He specializes in various ancient embroideries with futurists cuts. His label AD Normal gives immense choice to people for casual clothing whilst his other label Abhishek D creates exclusive couture ensembles. Apart from formal wear his casual wear comprises of tops, trousers, jackets, skirts, etc. at a very affordable price. The inspiration for AD Normal line of clothes comes from the very sporty attitude of youth.
Collection
A futuristic collection was rolled out on the ramp from the Abhishek Dutta stable. Cuts and not surface embellishment dominated the ‘creative patterns’. Off-white, orange and khaki were his chosen colours for this structured western collection.

Swati Srivastava
The ‘Swati Srivastava’ label, incepted in the year 2007, has already been making weaves in the industry. A swirling mix of urban contemporary influences in heady creative style, ‘Swati Srivastava’ is a tour de force in Indian fashion. ‘Swati Srivastava’ the label is available at locations across India at stores in New Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Chennai.
Collection
The Delhi-based designer was showcasing an Indo-western line. The collection included lehengas, saris, draped tops, tunics and short jackets brought alive by textures, bamboo work, terracotta and cane work on net, khadi silk and Dhakai silk.

Manish Malhotra
Actors Amrita Rao, Ronit Roy, Raima Sen, Riya Sen, director Rituparno Ghosh and footballer Bhaichung Bhutia was among the celebrities who walked the ramp at the finale of Kolkata Fashion Week-II, when Manish Malhotra showcased his collection.Amrita Rao did the show stopping catwalk draped in a red lehenga. Ronit walked the ramp in a grey and black striped sherwani that had embroidery work. Bhaichung was seen in a grey sherwani.
“My label is known as couture clothing. I think my clothes are wearable. For example, I feel the sherwani is a lot more textured than most embroideries. For women it has a lot of net. It’s more clothes than jewellery,” said Manish.
This was his first show in the city, where he exhibited bridal clothes.

Skirts, an essential part of today’s wardrobe

RU too old to wear a skirt? Think again.....Certainly u r not.... a high per cent of Indian women are happy to bare a lot of leg in skirt right up to the age of 40, writes Mandeep Puri.
Back in 1980s, a woman older than 30 would dare to venture out in a skirt for fear of being labelled 'mutton dressed as lamb'. But today they are being worn for almost a decade longer before being consigned to the back of the wardrobe.
From Hollywood Celebrities such as Victoria Beckham (35), Danni Minogue (38), Elle Macpherson (46), Jennifer Aniston (40) to the Indian News Makers like Priyanka Chopra, Riya Sen, Katrina Kaif are all fans of the skirts.
They may come under fire for signs of ageing around the knees, but they do have generally flawless legs. The modern, image-obsessed culture means that women work hard to maintain a youthful appearance, spending hours in the gym and even undergoing plastic surgery.
It all bodes well for the future of the skirt - but how old is too old to wear one? We asked female for their opinion... Some women should never start wearing skirts. It's not always about age - skirts never did anything for the heavy-hipped and overweight.
The shorter the skirt, the more it accentuates the hips. The more it shows off bad legs. Yes, all legs are good, but some are more perfect than others. Let's face it -skirts are for slender, stylish women, under 35 (or looking 35) and little girls. Little girls look very sweet in short skirts. So do hot skinny teenagers and women in their ragingly sexual come-and-get-me twenties. Legs are sexy. Legs are sporty, young, and innocent. Legs lead up to private territory. Good legs make men look twice. Especially bare legs. It's why women in their 40s and, gulp, 50s with half-way decent legs think they project a youthful kickiness when they wear a skirt.
'It shows that women have an increasing confidence in their bodies and are happy to dress accordingly,' says Disha, a city based model. 'If the trend continues there's no doubt that, within a decade, women in their mid-40s and early 50s will rightly regard a skirt as an essential part of their everyday wardrobe. Skirts are the best for it and it gives a girl the appealing looks”, she adds. 'I'm a girl,' and it’s a message.
A 40-plus woman who wears a skirt knows she's running out of time. Also, wearing a when you're over 40 - unless four inches above the knee and with opaque tights - shows you haven't a clue about fashion. There is nothing more ageing than a long skirt on women of a certain age. You can get away with lovely white hair and lots of wrinkles, but long skirts are the precursor to the shroud.
“Girls in their 20s and 30s can waft around looking charmingly, hippy-dippy in mid-calf or long skirts. But this same length can make most women a decade or too later in life look older than our chronological age. We do not want to embrace our inner grandmother”, sense Mehak, a model.
“There is, however, an important difference between short and mini; it is one that older women need to discover fast if they do not want to walk around to the sound of bleating mutton”, she adds. “I think most sensible and stylish women have an innate sense of what works and what doesn't without any need for dogma or rules, because dressing is more about context than convention. I wear skirts and will continue to wear them until my knees no longer pass muster, because it's fun, because knee-length is too Carla Bruni, mid-calf is disastrous, and full-length maxi is - paradoxically - a look only the very young can carry off”, opines Rohini Chhabra, a professional.

We love Chandigarh

While for cute and sexy - Manisha Lamba, Chandigarh has always been a favourite, the designer Vikram Phadnis and Mandira Wirk sense that the city is ‘open and experimental’.
In the city for the Blenders Pride Magical Nights Tour fashion show, we talk to the actor and the bollywood designers about their films, fashion, and more…
Manisha Lamba
A Punjaban, Minissha is always happy to be in the North. "I am always excited to come to Punjab, as my heart longs for this land and connects to almost everyone here." And for the city, "Chandigarh has always been a favourite and what I like here is the accent of the people and the flavour of the food that you don't get anywhere else on earth."
“The food apart, it would give me an opportunity to speak and hear Punjabi,” says the petite actress who wanted to be a journalist, but then acting came her way.
"Bollywood has been very warm to me. In fact, the industry is changing and accepting a lot of newcomers and above all, the industry is expanding and letting in a lot of beginners," says Minissha. Ask was acting a conscious decision and she says, "I did a commercial film with director Shoojit Sircar and he was the one who cast me in Yahaan, and hence started my filmy career.
Here for the fashion event, we ask how did she decide upon the show and she says, "The show is about work hard and party harder and I believe in the same, and this was my reason for choosing the show." So, what is she wearing, "I would be wearing designs by both Mandira Virk and Vikram Phadnis." Decode fashion, "I am not a fashion victim, so I can do without a lot of fashionable things, but then fashion too means an extension of the self."
What's much more exciting is my upcoming project with Shyam Benegal. In his film, Well Done Abba, my character is very different. Like nothing I've ever played before. The story is about a father and daughter relationship living in a village. I play the daughter of Boman Irani."
Elaborating on her tryst with alternate cinema, Minissha called it "an educative experience. I have never entered a village in real life, but this film was shot in a village. It was a hat ke experience."
Vikram Phadnis
Most Stylists... Of course, Salman is the most stylish man in Bollywood. He is a style icon without an effort, feels fashion Vikram Phadnis , who has been designing for bollywood for long and has his own favorites too.
He makes the stars look good and his creations become trendsetters for the world. Vikram Phandis was in city for Blenders Pride Magical Nights Tour fashion show.
A long journey in the fashion circuit, his career spans over 17 years. Ask him what’s next, and he replies, “I’m writing a script for my film. Though nothing in my career had been pre-planned, but direction has always been a conscious step.”
Friday fashion changes in Bollywood. And with it trends change across the globe," declares, Vikram. As proof, he cites: "People actually ask their designers to customise various dresses shown in Bollywood films for them. For instance, the sherwani's and lehngas in the film Mujhe Se Shaadi Karoge became very popular." From Priyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai, Katrina Kaif, Sushmita Sen, Bipasha Basu, Ayesha Takia, Malaika Arora and Amrita Arora to Karisma Kapoor...yes...He has dressed them all!
Speaking of challenges, for Vikram it was ‘Salaam-e-Ishq’ that put his creative abilities to test. “I spent two years of my life putting together 800 costumes for the film. From the leading actors to the dance troupes, everyone got to wear clothes designed by me,” says Phadnis, who also dressed up the men on screen including Salman Khan who he rates as ‘The’ style icon of Bollywood. As for the ladies, he says it’s a forever changing list. Just like fashion.
What was he showcasing at the show? “
It’s club wear, so it has to have a lot of bling. My garments are Bollywood-inspired and have a lot of embellishments.”
On fashion front, “After this, I have Lakme Fashion Week and for the LFW I will present a bridal wear collection for the first time.” He spells bridal trends for the season, “My collection is going to be different. I am presenting earthy but fiery hues. It’s going to be a royal old-world charm.”
Mandira Wirk
For those of you who have caught stylish action (fashion) week after (fashion) week, will know that Mandira Wirk is a busy bee. The relatively new to the industry designer has been churning out collections that have left lasting impressions. But it’s her surname that gets us inquisitive and we learn she’s a Wirk from Jalandhar. “Punjab is home to me,” says the Punjabi kudi who packed her bags early on to study at the London School of Fashion. “I was always designing my own clothes and that kind of progressed into a full-fledged career,” she says.
What’s in store for the show?
“My collection is feminine and wearable. From ivory to mushroom, I have used lilac and fuschia for my collection and the fabrics include silk and jersey.”
What about Bollywood?
“I have done designing for reality shows. I dressed Lara Dutta and Deepika Padukone for the Knight Riders and some Bollywood projects are in the pipeline.”
Last, what’s keeping her occupied these days?
“After this show I have the Kolkata Fashion Week, Lakme Fashion Week and Spring Summer-2010 collection,” she signs off.

A Designer Collection

The retro fever has surely started to rule the fashion stores in city and Micky Chhabra, an all women store of fashion apparel, fashion jewellery, footwear and accessories is no different.
Clothing and accessories brand Micky Chhabra came to town in 2005 with two outlets - in Sector 17 and Sector 10. It has a wide range of designer fashion clothing, perfumes, footwear, bags, fashion jewellery, cosmetics, eye wear and more. All the products at the store are of western fashion couture.
Micky Chhabra, has witnessed a growing demand for western clothes. “Girls aren’t interested in sitting at home. They want to do something productive and work, and wear good clothes for that. And most girls like to have fun over the weekend and go out for parties in fashionable western wear,” says the owner Bhupinder Singh Chabbra.
Catering to what many call the Punjabi desire to flaunt everything, it claims that each of its products is an exclusive piece. 'The economy in Chandigarh is on a high. It is also a gateway to northern India. Tourists from across the country too stay in Chandigarh when in the region. So the chances of reaching a larger number of prospective consumers increase,' explains Chhabra.
He says the outlet sees several hundred girls aged 15 to 25 years every day. “Physically fit women in their 40s and 50s also shop here.”Romantic, steamy, graceful, sporty or casual, whatever maybe the look, skirts are in. Short or long, straight or flared, frilly or plain, woolen or khaki, you couldn’t really ask for more. Be it in lengths, cuts, fabrics or accessories, there is something for everyone. We’ve got you a style check on what’s ruling.
This season, denim dresses are in vogue and are available for Rs 2,395 to Rs 3,000. Halterneck outfits and tops in Lycra and satin are popular as are long tops with leggings, skirts, dresses, broad belts, chunky neckpieces and earrings, wedge heels, and round and peep-toe sandals.At Micky Chhabra-10, you can pick these checked skirts with big buttons for Rs 895 onwards. For a feminine touch, one can go in for the ones with laces and satin ribbons. A must pick here is a black satin piece for Rs 1,500. And for a delicate look, you can take your pick from the range in nets. Skirts in jute or tweed with embroidered flowers are also a rage.
“A few years ago, everyone from Punjab went to Delhi to shop for Western wear, now people come to Chandigarh to do their shopping. Fashion is not about high society; rather it is the latest trend that makes style and fashion. ,” he adds.The shops stock college wears with girls picking up black and brightly coloured stylised tops that cost between Rs 700 and Rs 1,800.
And the fashion statement doesn’t end there. You can even mix and match ganjees in different cuts and styles, with sleeveless jackets and capris. “The racer-back ganjees are a convenient pick for work-outs at the gym,” says Mehak, a customers who were busy shopping at Micky.
“Gangi and the frock style are in fashion, where blue is most in demand”, says the store sales girl.
Designed to look like a spaghetti from the front, the racer-back style gives you a closed back with deep-sleeve cuts. “I team the ganjees with jeans and while the look is casual, it’s definitely appealing,” she shares. Ganjees are the best pick when you go clubbing. Besides the heat inside the club, even the dancing gets you sweaty. So ganjees make for the ideal club wear,” she adds
“It’s about comfort yes. But more than that, summers are extremely harsh on your skin. You are constantly dehydrated and when you sweat, the cloth just agitates your skin. Ganjees become your best companions. In the gym, in college...you’re letting your skin feel free”, explains the store girl.
Owners Profile:
Who: Bhupinder Singh Chabbra
What: Cloth Merchant
Where: Chandigarh
Bhupinder Singh Chabbra, owns the two stores in the city. Dealing with fabrics for Chabbra is no different; he is into trading of fabrics, handlooms, bed sheets since years now.

La Opulence in City Beautiful

“La Opulence”, a leading name in hair styling, professional beauty care and skin treatments, launched another branch, which is second in the city in Sector 15. The salon specialised in hair colouring, hair styles and hair treatments like dandruff, scalp purifying and hair spa.

The unit head and Beauty Expert, Ms Grace, feels that the experts are the best gurus. “It is very important that the skin and the hair is taken care by the experts. La Opulence provides all kinds of skin treatments i.e, acne, pigmentation, dark circles, wrinkles, open pores, oily and dry skin treatments with deep analysis and expertise in all types of skin texture”.
She is a well known trainer and pioneer beauty expert with experience of more than 8 years in hair and skin care.

Sonia, another beauty expert at the saloon knows how to use her specialisation of make-up available for different occasions. “I advice my customer not to follow the trend, rather go, which is best suited according to the skin texture. Smoky and waterproof are best for summers, while light make up is prefect for any formal occasion”.
The hairstylists are the best in male and female, which includes trendy cuts, coloring techniques, waving, relaxing and hair extensions.

Sahil, a senior hair designer believes in imparting different looks to every customer. “Customers ask for different hair colour, there are styles called chunks, which can be done in red, pink and blue. In fire colours we have red, gold and copper touch, which are very popular among the younger generation. For changing style there is shacky cut, which is an all time favourite”.

About the hairs and styles, Sahil is quite to add, “Hair styles depend upon our personality and the hair quality”.
He is one of the best hair designers available in the City Beautiful, having experience of over 10 years.

Wella Professionals products are used for all type of hair treatments. "La Opulence" salon is also providing special packages for students which includes hair cut, head massage, shaving, threading for girls, cleansing at much discounted rates. The salon has well trained staff from Wella Professionals, who are considered best in the city. La Opulence has another branch in Sector 22, near Hotel Aroma, whose aim is to create trust and loyalty behind the chair.

BOX:
Keeping in mind the wide students community living in and around the sector, the La Opulence also announced a discount of 50 percent on its regular rates.


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Bridal Affair 09

Vivah , an unforgettable celebration, where no stone is left unturned. The Indian wedding industry, which is currently estimated at Rs 50,000, crore is all set to grow by 25 per cent annually. "The Indian Wedding" is no longer a traditional ritual but is fast turning into a mega buck moolah and donning a new corporate look, writes Mandeep Puri. The Countdown begins, as the wedding season is just round the corner and the wedding couples are in an extensive race of the stores to make sure they pick the best and give kaante ke takkar to each other. For all the dulhas, who are rather tired of flipping through fashion magazines, something they’ve never done before, and the dulhans, who are running through the window shopping eyeing to catch the best, here is something unique, an exhibition of its own kind, ‘The Bridal Affairs 09’.

Vivah is all about planning, planning for the Royal splendour and to show truly spirited Indian weddings. And, with this class and splendour, Rashmi Bindra , a city based Fashion creator , the brain behind this Mega Bridal Affair, gave the city beautiful an eco of the song that soars in the heart of every bride.
The Bridal Affair was a reflection of the dreams that resides in every bride and groom’s eye and gave a wholesome package to make every wedding a dream wedding. A trend that guided through a forte of designers to give Blushing Brides and Grooms the Exotic Attires, Contemporary Jewels, Accessories, Beauty and Spas, Memorable photography, Ultimate furnishing, Wedding Planners to colour their weddings bright, along with the traditional hues.

Dream wedding was a combination of style and elegance aiming to bring the manufacturers and buyers under one roof catering for the budgets of people from each and every strata of life.

"Dream Weddings was one the first bridal event in the city, wherein people got a chance to pick and choose from the best designers who created the perfect wedding dress for them, make best bargains in jewellery, right information on designing from the wedding planners, book the best photographers who will frame your memorable moments, to buying the best home furnishing items as well, to selecting exotic flowers for decoration. The main consideration was providing everything at nominal prices”, said Reshmi Bindra.

So, if you were eying a designer lehenga for 50,000 grands, at Dream Wedding the same was available at 20,000. A reason why to drop at the exhibition was the clientele. With or without recession, marriages will always be a grand affair and people don't mind splurging on it.

Bridal affair, a two-day wedding exhibition at Taj, Chandigarh gave a chance to indulge into the world of weddings. From trousseau to planning, the event here gave you a chance to pick jewellery, accessories, furnishings, wedding menu, freezing the moments in style and an exotic honeymoon.
The exhibitors’ arena layered the bride’s wardrobe with designer lehengas, saris and cocktails dresses in innovative cuts and styles. The price range started at Rs 5,000 onwards. Designs from Geeta’s design studio, Phagwara had plenty of options for all the festivities involved. Swarovski embellished saris with layers and frills, evening gowns with traditional embroidery for an Indo-western look and zari and gotta worked suits for that formal yet traditional look.

Adding a little style, they gave each affair a different look. For related festivities cocktails dresses and themed kitty party wear in bright hues and minimal embellishments made for good options. The collection here was between Rs 4,000 to Rs 40,000.
Aashma fashion studio from Jaipur had a collection that was elegant and trendy. Both formal and semi formal collection, it comprised of ghad suits, kurtis, angrakhas, designer cholis (less on bling), yet embellished with patchwork gotta and doris. And it was bright hues like orange, greens and reds that called for attention. The other designs included Aabis, Aura, Diyaz from Delhi, Adna collection from Amritsar, Vanillastyle from Mumbai and Riwaaz form Lucknow.

Gunjan Nagpal, a Panchkula bases designer had something for everyone. Her collection , 'Aura', not only had something for the dulha and dulhan, but also had a bit for everyone who will be a part of the affair. "The bride and the groom are the centre of attraction at a marriage. However, I have also focused on the nanka dadkas, saki saheliyan and the dresses of yaar dost”, said Gunjan.

Designer jewellery from Orra, D’ Dmas and Nakshatra took every heart away, while the trendy imitation jewellery was worth checking out. Mehendi, tattoos and home furnishings in exquisite fabrics was another thing to look for. Rinaldi designs, Joy and Peace from Kashmir gave the right ambience. Decorated baby shower baskets, shagun thalis was other important tit-bits.

But, in case if the shopping doesn’t interest you then this might. Book yourself a helicopter doli or flower shower from the air. Now, that’s shaadi with a twist
The beauty advice and plans was taken care by VLCC.

Earlier, the exhibition was inaugurated by Mrs. Jean Rodrigues, President, Indian Council for Child Welfare,

Be sure about your gymnasoum

Everyone wants to get fitter but with the pace of today's lifestyle it can be difficult to find time and place where people can avail all fitness activities under one roof.
Many of us have even considered working out at home and have purchased gym equipment that is currently being used as a 'clothes horse' in the spare bedroom!
Thus, to cater to the need of fitness conscious people, a fitness centre has everything that one desires to be fit. From ultra-modern facilities like spa, steam bath, aerobics, yoga to fitness machines, Platinum Fitness and Spa Centre in Sector 8 has a whole lot to offer to its clients.
Besides exercises, the experts conduct aerobics, body sculpting and yoga classes. Platinum has a team of 14 qualified trainers, which impart training to about 650 members.

“People have wrong notions about physical fitness. They have set their own standards and examples for it. But physical fitness in real sense is entirely different from what they conceive”, say Manish Kumar the manager. Platinum fitness centre call people with five components, physically fit.Aerobic fitness: Aerobic, is the ability to do moderately hard activity over a period of time. During the work the heart and lungs work together to supply oxygen to the body. Heart and lungs of people with aerobic fitness work well and they are able to do moderate hard activity over a period of time. The aerobics classes are held eight times a week, which is complimentary for their platinum members.

Power YogaThe classes for the Power Yoga is held eight times in a week (6 in morning and 2 in evening). The trainers aim not only on the relaxation part but also takes keen interest in toning the body, which includes yoga meditation and body toning.

Ab Blaster Classes
The aim of the Ab blaster classed is to the ton the stomach, which takes place six days a week.

Gaqattack Classes A 45 minute class that helps to ton the lower part of the body (Six days a week).

The Aerobics, Power Yoga, Abblaster and Gaqattack classes are given complimentary to all platinum members.

Muscular EnduranceAre you able to hold a two-pound weight above your head for five minutes or lift that weight 20 consecutive times? Then, you have muscular endurance. Muscular endurance is the capacity to hold a particular position for a sustained period of time or repeat a movement many times. At Platinum, a special guidance is given keeping in mind the aim for the exerciser.

Muscular StrengthIt is the ability to use maximum force or to lift the heaviest weight that you can move. Only when you have Muscular Strength in all area of your body, you can lift the heaviest weight that you can move. The cardio and strengthening exercise at the Platinum are given keeping in mind the medical and the exercising history of the member. ”A through discussion is held before any member start s with the exercises. Our main target is to retain the customers for a longer period providing them with personal touch and care”, explains Manish.
Walking is a lifetime exerciseWalking is a good exercise. Nowadays people walk rarely. They greatly depend on vehicles to reach the, even though it is at walking distance. Walking on a treadmill is a best exercise for all age group. The treadmill at the Platinum takes undue care so that the body joints or the muscles does not pain.

City becoming a hub for fashion industry

With a growing number of people becoming fashion conscious these days, Chandigarh is carving out a niche for itself in the world of fashion. It is all set to become country’s new fashion hub, as being a home to several fashion institutes in Punjab, the satellite city offers a valuable platform for all budding designers in showcasing their creative work.
With the state-of-the-art Fashion Technology Park coming up in Mohali, the township along with Chandigarh is all poised to become India’s new fashion hub, a venture that will develop this region as the Indian fashion mart.
India has a rich ancient fashion conscious culture. We must take a cue from these ancient concepts to prepare clothes and other products for the international market for export purposes. The upcoming park would not only attract domestic dealers but also foreign investors. It would also generate direct and indirect employment for the educated youth of Punjab, besides the village artisans and rural women folk.
The tri city is fast emerging as a hub of creative talent and creative skills of the younger generation. Earlier while the Punjabi customers used to go to Delhi and Mumbai for designer outfits, now it is all available closer home. Many Bollywood stars and some of India’s top fashion models recently are now turning their eyes towards the tri city. An annual design collection show that was held in the last week of May, saw a plethora of a range of designs by student designers from the Fashion design as well as the knitwear design and technology programme. Technology seems to be getting the best of fashion. Over the years, our textiles and clothing traders have gained substantial knowledge and expertise about sourcing products. They are able to cater for the preferences of a diverse customer base. They have developed global supply chains which respond promptly to world fashion trends and seasonal demands as well as the ability to deliver quality products with a short lead time.
While major retailers are putting more emphasis on branding and design to differentiate and upgrade the image of their products, our garment industry has been diversifying into services complementary to manufacture.
From boutique fashion to abstract designs and innovative surface ornamentations, the city best at display for the domestic and international market.
Fashion is not just about models sashaying down the ramp wearing beautiful designer creations. It is a complete industry and thus requires tackling the key market issues and outlining the business principles and ethics, besides encouraging entrepreneurship.
Insightful and thought provoking, as it is termed, the forum challenges the key market issues and hopes to deliver ideas for fashion business planning, development and innovation. It will also highlight the creativity of Indian fashion as it beaks through the global market.
The most powerful resource that is currently riding the nation is the youth. While the general elections proved the point, another area that believes in cashing in on youthful energy and creativity is fashion.
“The future of fashion in Chandigarh is defined by the young talent. City is fast growing, becoming upcoming Fashion center. Not only the national brands, but even the international brands are making it to the tri city, thus making a wider prospective for the designers”, says Ahbilasha Bhardwaj, working as a merchandiser in a private firm.
Garment design these days is taken as a serious design business where concept plays the most important role. You look out of someone who can talk design, was pleasantly surprised to rediscover that it does not take a degree to understand aesthetics.
The apt depiction of the rock revolution is shown in form of pointers: the rock music, spiked up hair, highlighted anecdotes from the 80’s.Destruction and then reconstruction formed a major part of the lifestyle the rock band had to project which is seen in the fashionable denim collection flooded in their stores. What is Important for a designer is to consider the aesthetic, functional, and many other aspects of an object or a process, which usually requires considerable research, thought, modeling and some interactive adjustment. Design underpins every form of creation from objects to the way we plan and execute our lives.
“In Chandigarh see a movement, a passion for constant change and appreciation is reflected in the way the youth churns out the ensembles season after season advocating a design process which encourages collaboration. The result is a lifestyle that so seamlessly integrates and makes us proud as wearers and dwellers of this city beautiful”, says Dr Prabhdip Brar, an Artist, art historian and designer and presently Head, knitwear design and technology department, NIIFT.
Some of the major Fashion Institute in Tricity:
INTER NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FASHION DESIGN (INIFD)
INIFD, the world's largest Design Institute was launched by famous designer ‘Ritu Beri’ in 1995 which is now backed by world's top design institute, IMB, Milan (Italy). INIFD has technical collaboration with eighty years old Annamalai University.INIFD is proud to have produced over one lac student Designers and more than five thousand students have been recently recruited by top international brands like Tommy Hilfiger, United colors of Benetton, Wills Lifestyle, Esprit, Pantaloons, Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, J.J.Valaya House, Raymonds, Godrej, Durian to name a few. In 14 years, INIFD has also produced star designers who have designed for movie Jodha Akbar, Balaji Telefilms,Prince Charles, Amitabh Bachhan, Shahrukh Khan, Angelina Jolie and all top stars including the Set Designs for bollywood superhits ‘Vivah’ & ‘Apne’. INIFD has a Placement Tie -up with Arvind Murjani Brands for Tommy Hilfiger, the leading International Brand. Northern Institute of Fashion Technology
Northern India Institute of Fashion technology was set up in 1995 and an MOU was signed with National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi to guide and help us right through the admission procedure, faculty recruitment and training to the smooth planning and running of the courses. Mohali is the perfect location in regard of cohering the various garment industries situated in Ludhiana, Baddi, Derabassi and Chandigarh, which is fast emerging as an important centre in the fashion scenario of the country.Thus, NIIFT was set up to play a key role in crossing the chasm between the requirement and availability of trained professionals in the industry. The fourteen year old Institute imparts knowledge comparable with international standards provided by a very competent and learned faculty. Also the constant interaction with the garment industry instills in the students, the confidence in their own ability to keep up with the competitive industrial world.

EBONY, Chandigarh

Ebony, a word that is synonymous with retail revolution in India, has been offering its valued customers an array of the very best products and labels, all under one roof. Ebony has acquired a distinct leadership position in the Indian retail industry. Ebony is among the first to offer the Indian shoppers an international shopping experience.
One store that characterized an ambience that is comfortable, unobtrusive, spacious and backed by international service standards.
Partnerships with some of the best companies in India today gives the Ebony loyalist a wide range of high quality products to choose from among well-known apparel brands, household items, cosmetics and personal care products, Jewellery, fashion accessories, books and music, stationery, household items, furnishing, crystal ware and even prams.
The home floor at each store is truly a homemaker's delight, with products ranging from crockery and kitchen appliances to the finest linen, bathroom accessories, furniture, carpets and even gardening equipment. A number of these products are imported and exclusive to Ebony. Sourced from across the world, these products are a reflection of Ebony's endeavor to offer superior merchandising mix at the most affordable prices.

When Ebony first opened its doors to the discerning Indian consumer in 1994 in New Delhi, it had little idea of the retail revolution that was about to sweep the country. Leading the revolution and with a core aim to bring a global shopping experience to India, Ebony has, ever since, successfully opened seven stores across 7 Indian cities.
Most notable among them are the highly successful Ebony in-house brand ETC and a special books and music venture called Wordsworth.

The store utilised a total of 30,000 Sqft, thus making it a one stop shop for customers offering wide range of lifestyle & Personal care products, household items, mens wear, ladies and kids wear

Attracting over 8000 people everyday, with the figure doubling over the weekends, the Ebony stores cater to over 50% of a consumer's shopping basket. Ebony is known for its innovative promotions that offer value-add benefits to shoppers across all stores, right through the year. Besides cross promotions, regular impromptu promotions keep excitement alive within the stores

Ebony Elite Club comprising of 73000 Ebony loyalists. The Ebony Elite club offers its members to accumulate bonus points against shopping. These are redeemable at regular intervals through special promotional schemes. Special customers, from among the Elite club members are issued the Ebony Gold Card that offers them many additional privileges and entitles them to avail of the discounts at the various food and entertainment joints in the city in which Ebony is present

The home floor at each store is truly a homemaker's delight, with products ranging from crockery and kitchen appliances to the finest linen, bathroom accessories, furniture, carpets and even gardening equipment. A number of these products are imported and exclusive to Ebony. Sourced from across the world, these products are a reflection of Ebony's endeavor to offer superior merchandising mix at the most affordable prices.
entire spectrum of fashion accessories ranging from costume jewelry, hair accessories, kids jewelry, fun cosmetics, fun watches, pedicure/ manicure set, gift boxes and beautiful phone accessories. add zing to their hair accessories rack there is a special collection of Hair sticks, Hair pins, Hair clips / Butterfly clips, Ponytailers, Bandana, Curlers and other hair products as per latest trends.
Also latest styles will be available in Scarves, Bags, Belts, Wallets, Socks / Caps, Gift boxes, Fun pouches and Phone Accessories for the people who believe in setting trends by adopting the latest styles. On offer will also be new range of pedicure and manicure sets.
In addition to the above kids will also love to shop for the latest accessories at the Ebony store for its special collection of kids jewelery and accessories under the Envy brand. Also adding to fun will be a host of fun watches and fun cosmetics.
Ebony is also planning to have special display and promotional techniques for promoting the Envy range in an innovative
ETC, an in-house private label of Ebony known for its exclusive and exceptional range of versatile wardrobe in formal, casual, woolen and eveningwear has introduced a range of specially designed options for Men, Women and Kids as a part of their autumn winter collection.
ETC Men’s Collection: A stylish yet comfortable line, the ETC’s men’s collection is targeted at the new age metrosexual man who keeps track of all the latest fashion trends.
This Autumn Winter ETC Men’s Shirts range is coming up with “Gold Street Collection” for stylish yet sophisticated men in fine crafted 2 Ply 100% Cotton woven shirts in various design textures and treatments such as Dobbies, Stripes, Herringbones, Checks apart from the 100% Cotton range in Pin-point Oxford and Fil-a-Fil. These shirts are available in a range of exciting colors such as Cool blue, Crocus green, Butter yellow and Burnt orange, Mint Green, Powder Pink, some new shades in blues, greens, browns apart from two exclusive ranges in Whites & Blacks in various weaves, counts, constructions & designs. These shirts have been priced affordably between Rs. 699/- to Rs. 899/- and Rs. 1099/- for “Gold Street Collection”
ETC’s trousers collection features woven trousers in PV Cotton Lycra, PV Cotton Linen & Poly-Viscose with Chintz Finish, Sand blasted Corduroys, Silicon Treated Cottons in pleated, non-pleated, Boot-cuts fit styling in self-structures designs and stripes. These are available in vibrant colors of Fawn, Beige, Acru, Anthra, Olive Green, Blue, Earth and the ever-popular Black, Grey and Brown Shades. The trousers are available in the range of Rs. 799/- to Rs. 1099/-.
This season Ebony is coming out with a new private label by the name “Off-Track” for mens casualwear & clubwear range. This segment is targeting to the young trendy fashionable youths who looks for latest fashion all the time in affordably priced range. This range includes exciting collections in Shirts, Trousers, Cargos, Jackets, T-Shirts & Accessories, which includes some cool range in Belts & Bags. These casuals and clubline are set to get you rocking with vibrant colours such as Mint Green, Baby Pink, Turquoise, Peach, Red and Yellow in very stylish Traditional Motifs, Paisley Prints, Polka Dots, Floral Prints, Geometric Designs, Engineered Stripes. The fabric includes Poplins, Voils, Codroys & Cotton-Lycra. The Casuals are priced between Rs. 499/- and Rs. 1999/-ETC Womens’ Collection:The merchandise mix consists of T Shirts, Sweat Shirts, Tops, Kurtis, Formal Shirts , Trousers , Skirts, Business Suits, Jackets, Sweaters and Ethnic Wear.
The womens collection features T Shirts in the colours – red, black , pink, orange, white, turq, green. These are available in stripes, solids with prints, all over prints and embellished .The embellishments have been more of sequence in various shapes and sizes. The fabrics are interlock, rib, viscose, lycea.Price range is from 295/- to 495/- in casuals and 395/- to 695/- in formals.
The other woven tops and kurtis are in the colours wine, black, red, maroon, pink, teal, dusky pink to old rose, cinnamon, orange. These are available in solids, prints and emboried. Use of big sequence coins and brocade has been used in kurtis for a chunky look. Jeweled necklines in gold and silver have been prominent. This range caters to the festive season. The fabrics used are georgette( solid and print), cotton, poplin lycre and silkin various varieties suchy as dupion, short silk, cotton silk.Price Range:495/- to 1295/-
Formal shirts are more in stripes and solids. Colour range is Black, blue, beige, red and other earthy tones.Price; 495/- to 695/-
Trousers / suits / Jackets:The colors used are shades of black, navy, beige and brown. Fabrics that are prominent are codroy, micro fabrics, light weight tweed, herringbone and other structure. Stripes and self fabrics are used.
Price Range: Trousers 795/- to 995/-Jackets: 1895/- to 2495/-Suits: 295/- to 2895/-
Sweaters are available in eye-catching bright colours like fusline, tuq, red, orange, black, green. They are available at a price range of 695/- to 995/-. A prominent feature of sweaters is that they are fully fashioned. Skirts have been, crinkled to flowy georgettes and structured office wear skirts.
A new range that has been introduced in the womens Etc category is the Ethenic mix n match collection, This comprices of Kurtas, Salwars , Churidars and Dupattas .This caters to both casual college and office wear to the festive look. Fabrics are cotton and silk.Price Point: 395/- to 695/-
ETC Range KIDS(Winter 2005-06):The ETC Kids range offers a range of clothes for the cutely mischievous kids. On offer are Jeans/Trousers/T-shirts/Sweat Shirts/Jackets/Pullover for boys while for the girls Jeans/Trousers/Skirts/Tops/T-shirt/Sweat Shirts /Shirt/Dresses. A variety of pink, strong tones like red, orange, turquoise, lime, Neutrals like khaki, olive, brown in kids range are a definite puller for the generation next kids. Stripes, florals, embroidery, appliqué, beading & sequins, patchwork effect with contrasting fabric, lace trims & ribbons add to the exquisite range available at Ebony. The apparels are available in different fabrics like Cotton, Cotton Lycra, Denim, Wool, velvet, corduroy, coarse knits, jersey, interlock which prove best for winters.
For toddlers, Ebony has a wide

ETC, the in house private label of Ebony is known for its exclusive and exceptional range of versatile wardrobe in formal, casual, wollen and eveningwear range of clothing in Men, Women and Kidswear at affordable price. This very delicate balance of providing quality and price has been only possible because the products have been sourced directly from the finest domestic manufactures and suppliers like Arvind Mills. The specification and criteria for choosing a supplier is the manufacturing capacity, quality, contrasts, and inspection of machinery setup. Each product category is analysed on this critical matrix. ETC’s growth has been driven and guided by its commitment to high standards and genuine innovation.


The Clothing Section:
Ebony offer a variety of ethnic wear for both men and women. Be it the traditional saree, salwars, kurtis or fusion ensembles, there is no dearth of choice. Whether it is off-the-rack apparel or designer outfits, clothes at Ebony are special. The range of mens wear is wide too. Ethnic wear, achkans, churidhar sets are the popular buys.
Natalia, a premium brand in women's western ready-to-wear garments, have launched the entire range, through a shop in shop display at the various Ebony outlets in Delhi, South Delhi and West Delhi, Noida, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and Chennai. Natalia has ensured the availability of their garments in the major Indian markets through their tie up with Ebony.The collection from Natalia includes a range of formal and semiformal styles of shirts, trousers, jackets, capris, shorts, dresses to shirts, blouses, camisoles, T-shirts and a lot more.The garments have been designed using the latest fabric trends in feel and colours, making them comfortable and elegant to wear. These garments are available in a range of fabrics in cotton, blends of polyester, silk, linen, lycra, rayon and viscose.



Jewelry :
Traditionally, Indian women all over the world are extremely fond of jewelry. They love to deck themselves for festive occasions, weddings and social dos and make a statement about themselves through the kind of jewelry they wear. Ebony is the best place where one can find for an exclusive range of jewelry designs with brands like Ishis, D'damas, Cygnus, Sparkles, Adora Gili and Nirvana.

Ritu has something for all

Jewellery, an integral feature of woman’s dressing is always handed down from one generation to the next, with certain changes in style and design taking place every year around. Jewellery has shifted its focus from gold to diamonds and kundan.

Wearing authentic Jewellery in North Indian is well customized and ready to pick stores is a common sight. Among many, one name, which is a well trusted name among its customers, is Ritu Jain’s Jewellery Boutique.

Ritu Jain’s Jewellery Boutique is into business from past several years, which is managed by Ajit Jain and his wife, Ritu Jain from their residence in Sector 33-A. Ritu Jain is known for its designer jeweler, which is design by her daughter Khushboo Jain, who is a graduated in jewellery designing from NIFT, Hyderabad.
Khushboo designs traditional jewellery and gives them a modern touch.
It is entire Khusbhoo’s creative mind that is making Ritu jain, a popular name within the city. The diamonds that are used is Ritu’s own manufacturing, while the kundans are purchased from Rajkot.
Hall mark gold in jadau, Victorian and polki are her forte. Diamonds with a combination of pearls or any other coloured stones lend in a beautiful finish. Jadau variations of pearls, phirozas, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and neat setting give to some delicate to heavy sets.
Buying original pieces of jewellery cast into necklaces, earrings, bracelets, jewellery for girls, men and wedding stones, pearls, you name it, Ritu has it.
A 100 per cent return guarantee, the jewellery is shown to the customer in a homely atmosphere. The pendent sets range starts from Rs 12,000 and kundan sets come from one lakh onwards.
A boutique that has some exotic pieces of jewellery in haath phuls, tikkas, nose ring, anklets, danglers, jhumkies and normal sets from every day wear to wedding specials.
Last but not the least, the Solitaire rinds, with trendy designs awaits for you at Ritu’s Jewellery Boutique.

Can be highlighted:
As the designing is entirely Khushboo’s own creation, Ritu Jain is soon coming up with a Designer Studio. The designer studio will redesign the old jewellery into new latest trends that are in fashion without dismantling the jewellery.

HEADMASTERS

Human persona defines the beauty and personality of an individual and gives them confidence. A haircut can affect the way a person looks. Every individual whether men, women or children long to possess good beautiful hair and also well cared bodies and it is this desire that have led people to salons. Salons have come to occupy an important place in the present environment. With the growing hair care among people the salon culture has spread across the entire world. With globalization around, inter connectivity of ventures have immensely increased. Thus the city Chandigarh too has progressed. HEADMASTERS in the city has come a long way.
Headmasters has grown within the city from a small area to a complete Wellness zone. The entire team of 120 professionals cares to the extent of pampering one who visits Headmasters. For basic hair services to beauty services to an exclusive spa, HEADMASTERS has everything within itself. Over the time, with dedication it is a brand in the city that understands the human persona.
“Not only the salon makes you look fresh but to make you feel fresh as well, the Salon has an in house small café. From cold to hot beverages – anything that ones heart would desire comes in without any extra cost” says Jagneet Keith. Over the time period it has earned a customer loyalty as they have maintained the service standards as well as kept the market trends as their added advantage. Today it holds a client loyalty of a decade, and further more to add to their aspirations international brands. We can clearly demarcate Headmasters salon as a Co-branding which uses multiple brand names to market a single product or service. “Customer care is our foremost priority. Salons these days are done up keeping in mind customers who spend a good deal of time here. The idea is to pamper them so that they are de-stressed”, adds Japneet Keith. With brands like Wella professional, Pevonia international, and Richfeel clinic it not only has changed the outlook but also added progressive strategies to it. By providing all services head to toe, under one roof. To pamper and care before special occassions, Headmasters take a keen interest to offer the best. As a client is cared for thoroughly, the body and skin is looked well before occassions like weddings. Specialialized treatments like back polish, neck pampering, elbow treatments help one take care of the neglected facts. The packages come at a discount as high as 40 per cent and free consultations are offered. Headmasters suggest to feel and look good, one must plan before their event. Also should seek professional advice as to the hair look, coloring and other treatments. Priyanka Gill , the beauty manager suggest for a healthy looking skin a good skin care regime of cleansing , toning and moisturizing should be followed . Application of a sunscreen is a must before one step out in the sun. One should also exfoliate the skin once a week to get rid of the dead skin. For a clear supple complexion the water intake should be adequate. Healthy eating should be followed, avoiding junk foods. One should exercise and follow a routine which leaves you with a good 8 hour sleep. For more pampering visit Headmasters to not only look good but feel good, as they make sure they caress you with lots of love and care.