The Theme for International Women’s Day 2021 is very apt.
It is “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.” The emphasis is on the word “equal.” The current circumstances of the pandemic are truly very unique, when we have had to adopt the “new normal” and work hard for economic recovery. We must celebrate women who have been in the frontline of this crisis, as doctors, health care workers, care givers and those that have helped the community rebuild lives. But most of all, the Message I would like to highlight is Gender Equality, the woman’s right in decision making, as well as the end of all violence towards women. For gender equality, let us continue working for women’s education, skill development, financial independence, self-reliance and woman power.
Taj Mahal, New Delhi unveiled the re-imagined and re-designed avatar of The Chambers, India’s first and most revered business club. It enjoys an illustrious patronage since its inception over four decades ago. The new Chambers at Taj Mahal, New Delhi offers classic elegance in a contemporary setting in the capital’s landmark location with stunning views of the city’s skyline. With the recent launch of The Chambers Global Membership, members can enjoy enhanced privileges and benefits.
Mr. Satyajeet Krishnan, Area Director
Mr. Satyajeet Krishnan, Area Director– New Delhi and General Manager,Taj Mahal, New Delhi said, “It is for a community of members, who are accomplished acclaimed achievers. The renovated Chambers with elegant and stylish spaces, and a world class restaurant offering modern gourmet cuisine will give members access to an uber-luxury private and exclusive club at the city’s most distinguished address. Taj Mahal, New Delhi has been on a transformational journey for the past 18 months and with the new Machan, Emperor’s Lounge, tastefully done rooms and now The Chambers, we look forward to welcoming guests to the next chapter of the hotel’s illustrious history.”
The Chambers Lounge F&B
Boardroom Longchamp
It provides members a haven to conduct business or simply unwind. New features include Rayasina, a 60-seater restaurant; seven meeting rooms, of which the design of one is by the renowned Italian luxury brand, Stefano Ricci; The Chambers Lounge, a sophisticated bar; and a cigar lounge. Rayasina and The Lounge offer Indian and international cuisine, rich in flavours and exquisite in its presentation. The menu features several world classics with a modern twist and specially-crafted menus for power breakfasts or light, relaxed meal. Cheese-wine pairings, dark chocolate, almond boards & wide range of beverages are some added touches to the unparalleled experience. The service as always is warm, discreet yet highly personalized.
The Chambers, today, has presence across seven marquee Taj hotels in six cities. Including Dubai, and will soon have its presence in London and Bengaluru.
Actor Divyanka Tripathi, an icon for female empowerment, was the guest of honour at the inaugural ceremony of Phoenix Marketcity, Mumbai’s annual Power Women Fiesta. Now in its 9th edition, this mega celebration at Mumbai’s largest shopping destination. That has grown from strength to strength and is held every year in recognition and support of International Women’s Day. This year’s theme “Unapologetically You”, encourages women to be their uninhibited, authentic selves. With a host of exclusive offers, engaging activities and complimentary services that are sure to create great excitement. And add to the spirit of celebration.
The event also included a showcase of the work of NGO PRASAD Chikitsa. In the creation and maintenance of women’s self-help groups, healthcare, education and community development in rural Maharashtra.
In addition, the mall has also lined up a month-long calendar of engaging activities for women and is gearing up for a series of masterclass sessions from styling workshops by fashion stalwarts like Bhavana Pandey, Nandita Mahtani, Dolly Sidhwani to an art masterclass by Brenda Miller. So brace yourselves to celebrate the power of women and pamper yourself at Mumbai’s largest shopping destination, Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla!
FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week Making history after more than a decade-and-a-half, powerhouses of fashion & beauty in India – Lakmé Fashion Week (LFW) jointly organised by Lakmé & RISE Worldwide (formerly IMG Reliance). And Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) are set to showcase a joint schedule. This season as FDCI X Lakmé Fashion Week. The five-day phygital fashion event will be a combination of virtual and physical fashion showcases scheduled to take place. The 16th to 21st March 2021. The fashion extravaganza will kickstart with an opening show on 16th March 2021. The upcoming season will showcase a host of new, emerging talent and the biggest and most established names. From Delhi, Mumbai and other parts of the country that will set an unparalleled benchmark in innovations, sustainability, and creativity.
FDCI X Lakmé Fashion Week will feature the prestigious designer talent discovery programme GenNext. As well as promote modelling talent through FDCI’s #GetNoticed Model Hunt besides other innovations. Both FDCI and LFW will continue their buyer programmes launched last season as well.
Each of the virtual showcases has been created using state of the art technology during an extensively designed. And carefully planned on-ground shoot in Delhi led by FDCI and in Mumbai led by RISE Worldwide.
Catch them on the FDCI & Lakmé Fashion Week websites & social media pages.
Sunil Sethi, Chairman FDCI said, “The joint fashion schedule is a testament to the equal partnership between FDCI and Lakmé Fashion Week. This edition is a beginning of an era of collaborations. We look forward to this association enriching and benefitting the fashion community at large.”
Speaking about the upcoming joint fashion week, Ashwath Swaminathan, Head of Innovations, Lakmé said, “With FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week, we have the opportunity to provide new as well as established talent across the country a larger platform to showcase their work. And look forward to another successful edition of fashion week that opens more avenues.”
Sharing his views, Jaspreet Chandok, Head – Lifestyle Businesses at RISE Worldwide said, “With the upcoming joint edition, all participating talent have the opportunity to leverage the strengths that both, FDCI and Lakmé Fashion Week, bring to the table. It is going to be a season like none other before, and we look forward to seeing how this is received by the fashion community.”
The 31st batch of the coveted talent discovery program–GenNext. Has announced two winners who will be showcasing at the upcoming INIFD FDCI X Lakmé Fashion Week.
Since its inception in 2006, GenNext has introduced over 200 designers and has created a mentorship. A program that has brought a wave of innovation in the industry. The two winning designers Label Rahul Dasgupta by Rahul Dasgupta and Raffughar by Wajahat Rather were chosen through a virtual jury selection process.
The selected designers will be presenting their creations at ‘INIFD presents GenNext’ an eagerly awaited show at the joint fashion week being organized by Lakmé, RISE Worldwide (formerly IMG Reliance); and Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI),scheduled to be held between 16th to 21st March 2021.
Moreover…
The applicants were required to submit a video montage of their ensembles to complement their presentation. The applicants were shortlisted, and selected designerspresented their collections digitally to an expert jury comprising Ace Designer – Gaurav Gupta; Journalist, Author- Sujata Assomull;Fashion Consultant and GenNext Mentor – Sabina Chopra;Fashion Stylist & Creative Director –Gautam Kalra; Aashni& Co. owner-Aashni Shah; Headof Innovations, Lakmé– Ashwath Swaminathan and Head- Lifestyle Businesses, Rise Worldwide- Jaspreet Chandok.
Having been through a competitive selection process, the winning GenNext designers were then taken through a series of Masterclasses over three days with Sabina Chopra, the Lakmé Fashion Week team as well as industry experts. The sessions were host to help the winners understand the importance of brand building, guide them on the principles of business and marketing and were also given feedback and advice on their upcoming showcase and collection.
The INFID presents GenNext program has been recognize for identifying and providing young and talented designers. With an opportunity to enhance their skills and take the centre stage in the fashion industry. This season too, like the last, will give the rising stars the opportunity to showcase their ensembles to the world, virtually.
Miniya Turk is giving you a food rush on this International Women’s day with some scrumptious dishes like Corn & Cheese Sambousek, Spinach Feta Triangles, Bruchetta.
Corn & Cheese Sambousek
Spinach feta Triangles
Bruchetta
End your meal on a sweet note as the restaurant is offering a complimentary dessert for every woman diner this Women’s day. You get a range of dessert like Tiramisu, Dryfruit Vermicelli Kunafe, Baklava and much more. Seems like a good enough excuse to let go of your weight-loss resolutions!
Dryfruit Vermicelli Kunafe
Tiramisu
Baklava
There is no reason to not avail of this offer with your girl squad! So, pull yourself together, put on some lipstick because it’s time to whoop it up, ladies!
Where – Miniya Turk, Crescent Royale, Level one, Off New Link Road, Veera Desai Industrial road, Andheri West, Mumbai 400053 When – March 08, 2021
After the success and humongous appreciation received for EPs, ‘Mudra’ and ‘Sutra’ Rusha and Blizza stepped up their game with ‘Courage’, a Track that showcases the strong facets releasing on a boutique label Alfa Records based out of Liverpool and New Delhi.
Excerpts from an interaction with Rusha and Blizza
· How is ‘Courage’ different from ‘Sutra’ and Mudra?
Sutra and Mudra leaned towards ethnic elements and vocals. With Courage we tried to introduce another aspect of our sound, with future bass and heavy bass line
· What are the challenges you faced to bring international talent considering the lockdown?
Our old friend Chamy from Moscow introduced us to her Choreographer Igor and the dance crew and the moment we saw them in action, we decided to do a project with them. The video was shot in Moscow.
· Music has evolved over time; how do you keep yourself updated?
We started off with producing trap and hip hop. Our sound has been constantly evolving since then and we don’t want to limit ourselves to any genre. We listen to tastemakers, follow blogs, podcasts, radio stations and just sometimes leave it to the algorithms that the different streaming platforms we subscribe to suggest us.
· Whom do you derive inspiration from?
We drive information from artists we feel are honest with their music and have the courage to experiment.
· What is the core message you wish to give to your audience through Courage?
We tried to combine various art forms like music, dance, and film making. All 3 have been in an exhilarating and free-flowing motion. We hope the listeners can keep an open mind and give this a chance.
· What’s in the pipeline for 2021? Have you planned any On ground events and performances?
We have another fusion EP dropping next month, as well as an album dropping later this year. Since there isn’t enough clarity regarding live events, we haven’t planned anything yet, but will definitely plan in a responsible way when it’s safe for the audience.
About: Rusha
Paurush Kumar is known in the music fraternity by the name Rusha. Being an international lawyer by profession, his passion has always lied in music from a very early age. This has persuaded him to curate something new every time. He is now all geared to give wings to his creations and entertain the world with some exciting music.
About: Blizza
Getting his first dubstep music CD from a friend at the age of 18, Blizza (real name Aman Khare) started his journey in music ever since, striving to learn the art all by himself. Mastering sound design, mixing, and programming, Aman became a curator of his own kind of music in the genres of experimental hip hop, dubstep and trap. It was then that he moved completely into music creations making his passion for music his full-time profession and taking up shows, gigs at several events and even performing at various festivals.
The World University of Design (WUD) conferred the Critic’s Choice Award on French Artist Stephanie Le Beller Arpels in the field of Visual Arts to encourage and empower the diverse range of artists in the country. It looks at honoring talent showcasing the rich culture of art and designs across India, across different languages, regions, various cultures styles and themes
The formal award was handed over to Stephanie Le Beller Arpels by Dr Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor WUD. In view of the pandemic and adhering to the essential norms of social distancing, the ceremony was brief and private. The other eminent members present at the award ceremony were Qazi M Raghib, Art Director and Art Critic.
The Critics’ Choice Award is the brainchild of Dr. Sanjay Gupta – Vice Chancellor, World University of Design (WUD) and it has been institute by World University of Design (WUD) in 2019 in the field of visual arts to encourage and empower the diverse range of artists in the country, by honouring talent showcasing the rich culture of art across India, across different languages, regions, traditiond, art, cultures, styles and themes.. The award also carries a specially well-designed trophy and a certificate too.
Quotes
Dr. Sanjay Gupta (Vice Chancellor, World University of Design)
“I am happy to present the award to such a deserving and extraordinary self-taught artist. I’m sure this will set an example to young minds who know they have the potential but need slight push.”
Stephanie Le Beller Arpels
“I am very happy to receive the World University of Design Critic’s Choice Award. I am certain that the Critic’s Choice Award will contribute to bringing additional recognition to my work from collectors. And also that it will encourage young artists to persevere no matter the challenges.”
Ichit Anand, a freelance photographer who has worked with many Bollywood celebrities over the years, on 1st March 2021 did a photoshoot with Actor Karan Vohra in Cafe Distillery, Gurugram. Talking about the photoshoot, Karan said, “Everything that I have earned so far, the love, the fame- it’s all because of television. But the kind of characters that I have done were more or less the same. Now, I want to step out of them and try something new. That’s why I reached out to Ichit for this shoot and I am amazed the way he has planned and arranged everything.”
When asked why he chose to work with Ichit, he says, “I believe when two people have a good tuning between them, they are able to work smoothly and the outcome of that work is always the best. And to be honest I thought we’ll go to some outdoor location and do a casual shoot but the way Ichit has played with the props, lights and has used every possible spot for the shots, I just hope when we release the pictures, everyone sees his hardwork and shows us their love.”
To celebrate tourism and culture in both countries, Monaco Government Tourist Bureau and Srishti Jindal, Founder Swift Media International hosted an art and cultural evening in the capital. The cultural rendezvous, that also exhibited artworks by Modern Indian masters, recreated a glamorous night in the beautiful European country of Monaco at the Stainless Art Gallery on February 27th Saturday.
It was a homage to art, gastronomy and fine wine. Guests saw beautifully curated videos of picturesque Monaco and enjoyed delicacies of the province. There was also a display of Indian art and International Art as an ode to the importance of cross cultural exchange. The magnificent works of prominent Indian masters such as MF Hussain, FN Souza , B Prabha, Satish Gujral are there along with International contemporary artists such as Brendan Murphy and Fidia falaschetti.
Guests having a gala time while playing Casino at the event
Visitor at the gallery viewing the artworks
As the second smallest and one of the richest countries in the world, Monaco has in common with India, a shared love for community, culture and globe-trotting. With the country’s cuisine and ambient charm flowing throughout the evening, guests were one step closer to exploring the luxury destination and reliving a fabulous night in it.
Srishti Jindal, Parul Gupta
Abhyuday Jindal, Srishti Jindal, Venkatesh Jindal
Srishti Jindal, Priyanka Modi
QUOTE
Speaking on the occasion Srishti Jindal said, “ We have been working with Monaco Tourism in India for several years now and we had been planning the evening for quite some time. Unfortunately, it was late because of the ongoing pandemic. We have always been passionate about promoting cross art, cultural dialogue and so we were delighted to host this evening. It was an exciting joint effort and I think we were successful in rousing that sense of wanderlust to experience and explore the world at a time when the world is more closed than ever. Something I consider an important feat given there is no experience quite as educational and impactful as travel.”
(L-R)Vidit Bahri, Nikita Jajodia, Arjun Soni, Simer Soni
Abhyuday Jindal, Gobind Akoi, Deepika Jindal
Eminent guests and friends, who are also art aficionados . Like Nikunj Jajodia, Priyanka Modi, Parul Gupta,Astha Singhvi, Abhishek Khaitan, Govind Akoi, among others were present. Guests were given personalised Monaco themed portraits. Also, Monaco themed diaries made by celebrated Indian designer Rahul Mishra and stunning bespoke flower arrangements as a parting gift.
