Retropoplifestyle

Touching your Souls with Music

Rusha and Blizza

Producers/DJs, Rusha & Blizza in association with Alfa Records, Rusha & Blizza released their second EP ‘Sutra’. Across six tracks, we hear an interconnected emphatic, genre-fluid approach that incorporates sound design and beat-making, arguably catapulting the duo into an elevated territory in the Indian music realm.

In an exclusive interview with RetroPop Lifestyle, the duo opens up about the inspiration and the making of ‘Sutra”

· What is new about ‘Sutra’ and how is it different from ‘Mudra’?

Sutra further builds upon the fusion sound design that we had created with Mudra. We tried to incorporate more experimental and electronic elements to Sutra.

· After the success of ‘Mudra’ what is the response you are expecting from ‘Sutra’ ?

With Sutra we seek to reach the right listeners for our sounds. We put a lot of effort in the visuals, videos and concept. We hope are quite satisfied with the overall package and we hope our listeners approve.

· What’s has been the inspiration behind ‘Sutra’?

Sutra was made during these tough times when almost everyone is going through an emotional rollercoaster, we have been lucky to be able to sustain ourselves and stay safe, but many others have had their world turned upside down. That is why we wanted to give in to our vulnerability, while hoping for a better future, we tried to present these emotions through Sutra.

· What made you think of coming up with a video for the EP?

Some tracks ignite certain thoughts and desires, which are very visual. We felt that ‘Kaise’ was a track that would be complete with the right video.

· What are the challenges you faced while curating music during the lockdown?

There are definitely logistical challenges. We ended cancelling our photoshoot and there are no avenues for physical promotion. Our video was shot with a minimal crew. In terms of digital curation, things are more robust than they have ever been. More people have adapted to technology and have been far more responsive than before. Zoom interviews have opened opportunities in places we would’ve overlooked.

· The overall scene of music has evolved and is more digital today, how do you look at your music catching up with the change?

Our music has always been digital and we consider ourselves better producers than performers. We used to primarily focus on SoundCloud from 2014-17, but since then have realized that our music must be released on all major platforms, while focusing more on platforms better suited for our music.

· What’s more in the pipeline coming from you guys?

We have 2 singles and an album already complete. A few videos have been shot and many more in the works. We are also working on our next ep. Some of our new work is a complete departure from our previous work. We just want to stay true to our day one moto “courage to the experimental”.

The Surge of Digital & Influencer Marketing in Fashion & Lifestyle brands

An Insight

By Anuja Deora Sanctis

The year 2020 is surely a year that is going to go down in the history of mankind. Not only did this year bring along with it the most uncertain of memories but also introduced us to acknowledge the capacity that the digital medium holds. While the entire world was in a lockdown and physical contact had to be maintained, it was digital and social media which kept everyone stay connected and updated with the happenings.

Digital media has played a great role in helping fashion and lifestyle brands create a buzz. Whether it’s the brand-led campaigns highlighting the ongoing sentiments or through influencer collaboration, leading high-end fashion brands have utilized the power of social media and influencer media very smartly. While offline marketing has been severely affected due to the Covid-19 situation, online marketing has come out as a saviour for brands by stabilizing their sales by reaching out to the customers digitally. With a pattern of discount offers available and delivery for the products being easily possible, with contact-less delivery, Influencer Marketing has come as a boon in sustaining businesses.

Fashion and Lifestyle brands have seen an increase in its usage thanks to Celebrity seeding and the rise of nano and micro-influencers. Brands like L’Occitane India, Loreal, Mustela, etc. have been seen using a mix of micro, macro, and nano influencers in an engaging manner, to build momentum before the festive seasons. L’Occitane India has been doing some interesting influencer activity, and they recently conducted a giveaway contest for their best-selling product – Reset Face Serum & Divine Oil. The activity looked very engaging, as they asked followers to use the hashtag #FlowerPower in creating a chain of growth. Such initiatives not only help in organic reach but also excite the audience via giveaways.

Influencer marketing continues to play a major role in evolving customer behaviour. Right from brand awareness to purchase retaining them, influencers affect customers and help them build a correct choice. Influencers not only highlight the product but also teach them how to use the product as per their skin type. This helps in building trust, faith, and brand belief. This is a key reason for influencer marketing becoming a go-to option for lifestyle brands.

With work from home situation, not going anytime soon, influencers and digital content creators too have adopted in terms of creating content. There are no more outdoor shoots, which has led to influencers opting for a more creative aspect of doing so by arranging shoots at home by doing their own hair and makeup. Therefore, giving a new and relatable twist to the content which otherwise would have been managed outside amidst flashy studio lights and colourful drapes which might not be that preferred by some customers/viewers. This new concept brings along with it a breath of fresh content and something that the customers could find more personalised.

With the festive season coming up, and consumers now spending on festive shopping, brands are all going gung-ho in approaching the right celebrity which fits the brand appeal. Brands have also increased their ad-spends keeping in mind gifting for influencers. To have a sense of normalcy, users have now turned towards buying online. Brands are also shifting their marketing budgets to digital advertising. The promotional activities are expected to be more aggressive this year to further sales amid a slowdown across sectors. Around 20%-30% of a brand’s budget is skewed towards influencer marketing this year.

For me, the festive season brings with it a time to gift near and dear ones and luxury products are the best bet this year since we all will be celebrating from home. Gifting the correct product also builds an emotional bond between family members, friends, and peers and creates memories of a lifetime, which thanks to Instagram memories, stay digitally catalogued now. It will be interesting to now see, how content creators come up with styling and skin-care routine, amidst this current

Anuja Deora Sanctis is the Founder and CEO of Filter Coffee Co.a Mumbai based full-service digital agency started by her in 2015.

GRADO-Festive & Winter Collection 2020

GRADO unveils its most-awaited Festive and Winter collection 2020. A coming together of synergies from legacy brands GBTL (formerly Grasim Bhiwani Textiles Limited) and OCM, GRADO offers festive and winter essentials that are the perfect package of style and comfort.

From the plethora of fabrics in the menswear segment presented by the brand, each fabric features a sophisticated design and a fantastic colour palette to choose from. Due to the sheer variety in the range, there is something for all age groups, across various price points.

A lot of research was put in to develop this Festive and Winter Collection – analysing international and local trends and tuning in to the region-specific colours across the country.

This time around, GRADO’s fabrics will be available in pop colours of orange/yellow/purple whilst also keeping further nuances and tones for the staple shades like blue/brown/black/navy/grey. Given the variety of design and palette the collection entails, these fabrics are perfect to be tailored into the Indian ensembles such as bandhgala, bundi, Nehru jacket, sherwani, kurta-pajama and Western wear too, such as, suits – 3 piece and 2 piece, tuxedos, waistcoats, trousers, shirts, overcoats etc.

GRADO’s Festive and Winter Collection will be available under several ranges for classic and contemporary styles. Some of the best-selling ranges include:

 Neo Tech Antiviral fabrics : Pioneering in launching innovative fabrics which effectively kill 99.997% of the corona virus within seconds to minutes. GRADO was the first brand to launch this product as early as April this year and it has instantly won over people’s hearts and is having an overwhelming response from brands and consumers alike.

 GRADO by GBTL’s STREEZA Collection : A range with 4-way stretch comfort that enables freedom of movement. Especially for the upcoming season Woolwin Streeza is launched which enables the same kind of effortless comfort in wool blends.

 GRADO by OCM pure wool tweeds & flannels which are made with extra care and available in various plains, checks and tartans.

Production of these exquisite fabrics have been underway in both Bhiwani & Amritsar with strict Government compliance being abided by.

The fabrics have been well received by the market and with an established, strong distribution chain; GRADO fabrics are available at major retailers across the country.

A fine addition just in time for the festive season are a range of premium combo boxes of shirt, trouser material and/or jacket material.

Autumn Skies & Pumpkin Pies

This Pumpkin Pie recipe is the best one to start the fall with and can also be a perfect dish for the upcoming Halloween.
By Chef Rupesh Khandekar, Sous Chef, Hotel Sahara Star

Ingredients
Pumpkin cooked – 225 gms
Condensed milk – 200 ml
Eggs – 1
Brown sugar – 85 gms
Ground cinnamon – 3gms
Ground ginger – 2 gms
Grated nutmeg – 1 gms
Sugar dough – 200 gms

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 170*C.
Line the pie mold with sugar dough.
Mash cook pumpkin add nutmeg, ground ginger, cinnamon in a double boiler.
Add sugar and mix well.
Add eggs gradually at a time and blend well.
Pour the mixture onto the lined dough.
Bake for 30-35 minutes.

Train Travel during the Pandemic

Travelling by train during the COVID-19 pandemic? Follow these guidelines

By Dr Sandeep Patil, Chief Intensivist, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan

During the COVID19 pandemic, public transport was limited to essential workers; those wanting to commute for other jobs were not permitted to use this service. As lockdowns lifted and workplaces reopened across the city, office goers eagerly waited for train services i.e. Mumbai’s lifeline, to resume service. Soon the general public will be allowed to travel by local trains, albeit at staggered timings, so it’s imperative to understand the measures one can adopt to have a safe journey to and from work.

Traveling on trains for any length of time involves sitting or standing within 6 feet of others, which may increase one’s risk of getting COVID-19. So here are some guidelines that will help you prepare better for train travel:

BEFORE TRAVEL:

(1) Stay updated: Check the train schedule beforehand, this way you can time your travel in the non-peak hours and at a time slot of your preference and convenience.

(2) Get your pass/ ticket in order: If possible, get an e-pass/ e-ticket so you don’t have to wait in serpentine queues to get your travel documents in order. Choose to make contactless reservations and payments

(3) Anticipate your travel needs: Carry a 3-ply face mask, a hand sanitizer, and a few disinfectant wipes with you. Carry a few extra masks in a sealed bag, so you could replace your mask if it gets soiled.

(4) Prepare: Before you leave for work, wash your hands with soap and water and then wear your mask. Once worn, it should not be touched or removed till you arrive at your workplace. Wear gloves before you step out, these will work as a barrier if you end up touching door handles, railings, etc. The gloves can be disposed of appropriately after reaching your workplace – if you don’t have gloves, ensure that you don’t touch your face during the transit and that you wash your hands thoroughly after getting work.

DURING TRAVEL:

(1) Avoid touching surfaces:Avoid touching frequently touched surfaces such as ticket machines, handrails, elevator buttons and benches as much as possible. If you do touch these surfaces, immediately wash your hands with soap and water or use a sanitizer containing 60% alcohol.

(2) Follow social distancing guidelines: Stay at least 6 feet away from other commuters and avoid gathering in groups. Consider skipping a few seats between yourself and other passengers if possible. Follow signs put out by the railways indicating where to stand or sit, where to queue up and the exit signs

(3) Using public bathrooms at the train station: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the public bathroom

(4) Buying food and water at the train station: Carry your own water bottle and food packets,don’t accept or offer water bottles to other commuters. If you end up buying food or water at the train station, pay contactless or in exact change. Avoid removing your mask to eat and drink during your commute – instead wait till you reach your workplace

(5) Avoid spitting: This is a strict no no

UPON GETTING TO WORK:

(1) Hand hygiene: After completing your trip sanitize your hands, upon reaching your workplace wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

(2) Mask hygiene: Remove the mask you wore during your travel and replace it with a fresh one. The previously worn mask can be placed in a sealed bag to wash or dispose

(3) Avoid crowding in the cafeteria: At work, avoid eating together during lunch time and maintain safe distance in the cafeteria as well

Some types of travel methods can put you at higher risk for exposure to COVID-19, but by taking ample precautions and following hygiene etiquettes, we can ensure a safe commute.

The Digital Launch

Oxford Bookstore presents The Digital launch of “it’s all in your head, m by Manjri Indurkar” on Friday, 30 October 2020 at 6.30 pm.

The Author will be in conversation with Amrita Tripathi,Author and Founder -Editor,The Health Collective.

Raj Sadan Palace of Ayodhya Rebuilt for Prakash Jha’s ‘Aashram’

Filmmaker Prakash Jha’s much-talked-about web-series ‘Aashram’ is now gearing up for its second season titled Aashram Chapter 2: The Dark Side. Bobby Deol as Kashipur Waale Baba Nirala promises even more excitement and mystery.

The beautiful palace in Prakash Jha’s Aashram streaming on MX Player. Bobby Deol runs his notorious religious activities from here. This palace was originally a real life dilapidated palace in Ayodhya called Raj Sadan.

YT link – http://bit.ly/Aashram2Teaser_Eng

His intense avatar that was revealed in the teaser leaves you wanting more and commenting on the same, Bobby Deol said, “I can’t thank the audience enough for making the first edition of this series such a huge success. In the next chapter, watch Kashipur Waale Baba Nirala bend every rule to suit himself, showcasing a side that no could have even dreamt of.”

Celebrating Festive Fervor

Astrologer Dr Acharya Vinod Kumar Ojha launches his new office

An evening was hosted by Vedic & Celebrity Astrologer Dr. Acharya Vinod Kumar Ojha to celebrate the festive fervour as he launched his office in the heart of Delhi at Hotel Le Meridien.

Vedic astrology is seen as a means of foreseeing or predicting events based in the life of a person considering the position of the planets and stars in their subjective combinations.

Coming from the land of Allahabad, he under the able guidance of great Maharishi Shri Shri Mahesh Yogi has mastered the art of Astrology, Numerology, Vastu, Panchang and Gemmology.

Lakmé Fashion Week 2020

Day 4

Disha Patil

Titled ‘The Labyrinth’, a scintillating collection inspired by geometry.

Design Aesthetics

Use of symbols like, Seed of Life, Flower of Life, the Sri Yantra and the Metatron’s Cube

The embellishments were an intricate look at beadwork, palettes and sequins precisely added to shimmer on the festive wear.

Disha Patils Collection
Photo :Vaqaas Mansuri / FS Images / Lakme Fashion Week / IMG Reliance

Masumi Mewawala

Titled Adorn, Masumi Mewawala collection of elegantly constructed jackets, flouncy capes, sumptuously encrusted gowns; elegant lehengas, structured corsets for her label ‘Pink Peacock Couture’ recreated the romance and vintage appeal of the Elizabethan era but with lavish splashes of contemporary touches.

PINK PEACOCKs Collection
Photo :Vaqaas Mansuri / FS Images / Lakme Fashion Week / IMG Reliance

Lakmé Fashion Week 2020

Day 4

Kunal Rawal

The runway show was filmed on a green screen which was transformed to look like a stark yet luxurious showroom.Titled ‘Process’, the collection presented by NEXA is youthful, modern, occasion wear and, is a combination of Indian black tie, creamy groom wear and occasion wear greys. It is a sleek, modern take on traditional wear with ever so slightly androgynous aesthetics for men and women, designed with Indian millennials in mind.

Color Card

Inspired by the colors of NEXA, the collection was spread over a military shade card of black, off-white and grey.

**Design Aesthetics**

•           Kunal introduced four new androgynous silhouettes, the silhouettes and shapes brought together a line of versatile formal separates that had distinct mix and match possibilities. The silhouettes are punctuated with metallic highlights, geometric detailing, Kashmiri handwork, French knots and thread work
•           Sherwanis with angular hemlines,heavily embroidered bundies, sharply cut jackets, bundgalas, slim-line shirts with discreet detailing to lend a contemporary feel to the menswear
•           Ornamental buttons and statement shoes for the men and subtle dashes of glitter and daring neck and hemlines for the women to add glam quotient

**Showstoppers**
Sonakshi Sinha in a beaded embroidered tailored black dress
Ishaan Khatter in a black embellished bundgala and matching trousers

Designer’s Take

Kunal Rawal

“This is the first time we are putting our our androgynous women’s wear and four new silhouettes,” “Black is a color so powerful but not seen enough in occasion wear, so it is definitely a night finished sophisticated collection like the new NEXA S cross. The collection is intricately detailed with handwork in geometric uptakes and we have incorporated our statement metallic highlights in oxidized tones. The individual pieces can be broken up to create multiple looks and even paired with formal separates highlighting the functionality that the label stands for. This collection primarily focuses on transitional looks that will work well for a wedding day to night occasions or the red-carpet events and a destination party.”