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Ananya Panday in conversation with Anaita Shroff Adajania was an interesting and interactive session at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2020

Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2020

 

In the Central Avenue at JioWorld Garden, BKC the lively and interesting discussion between young and talented Bollywood actor, Ananya Panday, the new star on the block and India’s leading fashion and costume stylist and Fashion Director of Vogue India, Anaita Shroff Adajania was eagerly awaited at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2020.

Anaita Shroff Adajania has been a part of the fashion industry for several decades and worked with the most glamorous celebs and Bollywood Beauties. Many have appreciated Ananya Panday’s SO POSITIVE initiative and the actor explained how it impacted people.

HIGHLIGHTS

Ananya and Anaita discussed the importance of Digital Social Responsibility and how it was so relevant and important in today’s digital age.

The two ladies talked about the relevance to social responsibility when it came to the fashion industry, the concept of trolling and how feedback or criticism could be communicated in a more dignified manner.

Ananya’s message was to spread positivity on digital media and she advised people to say one nice thing to someone, and that will make everyone’s life better.

She urged people to let go of negative emotions because keeping it in, will only make you more negative and bitter. She believes in responding to hate with love because it might just fill the void in the other person’s life. Her message to everyone was to smile more and smile often and everything will fall in place and work out eventually.

Anaita emphasized the importance of human touch and said that the highlight of her day was that she hugged 6 people. She urged people to spend more time outdoors, under the sun, instead of binging at home. She mentioned how personal interactions can be helpful in releasing negativity, because friends are the family you choose. Trickling down to positivity in fashion, she felt the fashion industry was the most inclusive space to be in. She spoke on how design today promoted diversity and inclusivity because there was something for everyone. The most important fashion tip she gave, was to wear what makes one happy and comfortable, because as long as one is happy, that’s all that matters.

 

L’Opéra officially launches its first Café-Restaurant at Civil Lines, Delhi

L’Opéra, Delhi’s finest award-winning French Pâtisserie-Boulangerie and Salon de Thé (Tea Room), officially launched its first ever Café-Restaurant in Delhi at Civil Lines recently

 LOPERA LAUNCH PICTURES.zip

 with H. E. André Aranha Correa do Lago officiating as the Chief Guest. To celebrate the occasion, the Samandari family (the Founding family) organised a High Tea for over 120 guests that included Ambassadors and High Commissioners, personalities from the world of business, arts and fashion, respected members of the media and patrons.

Guests mingled and enjoyed bite-sized savouries and mini desserts along with juices and hot and cold beverages. Soon all were surprised to hear genuine French opera as singers from The Neemrana Music Foundation serenaded the audience with powerful voices from the mezzanine floor.

In his brief welcome speech, Laurent Samandari, Managing Director of L’Opéra (and initiator of the company) spoke about the progress L’Opéra has made over the years. “We had in the past the ‘Pâtisserie-Boulangerie’, more recently the concept of ‘Salon de Thé’ — a lot of you have also been enjoying yourselves in such outlets like at Basant Lok — and now this one is a new concept which is called ‘Café-Restaurant’. So that makes this place quite different from the others that we have, though the look, the atmosphere, and the products of the typical café in Paris haven’t changed. Now, as many of you know, L’Opéra has been expanding in Delhi, and with the upcoming opening of stores, that will bring us to 23 outlets in total, which is quite special.”

Kazem Samandari, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder formally addressed the gathering and welcomed everyone. He started by saying, “Usually sons follow in the footsteps of their fathers, but in our case it has been the other way around: the idea of L’Opéra came from Laurent, who just spoke before me, so in our case the parents, the mature generation is following the lead of their sons, which is the way things should have been in the first place, because they know how to innovate, and they are courageous.” Noting that over the last 14 months, L’Opéra has been opening on average one outlet every six weeks, he also highlighted the efforts of a number of L’Opéra teammates who have made outstanding contributions to the progress of the company.

Finally, the chief guest, Ambassador of Brazil to India, H. E. André Aranha Correa do Lago spoke to the gathering, saying, “I am super happy to be here because you have created some amazing places in Delhi that we all want to be in. The ambience is great, the service is amazing. You have added an incredible chapter in Delhi. The fact is, you [M.Samandari] are a bien-faiteur — you make this city even better. I [H.E. Ambassador André Aranha Correa do Lago] came here today just to tell you that we admire you, and we thank you.”

There was official cutting of the ribbon to inaugurate the Café-Restaurant.

ABOUT L’OPERA CAFE-RESTAURANT

Located in the historic Exchange Building, right next to Civil Lines metro station and spanning two stories, the L’Opéra Civil Lines Café-Restaurant can host up to 65 seated guests indoors and an additional 8 outdoors. It offers a full-fledged menu with soups, posh toasts, large plates, salads, burgers, pasta, pizzas and desserts with a French touch as well as a variety of beverages. Some examples of the experience include the delicate crispness of a chocolate macaron, the colorful delight of the Roasted Tomato, Basil, and Goat Cheese Tarte, the tarragon scent of the Grilled Chicken Ciabatta Posh Toast, the spicy thrill of the Pasta Arrabbiata, and the delicate creamy luxury of our signature “Opéra” layer cake and pastry. This Café-Restaurant suits a variety of groups and dining needs, such as collecting one’s thoughts over a pastry and tea, dining with a partner or small group of friends, or even meeting with a larger group in the private dining on the mezzanine floor. With colourful flowers displayed on fabulous Louis XVI-style marble tables, vibrant photography of France displayed on the walls, large glass façades facing the busy sidewalk and the soothing strains of French music playing in the background, the outlet instantly transports you back to Paris.

Open from Monday to Sunday 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM

Available for both take-away and sit-down meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks throughout the day).

A SHORT FOR ROYAL STAG BARREL SELECT LARGE SHORT FILMS STARRING SHWETA BASU AND ZARINA WAHAB

THE LOVERS 

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT  – THE OTHER SIDE

A SHORT FOR ROYAL STAG BARREL SELECT LARGE SHORT FILMS 

STARRING  SHWETA BASU AND ZARINA WAHAB

Vandana Mordanis short film is about the Misuse of the Domestic Violence Act 498A.  The film is shot in Gwalior City and is 23 minutes long. This short film is releasing on Feb 24th for Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films

 A few years ago Vandana heard from a dear friend about how her brother and their parents were being blackmailed by his wife and even though they belonged to a very high society family still had difficulty fighting the law and that is when she saw the act that’s supposed to protect being misused blatantly for extorting money and for vengeful harrassment.

Vandana says, “Though the act is made to protect the woman from dowry harassment and domestic violence and very rightly so but there is a silent category of men who are victims of this Act and who can’t speak about the harassment due to society’s pressure and their point of view is something i wanted to bring to light through this short.” She furthe adds, “Cinema is a strong medium that can convey so much  and can bring about desired change in social mindset, and that’s when my director and i decided to write the story and eventually make the film. This incident also started my journey into the world of film making. “

 About her film Vandana says,”The characters in the film have done a great job, all are powerful performers. Shweta Basu Prasad, who was always my first choice for the role, is outstanding and even though has very few dialogues in the film she has used her expressions beautifully to convey it all . It is Anuraag’s first film and I think he has done a great job . Zarina ji is a very skilled actor herself and has given a very nuanced performance. Shweta, Anuraag and Zarinaji found the subject very relevant and felt this aspect of domestic abuse must get highlighted in media through a movie.  Preeti Singh is the director and has done a good job conveying the subject in the best way possible. Activist Deepika Bharadhwaj and highly esteemed lawyer Mrunalini Deshmukh have seen the film and have endorsed its message.”

Vandana Mordani is a Jewellery Designer and Manufacturer for the last 20 years. has done shows with leading designers like Neeta Lulla and Archana Kochhar. Family is into X-ray machines and medical Robotics , Hoteliers and some jewellers as well . State level swimmer and Avid traveller all around the world. She is also co writing her 1st feature film being developed by a known production house . Vndana will bring a couple more short films this year as well.

Vandana Mordani is Psychology Graduate and has done her Fine Jewellery Designer from GIA, Carlsbad. She also has been manufacturing for the last 20 years.  she has done shows with leading designers like Neeta Lulla and Archana Kochhar.

Ashdeen Lilaowala and House of Three brought the beauty of sustainable fashion to Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2020

Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2020

DAY TWO

HOUSE OF THREE

The brand is the brainchild of Sunak Sen Barat and Anu Shyamsunder, Titled “Kumarikandam” the collection that was primarily prét and diffusion in nature with a few couture creations for the finale, the silhouettes offered traditional angarkhas, kurtas, palazzos, skirts, blouses, dresses and saris.

There were a couple of men’s wear as well.

INSPIRATION

Glorious textiles of two states – West Bengal and Tamilnadu and displayed the expert weaves of three fabulous Master Weavers – Rajib Debnath from West Bengal, Satya from Kanchipur and Santaanam from Kumbakoram, Tamilnadu.

HOUSE OF THREE X TANTAJO show during the Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2020 at Jio Gardens in Mumbai, India on February 13th, 2020.
Photo : FS Images / Lakme Fashion Week / IMG Reliance

SHADE CARD

Pastels with inspirations from the ocean, for blue, aqua, yellow, orange and red. Kanjivarams were predominantly in a black and white combo with bursts of color blocking, and muslin collection had rainbow hues for the embellishments.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Detailing with appliqués – motifs of sea life, fish, tortoise and sea horses appeared for the muslin line.
  • Circular patterns, rouching, parallel over-stitching, further enhanced the visual beauty of the clothes.

 

SHOWSTOPPING MOMENT

Social activist and multi-lingual cine star, Siddharth walked the rampl in a peach kurta with playful, checked sleeves teamed with a black and white Kanjivaram Nehru jacket featuring mustard detailing on the flap pockets.

Actress and musician, Saba Azad wore  a white Jamdaani mini with a ruffled bib interest on the bodice.

ASHDEEN show during the Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2020 at Jio Gardens in Mumbai, India on February 13th, 2020.
Photo : FS Images / Lakme Fashion Week / IMG Reliance

‘We Are Family’ fashion fantasy at The Atelier during Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2020

Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2020 

 DAY ONE 

Manish Arora

‘We Are Family’ fashion fantasy at The Atelier

 

Collection of Bright skinny jeans, printed trousers, graphic sweaters, and maxi skirts,dramatic evening gowns, sculptural headdresses, futuristic bodices, and printed sets.“We Are Family” celebrated ‘Life is Beautiful’ a grand performance that was a fashion presentation with the Parisian Cabaret atmosphere by saluting the spirit of the LGBTQAI tribe.

INSPIRATION

The designer’s bright, bold, and eclectic collection inspired from India’s LGBTQAI+ community.

HIGHLIGHTS

  •  Stark contrast of transparent and opaque fabrics as the basis of his vision
  • An amazing mélange and fusion of street wear that was edgy with his characteristic fashion sensibilities but with hints of haute couture
  • Traditional crafts and techniques adapted to the contemporary ethos of fashion.

SHADE CARD

Colours were numerous in variety as they glowed with iridescent beauty that moved seamlessly from the vibrant to the vivid.

DESIGNER’S TAKE

“Today the Indian consumer is fashion conscious and is ready to redefine fashion on the global stage owing to globalization,” “The strength and reach of social media has now empowered a world that is digital and which offers an influential platform to the happenings around the world.”

Recognizing Creativity and Innovation in Fashion

India Fashion Awards 

An award or felicitation is a symbol of recognizing one’s effort in the journey towards a remarkable destination, which ultimately sets goals and agendas for the next generations to follow Conceptualized by Team Talent Factory and presented by Rajnigandha Pearls India Fashion Awards in association with DLF Avenue, India Fashion Awards is a platform that recognizes the efforts of those unsung heroes who have devoted a major part of their lives for the fashion fraternity and brought fame to the country.

India Fashion Awards recognizes creativity and innovation celebrating exceptional contribution of individuals whose imagination and creativity have broken new ground in fashion, the brands and businesses that have made a significant contribution to the fashion community in the past year in India and the amazing artists who curate the glamorous fashion shows.  Rajnigandha Pearls India Fashion Awards in Association with DLF Avenue curated by Talent Factory established a benchmark with its debut edition today, on 20th February, 2020.Rajnigandha Pearls, as the title sponsor, takes immense pride in the fact that this fashion awards could draw the attention of the style enthusiasts.

The brainchild of Sanjay Nigam, Founder Team Talent Factory says: “Fashion is the most influential form of non-verbal communication and this is where we find sync with India Fashion Awards 2020, where we are awarding and honouring the achievers in different fields of the fashion industry and especially the ones who work tirelessly behind the stage.”

The Jury cum representing panel comprises of Maneka Gandhi, Promoter Varun Beverages Ravi Kant Jaipuria, Vagish Pathak, Designer Leena Singh, Lubna Adams, Rocky S, Pushpa Bector, Photographer Hemant Khandelwal, Rahul Dev, Lakshmi Rana, Former Miss Romania Anca Verma, Fashion Editor Nupur Puri. Some of the Award categories are – Iconic Designer of the Year, Fashion Stylist of the Year, Legendary SuperModel, India’s Emerging Talent – Men & Women and many others.

Speaking about the association,  Pushpa Bector, Executive Director, DLF Shopping Malls said, “We are glad to host a coveted event like India Fashion Awards at DLF Avenue, Saket. With a surge in fashion consciousness among the Indian millennials, we aim to bring in the best of brands that will transform the possibilities of fashion today. Our vision for the revamped mall is to bring communities together and this is one of the biggest platforms where the fashion fraternity will come together to celebrate the outstanding contribution towards the industry.”    

Muckth Dograa, Centre Head, DLF Avenue Saket added, “DLF Avenue will be a front runner in curating distinct experiences for the mall visitors. With an inclination towards showcasing the latest fashion trends, we are proud to be associated with India Fashion Awards which recognizes the efforts of individuals and their talent in the fashion community.”    

SOCIETY TEA LAUNCHES THE ALL-NEW CLEANSE: GREEN TEA DETOX KAHWA PREMIX

Cleanse: Green Tea Detox Kahwa Premix 

 THE ALL-NEW CLEANSE: GREEN TEA DETOX KAHWA PREMIX

~Restart A Healthy Lifestyle with Cleanse: Green Tea Detox Kahwa Premix~

Society Tea launches a brand new product – Cleanse, which is made of ingredients known to accelerate metabolism and help build immunity. Refreshing and energising your day, this tea contains ingredients like turmeric which are known (as per Ayurveda), to be beneficial for skin related problems, common cold, etc. Specially crafted for those always on-the-move; restart a healthy lifestyle with Society CLEANSE: Green Tea Detox Kahwa Premix.

This newly launched detoxifying tea, Society CLEANSE, consist of ingredients such as ginger, asafoetida, cardamom, black pepper, clove, cinnamon, green tea extract, turmeric powder amongst others, which helps remove toxins from your body, working towards cleansing your system.

Society Tea’s CLEANSEGreen Tea Detox Kahwa Premix is an easy-to-make healthy beverage your body is looking out for.

Society Tea’s CLEANSE: Green Tea Detox Kahwa Premix (50 g Mono Carton) is priced at INR 100.00/-

SHEIN INDIA CELEBRATES ONE MILLION SPARKLING MILESTONE ON INSTAGRAM

SHEIN, a Leading Fast Online Fashion brand, in just two years of its existence in India, has become India’s favorite and beloved fashion brand name among the millennials.

With its constant marketing efforts and innovative strategies, SHEIN India has built a sparkling milestone of one million family on one of the most prominent social networking platform, Instagram.

To mark this grand celebration and attract young enthusiasts, SHEIN India took to the streets of Mumbai with their SHEIN bus carrying a young and energetic dance troupe, who performed a unique flash mob at various locations of the city. SHEIN bus made its first stop at 12.30pm at Jai Hind College, the flash mob was held at Bandra Bandstand at 5 PM, followed by Carter Road at 6 PM and lastly at Lokhandwala at 7: 30 PM. The SHEIN bus also distributed goodies and giveaways to its audiences during the flash mob.

 

Celebrating 1 million followers milestone on Instagram on 14th February 2020, SHEIN India was overwhelmed by the turnout at each spot, the scene witnessed an enthusiastic crowd taking pictures of the SHEIN bus and joyfully shaking a leg with the dance troupe. The crowd loved the goodies distributed and joined the celebration with their friends and family. SHEIN has also announced a social media hashtag contest titled #MeetSHEIN moment to encourage its consumers and audience to participate and share a picture of the SHEIN bus and post it on Instagram with #HelloSHEIN.  Lucky winners will get a chance to win shopping vouchers from the brand.

 

Optimystix Entertainment & Ashwin Varde join hands to launch ‘Wakaoo Films’

‘Wakaoo Films’ will produce Feature Films, Web-series and Web films with future plans of diversification into other areas

Optimystix EntertainmentIndia’s flagship television production company, announced a strategic partnership with Ashwin Varde, one of India’s most prominent film producers, to launch a new film production company, ‘Wakaoo Films’. The joint venture will comprehensively engage in content development and production across feature films and digital media. The new entity will produce a minimum of 3 to 4 feature film projects this calendar year and a few web-series for OTT platforms.

Commenting on this strategic association, Vipul D.Shah, Founder & Chairman, Optimystix Entertainment said, “We have been successfully scripting our success story in highly competitive TV arena with an array of leading fiction & non-fiction shows since almost two decades. Having produced 125+ prime-time TV shows including the long-running Comedy Circus & Crime Patrol we have created an ecosystem of Comedy & Crime that currently exists in the TV space. Our vision is to build a similar content driven ecosystem in the film & OTT business. I began my career as a film writer & it feels good to finally come back home. I am equally very excited to announce this joint venture with Ashwin Varde who is a credible force to reckon with in the film industry & this association will help us further in creating more significant value in our business and will channelize us to harness the growth across Feature films & OTT content business.”

Ashwin Varde, who produced one of last year’s biggest blockbusters Kabir Singh, also has to his credit prominent movies like Mubarakan, Boss, The Shaukeens, Notebook and others, is excited about this new development. He said, “I am extremely happy to form this joint venture with Optimystix, one of India’s leading content creators. With Wakaoo Films, the idea is to redefine content and create your own dazzle in the film and digital world. The word ‘Wakaoo’ is an expression of joy; it’s a burst of innovation. That’s what we intend to do with the content we create. The best part is that both Vipul and Rajesh share the same vision – to create something exceptional. Let’s say Wakaoo to a great new beginning”.

Further elaborating on Optimystix Entertainment’s first ever creative collaboration with Indian producers to form a film production company, Rajesh Bahl, Director & Group CEO Optimystix Entertainment said, “Wakaoo Films ithe beginning of an exciting new chapter for Optimystix. At the heart of this partnership is our love for cinema and content creation. With so much to his credit, Ashwin Varde brings immense knowledge, industry relationships and unique insights about the business of cinema and storytelling. I am sure with this collaboration, Wakaoo Films will be able engage & entertain the audience with a range of films and web shows.”