Image Via Romain Jerome

RJ-Romain Jerome known for the novel concept of "DNA of famous legends" has now unveiled a limited edition DeLorean DNA watch. The exciting "DNA of famous legends" concept involves creating collectibles which incorporate the DNA of the legends they are inspired by. Having created historic timepieces using specially extracted metal from the Titanic as well as the Apollo 11, the iconic DeLorean car is their latest muse.
 
Its distinctive looks and vibrant history in popular culture make the DeLorean an obvious source of inspiration for the company. Much like the original car, the watch is entirely brushed in stainless steel. Certain elements of the car's bodywork have also been melted down and incorporated into the watch face. Interestingly, the watch dial also features the iconic X-shaped design akin to other RJ-Romain Jerome collectibles, symbolising the effortless collaboration between the two companies. This watch also features a strap crafted out of car upholstery, and anthracite grey stitching reminiscent of the DeLorean's characteristic interiors. The hands of the watch are vastly inspired by the car's dashboard and the seconds dial is also coloured in a manner similar to the car's tail lights.
 
Only 81 such watches will be produced, befitting the car's year of release - 1981. The back of the watch features an engraved medallion of the DeLorean along with the number of the watch, emphasising its exclusivity.
 
There are only 6,500 DeLorean cars left in the world today. The DeLorean-DNA watch is thus a perfect tribute to the car which has not only given meaning to the fascinating movie franchise - Back to the Future, but has also made a lasting impression on an entire generation of popular culture.

Since her silver screen debut, Freida Pinto has worked with some of the most noted directors in films like Julian Schnabel's political drama Miral, Tarsem Singh's 3D fantasy film Immortals, Woody Allen's You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, and Rupert Wyatt's Rise of the Planet of the Apes, to name a few. In Venice to attend the Jaeger-LeCoultre gala dinner, held in tandem with the 69th Venice International Film Festival, Pinto shares, "I'm someone who loves travelling and loves discovering new things. At the moment I'm stationed in London, and here I am in Venice. I'm getting to see something that I didn't get to see before: the nearby islands that are beautiful. It's very enriching, because I always go back with amazing stories."

Here are some excerpts from the interview:

Tell us about your character in the film, Trishna, a role that is so different from your own experience.

Well, it is one that is different from everything else I've done as well. It was great to go back to my Indian roots, but it wasn't just about doing that. It was about going back to a part of India that not many of us hear about in films, or we read about it, but don't really delve into it. It's on rural life-[about] a girl from Osian in Rajasthan. When I talk about that town, not many people even know it exists; but it's about eighty kilometers from Jodhpur. It's a modern remake; I can't really say modern, but an Indian retelling of the Tess of the d'Ubervilles. So if you've read the Thomas Hardy 19th century novel, you'll know why it fits so perfectly well for India. You're talking about industrial revolution in England and you're talking about modern India. I felt stupid at first, wondering, 'Why didn't I think of this when I read the book?' I am an English literature student, so I was surprised that I never really thought of that, and Michael Winterbottom did. It was a great experience, I had to learn a different language altogether-Marwadi-which I never really speak. So it was good, yes.

While working on the film, did you feel that you'd like to try your hand at a Bollywood film?

The thing is that I've never said 'no' to Indian films and this is a massive misconception about me in India. It's about getting the right kind of film and I know the kind of films I would love to make. My parents exposed me to a lot of 1980s and late '70s cinema, which was more of Smita Patil, Shabana Azmi, and the Mirch Masala days. And that kind of cinema speaks volumes to me. I feel that there is a resurgence of that in India, with [director] Anurag Kashyap doing those kinds of films.

So is he someone you'd like to work with?

Well, he knows that! So now it's up to him to make it happen. I also don't want to typecast or box myself in by saying, 'This is all I'm going to do and I'm not going to be doing anything else'. It's all about being open and flexible to fitting into different roles and not making your job boring. If you do the same thing over and over again just because you did it well in your last film, it becomes mundane after a while.

So what was the most challenging role that you've played?

Well, all the roles come with the initial set of nerves. You could say that Trishna was really challenging because there's a lot of pressure when you go back to India and do a film about some part of your Indian culture. There was a lot of research involved; I keep saying that being Indian was not going to be enough to portray that role. I like getting into the history of everything, including watches. Even when I arrived, I wanted to know more about the watch and how this came about. It's just interesting, even Venice is perfect for that.

Since you mention watches, tell us about your association with Jaeger-LeCoultre.

I was introduced to them in 2008 by my stylist and I completely fell in love with them. The first one I wore was the Reverso Lady; so my love for them started with the elegant watches that they've always had. It's not about the fuss; in fact, 'graceful' is a word I associate with them. It's about something that suits your personality, and is like an extension of it. And that's what I really like about it. With the Rendez-Vous, I was very lucky that they called me back. So I feel privileged to be one of the few people who get to wear it for the first time and show it to the world. So that's my story about watches and this one in particular.

Photo Credit: Ian Gavan/ Getty Images for Jaeger-LeCoultre

Photo Courtesy: Casa Paradox

Vibrant Hues

Festivals often become synonymous with refurbishing of the house in as many ways as possible; every corner looking out for some sort of reformation. In this labyrinth of thoughts that leave you baffled, our expert inputs can give you a head start. Founder, CEO and Head Designer at Chizzle, Sheena Khan lends a fine starting point by suggesting, "When you arrange your living room this festive season, think less of symmetry and more of comfort. Reupholster old chairs in bright hues of traditional Indian fabrics to brighten up your formal spaces." Speaking on the same lines is Sanvari Alagh Nair of www.houseproud.in who suggests, "Choose a colour palette that is vibrant and versatile, something you would love to look at every day and not lose interest in easily. Shades of red and purple add glamour and a more vintage, classic feel, whereas blues and greens are more calming and neutral to go with brighter accessories." Sukanya Dutta Roy, Director, Swarovski CGB India says, "We see a growing use of warm, jewel tones that reflect the richness and luxuriousness of Indian homes during the festive season. We have noticed a gradual movement towards pure shapes and clean lines for home décor products." Nair further adds, "When targeting a festive look, essentially choose traditional colours in the red family. Mix it up with oranges, yellows and bright pinks for the complete Indian look. Kantha-styled fabrics are heartwarming and if woven in a nontraditional style, they make a great combination for an Indo- European look. You can always add a base colour like beige or grey to neutralise the effect, however, when it comes to Indian, vibrant is the way to go!"

A Matter of Practicality

While the season of merriment can get you carried away, Rohina Anand, Store Owner and Design Coordinator, AA Living shares, "Diwali should be exclusive-blend impeccable quality with a touch of elegance. Choose products that are not overtly jewelled to celebrate the festive mood. Don't forget that in this practical day and age, any décor is appreciated better if it can be sustained all year round." Chanya Kaur, Co-founder and Head Creative Designer, The Pure Concept, shares a valuable insight when she says, "Styling your home for festivals doesn't always mean burning a hole in your pocket. The key is to go for a subtle look that can last, and simply accentuate it with the right colours. Being innovative is what it takes. Choose combinations like pale cream with glowing copper and deep purples with a metallic tone like shimmery silver. Keep the interiors fussfree and accentuate with throws, cushions and other accessories."

Vibrant hues meet functionality at Chizzle

The Touch of Glass

Khan shares interesting ways to revamp your house. "Mirrors are great to use as a backdrop for candles. See it transform your room into a warm, welcoming stylish space. You can also hang an eclectic collection of silver trays or small mirrors to serve as eye-catching ornaments," she says. Sharing her point of view is Nair who adds, "Accessorise with mirrors and steel, chrome or gold, to bring out the bling in any décor. You can also disperse flowers on mirrored trays to add to the overall allure."

Lotus leaves metallic frame available at exhibit D and a vintage wooden frame mirror available at Chizzle

A Spell of Flowers and Candles

Nair continues, "On a special evening, the quickest and best way to perk up your house is with well-placed fresh flowers. Go Indian with mogras in earthenware pots or a water-filled urlis. Both can be easily placed in corners of the house or at entrances. Adding a few tea candles or floating candles in these pots will make the display gleam to perfection, additionally bringing out the floral scent." Khan also shows her fondness for flowers by saying, "Add new accent tables that will give your room an instant new look. Liven it up with fresh flowers. You can also place flowers alongside lamps that are lovely to look at whether kept on or off." Roy adds, "It's certain that the popularity of elegant candles and tea lights escalates during festivities and they definitely help homes come alive."

Gold Leaf Lily Votive available at AA Living

Dressing isn't Just for Food

Festivals also make for occasions when you need to be at your hospitable best. You can play a good host by taking a tip from Deepika Jindal, Director, JSL Lifestyle Ltd. She explains, "Festivals are the time not only to give your home a makeover, but also the best time to pull out your grandmother's recipes and serve some traditional cuisine. Dressing the dining table in a traditional manner for the sumptuous feast sets the mood for the festivity. Silver and stainless steel tableware, styled with fresh marigolds, are perfect to add an auspicious flavour." Nair suggests, "With several get-togethers planned, what better way to serve Indian food than on traditional Indian dinnerware? Servers and platters in a gold or chrome finish serve the purpose beautifully. Couple them with bright red, pink, orange or green napkins to spruce up any service and make your meal look like a feast for the kings. This one is a winner."

Dome coffee kettle and cups, utility trays available at JSL Lifestyle

In a Nutshell

Product and Accessories Designer, Gautam Dhawan, Exhibit D sums it up by saying, "For me, festive means lights and sparkle. It's nice to have some shimmer during this season. Metal and stone accessories will become statement pieces. Rich tones like brass and copper always add a nice rich glow to your home during festivals." Bling surely makes a comeback during this time. Mirror work items add sparkle to homes and make lacklustre corners come to life. He adds, "You can also lend a sense of drama through mood and candle lighting. Usable art, so to speak, is becoming more and more popular; people want art pieces to be functional, yet beautiful. Thus, light installations, artwork mirrors are making a mark. A lot of semiprecious stones like lapis, quartz and amethyst are now being used in interiors, and I believe this is a new exciting trend." Raseel Gujral, Creative Head of Casa Paradox also gave a roundup on the festive décor trends. "A mix of bright and subtle hues will give you greater options, but nevertheless don't give up on vivid colours and striking combinations and contrasts. For an opulent look, create an eclectic mélange of colours and stick with traditional motifs in metallic tones. Incorporate a lot of gold accents in the furniture. When it comes to fabrics; silks, brocades and velvet rule the roost. Overall, create a classic style of the bygone years with a contemporary, modern overtone. I believe that at the end of the day, when it comes to creativity, one should let their home speak with daring colours. But whatever colour you choose to apply, be sure it fully represents your personality, delivering the desired atmosphere." What's more, bring out the colours and make this a season to rejoice.

Study for a headband for the Duchess of Windsor by Cartier, Gouache on photograph, 1937

Luxury is almost synonymous with royalty as the former has always been the consort of noble lineage. From time immemorial, those of royal descent have romanced the extravagant worlds of mean machines, haute horology, high jewellery and all things opulent. The Cartiers, Louis Vuittons, Salvatore Ferragamos, Boucherons, Rolls Royces, Bollingers and the like have bowed down to all their whims and fancies. As fine examples of luxury personified, we try to decode what entailed the majestic charm and royal flavour.

The World of Time

Known for their love for beauty and style, the world of timekeeping has had the most influential and powerful royalty from across the world in its spell. Displaying the art of fine watchmaking, comprising myriad technical and aesthetic innovations, brands like Breguet, Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe, Rolex, Jaeger-LeCoultre and others have time and again created one-of-a-kind timepieces and also dedicated some of their most iconic collections to royalty. One such prominent name in the domain of watches is Breguet, which had among its admirers, Louis XVI and his Queen, Marie-Antoinette, Napoleon Bonaparte, Talleyrand, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Caroline Murat, Tsar Alexander I of Russia, Queen Victoria, Sir Winston Churchill and Arthur Rubinstein.

It was for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples that Abraham-Louis Breguet conceived in 1810 the world's very first wristwatch. The Queen nurtured a passion for his eminently artistic, mechanical creations and ordered a number of watches from him. Breguet's Reine de Naples collection, comprising watches and jewellery, yet again finds its inspiration from an early bracelet watch that Breguet created for the Queen of Naples. With such a rich past, it is only natural for the brand to look back at its long history for inspiration, and churn out timeless masterpieces year after year. The biggest, of course, being the splendour of the legendary French queen Marie-Antoinette that has led to the creation of one of the most sumptuous timepieces with the reinvented Marie-Antoinette Dentelle watch. Brimming with elegance and grandeur, the jeweled watch is enthused by the theme of lacework. Paying tribute to the French queen's love of fashionable lace, this white-gold, lace-inspired timepiece is encrusted with more than 174 diamonds. The Le Petit Trianon family of watches and jewellery is also inspired by the Petit Trianon-the picturesque estate belonging to the Palace of Versailles, Marie-Antoinette's beloved refuge from the constraints of court life.

Captivating royal watch connoisseurs for hundreds of years now, the house of Patek Philippe has enthralled numerous rulers-Popes, monarchs and State leaders from the era of Queen Victoria's reign. The Geneva-based watch manufacture, founded in 1839, with its presence at numerous Universal Exhibitions, has acquired a reputation of excellence answering to a well-informed clientele. As mentioned in Patek Philippe's catalogue for 'Timepieces for Royalty - 1850-1910', an exhibition organised by the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva in 2005, the watches that were produced between 1850 and World War I, and presented in this catalogue have a direct association with the crowned heads or descendants of royal blood of old Europe and other regions. Many famous figures throughout history, including royalty such as Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, as well as distinguished scientists, artists, authors and musicians are a part of this historical lineage. Another series of watches that is a point of reference of such royal association is Jaeger-LeCoultre's Reverso timepieces. Owing to its conception within a colonial parlour, the Reverso became the choice of elite and royal society. It was in 1931, thanks to the unique turn of its swivel case, the Reverso was created for the British army officers in India who wanted a watch that could stand up to the hard knocks of a polo match. With several members of European royalty, there were some created for Indian royalty as well. These are some of the most prized enameled possessions of Jaeger-LeCoultre's archives, for example the 1936 Reverso portraying an Indian woman, and another bearing the emblem of the elite 'Sawaiman Guard' coat-of-arms, from 1933 that was created for Maharaja Man Singh II of Jaipur. Vacheron Constantin also had patrons like King Fouad of Egypt or his son King Farouk, along with Indian maharajas who were fervent collectors of one-of-a-kind models.

1936 Reverso portraying an Indian Woman, Jaeger -LeCoultre Heritage, Inventory No. 23

The Indian Rendezvous

India's rendezvous with the world of luxury dates back to ancient times where Indian royal families lived lives of unparalleled opulence and luxury. While the land itself has given inspirations the world over with its classic charm, beauty, deep spirituality and ancient knowledge, what truly filled the royal treasures of India were several bespoke creations made by the jewellery houses of the West. "True luxury is more to do with taste, excellence, style, than with sheer indulgence, with which it is sometimes confused," mentions His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Jodhpur.

Names like Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Harry Winston, Cartier, Dior, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Boucheron and Van Cleef & Arpels are remembered fondly for their close ties with India. While most of them were mesmerised and obsessed with India as a leading source for their raw materials, it was the worth of craftsmanship, skill and the inspirations that they derived from India that kept them revisiting the country time and again. Some of the best quality diamonds, emeralds and sapphires that have become the greatest historical gemstones of India, such as the Koh-I-Noor, now part of the Crown Jewels of England, the Agra and the Hope have been mined from India.

Cartier owes a huge slice of its successful history to erstwhile Indian royalty. The long-standing association with India was born in 1911 when Jacques Cartier, a family member, travelled to India to present his Rue de la Paix creations to Indian royalty. One of the grandest pieces ever made by Cartier was the Patiala necklace. In 1926, Cartier received a trunk full of precious stones and jewellery belonging to Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, who wanted his stones remounted in Parisian style. What was born is now famous the world over: the Patiala necklace, comprising five magnificent platinum chains, a cascade of seven large diamonds, the celebrated yellow De Beers diamond, a tobacco-coloured diamond and two rubies.

Creating masterpieces, Cartier charted a 40-year-old love story of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor with superbly refined jewels. In 1904, Edward VII granted Cartier its first royal warrant of appointment to the Royal Court of the United Kingdom. Princess Grace of Monaco, The Maharaja of Indore, Yashwant Rao Holkar, The Maharaja of Patiala, The Maharaja of Kapurthala, and several Russian aristocrats like Maria Pavlovna, née Princess von Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Grand Duchess Vladimir ceaselessly placed orders at Cartier. As unparalleled creations of art and craftsmanship, a number of maharajas, maharanis and Indian princesses commissioned Van Cleef & Arpels to create bespoke jewellery for them, often supplying their own precious stones. Of these, none was more extravagant than the Maharani of Baroda. Nicknamed 'The Indian Wallis Simpson', the Maharani of Baroda-wife of the Maharaja of Baroda- had an insatiable passion for jewellery and a fabulous collection of over 300 pieces stretching back to the Mogul era. The most spectacular is the Baroda necklace, also known as the Lotus necklace or the Hindu necklace, which she ordered in 1950. Among others who took to the fancy of the brand's heritage were the Maharajas of Indore, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Gwalior. The French House of Boucheron founded by Frédéric Boucheron in 1858 was another top favourite of the imperial havens. Patrons of the company have included royalty: Maharaja Sir Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, Reza Shah Pahlavi, Czar Alexander III, Queen Farida of Egypt, and Queen Rania of Jordan. Harry Winston, too has shared very close ties with India- the man who commissioned Indian designer A.V. Shinde to create remarkable jewels for his firm.

1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K roadster of H.H. Yeshwant Rao Holkar

The Art of Travel

Closer to home, the purveyors of luxury and style in the last century in this country were often the members of Indian royalty. Owning objects of conspicuous consumption and luxury, Indian royalty did it just as good as their counterparts in Europe, splurging on cars. It was indeed the largesse and fancies of Indian royalty that some of the greatest motoring marquees in the world made it big. Rolls-Royce is known to have had a special department catering only to the Indian maharaja class! With bespoke customisation and some of the most graceful and beautiful bodywork created by some of the world's greatest coachbuilders, the automobile world had set in a wild frenzy among the Maharajas. The Maharaja of Mysore is said to have had no less than 24 Bentleys and Rolls- Royces, while 800 Rolls-Royces were delivered to India between 1903 and 1945, some even gilded with fine gold! One of the greatest purveyors of automobile art among Indian royalty was H.H. Yeshwant Rao Holkar II, The Maharaja of Indore. His royal garage was probably the finest in the country with such great cars like the Gurney-Nutting bodied Duesenberg, a Lagonda 4.5-litre sports saloon, a mighty Hispano-Suiza J12, various Bugattis, Delahayes, Pierce-Arrows, Bentleys, Alfa Romeos, and a Mercedes-Benz 540K sports car in 1937, this is equipped with one of the most stylish bodies by the Mercedes-Benz design department Maharaja Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur is one of the few who still owns a large number of his family cars, still parked in the royal garages, which form a private museum. His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Jodhpur also has a collection of about a dozen cars-big and small, dating from the 1920s. "My favourite car is a 1948 Red and White Convertible Buick because that is the car I drove the most in my childhood," he says.

Among other luxurious fetishes were Ferragamo shoes that were created for Indian royal women, and Louis Vuitton trunks, which remain an icon of the golden age of travel. Louis Vuitton took pride in filling the special orders of Jagatjit Singh, The Maharaja of Kapurthala in Punjab, Sayajirao Gaekwad III from Baroda, Maharaja Holkar, and The Maharajas of Alivar, Rajputana, Jodhpur, Jammu and Kashmir and more. It is little wonder why India has remained the darling for all things luxury.

A Salvatore Ferragamo sandal made for the Maharani of Cooch Behar, 1938

Always well turned out, it's not surprising to see that Priya Sachdev has found her calling in her passion for fashion. Today, the COO and Creative Director of the luxury fashion retail store, Kitsch, she talks to Luxpresso about the journey so far…

Your store Kitsch recently launched in Pune. What has your journey been like so far?

The store began as our (Charu and I) brainchild and was first launched in DLF Emporio mall in New Delhi. It did really well and subsequently we opened a store in Mumbai. This is our flagship store, which is spread over 3,000 sq ft. We have collections for both, men and women. Our new store launched in Pune at the end of August. The aim is to have 10 points of sale in the next five years. We're looking at cities like Hyderabad, Chennai and Chandigarh.

What has been your biggest challenge as far as the store is concerned?

Our biggest challenge was definitely to find real estate. Also, there's a lot that goes into how we select the brands. In Pune, we've opted for a luxury mall as the location. We're planning a standalone store in Hyderabad and a store in a luxury mall in Chennai as part of our future plans.

Oprah Winfrey too visited your store earlier this year. Can you tell us more about that?

It felt great! She was excited to see the Celine luggage bag that she was carrying, at our store. She tried on several pieces and was happy to see our vast selection of brands.

How do you describe your personal style?

Well, I'd describe my style as classic and timeless. During the day, I like a casual look and usually wear sporty jeans and a t-shirt. In the evening, my style is avant-garde with a classic twist.

Who are your fashion icons?

I think Kate Moss is very fashionable. Closer to home, I personally like the old and classic way of wearing a chiffon saree, akin to how our princesses dressed. I admire Parmeshwar Godrej as she's created her own style. I also like Anaita Adajania's style as it's boho chic and fun; as well as Anamika Khanna's whose sensibility is very different and avant-garde.

How has motherhood changed you?

Motherhood surely makes a person more grounded and humble. I've also become a lot more responsible.

Being a mother, how do you strike a balance among your professional, personal and social life?

It's tough to balance being a mother and a professional. I don't always get the kind of sleep that I want. But, both aspects are important. These are the years when a child needs your attention. As far as socialising is concerned, I've obviously become more picky. I attend mainly family or close friends' events.

Being in the limelight, one's also prone to negative media reports. How do you deal with that?

I think beyond a point, you just become immune. You learn to brush it off. Over time, I've learnt to focus on the positive aspects of my life.

How do you like to unwind in your time off?

I listen to music. My all-time favourite artists are Madonna, Sting and U2. I also play the piano. My other interests include yoga, meditation, working out and playing squash.

What does time mean to you?

It's precious… I'm always fighting with time!

Which has been your most favourite holiday?

I really enjoyed my time at the Four Seasons in Maldives. A family holiday in Amanpuri just after my brother got married is memorable. I also have fond memories of holidays in Rome and Como.

What does luxury mean to you?

Luxury is an experience...to have a cup of tea or play with your child. It's an individual experience. To each his own.

What are you looking forward to on the professional front?

I'm looking forward to expanding Kitsch by launching more stores all across the country. We're also looking at an online version of it. We want the brand to dictate fashion in India-to bring global trends, the best fashion brands and the hottest products here.

The lifestyle club house by Sobha Developers

Fancy lifestyle and luxurious brand names, real estate properties and ultra-luxurious amenities are sending the nouveau riche in the country in a tizzy. With a whale of options to choose from, the real estate business seems to be on a high and along with that, the lifestyle aspirations and expectations from a resurgent economy have made most real estate developers take a keen interest in the luxury housing segment. The demand for super luxury homes ranging between Rs. 4 crore to Rs. 30 crore has increased by 30 to 40 per cent. This spike in demand has made most developers think of new ideas and innovative plans to cash in on this specialised, boutique homes category. Explaining the rise in demand for these houses, J.C. Sharma, Vice Chairman and MD, Sobha Developers says, "The rise of the great Indian middle class, with higher disposable income is spurring a demand for luxury homes. Over the past few years, many successful first-generation professionals and businessmen with high-income profiles have emerged, who have the desire to live in houses that match their high-flying lifestyle. They either opt for a luxury house near Central Business District (CBD) areas, where the rate per square feet is high or they prefer to live in the suburbs in a large-sized villa within a gated community with amenities and facilities, so that they get a sense of exclusivity."

Stepping into the luxury space as well, Sunteck Realty Limited has tied up with Disney Consumer Products. Elaborating on this tie-up, Roshini Bakshi, Managing Director (Consumer Products, Retail and Publishing), Disney UTV, says, "Branded residences are a hugely successful concept internationally, and are now picking up in India. Globally, Disney has been present multitudinously in various spheres of home solutions and this association is a step towards taking our in-home category in India to the next level."

Similarly, Panchshil Realty will be bringing the Trump brand of luxury into the Indian real estate market. "Luxury lifestyle is fast catching up in India and with the growing number of high net-worth individuals in the country, we have realised that our brand adds significant value to ultra luxury real estate developments," says Donald Trump Jr.

Reports indicate that the luxury housing market potential will grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 28 per cent during 2011-2013 with the demand led by the senior management class, corporate houses, non-resident Indian businessmen and high net-worth individuals. In fact, it is also estimated that today, at a growth rate of more than 20 per cent, India has the fastest growing number of high net-worth individuals in the world, and real estate comprises approximately 40 per cent of their investment portfolio.

The luxurious Panchshil Yoo property at Pune

A Dream Abode

So what does one mean by a super luxury home? Only a decade ago, a swimming pool in an apartment complex was a symbol of luxurious living. Today, according to Sagar Chordia, Director, Panchshil Realty, splash pools, plunge pools and Jacuzzi's define luxury in townships. "Resort-like salons and spas in high-end townships are common. Bathrooms are luxury statements and designs include private gardens, complemented by steam/hydro therapy areas. Multi-storeyed residential buildings boast of private lap pools in every apartment," he adds. Sharma says, "The trend is to focus on exclusivity, which, generally, an independent villa provides. The key here is fewer units, in the 30 to 50 range, with larger plot sizes, giving privileged residents much sought-after privacy and physical and visual space. In addition, on offer are a whole gamut of five-star lifestyle amenities and services."

A luxury designer home is exclusive, stylish and unique. "Bearing the unmistakable hallmark of the designer's vision and sense of style, these limited edition homes are living spaces that transcend time and trends, bringing the elegant designer lifestyle into the everyday life of the resident. It's no longer just about wearing fashion; it's about living it 24x7. Designer residences bear the stamp of the designer's unique aesthetics, and break new ground in architecture, design and styling. Every element is carefully chosen and the finishing and materials are of the highest quality. The residents enjoy a flamboyant lifestyle," informs Samujjwal Ghosh, Senior VP, Marketing of Lodha Developers.

Designer Names

To raise the exclusivity quotient, a lot of real estate developers are tying up with renowned designers. Leading the trend is Lodha Developers with Lodha Fiorenza, which is aimed at providing trendy and fashionable interiors to the residents by appointing 'Jade Jagger for yoo', (a brand collaboration between Jade Jagger, the design icon, and Yoo, a globally reputed interior design firm), to design the houses. Speaking about the project, Ghosh says, "At Lodha Fiorenza, residents can enjoy spectacular landscaping by internationally-renowned Singapore-based designer firm Sitetectonix, host get-togethers in the exclusive party lounge designed by 'Jade Jagger for yoo', or savour the soothing views of the endless Aarey [Milk Colony] greens in Goregaon, Mumbai from the 360 degree rooftop observatory."

To indulge the super luxury clientele further, Lodha Developers even tied up with Armani/Casa Interior Design Studio to create the interiors of the World Towers project in Mumbai, which has been touted as the world's tallest residential tower. The World Towers comprise World One, the world's tallest residential tower at 117 storeys, and the equally iconic World Crest, one of India's tallest towers soaring over 700 feet. The World Towers will have exclusive three and four bedroom World Residences; lavish World Villas, with private pools; and the luxurious duplex World Mansions with a private pool, gym and personal elevator. The first design in Asia by the Armani/Casa Interior Design Studio will each have a residential unit exclusively featuring Armani/Roca bathrooms and Armani/Dada kitchens. Giorgio Armani, President and CEO of the Giorgio Armani Group, says, "The World Towers is an all-encompassing undertaking that transforms our notions of architecture and technology and is geared to create a new, highest-possible aesthetic experience. Every solution, from furniture to the finishes, has been designed to provide intimacy and create a sense of relaxation and wellbeing. These are qualities that the culture of the place has demonstrated to me-through a profound exchange of experiences."

Ghosh further adds, "The association with celebrated designers like 'Jade Jagger and Armani/Casa Interior Design Studio bring to the Indian audience the unique design philosophies, bespoke materials and impeccable finishes interpreted in a contemporary, yet Indian language of design. A luxury designer home provides a complete living experience, replete with the highest level of services and amenities to provide residents the finest comforts and entertainment, with a dash of style and panache, of course."

The family room at the Lodha

Along with the amenities, the Disney-inspired homes by Sunteck promise to be entertaining for children as well. "Our association with Disney helps us differentiate our offering from the other players in the market and breaks through the clutter to offer families their dream home," says Kamal Khetan, Chairman and Managing Director of Sunteck Realty. "It is our endeavour to build dream homes and create an exciting atmosphere for families to raise their kids. We have created a niche in the premium residential segment and this association will help us to create more value for our customers in our integrated township, Sunteck City, strategically located in Goregaon, Mumbai," he adds. These homes will have Disney-branded furnishing, home décor products, colour palettes, bedding and bath fittings that will bring alive the Disney experience, and will be spread over 23 acres. This township will also have Disney inspired kids' recreational spaces like a swimming pool, play zone, party and activity areas.

These designer homes are not just limited to Mumbai, but are now even catching up in CBD's. The yoo-Pune by Philippe Starck project developed by Panchshil Realty is one such example that is set within 17 acres and includes a five-acre historic rainforest. Speaking about getting Philippe Starck on board, Chordia says, "Each designer brings with him a unique sense and perspective to design. Due to their rich and diverse backgrounds and experiences, they use the best materials and finishes. Also, they are able to synergise the use of light and space, giving consumers homes that exceed expectations, are superbly designed, and can be well-described as a true luxury designer home." Yoo-Pune offers amenities like the Six Senses Spa & Resort, private reception and concierge, business centre, café, tea lounge, cigar lounge, home theatre and sports facilities.

Along with these homes, located near the Pune airport, Panchshil will also develop the Trump Towers Pune. The Trump Towers Pune is slated to be one of the tallest residential buildings in the city and is spread on a 2.5-acre site with 44 luxurious condominiums across two towers of 22 storeys each. Each floor houses a spacious apartment of approximately 6,000 square feet. Some of the amenities offered will include a fitness and recreational area, concierge service, pick-up and drop laundry service, an exclusive art gallery that will feature Varsha Chordia's private art collection, John Abraham fitness centre, yoga room, jogging track, kids' play area, swimming pools, library, business centre and game rooms. The residences will be fitted with the finest finishes including home automation, German kitchens, European fittings, and Italian marble flooring. Renowned Italian interior designer, Matteo Nunziati, will design all the common areas, including the amenities' floor with world-class leisure facilities. Sharma says, "A designer home provides additional exclusivity depending upon an individual's preferences. Many people also choose high-end designers as they bring in snob value. One's individual taste is manifested by engaging competent designers or architects, who can bring out the best."

With more and more real estate developers entering this market, super luxury designer homes are here to stay.

The luxurious Panchshil Yoo property at Pune

Clockwise: Canali Cashmere nawab jacket, Bottega Veneta round silver cufflinks, SS Homme pocket squares, Gucci tuxedo, Salvatore Ferragamo patent leather shoes, Bow tie and slim neck tie (SS Homme), Paul Smith black peak lapel single jacket
 

The best way to be appropriately dressed when attending an event that stands for sheer grandeur is to follow a simple list of dos and don'ts. If you have a Black Tie affair around the corner, then keep in mind these essentials pointed out by couturier Archana Kochhar and outfitter Sarah Shaikh (Designer, SS Homme).

The Do's

- The appearance of 'Black Tie' on an invitation indicates unequivocally that the host expects tuxedos to be worn.

- One must opt for the classic suit-tuxedo, white dress shirt, lapel, bow tie, and leather shoes-all of uncompromised quality, of course. A classic bandhgala (now appreciated worldwide) could also be an alternative for a distinct royal look.

- Wearing a white shirt underneath is the standard. No other dress colour will complement your bow tie.

- Keep the suit colour dark, preferably black and add colour to your accessories like cuff links and pocket squares. Make sure they're all colour-coordinated though.

-  If you're not comfortable with a bow tie, a semi slim tie works well too. Just remember to keep it classic.

- Accessories that always work-a watch, bow tie/tie, tie pins, cuff links, silk pocket square, and well-crafted leather shoes (oxfords or brogues).

The Don'ts

- Such an event isn't really open to much experimentation. It's important to remember that wearing a black tie reflects the guest's respect for the host and the event, so it's usually better to stay biased to the side of more conservative rather than less.

- Dress according to your body type and avoid oversized clothes.

- A black tie event has no room for trial and error. Avoid any funky hair-dos and wacky belts, and keep it understated.

- Don't bathe yourself in extra cologne. Excess is a turn off. Go with a classic scent.

- Bulky, bling watches do not blend well with a classic tuxedo. Pair appropriately.

- As basic as it may sound, your trouser colour should always match your socks.

The words Côte d'Azur, with their accents and consonants, conjure up images of seaside resorts, opulent casinos and magnificent yachts floating down the coast of the blessed region. The playground and preserve of artists, billionaires and celebrities, stretching from the Mediterranean coast to the Southern Alps is a swathe of coastal land peppered with delightful villages, glittering cities and luxe resorts. Set adrift to discover the magic of this meandering magnificent coast, the French Riviera, and along with it, the Principality of Monaco.

Cannes

The city's landscape is a perfect retreat, one that you enjoy over glasses of sparkling bubbly! Such is the charisma of this locale that becomes the hot-bed of some of the world's most distinguished creative minds, whether it's during the Cannes Film Festival, or more recently, the Cannes Lions. An epicurean destination, Cannes allows you to escape to a mesmerizing world that befits not only the rich and the famous yachting on the calm Mediterranean, but also those who find immense business opportunities in this lap of luxury. But beyond business, the glitterati, the melting pot of creative minds, Cannes truly is a beacon and as Stendhal writes in his Memoires d'un touriste, "There, you can spend the twilight of your life in peace." A small Ligurian port that has become one of the most sought-after cities of the world has a story to tell that's steeped in history, heritage interesting tales to bring with it the 'gentle way of life.' Founded in 997, Portu Canuae was just a small fishing village and it was in the same year that the Castrum Marcellus fort, that is now called the Suquet was built. So, Porto Canuae had its 'kan' or the high point. And Cannes was born! But it wasn't until the 19th century when Cannes started to grow in the ladders of aristocracy. Cannes, today, is the epicentre of the Cote d'Azur or the French Riviera for not only the crème de la crème, but anyone who wants to experience a slice of heaven. A few places make up Cannes, the city, as it witnesses people from all over the world flocking to taste the 'Cannes way of life'. And one of the best ways to explore this city is to walk through the lanes and bylanes brimming with charm and charisma drawing you in; there are fifteen murals greeting you on the way; whether it's Marilyn Monroe, Buster Keaton or shots from different eras of cinema depicted in the 3D paintings on the walls of Gare Automoblis, the main bus-stop of the city.

Not to be missed:

-Saint Honorat Island is an absolute must-visit if you're looking for some solitude while you wine and dine on the French Riviera.

Nice

The quickest way to get to Nice is to board a train from Cannes. Or else, you can always take on the road to absorb the sights. Nice, the muse of artists for centuries, the capital of the French Riviera lured in old masters with its promise of enchanting light. Henri Matisse in praise of its iridescent charms said, "When I realised I would see that light every morning, I could not believe my happiness. I decided never to leave Nice and remained here for my almost entire existence." And leave he didn't. Discover contemporary Nice, an open air museum, visiting its 20 odd museums and municipal galleries including the national Marc Chagall Museum and the Matisse Museum. Visit the old city, with its stunning baroque-styled palaces, and stop by its palpably green gardens. Stroll by its promenade-lined beaches, soaking in the warm Mediterranean breeze. And when the first light of dawn reveals itself, you will understand Matisse's inspiration.

Not to be missed:

-Don't forget to check out the lovely Hotel Negresco located on the Promenade des Anglais, which was the hotel of choice of the late Michael Jackson and other Hollywood stars.

-For a mouthwatering Indian meal, head to Noori's at 1, Place Grimaldi, owned by the charming Anaz Ahmed. A must-try is the mutton biryani.

Saint Tropez

French writer Guy de Maupassant succinctly summed up Saint Tropez's charms, as he dropped anchor of his yacht Bel Ami on its turquoise waters. "Saint-Tropez is one of those charming and simple girls of the ocean…set on the water like a shell, feeding on fish and sea air," he wrote. Truer words were never spoken. A veritable fairyland, Saint Tropez's discernible elegance lies in its landscape: provençal buildings, stocky olive trees, stately cypresses and lush roses. This glamourous city is home to Brigitte Bardot and other sensual pleasures of life: fine wine, fantastic bars, nightclubs and impeccable fashion. Relive an era walking down its silky beaches-the natural and wild Graniers, the charming little Ponche where Bardot's And God Created Woman was shot, and Fontanette beach with its charming fishermen's homes.

Not to be missed:

-Don't leave without visiting the nightclub in Hotel Byblos, the village-style hotel that's a celebrity magnet. Unforgettable!

Photo Courtesy: JL Chaix St Tropez

Monaco

A haven of haute couture and luxe casinos and a mecca of stylish hotels and restaurants, the Principality of Monaco and Monte-Carlo is a must-visit. It is the ultimate opulent playground of billionaires! The history of the Principality of Monaco is inseparable from the trials and tribulations of the Grimaldi family. The family's ascent began in 1297 when Francois Grimaldi seized a fortress in the region, and since then, Monaco and its monarchs have dazzled the globe. Prince Rainier III's fairytale wedding to actress Grace Kelly sealed its supremacy in the upper echelons of elegance. Visit The Prince's Palace of Monaco, try your luck at the Belle-Epoque jewel-the Monte-Carlo Casino, and check into the iconic Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo. Sipping champagne on the deck of your superyacht under a star spangled sky is the closest you'll get to utopia.

Not to be missed:

-A meal at the legendary Cafe de Paris and a visit to the Monaco Cathedral, after a languorous stroll through the old town.

Photo Courtesy: Monaco Government Tourist Bureau, India

Antibes Juan-les-Pins

The resort town of Antibes and its commune Juan-les- Pins has history that dates back several millennia. The region's fascinating salons have drawn in the likes of Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ray Charles and Dizzy Gillespie, Josephine Baker, and Edith Piaf, amongst others, and Juan-les-Pins has its very own Jazz Festival, Jazz à Juan, the oldest in Europe. Must-visits are the Picasso Museum that has some of the artist's best work, the Napoleon Museum, the rocky promontory Fort Carré, and the Espace Marineland, the largest sea park in Europe. And for a sundowner, follow the riffs of the guitar to one of the lovely salons with the sound of surf humming in your ears, through cobbled pathways bathed in golden light. Don't leave without checking into the luxurious sanctuary of Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc perched on the southern tip of the Cap d'Antibes, a writer's retreat for over a century.

Not to be missed:

-When in Juan-les- Pins, do check out the Brazilian bar called Pam Pam. It's a must visit if you want to let your hair down!

Photo Courtesy: JL Chaix St Tropez

Saint Paul de Vence

A delightful hamlet with an unparalleled legacy, Saint Paul de Vence has cobbled streets and narrow ramparts, lending it a certain mystique. Its enigmatic landscape and incandescent light drew in auteurs of all genres: writers, artists, and stars of the silver screen who found the village perched atop a hill, irresistible. With sweeping views of the countryside and sea, artists like Modigliani, Matisse and Picasso set up their easels here to paint in vivid hues a stunning landscape. Visit the olive mill, take a walk around the village and pay homage to Marc Chagall at his eternal resting place in the tiny, yet atmospheric cemetery.

Not to be missed:

-A must-visit is the Fondation Maeght with its unique architecture and gardens displaying works of artists and sculptors, including the Giacometti courtyard, the Miró labyrinth with its sculptures and ceramics, the mosaic murals of Chagall and Tal Coat and many more. In fact, the Fondation Maeght is home to one of Europe's richest collections of contemporary art.

Photo Courtesy: Marcel Jolibois

Getting Around:

The best way to experience the idyllic charms of the Côte d'Azur is to set sail on the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Port de Cannes is the perfect place to drop anchor, offering 800 mooring areas. The port has illustrious company; it is only 16 miles from the port of Nice, 22 from the port of Monaco and 24 from the port of Saint Tropez. Cannes is also connected to the aforementioned areas by road and train.

Authors - Neeti Mehra and Aindrila Mitra

Image Via Jaguar

The excitement has been building up in all car lovers for the much anticipated Paris Motor Show, 2012. With the scheduled release of cars like the new concept Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo, the Jaguar F-Type and the McLaren P1 concept, the tremendous enthusiasm of auto buffs is no surprise.

After Mercedes’ launch of the four-door Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake, car makers Porsche have decided to follow suit. Porsche is all set to launch its Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo concept car. This hybrid car will feature the same technology as used in the Cayenne S Hybrid and Panamera S Hybrid, giving the car an astounding 333 horsepower. The supercharged V-6 engine will also allow the car to go from zero to sixty miles per hour in an astounding six seconds. The production of this coupé, however, will be entirely determined by the success of the Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake.

Jaguar is a car company known for the quintessential British design and construction of its automobiles. With its launch of the new F-Type convertible, Jaguar appears to be reviving the magic of their bygone E-Type roadsters. The F-Type convertible has a design closely inspired by the sleek lines and style of the E-Type. The similarities however, end at that. Equipped with either a 3-liter V-6 engine or a 5-liter V-8 engine, this car goes from naught to sixty in just four seconds. Combining the classic design of the E-Type with the power and features of a new age roadster, this car promises to be a force to reckon with.

Image Via Porsche

The Paris Motor Show will witness the first ever appearance of McLaren Automotive at a motor show. Committed to attaining a pole position at the show, McLaren will be launching the McLaren P1 concept car in Paris later this month. Inspired by the company's renowned racing division, the P1 coupe is aimed at making McLaren cars the best cars to drive, be it on the road or the track. Not just focusing on the speed, the aim of this car is to be one of the most rewarding and dynamically advanced super cars that have been produced till date. Specifications of this enigmatic car will only be released during the Paris Motor Show which is about to commence soon.

Image Via McLaren

Image Via Mandarin Oriental Hotel

The celebration of King Ludwig-I’s wedding party in the 1800’s was such a resounding success that it is being celebrated till date. Today it is celebrated in the form of the much anticipated, renowned yearly festival – Oktoberfest.

The celebrations, which go on from September 22 till October 7, are a gala revolving around the world’s most popular beverage - beer. A few changes have been made to the festival though, setting it apart from its orignal1800’s avatar. The small festive tents of King Ludwig’s era have been replaced by extravagant beer halls, put up to cater to the thousands of people in attendance every year. The astounding success of the festival has also ensured that Oktoberfest is now a sixteen day fiesta, which can be enjoyed by everyone despite their varying tastes and ages.     

The vast variety of activities taking place in Munich at the time however, can make the process of planning your Oktoberfest itinerary quite a confusing one. Luckily though hotels like The Charles Hotel, the Mandarin Oriental and the Hotel Koenigshof are all set to make your trip a lot easier. The Charles Rocco Forte hotel in Munich offers its guests a unique Oktoberfest package. This package gives you the opportunity to dress up in tailor-made traditional German costumes while attending the festival. Exciting transport options to the venues of the festival are also offered by the hotel, along with access to its extraordinary in-house spa and Wiesn Hut.

There is no dearth of choice as far as Oktoberfest packages are concerned. The Hotel Koenigshof offers to its guests a package as lavish as the hotel itself. This package will be inclusive of two nights' stay in a luxurious double room at the property, a complimentary breakfast at its gourmet restaurant and reserved VIP seats at the Hippodrom. Vouchers for meals and drinks at the festival will also be available for beer aficionados.

The Mandarin Oriental hotel offers to its visitors one of the most comprehensive and exciting packages money can buy. Along with luxury accommodation and a complimentary breakfast, beer lovers will also receive an exclusive carriage tour to the Oktoberfest tent. Upon reaching the tent, guests will also be treated to a three-course meal along with champagne at one of the shared tables of the Hippodrom tent. The hotel will also leave their guests with Bavarian souvenirs, making sure their Oktoberfest experience is a memorable one.

The Audemars Piguet King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament

Legendary watchmakers Audemars Piguet, hosted the eleventh edition of the King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament in Thailand recently. The tournament was brought to life by the enthusiastic participation of twelve teams and forty two elephants from all over the world.

Spectators were witness to exciting matches and saw a formidable spirit of competition building up at the tournament grounds in Hua Hin. However, this competitive spirit was complemented by the spirit of generosity and charity. The charity gala dinner hosted during the event, raised an astounding three million Thai bahts to be donated towards various elephant welfare projects. During the competition as well, the participating elephants received extensive veterinary care and vitamin supplements to keep them fighting fit throughout the tournament. They were also treated to buffets of fruits at the opening and closing ceremonies.

One of the far reaching beneficiaries of this fund raising event will also be the Thai Elephant Therapy Project. This project, being undertaken in collaboration with the Chiang Mai University, will be extended to further include clinics catering to the therapy of children suffering from Down’s syndrome and other such conditions.

Audemars Piguet has been the lead sponsor of this event for the past four years. Interestingly, the Audemars Piguet polo team has also been the defending champions of the cup for the past three years. This winning streak was set to change though. The Piguet team was defeated in the finals of the tournament by the King Power team in an enthralling match yielding a score of 9:13.

Image Via Mercedes Benz

Not every one has access to James Bond’s Q division, or the super toys made by them. However, Mercedes-Benz Style gives us an experience which is as good as it gets. After designing the Mercedes-Benz Style Coupe and the EC145 luxury helicopter, Mercedes-Benz Style along with Silver Arrows Marine has recently launched its design for a sleek, swanky luxury yacht.              

The designs which were unveiled at the recent 2012 Monaco Yacht Show, promise to combine the legendary Mercedes innovation with a futuristic design and style. After the launch of the Eurocopter EC145, this yacht brings Mercedes closer to founder Gottleib Daimler’s dream of all-round mobility. 

Their collaboration with Silver Arrows Marine-a collective of the world’s finest marine engineers and architects, has yielded the warm designs and technical perfection of this ultra modern yacht. Silver Arrows Marine will be responsible for the technical construction of these yachts while Mercedes’ designers will mould its exterior design and create a versatile usage of space within. 

If you’re waiting, eyes agog and with baited breath for this ‘Silver Arrow of the seas’, Mercedes won't keep you for long. This luxurious yacht will be available in the market in 2013, a few months away.

Image Via Mercedes Benz

Entrepreneur Tanya Heath has set out to save women across the globe, healing one set of stiletto-sore feet at a time. Pragmatic Tanya Heath like many other women, was tired of compromising on her sense of style for the comfort of flat shoes. Her solution was to create a pair of shoes which could change between high heels and comfortable flats with the push of a button!

This pursuit to create the perfect shoe–one that combined the comfort of a pair of flats and the glamour of high heels was not an easy one. It wasn't surely an easy task since it took the combined efforts of fourteen engineers and shoe technicians as well as a staggering sum of forty thousand dollars put towards the research and development of this shoe. After numerous trials and errors, Heath finally managed to develop this astounding line of shoes.       

Today Heath’s interchangeable height heels are available in a wide range of heights and patterns, allowing the wearer to look chic in diverse options- in a four-inch stiletto or even a more comfortable platform heel.

Talking about her revolutionary invention, Heath said, “I created this shoe so that women would have a shoe that reflected their multi-facets: smart, pragmatic, pretty, and sexy all at once. She added, “Above all I want the notion of having to suffer to be beautiful to disappear and I hope my shoe will be as liberating as when women left the corset behind.”

Image Via Breitling for Bentley

The name Bentley has always been synonymous with luxury, exclusivity and excellence whether it is for looks or performance. Much like the cars themselves, the watches produced by Breitling for Bentley embody the distinctiveness and opulence associated with the brand.

This unique timepiece derives its name from Bentley Mulliner, a division of the company which deals solely with the customisation of its cars. Living up to that reputation, this tourbillon has various options that the buyer can customise his watch with. Watch cases can be made from various materials like platinum, white gold, yellow gold or rose gold. The colour of the dial can also be picked from the fifteen colours available for the interiors of the Bentley car. If the crocodile leather strap does not appeal to you, a five link metal strap is also available in the same material as the watch case. Now that is what personalisation truly stands for in today's day and age!
 
Interestingly, the Bentley Mulliner Tourbillon is also the only watch in the series which has a tourbillon mechanism, as well as a thirty second chronograph. The unique workings of this watch are visible through its sapphire glass arc as well as its transparent back case.    
            
This timepiece is crafted with so much care and precision that Breitling only produces two such watches in a year! If you have been wanting to own an ultra exclusive and unique timepiece, this watch might just end your search.

Image Via The California Headphone Company

The California Headphone Company has recently launched two sets of headphones in an endeavour to bring high quality sound to music lovers across the globe. Attempting to stay true to the quintessential California sound, these headphones cater specifically to the genres of country, rock and alternative music.

The Laredo and Silverado headphones launched by The California Headphone Company are the inspiring end products of a long, fourteen month process aimed at attaining auditory perfection. A unique point to be noted is that these headphones give listeners an aural experience akin to that of listening to their favourite music, live. The headphones feature 40mm titanium drivers, as well as a frequency response of 20 - 20,000 Hz designed specially to highlight the acoustic sounds of vocals and the guitar. The 280 degree rotating hinges also ensure that these headphones allow for a more comforting listening experience. 

Inspired by the aviation headsets worn during World War II, these headphones feature a similar metal and leather finish lending to a stylish avatar of a pair of well engineered headphones.

Image Via The California Headphone Company

Often referred to as Bollywood's quintessential girl-next-door, the very pretty Prachi Desai shares some of her beauty secrets with Time 'n Style Beauty.

What is your definition of beauty?
For me, healthy skin is beautiful skin. Taking care of your skin, having a positive attitude, and sticking to a healthy diet go a long way in defining your appearance. I believe that the key to looking good lies within you. If you are happy and at peace with yourself, the glow is bound to show.

What is your relationship with beauty?
My relationship with beauty stems from my relationship with the health of mind and body. For me, it's about being happy, eating right and living healthy. What I feel within automatically reflects in the way I look. I believe in using time-tested home remedies and use a lot of aloe vera and turmeric on my face. I drink at least three to four litres of water a day. I also enjoy coconut water and drink it through the year for healthy skin.

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?
I drink a glass of lukewarm water mixed with honey. This is followed by a yoga session. Besides helping me kick start my day, it does wonders for my skin.

What are your favourite beauty products?
I'm not too fond of cosmetics; however, I religiously follow the cleanse-tone-moisturise routine. I use the Neutrogena Deep Clean Foaming Facial Cleanser, followed by a good toner and moisturiser. I never step out without sunblock. For my skin, I trust Neutrogena, whereas Kérastase works well for my hair. M.A.C and Lancôme are my favourite makeup brands.

What is inside your makeup bag?
I always keep a compact, a cream blush, lip gloss, lip moisturiser and sunblock in my bag.

The face I wear everyday
… is a confident and smiling one!

What's your secret for looking good always?
Keeping your mind and body healthy and maintaining a positive approach to life.

What's your personal beauty tip?
Drink lots of water and eat right by including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. It's also imporant to work out regularly. If you're healthy from the inside, you will surely shine on the outside.

What is the one thing you have learnt during a shoot?
One tends to get busy during shoots and I'd always end up skipping meals and not drink enough water. This would leave me weak and dehydrated. With time, I have learnt to regularise my meals. I keep sipping water all day to stay energised and look fresh.

What do you like to do when you are not working?
I love watching movies, eating out and going out dancing with girlfriends.

How do you like to pamper yourself?
I love to shop…it's my personal indulgence. I also enjoy the occasional spa visit, which is very relaxing.

What's your personal style statement?
I'd say it's casual chic. I love wearing dresses and like to keep my makeup minimal, yet elegant. For me, beauty lies in simplicity.

Which of your roles has left the most lasting impression on you?
My role in I, Me aur Main has left a lasting impression on me, because I rediscovered my fun side while playing the part.

Out of all the movies you have seen, which are the roles that you would've liked to play the most?
I would love to play Kareena Kapoor's role in Jab We Met or Audrey Hepburn's part in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

What has been the greatest challenge in your life?
My greatest challenge was switching from television to films.

What are you looking forward to on the career front?
I'm looking forward to my next movie I, Me aur Main.

The benefits of returning to what the earth provides have been proven, and now, both men and women flock to a few pioneering brands that have managed to harness the power of nature.

The science of Ayurveda

Brands like Forest Essentials believe in the power of Ayurveda and give importance to the technique of production along with the ingredients used. The Eternal Youth Formula Date and Litchi uses a 17th century formulation which is prepared according to Vedic shastras. The cream is mixed by hand while chanting specific mantras. This product is meant to increase the skin's elasticity and renew its glow.

Natural inspiration

Organic produce is grown without the use of pesticides or any sort of genetic modification to hurry the natural process. And using this produce to create beauty products in a natural way is what organic beauty brands aim to do. As a company, The Body Shop believes that its products are 'inspired by nature'. The Nutriganics line launched in 2010 is a certified organic skincare line, developed combining the forces of science and nature. The Nutriganics Drops of Youth is an organic alternative to all the different age-defying potions available today. Ninety eight per cent of the ingredients used in this revolutionary product come from nature, so that you can fight the signs of ageing, naturally.

Historical healing

Derived from Sanskrit, nyassa means to 'to heal through touch by chanting mantras'. The idea behind Nyassa was to create beautiful, natural products that showcase the different fragrances found in nature, which are mild and beneficial to the skin. The brand's World Luxury Collection includes an array of different natural oils, sourced from all over the world, which benefit the skin even as they smell sumptuous.

Hand-made, naturally

Lush is another excellent choice when it comes to natural skincare and beauty products. It believes in complete transparency, which is evident with the extensive ingredients' list printed on the outer label, along with the name of the Lush employee who packaged that particular product. Every product is handmade - fruit juice is collected, fresh soaps are moulded and cut by hand, and bottles are filled and labelled by hand. One of its best products is the Therapy Massage Bar with lavender and neroli oils, cocoa and shea butter, which helps in moisturising your skin and uplifting your mood through aromatherapy.

Benefits of organic products

- Organic ingredients are natural and derived from plants, which makes them easier for the skin to absorb.
- Organic products are made with pure, natural, plant-based ingredients and are free of harmful chemicals, so the possibility of allergic reactions is very low.
- Organic products are biodegradable and hence eco-friendly.

Photo Courtesy: The Body Shop, Lush, Nyassa, Forest Essentials

Lolita Lempicka's fragrance, L'eau en Blanc

Parisian and feminine are perhaps what best describe the brand Lolita Lempicka that recently launched a brand new fragrance, L'eau en Blanc. We caught up with Rémi Cléro, President, Amore Pacific, who spoke about the brand and more.

Not too many people are familiar with the brand Lolita Lempicka. How would you describe it?

First and foremost, it's a very feminine brand. The founders Lolita Lempicka and her husband grew up in the 1960's and love nature for all its values. There's a feminine sensuality in her fashion, which is modern at the same time. Today, the fragrance is the beacon of the company. The first fragrance was launched about two decades ago and instantly became one of the bestsellers in France and subsequently, Europe.

Who is the ideal customer for the fragrance?

The fragrance is meant for the woman who is assertive, stands up for herself, and is unafraid to demonstrate her sensuality in an elegant and classy way as opposed to an overtly sexy fashion. Now is a very exciting time because it's a moment of change for the company. We want to push the brand forward into the next decade.

Actress Elle Fanning is the face of Lolita Lempicka. Why do you think she's representative of the brand?

Elle Fanning is a young and talented American actress who is the face of our new communication. She also happens to be the sister of Dakota Fanning. Elle is only fourteen years-old but has already worked with directors like Francis Coppola and Steven Spielberg. Her work's brilliant and we're happy that she's our muse. She's a young girl as well as a woman and we're happy to have her on board as this is exactly the positioning of our product.

Do you think the ingredients used in the new fragrance are suited to the Indian climate?

Creating a fragrance is a very delicate experience. It's nearly impossible to create a global fragrance that pleases everybody. We try to understand what people like, create and put it out here, hoping that it will be liked. At the moment, we're not creating specific fragrances for specific markets. That's not to say we'll never do it. We could look at doing that in the future. However, at this point, our focus is to establish the brand as a whole, as a great fragrance house.

According to you, which are the ideal ingredients for the Indian climate?

I think a floral fragrance would work well. You can't be clichéd while selecting ingredients for a particular climate. There are so many people in India coming from diverse backgrounds. So, the good thing is that when you launch a fragrance, it'll find its target!

What do you think makes a fragrance work?

You have to do something different, original and of course, it has to be uncompromising on quality. We do not compromise on ingredients. I think if you're convinced about your product being good, it will work. The presentation of the brand in the store and the service are also very important. Lastly, you need to know the reality of the market and price the fragrance correctly. If you price it in a crazy way, you just won't make it in the market.