Nikitta at NYFW's Heart a Cause fundraiser

‘Heart a Cause’, the inaugural event at New York Fashion Week (NYFW), returned with their annual fundraiser, bringing fashion, music and art together at the Millesime at the Carlton Hotel in New York. Heart a Cause 2014 nominated GiGi’s Playhouse New York as its dedicated cause, raising awareness and funds for down-syndrome. The event also featured fashion presentations by many emerging brands including Nikitta by Nikita Varma. Varma’s luxury prêt women’s wear label ‘Nikitta’ is known for its glamour, luxury, chic and femininity exuded through each of its creations. Her range includes cocktail dresses to flowing evening gowns. Nikitta has been an official clothing sponsor for the Miss New York Organization. Her designs have been sported by several beauty queens including the reigning Miss America, Miss United States 2013 and Miss New York 2013. Varma, a designer of Indian origin and a graduate from the Parsons School of design, has previously showcased her collections at Indian Fashion Week in 2012 and in New York in 2013. Her label retails in luxury multi-designer stores in India and is also emerging in New York. Besides her ready-to-wear label, she also designs customized and bespoke pieces on made-to-order basis. At the Heart a Cause fundraiser, Varma showcased ‘Luxurious Seascapes’ – a Spring/Summer collection of evening gowns and cocktail dresses inspired by the breeziness of seaside. Source: Article

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Van Heusen unveils S/S 2014 collection

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Van Heusen has unveiled its Spring/Summer 2014 collection with Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone. The limited edition collection features sheath dresses with scooped out backs, animal print tops, pencil skirts, white knee-length bodycons and full-sleeve fitted black textured numbers. Other than designing the line, Padukone has also walked the

ramp in self-designed pieces at the launch ceremony of the collection in Mumbai, India. The actress is known for her minimal yet classic style, has pitched ideas for the collection, which revolves around old Hollywood glamour where classic meets contemporary. The palate of this co-created line features monochromatic shades like dusty rose pink and cobalt blue.

Arvind is racing ahead with its aim to be a billion  dollar company. It already holds India rights for other brands like Arrow and IZOD through Arvind Lifestyle Brands apart from owing a 50 percent stake in Tommy Hilfiger's Indian unit and now has Calvin Klein operations in India under a single joint venture with PVH. Source: Fashion United, Image

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Vidya, Sridevi: Actresses who made a difference

(IANS) Bollywood may be considered a male dominated industry by many, but 2012 saw VidyaBalan, Kareena Kapoor and Sridevi becoming the champions of change by carrying films on their more than able shoulders and establishing that actresses are more than just a glamour quotient with the success of their ventures. "Kahaani", featuring Vidya Balan, who had already challenged the male bastion with her 2011 big hit "The Dirty Picture", was the first female-centric film of the year that hit the bull's eye. Made on a shoestring budget of Rs.8 crore, Sujoy Ghosh-directed "Kahaani" revolved around seven-month pregnant Vidya Bagchi. High on suspense, thrill and drama, the film entertained audiences so much so that it became a gold spinner by raking in Rs.59.26 crore at the box-office. Following the success of the film, Vidya commented: "Women are taking centrestage in various walks of life all over the country and cinema is just a reflection of that. I'm happy to be part of the film that is celebrating the new role of women.""Kahaani" was followed by the release of Karisma Kapoor's comeback film "Dangerous Ishhq", in which she played a supermodel who undergoes past-life regression. The story spanned across 500 years. Though it fared averagely, Karisma's acting was appreciated. Although few in number, women-centric films stood out among big-budget and big-starrer ones and forced everyone to sit up and take notice. One of them was Bipasha Basu-starrer "Raaz 3", which turned out to be a saving grace for the actress who has not given any substantial hits in recent times. She not only won critical acclaim for her portrayal of a successful actress struggling to keep up with the stardom but her film also became a hit with an earning of reportedly Rs.70 crore. The success of "Raaz 3" was followed by Kareena Kapoor-starrer "Heroine". Made at Rs.32 crore, including marketing and promotion costs, it did good business and grossed Rs.44.25 crore. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh welcomed the change. "Making women-centric films was earlier considered a risky proposition. But actresses like Vidya, Kareena and Sridevi have turned out to be game-changers. Their films have not only done well at the domestic box-office, but also in overseas market. These actresses have brought in a new wave of change and it seems to be a positive trend." It's a known fact that Sridevi used to have a magical presence on the big screen and her charm remained intact even when she returned after 15 years with "English Vinglish". Her portrayal of a non-English speaking housewife who decides to learn English to keep up with her children and husband in Gaurie Shinde's directorial debut struck an emotional connect with all and sundry. Shinde said that her mother was the inspiration for this film. "Most people in India struggle with this language. It is the insecurity and insensitivity that I have shown in the film," she added. Reportedly made at a budget of Rs.15 core, it earned Rs.45.78 crore worldwide in 10 days. Some other noticeable women-centric films that came out were "Jalpari" and "Jism 2". Historian S.M.M. Ausaja too feels that the "year has been really good in terms of women-centric films working at the box-office, whether it is Vidya Balan, Kareena Kapoor or Sridevi". She however adds: "I wouldn't say it will bring a new wave in the film industry." "There was a time when in the 1930s actresses were shown in a bigger way on film posters than the actors. So times keep changing. Bollywood still remains male- dominated," he said. But Vidya said what is important is that new kinds of roles are being written for actresses and feels a lot has changed over the years. "New kinds of roles are being written for them and they get such a wide variety to play on screen. I'm glad that I am working in this era where different roles are being written for women. I credit the filmmakers for bringing in such a big change," Vidya said. *** Vidya, Sridevi: Actresses who made a difference in 2012 (2012 in Retrospect)

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Catch RA.One's London premiere

Hindustantimes: RA.One's London premiere was full of glitterati and glamour. The star studded event saw Shah Rukh Khan with wifey Gauri, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal and many more.

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RA.One | Catch RA.One's London premiere | Photos Entertainment | - Hindustantimes

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Roots are important to Madhuri Dixit

Madhuri Dixit says the reason behind her shifting base from the US to Mumbai last year, was that her kids should know their roots. And so, taking out time from her busy schedule, the actor, along with husband cardiac surgeon Dr Sriram Nene and kids, visited the Taj Mahal recently, and her ancestral hometown Konkan before that. “Konkan is a beautiful area. My kids were fascinated to see buffaloes... It’s important that they know their roots as it’s a part of who we are,” she says. Shift focus to her husband, who of late has been seen at most public events with her, and Madhuri says: “We are a team and we support each other. When he was busy with his work back in the US, I made his life easy by taking care of everything else. He’s doing the same for me now.” And, Dr Nene seems to have adapted well to the constant limelight that his wife is in. As Madhuri gave the interview, he clicked pictures from his phone, and suggested changes in her pose as per the light falling on her. “We both know that our life is much more beyond this glamour and limelight, so we behave accordingly. We are professionals for each other. I entertain people and he saves lives,” she says. On Konkan: Konkan is a beautiful area. We went there to visit our roots. We wanted our kids to see how people work in a farm. On her hubby: We are a team and we support each other. When he was busy with work back in the US, I supported him. Source: Hindustan Times, Image: photobucket.com

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People forget we are human, not objects: Rosie

Supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley says working in glamour world wasn't always her goal and she grew up feeling very insecure about her body. The 25-year-old beauty, who is one of the most in-demand models in the world, said she still has her insecurities, a media report said. “I grew up very unaware of my body and how I look; that wasn't something anybody thought about. I wasn't quite tall enough either and I hated it to be honest. “There was no individuality, no opportunity to be individuals. I think that people forget your are human and you just become an object,” she said. Talking of her time in New York, Whiteley said, “I was constantly reminded that I wasn't right wherever I went and that was difficult because I'd come from a place where it didn't matter.” Since becoming the face of Burberry and Victoria's Secret and her relationship with actor Jason Statham, her celebrity status has risen. Now, the supermodel turned Hollywood actress and lingerie designer, models designs including Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel and Dior. “I've wanted to design ever since I can remember and I fell into modelling through wanting to design and then, through my modelling career I modelled a lot of lingerie,” she says. Source: Indian Express

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London show celebrates 60 years of British glamour

Sam Daily Times: London (Reuters) - A decadent gown made from feathers and a printed lace latex dress designed by some of fashion's luminaries will go on display as part of a new exhibition to celebrate the glitz and glamour of Britain's ball gowns. Ball gowns: British Glamour Since 1950, on at London's Victoria and Albert Museum from May 19 until January 2013, showcases a collection of 60 dresses marking the journey of formal attire from private events to the public parade. "This exhibition is a very exciting moment for us, we really wanted to launch the new fashion gallery with a display that celebrated British fashion design," co-curator Sonnet Stanfill said. The show displays a vast array of specially made designs for social events like debutante balls, royal state occasions and red carpet events spanning 60 years. Most people are excited by the idea of a fairytale evening, of choosing a gown that shows their level of taste that makes them look their best and presents them in their finest attire, Stanfill told Reuters. "There is the moment that everyone hopes for when a woman goes to her wardrobe and chooses a gown, to have that moment where you feel like you're the belle of the ball." Visitors stepping into the softly lit halls, will be able to see some of the most beautiful and daring creations from designers such as Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and Erdem. Projections of the gowns, shot by photographer David Hughes, are beamed on each alcove of the domed ceiling in crisp detail. The lower gallery showcases historic gowns dating back to the 1950s, including a Norman Hartnell design for the late Queen Mother and Princess Diana's "Elvis Dress" by Catherine Walker. Choosing the designers and the dresses on the display was an extremely difficult task, Stanfill said. "We really looked for things that showcased different couture techniques, different silhouettes and also of course, it had to be British, so by culling through our permanent collection, we chose the pieces that we felt were the grandest examples." White chandeliers and giant silvery pearl necklaces which the mannequins are perched upon make up the new mezzanine level, which was designed to represent a grand ballroom. But the exhibition isn't all about parties and layers of tulle and froth, added Stanfill, who said she discovered a layer of subversion beneath Atsuko Kudo's design, which appears to be lace but is made from latex. "One of the things I have really enjoyed working for on this show, is notion of subversion...It's more than just a dress, it's that one element of surprise that I have really enjoyed discovering," Stanfill said. "British design, you think you know what it's all about and then something comes along and upends your preconceived notions."Source: Sam Daily Times

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I’m not worried about what I’ve lost

Says actress Tamannaah Bhatia who is on a success ride with ‘Racha’ and a Bollywood debut opposite Ajay Devgn. Her new film ‘Endhukante Premanta’ releases today  Having shifted her base from Chennai to Hyderabad last year, actress Tamannaah Bhatia is going through the golden period of her career in Tollywood. With big projects in her kitty, the Mumbai based beauty who shot to overnight fame as Madhu in ‘Happy Days’ has had many more successes to follow. A small chit-chat with the actress on her new film ‘Endhukante Premanta’ (EP) in which she shares screen space with Ram.

• About her character and the film: I play the role of Shravanthi, an Indian girl based in Paris. She is a girl who is very protective about herself. It is love story with a twist in the tale. I can bet on the fact that it is not the regular stuff that we associate with. It is a suspense drama with Karunakaran’s screenplay stamp all over it. To what extent a guy can go for a girl is ‘Endhukante Premanta’? 
• ‘Ready’ Ram to ‘EP’ Ram: I had very little interaction with Ram on the sets of ‘Ready’ since my role was brief, besides my shooting was only for one day. I found out on the sets of ‘EP’ that he’s multitalented, juggles between different things on the sets. He is an energy powerhouse and a spontaneous actor.
• Fun in Swiss: Shooting in Switzerland was the most memorable in many ways. It was more of a holiday than shooting. We ate a lot and I gained a few extra kilos too (laughs). 
• Matching steps to Ram:  I initially shied away from dancing with Ram in the film since he is brilliant, but had to shoot eventually since songs required me. He was at his best and the promos are a testimony to it. He’s one of the graceful dancers in the industry. 
• Balancing performance with glamour: It is my constant endeavour to do so on a regular basis. I can’t say I’m completely cautious, but I am here to do diverse roles and I’m not worried about what I’ve lost in the process. ‘What I got and what I do with it matters the most’. After a commercial film like ‘Racha’, ‘EP’ is a perfect foil that had a lot of scope for performance. 
• That actors with whom she shares screen space end up tying the knot in real life: In an interview I was trying to pull Charan’s leg when I said that the actors with whom I’ve worked tied the knot immediately. I don’t think Ram is anyway nearer to the concept of marriage. Guess he will take more time as far as I know it. 
• B-town debut and upcoming Telugu projects: I’m doing ‘Himmatwala’ alongside Ajay Devgn, but I can’t say that I’m stepping into the shoes of Sridevi. I will be going with the vision of my director Sajid Khan. It is a big project opposite a big hero and I’m elated to be a part of it. Coming to Telugu films, ‘Rebel’ with Prabhas is in the closing stages and I will start shooting for ‘Cameraman Gangatho Rambabu’ opposite Pawan Kalyan from mid-June. -Nagaraj Goud, Source: The Hans India,

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Yes, celebs and stars do matter!

Journalist Barkha Dutt and Richa Anirudh host similar talk shows that deal with causes, but if Aamir Khan’s Satyamev Jayate caught the nation’s attention, it has got to do more with his star status. When it comes to pausing for a cause, celebs do matter, says Youngistan in unison, Pratima Shantaveeresh: The moment the clock struck 11 am on May 6, 2012, nearly 27 million viewers in India got hooked to television to watch ‘Satyamev Jayate’. Yes you read it right! The latest TAM data released by Star Plus says that the first episode of the show on female foeticide opened with an aggregate rating of 4.09 across the country. The show which dealt with female foeticide that week became the No 1 trend on microblogging site Twitter till Monday, more than 24 hours after its telecast the first week. More than 64 nursing homes have been suspended in Bhopal and 1,00,000 people called Aamir Khan to discuss the issue. It wasn’t just impact. It was IMPACT!!!!  Have we sat up to take notice of such issues only because a celebrity – a star – is out there talking to us? ‘We the people’ a show which is hosted by journalist Barkha Dutt on NDTV also works for the similar causes as being shown on Amir Khan’s show. Zindagi Live on IBN 7 hosted by Richa Anirudh is also a show about societal problems and development issues. Yet, none of them received so much response. Soon after the second episode of Khan’s show, Barkha Dutt displayed her indignation through her tweet, “Ofcourse @aamir_khan impact & influence way more than us; congrats to him. But disagree journos ignore such stories, having had them on WTP.” The question here is - is our society so much into glamour, showbiz, celebrities and star status that work done by politicians, journalists, parents, teachers and the Government goes completely unnoticed? Mumbai-based Harish Iyer, a victim of child sexual abuse who featured on all the three talk shows - Satyamev Jayate, We The People and Zindagi Live as well - says “When I was on Barkha's show Twitter was abuzz with activity. When I was in Richa's show, Facebook was buzzing with updates about me. I got mails after both the shows, but I received a whopping 6000 emails, and most of these by survivors of child sexual abuse. People started giving me their seats in local trains, people asked me to pose for photographs. And random strangers poured out their hearts to me about their darkest secret of their life.” He thinks Aamir gets in his celebrity factor to the show and the way the show is packaged also makes a lot of difference. While Barkha and Richa are stalwarts in the industry when it comes to the same, Aamir is an actor who is in a new domain. So they elicit different kind of responses. Brand Satyamev Jayate was more popular than the ambassador Aamir Khan. Talking about the show’s ‘x factor,’ Harish says, “The show democratised viewership by getting all star channels and DD to play it parallelly. So the mukhiya of your gaon and the NRI at New York and London can watch it”. Taking it personally, he added “Let me give you a firsthand account - he is a deeply emotional person and doesn’t really care about his overworking tear glands when he shoots. His eyes have more water than Niagara Falls.” Krushita Adiha, student, St. Francis College for Women, says, “Actors and stars have an aura that can charm people. People get easily influenced by whatever they say. So the response to his talk show, his movie Taare Zameen Par which dealt with dyslexia have all had a profound impact because of his star status more than anything else.” Kanchan Devda, also from the same college, says, “We The People was in English and not many people in our country understand the language whereas Satyamev Jayate is in Hindi and other regional languages. It has a very wide reach. People relate to Aamir better than they connect with Barkha or Richa because of our obsession for movies and movie related news.” Perhaps, the importance that these causes are receiving after Satyamev Jayate is different not because of the celebrity factor but because of the democratised viewership element. Satyamev Jayate is in Hindi and other regional  languages. People relate to Aamir better than they connect with  Barkha or Richa because of their obsession with movies and movie related news -Kanchan, Student, St Francis College, Aamir Khan is a deeply emotional person and doesn’t really care about his overworking tear glands when he shoots. His eyes have more water than Niagara Falls -Harish Iyer, Victim of child sexual abuse who featured on Satyamev Jayate, We The People and Zindagi Live, Source: The Hans India: ***

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Nicole Richie: 'I'm The Best Hairstylist On The Planet'

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Starpulse: Nicole Richie stars in a sexy spread for the June issue of Glamour magazine, showing off her healthy figure. The Fashion Star judge reveals her secrets to her hair styling and how she feels about her body in the new issue of the magazine. "I have naturally curly hair, so 'natural' beach waves are not so natural for me. I like to braid my hair at night and then let it out the next day. And I also curl my hair with a flat iron," she tells the magazine before revealing who her favorite hair stylist is. "I actually think I’m the best hairstylist on the planet,' she adds. The mother of two, four-year-old daughter Harlow and son Sparrow, three - is also feeling good about herself these days. "I feel great about my body,' she reveals. 'You know, aesthetically I can be picky, but I choose not to. I’ve taken huge leaps. I’m proud of that. I work out, and I get lots of sleep, and so I feel great. And that is most important." Check out more of Nicole in the new issue of Glamour magazine and at Glamour.com., Source; Starpulse

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The Bong with a bang

By Sandeep Atreysa, Pallabi Ghosh, the lanky lass from Kolkata who shared screen space with Ram Charan and Dhoni, is set to debut in showbiz She is vivacious and vibrant. She is a model who is all over the place. She shared screen space with Ram Charan in Docomo ad and with MS Dhoni in TVZ bike ad. She was even a judge for Great Indian Talent reality show. Model-turned-actress Pallabi Ghosh is on a roll. She is in her final year of bachelors of audiology and speech pathology in Shruthi Medical College at Jubilee Bus Stop, Secunderabad. The Delhi-born Kolkata based model is all set to sizzle on silver screen. The nineteen-year-old is debuting into movies with ‘Varnam’ and going to pair up with Revanth Korukonda, of ‘My Heart is Beating’ fame. The newbie is keeping her fingers crossed as she already has two movies in her kitty. How did you foray into the glam world? I’m a fashionista since early days. It is Facebook that changed my life. After looking at my profile photos on FB, I was asked to attend the auditions of Lux Dream Girl on Gemini TV and fortunately I was selected. This fetched me the opportunity to act with Ram Charan and Dhoni in separate commercials. Since then, I never looked back and the rest is natural progression. I even did a cameo in ‘It’s My Love Story’ directed by Madhura Sreedhar. If not an actor, I’d be a doctor. Tell us about your family...We hail from Kolkata. My father works for Indian Army. He is a strict disciplinarian and he is right now in Punjab. My mother is a homemaker and we live in Hyderabad. We moved to the city eight years ago. I do have a sibling. He is younger and studying Class VIII. At first, my father was not happy about my career but my mom convinced him. Are you prepared for the challenges that come your way?  Of course, I’m ready to face. Till date, I’ve good experiences. What inspires you? Movies inspire me. I constantly motivate myself by the positive things around me. Tell us about your role in ‘Varnam’ It is a love story. I’m a college going girl. Sameera and fall in love with a boy. Currently, the shooting of the movie is progressing at a fast pace. Are you open to skin show? I’m open to skin show. As movie itself is glamour, the roles we portray should reflect beauty, but not vulgarity. Source: The Hans India

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Duchess of Cambridge is 2011's top 'beauty icon'

Indian Express, London: Beating Cheryl Cole, Rihanna and even her own sister Pippa, Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge has been crowned the top beauty icon of 2011 in a new poll. 3,000 women chose the 29-year-old as the most style savvy beauty icon, for always appearing impeccable at public functions. They also voted high for her younger sister Pippa on the same poll organised by Superdrug. While Kate was appreciated for her trademark glossy brown locks and heavy eyeliner, Pippa was hailed for her signature

look of dark tan, glossy lips with fresh-faced make-up. Third place went to last year's winner Cheryl Cole, despite her low profile this year after she left the American reality show ‘X Factor’ Sara Wolverson, Superdrug Director of beauty, who had commissioned this poll, said it showed that people now regarded brunettes as 'more beautiful'. “What is fascinating is that four of the five celebrity women to appear in the top five are brunettes, which would indicate that while blondes may have more fun, brunettes are seen to be more beautiful”, she said. “Everyone in the list has a distinct look, whether it’s natural beauty, full octane glamour or a love of beauty trend-hopping. While the majority of ladies in the list are natural beauties, we also see the TOWIE effect with Amy Childs appearing on the list for the first time with her Essex tan, hair extensions, and false nails”, she added.Read Full: Duchess of Cambridge is 2011's top 'beauty icon' - Indian Express

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Now, sip on size zero drinks!

New Delhi, The vain craze of size zero might have died down after being condemned by various nutritionists and doctors across the globe. But its link with fashion and glamour still remains as a synonym to the former. A Notting Hill bar, Lonsdale, has capitalised on the term by creating two special size-zero miniature cocktails in honour of the London Fashion Week, and for the fashionistas to attend the fashion fete. These skinny drinks are supposed to be low-calorie cocktails that will retain the delicious flavours without harming the waistline. Promoting it as an essential for the fashionables, the bar says, “Size zero cocktails are a must have during London Fashion Week. Fashionistas everywhere should be seen with a bespoke handbag on one arm and a designer cocktail in the other.” Read Full: Now, sip on size zero drinks! - Hindustan Times

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I want to do a raunchy number: Sush

Mumbai, July 13: Former beauty queen Sushmita Sen, who did item numbers in movies like `Fiza` and `Nayak`, wants to get back into the dancing mode and is keen on doing a raunchy item number. Sushmita was last seen in Anees Bazmee`s comedy `No Problem` last year. "I like winning but I don`t like rat races as I can`t deal with Friday to Friday fluctuations. I do a `Main Hoon Na` and people think I`ve arrived - with the saris, the glamour. And then I do a `Chingari` and people hate it. But I experiment. Now I am taking a break and reading scripts. "I do want to do an item number, to get back to dancing soon. Want to do a really raunchy item number," she said in an interview on `The Date Season 2`, which will be aired on Bloomberg UTV Saturady. During the show, she also reminisced about her first big success in 1994 when she was crowned Miss Universe and said that there were people who didn`t even know her name when she won the crown, but they were happy with the fact that an Indian had won. "Everything in my life has been a cosmic accident. I was found at a nightclub and somebody suggested I go for Miss India. The entire experience (Miss India) opened up my eyes. Around the world people celebrated. They didn`t even know my name, but they knew India had won. That`s when it hit me that I had put India on the map," said the 35-year-old. Now a budding entrepreneur, who selects model from India to participate in the Miss Universe pageant through her company I Am She - Miss Universe India, Sushmita feels that beauty contests need attention. "Beauty contests are a structured business and India needs to start looking at it like that. That`s what will dictate our performance at pageants. Latin America starts grooming girls at a very young age... Yes our win at that time helped to open up the market, but it`s not just about the cosmetics industry else china would be winning every year. It`s also about personalities. That`s where the public vote comes in," she said. "We don`t like to objectify women....because we celebrate women. (We) stick to the age group 18-26 because that`s the mandate but other than that, (we) have removed language barriers, allowed a girl with one eye because we thought she was beautiful. Not restricted to what is conventionally acceptable," she added. The actress, who adopted two girls Renee and Alisah, finds no reason to get married. "My parents didn`t raise me to be someone`s wife or for that to be my sole identity. They supported me in my adopting two little girls. They know I am responsible and can make my own decisions and am good at prioritizing things in my life. They helped me to balance my work and kids," she said.-IANS, Source: Siasat

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