Tuesday 1 September 2015

Grilled watermelon with crab stick by the Executive Chef of Double Tree by Hilton, Pune~




Ingredients:

500 gm watermelon horizontally cut into half4 noscrab stick
100 ml lemon juice
15 ml sesame oilsalt and pepper to taste4 gm castor sugar5.5 oz. (156 g) Alaskan king crab meat½ cup (115 g) of finely sliced spring onionsfew pieces of red radish thinly 10 gm ginger cut into julienne8 pieces of edible flowers petals15 gmtogarashi powder

Ingredients for avocado puree:
1 ripe avocado peeled with pit removed5 gm ginger minceda pinch of wasabi paste5 ml lemon juice5 ml sesame oilsalt to tastehalf a pinch of togarashi powder


Method:
-Prepare the avocado puree by scooping, mashing and whipping with a whisk until smooth.
-Add all remaining ingredients to the avocado puree and whisk until fully incorporated and blended. Check for seasoning and adjust if  required. Keep refrigerated.
-Take the watermelon and cut into half horizontally, removing the outer rind and cutting into 4 rounds with a 2 cm thickness and 9 cm  diameter.
-Place the cut watermelon in a deep bowl to marinate with the lemon juice, sesame oil, spring onion, sugar, salt and pepper and set aside  for 5 minutes.
-Preheat the grill and quickly grill the watermelon for about 1 minute on each side or until nice grill marks are achieved, remove from the  heat and chill for 10 minutes.
-Over a heated hot plate, sear the crab stick and set aside.
-With a butter brush, lightly paint the base of the grilled watermelon with sesame oil, then gently press the finely sliced spring onions  onto the base of the watermelon to form a crust, shaking off any access onion.
-Place the grilled watermelon in the center on the plate.
-Place the chilled crab stick on top of the grilled watermelon.
-Put 3 dollops of the avocado puree on top and at the base of the crab stick and then garnish with thinly sliced radish, ginger julienne and  edible flowers then finally lightly dust with togarashi powder.

Serve immediately.

Thursday 27 August 2015

Gauahar Khan showstopper for Designer Rinku Sobti At the Lakme Fashion Week W|F 2015




The sensational Actress Gauahar Khan walked the ramp as a showstopper in an ethnically inspired piece for Designer Rinku Sobti at the Lakme Fashion Week W|F 2015 on the Indian Textile Day on 27th August 2015. The graceful actress truly complemented the design from the Delhi based Designer’s collection ‘Tassels’.

Tassels represent “a tuft of loosely hanging threads or cords knotted at one end and attached for decoration of fashion accessories, soft furnishings or clothing.” These luscious strands of threads are majorly used to accessorize things that are rich, lavish and extravagant which is ironic to the plight of the impoverished weavers whose art and skill continues to claim the appreciation it deserves.


Gauahar Khan feels“It was a wonderful experience to walk the ramp in a Rinku Sobti showstopper dress. I loved the silhouettes and richness of this collection. I loved the designs as they were so awe-inspiring and truly to their roots.”

Designer Rinku Sobti says, “It has been hectic, exciting and laborious so far. The hard work that has been put in to create this collection has totally been worth it. I have seen the metamorphosis of the threads turning into fabric and the ultimate outfit. It was my first time at Lakme which made me even more ecstatic.”


The brand ‘Loom 1905’ is a thought inspired by the Swadeshi movement. Just like the concept of this revolutionary movement, the brand too advocates the preservation of the sumptuous handloom fabrics created in India. It aspires to motivate the youth of today to take this tradition forward and to embrace the beauty of this authentic art. The idea of loom was conceived in the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi. The designer drew inspiration from the rich Indian handloom culture that prevails and the intricate works of the weavers in the Bajardiya cluster to shape her collection.


The distinction between the contemporary and traditional Varanasi sprouted into two varying styles – The Subtle and The Grand.  Designer Rinku Sobti had interwoven both the styles effortlessly in her collection. The subtle was projected through avant-gardist cuts and checks while the grand shone through in the detailing of the traditional crafts with striking jewels that compliment the vivid color palette of the fabrics. The prêt included chic garments with check designs and the grand comprised ornate fabrics with richly woven patterns. The novel silk net weaves that are a heritage and forte of the Bajardiya weavers brilliantly featured in the check patterns of the prêt designs.


An array of contemporary designs that can be worn on a daily basis was carefully created by the designer. She believes that the Macramé and elaborate motifs manifest throughout pieces. One could see a fascinating conglomerate of skirts, jackets both high and low, sarees, jumpsuits and woven formal lehengas. All of the designs featured clean cuts and strong lines. The collection was made of fine silks, hand woven by the best craftsmen in the country that made each design enriched with tradition and history. 


This creation was an ode to the handloom tradition and skilled weavers of India. It was a true tribute to the textile heritage of this country. It was a show of ethnic proportions.

What the designer believes in:
Today, the handloom is threatened by the burgeoning prominence of the power loom, as the populace gravitates towards mechanically stitched clothing. Consequently, more weavers abandon their “forlorn” art. Working meticulously with the weavers of the Bajardiya cluster of Varanasi as part of my professional endeavours has made me realize their plight. Despite their tribulation, the destitute artists never fail to amaze me with the exotic creations of their nimble fingers. It is this very unnatural duality - the birth of elegance in impoverished hands - that ignites my ambition to revive the handloom. Also as a businesswoman I feel it has a great deal of promise. Once the handloom is properly placed in the market, it will reap great profits.

Taking this belief forward, the designer has created a line of designs that is awe-inspiring and thought provoking. ‘Tassels’ is her interpretation of the traditional handloom culture with a touch of contemporariness.

Designer Stephany Dsouza brings Minimal Understated Luxury at the Lakme Fashion Week W|F 2015



Goa-based designer Stephany Dsouza brings a refreshing collection to the Lakme Fashion Week W|F 2015. A color blocked palette of pastel mint and peach, a splash of vibrant azure, lime and orange contrasted with sandstone beige dominates the collection. Each piece comes alive in pure silks echoing a very Minimal Understated Luxury. This collection highlights the fluidity and natural flow of fabrics.
Draped fluid silhouettes in bold colors forms the signature style that defines the label ‘Stephany'. Elegance and comfort are the two key aspects of the label. The fall and feel of the fabrics have guided her design sensibility. 


A sneak-peek into the designer’s profile:

Brought up in the land of sun, surf and beaches (Goa, India). Stephany launched her label in 2011, which was soon retailed at some of the High-end designer stores across India. In 2013, she was selected to showcase her designs in the gen-next category at Lakme Fashion Week. In 2014 she showcased her collection at the Mercedes-Benz Asia Fasion Week held in KL, Malaysia.

Designer: 'Stephany Dsouza’

Date: Friday, 28th August 2015

Time: 12 pm

Venue: Palladium Hotel, Mumbai


Stage: MSA

FACES Cosmetics and BipashaBasu launch the 60-second style makeover ‘IT KIT’



An exclusive kit of trendy essentials offering a perfect mix of fashion and beauty

FACES Cosmetics in collaboration with BipashaBasu,Creative Director TheTrunk Label www.thetrunklabel.com, launched an exclusive ‘IT KIT’ that offers the perfect mix of fashion and beauty. This signature ‘IT KIT’ will give you a 60-second style makeover with stunning makeupessentials and statement jewelry by The Trunk Label. Available in 5 stylist trends of the season, these ‘IT KITS’ will get you ready for anywhere in just 60 seconds.
Sharmili Rajput, CEO, Faces Canada



FACES hosted an afternoon with bloggers in Mumbai to launch their special “IT  KITS”. A lazy Friday afternoon was given a glam twist over an interactive sessionwith adelectable spread of finger food and mocktails at the Faces Store in Infinity Mall -2. All bloggers were split in groups of 2 and asked to doeach other’smakeover using the ‘IT KIT ’ in 60 seconds. Those who did their makeover fastest/in the minimum time were rewarded with a gift voucher from FACES and an IT kit.


Themed specially around 5 themes like Floral Darling, Glam Goddess, Scarlet Siren, Azure Mermaid and Pop Princess, these ‘IT KITS’ come in a glamorous gold pouch and can effortlessly get you ready for any occasion, day or night. These contain special handpicked make-up essentials from FACES - lipsticks, eye shadow, eye liner, blush on, eye pencil, and nail enamel, and statement jewelry pieces and carefully selected accessories from The Trunk Label. 
Just addthem to your work bag or vanity and put your best face forward…

Winners of the Faces- IT KIT fastest fashionista contest

Floral Darling It Kit
Classic summer hues inspired from fresh blooms and a happy sorbet palette make up this IT KIT. It contains the Rosa Bracelet and Ring Set from TheTrunkLabel.com while gorgeously complementing these make up essentials from Faces - Ultime Pro Long wear Pretty Me lipstick, Glam On Coral Pink blush, Metal brown eye pencil and Hi Shine True Peach nail enamel. Oh yes, Pastel gets us every time!

Scarlet Siren It Kit
Puckers bathed in crimson tones, and talons painted in rouge nail paint; the Scarlet Siren collection exudes sultry femme-fatale vibes. It contains the Perlanecklace from TheTrunkLabel.com crafted from decadent pearls and stunningly completes the Scarlet Siren look with these make up essentials from Faces -Ultime Pro Long wear Red Addict Lipstick, Ultime Pro Lip Crème Red Mary, Solid Black eye pencil and the Tinted Red nail enamel.



Azure Mermaid It Kit
Cerulean shades swiped across dreamy eyes translate the calm ocean’s sentiment, while nude pouts and rosy cheeks spell au natural. The Neelam necklace from TheTrunkLabel.com seamlessly completes your Azure Mermaid look along with these make up essentials from Faces - Ultime Pro Nude Mojito Lip Crème, Glam On Perfect Noir black eyeliner, I shine Quartet Blue eye shadow and the Glam On Cocktail Peach blush.


Pop Princess It Kit
Popsicle toned nails? Yes, please! The Pop Princess It Kit contains the Madonna Necklace from TheTrunkLabel.com complemented by 5 yummy-as-candy shades for your nails from Faces - Hi Shine Enchanted nail enamel, Fire Stick, Hi Shine envy, Ibiza, Hi shine Lemon Fizz and Invisible Mermaid nail enamel along with a nail enamel remover. Candy Land, here we come!


Glam Goddess It Kit
Let shimmering gold reflect haute couture with this Glam Goddess It Kit, which consists of the Goldie Necklace from TheTrunkLabel.com and these glittering make up essentials from Faces - Glam On Captivate Color Perfect eye shadow palette, Glam On Color Perfect Bare Again lipstick, Hi Shine Bombay Lights nail enamel and Glam On Gold Dust blush. Shine on, won’t you?

These unique ‘IT KITS’ will be sold at select cosmetic retail stores around the country, FACES exclusive stores and on www.thetrunklabel.com. FACES, as an international brand, has always been reputed for in vogue beauty products. The Trunk Label is the pulse for the fashion forward woman. This collaboration will give the women of today latest insights into the beauty world, besides exposing them to international trends.
BipashaBasu, the Creative Director of www.thetrunklabel.com has always believed in making a style statement wherever one goes. With these signature ‘IT KITS’ she is using her evolved sense of fashion and worldwide style trends to ensure the on-the-go Indian woman can get a style makeover in 60 seconds - no excuses, ladies!
Price:  2500


About FACES CANADA
FACES Cosmetics, with a proud Canadian heritage spanning 40 years, offers an exclusive line of makeup, skincare products and make-up accessories offering over 300 stunning products in India. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada since being established in 1974, FACES now has a steadily growing international presence. 

With a reputation for on-trend beauty and premium products, FACES offers unparalleled variety in its products at attractive price points. The brand is known for its unique product innovations and formulations. Combining international cosmetic technology with a comprehensive understanding of the needs of an Indian woman, FACES continuously innovates to offer a wide range of high performance and world class cosmetics. FACES Cosmetics stores across the globe celebrate vanity through internationally acclaimed makeup, skincare and beauty accessory products with exciting promotions, free make-overs, trend-spotting, beauty advice and a lot more at the store.

FACES has already been making a splash across most major cities in India, with 24 exclusive beauty stores in major metros and Tier I cities. The bang-on-trend, FACES color cosmetics are also available in over 450 cosmetic retail stores and in select modern trade outlets of Shopper’s Stop, Lifestyle and New U. FACES cosmetics can also be bought online through a number of e-commerce portals such as flipkart.comnykaa.compurplle.com, and shoppersstop.com.

For more information log on to: www.faces-canada.com


Styled by BipashaBasu and launched in December 2013, The Trunk Label (a LabelCorp company) offers statement bags, shoes and accessories that lend themselves to making the ultimate style statement. These signature accessories are carefully curated and styled by BipashaBasu to ensure you can step out with a trendy and signature look at all times.

Wednesday 26 August 2015

Gauahar Khan to walk for Designer Rinku Sobti At Lakme Fashion Week W|F 2015



Delhi based Designer Rinku Sobti brings a collection that redefines the loom tradition of Varanasi where Fashion Diva Gauahar Khan will be seen walking the ramp for the designer on the Indian Textile day at Lakme Fashion Week W|F 2015. Her grace and elegance is sure to complement the vibe of the design.


Tassels represent “a tuft of loosely hanging threads or cords knotted at one end and attached for decoration of fashion accessories, soft furnishings or clothing.” These luscious strands of threads are majorly used to accessorize things that are rich, lavish and extravagant which is ironic to the plight of the impoverished weavers whose art and skill continues to claim the appreciation it deserves.

The brand ‘Loom 1905’ is a thought inspired by the Swadeshi movement. Just like the concept of this revolutionary movement, the brand too advocates the preservation of the sumptuous handloom fabrics created in India. It aspires to motivate the youth of today to take this tradition forward and to embrace the beauty of this authentic art.



The idea of loom was conceived in the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi. The designer draws inspiration from the rich Indian handloom culture that prevails and the intricate works of the weavers in the Bajardiya cluster to shape her collection ‘Tassels’.

The distinction between the contemporary and traditional Varanasi sprouted into two varying styles – The Subtle and The Grand. 

Designer Rinku Sobti has interwoven both the styles effortlessly in her collection. The subtle is projected through avant-gardist cuts and checks while the grand shines through in the detailing of the traditional crafts with striking jewels that compliment the vivid color palette of the fabrics. The prêt includes chic garments with check designs and the grand comprises ornate fabrics with richly woven patterns. The novel silk net weaves that are a heritage and forte of the Bajardiya weavers brilliantly feature in the check patterns of the prêt designs.


An array of contemporary designs that can be worn on a daily basis is carefully created by the designer. She believes that the Macramé and elaborate motifs manifest throughout pieces. You will see a fascinating conglomerate of skirts, jackets both high and low, sarees, jumpsuits and woven formal lehengas. All of the designs feature clean cuts and strong lines. The collection is made of fine silks, hand woven by the best craftsmen in the country that makes each design enriched with tradition and history. 

Designer Rinku Sobti says, “It has been hectic, exciting and laborious so far. The hard work that has been put in to create this collection has totally been worth it. I have seen the metamorphosis of the threads turning into fabric and the ultimate outfit. It is my first time at Lakme which makes me even more ecstatic.”

This creation is an ode to the handloom tradition and skilled weavers of India. It is a true tribute to the textile heritage of this country. Get ready for a show of ethnic proportions.

What the designer believes in:
Today, the handloom is threatened by the burgeoning prominence of the power loom, as the populace gravitates towards mechanically stitched clothing. Consequently, more weavers abandon their “forlorn” art. Working meticulously with the weavers of the Bajardiya cluster of Varanasi as part of my professional endeavours has made me realize their plight. Despite their tribulation, the destitute artists never fail to amaze me with the exotic creations of their nimble fingers. It is this very unnatural duality - the birth of elegance in impoverished hands - that ignites my ambition to revive the handloom.
Taking this belief forward, the designer has created a line of designs that is awe-inspiring and thought provoking. ‘Tassels’ is her interpretation of the traditional handloom culture with a touch of contemporariness.

Friday 7 August 2015

Myths and facts on Botox

When we talk about Botox, there comes an endless list of rumors, horrific stories & gossips in magazine. The websites are flooded with misconceptions & scary stories.
With all advancements in medicine, there are always rumors, stories & doubts. Hence it is very important to the know truth and the fictions about this popular procedure.
Dr Ashish Davalbhakta – a renowned cosmetic surgeon from Aesthetics medispa in Pune has shared few myths and truths about Botox- its nuances & treatments, its advantages and how Botox is becoming important in everyone’s life.

What is Botox?
The active ingredient in BOTOX is called Botulinum Toxin Type A. It is one of 7 proteins (A-G) derived from the Botulism germ and was first used for therapeutic purposes in the 1960s by Dr Alan Scott in the USA as a muscle relaxant to improve blepharospasm (uncontrolled blinking) and strabismus (crossed eyes). It now has over 20 recognized uses and is licensed in over 85 countries.



Botox gives a frozen and expressionless look.
There are rumors that once a person undergoes Botox, they lose the ability to show their facial expressions and there emotions are not natural, but the fact that we have received in AMS is that the patient gets compliments for their natural and refreshing look. Botox gives a great look. And yes, they can express their emotions more beautifully if Botox is done in a right manner.
The treatments we do are individualized to each of our patient’s unique needs. Those who have had the treatments performed by a trained and skilled physician are still able to display the entire range of facial expressions including frowning, smiling and appearing surprised. The treatment simply relaxes the muscle at the injection point.

Only women get Botox.
There are men opting for Botox injections as that makes them look more young and charming. Hence this is completely false, and men are increasingly turning to the treatment to help soften their look and facial features.
The treatment is more socially acceptable in both sexes.


Botox is Unsafe, Toxic & Dangerous.
With nearly 20 years of use for a range of different conditions, Botox has a long and well-established safety history. More than 16 million treatments have been performed since it was first introduced.  No long term side effects have ever been seen in users of the treatments even in studies that followed people who received thirty or more injections over a period of 9 years.
Botox has been extremely popular throughout the years with more and more people using it to regain a youthful appearance. It can help to ease wrinkles around the eyes and forehead safely, quickly and virtually painlessly.

Botox is only effective for facial lines.
Botox was actually developed as a treatment for neurological disorders not as a cosmetic facial treatment. It continues to be used for a variety of different conditions including depression, migraines, chronic neck and back pain, involuntary facial movements, strabismus, temporo-mandibular joint paint, hyperhidrosis as well as movement disorders such as facial spasms, writer’s cramps and neck tremors.



Botox is also used for reasons other than just cosmetic purposes. Botox is commonly used to block sweat glands temporarily, which helps people who suffer from excessive sweating. This has also been used to treat migraines and helping to release some of the muscle tension, in turn reducing the strain on your nervous system. Botox can even help patients who regularly experience depression.

Nothing better than a Plan B





Plan B, One of Dubai’s leading advertising and Event company is all set to ignite the shores of India with its dynamic presence

Harmeek Singh the Founder and Owner of Plan B Group, Dubai’s leading advertising company is a man with many talents.  His inexhaustible spirit for new ideas clubbed with a optimistic attitude towards life has helped him become what he is today. Established in 2006 Plan B offers a gamut of services that includes Advertising, Branding and Concept Development, clubbed with flawless Events Management, along with a new addition in PR and Social Media as well.
Plan B has collaborated with top Companies across the Gulf Region and has successfully accomplished huge assignments with prestigious brands. The Company has offices in London, Dubai and Abu Dhabi and is gaining popularity in China too. We have recently established base in Kenya and are involved in gaining grounds with leading local and international brands in the region says Harmeek.

The Company has firmly set base in the Middle East and now has plans to enter the Indian market hoping to capitalize it. Plan B’s vision is to introduce new platforms and initiate fresh ventures here. It has opened up two new companies, bSocial, which reinforces Plan B’s well-rounded approach as a group of companies. It now has a huge variety of offerings from advertising, in-house production of films, corporate documentaries and TVCs states Harmeek.  


The  entrepreneur gives due credit to his efficient and diligent team growing from a steady 6 member group to close to 300 employees now and says that the Company has achieved region wide recognition in the Gulf on a global scale.  ‘If we’re not turning heads, we’re not doing our jobs” adds Harmeek.  Plan B has received numerous awards such as Ahlan!- Best in Dubai 2014, Best in Abu Dhabi 2014.  Harmeek has also bagged the Esquire magazine’s Man at his Best award 2012, 2013 and 2014 consistently.

“Being stagnant isn’t an option” says Harmeek, “You have to keep pushing forward and keep in sync with the latest trends and stay creative”  “Imitation is no longer an option, Uniqueness is what sells.”  He firmly believes that if you’re focussed and your intentions are honest, you will never fail. Harmeek gives due credit to his father who has given him good advice over the years and he uses them in his day to day functioning of Plan B.




With a steady vision to the future and feet firmly set on the ground, Plan B intends to embark on a new journey here in India hoping to re-establish its motto and zeal which has helped it to achieve great success and recognition in the Gulf and apply it to this Region.  With the kind of passion and ambition that drives Harmeek, there’s no limit to what the Company can achieve in the years to come here in India and the world over.

Wednesday 5 August 2015

PLAN B GROUP OF DUBAI ALL SET TO LAUNCH OPERATIONS IN INDIA


 The PLAN B GROUP of Companies, UAE’s leading One stop Solution agency for Event, Advertising & Designing, is all set to launch its operations in India shortly. PLAN B GROUP aims to initially begin operations in Mumbai & Delhi with a gala UAE WEEK IN INDIA and is already in talks with the Government for the same.

The dynamic PLAN B Group instrumental in shaping the creative media Landscape of Dubai & UAE has been involved in the management of some of the UAE’s biggest public events, and creative campaigns including Summer in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Rugby 7s, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, Fifa U17 Draw Ceremony in addition to launching some of the world’s finest brands including the Bentley – New Flying Spur.

This diversified group, PLAN B has very recently in May 2015, launched a huge music property in Dubai called the OYE PUNJABI SANGEET MELA which featured the Punjabi legend Gurdas Maan and the Gen next musician Rani Taj who is the leading Dhol player from UK.  The event was held at the Emirates Golf Club and welcomed a capacity crowd. The Oye Punjabi Sangeet Mela blended the perfect mix of taste and trend with YouTube sensation, the Dhol queen Rani Taj who not only opened for GurdasMaan but also played the never before seen ‘Fusion Set’ on some of Maan’s greatest hits. The Music Festival is scheduled to hold its second edition in the latter half of the year with leading Punjabi artistes from India and Pakistan. 

Keeping the Indian operations in mind the PLAN B GROUP has introduced a new ARTISTE MANAGEMENT DIVISION and signed on a few upcoming artistes who they intend taking to the Indian Film Industry. One of them is a highly talented female Dhol player from the UK Rani Taj. She is the most widely watched Dhol and bhangra artiste on You Tube.

Speaking on the India Launch, Harmeek Singh, the owner and CEO of PLAN B GROUP in UAE says, “India is a dream market for all of us. UAE has been a success story and we would like to achieve the same on the home ground. Our expertise in creative conceptualisation be it ADFILM, EVENT, Musical Properties or Restaurants carries our unique distinction living up our motto “If we are not turning heads with our work, then we aren’t doing our job”. Our Recent Adfilm with Superstar SHARRUKH KHAN for our client has met with tremendous response.”  

In a short span of time PLAN B has also launched Oye Punjabi – a delectably styled eating outlet located at the Lamcy Plaza introducing Indian and UK-inspired authentic Punjabi flavor.
He is the man behind many of the UAE’s flagship designs, concepts, marketing, events, turnkey productions and exhibition stand buildings. The company’s portfolio reflects the evolution of UAE’s dynamic media landscape over the years where it presently includes Plan b Advertising, Plan b Events, SiO2 Events, and the group’s PR, Social Media & Strategy wing social. His company heads some of the leading and well-known events in UAE like Summer in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Rugby Sevens and Heineken Hospitality. Plus, they are also in charge for the famed Dubai Standard Chartered Marathon from past nine years.

Awards & Appreciations PLAN B GROUP
      The Appreciation & Recognition award of the Fazza Annual Championship 2012
      Fastest Growing Indian Innovator Award 2014     by BNC Publishing
      Esquire Man At His Best Awards, by Esquire Magazine  - three years in a rope; 2012, 2013 and 2014
      Publisher's Recognition Awards Abu Dhabi  by Ahlan! - 2014 
      Hot 100er by Ahlan! – three years in a rope 2012, 2013 and 2014

      The GCC's 100 Most Powerful Indians 2014 by Arabian Business  - selected as no. 95