Mumbai: Japanese photographer Araki is the latest artist to collaborate with Bottega Veneta for its Summer/Spring 2015 collection.

The SS15 collection is inspired by the freedom of movement in dance, sporting a relaxed and graceful attitude. The women are draped in hues of deep navy and sky blue, mist and banana in fine knits, suede and denims. The sequins and caviar beads add a fine touch of embellishments. The organically shaped soft handbags and chic t-strap flats accentuate the look.

For Spring 2015, Bottega Veneta continues its ongoing Art of Collaboration series, which in the past has enlisted artists such as Nan Goldin, Stephen Shore, and the late David Armstrong to create visuals for their fashion campaign.

Japanese photographer Nobuyoshi Araki is famous for his portraits of women tightly bound in kinbaku-bi erotica. His work for Bottega Veneta features models Sung Jin Park and Saskia de Brauw in the colorful setting of a Tokyo house.

The men?s wear too features faded shades of blue, along with green, in weathered fabrics. The ultra soft suede, cashmere knits and linen offer a worn-in feeling, enhanced by slouchy signature bags and convertible intrecciato backpack.

One look at her and you would pooh-pooh the fact that she is mother of a teenage daughter! One of the most prominent figures within India?s luxury retail circle, this gorgeous Bengali lass is the epitome of elegance and class, as is the company she represents. Meet Christian Dior Couture India vice-president, marketing and communications Kalyani Chawla.

Also donning the hat of Dior's social brand ambassador in India, Kalyani exudes an air of confidence. In a t?te-?-t?te with Indiantelevision.com?s RITWIKA GUPTA, she speaks about her family, online shopping and the perks of being the brand ambassador of an international label.

How has your journey been so far in the industry?

Nine years in this industry and I can say that it has been challenging but extremely rewarding. Dior is a serious contender in this nascent market, investing in the opportunity for immense growth, which we believe exists in the near future. The resources, which are at hand for me to invest in marketing, are unique as no other brand in India does that. This only helps to take this brand to international standards.

How do you keep a work-life balance?

My 15-year-old daughter is in boarding school but comes home often enough, which is when we bond. But I have a focused 10 am to 6 pm day, which really extends to 10 am to 8 pm most of times and on weekends too. Socializing and attending events is an integral part of my work too. So, it?s a great balance, which I think I?ve managed well!

How do you relax?

Massages are my biggest indulgence. I also love reading. Both these activities are so time consuming but the most relaxing.

Where do you draw your energy?

I meditate everyday, which is what keeps me focused.

Who are your favourite authors?

I love South American and Japanese authors particularly. Amongst the Indian authors, I adore Jhumpa Lahiri for her sensitivity and Calcutta settings, which I relate to. I like Firdaus Kanga for his dark humour and Rohinton Mistry's A Fine Balance completely shook my ground.

What kind of films do you love watching?

I love Woody Allen for his brilliance, Anurag Kashyap for his genre and Karan Johar for his late 80s type of movies, which we still laugh and weep over.

How would you define your personal style?

With a growing teenager, I am bending towards classic now but intrinsically with a twist! In terms of brands, I go for what suits me and what is age appropriate. More than being brand focused, I dress up according to the occasion.

Where are your favourite places to shop?

I love high street shopping. I have my best pieces from the high streets, which are always such great value for money and style! I also shop online from international websites but you land up paying more tax. There are great online shopping opportunities available in India like rocknshop.com, which offers an EMI option and hence you do not feel the pinch? to an extent! 

What would be an ideal weekend escapade?

Any beach is great for me...I am a complete beach bum!

Do you have a daily beauty regime?

I have been blessed with great genes. So, I don?t really feel the need to follow any regime. I am a typical lazy Bengali and a good moisturizer for day and night is all that I am regular with.

Who are the biggest influences in your life?

My greatest influences have been my two sets of grandparents. They have defined my character, my drive, my interests and who I am today. My motivation is my daughter, Tahira Tara Chawla, who keeps me focused. I want to provide the best for her and give her the best education. To be able to afford that, I need to be successful in my field of work.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I live for the present and try to make the best of it. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. The future is unpredictable but we have to be prepared. That is the key.

By: Ritwika Gupta
 

Sinful. Royal. Mystical. Chocolate. Aroma. Wellness. Relaxation. Indulgence. Haven.

Ponder over these words with your eyes closed and it?s likely that your senses will immediately transport you to a quiet serene aromatic environment with soothing music playing in the background. Welcome to the wonderful world of Spas!

?To make the right choices in life, you have to get in touch with your soul,? said Deepak Chopra. Swamped in the rigmaroles of daily life, the mind, body and soul often seek a retreat. Whether you?re a working professional, homemaker, entrepreneur or student, it is imperative for everyone to unplug from your routine life once in a while and escape to another world - where you can relax and rejuvenate.

What?s more, if you love indulging in spa therapies, you?ll be happy to know that these rituals come with a set of amazing health benefits as well. A visit to the spa not only caters to one?s cosseting needs but also offers the much needed care and benefits that our body and skin require.

Studies have shown that physical therapies are necessary for our overall well-being. The spa at The Deltin Resort, Daman, offers a variety of treatments that modulates energies and stimulates the body's natural healing abilities. Deltin Spa operational manager Mahalaxmi Pillai says, ?Every treatment we offer is based on the concept that the body?s own energy is the natural source of healing and well-being. People visit our spa for our unique Balinese massage, which is a form of a traditional Indonesian massage that originated in Bali.?

According to Pillai, the Balinese massage uses a variety of techniques including stretching, skin rolling, kneading, stroking, pressure-point stimulation and aromatherapy to stimulate the flow of oxygen and ?qi? (energy) around the body. The massage not only helps in calming down the body but also boosts blood circulation and targets knotted tissues in the body. When combined with the aromas of essential oils, a Balinese massage is sure to give you a relaxing experience while addressing physical issues as well.
Treatment: Balinese Massage
Duration: 60 min/90 min
Price: Rs 3500 ? Rs 4500 (excluding Tax)

Traditional Chakra therapies are also beneficial for deep healing and balancing. Chakras refer to the seven centres of spiritual power in the human body.  At Aura Nand Spa, Mumbai, qualified master therapists called ?ajarns? provide Chakra treatments that take customers on a tranquil journey.

Aura Nand Spa & Moh Spa CEO Derek Machado elaborates, ?For Aura, we have introduced the Chakra therapy, a customized treatment that will focus on your chakras to help you find balance. It increases awareness and also the strength of your immune system.?

The Chakra therapy at Aura Nand Spa is based on a traditional lomi lomi technique that involves the usage of palms, forearms, fingers, knuckles, elbows, knees, feet, sticks and stones to knead, rub and sooth the skin.

According to a research study conducted by Marc Zollicoffer for Aveda Corporation, each chakra of our body is associated to a specific aspect of our lives and by focusing on that chakra we can become aware of those issues and then work with them to achieve greater health and happiness.
Treatment: Chakra Therapy
Duration: 60 min
Price: Rs 2600 (excluding Tax)

Hot oil massages have also increasingly become popular within the spa and salon industry. It helps improve blood circulation in the body from head to toe. The head oil massage at the Deltin Spa is a thirty-minute treatment that improves concentration and activates blood circulation. Pillai explains, ?The head oil massage aids in quick and sound sleep. It strengthens your hair roots, relaxes, calms your mind and reduces stress.?

Treatment: Head Massage
Duration: 30 min
Price: Rs 2000 (excluding Tax)

Similarly, the newly introduced hot oil massage at the Mumbai based Moh Spa can bring lasting relief to body aches, tensed, exhausted and painful muscles. Machado elaborates, ?In 2015, we?ve introduced the hot oil seasonal treatment where heated candle oil is poured directly onto the skin of the customer in order to warm and massage the whole body. Hot oil massages calm the nerves and promote longevity.?

Treatment: Hot Oil Massage
Duration: 60 min
Price: Rs 1600 (excluding Tax)

The Duo massage offered at the Deltin Spa uses techniques based on healing traditions. Pillai informs that two therapists mirroring each other?s movements perform the massage. Not only is this synchronized massage the ultimate form of indulgence, but it also targets the deeper layers of connective tissues and focuses on areas of tight muscle fibers that form in the muscles after injuries. Pillai adds, ?It can be like experiencing two full body massages at the same time. The therapists will use the client body as a canvas onto which they choreograph slow, detailed moves of varying paces and pressures.?

Treatment:  Duo Massage
Duration: 30 min/45 min
Price: Rs 4500 ? Rs 6500 (excluding tax)

Apart from the physical benefits, spa therapies also take good care of the skin. Good skin care helps delay the natural aging process and prevent various skin problems. Shvasa Spa at Hyatt Regency in Gurgaon offers the Revitalize Facial, which purifies the skin, removes excess oil and stimulates circulation. Hyatt Regency Gurgaon director of rooms Vishal Sapra says that the skin treatments reduce impurities and restore balance.

?We have a treatment called Shvasa Ritual that is also part of our bridal package. It begins with a gentle exfoliation enriched with rice, milk, oatmeal and honey. Rice and oatmeal gently peel off dead skin while milk and honey enrich the skin with deep nourishment. Skin is detoxified with sandalwood and fuller?s earth mud wrap, which draws out impurities, nourishes the skin and refines skin pores,? Sapra says.

Treatment: Facials, Shvasa Ritual & Hand Feet Treatment
Duration: 3 weeks package
Price: Rs 7000 (excluding tax)

So, the next time you visit your favourite spa, consider these various modern day therapies, which promise some amazing health benefits!

Sonam Kapoor spotted in Amar Ghanasingh jewellery with Anuradha Vakil saree  in Ahmedabad. The actress was seen wearing Ethnic uncut diamond earnings in 22 kt gold with South sea pearl drop. Traditionally crafted national bird peacock in ethnic uncut diamond ring with meena work done on it.

Store address:

Amar Ghanasingh: 60, Zariwali Mansion, Hughes road,Babulnath,Gamdevi,Mumbai

Contact: 02223630000

Time: 10-7 pm

Mumbai: The third World Tea & Coffee Expo 2015 shall be hosted in Mumbai, the commercial capital of India.

The 2015 edition is to be held at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai India from 1st Oct to 3rd Oct 2015 and shall cater to a prospective visitor base of over 6000 buyers from across India and abroad ? up from the visitor count of 4100 witnessed during the second edition held in Sept 2014.

With over 100 exhibitors from 10 countries and dedicated country pavilions, this International Tea Coffee show in India promises an even bigger presence to provide the perfect environment for the hot beverage industry to meet face-to-face and develop real business opportunities.

WTCE has become the platform for the launch of new and exotic tea & coffee products. For a visitor, workshops and seminars are other important parts of the event, which will help them to understand the depth of this industry, gain knowledge, understand benefits and also to taste the products on the spot. Skill development shall be the main theme of the workshops which will be conducted by experts in the field.  In addition to a display of innovative and exotic products, machineries, accessories, technologies, vending machines and certifications from the entire gamut of the Hot beverage sector, additional activities planned at the Expo include B2B match-making, workshops & championships, a high level 2-day conference by industry leaders, academicians and policy makers.

Sentinel Exhibitions Asia, Director, Priti M Kapadia says, "Mumbai is a city where the best and the most serious converge for doing business. Mumbai attracts the serious players from the length & breadth of India and also from aboard which results in high value deals and alliances. The 2015 edition of this unique trade fair will also see buying delegations from Iran, Nepal, Dubai, and Russia."

The World Tea & Coffee Expo is the catalyst for International companies to target a huge market, determine trends, create awareness on optimization of product lines, enable networking with peers, industry stalwarts and government officials. 

On the first episode of Talking Point with Ritwika Gupta, the Managing Director & CEO of Rajshri Entertainment, Rajjat Barjatya shares what it feels like to be a part of such an illustrious lineage and admits that Maine Pyar Kiya is his all time favourite Rajshri film. As the youngest member of a family that is deep rooted in Indian entertainment since 1947, Rajjat Barjatya has given the business a new dimension by tapping a global audience on digitally connected devices through web and mobile platforms. "If you can think it, you can achieve it" - that is the philosophy of the man who is a leukemia survivor himself. In this episode, Rajjat tells us how his family is his pillar of strength and his kids are his biggest stress busters.