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Toys for the uber rich
PACESETTER NEETU MEHTA
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Toys for the uber rich Ever
wondered what the kind of games the super rich play? No, not the board-room types played out in the corporate jungle but the real ones for unwinding and relaxation.
The game rules are different where tycoons are concerned. Not for them the ordinary putters and irons or the mundane 32-piece chess board. They seek pleasures that spell style and attitude. In fact, a number of companies are tapping this niche market and pandering to their whims and fancies. Whether it is teeing off in virtual space or checkmating an opponent, or flaunting attitude on the wrist or even blasting off on hot rods, the bottom line is money. Take virtual golf, for example. Those who are too lazy to take a drive to a far away fairway and have pots of cash to spare, can simply step out of bed and walk to St Andrews in Scotland or Pebble Beach in California — two of the best golfing resorts of the world.
Virtual golf simulator
Yes, this is not a dream. A number of companies like Pro Shot, Golden Bear and Pro Swing can put a virtual golf simulator in a spare room of the house which offers a choice of playing on some the best global courses on a giant screen with the help of an interactive computer. The game is simple. Just identify the hole, then swing the club and let the computer take over. Within seconds sensors measure the movement of your ball accurately. The virtual environment creates the action in full colour complete with surroundsound just the way it is on the actual golf course. That the price for a fully-loaded simulator is around $85,000 (Rs 46.75 lakh) is another matter!
Iconic bike
But for those who like raw action and have the money to match their style, there are plenty of thrills on offer. For many rich guys real excitement begins when they ride on the power wheels of a Harley-Davidson Rocker-C. This is an ultimate motorcycling experience. With its style and muscular charm, it counts the world’s rich and famous among its fans as it is all about attitude. The iconic Harley Davidson has enthralled bike lovers for over a century. Though real connoisseurs still salivate for the vintage models those who love speed and action can have plenty of it riding the Rocker-C. But at around Rs 10.5 lakh the thrills come at price.
Antique moves
However, an increasing number of the uber rich with refined taste prefer a quiet game of chess with a friend. But do they just pick up any chessboard and start playing? Perish the thought. A London-based tycoon recently bought a walrus ivory chess set of Circa 1750 at a ‘bargain’ price of $13,000 (around Rs 7.15 lakh) which has put him in a class of his own.
Keys to happiness
Many high rollers, who find chess too exhausting, follow a more sedate routine. And their keys to happiness are pianos — the new musical toys of the super wealthy. Some learn to play them while for others it is just another exquisite decoration piece in the drawing room. And these are no ordinary pianos. Those in demand range from a Fazioli to a Steinway or from a Schimmels to a Bösendorfer. And for the uninitiated a Bösendorfer Imperial Piano typically sells for about $1,75,000 (over Rs 96 lakh)! The bottom line is that these wealthy guys indulge in their wildest fancies as they unwind. And whoever cared about money. Here, only style and status matters!
A watch for the billionaire’s wrist
It’s perhaps the sign of times that jewellery and accessories are merging into style statements. Watches are a case in point with which the billionaires flaunt their attitude. Take the case of Spécialités Tourbillon Diamants by Swiss luxury watch company Blancpain. The 40-mm men’s watch is encrusted with 480 diamonds and is priced at $1.8 million (around Rs. 9.9 crore). Another popular watch with the richie rich guys is the Vacheron Constantin Tour de l’Ile which is considered the ultimate expression of a watchmaker and a jeweller’s art. It is among the most venerated wristwatches of the world and is priced at a mind-boggling $1.5 million (around Rs. 8.25 crore). But the tag of the ultimate watch must go to the Emperador Temple by Piaget. Encrusted with 1,212 diamonds, it comes for a whopping $3.3 million (around Rs 18.15 crore).
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Blazer’s edge!
The corporate man is often seen as highly structured person, advocating efficiency and rigidity in varous aspects of life. Time was when everything — from management decisions to marketing strategies — was stereotyped. This also included the kind of clothes worn to office. But not anymore as the corporate world is becoming more and more flexible. Business clothes were starchy, formal and restrictive. But as the Indian man strides confidently into the brave new corporate world, fashion for the boardroom is taking a bolder, confident turn. The formal office attire is being replaced by a degree of casualness. It is hardly surprising then to see men going to the workplace wearing more relaxed clothes which were earlier reserved for weekend parties. Take the blazer, for example. It has been placed on a pedestal by leading couturiers of the world and turned it into a major fashion statement. Today a smart blazer spells success as it is neither considered too restrictive nor dressy. It is, at once, casual and formal, besides being elegant and stylish. This explains why the worldwide annual turnover of blazers runs into more than $2 billion. This current blend of casualness and formality was pioneered by the ‘master of the cut’, Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian fashion designer. He gave the formal Seville Row jacket a dash, and added a bit of spice and created the sophisticated, city slicker blazer that was sexier and more wearable. From Gucci to Dolce & Gabbana and from Tommy Hilfiger to Ralph Lauren, all leading designers and fashion houses worth their cuts and silhouettes, are now designing blazers and the new millennium has seen a full-blown version of this phenomenon. Thriving market
The scene is no different in India. There are four parts to the thriving blazer market in India. The first is the traditional way of buying cloth and getting it stitched by a tailor. The second is the unorganised sector where local players flood the market with ready-made blazers. And the third is the organised sector where Indian brands like Raymonds, Shopper’s Stop, Chirag Din and many more retail blazers. And the fourth are global players like Zara, Marks & Spencers, Allen Solly and others who retail sharp and smart blazers from slick outlets. Thus, there is a large diversity in prices. From local brands retailing for less than Rs 1,200, the range can go up to Rs 20,000 and more for the top brands. Internationally, too, the scene is similar where cheaper brands are concerned but the excitement begins when it comes to global names like Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Canali and Burberry. Here, the blazer can retail from a few hundred dollars to thousands.
The basic four
Though variations may be there but there are traditionally two types of blazers — the double-breasted and the single-breasted. When buying a blazer, four things have to be kept in mind, colour, fabric, pattern and cut. All these elements must conform to your persona, the climate and environment you work in, besides the nature of work, age and physique. Opt for traditional colours like navy blue, solid grey and tan (or their variants) in winter. Earth tones look good in summer. Following close on the heels of colour is the cut or, as Americans put it, the silhouette. The cut or silhouette defines the overall impact and it is the axis around which a good blazer revolves. The right cut can help make a short man look tall or a plump man look slim. There are three basic cuts — the American, the European and the British. The Americans, for example, usually prefer a two-button blazer that has soft shoulders. The European cut is sleek, body hugging and best suited for slim men. The British cut, as developed by Seville Row, is the most suitable for Indian men. Sophisticated, classic and conservative, this cut closely follows the contours of the body, though it is not a close fitting one. Once you have decided upon the cut that suits you the best, turn your attention to the fabric. In a country like India where the climate is more or less hot, tropical wool is the best fabric for winter. Linen and seersucker are ideal for summer. In the warm season, don’t stray far from cotton, as polyester blended fabrics will make you hot and uncomfortable. Buttons are the highlight of a good blazer. Though the most common are simple generic brass buttons but other buttons that enhance the appeal can range from delicate smoked mother of pearl buttons to silver and gold.
What to wear a blazer with
A navy blue blazer and grey flannel trousers make a classic combo. In summer, you can make a great style statement with a cotton blazer and white cotton casual trousers. Jeans, too, look great with tweed or navy blue blazer and a white dress shirt will give you a young academic look. A blazer also looks great with a pin-striped shirt and a geometric tie. For the more casual look, you could wear a T-shirt with the blazer left open. However, for a stunning effect, you could pair a blazer with a crisp blue shirt, a black tie and formal shoes. Once you have these basics in place, you’ll find wearing a blazer much more fun. That’s important, because in today’s world, the way you look must always reflect the way you feel confident. A few years back, when asked how fashion for men will turn out in the new millennium, the late Italian designer Gian Franco Ferre — also known as the ‘architect of modern fashion’ — told the GQ Magazine, “The future will be more an expression of our spirit than an expression of our power or our money. Nowadays, a blazer is not indicative of your status, but of your free state of mind.” Ferre’s prophecy is
coming true today.
The amber-coloured Vivienne Westwood corduroy single-breasted blazer with an asymmetric front button closure and step lapel, features two front pockets with lapels. The stand-out blazer conveys the British designer’s rebellious attitude, while the touch of cashmere adds a luxurious element. Price: $1,115
Rs 61,325 GIVENCHY BEIGE
MOLESKIN BLAZER
Price: $830
Rs 45,650 YVES ST. LAURENT DOUBLE-BREASTED VELVET BLAZER
Price: $2,360
Rs 1,29,800
TOMMY HILFIGER HERRINGBONE WOOL BLAZER
Price: $430
Rs 23,650 MARC BY MARC JACOBS PLAID WOOL BLAZER
Price: $460
Rs 25,300 Over the years, Italian fashion house Tonello has developed great craftsmanship in men’s blazers and jackets. This two-button red and brown plaid jacket features notched lapels and two front pockets. It is for those fashion connoisseurs who like to stand out in any occasion. Price: $1,148
Rs 63,140 GUCCI BROWN SUEDE BLAZER
Price: $2,963
Rs 1,62,965 PAUL SMITH DOUBLE-BREASTED WOOL BLAZER
Price: $1,345
Rs 73,975 ALEXANDER MCQUEEN BLACK LINEN BLAZER
Price: $950
Rs 52,250 DOLCE & GABBANA TWO-BUTTON BLAZER
Price: $1,490
Rs 81,950 RALPH LAUREN BLAZER WITH YATCH CREST LOGO
Price: $910
Rs 50,050 CANALI PRINCE OF WALES PLAID BLAZER
Price: $1,450
Rs 79,790
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PACESETTER NEETU MEHTA in
a time of instant gratification, the online world has come as a boon. With everything you want to buy, to every query you want answered, there is a ready answer to satisfy you. People are more aware, thanks to thousands of tips from experts on sites backed by reliable companies. Information is within our reach with the stroke of a few keys on the computer. Neetu Mehta, an entrepreneur, has put to use this reach of the internet to help people access reliable information by empanelling experts. Neetu, 38, was a housewife for the past 13 years and decided to take to a working life after her kids, a son and a younger daughter, grew up and she had plenty of time on her hands. She decided to use her time constructively. She loves to travel, cook and coordinate her nail-paint and dresses. Her husband, Ashok Mehta, who is a prominent industrialist, suggested the idea and after becoming net savvy, Neetu set up identalhub, Skinsheen and Browsecart, all of which have met with great success. Based in Industrial Area, Panchkula, she has a work force of around 30 people working for these three sites. A dental portal, anyone can put in their queries regarding issues with their teeth on ‘identalhub.’ These queries are satisfactorily answered for free by a doctor with more than 15 years of experience. He is assisted by more dentists who handle all the oral health problems. Not only this, it also guides you as to where you can find a dentist closest to your location and also looks for specialists like cosmetic dentists, oral surgeons, endodontists, periodontists, orthodontists, pedodontists etc. in your vicinity. They also have a treasure trove of articles that you can read and educate yourselves. With up-to-date information and the best advice, it surely is the place to turn to for questions regarding your thirty twos. They have a facility, “Ask a dentist,” where the patient can directly email his or her queries to the dentists and they reply back within the next 48 hours, for a specialised analysis. It does away with the medical jargon and explains the toughest topics in the simplest language, making it very popular among all. Neetu has another portal, ‘SkinSheen’, which does for skin and lifestyle queries, what identalhub does for oral problems. It is a single-window solution for skin problems, health, beauty, fitness and relationships. It is a wonderful site that will keep you busy with their engrossing and informative articles. It covers all modes of dealing with issues from ayurveda, yoga and home remedies to latest medical breakthroughs and equipment. ‘Browsecart’ was born out of her own experience at places selling cosmetics. Most of the times, popular shades of lipsticks and other products would be out of stock; forcing her to choose from a narrower variety. Started in July 2012, it stocks over 5,000 products and 60 brands. On her website she stocks most brands and they are available at a discount, coupled with free and prompt home delivery. They also offer same-day delivery of products in the Tricity and keep you enticed with new offers on different products every day. Neetu says, “This was the best thing to have happened to me for it completely changed my outlook on life and opened up possibilities, I never knew existed for me. I am putting in my best and make sure everyone in my staff puts in their best as well. It has enabled me to dream and shown me that with grit and determination, the sky is literally the limit.”
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Drinking and driving have never made great bedfellows. But ask German car major Porsche and Johnnie Walker Blue Label and they will disagree. The two are making a heady cocktail. The Porsche Design Studio has launched a special Johnnie Walker Blue Label Limited Edition Collection which is a 6.5-feet tall titanium, glass and leather private bar. It slides open using electronic sensors to give access to three bottles of individually numbered Blue Label Scotch, an ice bucket, cooled water and four illuminated crystal glasses. Ingredients for a perfect evening! Price: $150,000
(Rs 82.5 lakh)
WRITE CHOICE
Price: Sheaffer Ferrari 100 Red
Rs 3000
It’s not just one of a kind but also a prized possession for any motorcycle lover. The Harley Davidson has been classified as the first and only twin engine jet motorcycle in the world. Back in 1927 it was designed as an exclusive model for a customer who wanted to cross the 200 mph speed barrier. However, the customer did not buy the bike and it was recently put up for auction on ebay. And, if you are thinking of bidding for it, don’t bother. It has been snapped up by a wealthy bidder! Auctioned for $25,000
(Rs 13.75 lakh)
Women fans who find Hollywood star Johnny Depp’s appeal all-consuming now have the golden opportunity of taking him home. A Japanese company Kurotani Corporation has made gold statutes of Captain Jack Sparrow the legendary character Depp plays in the film Pirates of the Caribbean. In a limited edition of three this fictional character weighs 1.80 kilos in pure gold and stands 26 centimetres tall. In case you want this golden masterpiece you better hurry as its value is going up with the ever-rising price of gold. Price: $466,000
(Rs 2,56,30,000)
Don’t be shocked if you have blood on your hand (or rather your wrist) when you wear this watch. Swiss company ArtyA’s latest piece has a cut-up silver bullet used to kill a werewolf. To prove that the killing was real it has the blood of the ‘victim’ encased within the 47-mm case. The chronograph originally created for Halloween, has now broadened its reach to protect wearers from the werewolves of modern times. Spook someone with this gory watch. Price: Ranging from $2,575 to $4,175
(Rs 1,41,625 to Rs 2,29,625)
OFF THE CUFF
Price: $10,000
(Rs 5.5 lakh)
MONEY UP IN SMOKE
Price: $ 15000 for 20
(Rs 8.25 lakh for 20)
A STING IN THE NAILS
Price: $100 per nail
(Rs 5,500)
CHOO IS ON THE RIGHT FOOT
Price: $775
(Rs 42,625)
ALL SET FOR THE BIG GAME?
Price: $90,000
(Rs 45 lakh)
SHADES OF PECK
Price: $430
(Rs 23,650)
FAB FOUR ON VINYL
Price: $400
(Rs 22,000)
GIVE ME RED
Price: $7,125
(Rs 3,91,875)
COLLECTOR’S COLLECTION
Price: From $1,160 to $8,000 (From
Rs 63,800 to Rs 4.4 lakh)
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Subodh Samuel
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD ASYMMETRIC BUTTON BLAZER
Cut for a smart fit, the beige moleskin Givenchy blazer with four front pockets, notch lapel and double rear vents exudes great style. The blazer makes for a staple wardrobe piece. The pared-down tone works very well with shades of burgundy and brown for a truly retro-inspired look.
This classic slim fit, black velvet double-breasted blazer from Yves Saint Laurent has silk peaked lapels and half lining. It has a four-button closure, a chest pocket and double vents and two flap pockets. The sophisticated blazer is guaranteed to make your evening very special.
Designer Tommy Hilfiger says that every man needs a good blazer in his wardrobe. The classic Herringbone Cain blazer with leather buttons, two flap pockets and a breast pocket is modernised with sleek lines and cool details. It lends instant smartness and looks elegant at any time of the day.
Marc by Marc Jacobs pays a tribute to the nostalgic 1950s with this trim-fit Manhattan-style traditional brown and grey plaid check blazer. Wear this with a crisp white shirt for a dapper city look or a crew neck T-shirt for a modern appeal.
TONELLO PLAID BLAZER
This Gucci blazer is your ticket to style. The brown suede blazer is just right for a very special occasion. It has a two-button front closure, two large flap-top side pockets, a fine-stitch detail and a smooth finish. The premium suede blazer brings retro-inspired luxury back in vogue.
Walking the line between high style and utility, this four-pocket blazer from leading British designer Paul Smith is the ideal cover-up for classy weekend parties. The smart double-breasted fastening of this blazer will look particularly striking with a roll neck sweater in red or burgundy.
With a huge celebrity following, Alexander McQueen has always been a very influential British designer. His blazers are iconic. Take a look at the black linen blazer featuring notched lapels, concealed double button front closure and three front pockets. It is guaranteed to make you stand out.
Personifying the dapper decadence, this spectacular black wool blend blazer from Dolce & Gabbana features a notched up lapel, breast pocket, two flap pockets, two button front fastening, long sleeves with button cuffs, and a double-back vent. It is, at once, opulent with a casual air.
Ralph Lauren affirms its commitment to quality craftsmanship with this tailored navy/gold detail wool/viscose blazer. It has gold button detail on sleeves, two-button fastening and a beige underside. With two front patch pockets, the blazer’s chest pocket is embroidered with the yacht crest. 
The Italian fashion house Canali is known for its impeccable tailoring of men’s wear especially suits and blazers. One of its best-known creations is the Prince of Wales plaid blazer, with three front pockets and blended with cashmere for a luxuriant soft feel and contemporary silhouette.
ONE FOR THE ROAD
One is a writer the other is a racer. And when the two combine the result is an outstanding writing instrument. World Pen Store William Penn has brought to India the Sheaffer by Ferrari collection of pens bearing Ferrari’s famous Prancing Horse logo. A variety of models are available and all fountain pens carry a stainless steel Sheaffer nib. The pens make a great gift for a Formula-1 racing fan.
TWIN RIDER
GOLDEN SPARROW
BLOODY WRIST
American luxury house Ralph Lauren is associated with all things beautiful but it can also spring spooky surprises. The white gold cufflinks are an example. Shaped like two creepy skulls they have movable jaws and diamond eyes. The crossbones act as the T-bar to complete the scary look. So go ahead, give a ghostly touch to your personality with these chilling cufflinks which would certainly make Count Dracula proud!
If you enjoy a smoke then do it in style. Encased in a beautiful glass tube, His Majesty's Reserve Gurkha Cigars are as good as they look. They are handmade in the Dominican Republic and accented with Louis XIII cognac through a unique flavouring process which brings out one of the finest tastes ever found in a cigar. Less than 100 boxes are produced each year and the punchline goes…They are not many, they are difficult to find, but when found, they will always stay with you. 
We all know that snakeskin handbags and shoes are some of the most coveted fashion accessories. But snakeskin nail art? Before you say yuck! you must be told this is a new style statement. Nail artist are using skins that snakes shed for this bizarre beauty effect. In many of the top end nail spas in the west a variety of snake skins are on display for customers to choose from. The skin is first sanitised and then covered with a flexible protective gel layer before being applied to the nails. Next time you want to look different, cover your nails with the skin of cobra, viper or rattle snake!
If shoes are the mark of a man, then Jimmy Choo sure is making a distinct mark. The leading shoe company’s Belgravia high top sneakers made of mock crocodile leather are a winner all the way. These stunning shoes feature black patent leather with crocodile print and yellow midsole trim. Also, the bottom sole has yellow Jimmy Choo logo branding. That they have been voted among the best trainers in the world is not surprising considering that the iconic label is by now used to such accolades.
Are you a gaming fan and have money to burn? If both the squares tick for you then you need a giant Pinel & Pinel Arcade PS Trunk which will make you a class apart. This giant set includes a PS3, two Formula-1 racing seats with Thrustmaster steering wheels, a selection of 24 PS-3 games, an 1,800-watt sound system, a Playstation Move Camera, four Move Controllers, two Move Shooter Guns, four PS-3 wireless buzzers, four Dualshock-3 controllers, two arcade fighting sticks, a 55” Sony TV and four pairs of 3D glasses. Phew! If all that doesn’t blow a gaming fan’s mind, nothing ever will!
In his day, Gregory Peck was the embodiment of cool and chic. His style, his clothes and his accessories became instant global fashion statements. The glasses that he wore in the 1962 blockbuster To Kill A Mocking Bird became such a rage that they took the world by storm. Now, half a century later, leading American eyewear company Oliver Peoples has recreated the iconic shades. They are handmade in Italy, with an acetate frame matched with polarised lenses. And they are truly a tribute to Gregory Peck who was one of the most talented and best-looking stars the world has ever seen. 
That vinyl is staging a comeback is clear from the fact that old Long Playing (LP) and Extended Playing (EP) records are suddenly in demand and so are the record players of the 1960s and 1970s. As if on cue, there’s now an irresistible treat for the retro music aficionados. The Beatles’ original studio albums, which were released on CDs in 2009 and 2010, are making their stereo vinyl debut on November 13 as part of an elaborate box set. The titles include the band’s 12 original U.K. studio albums, as well as the U.S. version of Magical Mystery Tour and Past Masters Volumes One & Two. But if you want a piece of this nostalgia then better hurry. The sets are limited to 50,000 copies only.
Italian fashion house Dolce and Gabbana surely must have lost count of its celebrity clients. Now it can add some more to the unknown number with its limited edition Ruby-Red Velvet Shoulder Bag which is sheer opulence and luxury. This glamorous piece has been intricately embroidered and finished with an embellished chain strap. The perfect after-hours accessory will not just complete an elaborate evening outfit but will turn any lady into an elegant diva.
The 50-year-old Bond mania just doesn’t seem to die down. Now Globe-Trotter a leather factory in Hertfordshire in Britain which designed the bespoke rifle case for the 24th. Bond thriller Skyfall has come out with the James Bond collection of travel cases. Inspired by the rifle case, the collection comprises a variety of suitcases ranging in sizes from 16-inches to 33-inches. Each case is handcrafted with black box grain leather and lined with the jacquard weave gun barrel fabric, finished with a painted edge with an embossed logo, making it truly a collector’s collection.