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Be safe, not sorry
King of bling PACESETTER
Sunil and Shashank
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Be safe, not sorry Last year saw an alarming rise in the crimes against women irrespective of their social or geographic bearings. A study by the Thompson Reuters Trustlaw Women puts India as the fourth most dangerous country for women after Afghanistan, Congo and Pakistan. According figures available from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), there were 2,28,650 incidences of violence perpetrated on women in 2011. The figures for 2012 are expected to escalate disturbingly even as rapists, eve teasers and law offenders became more brutal and daring in the last year culminating in the most horrific rape and murder of the 23-year-old paramedical student on December 16. The grim scenario is leading thousands of girls like Jaishree, who was robbed of her car and money, to take measures to defend themselves. As if on a cue, self-defence gadgets have suddenly started are flooding the market with an array of products aimed at incapacitating the attacker. The blast knuckle is an electric shocker. Slipped through the fingers and worn around the knuckles, it delivers such a powerful electric shock that the attacker
does not know what has hit him before he passes out. The cost is between
Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000 COST: Rs 1,500-Rs 2,000 Glass-breaker pen
COST:
Rs 1,650 telescope steel baton
COST:
Rs 900 Cell phone stun gun
COST:
Rs 3,500 Paracord monkey fist
honeycomb Hairbrush
COST: Rs 1,200 hidden camera sunglasses
COST: Rs 1,500-Rs 7000 defence cat keychain
Taser
COST:
Rs 33,000 Pepper spray
Personal attack alarm
There are several other gadgets in the market for self-defence. An effective deterrent is the electronic pocket whistle to alert passers-by. Costing around Rs. 800, it is lightweight, takes up little space and can be used to attract attention of people with its shrillness. However, the biggest advantage of a loud whistle is that unlike an offensive weapon, this does not require you to be within a certain proximity of your attacker. Unlike a pepper spray, one doesn’t have to “confront” the attacker to use a noise alarm. COST:
Rs 800 Kubotan
COST: Rs 200-Rs 1,350
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King of bling Crystals are everywhere. Up there on the chandelier, on collectibles, jewellery, charms, fashion accessories, sunglasses, watches, figurines, home décor, smartphone covers, and even notebooks. These make for one of the most popular gifting options and lend sparkle to occasions like a wedding or a Valentine’s Day. Crystals may not be as valuable as a diamond but these match their popularity sparkle by sparkle. Like diamonds, the crystaltes contain 32 per cent lead and are perfectly cut and reflect a multi-hued rainbow of light as a result of refraction. Jewellery made from crystals is worn by a growing number of celebrities. Each year companies like Swarovski, Baccarat, Lalique and Preciosa commission leading designers of the world to make crystal creations. The most in demand are creations on apparel that high rollers flaunt at red carpet events — handbags, footwear, belts, scarves and all kinds of couture shimmering with crystals. Inspirational creations Swarovski, for example, displays these creations each year at an event called Runway Rocks and they are inspirational and provocative which, according to the company, “challenge the conventions of jewellery, sculpture and body adornment exploring form, volume, movement and light, finding new expressions for crystal creativity.” Rivalling Swarovski in creativity is
Czech company Preciosa, which specialises in fashion jewellery stones in a broad
variety of shapes, colours and sizes. It is best known for its zirconia stones that are sometimes difficult to differentiate from diamonds. The company also produces crystal chandeliers as well as contemporary decorative lighting fixtures. Apart from Swarovski and Precosia, there is Baccarat. The iconic French company established two and a half centuries ago. Initially known only for its chandeliers which were the pride of the ceilings of a number of palaces in a bygone India, today Baccarat,with two new collections per year, illuminates tableware, decorative objects, figurines, jewellery and carafes. Ornate showrooms The magic of the company’s legacy is at work at its Crystal Room restaurants in Paris, Moscow and Tokyo where high-end, exotic cuisine is served in Baccarat crystals. It has ornate showrooms in New York, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing. Swarovski, too, has tied up with leading fashion brands of the world like Emporio Armani, Roberto Cavalli, Dior Homm, Gianfranco Ferre, Marani, Bironi and Hugo Boss to create a collection of crystal-studded men’s attire. Needless to say, the limited edition collection was a runaway hit and sold off even as it was being displayed. The company has several boutiques spread all across India that retail a long list of Swarovski creations. Last Diwali, it launched Ambiray Tea Lights, which made for great gift items. The stainless steel candle stands were studded with Swarovski crystals and came in three sizes priced at ~2,700, ~3,850 and ~5,100 respectively. Another company which is beginning to have a strong presence in India is Lalique which opened its first exclusive boutique ‘Art in Crystal’ at the DLF Emporio in Delhi. The Spanish company has tantalised the world with its exquisite crystal depictions of themes that include flora, fauna and the beauty of the female form. Eye-catching range Most of the crystals are hand-finished and intricately sculptured with figurative detailing. Apart from figurines and gifting items, the range includes crystal glass sculptures and
miniatures, decoratives for homes and other designs in crystal. Even Swarovski’s figurine collection celebrates the wonders of nature, exceptional design and the luminous power of crystal with elegant, modern and stylish statement pieces, including those of symbols, flowers, animals, birds, butterflies and fictional characters from children’s literature. Swarovski’s Disney collection is the stuff of dreams. There are intricately carved figurines of characters like the Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Stitch. These also feature in key rings, pendants and earrings. Most of these companies have been in existence for well over a century with Baccarat having been around for over 250 years. They have their own own-operated boutiques and thousands of partnered stores around the world, including India. The brands have on offer a host of bling and the obsession of the glitterati has not faded even as they count kings, queens, princess, heads of states, aristocrats and some of the most glamorous people as their clientele.
CRYSTAL EARPHONES
Price: Rs 44,550 GOLD PLATED SLEIGH & REINDEER
Price:
Rs 2,200 DISNEY MICKEY, MINNIE AND PLUTO SET
LALIQUE AMBER KAZHAK HORSE
BACCARAT ST. ANDREWS GOLF PLAYER
WATERLILY
VIOLET BUTTERFLY
BACCARAT LITTLE BUDDHA
BLUE TURQUOISE KINGFISHERS
ANIMAL COLLECTION LOVEABLE WARTHOG
MORODA PANTHER
Price: Rs 52,800 LALIQUE RAJAH JAGUAR
CRYSTAL MYRIAD — JI XIANG
PURPLE PRINCESS PEN
The woman behind Swarovski’s
success
She’s a powerhouse who has worked tirelessly ever since she became the first woman public face of the company in 1995 — exactly a century after her great-great-grandfather set up Swarovski. Today, the 42-year-old Nadja Swarovski has transformed the company into an international empire that produces everything from figurines to collectibles, jewellery, watches, sunglasses, binoculars, and even grinding tools and road reflectors. The mother of three children, Nadja is married to Rupert Adams, a hedge fund manager, and has her main office in London. In fact, when she joined the company there had been a steady erosion as crystals in the 1990s were considered passé. She decided to bring glory back to the company that had seen its glitzy products adorn the dresses of Queen Victoria, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. And she succeeded by once again putting the house of Swarovski at the forefront of fashion by collaborating with some of the most innovative designers in the world changing the image from a producer of figurines to one of the biggest jewellery brands of the world which has a legendary fan following. Little wonder, then that she is called the Crystal Ambassador of the World.
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PACESETTER
Sunil and Shashank Shashank, a bright student all through his schooling years, graduated from IITK in electrical engineering. After working as an electrical engineer in Colorado, USA, for 10 years, he decided to move to Bangalore. He spent two more years in the corporate sector. However, Indian IT sector's reality discouraged him. His was a decently paying job but it wasn't doing much to satisfy his inner craving for creativity in an engineering task. When he met a couple of like-minded engineers he decided to take the punge. Sunil Javaji, graduated from REC Trichy, with an engineering degree. Sunil developed genuine love for the engineering subjects and his perfect grades in the courses proved to be a testimony of his resolution. The first job in a reputed software company was like a dream come true. Corporate life did teach him a lot but the frustration of not doing substantial work forced him to call it quits. Destiny in the form of a change of job brought him to Qualcomm and in direct contact with Shashank. It was there that their individual sparks joined to form a big flame. Antezen, the brain child of Shashank Shekhar and Sunil Javaji, was born in January 2011. The core idea of their product is to connect like-minded people. The first application, Skillsume, under Antezen's umbrella, connects job seekers with hiring managers by using some unique data that is gathered about both the parties involved. Over time they intend to capture more data to improve the effectiveness of the algorithm behind this intelligent match-making. It has been two years since they bade goodbye to the comforts of regular jobs with regular pay cheques and the path has not been hurdle free so far. Breathing in the world where heaps of information is available at click of a button, the individuals involved, paths chosen and choices made pose unique challenges. Looking out for someone from sales and marketing who could package their hard work neatly and showcase it for customers, to creating right kind of visibility in today's world are just a couple of many challenges that await them. Their spark has not waned and their thirst to create something worthwhile has not diminished. They are marching ahead with their determination and perseverance. “The freedom for working on things you love is incomparable to anything you might get out of a corporate job. There is nothing more satisfying than working on something purely for the love of it”, is how Shashank feels. A statutory warning for the aspirants offered by Sunil: “A startup is like running frantically in a thick wild forest hoping all along that it is the right direction which would eventually take you out of the forest safely. If you succeed in living on forest food, dodging the wild animals and finding the path out of the forest, people will remember you, otherwise the epitaph of your dream would be sealed silently. Get in only if you are ready for failures. There will be many before you get to taste your first success.”
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Bling it on
AGE YOUR OWN WHISKEY Price: $150
(Rs 8,250)
It is a watch which is not crash proof. In fact it has already been involved in a crash—or so it seems—when you purchase it. The French jeweller and watchmaker Cartier’s Crash Watch which is one of the most serious collector’s pieces now available in four variants—18 karat white or rose gold, one with 150 diamonds (2.15 carats), a manual-wind calibre with 18 jewels and the ultimate 471 diamonds (4.27 carats). Though it promises style on the wrist it also guarantees your bank balance will crash out. Price: Diamond-studded Cartier Crash Watch $73,000 (Rs 40.15 lakh)
A SPARKLING PAIR OF STILETTOS Price: $1,55,000
(Rs 85.25 lakh)
BAGGING THE MALE Price: Ranging between $1,900 and $5,000 (Between
Rs 1,04500 and Rs 2,75,000)
Professional golfers are always on the lookout for good putters. If you are a golfer and have a liberal bank account, go in for the Valedictorian putter. The Swiss company takes this limited edition high-end putter to a new level and makes it truly a one-of-a kind. It has been crafted from stainless steel and boasts of more than 100 rubies on the pin which connects the mallet head with the neck. It can be personalised according to individual tastes and you can even go as far as to have initials engraved on it. So, go ahead play the most expensive game in the world---in more ways than one. Price: $3,000
(RS 1.65 lakh)
MAKING YOUR FINGER MULTI-FUNCTIONAL Price: $385
(Rs 21,175)
POOL ON GLASS Price: $68,000 (Rs 37.40 lakh)
FERRARI REVS UP FOR THE PODIUM Price: Undisclosed
FUTURE IS MOBILE Price: Between
Rs 9 lakh and Rs 13 lakh
MUSIC TO THE EAR Price: Upon request
While travelling long distance are you paranoid about the security of your baggage? Your anxiety may now be a thing of the past with Trakdot. All you have to do is to put this palm-sized gizmo in your bag and rest easy. With the help of a GPS device it will tell you its location even if you have lost it. As soon as the plane lands or the train or bus stops, you get an SMS or email on your mobile telling you what city your bags are in. You can even track the history of your luggage’s journey on the Trakdot website. If it does not reach the destination, you will still know where it is— information which the cops would welcome. Price: $72 inclusive of taxes
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Crystals match the popularity of diamonds sparkle by sparkle. Little wonder then that jewellery and collectibles by companies like
Swarovski, Lalique, Perciosa and Baccarat are the choice of many celebrities
Well-known revolver maker Smith and Wesson has introduced a multi-purpose pen that can become a handy self defence weapon. The Rs 1,650 pen is in form of a kubotan and a glass breaker and can shatter a car or bus window in an emergency.
There are many other innovative self defence weapons in the market that a woman can consider. The telescope steel baton costing around Rs 900 may look like a harmless little stick in the hand but it is an expandable baton which is a powerful and intimidating impact tool which gives a woman the advantage of fighting the aggressor from a distance. 
The cell phone stun gun is one such weapon. A covert self defence gadget costing around Rs 3,500, it comes in the shape of a mobile. When it comes in contact with the attacker’s body it emits an electrical shock that immobilises the aggressor by causing disorientation and, in some cases, temporary unconsciousness.
Another effective self defence weapon is a monkey's fist that costs around Rs 750 and comes attached to a keychain. This is a six to eight-inch rope with a knot at the end packed with lead or some other heavy metal. In case of an attack the rope is swung around and when it gathers momentum is released on the potential assailant's face or some other vulnerable part of the body for maximum impact.
There are a number of camouflaged weapons like the Rs 1,200 honeycomb Hairbrush, which may be illegal but given the sense of fear women are investing in them for self protection.
Many women are buying sunglasses with a hidden camera that will take pictures of the mugger, which can give clues to the police.
Girls can also go for a knuckle keychain aka defence cat keychain which does a similar function. It has two sharp, pointed metal spikes shaped like a cat's ears that can be slipped into the fingers and can be used to jab the attacker.
Taser is a weapon, when fired momentarily controls the central nervous system of an attacker, giving the potential victim time to escape. However, it is an expensive weapon that cost around $600 (Around Rs 33,000). It is because of the fact that unlike a stun gun it does not require bodily contact and can be fired from a distance.
Pepper spray is a handy and innocuous looking tool that contains a chemical compound that irritates the eyes and causes tears, pain and even temporary blindness. Though it has no side effects, it effectively immobilises the assailant giving enough time for the potential victim to break free. “The demand has shot up after the Delhi gang rape,” says Sudhir Kumar, who owns a small knick-knacks shop in Delhi’s Palika Bazar, but has seen his business boom when he put up a board saying that he was stocking pepper spray. “Not just women, even men buy pepper spray for their wives, sisters, mothers and even girlfriends.”Says Jaishree, “It was a lesson for me. Since I am in a shift job at a call centre, I need to be able to take things in my own hand. Ever since the incident, I never steps out of house without a vial of pepper spray in my purse. It is lightweight, easy to use and gives me confidence even when I am going out late at night.” In fact, not just girls but self defence measures are being put in place even by the elderly, who are on the edge these days.
COST:
Rs 200-Rs 500
Some girls are also going in for a Japanese device called the Kubotan. This intimidating weapon is a six-inch long cylinder made of high density aluminium as a key chain holder with a pointed tip. It can used for applying pressure to sensitive parts of an assailant’s body, or gaining leverage on an assailant’s wrist or fingers.
Imagine listening to music with Apple earphones studded with 200 dazzling Swarovski crystals. The Amosu Apple earpieces are just that! Compatible with all Apple products like iPod, iPhone and iPad, these glittering earphones can overshadow, even a pair of diamond earrings.
This beautiful Swarovski elements 24-K gold-plated sleigh and reindeer radiates an intense sparkle. From the crystal temptations range, this stunning ornament can make a nice addition to a collection or be a great decorative piece, or an ideal as it comes in a presentation box
This stunning and colourful Mickey, Minnie & Pluto set is from Swarovski’s Classic Disney Collection. The figurines display a creative imagination and the collection brings forth the positive vibes of the Disney characters embellished in jet, topaz, aquamarine and rose crystals.
This magnificent horse makes a great bookend or an object d’art. The exquisitely detailed figure beautifully captures the restrained power of this magnificent horse in all its galloping glory. It lends a certain charm wherever it is displayed.
Designed for Baccarat by Bernard Augst, this carefully carved clear crystal figurine golfer is seen preparing to make a shot with great deliberation and skill. This exceptionally life-like silhouette shows Baccarat’s expertise and meticulous detailing.
This exquisite waterlily blossoms in lavender and blue violet Swarovski crystal. The centre shines in topaz crystal with a silver-tone metal stem. Crafted in erinite crystal, the leaves are embellished with delicate water droplets in clear crystal for a fascinating, true-to-nature finishing touch.
Bring in lightness to your living room with this violet Swarovski butterfly. In fully faceted crystals, it is in an asymmetrical cut and is among the first fully coloured pieces in silver crystals. It makes for a beautiful way to add a touch of colour and joy to your home.
Pairing the unlikely materials of clear crystal with a black lacquered platform, Baccarat’s Buddha is a stately rendering of this symbolic figure, based on a very traditional hand-carved wooden version. The translucence of the crystal is a perfect decorative item for zen interiors.
The two boldly colourful pair of Kingfisher birds made from blue turquoise, aquamarine and clear Swarovski crystals are elegantly perched on a silver-tone metal stand. These have been meticulously created with 20 separate parts and can be the centre of attraction of a living room.
Pumbaa, the warthog, is a friendly Disney character from the Lion King, who has a golden heart. His body and tail sparkle in clear Swarovski crystals while his hair and tip of his tail gleams in crystal satin. His tusk is created in crystal golden shadow and his eyes in jet crystal.
Add flair to any interior with this stunning sculpture. Reflecting the panther’s natural colour tone, it gleams in Moroda crystal, radiating from a metallic blue to warm bronze and brown-black tones. It has a black spot granite base, which forms a protective layer on the bottom.
The stately jaguar gives the impression of tip-toeing to its prey. Lalique’s Rajah Jaguar is a sensual blend of frosted glass, complemented by delicate fluid lines. Handcrafted in France, the clear crystals showcase the intricate design employed by Lalique.
Embellished with 48,670 hand-set crystals, this limited edition artistic masterpiece demonstrates Swarovski’s craftsmanship. It skillfully captures the jump of two carps — a symbol of prosperity and good luck in China. The polished base shines in shades of blue like foaming waves.
The stylish, chic and graceful twist action pen is decorated with crystallised Swarovski elements is hand-crafted to make a stunning writing instrument that is as beautiful to use as it is to own. It is among the most popular gifting options from Swarovski crystals.
Ever considered dumping the bottled stuff and making your own whiskey? Not possible, you’d say. Maturing whiskey is a complex process involving aging in a barrel and then adding the taste complexities. But now the impossible can be made possible with Woodinville’s Age-Your-Own-Whiskey kit. The set includes two 750 ml bottles of 110 proof un-aged whiskey that the company calls ‘White Dog’, a two litre aging barrel, pouring funnel, two tasting glasses and step-by-step instructions. It would take three to six months for the whiskey to mature but the exciting part is that the kit puts you in the captain’s seat for aging your very own spirit to perfection. Patience not included.
CARTIER CRASH WATCH
This is the height of design. The solid gold Eternal Diamond Stilettos are set with 2,200 diamonds comprising 30 carats. Made by Borgezie, the British jewellery house, they are a labour of love and are handcrafted by goldsmiths and diamond setters. Each of the bespoke pair that comes with (hold your breath) a 1,000 year guarantee, takes the same time and craftsmanship that is used to make the finest Royal jewels. Yet at the same time these costliest sandals in the world can be practically worn as the ultimate, fashion statement.
What does a successful man-on-the-move need? A smart phone, tablet, iPad and a wallet for all those credit and debit cards. And how does he carry these? Surely not stuffed in his pockets. What he needs is a fashionable macho bag. Realising the demand, Louis Vuitton’s 2013 Spring/Summer collection has a special emphasis on men’s bags. The collection is varied and includes all kinds of business, hiking, messenger bags and other classic LV silhouettes in neon colors and new versions of the iconic Damier pattern. So go ahead and take your pick from these bright oranges, neon greens and navy blues and flaunt it with panache.
STYLISH PUTTING
If a Swiss Knife can do it so can a ring around the finger. The Titanium Utility Ring, as its name implies, incorporates five folding tools that include a bottle opener, straight blade, serrated blade, saw blade and a comb. Yes, a comb. According to the ring’s US-based creator, Bruce Boone, “Although the comb is tiny, it actually does a surprisingly good job!” Each ring is custom made in exactly the size suited to the wearer. The manufacturer says that the ring should not be confused with a toy. It is a finely engineered and crafted piece of functional art on the finger!
The Nottage Design pool table is surely not for a minimalist games room. It blends ultra modern styling and innovative designing. Made of glass and covered by a transparent surface, it replicates the feel of a traditional cloth-topped version. Besides looking stunning, it provides a stylish alternative to a normal pool table. And the added advantage: Glass is naturally very rigid and flat and isn’t prone to sagging or warping. And since it is glass you can create a spectacular effect with some overhead lighting.
With the Formula-1cars evolving into technological marvels and with professional motor racing becoming an ever-increasing spectator sport, it is little wonder that major car companies spare neither money nor superhuman effort to make those technological marvels that go to make this fast-paced race the most thrilling and dangerous of all sports. The Ferrari F1 car for the 2013 season is one such example. Named the F138 it is revved up for maximum performance, promising a blistering start to the 2013 F-1 series which kicks off on March 17 at Albert Park in Melbourne.
Is it a futuristic motorbike or a scooter with a roof? None. This is how an environment-friendly and highly practical single-track city vehicle would look like in the years to come. The C1-E Motorrad by BMW is like a two-wheeled compact with built-in rollover protection, a front-end impact zone and a four-point safety belt. According to experts, it is so safe that you won’t even need a helmet. Once it starts production in 2014, it is likely to have warning alerts for road hazards and sudden braking. With a long list of advance bookings this could be the vehicle of the future.
This is the world's only fully handcrafted transparent grand piano. It is not just one of the best musical instruments but also makes a stunning conversation piece. Extremely elegant and timeless the grand piano evinces a sensual design and will captivate listeners with its lively sound. It comes in multiple colour variations of frame and soundboard and best of all it can also be personalized with 18-carat gold plated parts, diamonds, Swarovski crystals, or top grade gemstones. This piano would make you croon with delight.
KEEPING A TAB ON YOUR LUGGAGE