|
|
|
|
|
|
Photo finish Bags for boys
PACESETTER Akash Gautam
|
|
|
Photo finish Framed for life A simple portrait gets a makeover by simply being in the right frame. Get a variety of frames for Android and iOS with apps like Cymera, Instagram, Fotor, Instaframe and Hording Photo Frame for free. Insert your images and turn them into magazine covers, billboards, nature inspired frames or simple wood frames. If you are willing to spend a few extra bucks, you can try My Photo Frame, Amazing Photo Frames or Polamatic by Polaroid which are as good as they get. You can even make in-app purchases to further customise your frames for better results. Cool collages Selecting pictures from a vacation and arranging them into a single collage or having a series of pictures that tell a story makes it simple and beautiful at the same time. There are apps that allow you to create collages right from your smartphone. Choose from different patterns and styles that best bring out the essence of your pictures. For iOS, try out Eventiles and Fuzel for free and create memorable collages, while PicCollage and Photo Grid give great results with Android. For more options, you can pay per item that you select to buy or make a onetime payment for a paid app like Fuzel Pro, Diptic and Collage (Android). Say it with words Convey your wishes, a cheeky remark, a thoughtful note or an interesting quote by adding text to your pictures using speech bubbles and text. InstaQuote and PicsArt Photo Studio are available for both platforms with a variety of fonts and styles that enable you to say what you want to in the best way possible. Take it further with customisable and extensive collection of fonts, styles and shapes with paid apps like Swipe, PathOn and PicSay Pro. You can even create comic strips and turn the events of a day or your life in to a comic series, if you so wish, quite easily with HalfTone 2-Comic Book Creator. The user-friendly interface lets you do almost anything at the swipe of a few buttons. Don’t like the background of your picture? Did someone photo-bomb your portrait? Want to change the angle or the lighting to enhance the image? With apps like Cymera, Photoshop Express, Photo Editor by Aviary and Vignette Demo you can trim the unnecessary parts, sharpen, rotate, colour, brighten and add a host of effects to your pictures. Himanshu Khagta, a travel photographer, swears by pictures he clicks using his iPhone. He says, “There are many free apps available that will give your pictures an added dimension. There is Snapseed that offers Photoshop-like editing ability right on your phone. VSCO CAM has a variety of filters that are easy to apply. Another good app is ProCamera and the best part about these apps is that should you choose, you can buy filters within the apps.” Better pictures, now easier So with a huge variety of user-friendly apps at your finger tips, it is time get snappy.
How to use these apps
Day-time shots To start with, stay away from direct sunlight, unless you are a pro and can handle it ably. If possible, try to keep the sun behind you or at least to the side.
|
|
|
Bags for boys The enfant terrible of French couture Jean Paul Gaultier when asked why men were flaunting an accessory so closely associated with ladies, explained that in the modern world there was no clothing or accessory — with the sole exception of the bra — that was intrinsically male or female! American designer Michael Drass went one up when he said that it gives men the opportunity to borrow from the wife’s closet if their own bag is not matching their apparel! But jokes apart, though designers and fashion houses, who pioneered the hand-held and shoulder-slung male bags received both accolades and brickbats, they aggressively went on to promote their use by men. The logic was simple — bags may be an accessory for women but these had also been used by men since time immemorial. Stylish ‘Murse’ Time was when the man-bag was far removed from its current star status and guys who carried these were considered effeminate. Today all top fashion names are promoting the use of the stylish ‘murse’ as a fashion essential. In 2013, British designer Marc Jacobs was himself seen with his signature Slice-and-Dice bag in a number of his public appearances and that in a way started a major trend. Over the years, top names like Lanvin, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Hermes, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton and many more have followed the rising trend and have been putting the murse either in the hands of men or stringing it across their body. The style, which initially jolted the sensibilities of male fashionistas, has today gone completely mainstream and the annual sale of men’s handbags and other leather accessories has crossed the mind-boggling figure of $4 billion (Rs 18,500 crore). Global trend Thanks to these designers, the trend has now gone global. Even a conservative university like Oxford has allowed male students to carry man-bags — an amazing departure from the time when the strict dress code for men at this university was a dark suit with dark socks, black shoes, a white bow tie, a plain white shirt and a collar beneath their black gown. Most designers justify their popularising the man bag by saying that historically men have carried bags and purses. The oldest-known purse dates back more than 5,000 years and was worn by a man named Otzi the Iceman whose skeletal remains were found in the Alps in 1991. Even Egyptian hieroglyphs show that ancient men wore pouches around the waist. However, with the introduction of men’s trousers, the trend faded away and gradually disappeared as trouser pockets did the job of the purse and — to some extent — the bag. The male handbag trend took more than two centuries to revive again and what started as an experiment in shock appeal is today a major Compact carry bags One of the primary reasons for the popularity of the man bag is the modern man’s dependence on laptops, tablets, ipads and smartphones that he needs to carry with him to office and back. The electronic devices can be neatly slipped into these compact carry bags and transported from place to place securely and fashionably. Designers, however, say that the man-bag is not just something to carry your office essentials. According to American couturier Alejandro Ingelmo, it should transform from an office to a party bag. A bag that can go to work, go to the gym, go to a party — an all-rounder. Time was when the briefcase was considered macho and separated men from the boys. It was used to carry files, papers and other paraphernalia to and from the workplace. However, with technological advancements like emails and mobiles doing away with a large amount of paperwork, the briefcase is becoming increasingly redundant even as the man bag basks in its special moment on the fashion runways. Choice of celebrities One of the failsafe ways of telling that an accessory is turning into a trend is when it becomes a choice of celebrities. Stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Salman Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Saif Ali Khan, Shahid Kapoor and many other top-of-the-line Bollywood men have been seen carrying a man bag. Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar, Sanjay Dutt, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Sonu Sood are known for their predilection for the Louis Vuitton bags. Some sociologists, however, see the growing phenomenon in a different light. They say the popularity of these bags is a logical response to the adoption of assertive and aggressive male roles by women in modern society; it is the acceptance of this role, and a welcoming of equal opportunities for women and men that these bags have become unisex. But that apart, no matter what sociologists say, the fact is that most men who carry satchels, weekenders, totes, duffels and carryalls tend to have an acute sense of fashion.
The male bag Though there are bags and bags for men, according to designers, the celebrity list comprises four bags that are hot on the popularity list: Messenger bag Close to a haversack, the messenger bag is strapped over the shoulder and across the chest. The bag itself rests on the lower back and can accommodate a laptop, tablet, smartphone and other paraphernalia. Tote bag Though some men balk at the idea of flaunting a bag with top handles, the tote bag has gained immense popularity with fashionable men but with a caveat — it should be handheld and not be carried Duffle bag This is a multi-purpose bag that can be taken to office or on a journey or even to a gym. The trendier duffle bags are also party-ready. Most macho duffle bags are medium-sized and come in cotton and canvas. Briefcase Associated with the conventional man, the briefcase may be down in the fashion sweepstakes but it still has its ardent admirers. The difference is that new briefcases are in cotton or canvas and not the hard shell types. What better way to carry all your belongings than in this breathable leather tote bag by leading Italian luxury goodsmaker Bottega Veneta. It is a fresh take on the signature intrecciato print with its original Italian styling. Its perforated leather and gunmetal hardware is guaranteed to raise your style quotient. price:
Rs1.82 lakh One of the top 10 famous brands all over the world, Hermes is known for its elegant handbags and totes. This stunning Hermes cowhide men’s bag in light coffee colour is made of genuine leather with a zipper closure pocket. It has an adjustable strap which facilitates it to be worn stylishly across the chest. price:
Rs 60,000 This large studiously designed Proenza Schouler Satchel Bag has a dramatic silhouette while making it easy to carry everything a guy needs. The vegetable-dyed calfskin bag with brass hardware will experience natural colour-wear over time, giving it a unique look. The leather strap sits over the pocket on front. price:
Rs 1.20 lakh The masculine Mulberry Clipper Bag is a stylish modern accessory. The black scotch grain coated canvas is enhanced with sleek leather trimmings and brass hardware while a laptop pocket gives it both a business and leisure accessory. The detachable shoulder strap makes it a great option for quick urban breaks. price:
Rs 60,000 This suede side-zip tote bag by American fashion designer Tom Ford is rafted to an exacting standard of elegance and discreet luxury. The canvas tote with leather trims has top handles with golden rings. The tote which has a twill lining and a large zip pocket is a unique men's accessory with enduring appeal. price:
Rs 1.56 lakh LEATHER COUNTRY BAG price:
Rs 2.2 lakh BISON LEATHER BAG price:
Rs 1.08 lakh NÉO GREENWICH price:
Rs 4.47 lakh Emblazoned with Prada's name, the cotton grab bag is a must-have for storing a stylish man's essentials. Finished with a smart leather trim and a detachable shoulder strap, it has two leather grab handles and one removable shoulder strap, gold-tone hardware, leather trim and a buckle detail to the front and back price:
Rs 93,000 The US-based leather bags and accessories company Ghurka offers great duffel bags for the adventurous travellers. This Cavalier chestnut leather duffel bag features fold-end design that opens to allow extra room and ease of packing. The sophisticated weekend carry-on bag comes with trendy brass hardware. price:
Rs 78,000 If you are a corporate honcho, you can be in the market for the evolution slanted edge briefcase by Italian luxury brand Serapian. Made of grained and water-resistant leather, it is slick, hardy and durable. It also comes with a shoulder sling, allowing it to go from briefcase to a man bag in an instant. price:
Rs 46,500 The Salvatore Ferragamo messenger bag in calfskin featuring contrast stitching has an adjustable shoulder strap, magnetic closure, inside zipper pocket and Ferragamo logo on the cotton canvas lining. The fabric-lined interiors feature a single zip compartment and padded slip pocket for carrying a tablet or laptop. price:
Rs 1.05 lakh The forest-green canvas travel bag from French fashion house Lanvin has two top handles, a front magnetic fastened slip pocket, two zipped side pockets and a chunky silver metal zip top closure. Sporting an iridescent leather front panel and multiple compartments, it is a modern accessory that will stand you out. price:
Rs 81,300 This unlined and unstructured Dolce and Gabbana leather tote is made for the fuss-free gentleman. Clipped into the spacious interior is a matching pouch allowing you to zip your wallet and keys into it and locate them instantly. The robust exterior of this bag will make a handsome addition to any ensemble. price: Rs 75,000 LEATHER SHOULDER BAG price:
Rs 66,000 Iconic American fashion designer Marc Jacob’s 2014 take on men’s bag is a slice-and-dice look. It is an over-sized leather bag with a squared silhouette. It features a spacious interior, two top handles and a removable cross-body webbed nylon strap. It has a contrasting leather back and single exterior pocket. price:
Rs 36,000
|
|
|
The immense power of the spoken word Akash believes that mediocrity is for time passers. This motivational speaker and life coach believes in inspiring youngsters Vibha Sharma That made him believe firmly in the power of the spoken word; if said well. He is actually a roaming dictionary now. He says, “I really do not know how it happened and when it happened but God did a U-turn to my life and I became a solution provider from an issue-maker guy.” A decade back, he decided to extend his funny and inspirational take on life onto his events/training
programmes. He writes blogs and does talks to make people happy, energetic and focused. He says, “My friends think I am a comedian too but I feel that I am a serious student of life and living better.” He works hard to make his motivational sessions, youthful, refreshing and funny. He is invited by universities, corporate, institutions (educational and otherwise) for his discourses. He says, “My work is like meditation for me and I have never given less than 100 per cent all these years; while I interacted with more than 6,00,000 youth at top corporate boardrooms, college and school auditoriums. I have delivered sessions right across India in many (more than 300) famous colleges like
IIMs, IITs, IIITs, NITs, Xaviers, St. Stephens, reputed B-Schools, many more.” Besides these, top Indian and multinational brands like
Google, Maruti Udyog, Glaxo, HDFC and others engage him for corporate training work. He feels youth today is desperate to find stuff that solves their problems and he tries to help them do that. “Today's youth does not change when they are given a better option but are likely to change when a) change is the only option left or b) a better option gets recommended to them in language that resonates with their minds. No one likes gyaan (boring lectures) and that is where I step in. My work is motivation minus
gyaan." Akash always dreamt of huge auditoriums, rapt audience and his dreams came true. He wants to contribute positively in shaping the young minds of today. Full of exuberance, he has a lot on his agenda. He wants to run, meditate, pray, read, laugh and travel more. And inspire more people to live 100 per cent. He believes:
|
|
|
bling it on
A MIND-BODY EXPERIENCE price:
Rs 2.22 lakh per night for a beach house ($3,700)
STUNNING ARM CANDIES price:
Rs1.20 lakh each ($2,000)
CAMERA THAT CLICKS price:
Rs3.72 lakh ($6,500)
LUXURY COMES CALLING price:
Rs 2.40 lakh ($4,000)
COFFEE ON TAP price: Rs12.60 lakh ($21,000)
SECRET OF ETERNAL YOUTH price: Ranging between
Rs 9,000 and Rs 25,200 ($150 to $420)
OIL'S WELL WITH THE PACKAGING price:
Rs 12,000 per litre ($200)
RIGHT FOOT FORWARD price: Upon request
Johnnie Walker Blue Label is saying “cheers” in Chinese. The premium Scotch has launched its special limited collector’s edition to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Horse. The bottle depicts the Chinese character for horse and in true Blue Label fashion, the design is printed in 24-carat gold. In Chinese tradition, the Year of the Horse is symbolic of power and victory and gold stands for prosperity and wealth. According to the company, the elegant gold shimmer, the horse image and the golden whiskey in a classy bottle orchestrate all these sentiments. price:
Rs 12,000 per 750 ml bottle ($200)
|
|
A
fun
A
fun
Although a good picture in itself conveys a lot, putting it in an appropriate frame gives it perspective. Neha Mahajan, a mother of two beautiful daughters, agrees, “I love taking pictures of my kids but with no background in photography, I used to get average results. But of late, I have downloaded a few apps on my smartphone that let me edit the pictures after I have taken them. From adding frames to changing the look and adding titles, I have the images under control and they look amazing now.” 
An avid collage maker, Ginni Ansari, loves the PicCollage app on her iPhone. She says, “It is so simple to create mesmerising collages using just a few clicks. You can fit in an entire outing and tell a story in a single image stitched together using these wonderful apps. Another good app is Instagram and I really enjoy the results that I get. If the appreciation that my pictures get on social networking sites is anything to go by, they look really nice.’ 
Clip, rotate, enhance and filter
With smartphone cameras being very good and always at hand, the digital camera is being used by fewer and fewer people now. With the added benefit of such amazing apps, you have the advantage of a basic editing studio right in your hand. To wield the power in the right way, the first thing to do is to place the camera icon on the home screen at a place that’s easily accessible, such as the bottom right corner. Being able to access it quickly allows you time to compose the picture well and capture the moment without losing time fumbling through folders and pages for the camera. 
Enhance your night-time pictures
Back
INTRECCIATO COLLAGE BAG
COWHIDE MEN’S BAG 
blue
CLIPPER BAG
SUEDE SIDE-ZIP TOTE 
Whether you are going on weekend travel or for business, this Brunello Cucinelli country or duffle bag gets you to your destination with elegance and good looks with its modern minimalist construction. The oiled leather is further accentuated with silver hardware and adjustable turn-lock buckle strap closure.
American premium leather goods label Parabellum is offering a stunning bag in its 2014 collection. As in all its products, the bag is crafted from deep textured American Bison leather with calf suede lining. Details include an adjustable shoulder strap with a ceramic buckle and an attached accessories case. 
The Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2014 show marked the beginning of a new era for the brand’s Damier signature checkerboard print. The design has resulted in a new timeless and masculine range of travel bags and handbags. This sophisticated Damier Neo Greenwich bag became an instant catwalk star.
COTTON & LEATHER GRAB BAG
CHESTNUT DUFFEL BAG
EVOLUTION SLANTED EDGE BRIEFCASE
calfskin
CANVAS BAG
LEATHER TOTE BAG WITH DETACHABLE POUCH
Crafted from the label’s signature soft lambskin leather, this Balenciaga messenger bag makes a sophisticated statement as it can be strung across the pullover for understated weekend style. With easy-access pockets, a zip closure and a detachable strap, it is a fashion essential for busy man around town.
SLICE-AND-DICE BAG
Akash Gautam
If ever there was a magical spa retreat, this is it. The Hayman Island Resort must surely be counted among the most scenic havens in the world. If you are loaded and looking for a great vacation, you can head for this resort in Australia's Queensland. It has a fleet of custom-made dive boats, speedboats and ocean cruisers that are equipped to make you view the undersea world of coral formations and tropical fish. You could go scuba diving, snorkelling or on a seaplane that will take you around the reefs and corals. Those seeking more sedate pleasures can go hiking in the dense rainforest and mangroves and nearby rocky inlets. All you need is a pair of good quality shoes, a camera to take scenic pictures and loads of money.
This is by no means ordinary stuff. The tassle skull clutches by Alexander Mcqueen are real arm-candy as they combine old-world elegance with new-world joie de vivre. The inspiration for these clutches is the progressive Art Nouveau Movement of the 20th century as also the sensual appeal of the Hollywood divas of the 1930s and 1940s era. Decked in gold studs or snakeskin, these clutches have short chain handles and are finished off with dramatic black tassles, making them the ultimate style statement of 2014. 
For over 175 years the company had been at the forefront of photography technology and its innovative cameras set the benchmark for some of the most iconic pictures of our times. Hasselblad, best known for its professional medium-format film cameras, was virtually exiled to history after the digital revolution. But it is now poised to make a dramatic comeback with the mirrorless camera made with carbon fibre, titanium, wood, leather and gold. The camera has a hand-stitched leather grip and jewelled control dials. With a 24.3MP APS-C sensor, full HD video recording and a 3-inch display, the Swedish camera company looks all set to regain its position as the market leader.
What is the relationship between a super luxury car and a smartphone? In this case their makers happen to be father and son. Tonino Lamborghini, known for his eponymous luxury Italian lifestyle brand, is the son of the legendary Ferruccio Lamborghini, founder of the Lamborghini Automobili super luxury sports car. Tonino has unveiled a new touch-screen Android smartphone, called Antares, that boasts of a flashy design and scratch-proof “gorilla glass” screen. It packs a 1.5GHz quad-core chipset with 2GB RAM, 32GB onboard storage and a 13MP camera. As with all Lamborghini products, the limited-edition Android-powered raging bull is as luxurious as its price tag.
If your lifestyle is constantly on the rush then the Top Brewer is just what you need. Made by Danish company
Scanomat, the coffee machine is smartphone and tablet-compatible. The only visible part of this brewing machine is the swan-like faucet neck that pours coffee and milk into the cup. The machine can make you an espresso,
Americano, cappuccino, latte, macchiato, a glass of warm or cold milk, hot water, hot chocolate, soda and even fresh juice. But it is coffee that it excels at and is designed to create an interactive experience. Truly, with this gizmo, a lot can happen over a cup of coffee — provided you can afford this
cuppa.
In life's elder years, most people look for the fount of youth. Though it may be elusive, but there are many companies coming to the aid of women who want to perennially look young and pretty. The new haute skincare collection launched by Yves Saint Laurent called Or Rouge (Red Gold) claims to do precisely that. The company says that the main ingredient of these creams and lotions is saffron harvested in Morocco's Atlas Mountains. Saffron is said to contain a substance called glycan which helps slow down the ageing process and rejuvenate skin. 'Or Rouge' was recently launched at the Harrods in London and, needless to say, has been snapped up by ladies looking for that miracle makeover.
People don't just buy the '5' Olive Oil brand because it is one of the world's purest extra virgin oils. They buy it for its sensational packaging. Made and bottled in Greece, this gourmet olive oil is obtained directly from hand-picked organic olives and is produced by the method of first cold extraction at low temperatures which is free of any fertilisers or pesticides. However, what inspires consumers into buying this excellent oil is more its bottles that come in black, white and yellow colours and have won many international awards for their amazing design. In fact, it's not just the oil you get your money's worth from but also the attractive packaging.
When you walk into a room, the first thing that people usually look at are your shoes. And if you are wearing a pair of Dior Homme's Honore, they will sit up and take notice. The footwear, tailor-made for the well-dressed gentleman, exudes a kind of elegance that is synonymous with impeccable class of the high rollers. The series that comprises refined derbies and brogues in patent calf assert a contemporary allure. A pair of these shoes is suited for a very, very special occasion.
RAISING A TOAST TO THE HORSE