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Perfecting
the perfect
PACESETTER Bhavana Reddy
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Perfecting
the perfect It
was more than four years ago that Steve Jobs showed off the iPad for the first time calling it much more intimate than a laptop and so much more capable than a smartphone.
The incredibly thin, powerful and beautiful iPad Air 2 remains the perfect tablet and true to its founding ideals. It’s the best tablet you can buy for reading morning headlines, watching a movie on the couch or playing a multiplayer role-playing-game. And if you own an old one, this is the best time to get upgrade. But for some people, hoping to get some more work done, they would still look over at the Samsung Galaxy Tab or the Microsoft Surface Pro a little enviously with a sense of missing out — at the centre of which is iOS’ odd affiliation to the one-app-at-a-time philosophy. Nevertheless, the simplicity of the device, its desirable form and finish and the unbelievable 0.61 inch thickness and 0.96-pound weight make it the de facto tablet once again and grant Apple some more time to figure out where it wants to take the iPad line next.
Overhauling Unlike with the new iPhones, the design language for the iPad Air 2 and its sibling iPad Mini 3 hasn’t changed from their predecessors. Even though Apple insists it built the new ones from the ground up, the devices still feature an aluminium build, chamfered edges and the same footprint as before. However considering Samsung’s slimy, dimpled and plastic finish – that is not a bad thing. Undeniably the new iPad looks and feels fantastic. It comes with a no-gap display, better camera, a far more powerful processor, Touch ID fingerprint scanner and stronger wireless connections. Inside, Apple has added another CPU core to make it the new A8X chipset, which is apparently making game-developers very happy, boosted graphics performance and doubled the RAM. The company has also added the M8 motion coprocessor introduced in the iPhone 6, which includes a barometer that can monitor your elevation for fitness tracking purposes and other uses. Other additions include 802.11ac WIFi, which can get you faster connections on the right router; 20 LTE bands which is great news for international travellers; and up to 150 Mbps cellular download speeds if your carrier offers it. The Air 2 has the same 2,048 x 1,536 resolution as the retina iPads that have come before it. However, this time the company used a laminated, optically bonded, no-gap display similar to the ones used on the iPhone and even the Microsoft Surface tablets which helped it trim down the thickness and also improve readability in direct sunlight.
The iPad Air 2 also makes strides in improvements to the camera by stepping it up to 8MP resolution from 5MP in the earlier model. It also comes with a new Image Signal Processor (ISP) as part of the new A8X chipset. The new camera comes with Burst Mode, as well as slow-motion video capture in 720p at 120fps. However, there's still no LED flash on front or back this time around. Early reviews say the improvements in imaging is are obvious. The white balance is slightly improved and colours are a little more accurate. However, the iPad Mini 3 has already sparked grumblings from people who are looking for a smaller device. The only discernible difference from the second and the third generation of the Mini is the Touch ID fingerprint scanner and a new gold colour option. One of the highlights of the new iPad are the new performance numbers. For people noting the figures to the last detail, Apple has jumped from a dual-core processor to one with three cores; the CPU is clocked at 1.5GHz, a 100MHz bump from the original Air; the L2 cache doubled from 1MB to 2MB; and it the memory has also been doubled to boast 2GB of RAM. If you go by Apple’s claims all of this helps the tablet get a CPU performance boost of 40 per cent and up to 2.5 times better graphics capabilities. At the launch, Apple showed off a video editing app called Replay which managed to chop through video clips and music to produce a fun, shareable video packages at less than half the speed of the last iPad. But all of the improvements come at the prices of a smaller battery. But Apple promises that even with the new Air's 5.1Whr battery which is smaller than the old one, you'll get the same 10-hour life because the A8X is more power-efficient. Some reviews however said this was not entirely accurate. And while the new A8X processor provides a performance boost, the iOS 8 operating system and immersive full-screen apps respond to taps and swipes faster. But even though iPad apps broadly speaking are superior to the stretched phone apps you too often see on Android tablets, you will wish you could see more apps on the screen at the same time like the Surface or the Galaxy Tabs. So it appears that this might be the big surprise that Apple will bring when it introduces a 12.9-inch iPad next year. It would be nice to see the iPad get beyond the lean-back experience that’s been the focus since Steve Jobs first unveiled the device that today has reached a pinnacle that was unimaginable even five years ago.
A few more things… iMac
The October Apple event was not just about the iPad. Another headline-grabbing announcement was the launch of a new iMac – Apple’s flagship all-in-one computer with a 27-inch screen that manages to pack a mind-boggling 5K resolution. Which means even though the new computer is similar in shape and capability to last year’s iMac, it packs four times the resolution into its 27-inch Retina screen. Because it has so many pixels—14.7 million, in fact—you’ll never need to think about pixels again. Priced at $2,500 and up, you probably won’t need this new iMac because standard 27-inch iMacs start at $700 less. But the moment you see one, you will want one, particularly if you spend time working with digital photos or videos. Using the Retina iMac lets you see, for the first time, every pixel you’ve captured all at once. And even if your world is just about spreadsheets and Web pages, the Retina iMac will not disappoint. It makes type, icons and images look like they’ve been printed on the screen. Pixels are no longer discernible. The Retina iMac is being billed as a game-changer for creative folks. Not just professionals, but anyone with a fancy digital SLR camera or GoPro video rig. It will let people see pixel for pixel every image that you shoot with a Canon 5D Mark III or the highest resolution video you can shoot with a GoPro Hero 3. And as Apple pointed out, it comes in cheaper than most 4K displays in the market today even with a computer put behind it. To put it succinctly, the new iMac makes desktops relevant again.
OSX Yosemite
Less publicised but just as game-changing, is Apple’s new Mac operating system, OS X Yosemite that was released as a free upgrade in the same event. A major release with an array of features, Yosemite has a lot more than just an overhauled interface complete with transparency and flatter surfaces. The OS unites Apple’s desktop and mobile devices in ways they’ve never worked together before. These features allow you to work across devices just like you never left the last, send gigantic email attachments and make more efficient use of battery power.
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Petals in platinum Think
of the traditional Indian bride and the first thing that comes to mind is ornaments — glittering necklaces, brooches, bangles, earrings, waistbands and armbands. Look closely and you will see many of these have attractive floral designs, which have recently made a strong comeback. Though the flower-shaped designs of jewellery have always enjoyed a following, there is a new-found enthusiasm among jewellery designers and makers who are coming up with more interesting interpretations of the same. From Chopard's flower ring to Piaget's rose ring and Tanishq's floral gold and diamond set, there is a head-turning variety of flower jewellery being offered by leading jewellery houses and accessory brands. The unique selling point of these is simple — flowers are nature's most attractive gift and when worn by women as ornaments made out of gold and precious stones, these create magic.
Art of the matter Unlike regular jewellery, floral jewellery is usually custom-made. The designers take into account the needs, mood and personality of the wearer. In fact, a great deal of skill and effort goes into the making of these ornaments as detailing is vital and needs to be done meticulously. One of the qualities of floral jewellery is that it can be bold, colourful and yet very classy in design. Designers can set free their imagination and choose to give their floral collections an out-of-the-box shape. They can use a particular flower as their motif or take a cluster of flowers as the theme. Flower jewellery can be set only in gold or can be made of platinum studded with diamonds, rubies and other precious tones. It is this freedom that render floral patterns a timeless allure. History proves that these are the most enduring of all jewellery designs and research shows that their origin date back to the10th century BC when women wore ornaments made from various metals carved out in the shape of flowers. Thus historically their charm and appeal have cut across countries and cultures.
New on the list In India apart from Tanishq, a number of other jewellery brands like D'Damas, Nakshatra, Sangini, VBJ and Jos Alukkas have used a variety of floral motifs for their collections. A part of these ensembles are neckwear, earrings, pendants and bangles. "Though the lure of traditional jewellery designs will always be there but a number of fashion-conscious young women are falling for ornaments in stylish floral designs. Earlier only renowned global brands excelled in these, but now Indian jewellery houses are giving them stiff completion with attractive designs," says Delhi-based jewellery designer Mallika Soni. For most Indian women, gold may still be the safest investment but for those who swear by trends, it has become an absolute fashion statement that needs to be flaunted. A part of the credit for this change in mindset must go to the exquisite designs. In fact a growing number of jewellery designers are focusing on delicate floral motifs that enjoy a high demand in the market these days.
From around the world Apart from the current crop of designers, a number of global jewellery brands have got their names indelibly associated with certain flowers. In her just-released book, Floral Jewels: From the World's Leading Designers, author Carol Woolton says that Christian Dior was for long associated with lily — a flower with six white petals fused in the shape of a bell— which appeared in many of the brand's jewellery designs. French luxury house Chanel has designed several pieces in the shape of camellia flower, another French brand Van Cleef & Arpels brought out many designs depicting the Christmas rose and Cartier was linked with a stunning line of orchid-themed jewellery. Following the rising trend, many international fashion designers too are offering floral-themed jewellery. Dolce & Gabbana's fiori gold-plated Swarovski crystal ornaments are in great demand despite the steep price tags. Alexander McQueen is known for his floral skull bracelets and cocktail rings, Italian designer Oscar De La Renta has a line of rose-themed clips and earrings, Roberto Cavalli's jewellery in floral motifs is much sought after and American designer Vera Wang's flower-drop earrings and gold-flower wedding rings are high in demand as well. Even in India, floral ornaments are becoming a style statement especially for the wedding ceremonies like mehndi, cocktail, shagun and sangeet. Though not many Indian fashion designers have floral-themed jewellery on the platter, seeing the rising trend, it is not long before it catches the imagination of leading couturiers of India. Once that happens flower-shaped ornaments will truly start blossoming in India in the most colourful ways.
Crafted with care
Rise and shine
For the love of metal
Shimmer all the way
All that sparkles
Ring of roses Price:
Rs 2.2 lakh
A gift to cherish Price:
Rs 1,97,350
Symbol of feminine grace Price:
Rs 6.10 lakh
A red carpet trophy Price: Upon request
Lure of diamonds Price:
Rs 29, 650
The floral muse Price:
Rs 1.5 lakh
Right for the evening Price:
Rs 1.05 lakh
Knotty affair
Style meets elegance
Hues of nature Price:
Rs 7.2 lakh
THE FLORAL QUARTET OF JEWELLERY
Though a variety of flowers have served inspiration to jewellery designers since centuries, a few have been more popular with jewellers and buyers.
Rose: It makes for the most popular floral patterns. For centuries, it has been used by brand leaders and retailers. The reason for its popularity is that rose signifies joy and love.
Lily: This majestic flower represents chastity and virtue and is the symbol of Virgin Mary's purity. This explains why it started being used as a motif in jewellery by the European jewellers in earlier times. Over the centuries, the design got popular worldwide and it started appearing on necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings.
Daisy: A flower signifying love, innocence and chastity, daisy also has religious overtones in the West. It is considered the sacred symbol of Virgin Mary.
Lotus: In Hinduism and Buddhism, the lotus flower is associated with purity, spiritual awakening and faithfulness. Associated with two Hindu Gods, Brahma and Vishnu it has come to symbolise a high level of mysticism. In Buddhism the flower signifies good fortune and represents the purity of mind and spirit. Thus, jewellery designs depicting the lotus are considered sacred.
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Making a song and dance about it The versatile Bhavana Reddy carries forward the rich legacy of the Kuchipudi dance form, along with singing foot-tapping Indo-Western tunes Swati Rai she
was declared a dancing prodigy at age of seven, performing for audiences and touring USA, Canada, Europe, UAE and South East Asia. Bhavana Reddy today is an acclaimed Kuchipudi Dancer and singer-songwriter. From performing dance for foreign Prime Ministers to the Prince of Wales to performing for prestigious festivals such as Khajuraho, Konark, Sadler’s Wells Festival (London) to singing for Hollywood movie JoyRide 3, music and dance truly runs through Bhavana's central core. She was 16 when the Telugu Cultural Association in Austin Texas felicitated Bhavana for her dedication and contribution towards the art of Kuchipudi dance. At 19, she was awarded the International Achievement Award 2009 by the International Women of Congress in New Delhi, India. Talking about music, Reddy says, “I found out very recently that I compose songs a lot similar to the way Michael Jackson does. I was happy to know that an artist out there like me didn’t know how to play an instrument, and that, that someone wasn’t just anyone. It was Michael Jackson.” She adds, “Like him, I layer notes to make chords and sing out melodies for each instrument to play. Although with a little education from Musicians Institute in Hollywood, I do know basic piano and theory and can use their help at times. But being a vocalist for a predominant part of my life, I tend to sing out melodies for myself and for other instruments, layering one on top of the other and subsequently building chords to compliment them. For me songs always start with lyrics, followed by a melody, basic rhythm and then chords.” In early 2014, Bhavana released her self-produced debut EP Tangled In Emotions recorded and mixed by John Would (Fiona Apple, Iggy Pop) & mastered by Reuben Cohen (Slumdog Millionaire, Game of Thrones). Her EP topped charts at #2 in KAOS Radio Station Washington and Aggie Radio Utah, #3 at KGAR California and WGSU New York, #5 on UMSL (St. Louis), WMUH (Philadelphia) and WRST (Wisconsin) and is played in more than 40 stations in USA, Canada, India and Australia. She is a finalist in 2014 International Songwriting Competition, USA, and received honourable mention in the ‘Unsigned Only’ Completion, USA, for her popular hit Smells Like Rain. The EP debuted at #19 on the CMJ radio music charts and she received the highest review in Music Connection Magazine’s, rave reviews in USA’s second largest daily — The Daily News (McKeesport), Bhavana’s music is an interesting blend of Indian concept of melodies blended with western harmonies held together by a string of poetry. She is creating an exotic neo-psychedelic vibe being compared to a melting pot of eastern & western genres with hints of Fiona Apple, Dead Can Dance and Led Zeppelin. Her performances are visually in sync with theatrical/story-telling nature of Kuchipudi dance. As a whole, Bhavana’s music plays with the essence of rich Indian heritage in a language known to you. Talking of her recent compositions, Reddy elaborates, “Apart from my solo project, I keep experimenting with other people. Recently, I sang lead vocals for Fox Entertainment Network’s Hollywood Movie Joyride 3 that was released in June on DVD and Blu-Ray. Her music draws inspirations from genres like indie pop, indie rock, contemporary jazz, Carnatic, folk, blues, etc. Her association with Indian music can be summed up in her own words as, “There are so many feelings, stories told in Indian art, music, dance and mythological stories that are lost in today’s world. There are certain actions of older generations that we fail to understand and that are just beyond me. There is a lot of beauty, altruistic value, bravery and strength in these actions, that is lost in today’s world. It is the basic human nature associated with these stories/feelings told, sung and enacted in our age-old Indian art forms that intrigue me the most. “Discipline, perseverance and countless hours of riyaaz (to the point where a shishya collapses from pains) that our classical arts demand inspires me deeply. There is absolutely no time for Facebook, phones and snap chats.” Bhavana adds, “I wish to bring the two fields of music and classical dance together in a way that is relatable to all age groups and all people transcending borders so the world can enjoy the beautiful art form Kuchipudi and experience how beautiful, vivacious and expressive it is!”
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LOUNGING IN LUXURY
Price:
Rs 27.35 lakh
THIS FRAGRANCE BLOSSOMS
Price:
Rs 4,200 for 50 ml
A COFFEE CUP THAT CHEERS
Price: Ranging between
Rs 33,000 and Rs 57,000
Cartoon bags
Price: Range between
Rs 27,000 and Rs 39,900
PICTURE-PERFECT COLLABORATION
Price:
Rs 1.77 lakh
A BILLIONAIRE’S PUNCHING BAG
MARC OF A WOMAN
Price:
Rs 36,500
Bath CRYSTALS
Price:
Rs 60,000 per tap
LAVISH HOME ON WHEELS
Price:
Rs 88 lakh
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Besides bespoke furniture, home decor and a host of other accessories, Scully & Scully of New York also specialises in art jewellery in gold and precious stones. An example of the same is this stunning floral pin, handmade in England with 18 carat yellow and white gold and encrusted diamonds. 
Italian jeweller Bulgari's sapphire flower 18 carat yellow gold earrings encrusted with fancy sapphires, amethysts, diamonds and pavé diamonds can win any woman's heart. The earrings in bright sapphires promise elegance.
This exuberant gold bracelet by renowned jewellery brand Jus Alukkas from Kerela guarantees to make the wearer feel very confident. The elegant design of the 22 carat gold bracelet weighing 14.11 grams will create a style statement on its own. It will work magic on the wrist with western or traditional wear.
Chennai-based GRT Jewellers has come with this exquisitely crafted gold pendant studded with diamonds that gives it a striking appearance. It will make for a thoughtful present for a loved one and can be worn at all cocktail and evening parties.
Exclusively crafted keeping the modern women in mind, Tanishq's floral gold and diamond pendant set is a great piece of jewellery. Made from 18 carat gold, the yellow and white rhodium plating of the studs gives the design an interesting twist. The pendant is designed in a chunky, floral pattern with diamonds, lending a magnificent touch to jewellery you love.
These elegantly designed ruby and diamond earrings available on www.bluestone.com are crafted in 18 carat yellow gold and studded with shimmering diamonds. Each earring has a row of 11 diamonds weighing a total of 0.18 carat and a round diamond weighing 0.07 carat.
Ladies will instantly fall in love with this stunning sunflower bracelet by one of the America's best known jewellery brand Harry Winston. It flaunts 165 large, round and brilliant diamonds with a total weight of 15.70 carat in platinum setting. Measuring 6.75 inches, it is a classic piece of
jewellery.
Piaget, a Swiss watchmaker and jeweller has had a special fascination for roses. This beautiful flower has enriched its jewellery range ever since the sixties. An example of the same is this gold-rose passion ring featuring pink carved opal petals set with pavé diamonds and a brilliantly cut diamond in the centre.
Sangini brings to you a thoughful gift for someone special in your life. The exquisitely crafted gold bangle weighing 0.99 grams studded with precious 0.99 carat diamonds gives it a striking appearance and makes it irresistible. Ladies can flaunt it at all social events and make a style statement.
One of the most cherished of all Cartier's floral creations is the orchid ring that symbolises femininity and beauty. Considered the queen of flowers, it's beautifully designed by Cartier's skilful craftsmen. The ring is made with 18 carat white gold, diamonds and onyx.
A part of Chopards Haute Joaillerie Red Carpet collection for the 66th Cannes Film Festival, the flower ring in platinum studded with rubies, tsavorites, emeralds and coloured diamonds created quite a buzz. The 18 carat gold stem, adorned with leaves rests on a crystal cushion. 
Flaunting a unique flower-shaped design, this nose pin by D'Damas transforms the orthodox into trendy. The 18 carat gold nose pin weighing 0.74 grams shines brightly with nine diamonds of 0.13 carat in a special pattern. It can be teamed up with diamond earrings and necklace for the perfect look.
American luxury jewellery brand Tiffany & Co. has specialised in wearable flowers ever since its inception almost two centuries ago. This yellow-diamond flower pin is an example. Made of two-tone 18 carat gold with two carats of white and yellow diamonds, it has swirling vines that makes it look different.
Italian jewellery brand Buccellati is renowned for its floral designs since the mid-18th century. These beautifully designed set of earrings comes with a French clip and the gardenia cuff. This hand-crafted hallmarked jewellery featuring 18 carat gold flower in the centre is an ideal evening wear.
This Boucheron ring is inspired by pivoine, a flower that symbolises the lover's knot that binds a couple. The flower's petals are the perfect setting for the central diamond, which sparkles intensely. The delicate crafting of the gold adds to the elegance of flower's intricate contours. 
Nakshatra offers this pair of gorgeous stud earrings for women who like to stay in style. The earrings moulded in 'S' form and embedded with 36 quality diamonds weighing a total of 0.26 carat are set artistically in 18 carat gold base with a weight of 3.08 grams. They make an exquisite style statement.
The renowned Los Angeles-based bridal fashion designer Monique Lhuillier has been known for her couture and wedding jewellery. The floral diamond ring from her house is one of the popular designs. Lavishly glamorous, this 18 carat white gold ring is also studded with opulent pavé-set round diamonds.
The Diorette line of jewellery by Christian Dior offers a mix of colours. The collection is inspired from nature's beauty. This masterpiece ring is made of 18 carat gold and studded with sapphires, diamonds, garnet, aquamarine and others precious stones.
Imagine having the winter sun shine on you throughout the day without having to change your position. Not possible? Yes it is, provided you own Finnish company Remmus Oy’s new lounger, which is simply called Remmus. The lounger rotates automatically with the direction of the sun and you can also angle yourself in the shadow of the sunshade. But if the going gets too hot, there’s also the facility to cool things down with a pleasant mist provided by integrated water sprayers. The electrically adjustable backrest features a Bose music system and its locker box has a wireless charging station for smartphones. When the night darkens, Remmus is automatically lighted by the atmospheric LED-lighting giving you the ultimate lounging experience.
It's being called one of the most joyful additions to the Fendi line of fragrances. The Fan di Fendi Blossom is inspired by the Japanese Sakura (Cherry) Blossom, which is a flower that symbolises the beauty of life and is celebrated with cheerful festivals. The perfume conveys the delicate bloom and luminosity of the Sakura flower petals. The bottle, created in the same colour as the Cherry Blossoms, carries the double F insignia and is topped with a silver cap. It is the perfect spring-inspired pink perfume for a lady's dainty collection. 
It’s a company that is in an unusual line of business — to craft the perfect coffee cup! And going by its brilliant designs, the London-based Deviehl seems to be doing a great job. The company’s newly released Arusha collection is a great blend of art and technology as each of these cups employs advanced insulation technology ensuring the coffee is kept at an optimal temperature. The collection is a veritable work of art with every cup hand-drawn and individually decorated. The inner shape is designed in accordance to the latest in fluid dynamics to ensure maximum froth formation making each cup an outstanding coffee drinking experience
Cartoon characters don’t just stay in comic books any more. They are now finding a place of honour in fashion accessories as well. The American luxury leather goods brand Coach has given its handbags a dash of cartoon-like playfulness with the Peanuts comic strip characters Snoopy and Charlie Brown embossed on satchels, totes, and duffels. Each bag in the 21-piece Coach x Peanuts Capsule Collection featuring the company’s distinctive stitching and hardware can be an instant party flaunter, besides offering shoppers a fun twist on the classic tote.
Things seem to be clicking for Moncler. The French-Italian luxury outerwear brand has partnered with Leica on a special edition of a camera called Leica X Edition Moncler. The silver-finished Leica wrapped in Moncler’s signature red, white and blue stripes, features an impressively large professional image sensor with a high resolution of 16.5 megapixels and a 23mm f/1.7 Summilux fixed lens and a special edition Moncler case. But shutterbugs wanting this camera will have to hurry as it is in a limited edition of 1,500 and is disappearing from the shelves fast.
What are billionaires supposed to do when they want to de-stress and blow off some steam? They can always put on their boxing gloves and hit a punching bag. No, not any old bag. In keeping with their status, Louis Vuitton has tied up with French fashion designer Karl Largerfeld to create a limited edition luxury punching bag that comes in a special storage trunk, along with a stand, a mat and boxing gloves. The bag features Louis Vuitton’s signature monogram as well as its golden-brass hardware. Best of all when the bag is removed, the trunk can be used as a travel closet with knock-out looks and a price tag to match.
If Chanel and Gucci can do it, so can Marc Jacobs. The American designer is giving women a reason to cheer in this season of festivities. He has designed bespoke lacquered jewellery boxes that contain two of his iconic lip collections — the 13 Lovemarc lipsticks, and the 9 Kiss Pops. With this limited edition Marc Jacobs Beauty Holiday 2014 Collection, women have a chance to discover the perfect shades for all occasions some of which are tantalisingly called the ‘first-date rose’ and the ‘take-me-home red’. 
This collection is guaranteed to make your bathroom sparkle. Canadian bath and tile company Maier is giving a touch of extravagance to the bathroom with its Klass collection of chrome-finished taps, which are embellished with glittering Swarovski crystals. The exquisite design, along with the glistening crystals, will instantly give the bathroom an all-new look with an aura of opulence and grandeur. 
It’s been termed as the most futuristic caravan of the world. Fitted with luxuries, usually found in a high-end yacht or a private jet, the Caravisio Caravan is almost 30 feet and is outfitted with high-tech features to remotely control everything — from lights and entertainment systems to window coverings. Designed by German company Knauss Tabbert, it has all basic facilities like a double bed, a large bathroom, a remote-controlled deck roof that offers protection from the elements and frosted ‘smart-glass’ sliding door, which can become see-through at the touch of a button. But the real surprises start after the basics. There is a giant cinema, a specialised wine cooler compartment, a music system and all other goodies that are generally associated with a luxury hotel.