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(H)appy reading
Warm weaves, cool cuts
PACESETTER Richa Singh
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(H)appy reading Ongoing
times are often being referred to as the dawn of tablet era. Mobile/handheld devices do have the charm and wow factor associated with them in terms of their sleek bodies, light weight or the assistance these offer to users through state-of-the-art mobile applications. Mobile world is marching rapidly and is influencing more and more areas with its Midas touch. Books and education could not remain unaffected either. Since the advent of printing press, not much has changed in terms of traditional books that still adorn the book shelves in our homes. But digital publishing has been a major breakthrough in extending the reach of literature far and wide. Books metamorphosed into e-books and the written matter danced digitally on screens of computers, laptops and on some specifically designed e-readers.
Book apps
A significant step jump happened with the advent of mobile applications and the books got re-imagined and re-created as book apps riding high on the capabilities of smart devices. With this, the content, which was lying in one format embedded deep in the pages, has now become mobile and portable. Book apps have not just reached various places, they aim to influence all segments of society too. These have even been designed for babies as young as three months old, which claim to strengthen children's hearing, visual and motor skills. Here is a market which is still in its infancy and is up for grabs by whosoever shows intelligence, wisdom, creativity and foresightedness to tap it in the right manner at the right time. Writers, publishers, app developers, app vendors, platform owners and device manufacturers, there are roles for each one of them. Book apps have given a new lease of life to many authors who find it hard to get a nod from the publishers. These authors now have an option to convert their manuscripts to book apps using software made available by many companies. Most of these books are free. Some of the Indian players who are earning recognition in digital content publishing arena are fliplog, NineApp, MeMeTales and Naavica systems. Some others have joined hands with Indian publishers like Pratham and Tulika to bring out the Indian content on devices. Lack of resources and limited finances always pose extra challenge in Indian scenario as attempts are made to create jazzed-up apps which can compete internationally. Supporting multi-lingual digital content has wide scope but finding portals for such content is another challenge. Rashmi Sachan of fliplog says, "The Indian market is uniquely placed on both consumption and supply side. We are starting from low per capita book consumption so there is a huge possibility in growing reader base. Technologically, we can leapfrog and leverage tablet and digital distribution to solve access problem."
Platform providers
Apple, Android, Windows and Blackberry are major platform providers for book apps. However, the former two are dominating the market at this stage. There is no dearth of devices available to host book apps. Apple devices such as iPod touch, iPad and iPhone can run apps written in Apple iOS, Google's Android apps are supported by many, including Kindle and Samsung devices. Windows apps find host in HTC devices and in some Samsung devices. And almost all of these have their presence in Indian market, including Kindle. Kindle, initially an eReader, has gone through various phases of evolution and now is a safe platform which works as a reader and can host book apps as well. Using free Kindle app, a user gets the functionality to download Kindle compliant books from Amazon. The print versions, which could not be delivered in India through Amazon, have found another route to reach Indian readers. All platforms host some free book apps also which work as crowd pullers for subsequent sale. Moreover, under Project Gutenberg http://www.gutenberg.org/, more than 40,000 free eBooks are available which can be displayed on any device. Each of the platforms for mobile applications has an integrated development environment, to write, test and deploy applications into the target environment. It's a boon for developers as they can create an app from the confines of a cubicle and have it deployed on the app stores. While some apps are designed for specific platforms, many come with cross-platform compatibility. Eventually, the aim is to arrive at a situation where a user downloads a generic app with specific functionality and then keeps reading the content(books) riding on those base features. For instance a person, who is interested in reading books with dictionary support, should be able to have an app which offers this only. While another person, who wants interactivity, voice, video with the books, should be able to get that app even though the content is same in both the cases. Keeping this in mind, work is underway at three levels — to make book app platforms intelligent and customisable suiting the needs of users, standardising the content format for easy portability across various
platforms and having code compatibility for multiple platforms. Book apps have arrived and they are here to stay. What better way to express the transition from traditional books to apps than in words of Manish Verma, project director, Fidelity Information Services, ASEAN, "Books have died but long live the books".
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Warm weaves, cool cuts Going by leading international haute couture trends, the 2013 wardrobe essentials are going to be tapered trousers, bomber jackets, multi-panelled skirts, crop tops and long flouncy vests. There are plaid shirts, patched jeans, floral dresses, long-john vests and grandpa shirts. For the formals, there are the tuxedos in vibrant cuts and styles. The look is bold yet simple and individualistic.
Classic case
For the winter of 2012-2013, designs are combining aesthetic elements with a hint of classic. These are in sync with the free-flowing and free-thinking attitude. Experimentation is the key for many designers, and so are vibrant colours like yellow, blue, citrus green and deep red. Cuts and styles, too, are coming in for a complete makeover. The classy colours are shades of black, burgundy, green, slate grey, gold, copper and a rich shade of brown as in bamboo. The fabrics this season range from cashmeres, tweed and corduroys to chic lamb's wool, satin and velvet as also silks and chiffons. In terms of shapes and proportions, it seems to be the season of 'anything goes'. For the ladies, the range covers the classic pullovers, jackets, long skirts and figure-hugging dresses. Simplicity has been replaced by frills. Once again, skin is the major fashion statement. Adorned by fabric, sectioned by straps, contoured by criss crossing strings, skin has never been more under the spotlight.
Women's ensembles
The ensembles reflect the various facets of a woman — her modern outlook, sensuality, vivaciousness, sobriety, and ethereal beauty. The elements of joie 'd' vivre and funk are very much in evidence in these 2012-13 fall and winter collections. Top couturiers are making men more outgoing with colourful shirts, tuxedos and tapered trousers reminiscent of an era gone by. Men's suits this winter have a very Italian look. These are less fussy with straight lines, giving a combination of allure and power. The colours are highlighted with designer neckties, which add a dash of wit and offset sombre suits. Party suits are more imaginative with satin lapels and others which are tuxedo-inspired. The shape of the sweaters has gone back to the basics. Tunic tops to be worn as blouses with long skirts, round neck tops to be coordinated with tights are much in vogue this season. For the fashionably bold, the pullovers come in bottle green, turquoise, red, black, brown and gray and also in geometric patterns.
Breaking free
Fashions are breaking free as far as women's jackets go. These are coming in all shapes and hues. Donna Karan, this season has a crepe jacket with draped asymmetric collar and gathered pleats. It can be worn as part of a sleek ensemble with high heels. Marc Jacob has given a new twist to the jacket with faux fur pockets. Stella McCartney's wool coat has an upright collar and five buttons. Men's jackets, too, are coming in for experimenting and change. There are the ubiquitous parkas, single and double-breasted suits and winter blazers. But there are also waist-length jackets, down-padded coats made of sheepskin and coats made of fur and various other fabrics. The bomber jacket has made a dramatic comeback with leading designers like Alexander McQueen, Diesel, Gucci, and many more offering their own exquisite versions. The warm, fuzzy, woollen Scottish fabric tweed is once again a fashion celebrity this winter. It is setting style trends and is fast becoming a wardrobe essential. For long considered an outcast in the fashion world, tweed is making a dramatic comeback and most leading designers are looking at it with renewed interest. If high fashion is taking new steps into the future, much of its new-found dynamism has seeped in to the leading designer houses of the world. Jackets, trousers and sweaters have gone haute couture. Things, indeed, are heating up this winter with a plethora of colours, fabrics and breathtaking designs.
INDIAN FASHIONS GO GLOBAL
What do international celebrities like Madonna, Julia Roberts, Lady Gaga, Kate Perry, Anna Hathaway, Victoria Beckham, Angelina Jolie have in common? The answer is their love for the Indian sari. All of them have worn it on more than one occasion and have expressed their feelings for it. Global designers like Hermes, John Galliano, Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen and John Galliano have been inspired by the saree. Leading British designer Paul Smith did an entire collection based on India- inspired attire and this included men's shirts created out of saris. Zandra Rhodes and Donna Karan, too, have done extensive work with sarees and sari borders. A number of leading overseas designers and luxury designer houses are being increasingly influenced by the Indian craftsmanship and fabrics which have been adding value to their creations. Indian fashions have worked their magic on global designers like Giorgio Armani, Donnatella Versace, Jean-Paul Gaultier to Zandra Rhodes and Donna Karan. The big names in the fashion industry make a beeline to India whenever they need delicate embroidery. Some time back leading French designer Jean-Paul Gaultier's collection showed India-inspired designs, including models dressed in Sikh turbans, tailored saris, bathing suits encrusted with mirrors and spicy colours such as saffron at the Paris fashion month.
DUCHAMP PAISLEY WINTER SHIRT Price:
Rs 11,275
One of the most revered American designers who transformed the Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent brands, Tom Ford has now got his own line of stylish couture. An example is this striking long sleeve knitted polo with button closure at the neckline, chevron placket and rib knit trim. Price:
Rs 31,350 GIVENCHY BLACK & RED SWEATER Price:
Rs 30,800 This Gucci navy stripe four-button single-breasted suit has a timeless appeal to it. The quality and craftsmanship from one of the world's top fashion houses is unmatchable. Made primarily of wool with mohair mix, this ticket-pocketed suit is an absolute personality enhancer. Price:
Rs 1,35,575 ALEXANDER MCQUEEN BOMBER JACKET Price:
Rs 95,150 This winter Marc Jacobs has taken the ordinary ladies wool coat in jet black and rejuvenated the style with faux fur detail at the pockets. Made of viscose and polyester, the coat with oversized buttoned cuffs and a pointed collar, is a great option for understated yet quirky style. Price:
Rs 1,45,475 This stunning stretch-crepe jacket in bamboo colour with asymmetric double-layer draped lapels is a typical Donna Karan outfit — complex and elegant in detailing. The fully lined viscose and silk jacket has full-length sleeves, three front patch pockets with pleat detailing and an open front. Price:
Rs 44,000 Legendary former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney's daughter Stella is today one of Britain's leading designers known for her tailored cut feminine coats and jackets. This winter her standout design is a light green wool coat with an upright neck, hidden closure and five buttons with eyelets. Price:
Rs 86,900 Lanvin's hyper feminine and sophisticated style has been a rage for almost a century. It's knitted bouclé coat in grey, black and silver threads with two pockets and pearl necklace around the neck is simply luxurious. No wonder, the label is the favourite of top Hollywood stars. Price:
Rs 1,32,000 Diane Von Furstenberg is a top Belgian-American fashion designer best known for her iconic wrap dresses. An example is her Cashmere knitted crew neck sweater from her latest winter collection. The bottom half of the sweater is lined with jersey giving a very elegant look to the wearer. Price:
Rs 19,800
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PACESETTER Richa Singh Richa
Singh, a 35-year-old entrepreneur from Amritsar, has redefined the way food is presented and served. During weddings, the focus is on food, after the bride and the groom. Her diverse educational background equipped her to face challenges. She did her psychology from St. Bede’s College, Shimla, fashion designing from NIFT, Delhi, and a diploma in event management from London. All this helped to steer her career in a new direction. Her break came unexpectedly when she was required to assist her brother when she least expected it. He was unwell and could not see a catering assignment through. She offered to assist. One catering assignment and she was hooked; there was no looking back. Embracing the gist of all that she had learnt from her courses, she made an effort to give a new dimension to catering. Understanding the psychology of the client, she suggests the best themes to suit the occasion, fashions them with the utmost finesse and manages the whole show with élan. When she is not working, she likes to travel and relieves her stress through dance. With no inclination to join her father and brother’s catering business by the name of ‘Orchid Caterer’, Richa went to London to pursue the event management at the prestigious Fitz William Institute in London for a six-month course and then did her internship with ‘M’. Thereafter, she returned to India with her focus on event management. It has been a fruitful four years since she set up Cater Art. Says Richa, “When I started in 2009, I gave a new dimension to food by adding design to its presentation. It is no longer a row of dishes, one after the other. Special displays are manufactured and food is displayed like precious art — elaborate and stylised. We do not rent our décor items; rather we purchase them to ensure the highest standard of quality and hygiene. I reach the venue in the morning and manage the layout and design the display and oversee the buffet management during the actual event.” Their work has found favour with the discerning not just for the wonderful, picturesque quality it brings to the food area, but also for the utmost care taken to ensure cleanliness. From the uniforms of the waiters to the crockery and cutlery, everything is spic and span and according to the latest trends. For Richa, the praise that people shower on her is definitely something that keeps her motivated to outdo herself every time. She fondly recounts an incident where a school teacher was so impressed with her work that she was invited to be a judge at a cookery competition between mothers at the school. One of the most appreciated displays was the theme where she created a Renaissance-based salad counter with individual salads showcased in frames to give the impression of paintings. This year she is focussing on LED lights being used inside laser-cut acrylic stands for display of food. With a constant urge to reinvent her style, she aspires to be ahead of the competition.
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FAT BOB HITS THE ROADS
Ex-showroom price:
Rs 12.5 lakh
COMPUTING ON A TABLET
Price:
Rs 89.990
STIMULATING FORMULA
Price: $1,45,000
(Rs 79.75 lakh)
JEWELS OF A STAR
Collection sold out for $116 million
(Rs 558.88 crore)
What happens when risqué design blends with an iconic adult magazine? The result is a vintage T-Shirt that smacks of class and vintage appeal. In a master stroke, two of the world’s leading designers Dolce & Gabbana have brought out T-shirts that feature epoch Playboy ‘Playmates’ of the 1950s. As expected, they have become a rage in the fashion world. The T-Shirts (obviously for men) have five different models in seductive poses and are worth every penny of their steep asking price. Price per t-Shirt: $275
(Rs 15,125)
THESE SOUND GREAT
Price: $1,300 for a pair
(Rs 7.15 lakh)
If you think that the kick is missing from your usual brand of beer then you probably want a Sam Adams Ultra-strong Utopias. The highly coveted limited-edition beer has a unique blend of taste and flavour as it is made from various premium beers of different ages brewed for 20 years. Interestingly, unlike other beers, you can open this bottle, enjoy a glass of beer and close it and put it back in your bar. The froth won’t go out of it for almost a year. But the beer will go out of your reach if you don’t hurry. There are only 20,000 bottles! Price: $190 a bottle
(Rs 10,450)
Price: From $45 for a pot of ink to $2,220 and for an alligator fountain pen (from 2,475 to 1,22,100)
CLARK BATS FOR CHARITY
Starting auction bid: $1,70,000
(Rs 93.5 lakh)
FLAVOURS OF WATER
Price: $26 (Around
Rs 1,430)
ASTON MARTIN GOES MOBILE
Price: Upon request
The video games company Atari on its 40th anniversary is going back to its roots with a little help from Microsoft. The two pioneers are porting classic arcade games to HTML-5 language which makes them compatible to any modern browser. Yesteryear games like Asteroids, Combat, Lunar Lander, Pong, Missile Command, Centipede and Yar's Revenge have all got a new lease of life. You too can travel back in time to the 1960s and 1970s and
re-play these iconic games. As of now they are free. But perhaps, not for long! Price: Free!
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