Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Priyanka Chopra launches her 3rd album ‘I Can't Make You Love Me’

Bollywood’s super talented songstress Priyanka Chopra launched her 3rd musical album entitled ‘I Can't Make You Love Me’ in New York after getting overwhelming response from across the globe for both her previous albums ‘In My City’ and ‘Exotic’, which remained on the top of the chartbuster for a long time.

Like her early albums, which featured Will.I.Am and Pitbull respectively, this time also Priyanka’s brand new album I Can't Make You Love Me will feature Peter Petreilli of TV's hit series Heroes aka Milo Ventimiglia, who is a famous American actor renowned internationally. Moreover, the video of the album has been directed by Jeff Nicholas and Jonathan Craven.

The audio of the album was released earlier this month on April 22 on iTunes and other digital platform, which has already, became people’s choice in few days and is on the top of the chartbusters.

Thus, Priyanka has once again proved that is the most talented diva of B-Town and can succeed in whatever field she opts, whether it be modelling, acting or singing. Keep going Priyanka.

Monday, April 28, 2014

Designer duo Monica Rajeev Malik unveils Summer Wedding Trousseau

A fashion soirée where the designer duo Monica Rajeev Malik unveiled their Summer Wedding Trousseau at Zerruco by Zilli, The Ashok Hotel. With bright Colours like majenta, orange, bright yellow have been used while making the outfits in gorgettes and chanderis with GOLD being the USP of the entire collection. Present at the do with Monica and Rajeev Malik were Ramola Bachchan, Kitty Kalra, Ala Madhu, Guneeta Dhingra, Sushmita Aggarwal, Seema Puri, Anjanna Kuthiala, Kanchan Kapoor, Soneka Chhabra, Dolly Jain, Deepa Narang among others.

Known for their young silhouettes, unusual styling, yet classic with Indian handlooms and finery, the designer duo Monica Rajeev Malik are one of the designers who pioneered the use of unusual fabrics, texturing and detailing, adding dazzling embellishments in vibrant colors. This time for a change they have worked on floor touching outfits using lots of gota, mirrors and threads. They wanted this summer wedding season for the clients to feel light yet very festive. Their bridal wear designs are inspired by the joys and rituals associated with Indian weddings. It’s all about traditional richness and hues that work well with Indian features.

“Unlike the use of zardosi that we are famous for, this time we want to give a treat to the eyes of our buyers” says the designer duo Monica Rajeev Malik

Sunday, April 27, 2014

IIFA Awards 2014 Winners List: Farhan and Deepika best Actors

The 15th Tata Motors IIFA Awards ended with a spectacular show at the Thampa Bay that saw the film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag grab the top Awards of the night including Best Picture, Best Direction, Performance in Leading Role (Male), Performance in a Supporting Role (Female) and Best Story. Other film to dominate the night was Aashiqui 2, which bagged awards for Music Direction, Lyrics, Playback Singer (Male) and Playback Singer (Female).  Deepika Padukone won the Award for her much acclaimed role in Chennai Express while Farhan Akhtar won for his role in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.

The show was hosted by actors Shahid Kapoor and Farhan Akthar for the second time, who made the night even entertaining and humorous. The duo kept the audience entertained throughout the evening with their humour, wit and laudable on-stage camaraderie with sets varying from a celebrity antakshri to a live-rap with the audience (Raju & Pappu) to them being dressed as spirited pirates.

Other highlights of the evening were the launch of IIFA Coffee Table Book by the Founder- Directors of Wizcraft International Entertainment – Andre Timmins, Sabbas Joseph and Viraf Sarkari along with superstar Hrithik Roshan.

International actors John Travolta and Kevin Spacey shook a leg on popular Bollywood hits. Kevin Spacey was brought on stage by Shahid, Farhan and Deepika to join them for a little jig to Lungi Dance whileJohn Travolta joined Priyanka Chopra on stage at the end of her act and later joined Hrithik matching moves with celebrity dancer-actor, Hrithik Roshan.

 On having won the Performance in a Leading Role (Female), Deepika Padukone said, “2013 was an amazing year for me. I left home with a suitcase and a dream and I thank my parents for allowing me to follow my dream.”

 Farhan Akhtar on winning the award for Performance in a Leading Role (Male) said, “This is a very special moment as it is the first time I’m receiving an award for the film in the presence of Milkha Singh. He shared a lot of amazing stories with me and was the wind beneath my wings. I am very honoured today.”

 John Travolta was felicitated with an award for Outstanding Contribution to International Cinema. He accepted the award saying “I am honoured and humbled to be put in this category. I believe that as human being we are alike and this is a medium to celebrate our similarities. A heartfelt thank you to IIFA and the Indian film community.”

Debutants, Vaani Kapoor (Shudh Desi Romance)and Dhanush (Raanjhanaa) took to the IIFA stage to collect their accolades for the most promising new faces in Indian Cinema. The Tata Motors IIFA Awards, organized by Wizcraft International Entertainment, had a foot tapping performances line-up. Madhuri Dixit Nene stole the show with her performance on Ek Do Teen, Piya Ghar Aaya, Dhak Dhak Karne Laga, Dola Re Dola.

Another highlight of the night was the electrifying performance by Hrithik Roshan on his hit numbers Mein Aisa Kyun Hoon, Bhoomro Bhoomro, Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala, Senorita and Dhoom among others.

Priyanka Chopra performed onJaane Kyon Dil Chahata Hai, Mujse Shaadi Karogi, Tune Maari Entriyaan and many more. Deepika Padukone performed on Dhol Bhaje among others. Other performers were Ranveer Singh and Siddharth Malhotra.

Here is the complete list of IIFA 2014:
  • Best Entertainer of the Year: Deepika Padukone
  • Best Picture Award: Bhaag Milka Bhaag
  • Best Debutant Award: Dhanush for Raanjhanaa
  • Best Performance in a Leading role (Male): Farhan Akhtar for Bhaag Milka Bhaag
  • Best Performance in a Leading Role (Female): Deepika Padukone for Chennai Express
  • Best Direction: Rakeysh Om Mehra for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
  • Best Performance in a Supporting role (Male): Aditya Roy Kapoor for Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani
  • Best Performance in a Supporting role (Female): Divya Dutta for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
  • Best Performance in a Comic Role: Arshad Warsi for Jolly LLB
  • Best Performance in a Negative role: Rishi Kapoor for D Day
  • Best Story Award: Prashoon Joshi for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
  • Best Lyrics Writer: Mithoon for 'Tum Hi Ho' from Aashiqui 2
  • Best Male Playback Singer Award: Arijit Singh for 'Tum Hi Ho' from Aashiqui 2
  • Best Female Playback Singer Award: Shreya Goshal for 'Sun Raha Hai Na Tu' from Aashiqui 2
  • Music Direction: Mithoon, Ankit Tiwari, Jeet Ganguly (Aashiqui 2)
  • Outstanding Contribution to India Cinema: Shatrughan Sinha
-With inputs from www.iifa.com

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag dominates in Technical Awards at IIFA Magic of the Movies

The IIFA Magic of the Movies and Technical Awards evening was a spectacular ceremony to announce the winners of the Technical and Special categories of the Tata Motors IIFA Awards 2014, which was held at Mid Florida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa Bay in which Bollywood’s superstars glittered on the green carpet.

Big names of Bollywood were spotted during the occasion which includes names like Bipasha Basu, Deepika Padukone, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Yami Gautam, Sridevi, Parineeti Chopra, Malaika Arora, Gauhar Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonakshi Sinha, Dia Mirza, Hritik Roshan, Govinda, Anil Kapoor, Shatrugan Sinha, Sonu Sood, Anupam Kher, Vir Das, Bonny Kapoor, Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra, Mika, Shankar Ehsaan Loy and many more.
      
Saif Ali Khan and Vir Das hosted the event in a magnificent way as always and the evening witnessed some great performances by by Farhan Akhtar who sang some of hits – Dil Chahta Hai, Senorita and Zinda followed by enthralling performances by Bipasha Basu who danced on famous tracks Lat Lag Gayee, Hungama Ho Gaya, Baby Doll, Lungi dance and many more, Sonakshi Sinha performance on Har Kisi Ko Nahi Milta, Party all night, Sari Ke Fall Sa and Gandi baat. Later elegant Kareena Kapoor Khan entertained the audience in a special act as well on Aayiye Meherban, Baho Me Chale Aao, Babuji Dheere Chalna and Yeh Mera Dil.

Other highlights of the event was world renowned musician, Ustaad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s sublime performance with his soulful music. Singer Mika’s engaging performance brought the audience to their feet on Dummadam Mastakalander, Agal Bagal, Sawaan, Subah Hone na de.  Pritham set the stage on fire along with the Nashville Blue Grass Musicians, Adit Singh Sharma, Papon and others.

Below are the list of winners of IIFA Techical Awards in different categories:
  • Cinematography: Binod Pradhan (Bhaag Milkha Bhaag)
  • Screenplay: Prasoon Joshi (Bhaag Milkha Bhaag)
  • Dialogue: Prasoon Joshi (Bhaag Milkha Bhaag)
  • Editing: P. S. Bharti (Bhaag Milkha Bhaag)
  • Production Design: Wasiq Khan (Goliyon Ki Rasleela- Ramleela)
  • Choreography: Remo D’souza (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani)
  • Action: Sham Kaushal & Tony Ching Siu Tung (Krrish 3)
  • Sound Design: Nakul Kamte (Bhaag Milkha Bhaag)
  • Song Recording: Vinod Verma for Lungi Dance (Chennai Express)
  • Sound Mixing: Anup Dev (Chennai Express),  Debajit Changmai (Bhaag Milkha Bhaag)
  • Background Score: Shankar-Ehsaan- Loy               (Bhaag Milkha Bhaag)
  • Special Effects (Visuals): KeitanYadav & Haresh Hingorani ( Red Chillies VFX) for Krrish 3
  • Costume Designing: Dolly Ahluwalia (Bhaag Milkha Bhaag)
  • Make-Up: Vikram Gaikwad (Bhaag Milkha Bhaag)

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Hollywood got wrapped... in Peace by Mark Holden Scarves

Last week, RONROBINSON, the trendy LA boutique at Fred Segal on Melrose, hosted its Spring Truck Show, kicking off the 2-day event with a star-studded open house on Wednesday featuring drinks, snacks and live music.

The Spring Trunk Show featured many celebrated designers including Mark Holden Fashions. Mark Holden has gained international attention for the high quality and design of his scarves intended to wrap the world in peace. Each of his scarves uses the internationally recognized symbol to create wearables with a vision to illuminate the possibilities of peace.

Mark Holden personally attended the event, wrapping guests in his scarves as he talked with each of them about his vision and philosophy. Mark wrapped stars from "Spartacus", "300: Rise of the Empire", "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters", "Pirates of the Caribbean" and more.

Guests at the open house also enjoyed live music featuring hitmaker Scotty Grand (Bravo's “Platinum Hit”) as well as beverages provided by Juice Served Here, Zing Vodka and Heineken.


4th Annual Landscapes Online Art Competition Announced

Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery announces their 4th Annual "Landscapes" Online Art Competition for the month of May 2014. 2D artists (including photography) from around the world are called upon to make online submissions for inclusion into the Gallery's June 2014 online group exhibition. The gallery encourages entries from artists, regardless of where they reside to apply to this competition by submitting their best Landscape art. Landscape subjects will be considered to be the natural world, outdoor scenery, geographical environments' and related landscape subjects.

A group exhibition of the top ten finalists will be held online at the Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery during the month of June 2014. Awards will be for 1st through 5th places. Also, 5 Honorable Mention places will be awarded. In addition, depending on the amount and the quality of the entries, Special Merit and Special Recognition awards will also be given as well. The submission process and the deadline will end on May 27, 2014.

Winning artists of the "Landscapes" Art Exhibition will receive extensive worldwide publicity in the form of email marketing, 70+ press release announcements, 75+ event announcements, and social media marketing and promotion in order to make the art world aware of the artist's accomplishments. There will also be links back to the artist's website as part of this achievement.


Interested artists should provide the gallery with your best Landscape art now or before the May 27th deadline. For more information and to apply online here http://www.lightspacetime.com.

Sahasra Deepika Founders Honored at IIFA Rocks!

The founders of Sahasra Deepika Foundation for Education received a special honor from the Indian International Film Academy (IIFA) on April 24 at  IIFA Rocks!  in Tampa, Florida. The Ramakrishnas are being recognized for their heroic work in bringing education, hope and opportunity to impoverished children in Bangalore, India. For over 15 years they have provided residential education and care to children on Sahasra Deepika's campus. Currently 60 girls live and learn at Sahasra Deepika Institute, and 17 are in college. The organization also conducts outreach programs to benefit children in slum scools in Bangalore.

Accepting on their behalf is their son, Naren Ramakrishna, MD, PhD, Director, Proton Beam Therapy, Neuro and Pediatric Radiation Oncology, Univ. of Florida Health Cancer Center at Orlando Health, and a resident of Orlando, who will walk the runway during the star-studded fashion show on April 24, 2014 at IIFA Rocks! "We are tremendously honored by this accolade that is being bestowed upon us by IIFA. We thank the selection committee for shining a spotlight on our efforts to transform the lives of children through education."

Designer duo Mahak and Rimanshu to unveil their exclusive collection at FASHIONOVA 2014

Young and talented designer and stylist duo Mahak Khanna and Rimanshu Patel with their established brand name in the fashion world “RiwiiMahQ”,is all set to unveil their latest collection at the upcoming fashion extravaganza of the year ‘FASHIONOVA 2014’ Season 5 to allure the fashion lovers across the country.

After graduating from India’s premiere fashion design Institute, National Institute of Fashion technology (NIFT), the designer duo started their own designer Label "Riwii MahQ", which has emerged as one of the great couture label of modern era in recent times.

Recently, they were highly appreciated for their magnificent designs Miss Delhi 2014 held earlier this year, and now they are all set to rule the stage with their spectacular and exclusive couture line at ‘FASHIONOVA’, a fashion show organised by India’s leading fashion institute National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), which will be held on May 24 this year.

FASHIONOVA is an initiative of NIFT, Raebareli conceptualized and conceived to provide a large platform to final year Fashion Design Students and Fashion and Lifestyle Accessories (AD) students and provide them a great chance to showcase their talent through Fashion Show and Accessories exhibition and mark their strong presence in the ever dynamic fashion world. This will be the 5th season of FASHIONOVA this year and expected to be a great event as earlier seasons.

To Know more about Label Riwii MahQ, visit: http://www.riwiimahq.in/

An outstanding outcome of SANGAM Art and Music Event

Sangam, a remarkable confluence of Art & Music was being organised by Artists Shobha Broota & Rashmi Khurana in association with Priceless Possessions.

Sangam was a  5 day camp which took place at Shobha Broota's studio in Swami Nagar from Apr 15th -19th, where the artists worked on their mediums while the musical group “Reaching the Roots” rejuvenated them.  Artists were given complete freedom to create and experiment in various mediums while the musicians created a meditative and experimental environment for the painters with live music. The studio was full of musical instruments and healing sounds each day of the camp.

The outcome of Sangam was inaugurated on the 20th with  a live performance by  Reaching The Roots at Arpana Caur Art Gallery.  It was an outstanding work of art & music by each of the 20 artists as a result the exhibition which was supposed to be till 22nd was extended by Arpana ji till the 25th and a special request for the live musical performance at the closing ceremony

 Artist Shobha Broota shares "Sitting together with artists from similar disciplines this idea ,of sharing and working together in a conducive environment developed. So we (painters,musicians ,performers) decided to work together for a week creating art in a meditative space .Thus, sharing by displaying our experiences with others"

Poonam Kumar, Director, Priceless Possessions shares “The purpose of this camp was to raise creativity, spend quality time with your own self and intimate sharing with other artists. Sangam proved to be a remarkable confluence of Art & Music involving talented Artists and the equally talented and diversified Musical group, Reaching the Roots.”


Participating      artists in Sangam were        as follows, Aditi Saigal, Aiyanna Gunjan, Anuradha Saluja, Arvind Bhardwaj, Deepshikha Mundhra, Kamla Sood, Mukesh Sah, Navpreet Kaur, Nehmat Mongia, Nin Taneja, Parul Chopra, Rashmi Khurana, Shivani Aggarwal, Simran Toor, Sarita Choudhari, Sarita Sachdev, Terry Varma, Vijitha Kotha

Fashion Lingua associates with MODE as official Media Partner

Fashion Lingua, a leading online blog and a known name in the world of Fashion, lifestyle and Entertainment industry is now the official media partner of an upcoming fashion extravaganza of the country “MODE Spring/Summer 14 Maina” to be held Delhi Haat , Pitampura,New Delhi.

MODE is an initiative to All About Fashion and Ent., a leading Event Management company of India with an objective to provide the young talents of fashion and entertainment industry with a large platform to showcase their talents through various events during the show.

The event will be having two fashion show on same stage , MODE... Summer /Spring Mania 2014 and Mr. North India 2014. There will ex MTV Rodies & Splitsvilla winner / finalist and some people form fashion industry as guest . Over 4,000 visitors are expected to be attending the show and is expected to make the event one of the biggest show of its kind in the country.

 Fashion designers, Actors, Models, Singers and Rappers by from across the country would perform and showcase their talents during the event. In addition to that, the exchange of ideas amongst established and aspiring designers, buyers, corporate and institutional bodies would take place under one roof.

Moreover, MODE would provide the designers with an international show format followed by B2B lifestyle & fashion trade conferences along with B2C Expo . The show will feature exclusive lounge to create B2B networking opportunity for the participants as well as visitors.

In addition to that, Fashion Designers & Jewellery Designers will also showcase their exclusive creations in the presence of renowned Celebrities & Super models during the entire event.

Moreover, participation of domestic buyers are participating will benefit designers post event.  It will provide the opportunity of dealing with the buyers for future deals.

TO know more about Fashion Lingua andd MODE, Visit: http://fashionlingua.blogspot.in/

Like us on Facebook to stay updated: https://www.facebook.com/fashionlingua1

Sheena Chohan looked stunning at Sri Lanka

Style Icon Sheena Chohan looks vivacious in pink long top and white pallazo pants from Vismaya couture by Designers Aarti  and Jhelum Rele. She wore this look in Sri Lanka  - 1st day opening ceremony where she is selected as the Brand Ambassador for youth for human rights.

NIFT again set to promote young designers through FASHIONOVA 2014

With the month of May coming ahead, the National Institute of Fashion and Technology, NIFT, India’s premiere fashion institute is all set to turn on  the heat in the fashion world with its next edition of most awaited fashion extravaganza of the year “FASHIONOVA 2014” season 5 scheduled to be held on May 24 at the Ambedkar Auditorium, LDA Colony, Lucknow.

FASHIONOVA is an initiative of NIFT, Raebareli to provide a large platform to final year Fashion Design Students and Fashion and Lifestyle Accessories (AD) students and provide them with an opportunity to showcase their creations through Fashion Show and Accessories exhibition and mark their strong presence in the ever dynamic fashion world.

To make the show special and successful, Fashionova is intented to provide International Level arrangements to the budding designers for the show and has created an strong team which includes top Models, Choreographers, Makeup Artists and top event professionals of the sector.

The show is expected to be one of the biggest fashion show of the country with an expected number of over 2000 visitors, which will include eminent personalities, industrialists and executives from the Fashion and Apparel Business, top bureaucrats, renowned design critics, VIPs, jewellery brands journalists, prominent socialites, press, media partners and designers.

The show will witness the collection and creations of 26 Final year graduates (fashion Design) and exhibition of accessory designers (Fashion and Lifestyle Accessories (AD) students) of NIFT Raebareli, who will present their best skills and creativity through their spectacular collections to allure the fashionistas from across the country to make a bright future for them in the near future.

Friday, April 25, 2014

RGV’s 'Cycle Rowdy' a tribute to Music Maestro Ilayaraja

Remember the background score in the sequence of Nagarjuna and the girl on the cycle being chased by goons in Ram Gopal Varma's film 'Shiva' that captivated music fans worldwide for its exceptional flavor. It's back again in a new tang in RGV's film Rowdy. The album titled as "Cycle Rowdy" will be released shortly.

Expressing his admiration for the maestro, Ram Gopal Varma said, I have been a huge fan of background scores ever since I became a film buff and one of my all time favorite of music piece is the cycle chase back ground score given by maestro Ilayaraja in my debut film "Shiva".

I still can't forget the goose bumps I got back in 1989 when Ilayaraja was scoring music for that sequence. I wanted to bring the attention to track number 17 in the album "Rowdy" whoever ever liked and remembered that cycle chase music in "Shiva", I am sure they will enjoy listening to this back ground track.

As a huge fan of this legendary musician my main interest is to bring back this composition to express the great idea of the genius Ilayaraja's 1989 sound track to 2014. I asked Sai Kartik to do an integration of the brilliant cycle chase theme from Shiva into the main theme of "Rowdy" and it turned out to be brilliant.

This is my salute to Ilayaraja.


The Mohan Babu and Vishnu Manchu starrer film Rowdy will open in US theatres on April 3rd and rest of the world on April 4.

The Quantum Indians wins National Film Award for Best Educational Film of 2013

A new film "The Quantum Indians" celebrating the lives of India's 3 great yet almost forgotten scientists Satyendra Nath Bose, Sir CV Raman and Meghnad Saha was awarded The National Film Award on the 16th of April 2014 as the Best Educational Film of 2013.

Written and directed by Raja Choudhury and produced by PSBT and the Public Diplomacy Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, the film tells the compelling and inspirational story of 3 amazing Indians who revolutionized the world of Quantum Physics in the 1920's giving us Bosons, The Bose-Einstein Statistics, the Raman Effect, the Saha Equation and India's first only Nobel Prize for Science. Their work was also responsible for building the science infrastructure upon which much of India's future was built.

The National Award jury gave the prize to the film "For an extremely efficient and precise analysis of the contributions of three renowned scientists in a manner that not only educates today's generation but also provides insights into complex scientific phenomena in an accessible manner."

Commenting on his film, director Raja Choudhury said "We wanted to inspire the young people of India to not only dream of making India great once again as our Quantum Indians did, but also develop a renewed interest in basic science as an essential and rewarding career path today."

The Quantum Indians is being shown around the world at Indian Embassies and Cultural Centers, at Colleges and Schools in India, on TV, on the Indian Diplomacy Youtube Channel and on DVD from PSBT.


Raja Choudhury has produced numerous documentaries on Indian wisdom and history including "Spirituality in the Modern World" with Ken Wilber, "I Believe" on Dr. Karan Singh, "The Modern Mystic" on Sri M of Madanapalle and most recently "Yoga: Aligning to the Source." His current project is called "The Indian Mind" and looks at the great inventions and ideas that India has given the world from the Cotton of the Indus Valley to Mathematics and the Zero and on to Bosons and the Quest for Mars.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

NMIFF associates with International film festivals of London, Spain and France

The second edition of Navi Mumbai International Film Festival (NMIFF) has done a business tie up with International Filmmaker festival of world cinema London, The Madrid International Film Festival Spain and St Tropez International Film Festival France. Navi Mumbai International Film Festival (NMIFF) will be the exclusive agency in India for these festivals for film entries and a sister concern in business of films promotions and publicity.

 “NMIFF is extremely thrilled to partner with these international film festivals. We will also be providing an international platform to independent and emerging film-makers to showcase their work to the European audience through our collaboration.” says Founder and Managing Director, Mr Sachin Khanna.


The idea to collaborate with the international festivals had germinated during the first edition of NMIFF to showcase the talent and creativity of film makers at a global level. The collaboration will enable NMIFF to interact with film-makers across the globe and connect the Indian film makers to the international market. NMIFF will play a key role in promoting and distributing Indian films at the global level through the business tie-up.

Sushmita Sen dazzles on Ramp for Champs by Smile Foundation

Smile Foundation, a national level development organization, showcased the 5th edition of its charity fashion show ‘Ramp for Champs’ at ITC Grand Central, Mumbai in which Former Miss Universe and bollywood actress Sushmita Sen walked the ramp for a cause. With a special focus on education for the girl children, funds raised through Ramp for Champs will be utilized through Smile Foundation’s national programme named Mission Education. Ramp  For Champs  had a robust line-up of 45 participating achievers and personalities from all walks of life and 17 responsible brands  who have come together to celebrate the very best of fashion and creative talent.


Speaking on the occasion Mr. Neeraj Agarwal, Executive Director, Corporate Communication, LIC India said “Education is every individual’s birth right, more so for the girl child in India who is marginalized by all standards. In India most of the girls fail to enrol in school, and those that do are likely to drop out by the age of 12. The event promises well for the cause, and we are privileged to be associated with Smile Foundation.”
The event started with a very special performance by Singer Shweta Pandit who captivated the crowd with her melodious voice followed by a dance performance by Sandip Soparrkar who mesmerized the crowd with his electrifying moves.

IAM Foundation joined hands with this movement and Ms. Susmita Sen, Former Miss Universe and a renowned philanthropist came forward to support the cause and encouraged all the people to act and make a difference. Expressing her support to the cause, she said.”IAM Foundation is glad to be associated with Smile Foundation, having similar beliefs it was only a matter of time we came together. Girl education and Girl safety are the most prominent issue in India today and that is something we wanted to throw more light on so that more people become aware and work towards eradicating it. I am looking forward to seeing you on 19th of April, 2014, it’s a date with a cause, “GIRL CHILD EDUCATION”.

Star designers Archana Kochhar, Ken Ferns , Salim Asgarally ,Salima Lalani and Sonaakshi Raaj  extended their support to the cause by showcasing their special collections not with the models but with their muses who were their celebrity and high profile clients .The show was directed by ace choreographer Rashmi Virmani.


India based fashion designer Archana Kochhar has great fellowship for fashion and is feasting her clients through three operational prêt stores in Mumbai. Born in fashion hub of India, Mumbai Archana Kochhar has diverse proficiency for designing and creating excellent outfits. Her muses for the show had eminent personalities from all fields like acting, singing, chefs, working woman to homemakers. Her power list consisted of Amrita Rao, Betty, Hanan Zafri, Chef.Vikas Khanna,  Monisha Jaisingh, Biba Gurha, Rashmi Ganatra, Sobha Lakhani, Anu Anju, Shweta Pandit and Amrita Arora.

Mumbai based designer Ken Ferns, launched his label in 2010 at the India Resort Fashion Week-Goa and thereafter has been showcasing at the Lakme Fashion Week. His work as a wardrobe stylist for BBC Worldwide and Bigg Boss and as a costume designer at Nach Baliye and Jhalak Dikhla Jaa has been seen. He is a recipient of the National Award Apex Trophy, in the Young Designers' category in the year 2001-2002. His muses were his close friends who came forward to support Ken and his believe in the cause. Sangram Singh and Payal Rohatgi, Shilpa Saklani Agnihotri, Hasleen Kaur, Rajneesh Dugal, Ramona Arena and the young and vibrant cast of the upcoming film Purani Jeans came forward to extend their support to the cause and they were all happy to meet the beneficiaries of the Foundation.

Salim Asgarally, trained extensively at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and the University of California in Los Angeles, Salim Asgarally is one of India's few formally trained fashion designers. Having trained in the west, his collections reflect an international spirit in style, silhouette and drape, while retaining an Indian sensibility of colour, texture and embellishment. His label is worn not only by fashionable women in India but across the globe.His muses were Aroona Bhatt , Gajara Kothari,Shristi Arya , Soni Razdan , Shaheen Bhatt and Veena Bakshi .

Salima Lalani is a Mumbai based fashion designer who started her career with her mother. She initially started her business in Lucknowi Kurtas. She also built her NRI clientele while living in Sydney and launched a store overseas called 'De-Chic'. She currently operates out of her flagship store based in Mumbai. Her muses for Ramp For Champs were Sophie Premji, Vinisha Tulsiyan, VJ Andy, Sarita Madhavan, Dr.Mugdha Raut, Sama Sikender, Claudia Ciesla and Deepika Singh who all were all smiles supporting the cause along with Salima .

Label Sonaakshi Raaj is synonymous with opulence, with an intention to create glamorous ensembles catering to women's couture wear with a design philosophy that is distinctly feminine and refined. By combining tailoring with drapery, the garments are meticulously crafted to styles that are luxurious yet understated with strong emphasis on fabric, cut and colour. Her muses were the most beautiful woman from the tinsel town like Amy Patel, Malvika Raaj, Soumya Tondon, Waluscha D'souza, Anita Raaj, Krishika Lulla, Evelyn Sharma and Susmita Sen. All these famous woman personalities extended their support to the cause and made many heads turn with their grace and poise .

The event was successfully supported by various partners. This Ramp For Champs was presented by LIC of India, Other valuable partners were IAM Foundation, Nerolac, Reliance Capital, Vatika Group, Indira Group of Institutes, Air France KLM, Amway ,Jean Claude, Estrada , SoapBox , One Stop Makeover, Chandrakala Sanap, Telly Chakkar, ITC Grand Central , D Fashion TV, Global Advertisers, Coca Cola. Chef Vikas Khanna was introduced as the goodwill ambassador for ‘Cook for a Smile’ - an upcoming initiative by Smile Foundation. 


Addressing on the occasion, Mr. Vikram Singh Verma, Chief Operating Officer, Smile Foundation said, “Through Ramp of Champs we are aiming to bring trend-setters and celebrities together to bring some real and permanent change in the lives of the most deserving children. Education is the most effective tool that can help less privileged children come out of the vicious cycle of poverty and suffering, and transform into an empowered next generation.”He further added, “The privileged section of the society has to come forward and take proactive role in the process of development .We feel encouraged with the support and response towards the cause through Ramp For Champs in Mumbai and I thank all the responsible corporate, designers, celebrities and the guest who made this initiative a great success ”

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Actress Pooja Misrra steals the show for Swati Modo at Premia India Runway Week 2014

Swati Modo brand is epitome of shoes with thoughts. This season ‘Gem Mines’ supported SWATI MODO for Autumn winter collection during the Premia India Runway Week 2014, in which the designer not only showcased their unique design sensibility but even raises a voice on most sensitive topic “Women Empowerment” with their new Range “Femme Fatale” in which they believe firmly that once we as a human being unite and respect each other then this world would definitely be a better place. Enjoy the moods of footwear with colors and textures. Famous bollywood actress Pooja Misrra was the showstopper for the show.

Oppression is a type of injustice. Oppression is the inequitable use of authority, law, or physical force to prevent others from being free or equal. The verb oppress can mean to keep someone down in a social sense, such as an authoritarian government might do in an oppressive society. It can also mean to mentally burden someone, such as with the psychological weight of an oppressive idea.  With all this torture that women go through in their lives, what is it that can be done to improve matters? The government isn’t doing anything, the men remain male chauvinists, and the few feminists that we have seem to be just a few. In helpless times like this, women need to take matters in their own hands.

Throughout time, entertainment has played a vital role in uplifting the mundane day to day life. Amongst various forms of entertainment, motion pictures and the ideology behind each and every one of them has never failed to intrigue people. Through the process of ongoing research I came across a type of character that fascinated me beyond anything I had ever come across; the Femme Fatale“ says Swati Mehrotra”

“The Femme Fatale are the kind of dames who can wear floor length gowns and look completely naked. The kind with hair piled up on their head like compliant serpents, or falling down in smooth lustrous waves. Dames with hard faces and mocking smiles with eyes that size you up and find you wanting (James Like, The Bleat 2003)."


The Femme Fatale is sexy and she knows it. Made famous in film during the period of Film Noir and hard-boiled detective stories, she is known to be a master of manipulation and sensuality, which is how she confuses and then exploits the men around her. Unlike the sweet damsel in distress the femme fatale comes at the male protagonist with everything she’s got and manages to wrap him around her finger with a simple bat of the eyelashes.

The collection has a lot of black, black being an obvious representation of evil. Majorly the colors are taken from femme fatale. Emerald green, maroon, black, white, chunks of gold and silver all over the collection can be seen. The concentration is on high heels for women’s footwear. The whole collection is divided into 5 stages. Each stage showcases different sets of female narrating the story of “plight of women” and gradually moving to solution.


 This collection is urging and pleading society to “Unite rather than Fight”.

Deepika Padukone makes her mark as designer with the Van Heusen

Debuting as designer with the Van Heusen Autumn Winter 2013 collection, Deepika Padukone proved that her association with the brand Van Heusen was more than a mere celebrity endorsement. Showcasing her involvement with the line from the designing to shooting to the promoting, Deepika showed just how much of a stakeholder she was in the brand. The Van Heusen Limited Edition Spring Summer 2014 collection offers an even more in-depth look into her journey as designer. Riding on the success and acclaim of her debut collection, Deepika returns with a collection that has been designed to be “easy and effortless, keeping the summer season in mind” in her own words.

“From summery sheath dresses with gorgeously scooped backs to fitted texture-on-texture dresses to embellished tops that go well at champagne lunches, summer parties and social dos, the idea has been to create something luxurious for every place a woman can expect to find herself this summer” elaborates Deepika on what a woman can expect to see in this season’s collection.

After spending close to 6 months on designing and perfecting the collection, the diva spent a weekend at the resort town of Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera, shooting for the collection with ace South African fashion photographer, Justin Polkey. The actress also shot extensively for a clutch of short films, made specifically to give brand aficionados a look into just what goes into creating a collection.


Keeping up with its essence, the collection was launched in an equally unique and exclusive affair with 10 fans walking the ramp with Deepika to unveil the collection. These lucky divas were selected through a unique online contest ‘Walk the Ramp with Deepika’. 10 winners, handpicked by Deepika unveiled the collection in a show hosted by Gaurav Kapoor where Deepika walked the ramp not as a show stopper but as the designer at the end. A dynamic dance performance by celebrity choreographer Terrance Lewis’s team and an exclusive Q&A session with Deepika added an extra oomph, making the evening truly mesmeric with a whole lot of pizzazz. Several well-known faces from the fashion and social media circuits added a dazzling touch of glamour to the event.

Vinay Bhopatkar, Brand Head - Van Heusen commented saying that, “We are thrilled at how our relationship has grown with Deepika. Van Heusen & Deepika epitomize effortless style and sophisticated fashion, while being chic and elegant. This season we are taking the association multiple steps ahead with Deepika in essence, turning the creative director with her being involved in every aspect of the collection – from designing to shoot concept planning to promotion. We worked together on this unique concept of getting actual consumers walk the ramp for the collection launch – and we are extremely happy with the final output.  Going by the success of our previous season, we’ve no doubt about the collection being received well. Shot in the scenically summery and luxurious Saint-Tropez, I think we’ve a stunning campaign on our hands. And we have lined up an aggressive media plan to support the campaign which will break middle of April”.


The Van Heusen Limited Edition Spring Summer’14 collection, designed by Deepika Padukone is already available in select outlets across India from April.

Sunny Leone doing the stunts by herself in her upcoming action film Tina & Lolo

Sunny Leone is performing all her stunts by herself in her upcoming action film Tina & Lolo it also has a 'special stunt scene. The sensual seductress wanted to look perfect while seamlessly performing her stunts…for which Sunny Leone learnt how to ride a bike and also frequented a shooting club to wield the gun right.Sunny Leone got injured while performing action stunts for Tina and Lolo.

Tina & Lolo is an action film by Devang Dholakia, starring Sunny Leone and Karishma Tanna.“I had visualised a strong male evil character. Tina & Lolo does not have a hero but two heroines - Sunny Leone and Karishma Tanna are my heroes in my film. When we were looking for a villain, I thought of Deepak as I felt he fitted the bill perfectly.” - Devang Dholakia. The film was shot at Malaysia.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Designer Aashna and Vikrant hosted Success party of India Runway Week

Designer Duo Aashna and Vikrant hosted a success party to celebrate the success of their fashion show at the Premia India Runway week with their family and friends recently in kylin Vasant Vihar.  Seen their were Swati Modo, Aamir Zakir, Sidharth Agicha, Kiran-Avinash and many more.  The party ended till late midnight and guests were seen rocking the dance floor without getting tired.

About Aashna Vikrant

Vikrant loves to play with designs. His main forte is jarkan work and the garments range from 5000 to the amount depending on Your work. He loves deigning traditional outfits and his designs are what you can just imagine. His aura is sharp enough to tell you what fits right on u . Aashna on other hand loves to fir in indo western . She loves playing with colors silhuates , Her Price rance starts from 3000 to different range depending upon the work . She loves styling you the way you want . They both are pass outs of different school nd then planned to do fashion designing . They are from fashionista school of fashion technology. The 2 best friends planned to come up together with a collection for india runway week . Randomly !!  Aashna is A law drop out she decided to folllow her dreams. Vikrant on the other hand always wanted to create fashion. Aashna and vikrant are the two names who are about to leave their footprint in the fashion industry. These 2 designers started up quite early . Vikrant makkar owns a studio in mukharji nagar where as Aashna kumat runs her own Studio 'Ark couture 'paschim vihar .they love to give you the best . These young designers always loved for playing with colours, designs and various patterns.they believe in changing the monotonous fashion choices of the people., Making the clients happy and satisfied is the main motive of the designers. They both have their own signature designs and have joined their hands for the india runway week. They have collections for different ranges . They even speciallise in personal styling . They beleive in creating fashion instead of following it , so they create the best in your bugdet. They are all set to rock the fashion industry and leave a remark.

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Vanya Mishra walks the ramp for Aashna & Vikrant at Premia India Runway Week

Young designer duo Aashna and Vikrant presented their exclusive collection at the Premia India Runway Week inspired by Lord Krishna and Bhagvad Gita in which former Femina Miss India World  2012  Vanya Mishra walked the ramp as a showstopper dressed in a blue dressed and looked absolutely marvelous.

Blue was the byzantine colour of an empress lending to the Virgin Mary’s varly association with the colour as queen of heaven. Blue color is the symbol of lord Krishna who further dignifies truth, peace, spirituality. Truth is like a lion, you don’t have to defend it, let it lose it well defend itself. Colour blue is the lion of all colour, its aura is so spiritual, it reflects the purity of lord Krishna. Krishna, delivered the message of Bhagvad Gita, highest object of love and the yogis saw him as the absolute truth and Krishna is the symbol of this.

Their range of collection showcased how the royal blue colour creates its authoritative way through the limelight. The purity of blue reflects the positive aura all around. The work of jurkans brightens up the garment range making it attractive. Lord Krishna always had an upper hand similarly this royal blue stands out of all colour. Different Silhouettes and cuts represent different audacity of truth. This blue is naturally the symbol of truth which dignifies the positive aura, purity and truth from lord Krishna.

Premia India Runway week is an unique platform which was started last year by the Indian Federation for Fashion Development(IFFD) in association with Premia Group with a concept to provide a true platform for the designers of tomorrow to showcase their talent in an industry event that will target domestic and international buyers and media.


Realizing the important role that established fashion designers can play in this, the Indian Federation for Fashion Development (IFFD) was set up to expose the younger and newer designers to the best in the world of fashion.

Mugda Godse dazzled at Premia India Runway Week 2014

Shree Raj Mahal Jeweler, one of the leading jewellery brands of India showcased their exquisite collection during the Premia India Runway week 2014 in which model turned bollywood actress Mugda Godse walked the ramp jeweled with beautiful jewellery which amazed the spectators.
  
This Jewelry brand witnessed a huge footfall of socialites from around the capital. With their aesthetics and innovative designs and a well recognized name in this field this brand gathered the eyes on runway. Designs were very unique starting from bridal sets of Polki, Kundan, Pearls, Diamonds and colored stones like Emeralds. The show stopper for this brand was TV Actress Mugdha Godse who also walked the ramp with Mr. Pradeep Goel, MD Shree Raj Mahal Jewellers to wind up the show.


Premia India Runway week is an unique platform which was started last year by the Indian Federation for Fashion Development(IFFD) in association with Premia Group with a concept to provide a true platform for the designers of tomorrow to showcase their talent in an industry event that will target domestic and international buyers and media.

Dress you mobile trendy with exquisite covers

When you are so much concern about yourself so why let your mobile to go light dress it with exquisite and bubbly DC mobile covers. On Dulce Couture there are a huge range of colorful and exciting mobile covers which will definitely entertain amazing applauds for you.

If you are a teen you can pick any of these fluffy designs, adols can fix their phone with covers having designs like dollars, moustache etc.and covers with designs like hand paint are for the fashion freaks. 

 Available in numerous designs and colors to flaunt you this season. So don't wait instead with Dulce Couture mobile covers add an adjective to your phone.

Koyal Rana sizzled the ramp at Premia India Runway Week

Samridhi by Sanjay Agarwal, the jewelry brand showcased a fabulous show with fascinating designs and unique artistry on the second day of the fashion extravaganza in capital Premia India Runway Week 2014 in which beautiful Femina Miss India 2014 Koyal Rana sizzled the ramp to mesmerize the spectators. The jewelry was a fusion of traditional, classy and modern wear. Very colorful, creative and unique jewelry with precious malas, is the USP of their designs. The show stopper for their brand was Femina Miss India 2014-Koyal Rana.


Premia India Runway week is an unique platform which was started last year by the Indian Federation for Fashion Development(IFFD) in association with Premia Group with a concept to provide a true platform for the designers of tomorrow to showcase their talent in an industry event that will target domestic and international buyers and media.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Da Milano unveils its new Spring-Summer Collection 2014

Da Milano, a premium leather luxury brand in India has unveiled its Spring-Summer Collection for 2014, available at Da Milano boutiques across India.

This season Da Milano offers a wide range of leather accessories including handbags, clutches, wallets, belts, travel, business and tech accessories, available in various shades and styles.

Brighten up your summers with vibrant leather colors from the House of Da Milano. Compliment your outfit with classy, elegant yet durable leather accessories from Da Milano this spring season that cater to all categories including casual, evening and work wear.

Reflecting the mood of the season, the collection incorporates a bright and summery color palette with shades of mustard, white, peach, rose, aqua and many more. The collection gives an athletic edge to the products, emphasizing on color blocking and geometric patterns with use of techniques such as appliqué, patchwork, weaves and quilt patterns.

Da Milano’s collection varies from formal to informal occasions, business purpose and for glamour. From ladies bag to Men’s Wallet, Business folders to other accessories, you name it; you get it from our Collection. Style and exquisite looks of each product got international.


Let the vibrancy of the accessories perk up your experience and dazzle others with the exclusivity of leather colors and prints available for both men and women only at Da Milano. Not only this, now you can shop online, you just need to visit http://www.damilanoshop.com to buy the new range of Da Milano.

Actress Amanpreet Wahi turns show stopper for Rosy Ahluwalia at India Runway Week

Designer Rosy Ahluwalia unveiled her new Summer Collection over a Fashion Show on the opening day at Premia India Runway Week SE 2014 in which actress beautiful Amanpreet Wahi walked the ramp as a showstopper.  Designer Rosy Ahluwalia, a well known name in the fashion circuit unveiled her new Summer Collection over a Fashion Show at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi. The showstopper for the evening Amanpreet showcased Rosy Ahluwalia’s “Vibrant Collection” which had a mixture of colors like pink, blue, white and green. It houses a collection of Ethnic wear as a summer bride collection. One can choose from an array of collections like gowns, suits and bridal lehenga. Rosy has used lots of zardozi, swaroski and ari work in her summer collection. The exquisite and vibrant bridal wear is perfectly designed for weddings in summer where the fabric used is georgette & jewelry by Kavita Gogna gave a very ethnic and unique collection of Polki and Gold with a blend of traditional and contemporary designs.

15th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival to Showcase Exclusive Screening of Chilean Cinema

On Wednesday, April 30th, 2014 the Newport Beach Film Festival will present its 15th annual Chilean Spotlight, an evening celebration of Chilean cinema and culture. The Spotlight will screen the regional premiere of the Chilean feature film, The Summer of Flying Fish (El Verano de Los Peces Voladores).

The Summer of Flying Fish, a festival favorite at both the Cannes Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival,  focuses on Manena  (Francisca Walker) a very determined teenager, and the darling daughter of Pancho (Gregory Cohen), a rich Chilean landowner who devotes his vacations to a single obsession: the extermination of carp fish that invade his lake. As he resorts to ever more extreme methods over the course of the summer, Manena experiences her first deception in love and discovers a world that silently co-exists alongside her own: that of the Mapuche Indian workers.  The Summer of Flying Fish is directed by Marcela Said and also stars: Maria Izquierdo, Roberto Cayuqueo, Bastian Bodenhofer, Paola Lattus, Emilia Lara and Guillermo Lorca.

“The Festival is exceptionally proud to showcase such strong Latino cinema,” stated Gregg Schwenk, CEO of the Newport Beach Film Festival. “We look forward to presenting compelling contemporary works of Latino filmmakers and hosting a sensational event that celebrates Latino art and culture.”