Mumbai Mayhem- Praying For The City

First of all, I am traumatized, but safe. Thank you all for your concern and for your mails. It's been over 24 hours, and the city is under siege. I don't really know what to say. It's been a numbing and humbling experience. Numbing because of the carnage involved. Humbling, because they have shown us how vulnerable and helpless we all are. Young men, 22 to 24 years old, killing, dying for an indeterminate cause they do not understand themselves.

Both Taj and Oberoi hotels are very close to our house in Cuffe Parade. Most importantly, Taj Mahal Hotel is to Mumbai what the twin towers were to NY. It's a symbol of what the city stands for. Grand, luxurious, beautiful, enigmatic. I sat in front of the television, watching it burn, and I wept. It broke my heart, to think of all those trapped inside. We could hear the explosions, and they shook us from within. I am not a weak person. I have lived through many terror attacks on Mumbai, but today it's different. We lost the Chief of the Anti Terrorist Squad, a brave man, who fought for all of us, till his last breath. We lost many innocent people, in the hotels, at VT station and on the streets.

The TV channels were quick in giving out the names of the two terrorists killed in the cross-firing. "Abu and Ishmail", they kept repeating. Underlining their religion. But you know what, terror does not have a religion. It's just about terror. For the first time in my life, I feel fear. When I went for a walk, I saw people staring at each passerby. What has religion got to do with it? Does death choose it's victims by religion?

I just heard another explosion, a big one. I stay right opposite the World Trade Centre. We could be the next target. Soon enough, they will find us. But you know what, I am not staying in anymore. I am going to work tomorrow. Mumbai will fight back. We all will fight back.

A Slice Of India In Australia

Last week, our office took us to Sydney for a small trip. A good time was had by all. And much shopping was done. I was particulalry delighted to see this shop in Sydney, with all the lovely, colorful stuff one would usually find in India. I loved the Rajasthani patterns on the cushions, and the tiny ring boxes, among other things. After a long, tiring walk, looking for something to buy, we almost ended up buying some Indian things, all the way down under. Fortunately, good sense prevailed and we walked out, still tempted by the lovely display.

Weblog Excellence - Me???

The awesomely talented Indian Rose Fashionista has nominated me for the Brilliante Weblog Premio Award 2008! It’s an honour, and I don’t know if I am barely in the same league and Indian Rose herself! Hers is a witty, style-aware voice that I’d love to be able to come close to some day.

As a nominee, I can nominate up to seven blogs that I love. Here is the list:

1) Freelancer’s fashion Blog: Beautiful, witty and quirky, her blog makes my day. From personal style to hairstyle DIYs, she is one blog diva many emulate.

2) Plastic Paradise: One of the funniest people in the blogosphere. If there is an unusual print out there, she will find it. And her writing style is among the best I have come across.

3) Vain and Vapid: She has a great eye for style. And desserts! Her posts are eclectic, stylish, fashion-forward and hugely entertaining.

4) Be Frassy: Audrey is a true stylista in the making. Her posts are gorgeous and extremely high on style quotient. No wonder her blog is going places!

5) Style and the City: Kamel’s gorgeous street style photographs capture the spirit and essence of Paris in a way no one can even come close to. He is to Paris what Sart is to NY!

6) Into the Fray: A mix of Ambika’s fabulous personal style, her handmade beauties, and all things lovable about fashion. I have been following this blog as long as I have been blogging. And it just keeps on getting more exciting.

7) A to Z of Style: A blog with sensitivity and beauty unmatched. Joy is one of the most beautiful and talented people I know through Blogosphere. Her regular sections, like “From the pantry” are stunning visual treats that I always look forward to.

Pratishtha

Back To School - Manuel Bozzi's University Of Rock 'n' Roll

I have always liked fashion with a bit of an edge. And Italian designer Manuel Bozzi’s work fits right into the slot. Using silver, gold, precious stones, diamonds, leather and enamels, Manuel Bozzi creates fine jewellery collections that are romantic yet edgy, inspired by his strong and decisive taste. The jewels, like all things stylish are designed to last and be worn every day.

The most recent collection, “University of Rock 'n' Roll” has a strong Rock inspiration, borrowing heavily from the Keith Richards years. The three guitars belts and the alligator buckle are my favorites from that collection.




The "Keyboard 8 Ring" is an elegant jewel inspired by technology for daily luxury, a modern, non-conformist style that remains forever elegant.



As a young artist, Manuel was noticed by French designers Marithé and François Girbaud. Their collaborations—which continue on to this day—established Bozzi as a name to watch and the subsequent global success marked him as an innovator in the field.



Each handcrafted piece designed by Bozzi reflects his dedication to fine detailing. His unusual inspirations make his designs extremely unique, and intriguing. Recognizing his superior aesthetics and keen eye for the unconventional, some of the most exclusive boutiques worldwide now house Bozzi’s work. The success of his Rock ‘n’ Roll collection has urged him to plan a world-wide expansion of his vision and designs.

I can actually see these stunning designs finding their way into India. They will be such conversation pieces, more so, if some daring fashionista finds in her the courage to team them with an Indian outfit. What fun!

Where is the Winter?

It’s October, and no sign of winters. Mumbai is as warm as it was in mid-summer! The city usually has just two seasons- summer and monsoon. And both are quite inconvenient. Mumbai summers are humid. You don’t know what I am talking about till you visit the city. So I am not at all surprised that the two girls are dressed for summer. I love the prints on their dresses. And check out the flip-flops; quite appropriate for the weather.

And the lady in the second picture, I love her hair! She had so much spunk. And her clothes were so unusual for Mumbai. But she looked so cool and relaxed in them. AND she had so much spunk! Colaba is perfect for a warm day shopping so I am not surprised to see the shopping bags in both the pictures. The ladies were trying to kill the heat with some cool bargains.

Payless Goes Pink!!!

Payless has featured this super cute Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet. Payless will donate 100% of the net profits of bracelet sales to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, with a minimum guaranteed donation of $100,000. You'll also receive a $5 off $25 coupon with your purchase. So please do your bit and buy, buy, buy. It makes a great gift too! So go ahead, and do your bit.

High Heel Marathon --- Would you? Could you?

When I bought my first pair of precariously high heels, a friend gave me a long lecture on the harm they could do to my back... I went ahead and bought two more pairs, and wore my lovely stilettos everywhere. I went for walks wearing them, I went shopping, and even went to college wearing high heels. I lived my life a good few inches higher than rest of the world. Then one day, just as suddenly my love for high heels had begun, it faded. Ephemeral... yes. But the comfort of well-structured flats was difficult to resist. And till a few months back, I lived my life pretty grounded. Till I saw this gorgeous, to-die-for pair of lovely heels in a shade of orange I had never dared even look at before. And the heels were back in my life.

But even at the top of my affair with the heels, I wouldn't have dreamed of running around in them, leave alone running an actual marathon waring heels over 3-inches. But I guess $5000 cash prize and a pair of Terry Biviano heels might change all that. Like it did for hundreds of women who took part in a 80 meter world record attempt stiletto race, held at the Overseas Passenger Terminal on September 2, 2008 in Sydney, Australia. The previous world record of 150 runners, held by Holland, was broken by a neat margin, with 265 people participating in the Sydney race. I say "people" because some men were spotted running too! Well, Like I said $5000 in cash...


Image: bbc.co.uk




Winner Brittany McGlone, posing with her Golden Pump Trophy
Images: shoeminx.com

But High heels Marathon? And the crazy sport has been doing rounds across the world, with London and Manhattan having done their own rounds of "charity" high heel marathons. I guess, soon enough they will find their way into Mumbai. We already have parties for charity, so why not a marathon... And there will be enough sponsors- Relispray, Iodex, Orthopedic Departments of top hospitals.

Any takers?