“Business is better this year,” says Peter Thaba, who works at a custom tailors in Bangkok’s famous MBK shopping mall.
Like other retailers Mr. Thaba was keen to make up for losses incurred from last year’s massive anti-government protests which saw many overseas tourists think twice about visiting Thailand.
“Our customers are 100 percent foreigners. Thai’s don’t like wearing suits,” he said.
Despite the political upheaval of recent years, Australian shopping guru and author Wendy Johnson says Bangkok is still seen as a safe destination and remains an exotic location for international shoppers.
Upmarket stores such as Gucci and D&G, as well as little down the scale labels such as Spanish label Zara and Malaysian British India, she says, are easily found along with a strong array of Thai designers.
“Asian design and products are very in style around the world and the craftsmanship and stylish design of Thailand is legendary,” said Ms. Johnson. “Many young Thai designers are adapting innovative Western design with the elegance of the East.”
“[There’s] local designer such as Zenithorial, Flynow, Greyhound and Kai Boutique, and of course the attraction with Thai designers is you are taking home something new, innovative and different to what your friends will have,” said Ms. Johnson.
Shopping options in the Thai capital are varied. Its prestigious marbled malls and department stores are glamorous – the best known ones such as Siam Paragon and Emporium can be found along the city’s Sukhumvit Road.
The major malls and department stores, Ms. Johnson said, all have discount cards for tourists that are available at information counters (just remember to take your passport with you).
“Foreign visitors (however not airline crews) can also claim a refund of the 7 percent VAT refund on goods over 5,000 baht and single purchase over 2,000 per day,” she said.
“You must present your goods and VAT Refund Application for Tourists form to customs officers for inspection before you check-in, so leave extra time when you arrive at the airport,” said Ms. Johnson. Shoppers should check out the conditions prior to arriving in Bangkok she advised.
Ms. Johnson also suggests international shoppers should do some research and be aware of prices in their own country.
“There is nothing worse than arriving home to discover your exotic bargain is available for the same price just down the road,” she said.
“Good quality Thai silk is affordable and in brilliant jewel colours can look outstanding as curtains and bedcovers as well as accents items,” she said.
Outside of the air conditioned glamour malls and department stores, Bangkok also offers more adventurous shopping experiences with the weekend’s Chatuchak Market being a highlight.
“[At Chatuchak Markets it is] where many up and coming young designers try out their products. There is a lot of junk, some fun some not, but keep it to a few hours and you will enjoy,” said Ms. Johnson.
With over 15,000 booths spread over 27 acres, the Chatuchak Market is one of the biggest weekend markets in the world. Beyond fashion items there are antiques, art, jewellery and exotic pets that can be found up for sale.
The market’s website says it has over 200,000 visitors on each day of the weekend and estimates that 30 percent of those are overseas visitors.
Bargaining or haggling is the way to buy at the market but there’s no one set of rules says Cat Nongnapad a vendor who sells her “Crazy Cat” handmade slippers, mostly to overseas buyers.
“The more slippers you buy the bigger discount you get,” she says adding that her business also does wholesale.
Many of the Chatuchak Market’s booths, such as that occupied by artist Sontaya Mameemai, can also arrange shipping and packaging of any purchased goods. In his case, Mr. Sontaya assists with the shipping of those larger acrylic works of art painted onto wood panelling or corrugated iron that he sells to foreign customers.
This year Chatuchak Market is also partaking in selling of locally made products made under the One Tambon One Product scheme which have been included in this year’s “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale” that is usually a huge shopping festival associated with brand-names.
In its 14th year, this nationwide sale runs from June 15 to August 15 and is organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand together with VISA International and tourism related agencies.
On an end note Ms. Johnson added that the city’s traffic congestion offers some challenges to visitors but offered one more piece of good advice.
“The traffic can be a major problem especially if you have limited time and want to see and do as much as possible, a good alternative is the sky train or the metro across the city and then use a taxi at the end of your journey if it is too far from the station to walk,” said Ms. Johnson.
2011年5月31日星期二
2011年5月29日星期日
Are Dubai residents suffering from brand addiction?
Karen Thompson loves to shop. Her motto in life is ‘Forget the diamonds, when you have plastic as your best friend'. Plastic, of course, refers to her trusty old credit card (or five) that facilitate her expeditions with faith and finesse.
While most would gauge that Thompson suffers from your average compulsive shopping disorder those who know her realise it's much more than that. For Thompson leads a life suffering from obsessive brand disorder.
“Nothing but the best will do,” says close friend Stacey Josephs. “If it's a t-shirt, it has to be D&G; the shoes come from Bruno Magli's finest and even her kids aren't spared the Armani Junior fashion parade.”
So, what is it about the tag that makes her tick? Dr Amit Sethi, specialist psychologist describes this as a basic onset of an addiction. “Addictive disorders are characterised by the failure to control behaviour, an increased tension prior to a behaviour and pleasure while experiencing the behaviour.”
In Thompson's case, this addiction has escalated to the extent that it has placed her family in a deep financial debt.
Shopoholic anonymous
Compulsive brand buying has become the new buzz phrase in the industry, where big brand names are often made out to be the villains in the scenario.
Says Marcus Fernandez, a media buyer in Dubai: “Companies today realise that people in Dubai have a much higher disposable income, because let's face it, we are a relatively tax free society who are also quite media savvy. The full page advertisements and the giant bill boards down Sheikh Zayed Road prove that ‘yes, people are watching and more importantly, they are spending'.”
Today, a simple trip down to the Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates has become an advertising opportunity. If the giant popular travel agency hoarding is any indication, then people are not only taking noticing and getting influenced.
Dr Sethi adds that heavy advertising plays a major role as a psychological influencer in people opting for the particular brand they do. “Also, these days brands are being heavily endorsed by prominent celebrities whom people look up to as national heroes, role models, or just someone they like to emulate or follow.”
Case in point is popular Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram, and her endorsement of the soft drink giant Coca Cola industries. Not one to be left behind, David Beckham-Pepsi, Gwen Stefani-Chanel and even popular Indian icon Amitabh Bachchan and Tanishq jewellery are fine examples.
Keeping up with the Jones'
In a place like Dubai though, research has shown that buying habits are influenced by a lot more than mere public adverts.
Says Fashionista Majorie Williams, a personal wardrobe consultant in Dubai: “People in Dubai have their finger on the pulse when it comes to things like fashion. And when they see that a particular brand of jeans, shoes or fashion accessory has becomes the latest ‘in' thing, then they want to be among the first to grab it and show it off.”
Dr Sethi says that the landscape of the world we live in has changed considerably, becoming very competitive on all levels. Be it kids in high school or university, people working in lower-, middle- or senior-management and more importantly, even the type of home they live in - everything has to be on display.
Shalini Sharma, an advertising executive, explains: “Dubai is very materialistic, which is why a lot of the women here end up with an inferiority complex. At the end of the day, keeping up with the Jones' is not an easy job, you have to have the mansion in the Arabian Ranches, your 2.5 kids studying in JESS, seen shopping for groceries at Spinneys, while juggling your hair appointment on the iPhone 4, as you pick up the kids from ballet in the Maserati.
“And if handling all that isn't enough, your designer sunglasses, skinny jeans and ballet shoes have to be seen and admired by all and sundry.”
Dr Sethi describes this phenomenon as a basic thirst in all strata of society to have an improved quality of life given the increased exposure to what everyone else is doing/buying/having.
“If one home purchases a BMW in a certain locality, it is bound that there is pressure on other homes to own a similar or better car. To get one up, households compete, therefore, there is a constant urge to keep up to the societal expectations and societal statuses,” he says.
Although debatable, the underlying reasons are most often associated to a sense of power, self-confidence and a role identity in the society. “Dubai is a very materialistic and socially structured society. What you wear, drive or where you shop clearly associates you to a particular class of the society. Therefore in my opinion it comes across as a big deal in Dubai,” Dr Sethi further explains.
“It is strange though that in the US, which is arguably the biggest influencer on any form of brand buying, trends show that people are moving away from the big brands and opting for more generic options,” states Fernandez.
“Famous architect Karim Rashid recently gave a talk on brand shopping, and it was interesting to see that he name dropped celebrities like Alec Baldwin and Sarah Jessica Parker giving the Armanis' and Saks Fifth Avenue a skip to shop at the chain clothing store GAP. So, what we see today around us is mainly a Dubai thing.”
Make the cut
While Josephs and Thompson's husband took the extreme route and cut up Karen's credit cards, Dr Sethi suggests looking behind the emotional reactions and searching out answers for the cause.
“Depression, boredom or emotional distress is what usually sets off an impulse to shop,” he suggests. “Because shopping gives compulsive brand buyers a sort of euphoria or a ‘high', they go down this route looking for some comfort.”
Unfortunately, this vulnerable state makes them extremely dependant on advertising as a guide and therefore they will buy things to make them feel more powerful, attractive, or secure.
But Dr Sethi warns that this can end up as a vicious cycle. “There is usually a phase of feeling letdown, followed by guilt over the wasted money or debt. This leads to depression, which can set off another episode of compulsive buying.”
Treatment of compulsive shopping may be more complicated than treating a physical addiction, like drug or alcohol abuse, because shopping is not something that can be avoided altogether.
“Compulsive shopping is similar to the condition of compulsive overeating where the pattern of compulsive behaviour must be addressed in order to get the shopping to a normal, healthy level. There are some things the compulsive shopper can do to help get their shopping down to a normal level,” states Dr Sethi.
This may include things like avoiding temptation, making funds difficult to access or distracting self with another activity when there is an impulse to shop. While these methods can greatly help towards recovery, professional help is still essential.
“It's very important that psychological problems are identified and treated. Without proper treatment, compulsive shoppers may stop shopping only to replace the object of their affection with other compulsive and or addictive behaviours,” warns Dr Sethi.
While most would gauge that Thompson suffers from your average compulsive shopping disorder those who know her realise it's much more than that. For Thompson leads a life suffering from obsessive brand disorder.
“Nothing but the best will do,” says close friend Stacey Josephs. “If it's a t-shirt, it has to be D&G; the shoes come from Bruno Magli's finest and even her kids aren't spared the Armani Junior fashion parade.”
So, what is it about the tag that makes her tick? Dr Amit Sethi, specialist psychologist describes this as a basic onset of an addiction. “Addictive disorders are characterised by the failure to control behaviour, an increased tension prior to a behaviour and pleasure while experiencing the behaviour.”
In Thompson's case, this addiction has escalated to the extent that it has placed her family in a deep financial debt.
Shopoholic anonymous
Compulsive brand buying has become the new buzz phrase in the industry, where big brand names are often made out to be the villains in the scenario.
Says Marcus Fernandez, a media buyer in Dubai: “Companies today realise that people in Dubai have a much higher disposable income, because let's face it, we are a relatively tax free society who are also quite media savvy. The full page advertisements and the giant bill boards down Sheikh Zayed Road prove that ‘yes, people are watching and more importantly, they are spending'.”
Today, a simple trip down to the Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates has become an advertising opportunity. If the giant popular travel agency hoarding is any indication, then people are not only taking noticing and getting influenced.
Dr Sethi adds that heavy advertising plays a major role as a psychological influencer in people opting for the particular brand they do. “Also, these days brands are being heavily endorsed by prominent celebrities whom people look up to as national heroes, role models, or just someone they like to emulate or follow.”
Case in point is popular Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram, and her endorsement of the soft drink giant Coca Cola industries. Not one to be left behind, David Beckham-Pepsi, Gwen Stefani-Chanel and even popular Indian icon Amitabh Bachchan and Tanishq jewellery are fine examples.
Keeping up with the Jones'
In a place like Dubai though, research has shown that buying habits are influenced by a lot more than mere public adverts.
Says Fashionista Majorie Williams, a personal wardrobe consultant in Dubai: “People in Dubai have their finger on the pulse when it comes to things like fashion. And when they see that a particular brand of jeans, shoes or fashion accessory has becomes the latest ‘in' thing, then they want to be among the first to grab it and show it off.”
Dr Sethi says that the landscape of the world we live in has changed considerably, becoming very competitive on all levels. Be it kids in high school or university, people working in lower-, middle- or senior-management and more importantly, even the type of home they live in - everything has to be on display.
Shalini Sharma, an advertising executive, explains: “Dubai is very materialistic, which is why a lot of the women here end up with an inferiority complex. At the end of the day, keeping up with the Jones' is not an easy job, you have to have the mansion in the Arabian Ranches, your 2.5 kids studying in JESS, seen shopping for groceries at Spinneys, while juggling your hair appointment on the iPhone 4, as you pick up the kids from ballet in the Maserati.
“And if handling all that isn't enough, your designer sunglasses, skinny jeans and ballet shoes have to be seen and admired by all and sundry.”
Dr Sethi describes this phenomenon as a basic thirst in all strata of society to have an improved quality of life given the increased exposure to what everyone else is doing/buying/having.
“If one home purchases a BMW in a certain locality, it is bound that there is pressure on other homes to own a similar or better car. To get one up, households compete, therefore, there is a constant urge to keep up to the societal expectations and societal statuses,” he says.
Although debatable, the underlying reasons are most often associated to a sense of power, self-confidence and a role identity in the society. “Dubai is a very materialistic and socially structured society. What you wear, drive or where you shop clearly associates you to a particular class of the society. Therefore in my opinion it comes across as a big deal in Dubai,” Dr Sethi further explains.
“It is strange though that in the US, which is arguably the biggest influencer on any form of brand buying, trends show that people are moving away from the big brands and opting for more generic options,” states Fernandez.
“Famous architect Karim Rashid recently gave a talk on brand shopping, and it was interesting to see that he name dropped celebrities like Alec Baldwin and Sarah Jessica Parker giving the Armanis' and Saks Fifth Avenue a skip to shop at the chain clothing store GAP. So, what we see today around us is mainly a Dubai thing.”
Make the cut
While Josephs and Thompson's husband took the extreme route and cut up Karen's credit cards, Dr Sethi suggests looking behind the emotional reactions and searching out answers for the cause.
“Depression, boredom or emotional distress is what usually sets off an impulse to shop,” he suggests. “Because shopping gives compulsive brand buyers a sort of euphoria or a ‘high', they go down this route looking for some comfort.”
Unfortunately, this vulnerable state makes them extremely dependant on advertising as a guide and therefore they will buy things to make them feel more powerful, attractive, or secure.
But Dr Sethi warns that this can end up as a vicious cycle. “There is usually a phase of feeling letdown, followed by guilt over the wasted money or debt. This leads to depression, which can set off another episode of compulsive buying.”
Treatment of compulsive shopping may be more complicated than treating a physical addiction, like drug or alcohol abuse, because shopping is not something that can be avoided altogether.
“Compulsive shopping is similar to the condition of compulsive overeating where the pattern of compulsive behaviour must be addressed in order to get the shopping to a normal, healthy level. There are some things the compulsive shopper can do to help get their shopping down to a normal level,” states Dr Sethi.
This may include things like avoiding temptation, making funds difficult to access or distracting self with another activity when there is an impulse to shop. While these methods can greatly help towards recovery, professional help is still essential.
“It's very important that psychological problems are identified and treated. Without proper treatment, compulsive shoppers may stop shopping only to replace the object of their affection with other compulsive and or addictive behaviours,” warns Dr Sethi.
2011年5月25日星期三
Office sale- up to 50% off
Office are usually pretty generous with the discount, so it’s time to stockpile those summer shoes now- without parting with too much cash on the whim of a trend or two. These Martha Prairee platforms, both designs £36 down from £72, instantly call to mind the D&G SS11 show- full of garden florals, and the perfect seasonal mood swinger.
2011年5月23日星期一
Dame Shirley Bassey Makes Celebrity Donation To Charity Shop
The Welsh diva has dropped off bags of top designer clothes and shoes at the George Street Barnardo's charity shop in Marylebone. Donations include a Ralph Lauren cardigan, Sonia Rykiel skirt and Davos Gomma and Paul Mayer Shoes.
Shop Manager, Russell Lewendon, said: ‘We are over the moon with this generous donation. There has already been a lot of interest in the items so people need to get down here fast if they want to snap up a celebrity bargain! It's great that Dame Shirley thought of us, as although we welcome all donations, it's a special treat to be able to sell the clothes of such a star".
In the past the Marylebone shop has seen similarly top notch donations from Jonathan Ross, Dame Helen Mirren, Rosamund Pike, Kate Winslet and model Laura Bailey. Michelle Collins and Melinda Messenger also attended the opening of the store in November 2006. Top designer names that have been found in the shop include Jenny Packham, Ben de Lisi, D&G, Gurani Stock and Vivienne Westwood.
All funds raised from the sale of these celebrity goods will go towards Barnardo's vital work turning around the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people throughout the UK. This includes work with children affected by today's most urgent issues: poverty, homelessness, disability, bereavement and abuse.
The Barnardo's Marylebone shop is located at 7 George Street, Marylebone, London W1U 3QH.
Shop Manager, Russell Lewendon, said: ‘We are over the moon with this generous donation. There has already been a lot of interest in the items so people need to get down here fast if they want to snap up a celebrity bargain! It's great that Dame Shirley thought of us, as although we welcome all donations, it's a special treat to be able to sell the clothes of such a star".
In the past the Marylebone shop has seen similarly top notch donations from Jonathan Ross, Dame Helen Mirren, Rosamund Pike, Kate Winslet and model Laura Bailey. Michelle Collins and Melinda Messenger also attended the opening of the store in November 2006. Top designer names that have been found in the shop include Jenny Packham, Ben de Lisi, D&G, Gurani Stock and Vivienne Westwood.
All funds raised from the sale of these celebrity goods will go towards Barnardo's vital work turning around the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people throughout the UK. This includes work with children affected by today's most urgent issues: poverty, homelessness, disability, bereavement and abuse.
The Barnardo's Marylebone shop is located at 7 George Street, Marylebone, London W1U 3QH.
2011年5月19日星期四
Adriana Lima vs Amber Heard - Who wore it best?
Guaranteed to make you feel bad about yourself, a Victoria Secrets Angel wearing the same dress as you!
Stunning Brazilian model Adriana Lima wore this floral and leopard print dress by Dolce & Gabbana last week. She teamed it with killer peep toe black heels and simple gold jewellery. The body con dress shows off her amazing figure and the leopard prints tones complement her olive skin tone, well jeal!
American Actress, Amber Heard was also snapped wearing the same dress back in January at the Pre-Golden Globes New York Times Style Magazine dinner in LA. The film star kept in simple with black court shoes and a small black clutch. Not sure whether her pasty legs are doing justice to this uber sexy dress D&G dress though?
You decide, who wore it best?
Me and 35mm
I'd certainly not consider myself a model, not by any stretch of the imagination. I know what a model is, and I'm not one of them. But one of the countless upsides to being the Editor of a publication like Fashionising.com is that you often get to wear different hats (yes, both literally and figuratively). You also get to meet, get to work with, get to know and love, some really great and talented people. When Lyndel Yeo and Daniel Jackson from 35mm photography asked if I'd do a shoot with them my thought bubble was of a few casual snaps in someone's backyard. But instead it turned out to be quite a luxurious affair at boutique Melbourne hotel The Blackman, with some amazing garments pulled together by the team from Melbourne Stylists. They pretty much had to prise the D&G; silk slips and Stella McCartney shoes from my hands (and feet), so perfectly chosen was their bounty.
Perhaps it's the luxury of not being in front of the camera for a living, but working on these kind of projects with the amazing people we get to meet every day becomes kind of like the fun mucking around you'd do with a bunch of friends. Aside from the genuinely fun time I had lounging around in a hotel room in D&G;, drinking wine and singing along (rather badly) to Feetwood Mac, it was also completely interesting - as shoots always are - watching the team at work. With constant pampering from hairstylist Sharah Fitzgerald and makeup artist Fiona Hughes the day went by quickly and without a dull moment. And, it must be said, Lyndel and Daniel make a fantastic team.
Perhaps it's the luxury of not being in front of the camera for a living, but working on these kind of projects with the amazing people we get to meet every day becomes kind of like the fun mucking around you'd do with a bunch of friends. Aside from the genuinely fun time I had lounging around in a hotel room in D&G;, drinking wine and singing along (rather badly) to Feetwood Mac, it was also completely interesting - as shoots always are - watching the team at work. With constant pampering from hairstylist Sharah Fitzgerald and makeup artist Fiona Hughes the day went by quickly and without a dull moment. And, it must be said, Lyndel and Daniel make a fantastic team.
2011年5月17日星期二
Io ballo da sola
Tra i look visti in passerella: per esempio, il long dress floreale, a balze, che ricorda quello che Lucy indossa mentre balla nella sala affrescata, di Alberta Ferretti. Corto e teen: il vestito a fiorellini di D&G. Candide: le proposta in tema di Dolce&Gabbana e Francis Montesinos.
Pezzi basici per vivere il trend: dal top leggero, in seta, con stampa cheers di D&G agli shorts, in corone e seta, di Ermanno Scervino. In denim scuro: lo chemisier di 7 for All Mankind. Con spalline sottili: il mini abito fantasia di Maria La Rosa. Con maxi skirt: la versione di Replay.
Tra gli accessori ideali: le ballerine in pelle intrecciata, latte e menta, di Lottusse, o quelle bicolori di Car Shoe. In testa: lo straw hat a tesa larga di Alberta Ferretti. Come bijoux: gli orecchini colorati di Hoss Intropia.
Pezzi basici per vivere il trend: dal top leggero, in seta, con stampa cheers di D&G agli shorts, in corone e seta, di Ermanno Scervino. In denim scuro: lo chemisier di 7 for All Mankind. Con spalline sottili: il mini abito fantasia di Maria La Rosa. Con maxi skirt: la versione di Replay.
Tra gli accessori ideali: le ballerine in pelle intrecciata, latte e menta, di Lottusse, o quelle bicolori di Car Shoe. In testa: lo straw hat a tesa larga di Alberta Ferretti. Come bijoux: gli orecchini colorati di Hoss Intropia.
2011年5月15日星期日
Strutting their stuff
Men of all ages and sizes took to the streets to strut their stuff in bright red stilettos in support of a good cause.
The Sexual Assault Support Services for Women (SASS) of S,D&G and Akwesasne invited men to "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" to raise funds and raise awareness of sexual assault, rape and violence towards women.
"We wanted to do something a little more inclusive to men," said Lisa Montroy, special events co-ordinator with SASS.
The event is the first of its kind in Cornwall but has been done in cities across the United States and Canada.
Previously, an event was held called "Take Back the Night" where women would march against rape and violence against women.
Montroy explained that the "Take Back the Night" event involved mostly women so they wanted to do something which involved more participation from men.
About 40 men showed up in groups or alone with their money which was raised and walked down Water Street from Pitt Street down to Augustus Street and back.
"We had a good turn out considering the weather especially," said Montroy.
Prizes were handed out for the most flamboyant walk strut, coolest catwalk, best strut as well as a trophy for the team that raised the most money and the person who raised the most money.
"We're really quite pleased with all the participation today," said Montroy.
The Sexual Assault Support Services for Women (SASS) of S,D&G and Akwesasne invited men to "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" to raise funds and raise awareness of sexual assault, rape and violence towards women.
"We wanted to do something a little more inclusive to men," said Lisa Montroy, special events co-ordinator with SASS.
The event is the first of its kind in Cornwall but has been done in cities across the United States and Canada.
Previously, an event was held called "Take Back the Night" where women would march against rape and violence against women.
Montroy explained that the "Take Back the Night" event involved mostly women so they wanted to do something which involved more participation from men.
About 40 men showed up in groups or alone with their money which was raised and walked down Water Street from Pitt Street down to Augustus Street and back.
"We had a good turn out considering the weather especially," said Montroy.
Prizes were handed out for the most flamboyant walk strut, coolest catwalk, best strut as well as a trophy for the team that raised the most money and the person who raised the most money.
"We're really quite pleased with all the participation today," said Montroy.
2011年5月11日星期三
Walking shoes
About thirty years ago, in a huge gymnasium at UCSB, I was afforded the opportunity to hear the Dalai Lama.
I confess, being in my unenlightened mid-twenties, I saw His Holiness as a celebrity rather than a spiritual leader and exiled leader of Tibet. I never claimed to be the sharpest knife in the drawer, you understand.
So I neglected to bring a pad of paper to take notes.
He spoke no English to us, so it was a slow and gentle evening of quiet words, translated methodically for us California-college types.
Having no record of the evening, one memorable wisdom story stood out I'd like to paraphrase for you. It's a great piece of advice from a startling source.
My perception of the Dalai Lama was that his was a life of learning compassion through suffering. Like Jesus, who I consider my teacher, but another who also taught things that didn't really sound anything like, “Heartily welcome martyrdom.”
Both preach joy and love and life. And there are certainly consequences to living a life devoted to peace and justice. Check out Mohandas Gandhi. Or Dr. King.
But here's the parable I've remembered that illustrates the wisdom often found in great spirituality:
“On the road of life there are many sticks, stones, and bits of glass. And we all have a choice. We can go through our lives, stopping to notice and remove every impediment to our journey. We can pick up every stick, stone, or piece of glass. Yes, we can do that. Or we can wear shoes.”
The gym burst into laughter and applause. I learned more about the Dalai Lama's spirit in that one simple story than all the good books I've read by Pema Chodron combined.
Three decades later, I'm still working on applying that one wonderful piece of advice.
So what's the best wisdom you ever heard? Have you passed it on?
Shalom!
I confess, being in my unenlightened mid-twenties, I saw His Holiness as a celebrity rather than a spiritual leader and exiled leader of Tibet. I never claimed to be the sharpest knife in the drawer, you understand.
So I neglected to bring a pad of paper to take notes.
He spoke no English to us, so it was a slow and gentle evening of quiet words, translated methodically for us California-college types.
Having no record of the evening, one memorable wisdom story stood out I'd like to paraphrase for you. It's a great piece of advice from a startling source.
My perception of the Dalai Lama was that his was a life of learning compassion through suffering. Like Jesus, who I consider my teacher, but another who also taught things that didn't really sound anything like, “Heartily welcome martyrdom.”
Both preach joy and love and life. And there are certainly consequences to living a life devoted to peace and justice. Check out Mohandas Gandhi. Or Dr. King.
But here's the parable I've remembered that illustrates the wisdom often found in great spirituality:
“On the road of life there are many sticks, stones, and bits of glass. And we all have a choice. We can go through our lives, stopping to notice and remove every impediment to our journey. We can pick up every stick, stone, or piece of glass. Yes, we can do that. Or we can wear shoes.”
The gym burst into laughter and applause. I learned more about the Dalai Lama's spirit in that one simple story than all the good books I've read by Pema Chodron combined.
Three decades later, I'm still working on applying that one wonderful piece of advice.
So what's the best wisdom you ever heard? Have you passed it on?
Shalom!
2011年5月9日星期一
Soldier from Minot delivers thanks
Minot's generosity might be too much of a good thing for the Army, but it's a source of pride for Army Maj. Gary Kramlich.
Kramlich, the son of Gary and Glory Kramlich of Minot, told the Minot Kiwanis Club recently that his pride in Minot was worth the dust-up with Army officials after the area's shoe donations overwhelmed the military's postal service. Thousands of people in Afghanistan didn't go barefoot last winter because of Minot.
"I was very grateful and very proud to be a part of that," Kramlich said. "Minot made a impact on people who may never know - certainly may never visit - Minot, but certainly benefited, and are grateful to them for the outpouring of warmth and heartfelt sentiment."
Kramlich learned of the need for shoes for the people of Afghanistan during a site survey there. Children were walking around in snow without shoes. Kramlich saw humanitarian groups delivering international donations so he asked his mother, Glory Kramlich, in Minot to see if the parents at the daycare where she worked would be willing to donate shoes that their children no longer needed.
Several months later, in August 2009, his mother sent him a Web link to a Minot Daily News article that showed his parents standing by a moving truck with the sign, "Afghan shoe donations."
"I thought, ‘Oh, here we go. This isn't going to be a couple of boxes of shoes.' This ended up being a couple shipping containers worth of shoes. That gave me enough time to start energizing the system on my end. And it was overwhelming," Kramlich said.
High points of the campaign included the involvement of Jim Hill Middle School students in collecting shoes and raising $351. Quilters at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church gave 100 quilts. Thomas Hinzpeter at Mayflower Transit Co. lent a warehouse and a truck that was loaded and unloaded six times.
At the height of Christmas shipments, the Army asked Kramlich to turn off the flow of shoes and blankets because the number of overall packages was more than its system could handle. Kramlich didn't notify his mother right away, and more packages came, causing Army officials to take Kramlich to task.
"They (shoes) got sent back and I wasn't happy about that. There was a lot of drama," he said. "The postmaster at the Minot Post Office didn't get the word. He thought, obviously, they wouldn't send the shoes back that it was a mistake. So he sent them again."
When the shoes returned, exasperated Army officials called Kramlich on the carpet again.
"It did create a dust-up," he said. However, this time the shoes stayed.
Operation Care had coordinated the shoe and blanket deliveries through various aid groups. The Army itself gave away shoes and other donations when its civil affairs unit met with community leaders in Afghanistan.
The end of the campaign still left a garage full of shoes at his parents' home. The senior Gary Kramlich said the response was difficult to cut off and shoes kept coming. That's when the Kramlichs connected with Soles4Souls, a St. Louis, Mo., based charity that was providing shoes to Haiti at the time.
"That became a way to get them to people in need that met the intent of everyone involved," the younger Kramlich said.
Mile One Running Shop in Minot later established a drop-off point for donations to Soles4Souls.
Kramlich ended his deployment to Afghanistan last June and has been stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., with his wife and three daughters.
He returns to Afghanistan this fall but said he's not ready to commit to another shoe campaign just yet.
"I have to get there first and see what the system can handle before I say anything official. But it certainly was overwhelming. I was very proud to represent the community of Minot there. I did get to hand out some shoes to kids who were obviously in need," he said. "I look forward to having that impact again."
Kramlich, the son of Gary and Glory Kramlich of Minot, told the Minot Kiwanis Club recently that his pride in Minot was worth the dust-up with Army officials after the area's shoe donations overwhelmed the military's postal service. Thousands of people in Afghanistan didn't go barefoot last winter because of Minot.
"I was very grateful and very proud to be a part of that," Kramlich said. "Minot made a impact on people who may never know - certainly may never visit - Minot, but certainly benefited, and are grateful to them for the outpouring of warmth and heartfelt sentiment."
Kramlich learned of the need for shoes for the people of Afghanistan during a site survey there. Children were walking around in snow without shoes. Kramlich saw humanitarian groups delivering international donations so he asked his mother, Glory Kramlich, in Minot to see if the parents at the daycare where she worked would be willing to donate shoes that their children no longer needed.
Several months later, in August 2009, his mother sent him a Web link to a Minot Daily News article that showed his parents standing by a moving truck with the sign, "Afghan shoe donations."
"I thought, ‘Oh, here we go. This isn't going to be a couple of boxes of shoes.' This ended up being a couple shipping containers worth of shoes. That gave me enough time to start energizing the system on my end. And it was overwhelming," Kramlich said.
High points of the campaign included the involvement of Jim Hill Middle School students in collecting shoes and raising $351. Quilters at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church gave 100 quilts. Thomas Hinzpeter at Mayflower Transit Co. lent a warehouse and a truck that was loaded and unloaded six times.
At the height of Christmas shipments, the Army asked Kramlich to turn off the flow of shoes and blankets because the number of overall packages was more than its system could handle. Kramlich didn't notify his mother right away, and more packages came, causing Army officials to take Kramlich to task.
"They (shoes) got sent back and I wasn't happy about that. There was a lot of drama," he said. "The postmaster at the Minot Post Office didn't get the word. He thought, obviously, they wouldn't send the shoes back that it was a mistake. So he sent them again."
When the shoes returned, exasperated Army officials called Kramlich on the carpet again.
"It did create a dust-up," he said. However, this time the shoes stayed.
Operation Care had coordinated the shoe and blanket deliveries through various aid groups. The Army itself gave away shoes and other donations when its civil affairs unit met with community leaders in Afghanistan.
The end of the campaign still left a garage full of shoes at his parents' home. The senior Gary Kramlich said the response was difficult to cut off and shoes kept coming. That's when the Kramlichs connected with Soles4Souls, a St. Louis, Mo., based charity that was providing shoes to Haiti at the time.
"That became a way to get them to people in need that met the intent of everyone involved," the younger Kramlich said.
Mile One Running Shop in Minot later established a drop-off point for donations to Soles4Souls.
Kramlich ended his deployment to Afghanistan last June and has been stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., with his wife and three daughters.
He returns to Afghanistan this fall but said he's not ready to commit to another shoe campaign just yet.
"I have to get there first and see what the system can handle before I say anything official. But it certainly was overwhelming. I was very proud to represent the community of Minot there. I did get to hand out some shoes to kids who were obviously in need," he said. "I look forward to having that impact again."
2011年5月5日星期四
BREAKING: THANKS TO HEAL "DRESSING THE MAN!
You get out of a story that you broke your heart? You think that love is definitely not for you and that all men are cads, remaining polite? Stop! To change your ideas, test your seduction potential and / or make your ex jealous, take a look at this new site, titled "Man dressing." During registration (free for girls), you indicate you are looking for an emergency bandage, a dressing of revenge, or outright support of a dressing to meet! The men on the site want to show they are not all garbage. They share with you their availability and indicate whether they are starters for a walk, a drink or dinner. Whether you dream of an ear or a crazy game of legs in the air, you do (almost) to make your choice! Man dressing chic version of human tissue?
Cara Delevigne
Simple and easy, but once again full of appeal: the outfit of the young model, former spokesperson of the campaign Spring Summer 2011 of Burberry Prorsum (Shot by Mario Testino) and younger sister Poppy Delevigne style icon.
To reproduce the look with which Cara was photographed last February during London Fashion weeek we start from the black tank top in lightweight silk, Alberta Ferretti, or the white model, with ruffles and polka dots tone on tone, Aglini. Alternative discrete but intriguing: the body of Max Mara. Voted elegant solution: the two-tone blouse, silk Gianfranco Ferre.
Above: instead of the jacket with zip, you can opt for the collarless, in quilted leather, D & G. Be matched with a pair of jeans, for example, 7 for All Mankind Heavy or Project. Another possibility: the five pockets, denim delavè brought by Replay.
Among the accessories that complete and give personality to the whole: the irony of golden necklace Elie Saab. Or: the fine chain, gold locket with, Delfina Fendi Delettrez. A redesigned classic: the proposal in silver, with a cross, Youth Raspini.
At the foot: a choice, and provocative women's shoes by Givenchy lace-ups, amphibians vintage leather, with studs of Ash. For bikers: the boots, studded with micro skulls, John Richmond.
To reproduce the look with which Cara was photographed last February during London Fashion weeek we start from the black tank top in lightweight silk, Alberta Ferretti, or the white model, with ruffles and polka dots tone on tone, Aglini. Alternative discrete but intriguing: the body of Max Mara. Voted elegant solution: the two-tone blouse, silk Gianfranco Ferre.
Above: instead of the jacket with zip, you can opt for the collarless, in quilted leather, D & G. Be matched with a pair of jeans, for example, 7 for All Mankind Heavy or Project. Another possibility: the five pockets, denim delavè brought by Replay.
Among the accessories that complete and give personality to the whole: the irony of golden necklace Elie Saab. Or: the fine chain, gold locket with, Delfina Fendi Delettrez. A redesigned classic: the proposal in silver, with a cross, Youth Raspini.
At the foot: a choice, and provocative women's shoes by Givenchy lace-ups, amphibians vintage leather, with studs of Ash. For bikers: the boots, studded with micro skulls, John Richmond.
2011年5月3日星期二
Clicking their heels
Consumers are quick to buy electronics, books, and games online. But when it comes to fashion or luxury items, they often think twice.
When you go shopping, you wear the shirt to see whether it fits you. You try on the shoes to see if you are comfortable walking in them. And you put on the shades to see whether or not they suit your face. This touch-and-feel aspect of shopping is absent in the online process, and discrepancies in sizing can become an issue. But fashion brands are being sold online, and there are people – in the region and abroad – buying them.
Narain Jashanmal, general manager of Jashanmal Bookstores says, “If you look at how luxury has been successful online elsewhere in the world, the ready-to-wear stuff has been difficult unless there is huge price event, like an online shopping club. In the States, you’ve got Gilt Groupe, and here you have got Sukar.com. They’ve done very well. But then again, it is a lot about facilitating private sales, rather than pure e-commerce.”
While accessories sell better than garments online, it takes a big price discount to push clothes shoppers over the hurdle presented by the variability of sizing and style.
Sukar.com is an “invitation-only” online shopping club that offers members a chance to buy fashion brands online. It was formed by the Jabbar Internet Group, which owns a number of e-commerce websites in the region including Souq.com, CashU, Tahadi, Ikoo and Cobone.
Sukar hosts two- to three-day online sales events where members can get discounts of up to 90 percent on top brands in fashion and lifestyle products, says Saygin Yalcin, Sukar’s CEO. New members are invited to join by existing ones or advertising partners*. Some of the brands on sale include D&G, Ferrari, Georgio Armani and Gucci.
The short duration of the sales allows Sukar to shift a high volume of discounted stock in a short timeframe.
And online sales don’t take customers out of stores, says Yalkin. “We have seen that people do not replace their shopping behavior by shopping at shopping clubs,” he says. “On the contrary, we have seen that brands featured on shopping clubs have enjoyed an increase of up to 15 percent offline.”
Yalcin says the Sukar model works because members can purchase top brands at large discounts, and brands feel comfortable offering the discounts because of the exclusivity of the club’s invitation-only policy. “We can sell their stock to an exclusive, controlled circle of friends. That is very important, especially if you are dealing with top brands. They value that you do not put their stock somewhere in an outlet so everyone sees it with big signs saying ‘70 to 90 percent off,’” he says. “They don’t want that.”
When it comes to moving sales online, “We can definitely say that luxury and the affluent world has been very much slower than the contemporary and mass-market brands,” adds Yalcin.
At the moment, Sukar is one of the few websites in the region selling fashion brands online. However, more are bound to follow. The company behind local retail website Nahel.com is preparing to launch VanityIs.com, where consumers can buy apparel, handbags, perfumes, shoes and accessories. (Nahel declined to elaborate on the project at this stage.)
Retailers are still trying on different styles of site, to see what will suit them and the region. Online shopping might mean risking the wrong size from time to time, but that squeeze could be worth the risk if it lets consumers stretch their budgets enough.
The Cult of Perfection
“Can you see those awful stretch marks on Malaika's stomach? What's the point of looking so good in a dress if your skin looks like that under it," a bottle blonde stranger in a leopard print jumpsuit whispered conspiratorially to me.
I was at a party in Mumbai, with a mad amalgam of artists,
designers, bankers, filmmakers, businessmen and fashionistas in attendance. With Judith Leibers clutched tightly against Hervé Léger bandage dresses and Louboutin-clad feet being crossed, what was making the evening a little surreal was the free flowing Bollinger, the heady mix of cocktails and the tiny white pills that promised happiness.
It was then that I was accosted by what seemed like a big cat on the prowl who had decided to air her views on an unsuspecting guest's body. This was typical at these parties where people you barely knew think it is acceptable to sidle up to you and comment on how you and others look. They even manage to slip in a tone of concern. If, God forbid, your brow gets furrowed, they will touch your forehead and click their tongues vexedly (which, thanks to Botox, is now the only means they have to show disapproval) and say, “why don't you get rid of these lines darling, I know a fabulous guy."
The extent of Commenting unfavourably on people's appearances has now become de rigueur. It has reached the point that the social expectation is that even lay people have to always be well turned out and perfectly coiffured. Their nails have to be buffed till they shine and not an extra inch of fat should be on display. Botox and fillers should banish age and no cowardice should be exhibited at the idea of underarm surgery so the sweat ring daren't appear on that couture dress.
The pressure to look good constantly has gotten so bad that many celebrities and socialites will just not step out of their homes without makeup, a blow dry and a designer outfit on, even if they are just running errands.
India is still a far cry from Hollywood where publications like The National Enquirer or The Star pay photographers $2 million to catch a celebrity wearing sweat pants, with a tyre of fat or a zit on display. In fact, international A-listers are so paranoid about being caught off-guard that Victoria Beckham apparently once said that she wakes up three hours before she takes her children to school to do her hair, makeup, clothes and accessories. Just so she can look the part for the paparazzi when she drops the kids off at the school gate.
But between Facebook, Twitter, blogging and even the mobile phone camera, the chance of catching an Indian celebrity unawares is high. It doesn't help that Indian websites and blogs like High Heel Confidential and Miss Malini can be relentless in their criticism and fashion policing.
Delhi-based Kalyani Saha, vice president, marketing and communications, Christian Dior, says she feels the heat too. “I have been on best dressed and most stylish lists for so many years now that you begin to feel like you have to live up to it 24-7," she says.
This new cult of perfection didn't exist until five years ago. Medi-spas offering all kinds of nips and tucks, non-surgical facelifts and spot fat reduction have proliferated all over the country. Celebrity image consultants, stylists and personal trainers now make far more money than bankers, accountants and lawyers. It is a sign of our times that dieticians now drive the 7-series BMWs and are better known than many of our politicians.
Says Geeta Rao, beauty director of Vogue magazine, “The Indian concept of beauty and body image has undergone a complete change. We are buying into a thinner, taller, less buxom silhouette. Western images of models and actresses have influenced our perception of what is beautiful. Earlier, people were far more accepting of their natural flaws. Now, if someone has an issue with a particular feature or a body part, they are willing to fix it via cosmetic or surgical intervention. Everyone wants to look good."
But fashion photographer Colston Julian thinks it's about time that celebrities understood how to dress well. “You cannot wear Zara and H&M to red carpet events. Those are high street brands. Even mid-level wannabe models and actresses have understood this and are dressing in Armani, Dior and D&G. I see a lot of fakes though and it's so embarrassing because you can tell. Celebs will carry a fake LV bag or Omega watch. Fake shoes are also a big trend. The peer pressure to wear brands is ridiculous," he says.
Consequently, many celebrities dress very carefully when they know photographers will be present. Saha is known for her immaculate dress sense, but even she has on occasion borne the brunt of blogger sarcasm. “I love High Heel Confidential. They know their job and their fashion but what is hilarious and very insightful are the comments from people who follow this site. I am criticised for some hat I am wearing or a clutch I am carrying. When I know I'm going to be photographed, I dress for these websites these days. And if I make a faux pas now I just make it into a trend," she laughs.
What Saha calls innocent banter is actually ruthless commentary. Blogs like Miss Malini and fashion magazines have also been criticised for putting pressure on celebrities to not repeat clothes, handbags and shoes. “If some Page 3 type wears the same sandals to two events, the poor girl is made out to be a fashion catastrophe," says fashion and advertising photographer Atul Kasbekar.
TV and media personality Pooja Bedi says, “A lot of people feel stressed about not wearing the same outfit to multiple events or lending clothes to siblings because the websites publish images saying, ‘look who wore her sister's clothes'. It's ridiculous to buy something for one-time utility. Letting these blogs get to you is a huge cost to your personal, financial and emotional well being."
What is really ironic is that even the usually self-assured give in to attacks of self-doubt because of the pressure. Anaita Shroff Adajania is the fashion director of Vogue India, as well as a stylist to stars like Hrithik Roshan, Bipasha Basu, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Yet, when she first accepted the job at Vogue, she found herself feeling the pressure to look a certain way. “Vogue is an institution and I struggled a bit to play and look the part, especially when I went to fashion shows abroad and everyone was carrying the right bag and was in labels from head to toe," she says.
It took advice from an unexpected quarter for Adajania to realise that the important thing was to be true to herself. “Tarun Tahiliani told me, ‘Don't try to be someone you're not. Be who you are.' And I find myself going back to that a lot."
Adajania refuses to let the pressure to look beautiful get to her, but she admits to not being averse to liposuction. “I love natural beauty, love natural flaws and am genuinely bored by people looking alike because they are all so Botoxed. Botox can become like a disease. So much so, that people eventually don't even look like the celebrity you fell in love with. No one admits it but many do some form of surgical or non-surgical intervention to fight age or improve their features. Personally, I wouldn't touch my face, it's too sacred, but if someone promised me washboard abs through lippo, I'd say, bring it on."
Many socialites feel the same way and most have promised themselves a little surgery to fight the onslaught of gravity. One was fairly candid about her many sojourns to surgeons who have promised her perkier breasts, slimmer arms and a flat stomach. “But my friends say, just buy the best underwear and Spanx money can buy and sub kuch apne aap khada rahega," she says optimistically.
With people willing to do whatever it takes to keep age firmly in check, even at the cost of losing the expression on their face, Botox has come in for severe criticism. Delhi-based celebrity cosmetic dermatologist Dr Chiranjiv Chhabra, however, defends the injectable protein, saying administering Botox and fillers is an art form. “Sometimes celebrities can be very stubborn about how much they want injected. I always ask them if they want their lines eradicated or softened. If we put about 25 units of Botox around the eyes, it looks very natural. The problem is, stars are so insecure about their lines showing that they want 40-50 units injected and so they end up looking expressionless." She runs the Skin Alive clinics in Delhi and says most of the top Bollywood actress and many of the actors are on her patient list.
I was at a party in Mumbai, with a mad amalgam of artists,
designers, bankers, filmmakers, businessmen and fashionistas in attendance. With Judith Leibers clutched tightly against Hervé Léger bandage dresses and Louboutin-clad feet being crossed, what was making the evening a little surreal was the free flowing Bollinger, the heady mix of cocktails and the tiny white pills that promised happiness.
It was then that I was accosted by what seemed like a big cat on the prowl who had decided to air her views on an unsuspecting guest's body. This was typical at these parties where people you barely knew think it is acceptable to sidle up to you and comment on how you and others look. They even manage to slip in a tone of concern. If, God forbid, your brow gets furrowed, they will touch your forehead and click their tongues vexedly (which, thanks to Botox, is now the only means they have to show disapproval) and say, “why don't you get rid of these lines darling, I know a fabulous guy."
The extent of Commenting unfavourably on people's appearances has now become de rigueur. It has reached the point that the social expectation is that even lay people have to always be well turned out and perfectly coiffured. Their nails have to be buffed till they shine and not an extra inch of fat should be on display. Botox and fillers should banish age and no cowardice should be exhibited at the idea of underarm surgery so the sweat ring daren't appear on that couture dress.
The pressure to look good constantly has gotten so bad that many celebrities and socialites will just not step out of their homes without makeup, a blow dry and a designer outfit on, even if they are just running errands.
India is still a far cry from Hollywood where publications like The National Enquirer or The Star pay photographers $2 million to catch a celebrity wearing sweat pants, with a tyre of fat or a zit on display. In fact, international A-listers are so paranoid about being caught off-guard that Victoria Beckham apparently once said that she wakes up three hours before she takes her children to school to do her hair, makeup, clothes and accessories. Just so she can look the part for the paparazzi when she drops the kids off at the school gate.
But between Facebook, Twitter, blogging and even the mobile phone camera, the chance of catching an Indian celebrity unawares is high. It doesn't help that Indian websites and blogs like High Heel Confidential and Miss Malini can be relentless in their criticism and fashion policing.
Delhi-based Kalyani Saha, vice president, marketing and communications, Christian Dior, says she feels the heat too. “I have been on best dressed and most stylish lists for so many years now that you begin to feel like you have to live up to it 24-7," she says.
This new cult of perfection didn't exist until five years ago. Medi-spas offering all kinds of nips and tucks, non-surgical facelifts and spot fat reduction have proliferated all over the country. Celebrity image consultants, stylists and personal trainers now make far more money than bankers, accountants and lawyers. It is a sign of our times that dieticians now drive the 7-series BMWs and are better known than many of our politicians.
Says Geeta Rao, beauty director of Vogue magazine, “The Indian concept of beauty and body image has undergone a complete change. We are buying into a thinner, taller, less buxom silhouette. Western images of models and actresses have influenced our perception of what is beautiful. Earlier, people were far more accepting of their natural flaws. Now, if someone has an issue with a particular feature or a body part, they are willing to fix it via cosmetic or surgical intervention. Everyone wants to look good."
But fashion photographer Colston Julian thinks it's about time that celebrities understood how to dress well. “You cannot wear Zara and H&M to red carpet events. Those are high street brands. Even mid-level wannabe models and actresses have understood this and are dressing in Armani, Dior and D&G. I see a lot of fakes though and it's so embarrassing because you can tell. Celebs will carry a fake LV bag or Omega watch. Fake shoes are also a big trend. The peer pressure to wear brands is ridiculous," he says.
Consequently, many celebrities dress very carefully when they know photographers will be present. Saha is known for her immaculate dress sense, but even she has on occasion borne the brunt of blogger sarcasm. “I love High Heel Confidential. They know their job and their fashion but what is hilarious and very insightful are the comments from people who follow this site. I am criticised for some hat I am wearing or a clutch I am carrying. When I know I'm going to be photographed, I dress for these websites these days. And if I make a faux pas now I just make it into a trend," she laughs.
What Saha calls innocent banter is actually ruthless commentary. Blogs like Miss Malini and fashion magazines have also been criticised for putting pressure on celebrities to not repeat clothes, handbags and shoes. “If some Page 3 type wears the same sandals to two events, the poor girl is made out to be a fashion catastrophe," says fashion and advertising photographer Atul Kasbekar.
TV and media personality Pooja Bedi says, “A lot of people feel stressed about not wearing the same outfit to multiple events or lending clothes to siblings because the websites publish images saying, ‘look who wore her sister's clothes'. It's ridiculous to buy something for one-time utility. Letting these blogs get to you is a huge cost to your personal, financial and emotional well being."
What is really ironic is that even the usually self-assured give in to attacks of self-doubt because of the pressure. Anaita Shroff Adajania is the fashion director of Vogue India, as well as a stylist to stars like Hrithik Roshan, Bipasha Basu, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Yet, when she first accepted the job at Vogue, she found herself feeling the pressure to look a certain way. “Vogue is an institution and I struggled a bit to play and look the part, especially when I went to fashion shows abroad and everyone was carrying the right bag and was in labels from head to toe," she says.
It took advice from an unexpected quarter for Adajania to realise that the important thing was to be true to herself. “Tarun Tahiliani told me, ‘Don't try to be someone you're not. Be who you are.' And I find myself going back to that a lot."
Adajania refuses to let the pressure to look beautiful get to her, but she admits to not being averse to liposuction. “I love natural beauty, love natural flaws and am genuinely bored by people looking alike because they are all so Botoxed. Botox can become like a disease. So much so, that people eventually don't even look like the celebrity you fell in love with. No one admits it but many do some form of surgical or non-surgical intervention to fight age or improve their features. Personally, I wouldn't touch my face, it's too sacred, but if someone promised me washboard abs through lippo, I'd say, bring it on."
Many socialites feel the same way and most have promised themselves a little surgery to fight the onslaught of gravity. One was fairly candid about her many sojourns to surgeons who have promised her perkier breasts, slimmer arms and a flat stomach. “But my friends say, just buy the best underwear and Spanx money can buy and sub kuch apne aap khada rahega," she says optimistically.
With people willing to do whatever it takes to keep age firmly in check, even at the cost of losing the expression on their face, Botox has come in for severe criticism. Delhi-based celebrity cosmetic dermatologist Dr Chiranjiv Chhabra, however, defends the injectable protein, saying administering Botox and fillers is an art form. “Sometimes celebrities can be very stubborn about how much they want injected. I always ask them if they want their lines eradicated or softened. If we put about 25 units of Botox around the eyes, it looks very natural. The problem is, stars are so insecure about their lines showing that they want 40-50 units injected and so they end up looking expressionless." She runs the Skin Alive clinics in Delhi and says most of the top Bollywood actress and many of the actors are on her patient list.
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