eStylista

Film review: The Iron Lady

My review in this week's issue of Tehelka

------------------------------------------------------------------

Phyllida Lloyd’s biopic of a powerful politician is a chronicle of ageing, loneliness, and sheer sadness, says Priyanka Gill

The Iron Lady is the herald of the many films, books and writings that will chronicle the life of Lady Thatcher, arguably the most famous British prime minister after Winston Churchill. Thatcher was an extremely polarising figure evoking strong opinions ranging from blind devotion to extreme hatred. As the only female prime minister in British history, she remained in power for 11 years.

However, this is not what the controversial film is about. Even one-time Thatcher rivals such as Michael Heseltine found the release of a film focusing on Lady Thatcher’s dementia whilst she is still alive ‘distasteful’. The Thatcher family has rejected the film. They have publicly refused to see it. David Cameron also came out against the film saying, “I wish they could have made another day.” Lady Thatcher’s detractors have taken the issue with its lack of criticism.

Thatcher’s tale is told through a series of flashbacks, through the disjointed memories of the octogenarian lady suffering from dementia-induced delusions. The film is a love story, an intimate look into her relationship with her husband Denis (played by Jim Broadbent). In the film’s timeline, he passed away several years ago, but she has touching conversations with him about the minutiae of her daily life and her past. Towards the end of the film we see her valiantly trying to banish his ghost from her mind in a tear-jerking bid to remain sane.

It’s a chronicle of ageing, depicting the loneliness, the loss of control and sheer sadness that is the unfortunate by-product of an inevitable process.

However, in doing so, the film reduces the strong leader to a senile woman. Her achievements are merely incidental to the storyline and her ruthlessness is a cautionary tale.

The Iron lady is a personal depiction of the guilt and regrets confronting a powerful leader in her fading years. The rise to power, her transformation into a force to reckon with and the many political storms she faced are just hinted at and tantalisingly dangled before the viewer. There is no perspective or historical context offered.

Meryl Streep, of course, remains the saving grace of the film. She delivers a stunning, maybe even an Oscar-winning performance. Not only is she a potent mimic of Thatcher’s mannerisms, but also manages to delve into the soul of the character created by director Phyllida Lloyd. With brilliant make-up and prosthetic enhancement (the process took two hours apparently), Streep portrays Thatcher to the hilt. Moving effortlessly and convincingly between the young and old periods, it is a master class in both acting and making the best of a rather loose script.

One almost wishes they had made the film like they cut its trailer—with a focus on the woman, her rise to power and her achievements. The dementia she became afflicted with in her latter years is an unfortunate ailment, not the key to decoding the woman behind the legend.

Llyod’s film is worth a watch, if only to inspire further study into the force of nature that Maggie Thatcher once was.

Priyanka Gill is a freelance journalist and an avid art collector. 
She blogs at www.estylista.com 

Inspiration for Spring...

Spring is nearly upon us. I am getting a bit tired of the greys and blacks I seem to wear all the time. London is enjoying a beautiful winter (I hope I don't jinx it). We are blessed with sharp, bright, crisp, sunny days. It may be time to welcome colour back into our lives and our wardrobes. 

Whiling away time on Net-a-porter (as one tends to often do) I picked a selection of items I really liked. They are a motivation to break away from my fashion comfort zone.

Also to do things that are different, fun activites one would not usually do. We fall into patterns so easily, its a good idea to change things around for a shift in perspective and to invite creative inspiration.

 

 

Spring 2012 by estylista featuring acetate sunglasses

 

Guest Post: Curry in a Hurry with Nisha Katona

Nisha Katona is an Indian cookery author, teacher and a full-time barrister. She also has a YouTube channel and tweets extensively on cooking @nishakatona.

Here is her 'curry journey' and why she became a passionate advocate for this staple of Indian cooking. She also shares her recipe for Butter Chicken - it is the real deal - not low cal for sure! But it's good to splurge on the calorie count once in a (rare) while! Just remember to go to the gym the next day....

I was born in England to two Indian doctor immigrants who came to the UK in 1968 but spent most of my youth avoiding my mothers uncool curries-everything Indian was "uncool" then.

Once I began cooking for myself, I realised that curry was a great social lubricant. It was tasty, cheaper to create than many other cusines and it definitely was a great conversation starter.

It was then that I became a 'curry evangelist'. 

My research showed that shockingly very few Indians of my generation can cook and over time, we lose the ability to cook Indian food simply, authentically and quickly. As a result, Indian food becomes synonomous with the heavy take-away dishes.

Historically first generation Indians who could afford to come to Britain were certainly rich enough to have cooks back home and hence very few of them were able to equip their kids with the ability to cook Indian food.

Many Indians who could cook, came here to work and were more interested in their children studying for the professions than cooking in the kitchen. 

Our mothers in the 60's and 70's were often working and culinary enlightenment and kitchen liberation involved  attractively packaged processed food. 

What we lost in this was the healthier, cheaper, home cooked meals along with the artistry, enjoyment, sense of achievement and social focus that cooking brings.

But things are changing again. Cooking at home is back in fashion. Chicken tikka masala is now almost a British national dish. It may not be authentic, but it shows the cultural melting-pot the UK has become.

My fail-safe dinner party centrepiece is this Butter Chicken recipe. I love it because it takes so little time and is so spectacular in its many layers of flavours and in its stunning deep red glory


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nisha's Butter Chicken

Chicken breast pieces marinated in Tandoori masala, yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic puree
3 Onions
1 inch grated Ginger
4 cloves of Garlic
1 dessert spoon Garam masala
1/2 tsp Chili powder
1/2 dessert spoon Ground coriander
1/2 dessert spoon Ground Cumin
1 dessert spoon Fenugreek leaves
4 tablespoons Tomato puree
1 Tin of tomatoes
1 small tub single cream
2 dessertspoons of butter
1 dessert spoon of sugar
Salt to taste

Fry the chicken pieces until half cooked. Put aside.

Chop and fry the onions, ginger and garlic until they start to turn brown.  Add the dried fenugreek leaves.  These are going to give this dish the authentic aroma of curry and a pleasing depth of flavour.

Add the garam masala, chili powder, ground coriander and ground cumin if you have them. If not do not worry - Garam masala is the one you really need.

Add the tin of tomatoes and briskly simmer this spiced sauce for about 5 minutes.  Now add the tomato puree, 2 cups of water, salt and sugar. You will now have the makings of a red masala sauce.  Blend this mixture to a smooth sauce consistency.

At this stage add your chicken pieces to the sauce and return the pan to a low heat and allow it to simmer until the chicken is cooked through.  

Now add the cream and butter and stir this in to give the masala a glossy finish. You may omit it if you like but it won't be authentic. The dish is called is 'Butter' chicken after all!

Garnish with freshly chopped coriander if you have it. Serve with rice or naan bread.

 

----

 

eStylista at the Roberto Cavalli show, Milan Men's Fashion Week 2012

I have never attended a men's fashion show. So when a friend messaged saying that he had front row tickets to the Roberto Cavalli show at the Milan fashion week, I readily agreed.

And what fun it was.

Fashion-wise, the suits were beautifully cut, the materials were lovely and the colours largely wearable. But I don't really have that much to say for men's fashion. Although sone of the jackets were very interesting.

What I enjoyed was the spectacle.

Pre-show, Mr Cavalli was holding court in one corner.

It was very much like a large party. Photographers were milling around. People were posing and gaping at the fashion week clebs.

Vogue Italia editor, Anna Dello Russo looked rather spectacular in a sparkly, sequined number. She was sitting opposite us in the front row. Have I mentioned front row already?

The show began with a musician performing behind the screen. It was an interactive, entertaining backdrop to the gorgeous models (we were in Milan after all).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The finale was a bit surreal. The models stepped out in identical black ponchos. 

 

 

 

Eerie and slightly spooky, remniscient of Valentino and his red gown finale in the spring of 2008 when all the models wore identical red gowns.

 

 

 

 

Take a bow, Roberto Cavalli!

 

 

 

I also met Mr Cavalli for a few moments. He was very generous with his time and gracious with the many compliments given by fawning fans.

We ended up at the Cavalli club for the after-party. A restaurant that turns into a cool night club. The perfect place to unwind after a long day show-hopping or shopping.

What I wore to the show is a whole other post, but its coming up soon :)

Guest Post: Cook in a Curry with Maunika

Maunika is a freelance chef and food writer. I chanced upon her on Twitter and found her recipes quick, tasty and easy to follow. I asked her to give me a quick, healthy suggestion for people on the go. She came up with Goan Prawn Caldinho, a family recipe. I made it today and it was yummy! Her website has more cooking tips and recipes.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Healthy food need not be boring food or bland.  Indian cuisine is a classic example where the use of spices and fresh herbs flavour a very delicious meal with a lot of healthy benefits.

My Goan Prawn Caldinho is just that – full of goodness - a curry that will keep you coming back for seconds. I have used prawns in this recipe. They are an excellent source of protein, low in fat with the goodness of omega-3.

Cooking seafood is really quick and also unlike meat or chicken marinating for 10-15 minutes is just fine. Reduced fat coconut milk has been used in the recipe which lends that creamy flavour to the curry and balances the dish beautifully (without the extra hit of calories of its full-fat counter-part)

Caldinho is a typical Goan preparation that is mildly spiced, usually made with fish but prawns or even just vegetables work very well too. The flavours in a Caldinho are tangy, sweet, lightly spiced with a hint of heat from the powdered spices. Slit green chillies are added towards the end for that kick of added heat but you can leave them out if you prefer.

Ingredients

400gms raw king prawns (de-veined with tails on)

1 tsp turmeric powder

1 tbsp white wine vinegar

A pinch of salt

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 medium onion finely chopped

1 medium tomato finely chopped

3 cloves garlic pounded to a paste

1” piece of ginger pounded to a paste

400ml reduced fat coconut milk

80ml water

1 tbsp tamarind paste

2 slit green chillies (deseeded if you prefer it mild)

A pinch of sugar

1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves for garnish

For the powdered spices;

1 tsp cumin seeds

10 peppercorns

1 tbsp coriander seeds

Preparation

In a bowl add the prawns and sprinkle over turmeric powder, vinegar and salt. Mix and set aside for 15-20 mins while you get the curry ready. In a coffee grinder tip in the cumin seeds, peppercorns and coriander seeds. Blitz to a fine powder and set aside.

Heat the oil in a saucepan (preferably one with a heavy base), add the onions and fry for 5-7 mins on a medium until they start to change colour to a light brown. Add the chopped tomato and fry for 3-4 minutes.

As they begin to soften add the garlic and ginger paste and fry for a further minute. Add the powdered spices and mix it all together. Fry for 2 minutes and tip in the marinated prawns. Stir them in the spiced sauce for a few seconds before pouring in the coconut milk, water and tamarind paste.

Bring the pot to a simmer, cooking the prawns for no more than 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. Add the green chillies and sugar. Garnish with coriander leaves and check seasoning.

Serve with steamed basmati rice or some pav bread and a fresh zingy salad.

eStylista Loves: Prabal Gurung Pre-Fall 2012

Prabal Gurung is as much of a star as the women he drapes. Based in NYC, his creations have graced the bodies of a wide array of celebrities like Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Demi Moore.

Magazine editors love him, as do the fashion bloggers. Twitter is awash with a multitude of tweets declaring love for this rather engaging personality and his designs.

His career trajectory may well be the script of 'How to become a famous fashion designer 101'. Interesting background, Parson's School of design graduate, won award for first collection, worked for Donna Karan, spent 5 years as Design Director of Bill Blass and then launched his own label 'PRABAL GURUNG' - which went on to win several prestigious awards.

He's got the talent, the training, he's put in the hard work and sweat - and totally deserves the accolades.

Singapore born, Kathmandu raised and a trained at New Delhi's National Institute of Fashion Technology - he apprenticed under Manish Arora. So India can lay a small claim on this bright star of the fashion firmament.

I personally have been watching Gurung for over a year. His lines are clean, edgy and wearable. They are also distinctive. I predict big things in the future - he is definitely one to watch, wear and keep on your fashion wishlist.

The images are from ModaOperandi

Turning 30… Happy Birthday, Kate Middleton

Turning 30 is a milestone. It is a sign the carefree days are behind you and you have to knuckle down to the serious business of adulthood.

Psychologially (it was for me) 3-0 was a bit daunting. You take stock of what you've achieved. Not surprisingly, it seems a bit light. No longer are your future accompishments special because 'Oh, She's so young'. 

As a wise friend once told me, 20s are (for a lot of women) 'the lost decade' - a time for family, for finding your feet as a wife, a mother. By the time you enter the next decade, the question is 'what about me'. 

30 is when you grow up. 

Kate Middleton, of course has done it spectacularly.

Snagged a king-in-waiting, after almost a decade of patience. She is the embodiment of every little girl's princess fantasy.

She lives in a palace. The dress she wears sells out in an instant and she does not seem to put a foot wrong.

She even did her own wedding makeup, how brave do you have to be attempt that, especially when you wedding the the biggest media event in recent memory!

This brings me to the whole notion of 'celebrity'. We live in a world of instant gratification.

If you are rich enough, pretty enough, thin enough - or any combination of the above, you qualify for celebrity.  

Achievement is secondary, almost an after thought.

I saw 'The Iron lady' today.

While the film may have its detractors, Lady Thatcher's life was an inspiration. She was brave enough to take the unpopular call, to stand by what she thought right. It is so rare in today's day and age. That is worth aspiring to.

Kate Middleton's wardobe comes a close second :) !!

 

 

eStylista Loves: Hailo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This one is for Londoners (and for those visiting) - if you download one travel app - make it Hailo - one of the cleverest apps I've seen for a while.

Late last night, after a fun, buzzing evening at The Arts Club (all of London seemed to be there, it is the place to be at the moment), we were waiting outside the club with two dozen other people for a black cab.

Thanks to Hailo - we got ours within minutes and without the customary jostling that ensues when several people eye the same free taxi.

There is no need to enter your location (the GPS finds you). You also get a photo of the cab driver sent to your phone. To claim the cab - you simply show him your phone.

It beats Addison Lee as you know (to the minute) how long the cab will be. Add Lee's customer service is getting ruder by the day any way!

No booking fees, no waiting around (in the rain) craning your neck to see if a cab is coming down the road and best of all - you no longer have to fight for that one empty cab!

 

eStylista Loves: Sunscreen

'eStylista Loves' is a new section where I highlight my current favourite things, beauty potions, websites and everything in between!

I have said it (several) times before sun-screen is God - at least as far as skincare is concerned. All those expensive face creams and serums are pointless unless one is religious about applying sun-screen.

Defence is the best offense. If you take anti-ageing seriously (and you should) - wear sunscreen every single day of your life. Regardless of if you see the sun or not. Even if you are indoors. Lighting can also cause skin damage (at a much lesser extent than the sun of course)

My biggest bug-bear with sunscreen used to be bad memories of oily, smelly creams whilst growing up. Remember the Lakme sun-screen, goopy, sticky, left a white residue?

Wearing it wasn't worth the hassle and I never got into the habit. A bit of a pity as I could have avoided the sun spots and the dreaded pigmentation.

Now (thank the beauty gods) technology has changed and the latest generation of sun-screens are light and easy to wear.

The important factors to consider while choosing your a sun-screen is not just SPF but both UVA and UVB protection (a broad spectrum sunscreen). Vanity aside, wearing it is your best chance of preventing skin cancer. 

Whatever you buy remember that SPFs do not 'add up' when you layer up. If you are wearing a factor 15 spf and a factor 15 tinted moisturiser then the level of you protection is 15 - not 30. 

There are many, many brands vying for your beauty bucks. Here is the one I favour. A friend tried it when she came home to visit and was surprised by how easily it absorbs leaving no residue or sheen.

Institut de Esthederm

Photo Reverse Hyper Pigmented Skin Anti Brown Patches Fluid

 

Buy at Space NK

The eStylista guide: sparkles and furs

Winter is party time. It is that silly season when a multitude of Christmas parties descend upon us, demanding a great deal of wardrobe dexterity. Well-bought buys from Net-a-porter are often used, resulting in a rather efficient cost-per-wear ratio that would please the most demanding, savvy fashionista. (At least this is the logic I use explain my exuberant online shopping!)

It is the season for sparkles, sequins, shiny dresses and accessories that add cheer and warmth to a chilly winter's eve. The furs come out of storage. Faux or real - they are the one reason I almost look forward to braving the blustering winds and freezing temperatures that constitute a London winter.

My picks for Epicurean Life magazine.

My Style: Sun and sand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dress: Emilio Pucci

Sunglasses: Chrome Hearts

Toes: OPI Charged-up Cherry

This photo was taken at Soneva Kiri, a Six Senses resort on Thailand's Koh Kood island. It was perhaps the most idyllic holiday I have ever had. The resort was eco-chic with serious luxury thrown in. The food was beyond superlative and they take their 'No news. no shoes' policy very seriously!

Packing well for a beach holiday is a study in minimalism. Swimsuits / Bikinis plus coverups, t-shirts and shorts, flip flops, sunglasses and an outfit or two for the evenings is purely optional! 

Its lazy, bright, colourful dressing that does not take itself seriously. Less is definitely more. I tend to favour the classics of beachwear - Missoni for its bikinis and coverups and Pucci for its wraps. 

A beach holiday is the best time to embrace simplicity. Everything is pared down. A light tinted moisturiser and a heavy duty sunscreen are pretty much the only beauty potions you need. The same goes for the makeup kit. My holiday routine is limited to putting on some lip balm and lining eyes with kohl (MAC's 'Smolder'). 

Before you jet off, all you need to add to the mix are a few weeks of serious work-outs in the gym plus a wax and a heavy-duty pedicure (I swear by Bliss Spa).

Fabulous photos for Facebook bragging are guaranteed!  

Tehelka-Newsweek ThinkFest

The Tehelka-Newsweek ThinkFest in Goa was a special experience - three magical, inspiring days spent with old friends at an incredible event.

To find out more, do visit the portfolio section for my article published in Hi! Blitz magazine's December 2011 edition.

 

The Birkin Diaries: The glossary

The Hermès marketing strategy for its Birkin bag is a master-class in savvy customer accquisition and retention.

Not only do they make the bag devilishly difficult to buy, but they construct an almost parallel world for what is in real terms - just a handbag.

I hear rumours of the waiting list being done away with (a nod to recession?) but haven't really seen it in action.

When I first went (with my husband) to an Hermès counter and said, rather confidently: "I am looking for a 35cm, Noir Togo with palladium hardware" - my husband thought I was slightly bonkers. The shop assistant also thought I was bonkers for who walks up to an Hermès counter with such a specific request and expects it to be taken seriously!

To decode: I was asking for a medium size Birkin in Black, made with their togo leather (the most common and basic leather) and silver metal.

Upon popular request, here is the cheat's guide to the Birkin. It is not exhaustive, but a good starting point. After this - make Google your buddy - lots of fab sites dedicated to this handbag.

Hardware

This is simple. 'Palladium' for silver and 'Gold' for gold. It refers to all the metal bits you see. 

Sizing

 The Birkin comes in several sizes. Small, medium, large get an Hermes upgrade! 

25cm: 'The baby Birkin' - it is great as an evening bag. Not something I would suggest as a first buy as it is not versatile. Cute though :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30cm: This is a great size, especially in a more expensive 'skin' (read: leather). It is big enough to carry your day-to-day stuff and small enough to be used as an evening bag.

 

 

 

 

 

 

35cm: This is the size one sees most often. For this is perfect as a day bag. A bit to big to carry in the evenings but works well enough - It is a Birkin after all! Very practical as a work bag.

 

 

 

 

40cm: Here you are entering the large territory. The Birkin is not a light bag to carry - even empty it weighs a fair bit. With the 40cm you need deft manouvering skills to make your way through Harrods on a busy day!

50cm / 55 cm: Travel bags - make sure you engage a porter to carry the bag for you!

 

Colours

You don't really buy, for argument's sake, a blue Birkin. Firstly there are almost 20 shades of blue alone with romantic names like 'Bleu Jean', 'Bleu Saphir' (everything does sound better in French!). It takes a fair bit of research and familiarity with the brand to become comfortable with its nomenclature to know what someome means when they say they have a 'Graphite' or and 'Anthracite' (both variations of black of in Hermès-speak 'Noir').

Go to www.purseforum.com's colour reference page for more info

Skins

The entry level Birkin is usually a 'Veau Togo' leather. Veau means calf. Quite strong, hard wearing - it can take a fair bit of use without being too worse for the wear. Then you have the variants like Veau Swift, Veau Box and Veau Epsom. Same leather but treated differently.

Other names you will hear are Vache Liege, Vachette Crispee Fjord, Taurillon Clemence, Buffle and Chevre Mysore - referring to cow, bull and goat leathers.

After this you are moving into the 'exotic' territory (with exponential price add-ons): Ostritch, Lizard, Goat, Aligator and the ultimate being the Crocodile.

Cost

How much does a Birkin cost? General rule of thumb (and keeping currency fluctuations in mind) is that prices start from approx. USD 7000 and then they go up depending on the skin.

This places the Birkin in the ultimate 'investment piece' category!!! 

If you are a billionairess then you may even consider getting a bespoke Birkin made. It will be 'stamped' especially to show that it is a one of a kind. You may even spring for diamond encrusted hardware. (Gold and silver get too passé sometimes!)

Next up: Spot the fake Birkin

New year, new beginnings - resolution time!! Happy 2012….

There is something special about January 1.

It is a brand new slate. Everything is (metaphorically) wiped shiny clean and fresh possibilities abound.

It is the perfect time to begin that new diet, the new exercise regime that helped your girlfriend get back into her size 8 dress. A great time to detox your wardrobe, organise the gazillion makeup bits and bobs you have managed to accumulate and make that promise to take better care of yourself.

In case you are lacking inspiration (or like me thrive on lists) here is a long list of new year resolutions. Pick and own some of them!

Diet 

Cut back the simple carbs and sugars. This alone will see a dramatic difference in how those jeans zip up. Bread, desserts, rice and pastas begone (except for one cheat meal a week).

Drink lots of water and fluids. Herbal teas are fantastic - I am guzzling green tea these days. I try and begin my day with a glass of hot water with lemon and honey.

Add one big bowl of grilled or steamed veggies to your daily intake. Full of lovely vitamins and fibre - they also fill you up and may prevent that moment when you are heading to the cake tin for a sugat hit.

Juicing the veggies is a cheats way but equally effective.

The extreme option - Do a one week detox. Companies like Raw Fairies, Nosh Detox deliver them to your home. For the DIYers Jason Vale has good tips on his website. Continue with all your self discipline and constant visualisation of the shape you would like to be. 

My plan: I work well on deadlines and goals. No carbs, sugars or binges to - have to get into a pair of pre-baby jeans. Also will do a detox week soon to kickstart the year.

The eStylista tip: Supplemention is good, it makes up for those days when you don't eat as well as you should. Start taking (if you don't already) a high quality multi-vitamin, DHA supplement and probiotic. I am on New Chapter, Solgar and Udos at the moment.

Exercise

Aim for energetic exercise for one hour - three times a week. It is what is recommended for good health as well as for losing those inches. Mix it up - a couple of gym sessions, a run in the park, pilates, sipnning, dance classes - the possibilites are endless. Start with this (or build up to it). 

Extreme option: Do 5 sessions a week with at least 40 minutes of cardio three times a week. This along with a controlled diet sees the pounds drop dramatically.

My Plan - I've done the extreme options last year - my mantra for 2012 is consistency. I exercise 4 times a week. I do Heartcore pilates, am planning a return to my trainer Diego Core and will start running. May be even build upon the 10k I ran last year.

The eStylista tip: Walk everywhere - as much as you can.

Skincare

The one thing you HAVE to do without fail, every single day of the year - regardless of rain or sunshine is a good quality sunscreen. Even flourescent lighting ages your skin. First thing in the morning - slap it on. There is no better way to arrest the ageing process and begin to reverse the damage.

The eStylista tip: Upon recommendation from a very savvy friend - I use Esthederm. It works brilliantly and feels fab on the skin

Day time: A light serum, eye cream and moisturiser followed by sunscreen. 

Night time: I use Clarisonic  - it cleans beautifully, I follow up with a serum, eye cream and night cream.

I switch between Shu Umeura and La Prairie.

Keeping it simple is good - unless you are a beauty junkie. In that case, do send me good reccomendations!

Add ons: Aim for a facial every 6 weeks - Eve Lom is magical, as are the Bliss facials

Must do - a massive clear out of all your makeup and medicine cabinets. Throw out the stuff that is old like that miracle cream you bought but never used but now smells funny. When I did my clear out a few weeks ago, 10 different sunscreens were binned, along with 5 tinted moistureisers and three foundations!

Figure out what works - chuck what doesn't. Clean the make up brushes, sharpen all pencils.

The simple act of organising your cabinets will feel very liberating and begin 2012 well.

Wardrobe

If your clothes are easy to find then read on to the next bit. But if your sweaters are mixed up with your tees, then set aside some time to do a clear out. Get in The Practical Princess girls if you are feeling flush. For sure buy Elika's book and get inspired. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you do just one thing for your closet - give your underwear drawer a good once over and go shopping!!

Most imporantly - remember to smile, to stay in the moment. Send that text, make that call, connect with the important people in your life. Seek out positive, happy people and cut out the negativity!

Have a fantastic 2012!!

New restaurants in London

While I have been on a blogging hiatus (hope you missed me) lots of really fabulous places have opened up in London. Here is the eStylista guide to what is hot, what is not - the perfect way to revamp your eating-out options in the foodie's haven that is London. If you have been in a restaurant rut (aren't we all) - try these new openings out - the perfect recipe to forget the financial doom and gloom thats surrounding us!!

First up is the Arts Club. If you haven't heard of it you are in the minority. One of the partners is Gwyneth Paltrow. In a few short months Arjun Wayney (of Zuma, Roka, La Petite Maison, Il Baretto fame) has come up with yet another winner. He truly has the midas touch when it comes to opening up the next big thing. While most restaurant openings bomb, the charming Mr Wayney has customers lining up down the street to eat (and be seen) at his tables dotted around the city.

Coming back to the Arts Club - its a private membership club situated in a handsome Mayfair townhouse. As you may imagine - almost impossible to get in. If you don't have the much coveted membership then find a friend who does. The food is very, very good. You can eat in the main restaurant (for which a reservation is highly recommended) or head upstairs to the walk-in brasserie (which is the more happening place at the moment).

The Arts club is what Home House once was (briefly, when it opened, before it got over-run by everyone and their aunt). There is a small club downstairs - the music is a bit hit and miss but then after a few cocktails at their bar - you won't really mind.

The one disappointment from Wayney's new openings was Aurelia. Styled as a contemporary Mediteranean restaurant - the food is a mish-mash of favourite dishes at his other restaurants. It was a sense of deja-vu lacking the customary excitement at his other outposts. 

One place to avoid at all costs is The Playboy Club - badly designed, an indifferent crowd - don't go there - there are much better places in town. 

Like the Box. If you have stomach for the slighlty bizzare - the music is good and it has atmosphere. Book a table and be prepared to let your hair down - not for the uptight types.

Coming back to restaurants - 45 Park Lane is the sister hotel to the Dorchester. Cut 45 Parklane at by US celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck is worth the 6 week wait-list. If you like your steak (disclaimer: I don't eat beef) - I have it on very good authority - it is the best you can get in London. Even for the non-steak eaters the food is superlative - the tuna starter is much recommended as are the desserts.

It's a pity that the service does not match up. Our drinks were 45 minutes delayed. The food came in cold, the fries were way too late and had to be sent back - a complaint to the manager did not help - one hopes that it is merely teething troubles.

One of the best kept secrets (it is with much pain that I divulge it) is the breakfast at Cut. It is one of the best I have ever had - innovative, utterly delicious. 

One of my new finds is Bright Courtyard. Its a new chinese restaurant on Baker Street. Totally, totally recommended. Give (it's neighbour across the road) Royal China a miss. Even forget Phoenix Palace. Seriously. The food at Bright Courtyard is clean, fresh and sublime. Sunday dimsum is now horrendously busy but make a booking and head down there. Its a great place for a quick lunch.

Get started on this list, come back for more... eStylista is back - stay with me, I have a long list of ideas to share :)

My Style: I love McQueen

 
Dress and Corset: Alexander McQueen SS2009

Shoes: Sergio Rossi

Bag: Hermes; Birkin 25 cms

Readers of this blog know that I am partial to Alexander McQueen. This particular dress has a special place in my heart as it was one of the last ones I bought designed by McQueen himself.

Strangely though, this is the first time I have worn it. Vogue Fashion's Night Out was the perfect excuse followed by the launch of the Global Party at the Natural History Museum (which was rather spectacular!). I felt a tad over-dressd for FNO but it was the perfect choice for a OTT black-tie gala.

I love the pretty florals playing of against the strong leather corset, the origami like folds of the heavy silk, the exaggerated drama of the silhouette.

More importantly, wearing the dress was oh-so-special - like Cinderella off to her ball. The fussiness of the skirt added that frisson of je ne sais quoi - it mimicked a shortened ball-gown. Fashion is special, but sometimes it is transformative.

There are few dresses that invoke that kind of magic. I am privileged to own what was one of the artist's last creations.

Vogue India's Fashion's Night Out

When Vogue India asked me to collect gently used hand-bags from my lovely, generous friends in London, I gamely accepted. Many texts, phone calls and a lot of bags later - the hand-bags safely ended up in Delhi. 

It was a bit challenging but it ended up being a worthwhile way to fundraise for a cause!

Fashion's Night Out is an innovative way to shop and contribute to a cause. Go on - give your wallets and credit cards some exercise! All proceeds from the sale will go towards Habitat for Humanity: Women India Builds

If you are in Delhi head to the Emporio Mall on September 10. There are lots of exciting events and give aways planned. More information on Vogue India's website

Quoted in Vogue India (September 2011)

'Fashion enthusiast and blogger Priyanka Gill notes "The traditional notion of heavy fabrics and rich colours for winter, and light shades and sheer fabrics for summer has collapsed into a merry melting pot." '

Restaurant Review: Pollen Street Social

Address: 8 Pollen Street, London W1S 1NQ 020 7290 7600

Website: http://www.pollenstreetsocial.com/

Rating: 6.5/10

Anticipation is sometimes rather overrated. Jason Atherton's restaurant opening had food-lovers and critics salivating at the thought of a spectacular repast. The restaurant has been open for a few months now and I eagerly looked forward to the meal.

The reviewers I read before going to Pollen Street Social were a little damning with their faint praise, but I was willing to give leeway for personal preferences. It was after all - Jason Atherton!

The ambience was inviting, interesting light installations and art works beating its neighbour 5 Pollen Street by a wide mile. 

At the reception the ladies were given this quaint key. It would open up a surprise at the end of the meal. 

We were a table of 5 and chose the tasting menu. The first few courses hit the (only) high notes, and unfortunately the mains didn't measure up.

The beginning was promising. The 'Chilled San Marzano tomato soup, crab toast, grain mustard ice-cream' was sublime. An exquisite mix of flavours that burst unexpectedly upon the tongue.

The 'Cauliflower & squid, clear roasted squid juice' was ordered on the side as a few reviewers had rated it highly - it was alright. What seemed like an intriguing mix of ingredients remained just that...

It was followed by the 'Scallop ceviche, cucumber & radish, yuzu soy dressing, apple' which was quite delicious. Nothing ground breaking but a high-end favourite done well.

Upon seeing 'Full English breakfast' I was imagining a Heston Blumenthal-esque twist but it was rather anti-climactic. The English breakfast was just that - no flourish - it was a pretty plate that looked better than it tasted.

A green frothy plate was the 'Roast cod, broad beans, peas, cockles & squid, parsley emulsion, creamed potatoes'.  By now I was a bit stuffed - just had a few bites. The emulsion was interesting - it got mixed reviews across the table. The consensus being there was too much of it. The cod was perfectly cooked.

I had the 'Roast West Coast hake, smoked mussels, cabbage, cod cheeks, potatoes in seaweed' in lieu of the Rib-eye. The hake was not to my taste. But the Rib-eye was apparently very good.

It is in the dessert department that Pollen Street Social redeemed itself. I will go out on a limb and say that the de-consrtucted Tiramisu with hot chocolate was one of the best I have ever had (and I do like my Tiramisu)

The tasting menu came with the 'Wild strawberry & vanilla cheesecake,
strawberry sorbet, nut crumble' was pretty special too. 

All-in-all, it was not a totally amazing dining experience. Flashes of brilliance were there but they were not carried through. The tasting menu was a lot of food. I gave up eating and just took a few bites each of the mains. 

As for the mysterious key?

*spoiler alert*

The hostess opened up one of these safety deposit boxes...

To produce one of these...

What was inside??

I won't tell :)

But suffice to say that the theme of the night was being underwhelmed and with this too, it was carried straight through.

My Style: Party, party

 

Dress: Missoni SS2011

Shoes: Alaia

Pacha in Ibiza is the best night club in the world. On my annual pilgrimage to this legendary club, I wore this little Missoni sequinned slip. It was an inspired choice. It was tiny - which always works, it was not totally fitted - so much better for dancing. The bright colours, the sequins just puts a girl in a party frame of mind. 

It was a Thursday "F*** me I am Famous" night, David Guetta was on the decks - the club pulsated with the collective energy of thousands of people. It was one crazy, memorable experience.

I wore my trusty Alaia heels - and they lasted like pros. After 7 hours of prancing about, my feet were perfectly fine the next morning. Now I am worried what will happen when they wear out!

 

 The before shot!

The crowd..

Me … tweeting away!!

 The light shows…. men in gigantic laser body suits….

How to get the woman of your dreams…

Store windows can be beautiful, innovative, cutting-edge but only rarely can they simultaneously touch your heart, make you sigh and go all gooey. Disclaimer: I am a closet-romantic.

These windows at Tiffany's in Selfridges are a lesson that should be learnt by all boyfriends and fiancees looking to propose and husbands. Do something like this and the all-important woman in your life will melt like a chocolate bar on a summers day.

Romance is timeless. It earns you major brownie points. So whether you are looking to impress a girl, make-up with your girl friend or if you have finally decided to man up with a wedding proposal to the woman you love - put some thought into it.

Especially if you are proposing. It is the one moment she will remember for ever. When you have your first fight after marriage - she will think about this moment and soften up (a bit). All her girl-friends and her mum and her aunts will ask her how you proposed. This story will be told and re-told. One day your kids will will want to know - so better make it a good one.

Over the course of a relationship, small, thoughtful gestures show that you care. They are a reminder that you are thinking about her and that you are willing to make an effort to make her smile…even if your attempt may not (always) not include a Tiffany's  diamond ring… :) 

(click on the images to enlarge them)

 

Delhi Couture Week 2011: Manav Gangwani

Readers of this blog know of my slight partiality to Manav Gangwani. He is one of the leading young Indian designers and the last word in all things sparkly and provocative.

Attending his show at Delhi Couture Week 2011 was an experience in itself. While most other designers were happy with a bit of stage dressing - Manav went to great lengths to create an elaborate set that executed his vision of a 'Timeless affair'.

The revolving wheels of time, the zodiac as a back drop, levers suspended from the ceiling - it really set the stage and the bar for a special evening.

His celebrity friends and supporters were very visible and vocal - the really dapper and debonair actor Rahul Khanna in a three piece suit, glamourous singer Sophie Choudry wearing a Manav Gangwani sari, jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali in a daring backless dress, Manav's best buddy and rather handsome actor Zayed Khan, Fardeen Khan with his lovely wife Natasha, actress Raveena Tandon and the petite actress Soha Ali Khan all cheered enthusiastically from the front row.

Sitting next to me was Suhel Seth (it was, rather surprisingly, his first fashion show attendance) flanked by Robert Vadra. All-in-all the front row was packed with high voltage star power. (Have I mentioned how good Rahul Khanna looked?)

Coming to the clothes - Swarovski crystals are Manav's signature embellishment and there were plenty of them in sight. Lavishly sprinkled over impressive, ambitious silhouettes - he pushed the envelope and stood true to the 'couture' test. It was not a practical collection - maybe a few pieces can be worn of the ramp - but then couture never is. It was a flight of fantasy and imagination. 

The construction, the flamboyance and the sheer confidence with which the garments were designed marked the coming to age of Manav Gangwani. The palette ranged from from pale whites to sumptuous yellows leading to flaming orange. 

The collection is obviously priced at levels that will give check to most clients but all the Swarovski glitter that makes such a statement does not come cheap. 

One elaborate yellow sari that caught my fancy was sold out minutes after the show - so there is clearly a demand and Manav - the consummate businessman understands it better than most.

 

 The setting...

 

 

 

 The sari that caught my eye...

 

 Elaborate garments...

 

 

Provocative statements... 

Take a bow… what a show! 

The Birkin Diaries: Enter the Quintessentially give away!!

If you really, really want a Birkin - why not 'like' the Quintessentially page on Facebook and enter the lottery for this gorgeous orange specimen...

Here is what they said in their post...

Quintessentially London

We are running a crazily big competition: WE ARE GIVING AWAY AN HERMES BIRKIN BAG, if you 'LIKE' our page you've already entered, when we get to 100,000 'LIKE'S the names go into a hat and one lucky person gets instantly promoted to fashion royalty with our favourite status symbol on their arm. Sit down, digest what I have just said and then 'Share' this post to tell your friends.

The Birkin Diaries: How to buy a Birkin….

Normally, if you wished to to buy a bag or a car or even a house for that matter - it would be a simple matter of identifying what kind and then walking into the shop/agent and asking for it. In case of the elusive Hermes Birkin handbag, this approach simply does not work.

So how can you get one?

The company line is either you put your name on a (long) waiting list and then twiddle your thumbs for a year or you just *happen* to get lucky - i.e. you walk into a store and they have one mythically waiting for you (this happened to me once, in Vegas, once - it almost felt like winning the lottery!)

If you really want a Birkin - all roads lead to Paris.

You have the highest probability of scoring one in their Rue St Honore boutique. You go into the store, do a bit of light shopping - maybe a belt or a bracelet and then as you are about to pay casually ask the assistant - "have any Birkins come in today?". Don't ever make the mistake of walking up cold and asking "Can I buy a Birkin?" because you will most likely be fobbed of with genteel sarcasm.

Disclaimer: It is not a sure-shot method but it does increase your chances - and obviously the more 'pre-shopping' you do - the higher the possibility that your request will be answered positively...

If you can't get to Paris and you happen to have a Hermes store in your city then start visiting the boutique often. Figure out which assistants deal with handbags and get friendly with them. Pick one assistant and buy small bits and bobs from that person (they work on commission so will appreciate your interest).

It IS Hermes and NOTHING comes cheap. But all this will add up and if you make your interest in the Birkin known - there is a much higher chance you will get one if someone does not show up to pick up their pre-ordered bag. 

Also - don't get too hung up on the kind of bag you want. If your heart's desire is a Black, togo leather, 35cm with silver hardware - then your wait will be a very long one.

If you dislike a particular colour then tell the assistant (I personally can't abide the 'blue jean' or the green 'vert olive' ). Don't be too specific on the gold or silver hardware - it does not really matter! 

Hermes shops in smaller European cities are also a good bet. A friend recently got a gorgeous tan one from Marbella. So if you happen to travel - make a pit stop and ask. 

If you are friends with someone who owns a Birkin (or two) - find out where she got hers and how likely is she to introduce you to her dealer aka shop assistant. If she's a good friend - she will ;) 

Procuring a Birkin is not really rocket science - its simply a matter of knowing the system - once you have one, the next one is a bit easier. 

If you are swimming in loads of spare cash and desperately need one then give my friends at Quintessentially Gifts a call. They sell genuine ones at rather inflated prices - but you do cut the line - I have never bought one from them, but desperate situations et al…

Generally beware of other online dealers and eBay sites purporting to sell the real thing. Some of them may be kosher but with so much money at stake its not really worth the risk. Ending up with a fake Birkin after parting with so much cash is not something you want...

Coming up next: The Birkin Glossary

 

 

The British 10k Run

Bootcamp at Camp Biche has several after effects - one of which is a propensity to agree to running a 10k for your favourite charity (in my case - it was for PrathamUK).

After all if you have walked 15kms a day for 6 consecutive days over rocky, uneven terrain then 10k on London roads is a do-able option.

Never mind that I actually don't like running and have never run except on the treadmill - that too only for a few minutes!

A dear friend of mine - Shrut is among lots of lovely things, a marathon runner, she did the New York marathon a few years ago. She agreed to do the run with me, constantly telling me that its no big deal.

I kind of believed her as the only preparation we did was a leisurely 7km stroll through Hyde Park a few days earlier. 

I set up my Just Giving page and lots of generous sponsorships began to pour in - one memorable benefactor gave me an astounding 500 pounds for PrathamUK. I was totally gob-smacked that a stranger would do so - it also cemented my determination that I had to do the run well. 

The night before the run, I had a late night confab with Shrut - she told me it would be easy. Taking her words to heart, we both ended up at the designated venue at 8.15am.

The 10k began for us at 10am. I managed to run the first 2k but after that I had to stop and walk for a bit. Shrut of course sped ahead. She also raised over 5k for PrathamUK, one of the benefits of being a hot-shot trader whose friends and colleagues have large hearts and wallets.

I followed the run-till-you-can't-anymore-then-walk pattern for the rest of the race and it was surprisingly not too bad. At some point I met Shrut again and we soldiered on together - its always nice to run with someone.

The atmosphere was electric - hundreds of people lined up to cheer the runners with imaginative banners. Around 25,000 people ran together most of them for their designated charity, a lot of them were in costume. I spotted a Scooby Do, a Robin, a group of men in nuns habits and lots of men in red Tutus!

DJs played at different points - it was a pretty nice way to spend a Sunday morning. We ran past famous London monuments, the roads were cordoned off - it was a unique perspective. 

As Shrut and I ran the last 300m - the feeling of accomplishment was immense. We finished in 1 hour and 5 minutes. I was exhausted - Gatorade has never tasted this good.

I may have begun to enjoy running - will definitely keep it up. Its a great way to loose weight too. 

The finish-line

With my running-buddy...

Facebook security alert

Let me digress from my usual posts to make a suggestion.

A friend posted this as her Facebook status:

IMPORTANT ALERT!!! FB has changed and said nothing..!!! Take a look at your URL (top box on your screen.) If you see "http" or just "www" instead of "https" you do NOT have a secure session & can be hacked. Go to Account Settings - Account Security - click Change. Check box (secure browsing), click Save. FB has automatically set it on the non-secure setting! Do everyone a favor, copy & re-post 

Now usually most such messages are a hoax - but not this one.

I did a bit of research to realise that http:// is NOT secure and Facebook in trademark style have made Http:// the default. It should be https://

So do yourself a favour - change the settings - whilst you are there review ALL your settings. Most of us have a ton of sensitive stuff on Facebook - lets at least maintain a modicum of security.

Let your friends know - spread the word!!

The Hare Ball: Hi-Blitz magazine coverage

 

My Style: Summer in the city

Shorts: James Perse

Top: Comptoir des Cotonniers

Shoes: Alaia

For a few magical days in the year, the weather gods deign to shower their bounty upon London's characteristic grey climes - for that short time the city is transformed.

It's sunny, happy - people smile and make eye contact. Everyone empties into its gorgeous parks, onto the roads and walk around luxuriating in its luminescent glory.

Picnics, barbecues, kids playing in the parks - the outdoors are embraced with a feverish tenacity - we know all too well that all this is short lived!

Sartorially I revert to shorts and a tee - classic summer attire! These James Pearse ones are slightly girly, a subtle play on this season's neutral palette. I can see my self getting a lot of wear with them on a beach holiday or a sunny city break.

The holy grail of casual dressing for me is finding the perfect white tee. It has to be light but not too see-through. The cut around the arms should not be too deep - it camouflages the slight (impossible to shift) flab that is stubbornly lodged there. The neckline must not be too deep or it results in gaping when you are reaching over for that last bread roll across the table.

I think I am almost there with this one. 

Now only if I had the fore-sight to have bought a couple more of them!

My Style: the long and short of it..

Top and Shorts: Missoni SS2010

Shoes: Alaia

Shorts as cocktail-wear are a new twist to the LBD saga. I am victim to the 'dress' syndrome as an easy (lazy) solution for evening dos. It is the simplest thing in the world to slip on, a dress and a pair of high heels, the tricky part for me is mixing it up a little.

Shorts add an element of playfulness and fun - these Missoni ones are extremely versatile. The mini-length coupled with a dramatic over-sized top adds that smidgen of glamour that is perfect for Louis Vuitton's Fine Jewellery launch.

This particular Missoni collection has been one of my favourites - it's a departure from their usual knits with the added drama of embellishments and sequins. The colours are more vibrant, there is a slight tribal influence whilst still sticking to the Missoni ethos; it's good to see brands with such a strong 'look' innovate and come up with ways to ensure their client's continuing interest.

I extract maximum bang for the buck with my Alaia shoes - they continue to be my absolute favourites and perfect partners-in-crime for events where standing around in high heels is on the agenda.

Finally add to all this - an oversized bag. It makes for an interesting contrast with shorts, and you have (what is for me) a fun way to enjoy fashion and the oft-elusive and fleeting London summer.

Event: Louis Vuitton Fine Jewellery preview

It's not easy to resist an invitation to preview serious bling (not that I tried very hard!). Especially when the invitation is at Louis Vuitton, Bond Street's swanky 'Apartment'. A superb concept in client management - LV has managed to perfect its techniques in making its customers feel special.

Everything aside, the jewellery was achingly fabulous. Designed by the ultra-talented Lorenz Baumer (he led the Chanel Fine Jewellery design team before joining Louis Vuitton); it was a riot of colour, whimsy and inspiration. I tried on a couple of pieces and boy did they make you feel special.

LV intends to spin off its fine jewellery line with a stand alone boutique in Paris at Place Vendôme opening this winter. It will be a strong competitor to Chanel Fine Jewellery which currently corners the market.

One of my favourites was an emerald ring that was inspired by an aerial view of the rainforests. 

 \

But quite possibly the most amazing piece of jewellery I have ever tried on, was this necklace that celebrated Brazil - its carnival, samba and electrifying magnetism. 

Lots of other special bits made up the collection - like this pretty pink confection...

Louis Vuitton has pioneered the 'LV cut' - a new cut in diamonds that mirrors its iconic emblem. I am told that it is the most brilliant of all cuts - it did look rather spectacular. 

The attention to detail and quality of craftsmanship was second to none. Joyful opulence would be an apt descriptor of Baumer's designs. Obviously all this comes with an equally dramatic price tag - but such jewellery is what dreams are made of...

New York gets Blinked…..

London's very own Blink Brow Bar does a hop and a skip over the pond to open up its New York outpost at the oh-so-swanky Henri Bendel's.

Managing unruly brows and finding the elusive arch just became a lot simpler for all New York eStylistas - now they have a whole other task to add to their grooming must-dos…

Appointments begin at 10am on June 21 - go get your threading fix!

Camp Biche bootcamp: The results...

Numbers don't lie… (I will also put up a photo!)

6 days at Camp Biche. We walked 90 kms in total - 21 hours of walking. In addition to this another 4 hours of exercise every day!

The result? 

I lost 2 inches off my waist, 3 inches off my navel and 1.5 inches off the hips… pretty considerable for just 6 days!

Thankfully, I didn't have to starve myself to lose them. As you would have seen in the photos in the previous posts - the food was pretty good (and substantial).

More importantly, more than the inches - my strength and endurance has increased. 

It was a mental challenge as well. Waking up at 6.30 am every day. Doing the hike regardless of the weather, walking through the rain at times on muddy, slippery slopes - I was utterly out of my comfort zone. But I did it - (reluctantly at times) and am glad I finished. 

I am also glad to be back home!

Link: Tyeb Mehta painting scores big at the Saffron Art auction

Link to this article in Tehelka

17 JUNE 2011 FRIDAY

Tyeb Mehta’s works continue to score high with international buyers

After flooring the buyers at Christie’s auction, his work now fetches great price in online auction

Untitled, Kali

Priyanka Gill
London

Tyeb Mehta continues to rock the international art market. After the highest price his untitled work of a rickshaw puller fetched at Christie’s summer auction on 9 June, another untitled work by him fetched a high price in online auction.

His Untitled (Kali) was sold at the SaffronArt online auction on Thursday for $1,317,161, three times its high estimate. Measuring 30x24 inches, it is considerably smaller than the one sold at Christies, which measured 58¾x47 inches.

Untitled, rickshaw puller

This is one of the three Kali paintings by Mehta. It is interesting to note that despite its strong subject matter, as opposed to its rather beautiful counterpart at Christie’s, it still sold higher than any expectation.

An undisclosed bidder punted an unprecedented $1 million through a mobile phone, though he was not the winning bidder. In all, there were 23 bids on Mehta, whose reserve was $2,87,360 to $4,02,300.

Earlier, at the Christie’s auction, Mehta’s Untitled (rickshaw puller) sold for $3,238,103. It was sold to an ‘international’ first-time buyer, indicating that Western collectors may finally be awakening to the gap in the prices of paintings by Indian masters, as opposed to their counterparts in China.

This was the highest ever paid for a Mehta painting and the second highest paid for an Indian artist. That record is still held by SH Raza’s Saurashtra, which sold in the same sale last year for $3,486,965.

A healthy 52 per cent of lots in the SaffronArt sale went over high estimate, showing that the appetite of rich collectors is still strong. There is a growing sentiment that important pieces of Indian art are becoming a valuable asset class in themselves. Their soaring prices at international auctions continue to solidify their legitimacy as viable investment propositions.

Priyanka Gill is a freelance journalist and an avid art collector. She blogs at www.estylista.com
letters@tehelka.com

Camp Biche bootcamp: Day 2

Waking up to a gloomy sky is never fun but when you know there is a three hour hike in your near future - the grey cloudiness becomes more than just a mood dampener. 

My attempts to get Craig to cancel the hike clearly failed when I found myself setting off, the hood of my waterproof jacket securely fastened in an attempt to protect myself from the steady drizzle. 

This was post 416 crunches and an hour's workout, fortified with a bowl of (yummy) granola and yogurt.

If I were asked to make a list of things I would never voluntarily end up doing - hiking in the muddy countryside in the rain would probably make the list.

But as I walked, the simplicity of the experience took over. One foot after the other, you walk till the destination is reached. It may be raining or sunny - that is all incidental. It may take hours - but that too is of little consequence. The action becomes therapeutic.

If I were stuck in the city, in the rain - I would be hailing for a cab, taking steps to avoid even the notion of discomfort. But here in the French countryside, it doesn't matter, you walk through it!

Here is Elsa our guide - she does the hike 6 times a week!

Vistas...

We found cherries by the roadside - their sweetness was unsurpassed. Picking them from the trees and instantly eating them re-defined life's simplest pleasures.

A handful of cherries...

French capitalism at its best - an enterprising (and optimistic) soul left a tin for money and a few cherries for passers by. This was opposite a grove of cherry trees - we chose to go to the source!

Looking back at the path we walked upon...

A medieval church...

… for whom the bells still toll...

Alber - our hiking companion - full of boundless energy!

The greyness gives way...

… to startlingly blue skies!

Life lessons come in many forms. As grey gave way to blue, the triteness of truisms came to mind. 

Our destination - Lauzerte

We return to Camp Biche for lunch - on the menu today: a hearty minestrone with a slice of crusty french bread.

For dessert - it's summer fruits.

After lunch it's time to rest your oh-so-weary legs followed by a session of boxing before massage and a wonderful dinner. Tonight it's a bowl of celeriac soup with balsamic reduction followed by chickpea patties, guacamole, sautéed onions and home-made bar-be-que sauce - kind of a deconstructed burger.

The food is all vegan, but it's not something you are constantly conscious of - it simply tastes great.

For dessert its Libby's signature chocolate souffle - absolutely stunning!

It has been a long satisfying day. All the muscles in my weary body ache. Walking has become a challenge. I have no idea how I will make it through the day tomorrow - but Libby and Craig assure me I will!

Camp Biche bootcamp: Day 1

Situated in scenic Lauzerte, France Camp Biche is my final attempt to shed the last lingering bit of post-baby flab before my daughter's first birthday. Recommended by a dear friend, it will test my philosophy that I can do most things for a week!

"Biche" is French for doe. Its a luxury boot-camp promising (and delivering) comfortable beds, massages and gourmet food along with a punishing exercise regimen.

Run by queen-of-all-things-vegan Libby Pratt, its testimonials are filled with people who have lost an astounding amount of body-fat and inches in the 6 day programme. 

Hoping for a similar result, I board the plane for Toulouse - Camp Biche an hour or so away.

Today was day 1. 

Wake up was at 6.30 am, at 6.45 we head to Libby's signature abs class, run by Loic (he's a superb trainer and a national level martial arts expert) - apparently at the end of the week, clients do nearly 1000 crunches in 20 mins or so!

This is followed by a cardiovascular workout and a quick change into hiking clothes before a yummy breakfast of homemade granola, fruit compote and soy yogurt.

The menu is fully vegan and till now it's surprisingly tasty.

Daily three to four hour hikes form the central part of the Camp Biche philosophy. 

Accompanied by Loic and Libby's partner Craig, we begin with a stroll through the vibrant farmer's market.

The 15km hike takes 3 hours. It's through some beautiful terrain - the perfect antidote to city living. Surrounded by fields and trees, one hears birds twittering and oddly it is both meditative and relaxing..

After three long hours we reach the end of the hike. My shoes are killing me - its a really bad idea to wear new shoes for three hours, but there's a nice sense of accomplishment.

We come home to a delicious lunch - ravenous would be an apt description of our current state of being. Beans and salsa served with a tortilla really hit the spot.

 Dessert is a blueberry and banana 'milkshake'

Post lunch, we get an hours rest, followed by exercises in the pool and a yoga/pilates class. Thankfully there is a much needed massage thrown in the end before dinner. After nearly 7 hours of physical activity, my muscles are really sore.

Dinner is again very good. Soup followed by tofu and quinoa in a tangy lime glaze and end-of-seacon local cherries in lemon (tofu) curd for dessert.

One day down, 5 more to go. Im off to bed now, Have a 6.30 am start again tomorrow!!

The most expensive Tyeb Mehta ever sold (to date)...

June 9, 2011 was a poignant day in the history of India art. It lost one of its masters MF Husain. It also saw a new world record being set for one of its other masters - Tyeb Mehta at the Modern and Contemporary Indian art sale at Christies in London. 

The 'Untitled (Figure on Rickshaw)' fetched an impressive £1,973,250 ($3,238,103).

But it was telling that a number of major artists in the sale did not sell. The FN Souza landscape, an early Tyeb Mehta, a rather beautiful Akbar Padamsee, two Subodh Guptas, a Manjit Bawa and the pale Gaitonde from their New York sale - all failed to cross the finish line.

One of the curiosities of the sale were the french doors of FN Souza's New York apartment that he had painted with a series of his famed 'heads' - they will make a rather cool addition to the buyer's collection.

While the sale was a bit slow (I've been in more exciting auctions) - the bidding for the Tyeb Mehta was fast and furious. Christies tells me that it is a new undisclosed 'International' buyer who made the purchase on the phone , but for some reason the Indian art world remains unconvinced!

The market for important works by the masters remains strong. The others may be facing a slump and correction. But if international buyers and cash-rich families enter the fray - it may not be long before the prices of Indian art go the way of the Chinese bull run.

MF Husain: artist, genius, legend - passes away...

As I sit looking at the Husain painting I bought a couple of years ago, I am deeply saddened by the fact that its creator passed away on June 9 at 2.30am GMT. 

The word 'genius' is an oft mis-used epitaph, but for Husain Sahab (as he was fondly known) it is apt. He began his career as a painter of film hoardings and then went on to form the Progressive artists group with his peers like Francis Newton Souza, S. H. Raza and Tyeb Mehta among others.

He then went on to become one of India's leading Modern artists. Prolific, charismatic and the consummate salesman, Husain's paintings became emblematic of Indian art. His paintings became the ultimate symbol of having 'arrived'. Arun Vadhera, one of his first gallerists once told me of clients coming to his gallery and asking for the 'ghode-wali painting' (The horses painting). Husain's horses were iconic.

I first met Husain sahab in school - he came at the behest of the Jindals to paint one massive wall. We welcomed the barefoot, white bearded, softly spoken man - it was a sweltering 40 degrees celsius in the shade. He held a long paintbrush in one hand and what struck me then was that his hands almost touched his knees.

1000 school girls watched gob-smacked as he painted Goddess Saraswati with swift brushstrokes, covering the enormous wall in a few hours.

His detractors called such events stunts, but for a young impressionable girl - it was the beginning of my love affair and obsession with Indian art.

My next interaction with him was at the time of the Tehelka-Bonham's art auction in London. Husain sahab painted live with Shah Rukh Khan in front of London's glamorous glitteratti  - they too were equally mesmerised like the giggly school girls in small town India.

Such was the force of his personality.

Husain did not shy away from controversy - often angering the Hindu right with his sexual depiction of Hindu goddesses. So much so that he was prohibited from ever entering the country of his birth. 

Husain spent the last years of his life living in exile in Dubai. Its a tragedy for the world's largest democracy that we could not provide safe harbour to the man who was one of the leading lights in Modern Indian art.

RIP Maqbool Fida Husain. You were loved and you will always be remembered.

Restaurant review: Spuntino

Address: 61 Rupert Street, London W1D 7PW

Web: http://www.spuntino.co.uk/

RATING: 7/10

------------------------------------------------------------------

Good things come to those who wait. This is the motto adopted by the new(ish) restaurant in town. Set in what could loosely be termed has SoHo's red light district, Spuntino takes no reservations. You just walk in, wait by a narrow ledge right behind diners seated on bar counters.

While you wait, you mentally will them to hurry up:  for goodness sake, can't you see we are salivating over what you are leisurely ingesting!

The website is equally bare. Just a background, name and address, no menu or photos.

Pre-warned by various (glowing) reviews we read on the net, we were mentally prepared to wait at least 40 minutes before we were seated. Luckily it was a respectable 20. It gave us ample time to admire the warehouse like feel that restaurants now pay good money to emulate. It attempted to be slightly grungy, very communal - the lighting was very, very dim (my apologies in advance for the photos that follow).

Statutory warning: Spuntino is carb central - it is not for those trying to avoid the dreaded c-word. The first dish we tried was their version of eggs and soldiers. Eggs crusted in a yummy batter and deep fried with perfect toast soldiers...

Olives were given the same treatment - didn't love them though...

The third fried small plate we tries was the eggplant with a yogurt dip, good enough but not memorable...

Sitting around the tables we had the yummy (free) chilli popcorn!! Slightly greasy, smothered in butter…. 

The coleslaw was much liked by Gurmit. The soft-shell crabs were eaten in a thrice!

The shoestring fries were delicious - light, non greasy and extremely addictive! Reminded me of the old jingle 'No on can eat just one….'

One of my favs was the calamari salad… the picture does not do it justice!

The star of the main courses was the mac and cheese - ultimate comfort food!! Again eating just one forkful was a master-class in self control!

The truffled egg on toast was smothered in cheese - just looking at it made me put on pounds but it smelt heavenly - I took one sinful bite and it was so worth it!

It is in the desserts where spuntino comes into its own… 

Their famous peanut butter dessert was sadly sold out !! So disappointing - but we had the cheesecake - utterly delish!!

Their coconut-pineapple eaton mess was probably the best eaton-mess I have ever tried! So much so the I didn't take a single bite of the chocolate brownie - but by all accounts it was really, really good...

Spuntino is American food served tapas-style. Hugely calorific, one place to avoid if you are on a diet! But if you are looking for comfort  food done decadently well, you should definitely go there! The staff are extremely friendly; it's interesting to sit around the bar and eat whilst watching the barmen and waiters do their thing. The bar stools and benches are not the most comfortable but you don't mind them. 

The one drink I didn't try was the 'Clover Club'. David of the Recipe tells me it is amazing - if there is one person to who knows his cocktails it is him! So do try it and let me know how it was.

I look forward to going back and having it with the peanut butter dessert I missed! I just need to get off my never ending diet first!!

My Style: Night out….

(photo credit: Abha Housego)

Dress: Missoni AW 2010

Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti

As I get another year older - I have realised one of the best ways to begin celebrating is to do a small dinner with close girl-friends. I ended up at Zuma for one of the best night outs I have had in a while. There is something to be said about bringing in the birthday with a fun bunch of girls! 

If you follow my blog you know that Missoni is one design house I love. The affair (!) began as a practical option to pregnancy style - I spent almost one year exclusively in Missoni - the dresses stretched as my belly grew. Over that year - I got to know the wonderful staff at their Sloane Street boutique really well, which is the perfect recipe for inducing brand loyalty in clients.

There are intangible reasons why customers will spend their fashion bucks with one brand as opposed to another. Especially with the high spenders - being intimate with the store, the product lines and having an on-going relationship with the store associates is of paramount importance. 

I rarely shop in Selfridges or Harrods unless I'm in a hurry, I much prefer to walk into the store and buy, building relationships with brands - doing this as a client is better value for money as it comes with a whole host of benefits like invitations to special events, previews and fashion shows. The brand gets to know you and your preferences.

Smart brands realise that if they support the client, clients stay put. One of the classic ways is through charity causes that clients endorse. Charity galas are the sum total of relationships the organisers have with brands. Harnessing such relationships is a symbiotic win-win. 

Missoni is one such label. They support my charity Pratham UK and I continue to shop! Not only do I pick up great additions to my wardrobe but also pick up good karma points along the way.

They in turn get access to a whole host of wonderful women who are equally passionate about shopping and giving back through charitable causes. Creating 'stickiness' in clients is an art. Brands that do it well have customers for life...

Link: My Interview with Asian Voice

Link to Asian Voice

The Hare Ball

What a night it was! London's who's who gathered to raise money for a very special charity. 

GBP 120,00 pounds raised through auction alone for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.

A Stella MaCartney painting went for GBP 15,000. Stella was in the room and graciously offered to make a second one for the underbidder - raising GBP 30,000! (Loved the off-shoulder dress she wore!)

Mr Brainwash's iconic canvas went for a whopping GBP 32,000 pounds and the Tracey Emin was a steal at GBP 12,000.

Eastender's star Shane Riche had the audience in splits with his wicked sense of humour - directing most of his jokes at the sporting Nicky Clarke - who bore the verbal assaults with rather charming grace (and the occasional grimance!)

X-Factor's Rebecca Ferguson sang a touching rendition of Amazing Grace - she has spectacular vocal cords! 

The man of the hour was Michael van Clarke - he was delighted that months of preparations paid off!

The Dorchester Hotel was a special venue and the food was pretty good unlike most galas.

Here I am with Michael - it was a special night!

My Style: Gala Glam

Dress: Versace AW 2009

Shoes: Versace

Dressing for a black-tie event is a lot of fun. One gets to indulge theatrical instincts and wear fairytale confections.

No one does glam better than Versace!

For the Harestyling Gala I picked one of my favourites - I confess I have worn this gown several times (thereby justifying the investment in 'pay-per-wear' point of view! 

The one rule I try to follow for such events is never wear black - its cliched and every one right down to the hostesses and staff wear it. A gala is an opportunity to express with colour and bling, so go for it (within the confines of style!)

For makeup - I took my cue from today's leading fashion icon - Duchess Catherine Cambridge herself! Like Kate Middleton - I did my own makeup -which is actually a first - as I don't really wear makeup and am rather hopeless at it!

But after the makeup artist from Dior botched up my face (I looked like a drag queen gone bad!) - I washed it off, applied the Organic Pharmacy serum followed by a couple of pumps of the revolutionary Nubo foundation - used YSL's Touche Elact sparingly on the dark circles and voila - I actually managed to do my own base! 

Eyeshadow, liner, mascara, kajal and lip-gloss followed by a touch of blush and in 5 minutes I was ready. Revolutionary (for me)!!

My latest beauty find is the website Cult Beauty - they have been around for a while but I recently stumbled upon them. They are (for me) the Netaporter of beauty - a carefully curated collection of the latest beauty products with a focus on what really works.

 

 

The 7 day cleanse: Results

The numbers are in. 

I lost 2.1 per cent body fat in 7 days! It was not water or muscle loss - expected results if one were to reduce food intake drastically, but fat loss!

Needless to say, I'm absolutely delighted with the results. My clothes fit differently. I've dropped nearly two sizes in jeans (Now I'm eyeing with longing all the lovely J Brand jeans hanging in the far reaches of my closet that I really want to fit into).

Overall, I'm feeling good (and graciously enjoying the compliments).

Undergoing a rather public detox is a bit daunting, but all in all it was all so worth it.

Losing weight is painful and a matter of sheer commitment. It completely changes your relationship with food. No longer simply something to be enjoyed and savoured, you begin to judge and evaluate each bite. Eating at restaurants is a test of endurance and self-restraint - while the rest of the table is happily munching away on breads and pasta, you politely take a sip of water and a bite of boiled blandness.

Most importantly, its a game of maintenance - losing weight is difficult enough but preventing it from coming back is a whole other challenge. 

Diego has put me on a intensive training routine coupled with a restrictive diet. Until I lose a further 5 per cent body fat, I can pretty much kiss bread, rice, pasta and all such yummy carb fixes a sad goodbye. 

Its going to be tough. But I am praying it won't take forever! 

My daughter's first birthday is just around the corner (which is the reason why I am in such a hurry to shed the kilos). If model/actress types can get back into their pre-baby skinny jeans barely 6 weeks after baby's birth - a year is a reasonable cut-off for the rest of us mere mortals.

The Travel + Leisure Blog: The Gilbert Scott restaurant

This post was published in the Travel + Leisure blog. Link here

---------------------------------------------------------------

Eat Your Pudding: Chef Marcus Wareing Opens New Restaurant in London

It’s one of the most buzzed-about and eagerly anticipated hotel openings across the pond: London’s iconic St. Pancras railway station has reinvented itself as a sumptuous new Renaissance hotel, and last week unveiled The Gilbert Scott restaurant. Celebrated chef Marcus Wareing (of the Michelin two-starred Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley) derived inspiration for his second restaurant from both the historic building itself, as well as from dishes that are nearly 200 years old, but cooked with modern techniques.

Evocative of a British childhood, the fare is gourmet nursery food for the adult palate. Generations of Brits will come to the magnificent dining room (calling it a restaurant seems oddly sacrilegious) with its gilded, vaulted ceiling to savor the nostalgia. We were a table of six and ended up ordering all 10 puddings on the menu—gluttonous, but what a way to go!

Wareing himself stopped by our table for an extensive chat and, though he declined to choose his best dish (saying it would be like asking him which of his three children is his favorite), for my meal he recommended the delicious Queen Anne’s asparagus tart and Great Garnett’s Farm pork belly. I’m usually not a big fan of pork belly, but this was surprisingly light. I also tasted the Queen’s Pottage, a confection of chicken, mushrooms, and pistachio that had been cooked for 18 hours and was absolutely tender. 

Named for the original architect of the 1873 structure, The Gilbert Scott is a true marriage of food and architecture. Finally, a restaurant where you can eat a British meal and not expire of carb overload!

Priyanka Gill is a London-based blogger and journalist. Visit her website here. 

Photos courtesy of St. Pancras Rennaissance Hotel

The 7 day cleanse: Day 7

Sometimes, a week seems like a very long time!

I can barely remember the last time I sat down to eat a 'proper' meal.

But today is the last day and from tomorrow, I can no longer depend on a sheet of paper to tell me what to eat. I will have to, once again, rely on my judgement and self control.

Dieting evokes very strong reactions from people.

A lot of people were horrified - why do you need to do it??

Some well-meaning friends offered better solutions, a few shook their heads and said I was crazy.

The answer lies in the middle of all this. It is a personal choice, I guess. I wanted to get back into my pre-pregnancy wardrobe and I wanted to do it quickly.

The cleanse is a brilliant way to begin, but it does not mean I can eat that chocolate brownie that currently lies in my kitchen - the fact that it is still uneaten, is a testament to my desire to shed the kilos!

But yesterday when I fit into a size 38, Alexander McQueen dress I bought ages ago - it was a pretty good feeling! I still have a few more kilos to go, but there is something to be said for doing it the quick way - now lets hope the inches stay off!

The 7 day cleanse: Days 3,4,5

I have not eaten anything except boiled green vegetables (and a few spoonfuls of boiled organic brown rice) for 5 days now.

I even sat through a dinner with 10 friends at Dishoom - where they proceeded to order the entire menu, and I ate nothing. They asked me what was good - I ordered for them and asked the waiter for some spinach (my vegetable of the day), there was none in the restaurant - so I sipped water.

If there were awards for will power - I deserve a nomination (now who do I know who runs awards, may be it's time to make that strategic call (lol) - awards are NEVER fixed - they are totally deserved!! )

But surprisingly - I am not hungry. The shakes, the vitamins and the fibre fills you up. My energy levels are good. When I went for my weekly acupuncture session today - Byron told me I had lost a lot of weight (yay) and that my pulse was good and generally said its the healthiest he had ever seen me!

I walked down the high street over the weekend and almost did a double-take at the amount of food that is offered on sale, yummy cakes at Patisserie Valerie, sandwiches and tarts at Paul's, smells of coffee wafting out of Starbucks - we don't really stand a chance. So much of our lives revolve around food - we socialise over a meal, bond over a few drinks couple of drinks, meet up with friends over coffee.

Alongside foodie places are the newsagents selling magazines idolizing skinny women - talk about mixed messages...

At the end of this detox, I am hoping that the scales (and pincers) will show expected results and I can revert to healthy eating and exercise.

The lessons that I am taking away from this week:

1. NEVER go to Dishoom on a diet!

2. It is really about WHAT you eat. I have exercised till I could exercise no more, but the answer to losing weight lies not in the gym but in the kitchen.

3. The only way to do it is slow and steady. A crazy detox may give you a head start, but it is with consistency alone that you can fit into your thin jeans again!

The 7 day cleanse: Day 2

Today is a new day. 

Yesterday was bad.

I really had no idea what I was taking on. After drinking my way through glasses and glasses of seriously yucky stuff and swallowing pills like I was aiming for a world record - I seriously began to question my sanity and my determination.

But since I have made a rather public commitment (and spent a mini-fortune on pills and supplements), I am not giving up just yet. That, and the scales this morning, showed a slight decrease in weight - it may well be water weight - but every single pound counts!!

This got me thinking about weight, food and our complicated relationship with them. 

We have been utterly indoctrinated by the media to think thin is good (tiny is better)- magazines bombard us with images of celebrities popping back into shape weeks after giving birth, the social pressure to shed the inches is enormous.

And we all play the same game. In any lunch around town, "Oh, you have lost so much weight" is uttered with much admiration and a smidgen of wistfulness.

I've had lunches with friends where just the stuffing of dumplings at Ping Pong have been eaten and tiny pieces of fish have been picked clean off sushi rolls at Nobu. It all takes determination and iron clad self control, but as the questionable saying goes 'Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels'.

Seriously, when did carbs become a bad word? I remember a time when I could eat a piece of bread or bowl of pasta without feeling like it was equivalent to committing a major crime, when toast was not a treat but just something you ate for breakfast. Now - eating the same things is guaranteed to induce a major guilt attack. Let's not even talk about desserts! 

There obviously comes a point where all this gets dangerously out of hand.

For me, I would be delighted to be reunited with my pre-baby wardrobe - it waits patiently, unused for over a year. Losing weight would be a much more economical proposition than buying all those clothes all over again.

The 7 day cleanse: Day 1

Losing body fat, post baby number 2 is tough. I have been training hard for months, constantly attempting to diet - lost some weight but it keeps coming back when I slip up.

Three different trainers have suggested I try the Poliquin cleanse. I've been resistant as its pretty hard core.

I call my doctor, and tell him about this - he is skeptical but says it won't do any lasting harm (!) Needs must, desperate situations, desperate measures… Summer is approaching fast along with my birthday, so I decide to take the plunge.

Using callipers Diego (my trainer) measures me in 12 places. The results are not pretty - I need to lose 7 per cent body fat!! While this is not happening in a hurry, the cleanse will give a jump start.

It is a pretty challenging diet. Lots of pills, meals replacements and just one vegetable a day!!

Today is day 1.

The only thing I can eat is steamed Broccolli (no salt, no spices… joy!!) along with a whole pharmacy of pills and shakes - 5 times a day. 

I am not looking forward to this week. Eating out is out of the question, my social life will go for a six. Mild exercise only. But I may drop 1-2 percent of body fat and balance my hormones (or so I am told). 

Here goes...

(disclaimer: all diets etc should be undertaken under medical guidance)

Estylista says… The Pancras Renaissance Hotel is a must see...

I can't do a full blog post right now, but just so you heard it here first - there is a new (well, renovated) hotel in London that is STUNNING! The Pancras Renaissance Hotel is an absolute gem, it redefines London cool.

While you are there - The Gilbert Scott restaurant is superb. Its Marcus Wareing's second restaurant. He is such a dish - a dear friend admitted to 'her knees turning to jelly around him!' Charming too, he stopped by our table and spoke so passionately about the food. He also personally chose what I ate :) Being a blogger has some benefits!

A proper review coming up soon… watch this space… but seriously … you heard it here first!!!

My Style: Art Attack

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Dress: Jay Ahr

Shoes: Alexander McQueen

Often the answer to the perennial 'what do I wear' question begins with a pair of killer shoes. Thats exactly how I arrived at my outfit for the Harestyling preview.

The booties are absolutely gorgeous - interesting shape, studded, with the trademark skull - they define the 'statement shoe.' And McQueen is definitely flavour of the season. (So worth the aching feet and numb toes at the end of the evening.)

My new 'find' is Jay Ahr. Whilst looking for the Matthew Willamson section in Selfridges, I chanced upon his racks and ended up buying a few of his dresses. They epitomise easy style. Ahr has cottoned on to the fact that most (real) women (except for the anorexic, carrot nibbling variety) carry dreaded extra inches around the midriff. His cut drapes intelligently and as a result camouflage the tell-tale bulges admirably.

Invariably, if one is looking for a short dress, it turns out to be a body-con, Herve Leger-esque unforgiving garment that requires a mandatory starvation diet for days before one can even contemplate wearing it.

But not Jay Ahr. He flatters and makes a lots of women very, very happy - he is one designer to watch out for.

Now only if it meant I could stop the punishing visits to the gym...