CLANDESTINE’S DAY OUT AT THE IPLFW – Volume 1

Follow my blog with bloglovin
Clandestine Cigarettes proudly presents….*Drum Roll* ….a detailed account of the IPLFW‼ *Applause*. We went, we saw, we came away with mixed feelings. Yes we were tres happy to have been invited by our good friends, the Mapxencars, who were showing their collection, for the first time ever, on foreign shores. Yes, we loved the fact that the Indian fashion industry seemed to be getting bigger and (wish I could say better) bolder in terms of experimenting with a foreign market and trying to make its presence felt with minimal press coverage and media buzz. We liked the fact that a prime location in the heart of the city (Holborn, Southampton Row) was chosen as the venue of the first ever season of the Indian Premier London Fashion Week (actually 3 days). And finally, it was admirable that such a new body of the fashion industry was giving young, fledgling designers the chance to expand their wings and capture an international audience even before their teething stage in India had ended. Two thumbs up for courage and a pat on the back for encouraging new talent. So here’s what we thought about the whole event (starting with, of course, the Mapxecars‼) and then the rest of the day at the Bloomsbury Ballroom, Victoria House, Southampton Row, London.

mapxecaRS by Riddhi & Siddhi

These identical twin sisters are as different as chalk and cheese when it comes to personal style and personalities (for lack of a better word). But as a team, they’re perfect together. They understand each other’s design language and give each other enough creative space so that ultimately, as a label, the mapxencaRS come up with something they believe in and love! That is the commitment that was blatantly on display at the IPLFW GenNext show.

The sisters looked to one of the world's most renowned architects - Daniel Libeskind - for inspiration. A little background on the architect for the uninitiated - some of Daniel's best work includes such symbolic structures as the Jewish Museum in Berlin, Imperial War Museum in Manchester, the Spiral extension to the V & A Museum in London and master development of WTC.

The mapxencaRS used the theory of deconstruction (or what they called “deconstructionism…WHAAT‼ C’mon sistahs! That’s not even a word) and gave it a twist in fashion language through garment construction and draping techniques. Result? A very interesting play of seams twisted and stitched down to form mindboggling structures of lines and curves (good theme interpretation, innit?) Their palette comprised black in combination with grays, electric blue and a sprinkling of a range of pinks. The metallic edge (that defines Daniel’s work) was provided by silver.

The entire collection was cohesive in terms of theme interpretation. Kudos to them for maintaining harmony in the elements of design and experimenting with various construction techniques! However, maybe there was too much of a good thing in the collection? Too many elements together crowded the tiny area in the mini dresses. Additionally, there was one panel too many in some of the ensembles. However, the simple silhouette saved the day.

I have to make a special mention of the deadly diva that Siddhi was on ramp. Totally overshadowed the models! And Riddhi’s personality shone through the tiny black dress and engulfed the ramp atmosphere. Such a pleasure to watch these girls on ramp! A breath of fresh air when compared to the jeans-sneakers clad designers taking a bow at the end of a show while furiously chewing on gum.

After the show, the mapxencaRS gave us the chance to see them in action at their stall. Interacting with buyers, networking with potential clients, discussing business matters and generally being the entrepreneurs and proud owners of an already successful label. Gave us great pleasure to see our goofy friends from college transformed into serious business partners and we couldn’t help but be happy for their success.

Keep up the good work nos amies! We’re proud of you girls!

TD*DG

The symptoms of Ageing

Follow my blog with bloglovin


I opened one eye at a time. The distant sound of a clock ticking in an otherwise silent room. Disorientation. Confusion. A mild ache in my bones. Stiff feet. Cold panic! I jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom mirror. Do I see wrinkles?! Oh no‼ I took a quick look at the back of my hands. Oh my God‼ I see veins. Green, prominent, protruding and mocking me as if to say “You old hag!” Nooo‼ It’s not the 9^th of May! I can’t be 25‼ I’ve crossed over to the dark side now. I’m in the silver club and time seems to be flying at the speed of light! To quote Joey Tribbiani (F.R.I.E.N.D.S) , “Why God why! Why are you doing this to us!” Ok breathe. Of course I’m being a total drama queen, imagining wrinkles and visible veins! I’m turning into a hypochondriac! Wait, is hypochondria a sign of old age? Stop it Tej! Breathe again. Relax. Rewind to 48 hours earlier. Smile. :-)

It’s 6 am and we’re all gorging on delicious potato curry and rice. We’re all partied out and my feet still hurt from all the dancing and the 45 minute walk to Marble Arch for the night bus home.

Darshana’s making potato curry and rice and desperately trying to persuade me to eat and then go to bed. But I’m old and tire easily. I just want to change into comfortable pyjamas and go to bed.

Santosh in between hiccups says “My grandmother told me to think of a random number and match it to a letter in the alphabet. So when you have hiccups, the person whose name begins with that letter is thinking of you really hard!” It’s funny how such random, juvenile talk can take your mind off the long, tedious journey home. My feet still hurt. Damn those uncomfortable heels!

Oh when will the bus come?! It’s 2.47 am and N207 should be at the stop any time now. I’m still smiling from the lovely party and sulking over the aging process at the same time.

I’m in Miami Biiitch! Oh how I love this song! And this was the third time it was being played! Does the DJ know it’s my birthday? I check my watch and smile. It still IS my birthday‼ Woohoo! So what if there are only 15 minutes to go? I’m still on the border separating youth from wannabe youth. I look around and see Darsh doing the “goin down low” competition with Pinca. Oops! Pinca spilled her drink AND Darshana’s! Everyone else was having a great time and dancing away to the wonderful music! I loved how all my friends came together to celebrate. Overwhelming and extremely touching.

We’re late! We were supposed to be at the FunkyBuddha at 10 and were on the way to the tube station at 9.45 pm‼ But would that prevent us from posing for pictures at the bus stop? No sir! Out comes the camera. Pose. Click. Flash. Change of pose.

Anne and Tabea come in singing “Happy Birthday” and what’s this? My gifts‼ Woop Woop! A beautiful lavender potted plant, a box of chocolates, a gorgeous top and a beautifully written note in a card. Aww‼ I was so touched.

It was 4.00 pm. SO many things to do! 8 hours to go before I get a hunchback and need a walking stick! I rushed to the temple (another sign of old age?) and made a few calls on the way to fix plans for the night. I hadn’t a clue where we would be going, who would be coming and what I would be wearing! Ok no, I did have a clue about the last bit. I found peace at the temple. Prayed and thanked God for everything He’s given me so far. I truly was grateful.

I woke up smiling. I loved the sound of 8^th May. I loved how the previous night (errm morning had ended). We bowled like maniacs and laughed half our guts out. Darsh and I had sore throats from the fake Brit accent we had put on most of the night. Happy to entertain people on the bus ride home.

Yes! Gutterballs‼ Darsh and I made the perfect team. We had won the second round (backwards‼) :-D A quick photograph with the bouncer, a quick groove to Sean Paul and an even quicker round of photographs later, we were ready to call it a night..errm day (it was 3.00 am)

Oh my God‼ Is that a cake?? I couldn’t believe my eyes! Aww! My friends had a cake for me! I was so pleasantly surprised and elated at the same time, I couldn’t help bouncing around (Gajare,2010) with happiness!

Annnnd it’s midnight! We were on the 105 to Airport Bowl and my silver had arrived on the bus ride to the bowling alley. Memorable indeed! Lovely cards and a cheesy (but cute) “Birthday Girl” badge ,  hugs, kisses and a barrage of phone calls. :-D

Click. Click. Pose. Pose. I was ready to leave for the bowling alley. Darsh had styled my look and how‼ :-* for her. BTW, she looked like a million bucks as well! 

Friday, the 7^th. It’s my birthday weekend‼ Darsh had already started wishing me. In fact, I was woken up with “Get out of bed. Only 14 and a 1/2 hours to go‼” That made an impact…2 hours later :-P

Ok I feel better now. I can breathe. The past 48 hours had been unforgettable indeed. A long , nonstop party, wonderful friends and a lifetime supply of memories. Who cares about being 25? That’s not so bad! I know I’m never going to be 30 because WE (looking up threateningly at my friend above) have a new deal (quoting Joey Tribbiani again).

TD