"Gayatri Joshi"

"Deepika Padukon"

"Deepal Shaw"

"Daisy Bopanna"

"IJS Signature 2009 Inaugurated At Goa"

The IIJS Signature Goa 2009 was inaugurated at the hands of Shri Digamber Kamat - Chief Minister of Goa, amongst a gathering of distinguished personalities from political and the Indian diamond industry. The event is slated to kick off between February 20-23, 2009 at Panjim, which is the heart of Goa's movers and shakers. Speaker of Goa Assembly –Mr. Pratap Singh Rane was the Guest of Honour.

The 2009 edition of this show is expected to bring in 72 exhibitors ranking as India's most distinguished companies and professionals. One expects the show to be an attraction for the international visitors, as the venue is a strategic tourist place of India, featuring a multi-cultural and contemporary feel. Goa is also a hub for many of India’s renowned fashion designers, which reflects the aura of the city to inspire art and fashion.

At the inaugural occasion, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council Chairman – Mr. Vasant Mehta said that the show expects 600 visitors: 350 domestic, 150 international visitors and 10 delegations from abroad. This could be a motto point to asses the efforts of the global diamond industry in overcoming the economic slump. It would give a good opportunity to initiate dialogue and network for making consolidated efforts.

The Council is indicating that it might host its 2010 edition of the IIJS Signature, also in Goa.

"FICCI’s Workshop On ATA Carnet to Be Held In Mumbai"

A ‘Workshop on ATA Carnet’ is being organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in co-operation with Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, and is slated to be held on February 26, 2009 at Mayfair Banquets, Worli, Mumbai. The workshop aims at familiarising the industry representatives with operational aspects of using an ATA Carnet. The Carnet holder will also be briefed about his/her Rights and Obligations.

The workshop is being promoted by the organisers as an effective platform for the industry to discuss issues involved in temporary import/export of goods and hence benefit from the deliberations of the session.

The ATA Carnet is an internationally accepted customs document used by members of the exporting community from India, to travel abroad with commercial samples for participating in an exhibition / trade fair, business promotion tour or for a film shoot.

Dr Vaijayanti Pandit, Director of FICCI, said “FICCI has been organising several workshops to create awareness about this important international instrument. In the recent past, such workshops were organised in Vadodara, Chennai & Hyderabad. In continuity with the task of capacity building through spreading general awareness, it has been decided to organise next workshop on ATA Carnet in Mumbai.”

FICCI, as the apex chamber, is the National Issuing and Guaranteeing Association (NIGA) for issuing and guaranteeing ATA Carnets in India.

"IIGJ R&D centre inaugurated in Jaipur"

In an effort to honour the contribution of late Shri Rashmikant Durlabhji at IIGJ, Jaipur, the Jaipur Jewellery Show (JJS) inaugurated the JJS R&D center at the hands of Mr. Vasant Mehta, Chairman GJEPC, on 14 March, 2009, at the premises of IIGJ Jaipur.

IIGJ is an education institute established under the umberella of GJEPC, to support the gem and jewellery trade through providing training for professionals. Jaipur has been popular as the gemstone hub, but was found being left behind by other countries in terms of technology education in this industry. To promote this, the organisers of the Jaipur Jewellery Show contributed finance to the development of the IIGJ Jaipur R & D center. Profits of the Show would be utilised in bettering the Jaipur gemstone industry. Initially, the process of heat treatment in Rubies and Sapphires would be introduced, and the R&D centre is expected to begin the process for the local traders within the coming three to four months.

The inauguration event was attended by the leading jewellers of Jaipur - Vivek kala - President Jaipur Jewellers Association , Pramod Agarwal, Vimal Chand Surana - Chairman JJS , Rajiv Jain – Vice-Chairman GJEPC & IIGJ Jaipur , Vijay Chordia - Hon. Secretary IIGJ Jaipur, Navrattan Kothari - Chairman IIGJ Jaipur , Kishan Das Maheshwari and such. The event inspired some knowledge sharing, keeping in mind that it was attended by the leaders of the Indian gem and jewellery industry. Navrattan Kothari and Vasant Mehta in their speeches, appealed to the local jewellers to come forward and support the IIGJ Jaipur Institute in its development to become a major education hub in the region.

The R&D centre will contribute to placing Jaipur on a competing platform with Thailand in the global gemstone industry.

"INDIA: Turtle Launches Its Spring- Summer Collection’09."

Turtle, one of the leading men’s wear apparel brand, has recently launched its Spring-Summer Collection 09. The collection, styled at the fashion studio in Milan, draws its unique inspiration from the Light & Dark side of the life. For the first time, “A Dark & Light Collection” is being launched as part of the spring – summer collection. This unique blend of light and dark is sure to light up the hearts of those who want to experience this refreshing look. The Spring- Summer Collection is available in the colors such as white, beige, ivory, tan, lemon, peach, lavender, mint, powder pink, powder blue, wine, olive, chestnut brown, teal, charcoal, navy & black. The product lines in the collection are tailored, relaxed, rare, luxury shirts and relaxed and tailored trousers. The price range of the collection starts from Rs. 595 and goes up to Rs. 1,495. On the launch of the Spring- Summer Collection 09, Mr Amit Ladsaria, Director, Turtle Ltd said “The Spring- Summer Collection 09 is targeted at those who are ready to experiment with new and different ideas. The Indian consumers have become quite fashion conscious and are ready to experiment. Turtle is ready to cater to the needs of these consumers.” Tailored with the finest fabric, a touch of international styling and an overall commitment to create the best is what makes the collection truly and deeply worth the experience that it promises. This collection will surely be a must have in the men’s wardrobe this season. About Turtle In 380 cities across the country, people have discovered Turtle. From modest beginnings, it is now a brand to be experienced at 32 Exclusive Turtle World stores and about 9000 other leading outlets including Brand Factory, Central, Globus, Indiabulls Megastore, Pantaloons & Shopper’s Stop. Starting with exports to Dubai, Bahrain, Kuwait & Fiji Islands, Turtle has carved a niche in the overseas markets, for itself very quickly. Turtle’s vision is to provide global style to individuals. Turtle offers four product lines as per the consumer’s need. These lines are Tailored - the formal line, Relaxed – the casual wear, Luxury – the evening wear & Rare – the super premium formals. Turtle also offers a range of ties, cufflinks, wallets, belts, socks, inner wear & handkerchiefs. As any good corporate citizen, Turtle has a responsibility to the society, which they fulfill through courage, ingenuity, vision & professional service of the highest standard. Turtle plays an important role in saving the turtles in Orissa & Gujarat. Every time one buys a Turtle product, a part of the sale proceed is used to fund projects for conservation of freshwater & marine turtles. Turtle has partnered with Wildlife Society of Orissa and WWF India for the same.

"INDIA: Designers Participating at the Delhi Fashion Week Autumn Winter 2009."

If March is the month of fashion, Delhi Fashion Week is the platform for designers to showcase their prowess in design and talent… The much awaited list of designers who will be showcasing their latest fall winter collections at this premier fashion event was announced. With its befitting location at the country’s foremost luxury destination, Emporio, the Delhi Fashion Week will continue from the 19th of March 2009 until the 24th of March 2009.

This latest edition of the Delhi Fashion Week witnessed a significant increase in applicants, after the astounding success of its first edition. The enthused officials were propelled to increase the number of designers at the Delhi Fashion Week portfolio for this season. The discerning selection process accommodated only those with distinctive vision and inspired finesse - thus resulting in a mix of designers traversing young talents and established designers.

Speaking on the occasion Sumeet Nair, head of the Delhi Fashion Week said, “The biggest challenge that any order faces is to constantly compete with its own past and produce something better. The last edition of Delhi Fashion Week won accolades for sheer selection of talent and presentation. Keeping our commitment to present only the best, Delhi Fashion Week once again has selected the most creative designers to show their Autumn Winter collection.”

Augmenting the brimming talent and high end fashion setting, international stylists along with Jan Malan and his team of show producers from South Africa will be generously supplying their creative savoir faire at the Delhi Fashion Week. The focus is once again to make the event buyer and media centric so that there is free flow of information that facilitates long term business relationships.

Delhi Fashion Week is committed to establishing India and its capital as the authentic fashion destination, acclaimed across the world. The Fashion Foundation of India presents its next edition, abiding by their conviction for the global growth and development of the India Fashion and design industry.

Rohit Bal , the designer showing at the Delhi Fashion Week says, ‘The reason that I am showing at the Delhi Fashion Week is because I find Delhi Fashion Week extremely progressive and the production quality of the event is comparable to any international Fashion Week! The designers are selected on merit and the standard of creativity is at its best. There is little room for any internal disputes since it is a collection of like minded creative designers with a sole purpose of putting together a great event and move forward and concentrate on business of fashion. Above all I share a great relationship with Sumeet Nair and there is a comfort level which is most important part of any creative endeavor.’


Abhi & Rahul participating designers said, ‘We believe that Delhi Fashion Week is the only platform where the young talent can really nurture, our collection is a journey which take you from the war to the glamour world.’

Alpana & Neeraj said, ' The last season at the Delhi Fashion Week was great. I am looking forward to showcasing my fall winter line at the upcoming Autumn Winter edition.'

Atsu added, 'For the fall I will be presenting an exclusive line of dressy sharp tailoring in luxurious fabric at the Delhi Fashion Week.'

Rahul Reddy said, ' I think the upcoming edition of the Delhi Fashion Week will be as creative as the last one. We have worked on our Autumn Winter collection and are ready to showcase it.'

Vineet Bahl said, ‘Delhi Fashion Week is a very fair platform which believes in giving equal opportunity to established and young designers like me. As far as my Autumn Winter collection goes, it will have my signature look of chic and easy glamour.’

Hemant Sagar added, ‘We believe the FFI is the right organization for Lecoanet Hemant and are very happy to be associated to this dynamic organization that cares for its members even outside Fashion Week.’

The official list of designers to be showcasing at the Delhi Fashion Week Autumn Winter 2009 comprises of:-

* 11.11 by Celldsgn
* Abhirahul for Studio 11
* Alecca Carrano
* Alpana & Neeraj
* Amber Firoze
* Amrita Hans – Elements of Desire
* Atsu
* Basta
* Cherie D
* Dozakh by Kartikeya & Isha
* Ekta Singh
* Gunit Kaur
* House of Three
* Julie Skarland
* Kotwara by Meera & Muzaffar Ali
* Lecoanet Hemant
* Malini Ramani
* Meera Mahadevia
* Nakul Sen
* Nivedita - Swarup
* Ovations
* Pashma
* Preeti Chandra
* Rahul Reddy
* REVE by Khushali Kumar
* RISA Abhijeet Khanna
* Rohit Bal
* Sandeep & Gaurav
* Savio Jon
* Sita De Vesci
* Smallshop Jason Anshu
* Surbhi Chawla
* Swati Modo
* Tarun Tahiliani
* Vanilla Moon
* Vineet Bahl
* Yasmine Designs

"LERROS India's Spring Summer '09 Collection: The New Dimension."

LERROS India , popular German apparel brand, famous for their wide trend-setting range of designs, has launched its second edition of Spring Summer 2009 collection. The collection is made up of a mix of sport, street and vintage styling, this time sprinkled with soft saturated hues that really strain the limits of cool!

LERROS’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection will retail from Rs. 799 onwards. Under the summer sun or in the water LERROS thinks big and multiplies ideas, decorations, colours, matching schemes, accessories. Riding the wave of new trends, the collection makes Outdoor Clothes
fans happy, with proposals ranging from beachwear shorts for Men to linen tops for Women.

“The growing popularity of one-piece floral dresses for women is matched by men's fondness for close-fitting shorts which, when they want to really exaggerate, lengthen into Bermudas, says Mr. S Ramprasad, CEO LERROS INDIA. Men's designs borrow freely from the women's rich pattern palette and offer a more macho version of the plain-coloured tennis theme and the maxi and micro pattern. New for the men's collection are the Linen H/S shirts, printed T-shirts on surfing-style coloured backgrounds...”

The extension of Spring Summer ’09 for the month of April includes a range of key shapes for the season, made from organic linen and cotton fibres. An array of Whites, Greys and denim blues portrayed a clean, fresh feel for the imminent summer season. The Bright Floral colors will accentuate the freshness of the season and will be the highlight in all the garments.

Ruffle edged details and soft layers add a feminine touch. And finally for those humid summer evenings ahead the Spotlight Range comprised of opulent evening dresses in delicate fabrics which gave a soft, chic feel. Bright color dresses combined gathered sides with ruffles and will be a must have for the season.

Shorts are key to this trend and are offered in patchwork, bold colored checks and loud printed beach and board styles. The palette is softened with the introduction of washed bright adding a mature and vintage feel to this statement trend. Cut and sew detailing adds interest to jersey and outerwear pieces alike. At last, those who prefer the LERROS casual fashion style can enjoy it all year round.

"Brinda Parekh"