Samay Performing Arts Presents egyptian Nights
MIAMI, FL Internationally renowned dance director and choreographer Samay promises a mesmerizing night of magic as she takes you on a journey to Egypt without having to leave your seat. The much anticipated yearly Middle Eastern dance recital will showcase the talent of over 200 student performers on Friday April 30th, 2010 at the Manuel Artime Theater. With previous shows having sold out to more than 2,000 attendees in only days, this years production guarantees another eager full house. Titled Egyptian Nights, this show will provide a cultural display of Middle Eastern music and dance including thrilling masterworks and much awaited new choreographies.
Standing side by side with Samay on this yearly production is the School of Community Education of Miami Dade College. Here, students in the Middle Eastern Cultural & Arts Program are offered an array of classes under the direction of Samay to meet different needs. Students in the classes range from beginner levels to advanced troupe levels which provide a chance for certification, or levels of dance that are simply for fun and fitness. Even the choice of learning to dance with customary props, such as Zills, Veil and Shamadan, is offered. Within the program, students can learn and understand all aspects of the art form such as movement, history of dance and music, as well as different styles of raks sharki and folklore from all regions of the Middle East. Since 1997, this successful program at MDC’s Kendall Campus has been and will keep growing into one of the largest of its kind within the state of Florida. I am proud to have trained many future performers and instructors in South Florida and I am determined to continue the hard work and dedication of training future stars, says Samay.
Belly dancing itself has significantly grown in popularity in recent years. Today, the dance is known by over thousands of women who admire its captivating charm and exquisite technique. Although always evolving, there is no doubt that Samay has a love for traditional Egyptian dance. Graceful women like Samia Gamal are within the range of dancers who rose to fame during the golden years of the Egyptian film industry and certainly inspire Samay to choreograph such elegant dances for her wonderful shows. This year marks the eighth anniversary of one of the most awaited events of the year. Directed by an international award winning dance company, it is Samays goal as an artist and instructor to have others embrace the art form of Middle Eastern Dance.
For more information about the 2010 show or about Samay Performing Arts, please contact Danna Prpich at 305-726-1195 or visit www.mdc.edu/ce/kendall/bellydance/default.html or www.bellydancebysamay.com .
About Samay
Samay is an internationally known professional Middle East dance artist, instructor and choreographer. She has extensively traveled the Middle East to acquire the technique and cultural aspects of Middle Eastern Dance including raks sharki (proper term for belly dance) and folklore. In 2004 Samay was awarded first place in the Ahlan Wa Sahlan International festival and competition in Cairo Egypt hosted by world renowned Raqia Hassan. Samay has been featured as a performer and instructor in the Ahlan Wa Sahlan festival, the largest Raks Sharki festival in the Middle East and also recently featured in Europe. Samay has had the honor of studying and participating in seminars with world renowned Egyptian and local artists such as Raqia Hassan, Yousry Sharif, Dina, Nagwa Fouad,Tamalyn Dallal (Samay’s main instructor), Jihan Jamal and many more.
CaliforniaDanceArts Discipline-Its not a bad word
Ms. Sarah Spina is a professional ballet dancer with numerous credits to her name who, during her career, performed the demanding role of the Princess in California Contemporary Ballets annual Snow Queen ballet. Now the mother of two beautiful young children, she has created a blog, writing about life with her family and about the joys and responsibilities of raising her daughters.
On the subject of discipline, she writes, “Discipline is not a bad word. One of the most important things you can instill in your child is discipline. When most people hear the word discipline, they think punishment. That form of discipline is only the 3rd definition in the dictionary. The first definition is, training to act in accordance with rules, and the second is, activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training.”
When enrolling a child in an activity such as dance or music, many parents forget that these “activities” are also considered “disciplines of the arts”. While dance, drama, music and painting should be fun, there should also be an expectation that the student will eventually make improvements in his or her skills and abilities. In ballet, for instance, there are specific exercises that dance students typically perform at the start of class, and class ends with yet a different set of exercises followed by an articulated “thank you” to the teacher. In addition, there are rules for dress and hair style, the proper stance at the ballet barre and while standing in a line with other students and there are other general but well-established rules of good behavior. Likewise, there are specific methods and techniques for holding a paint brush when executing a piece of artwork, or a musical instrument when attempting to achieve a clear sound.
Good habits are developed by going through the structured routine of each class where students progress from level to increasingly difficult level. In the field of dance, for example, a dancer learns that by diligently and repeatedly executing a particular series of exercises, he or she soon develops the skill necessary to perform more technically demanding moves. They also discover that there are techniques for jumping high into the air, turning gracefully and holding positions that require physical agility and strength. These students soon discover that by maintaining a disciplined approach to their chosen field of study and by practicing the methods and techniques of the art with dedication, improvements will naturally follow.
As a professional dancer, Ms. Spina knows how important discipline is in the field of the arts. She herself has been trained to understand that the rules matter. She has carried her dance discipline beyond the dance studio to create a successful life. She now builds discipline into the daily structure of her family.
“The word discipline is a positive one in our house. The girls are not scared of it. They dont associate it with punishment. Discipline to them is following a routine, getting their work done, practicing their disciplines, such as dance, cheer, reading, math, etc. Practice is a discipline. By teaching them at a young age that hard work is in fact good for them, that they will be smarter, or better at something with a little discipline each day, I am setting them up for success in every area of their lives.”
Creating discipline in life is a matter of developing good habits. If you simply establish specific times for waking up, doing homework, developing manners at the dinner table, while also initiating rituals such as the recitation of prayers before bed or preparing and getting organized for the next day, one can easily see that a well-organized, thoughtful daily regimen will go a long way in creating and developing good life skills.
Disciplines of the arts are really the building blocks of life. Art allows its participants to build self-esteem, self-discipline and goal-oriented behavior which is important for every aspect of life.
In an address to the Council of Elementary Principals meeting in Boston, MA, Public Schools Chairman Eric Oddleifson made a passionate plea for the arts in education saying, “Children with training in the arts do much better in school than other kids, in many different ways.”
Mr. Oddleifson announced that per the College Entrance Examination Board, students who studied arts and music scored significantly higher than the national average on the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Students who had participated in acting/play production, music performance and appreciation, dance, drama appreciation, and art history, scored an average of 31 to 50 points higher for the math and verbal sections. The Board also stated that students with long-term arts study (four years or more) tend to score significantly higher on the SAT than those with less coursework in the arts.
Mr. Oddleifson says, “Additionally, not only do children learn the 3 R’s better and faster, but they behave differently. I have been curious to find out why, because training in the arts is seen to be extra-curricular, not related to the serious business of educating our kids, and suitable only for those with talent. Our research indicates that many benefits are derived from study in the arts. The arts develop constructive habits of discipline, and mind.”
Mr. Oddleifson suggests “If we are ever to see the day when high standards in all academic subjects, including the arts, are not only met but exceeded by most, if not all, of our children, the wayand indeed perhaps the only wayto get there is through the arts. The adoption of this suggestion will require a radical shifta contextual changenot only in how we view children, and our teaching relationship with them, but also in how we learn, and even how we view the arts themselves. Viewing the arts not as finished product but as a search for high quality which is available to all regardless of talent; by recognizing that the arts provide necessary tools for thinking which are unavailable elsewhere; and in understanding that a quality education requires bringing heart and hand into balance with head, we quickly conclude that high educational standards simply cannot be met by most of our children without the arts.”
As public schools continue to cut funding for the arts, thereby providing little or no serious arts education, there are a limited number of private organizationsmusic, dance and art schoolsthat work tirelessly to fill the void created by public education. However, even these private enterprises are suffering economically and as a result, the focus of some of the programs offered by these establishments has shifted. Rather than being concerned with the idea of offering instruction in a disciplined art form, they are more inclined to promote programs that can provide recreational and social benefits to children.
Parents with a serious commitment to arts education should look for programs run by instructors who offer quality professional experience and who are prepared to instruct their students in the discipline of their chosen art. Does the arts program enforce a dress code? Are students allowed to talk or chew gum during class? Have the instructors instituted a structured curriculum that should be followed in each class? These are some things for which one should look.
While enrolled in a well-established, highly regarded school of art, children learn to understand how important it is to work diligently toward every goal they establish. Study in a good arts program develops a solid foundation, enabling the student to cope with the pressures that he or she faces throughout childhood, thereby imparting the skills necessary to make the successful transition to adulthood.
Parents like Ms. Spina are wise to provide their children with exposure to the disciplines of the arts while also reinforcing the value of discipline at home. Sarah states, “When my girls get older and school gets much harder, and dance (or whatever other discipline they choose to pursue) isnt so fun anymore because its so hard, or it hurts, they will hopefully be disciplined enough to weather the storm and come out on the other side without quitting. Discipline is setting a goal and reaching it, not giving up when something gets hard, learning the feeling of success and continuing to practice to get better, because while you can never be perfect, you can always get closer to it.”
Regardless of your religious views, this quote from the Bible certainly sums it up: Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The discipline and training you instill in your child now will determine the type of adult they will become.
[Top]Improving Your Martial Arts Skill With Bob Punching Bag
Whether you intend to get into shape or your desire to sharpen your martial arts skills, a good punching bag is a great way to start off. While working with punching bags, you could opt to work with a heavy bag (these take in the beating while offering resistance) or you could opt for lighter bags or maybe frees standing punching bags if you intend to focus more on the movements rather than the vigor. Irrespective of what you work on, a BOB punching bag is an ideal way to start training in mixed martial arts skills, also known as MMA skills. These Body-Opponent-Bags (BOB) turn out to be one of the best ways to begin your training in martial arts.
But often trainees complain of boredom; throwing in your entire strength and vigor on the bag in the form of punches and kicks for about 20-50 minutes could get really tedious and monotonous. Some people combine punching with workouts and in those cases, they spend only about 5-10 minutes on the bags. But hardcore trainers to whom the punching bag is the only training equipment for the moment, it could be made entertaining!
Better Ways To Enjoy Your Workout
If you have ever been to a disc or nightclub, you would have noticed that the moment you enter the place, the music beats race your heartbeat and force your feet to dance! It certainly lift energy levels to the next step; these beats inspire you to get into action and you get to choose the kind of action! Turn on some of those pumping beats, put on your Bag Gloves and go for it! People normally adopt music that is designed for fitness regimes, they are beautifully composed to force your punches and kicks straight into the bag; if it doesnt suit your type, choose any music that charges you into some heavy-duty action.
An internal blissful advantage of playing pumping music is that one stars associating the joy of those beats to your act of working out. This way your workout would seem more pleasant and you would long for it; this would ensure that your daily workout routine is not hampered.
Make Your Workout Fun
Mere blowing of jabs and crosses on your BOB Punching Bag could get too repetitive and boring as well. In that case, you could create a freestyle form composed of mixed kicks and punches to make it fun while workout strenuously! You could make a list of moves you would follow in a regular pattern such as jab, knee, spinning of back fist, a round kick and a cross punch! Creating lists as such and keeping up to them makes workouts much more thrilling; you would rather yearn for your workout sessions sooner!
Amidst all this, it is vital to note that a good punching bag helps you get through your targets better. Ask your trainer for the right kind of BOB meant for your type of workout; it could be a sparring body opponent bag or just a body opponent bag top! Training could be so much helpful and so much more fun with the help of these little tips!
[Top]Collecting Vintage Perfume Bottles The History of Perfume Bottles
Collecting Vintage Perfume Bottles: The History of Perfume Bottles
The History and Evolution of Perfume Bottles (courtesy of http://www.perfumes.com/eng/bottles.htm)
Perfume Bottles in Ancient Times
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The enticing scent of the perfect perfume and the eye-catching elegance of the bottle has been an important part of world culture since ancient times. The oldest known perfume bottles came from the Ancient Egyptians. They crafted containers made of stone and alabaster which kept the perfume cool, and prevented the liquid from leaking. The Ancient Egyptians also used clay pots that they sculpted into designs of people and animals.
Perfume was an important part of the Egyptians preparation of the dead. Many of these ancient perfume bottles have been found in tombs. Containers have been found made of wood with different compartments for each perfume.
Glass bottles were also a part of ancient perfume history. They date all the way back to the fifteenth century BC. Perfume bottles made of glass were lightweight, and also prevented the liquid from leaking. Eventually the glass bottles were created in a variety of colors.
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Perfume bottles discovered in Palestine were made of glass, and were designed to have a narrow long neck. These delicate bottles were primarily found in tombs. Larger perfume bottles were also found in tombs because it was believed to mask the smell of the dead bodies.
The Ancient Greeks also made beautiful containers to hold their perfume. They hand painted vases which were often shaped as animals. They used lidded bowls for holding less expensive perfumes.
The Roman’s cherished their perfumes. They used hollowed-out precious stones to carry their most valuable fragrances.
Early European Perfume Bottles
Europeans used many different materials to store their precious perfumes. The most common materials that were used were glass, gold, silver, porcelain, semi-precious stones and shells. Perfume was commonly used in the form of incense. Some incense burners consisted of a container held from chains that was swung like a pendulum during Mass in the Christian Church. Stationary incense burners were also commonly used in Churches.
Some European perfume containers were designed to be worn. Semi-precious stones held perfumes and were pinned to clothing. Silver earrings were worn that contained perfume soaked fabric inside of them. Many containers were designed to be hung around the neck, from a belt, or from a finger ring.
Perfume bottles were handcrafted and designed by artists, jewelers and goldsmiths. Each bottle was gently crafted and designed to be worn, or displayed on a table.
Small wooden boxes were created to hold a sponge soaked with perfume. These boxes would fit inside a pocket and could be taken out and inhaled at any time.
Porcelain was used in the Thirteenth Century. Many highly decorative bottles were created. Boxes were created that included perfume and other essentials. Some boxes contained several bottles of perfumes, a funnel and a mixing dish.
Most fragrances during this time were first sold in inexpensive, plain bottles. Then the perfume was transferred into a fancy bottle at home.
Perfume Bottles of the Early 1800s and 1900s
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The design of perfume bottles made a dramatic change in the late 1800’s. There was a great incline of the arts movement called Art Nouveau. Most Art Nouveau designs consisted of floral motifs, and were primarily used to design the perfume label and box, leaving the perfume bottles fairly traditional in styling.
Several famous pieces of this time were the Bouquet Nouveau, Royal Vaissier, and Cri du Coeur. The Bouquet Nouveau was a Roger & Gallet perfume. It had a square green-glass bottle with an unusual gilded brass casing. Royal Vaissier displayed magnificent Art Nouveau style paper motifs in the form of a fleur de lys designed by Baccarat. Cri du Coeur (Cry from the heart) was a Lorenzy-Palanca powder box. It had a woman-flower image which is a rare high-style Art Nouveau icon.
Belle Epoque was the preferred style for perfume presentations at this time. The style tended to be traditional, cluttered, very elegant and very French. Examples of perfume bottles of this style were Coronis by Monpelas and Roger & Gallet’s Gloire de Paris.
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A new trend in perfume bottles was to create a bottle that looked like a luxurious crystal with an elaborate brass cap. The bottles had classic designs, and the brass caps matched the ornate gold labels and boxes. A few examples of this style were Rose Ispahan and Prince Igor by Riguard, Rose de Chiraz by F. Wolff & Sohn, Stylis by Delettrez, Eros by Richard Hudnut, Le Lilas by Riguard, and Mavis by Vivaudou.
During the 1910’s, there was a noticeable shift in the design of the traditional perfume bottle. The emergence of psychology and new perfume creations led to much more complex perfume bottles and names. The power of suggestion and dreams was having a huge effect on cultures in general, and perfumes were also affected. Perfumes were being marketed for specific times of day, seasons, and people.
Guerlain introduced the perfume “Voila pourquoi j’aimais Rosine” (That is why I loved Rosine). The bottle resembled a vase, and the stopper was concealed under silk flowers. The bottle shape was again used in Guerlain’s “Muguet” (Lily of the Valley). It was later re-introduced in all white with a white ribbon replacing the silk flowers. This presentation was an immediate success. Guerlain later introduced “Le Mouchoir de Monsieur” (The Gentleman’s Handkerchief) which had an innovative bottle with the shape of a triangle and a spiral motif on each side.
Rene Lalique was approached in 1906 by the perfumer Francois Coty to design the bottles for his perfumes. Coty was well established in the perfume industry and desired both beautiful and affordable bottles to hold his perfumes. Lalique was successful in fulfilling Coty’s wishes, and continued to design bottles for his future creations. His most famous designs include Au Coeur des Calices, L’Entrainement and Ambre Antique. He also designed bottles for other perfumers. Some of his most famous creations were developed for Houbigant, Roger et Gallet, D’Orsay, Forvil, and Arys and Molinard.
Other creative perfume bottles of this time were “Rediviva” (Revived) by La Compagnie Francais du Lysogene. It was shaped like a porcelain coffeepot, and the perfume was dispensed through the end of the spout. Illusion was presented by Dralle in 1908. It had a silver case shaped like a lighthouse, and the perfume bottle was held inside of the case.
The Oriental Movement in Paris began in 1910 by Paul Poiret, a famous French fashion designer. Pioret introduced an Oriental style in clothing, furnishings and perfumes. Women, who longed to wear the gowns he designed, but could not afford them, could still wear his perfume. For women who did wear his collections, the perfume was the final touch. Poiret developed a new perfume “Chez Pioret” with beautiful and innovative packaging. The bottle was made of clear glass with a colored glass stopper. It was decorated with gold tassels, and had a new label with a classic “R”. Pioret used his boxes as a tool for expressing the style of the fragrance.
Bichara Malhame was a very successful perfumer in Paris. His famous label on his perfumes portrayed himself seizing a mythological figure of Fortune by the hair. He also appeared on a Baccarat stopper wearing a wig, and appearing as an English judge.
Perfume Bottles of the 1920s
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The 1920’s brought a new era to perfumes. After World War I, many American Soldiers brought perfumes back to the states from Paris. This greatly influenced the perfume market in the United States. The perfume industry expanded rapidly, and many new perfume companies emerged.
Many fashion designers expanded their merchandise by including perfume. Most of these designers knew very little about creating a good fragrance, but they did know about style. They understood the importance of the visual presentation, which became vital to the success of the perfume.
Mascarades were very popular at this time, and had a strong influence on perfume bottles. “Masque Rouge” was introduced in a very modern bottle, and the box had a red mask motif. “Mascarades” by Cherigan came in a black bottle with a golden face under a rain of gold dust. “Arlequinade” was a Rosine perfume which resembled a Harlequin costume. It had gilded and clear triangles on the bottle, and a dark-green Bakelite stopper in the form of Harlequin’s hat and an orange wood tassel.
“Bakanir” was introduced in 1927 by Honore Payan. The bottle was a simple geometric shape with a stopper resembling an exotic headdress. The box was covered with painted leather with a ceramic plaque. It was one of the most luxurious presentations for perfume.
Baccarat perfume bottles were designed using superior quality crystal. They designed bottles for most of the perfume companies during this time. Two of their famous perfume bottles were designed in 1927. “Silver Butterfly” by Delettrez was made of pink crystal with silver ornamentation. It was designed in the shape of a vertical hexagon with an abstract motif. “Astris” by L.T. Piver was shaped as a star, and featured a silver six-pointed motif.
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One of the most famous perfumes, Chanel No 5, was released by Chanel in 1921. The perfume was revolutionary in scent and presentation. The bottle was a very simple design. The perfume was intended to make the masculine world available to women.
Perfume Bottles of the 1930s
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With the stock market crash of 1929, and the depression that devastated the United States, the perfume market slowed down dramatically. There remained a more limited demand in Paris, and only the strongest companies such as Baccarat, Brosse and Lalique were able to continue. The bottles became less elaborate, tended to be conservative and were often machine made.
Perfume bottles during this time were less frequently inspired by nature, and more often reflected Hollywood movies and metropolitan cities. Lalique designed the presentation for “Je Reviens” by Worth. The bottle resembled New York skyscrapers. It was a tall ribbed bottle in dark-blue glass. The stopper was sky blue, and the box had a chrome surface. It was a very modern presentation.
Jean Patou released the perfume “Normandie” in 1935. It was inspired by the luxury ship the Normandie. All First Class Passengers on the ship’s maiden voyage were given a souvenir model of the Normandie. Inside the model of the ship was a crystal bottle of perfume.
Perfume Bottles of the 1940s
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World War II caused another decrease in new perfume creations, as well as a decline in the quality of perfume presentations. After the war, the perfume industry was re-established, and many new perfumers emerged.
Christian Dior and Nina Ricci both presented works of art that strongly influenced the perfume industry. “Miss Dior” by Christian Dior was offered in an elegant clear crystal Baccarat bottle. Dior used a classic look that was elegant and luxurious. Nina Ricci was known for feminine and romantic creations. L’Air du Temps was released in 1948 and sold in a sunburst shaped bottle. The stopper was decorated with a dove. The lid of the box was lined with white silk and depicted a woman and a flying dove. The 1951 box was in the shape of a birdcage covered in yellow silk, and was illuminated by a battery.
Perfume Bottles of the 1950s
http://www.zensoaps.com/perfumesale/C-danatabu.jpg Perfumes once again became inspired by romance in the 1950’s. Salvador Dali designed the bottle for “Monsieur Marquay” by Marquay. The bottle featured an elegant man with a top hat and bow tie. The box was simple white with Dali’s moustache and signature.
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Christian Dior introduced “Diorissimo” in 1956. The special edition bottle was designed by Baccarat. The crystal bottle was in the form of an amphora, and the stopper had a magnificent flower bouquet in gilded bronze designed by Chrystiane Charles.
“Magie” was released by Lancome in 1950. Every Christmas a special edition was released. It was presented in a Baccarat spherical bottle with stars, and a box covered in leather or satin.
Modern Day Perfume Bottles
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Pierre Dinand was the first perfume bottle designer to produce perfume bottles exclusively. Dinand designs bottles with a modern feel, and uses the bottle as an expression of the perfume. He has produced numerous bottles using state of the art plastics, and has transformed perfume bottles in the 1980’s and 1990’s.
Serge Mansau is another modern day perfume bottle designer. He prefers to focus his designs on nature’s beauty. His prize winning bottle for “Montana” was inspired by a maple seed. He has used flowers, stones and waterfalls as ideas for his bottle designs.
Jewelers have also entered the perfume business. Van Cleef & Arpels were the first jewelers to release a fragrance. Cartier followed An Cleef & Arpels with the bottle for Panthere in 1986. Tiffany, Bvlgari, Chopard and Boucheron have also launched fragrances.
Baccarat and Lalique continue to design the highest quality perfume bottles. Perfume bottle collecting has also become very popular. Most collectable perfume bottles come from French perfumes and date from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Modern day perfume bottles are expected to give the feel of the fragrance. The perfume bottle makes the first impression, and often helps the buyer decide if they want to add the fragrance to their personal collection.
Tips for Collecting Vintage Perfume Bottles
Always Keep an Eye out for opportunities to add to your collection! You never know where or when you could stumble upon the perfect bottle to add to your growing collection. Check out estate sales, garage sales, flea markets, antique stores, and specialty vintage perfume bottle websites online. You may even be able to find one or two in your own family, so ask around! What could be more special than a family heirloom perfume bottle in your collection? Decide how you want to collect your vintage perfume bottles. Do you want to only collect a certain brand? Or maybe you want to collect only perfume bottles manufactured during a certain time period? Creating a theme for your collection will make your collection as a whole more valuable and interesting. Do your research. It is good to know a little bit about what you are collecting before you start shopping! This way you will know if you happen to stumble upon a rare, unique find! Knowing a lot about your new hobby will also help you stay engaged. Books such as the Antique Trader Perfume Bottles Price Guide and The Wonderful World of Collecting Perfume Bottles, by Jane Flanagan are great resources for perfume bottle collectors. Don’t discard the mini bottles! When you are shopping for perfume bottles, snatch up the mini sizes of your favorite brands. Sometimes, these are rarer and are worth more than their larger counterparts! Check local events and conventions. You never know when a vintage perfume bottle convention could be coming to a town near you. These are great opportunities to learn more about perfume bottles and find some really great deals and unique bottles. Become a member of the IPBA. The International Perfume Bottle Association. Being a member of this association gives you access to exclusive newsletters and information about vintage perfume bottles. They also hold events each year, including a convention, conference, and perfume bottle auction.
[Top]Arts Jewellery Fashion Designer Show
Climate change is a stark reality and represents one of the greatest environmental, social and economic threats facing the planet. I feel, as a designer, it’s our responsibility to bring these issues of international relevance across the society” said Puneet Gupta. A bridge between beautiful homes and inspiring home makers, the party witnessed the who’s who of fashion circuit enjoying to their best. Some of the guests seen chatting were Rohit Bal, Shibani Kashyap, Charu Parashar, Thenny, Raghavendra Rathore, Thenny, Nida Mahmood, Ramneek Paintal, Blossom Kochhar, Vijay Arora, Sanjay Kapoor, Varun Bahl, Ashima and Leena and many more.
Shyamal and Bhumika, best known for their India inspired collection, incepted their fashion journey in 2006 with Lakme Fashion Week. They have now successfully made a mark in the industry as they continue to mesmerize buyers and fashionst as with their Indian designs. Stylekandy.com caught up with the designers to know more about their preferences and design sensibilities. Ask them the reason for taking up fashion designing as a career and Shyamal reveals, “I wanted to become an architect since childhood. Probably it was the family influence since my dad belongs to designing field mom is a jewellery designer. Bhumika adds, “I am a NIFT graduate and when I met him we thought of launching our own in 2009.” The duo look India-wards for inspiration. “Our designs mostly incorporate an Indian element- hand embroideries and Indian handicraft. Even abroad, most of our clients are Indian, who actually crave for ethnicity in clothing. When we have to design for the western market, we keep global aesthetics in mind. Handicrafts are our forte”, explained Shyamal.
“When making western designs, we certainly refer to the global forecast. However, the ultimate decision is taken by our hearts. Despite the prediction we always decide on instinct and creativity”, uttered Bhumika. On a lighter note, we asked them what is the best compliment they have ever got. “Our collections have always been appreciated by people. It feels amazing when people email us or come and say that they love our work or they looked lovely in the designs. Also, there is no bigger compliment than feeling satisfied by ones own designs!” they speak diplomatically in tandem. They feel that designer play a huge role in reviving art and craft. “Almost all designers use some kind of handwork. That ways, the art gets promoted and craftsmen are benefitted. It is true that exploitation of this class exists, more so in rural areas, but one should make a conscious effort to remain fair and just. We should not depend on the government to help them out” Bhumika opines. Their idea of style is very simple and sophisticated. “When I have to style my self, I make it semi casual. Probably a simple basic coat with a subtle, extra noticeable element in it, paired with denims which are comfortable.” When not designing, Shyamal like reading books and short stories. “I also design interiors since I like architecture.” Enjoy exploring various cultures through travelling and horse riding are some of the other hobbies the duo enjoy.
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