India Intimate Fashion Week

Mona Shroff:Looking Good Underneath is Important Too !

Hong Kong-based  designer Mona Shroff launched her jewellery brand in 2011.With 18 years of experience as a designer creating in-house labels for Selfridges ( London), Gallerie Lafayette ( Paris) and 28  department stores across the UAE, her aim is to enhance every woman’s inherent beauty by designing and creating accessories that are stylish, trendy and affordable.

Mona Shroff, who will open India’s most awaited fashion and glamour extravaganza ,IIFW,shares her thoughts in an exclusive interview:

What prompted you to associate with IIFW?

What prompted my participation is the subject of  Lingerie . It is a unique ,edgy and TABOO topic for a fashion show . But on the other hand it is a multi million dollar industry where customers spend lavishly and don’t  talk about it. It is time that India has a fashion show and brings awareness to the mass market of the different kinds of styling ,designing and creativity of lingerie brands .

In a hush hush society which is still reticent about intimate wear, how do you propose to boo the taboo?

The only way to “ BOO”  is to have fashion shows which become topics of conversation, boldness , sexiness  and that will help ease out the shyness of this subject.Every woman wants to look sexy and beautiful. We can  match accessories  with lingerie and make it more stylish , glamorous and elegant even though it is behind closed doors. As what is worn in the bedroom is also a major part of a girl's personal life. 

Your showing at the Gionee Fashion Week in 2015 was appreciated very much --could you tell us what your 2017 line will be about?

Thank you for your appreciation. My pieces for 2017 will be based on trendy but sexy look again as it is the subject of the show. All my pieces are handmade with semi precious stones specially for the show . My pieces are made in Philippines for this event.

How does the intimate wear in India compare with its counterparts in the West?  What are the areas we need to work on?

India cannot be compared with the West at all  as India is far far behind in this category and will take years to even reach even 10 per cent of the the West.  Women don't give much importance to feeling and looking good underneath. Girls can't discuss this even with their mothers or get guidance if required. What everyone appreciates is the external looks and the clothing which is sooo wrong . 

 What are your views about the resort/swimwear  fashion sector since you have participated in many shows?

 Resort wear is the most trendy, colourful and creative fashion as ‘Less is More’ in that category ! One can mix and match to make the outfit look trendy , comfortable  and sexy. 

While accessorizing for beachwear, "less was more", what will be the key word, trends and challenges while doing the IIFW?

My mantra is - LESS IS MORE ! DIFFERENT IS ME ! That is why my pieces are always very different, colourful, edgy and create a statement when worn. It fills the missing glam to the outfit and completes the look , with an effortless work.

Tell us a liitle about how you started off designing jewellery.

I am a Textile Designer , and passed in scholorship from Sophia College Mumbai. I worked as a designer at Garden Silk for a few years until I came to Hongkong and started designing for Selfridges ( London ) , Gallerie LaFayette ( Paris ) , and 28 Department stores for 18 years until I launched my label in 2011. in 2012, I did Lakme fashion show, and was the accessory partner for Miss India pageant , followed by many shows all over India and internationally. In 2016 , celebrities wore my pieces  at the Oscar Red Carpet and at The Grammys  2017. I have Hollywood and Bollywood celebrites and actresses wearing my pieces.

Do you feel that IIFW will be the harbinger of  wider exposure of Indian intimate wear on the global stage?

IIFW is breaking all barriers and someone has to take the initiative, break this hypocrisy and step forward . I am happy that IIFW is taking this bold step , and that is why I am supportive of their fashion show. 

How does the intimate wear in India compare with its counterparts in the West?  What are the areas we need to work on?

India cannot be compared with the West at all  as India is far far behind in this category and will take years to even reach even 10 per cent of the the West.  Women don't give much importance to feeling and looking good underneath. Girls can't discuss this even with their mothers or get guidance if required. What everyone appreciates is the external looks and the clothing which is sooo wrong . 

What are your views about the resort/swimwear  fashion sector since you have participated in many shows?

 Resort wear is the most trendy, colourful and creative fashion as ‘Less is More’ in that category ! One can mix and match to make the outfit look trendy , comfortable  and sexy. 

While accessorizing for beachwear, "less was more", what will be the key word, trends and challenges while doing the IIFW?

My mantra is - LESS IS MORE ! DIFFERENT IS ME ! That is why my pieces are always very different, colourful, edgy and create a statement when worn. It fills the missing glam to the outfit and completes the look , with an effortless work.

Tell us a liitle about how you started off designing jewellery.

I am a Textile Designer , and passed in scholorship from Sophia College Mumbai. I worked as a designer at Garden Silk for a few years until I came to Hongkong and started designing for Selfridges ( London ) , Gallerie LaFayette ( Paris ) , and 28 Department stores for 18 years until I launched my label in 2011. in 2012, I did Lakme fashion show, and was the accessory partner for Miss India pageant , followed by many shows all over India and internationally. In 2016 , celebrities wore my pieces  at the Oscar Red Carpet and at The Grammys  2017. I have Hollywood and Bollywood celebrites and actresses wearing my pieces.

Do you feel that IIFW will be the harbinger of  wider exposure of Indian intimate wear on the global stage?

IIFW is breaking all barriers and someone has to take the initiative, break this hypocrisy and step forward . I am happy that IIFW is taking this bold step , and that is why I am supportive of their fashion show. 

First India Intimate Fashion Week

India Intimate Fashion Week

A Sizzling Summer Ahead

Hold your breath and brace yourself for a sizzling,sexy and tantalizing summer!

India’s first fashion week, India Intimate Fashion Week( IIFW), dedicated to showcasing wispy lingerie and  exquisite intimate wear is set to take place from 18th to 19th March at Hotel The Leela in Mumbai.

The 1st edition of IIFW conceptualised to bring together the Indian intimate apparel industry is set to emerge as the largest platform for intimate fashion. The landmark event will bring together leading premium Indian and international Lingerie Brands, Lingerie Designers, Lingerie E-Commerce, Lingerie Stylists and Experts, Next-Gen Lingerie Talents, Intimate Wear Bloggers, Sponsors and numerous unique visitors from diverse fields under one roof.

Niraj Jawanjal, (founder& director IIFW), said “The intimate wear industry is amongst the largest industry’s across the world and has grown tremendously in last few years. However, in India, we still consider talking about lingerie and intimate wears as ‘Taboo”. While we are bringing  a revolution  in the field of fashion through IIFW, we would urge people to be open about their choices in this segment and ‘#BooTheTaboo’ in India.”

Talking about the opportunity for the Indian intimate  wear industry with a global perspective  , he further added “India is undoubtedly amongst the largest potential intimate apparel markets in the world but we still do not have any worthwhile fashion platform that promotes, showcases intimate wear and its related talent. The concept of  IIFWis to provide  a powerful and decisive platform to connect all potential stakeholders - brands, customers, designers etc. in one place.”, Niraj added.

Amit Pandey, (media head& associate partner, IIFW) said, “With IIFW we intend bring alive the most elegant yet unexplored segment of fashion in India. IIFW has already attracted  interest from industry stalwarts and we look forward to some great participation from the industry this year.”

The 1st edition of India Intimate Fashion Week will be opened by internationally acclaimed designer Mona Shroff  and ace designers like Nidhi Munim, Karishma Jumani, Keith Jackson will enhance the glitz and glamour.

India Intimate Fashion Week will capture and showcase all segments of the category including lingerie, loungewear, sleepwear, legwear, lingerie accessories, and more for both men and women..

The Indian intimate apparel industry is on the threshold of  creating a significant niche  Under the 'Make in India' programme, the country has  endless opportunities to become the next big manufacturer of lingerie in the world. We have a growing fashion-conscious consumer market who are looking for top quality products from well-established global brands. An abundant supply of  raw material and a huge inexpensive workforce can provide cost-effective solutions to lingerie manufacture.

 The $11.2 billion intimate apparel market is holding its own in the world of fashion. For long India has  been a global player in the  textile and apparel sector, but in the intimate wear segment it  is yet to make in-roads in world trade.The intimate apparel category includes a wide range of clothing items, varying from lingerie, underwear, loungewear and nightwear to shape-wear, swimwear, socks and stockings and more.

China is the largest supplier of intimate clothing worldwide, with a 44 per cent share of the global market..

In the late 90s , 90 per cent of innerwear was made from 100 per cent cotton  woven non-stretch, with a0 per cent allocated to cotton knit fabric. By the early 2000s, cotton knits, polyester or cotton mix fabrics were increasingly used. However, in later years, cotton was blended with spandex for shaped garments while the introduction of Lycra changed the scenario dramatically by way of stretch quality. The perfect fit it offered was highly appreciated and this led to further innovation .

Adding to the list of innovative revolutionary fibres that have user-friendly properties were the likes of DuPont Sorona, Lenzing Modal, Lycra, Inviya, Freshsil, Birla Cellulose and Creora. Local brands and manufacturers preferred to focus on basic fabric rather than innovative products, but competition, entry of international brands and consumer expectations pushed these manufacturers into innovative styles, cuts and fabrics.

Key  Partner Highlights

Moreover, apart from ramp walk and fashion shows, IIFW will also witness in-depth analysis of Indian Intimate apparel industry from experts from Fibre2Fashion,(official knowledge & trade partne IIFW). Internationally recognised fashion and beauty expert Ramez Basmaji will share some great fashion insights as an official fashion consultant.

While the best models in the business will be setting the ramp on fire at IIFW, they will be styled by IIFW’s style partner ‘Makeup Revolution London’ and promoted by leading fashion and lifestyle network ‘ROPOSO’,A&B Digital Marketing --official Digital partner and Woman’s Era will be the magazine partner. Online e-commerce ‘Ekatrra’ is the  online fashion partner and

India’s leading online Art Gallery Artspread.com, will showcase the finest of the intimate arts from some of the best artists .

OXXY, India’s largest healthcare network which recently launched its Girl Child Development Program where every girl born on OXXY Network will get Rs. 11,000 FD has associated as the official healthcare partner for IIFW .

Sensual chutzpah via artworks

India Intimate Fashion Week

Sensual Chutzpah Via Artworks

19th century, Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh had stated, “There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people".

An online art gallery that showcases the very best in contemporary art, Artspread.com is collaborating with the first ever edition of India Intimate Fashion Week ( March 18-19) . Art can be a great platform to change behaviors, to sow the seeds  that create alternative opportunities and that have visual narratives that have our faces and our needs reflected .Apart from offering great exposure to the artists it also directly addresses the cause. Taking an event directly to the community  encourages people to become aware and speak their mind without being judged.

A tete-a-tete with Puja Prasad, Marketing Head, Artspread.com is an eye-opener on how art can make a huge impact on IIFW

Artists are   particularly sensitive to feelings of love, pain, anguish and suffering and they often use these as tools create and display their thoughts. Do you feel that, at a time when fear and terror loom large over the world, festivals and intimate art  keep love & hope alive?

 :Yes absolutely because humans crave for love and empathy and happiness ( even when hope recedes or when bigotry begins to assert ) . Art takes us back to those happy times , fun of creative energy , imagination and expression , of skills and ability to add colour to life !

What is Artspread's objective behind its association with IIFW?

ArtSpread.com celebrates life and living - by promoting talent from across India. Our association with IIFW is to celebrate feminity and the sacred intimacy amongst humans. Our participating artists , through their unique and distinct stamp of creative form, will add to the mood during the festival !

Love, sensuality and procreation is the reason for our existence--what have been the parameters for choosing the artworks?

We have tried to bring diversity of expression , including both the experimental styles in modern art and the more celebrated sensuous grace of traditional Indian art. A mix of bold strokes and some painstakingly gentle brushwork can be seen in this art selection. 

Tell us about the artists & their work

We partner with only the most gifted, the most creative and the most technically sound Indian artists. Our search for such works is supported by expert curators with impressive qualifications and experience in the visual arts space. Our objective is to showcase quality Indian Art, discover hidden talent and provide upcoming Indian artists with a global platform.

Will Artspread be a medium via which the taboo about intimate wear will be dispelled?

ArtSpread will certainly ignite passion and desire. And those are good enough reasons for women to step out and experiment and express their latent desires !

Some of the stunning sculptures of Khajuraho portray women who are voluptuous engaged in various acts of beautifying themselves or engaged in intimacy are symbols of fertility and even considered auspicious---would you say Artspread will encourage women to be more open about their bodies, sexuality?

Today's Indian women are independent and free-thinking,besides being more financially secure than ever before.Artspread. promotes rare talent and beauty; this should resonate very widely and encourage bolder moves !!

Similarly, the frescoes in Ajanta Caves also depict images of beautiful women and men in the throes of passion, heaving bosoms et al. This shows how tolerant Indian society was....do you think the same liberal attitude exists even today?

By speaking more openly and by celebrating a holy union and encouraging experimentation , we will do our bit to move  the conversation to the beautiful and not the crass flesh show that has become more prevalent the world over. 

 Scientific research reveals that a human child may not be able to survive beyond a few weeks of birth if deprived of intimacy or touch of another human body, Even if our essential survival needs are met, an unhealthy social life devoid of feelings of love, intimacy can lead to many disorders  in the emotional well-being of an individual. Intimacy and love are basic human instincts and  come with their fair share of loss, heartbreak, and betrayal. Will Artspread seek to address this at IIFW?

IIFW has made a bold move to celebrate the sensual and beautiful .ArtSpread.com will support this effort by bringing that chutzpah through the artworks on display. 

A Ray Of Hope for Eman

Will Dr.Lakdawala pull it off?

If there’s one thing we all have enough of it is regret.We will reflect and think---What if  I had done that? What if I had said that?Or, wish I had tried that? A decade down the line most of will be disappointed by the things we didn’t do.We can always recover and learn from mistakes, but if we don’t do anything it logically means that there is nothing to improve or salvage.

Dr.Muffazal Lakdawala , eminent bariatric surgeon, certainly does not believe in that. He is about to lay his reputation on the line in what will be an unforgettable, unique  experience made possible  with technology, medicine,bureaucracy and administration.

In what seemed like a mission impossible, a host of government bodies, officials of India and Egypt, the Ministry of External Affairs, set the ball rolling. Eman Ahmed, who  weighs close to 500 kg and is the world’s heaviest woman arrived in Mumbai late last week. Over the last five months, Dr. Lakdawala, and the management of Mumbai's Saifee Hospital have worked tirelessly to enable Eman's journey to recovery. Dr. Lakdawala had taken on this challenging case pro-bono late last year, in response to an appeal for help from Eman's sister, Shaimaa.

Housed in a specially created 1,000 sq.ft room at Saifee Hospital, Eman has been under the observation of a team of doctors who have been conducting extensive tests as step one in the process of her treatment. Given Eman’s unique requirements, special arrangements have been made for her at Saifee known for its proven prominence in the field of bariatric surgery and for operating on some of the most prominent cases from India and Asia. 

The room has been furnished with a Citadel Plus Bariatric Care system, a chain pulley, a lifting swing, Drager Fabius GS, an anaesthesia machine, central monitoring system, an infusion pump, a Philips Intellivue MP40, an Injectomat Syringe Pump, a Philips C arm BV Pulsera, a Patent Warmer, Suction Machine, Philips page writer TC20, A Lourano Chair and other necessary equipment.

The team of doctors detailed Eman’s current prognosis and the next steps in her case. The doctors have also conducted a special gene study on the patient, for the 91 different types of genes isolated with obesity related syndrome.

Dr Lakdawala says, “Weight is just one of Eman’s problems. She has been confined to her bed for more than 2 decades, unable to move due to her weight. She also suffers from several medical complications due to her weight and continued immobility over the years making her case very complex and high risk. Bringing a semblance of normalcy to Eman’s life may take a few years. The entire panel of doctors is committed to giving her the best care and helping her to get back on her feet and recover from her current ailments.My priority is to save Eman and give her quality of life. If I can ensure with whatever means - by Bariatric surgery or otherwise to enable her to sit up and do things on her own in this first stage; for me that shall be victory."

Rebutting claims made by Egyptian doctors that he had brought Eman to India for publicity, Dr Lakdawala  said,” That is far-fetched. When her sister Shaimaa approached me a few months ago,I couldn’t turn down her request. I have operated on several famous  celebrities and politicians over the years and am not doing it for fame”.

On the threshold of making medical history, Dr. Lakdawala candidly accepts that he is nervous .”Eman has not seen the sun in 25 years, has suffered partial paralysis and is diabetic in addition to having other problems. If  I can put her on her feet it will be great”.

“We first want to make her lose weight and then we will decide on surgery.She is a very strong woman and always has a smile”.

Dr. Lakdawala has since received many requests from people  in Switzerland, Russia, Saudi and the UAE  who have undergone bariatric surgery to redo their procedures.

Eman’s sister, Shaimaa Ahmed, who has been her strongest supporter has also accompanied her to India. Moved by the efforts made for her sister, she expressed her deep gratitude to Dr. Lakdawala, his team, Saifee Hospital and all the others she said “On behalf of my sister Eman, I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Muffazal and Saifee Hospital for their help and effort in Eman’s journey so far. Now that we are finally here, we can start her treatment. Please pray for Eman to recover.”

While Dr. Lakdawala and Saifee Hosptial have taken on this case pro bono, Eman’s family has been unable to afford the cost for her transportation, medication and accommodation, while in India. A fundraiser on BitGiving has been set up in order to help Eman lead the life she deserves. The money will be put in a separate account created specifically for Eman's treatment, while she's in India.

Hrithik Pledges Eyes

A Kaabil-e-Tareef  Birthday!

Helen Keller once remarked, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision”. Imagine not being able to see the blue sky ,shining stars,a velvety blade of grass under your feet,the people you love and a zillion other things that we take for granted because we are blessed with vision.

One leading ophthalmologist, Padma Shri Dr. S. Natarajan  is a “titanic” name in the field.Apart from excellence in his field, Dr. S Natarajan is a humanitarian and

has been consistently dedicated to serving the needy –specially those with  eye problems—by holding awareness and free check-up camps all over Mumbai and in other parts of the country. A dynamic personality, you can catch him shaking a leg at a disco when he is not jet-setting to different parts of the world to conduct path-breaking surgeries. Quite naturally he has quite a few high-flying patients too—one of them being Hrithik Roshan’s grand-father whom he has been treating for years.

 After watching the trailer of Kaabil and Hrithik’s powerful performance  as a blind man, the good doctor contacted Rakesh Roshan asking if Hrithik would like to pledge his eyes for donation. He was pleasantly surprised when Rakesh  said “Yes”.He was moved by the interactions with the blind while preparing for Kaabil and  Hrithik  pledged to donate his eyes on his birthday ( January 10) but requested the doctor to keep it under wraps lest anyone misconstrued  the act as a publicity stunt for the film. So, with minimum fuss and no paparazzi, Hrithik  pledged to donate  his eyes . Certainly, a Kaabil-e-Tareef  gesture!

By 2020, 10.6 million Indians will suffer from unilateral corneal blindness. To treat them 2 lakh corneas will be required every year, yet only 45,000 are retrieved annually. Of the 45 million blind in the world, 15 million are in India. Dr. Natarajan says,” this is avoidable but are inadequately treated or untreated due to superstitions and lack of awareness,If actors like Hrithik, who have a huge fan base come forward to pledge their eyes, it will inspire others”

Chairman& MD of the Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital and the founder & managing trustee of the Aditya Jyoy Foundation for Twinkling Eyes ( a non-profit body), Dr. Natarajan has, of late , made several trips to Srinagar where he has been treating hundreds who needed urgent surgery for removal of pellets. He has requested the J& K  government and the Centre for better facilities and equipment and has offered his services honorarily to the  Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital(SMHS)Srinagar.

Anagha Dandekar

Anagha Dandekar: Hardware Renaissance & Splendid Simplicity

Anagha Dandekar (scion of the Camlin group), is the founder and creative director of  Hardware Renaissance, an international luxury door fittings brand that has been redefining the way people perceive door accessories globally since 2002, and it has launched in India recently.

Hardware Renaissance was co-founded in 2002 in Santa Fe, New Mexico as Anagha wanted to create a more hand-crafted line infused with unique designs.The original line of hand-forged iron is completely handmade by master blacksmiths and there is no other hardware manufacturer offering the depth of designs, functions and patinas , precision engineering providing seamless integration with all modern lock systems.

Crafting masterpieces for customers (including a list of celebrity clientele: Robert Redford, Dixie Chicks, Vidya Balan, Kunal Kapur etc), Hardware Renaissance’s pieces are reminiscent of  beautiful hand-forged iron and sand cast solid bronze hardware for commercial and residential projects worldwide. Her designs are now available in over 80 showrooms in the US, Canada, Bermuda, Mexico and India. 

An interesting tete-a-tete with  Anagha:

Your journey from the world of stationery to luxury door fittings. What got you interested in this area?

I always knew that I would be in business, because growing up in the Camlin family with both parents heading the company, we lived and breathed business.  I didn’t know I would be in door hardware, though.  I had come to the USA to get an MBA and was planning to go back and work in Camlin.  But I decided to stay on here instead.  Getting started in luxury door hardware was through a chance meeting with someone who I co-founded the company with, as the idea of creating something new intrigued me.  So you never know when life will present you with a new opportunity or direction!

Tell us about your most challenging projects…..

Since we make so much custom or bespoke hardware, we have done many challenging projects.  I am proud of my technical and production team for their inventiveness and dedication to making difficult products to please our most demanding customers.  We did an estate last year in the southern US with over 70 doors, and each piece was customized, and also had the owner’s logo on the hardware.  We are doing a large villa in Hyderabad by customizing our unique Art Nouveau series for a special type of door and lock.  We did a Silicon Valley billionaire’s home of over 100 doors with customized handles that did not even have backplates – so it needed all new engineering!  I am sure the next challenging project is just around the corner, and me and my team thrive on it.  We are not creating mass produced hardware, and it is extremely gratifying to give a customer exactly what they want, something totally unique for them. There are very few hardware companies in the world that can do that.

What has the response in India been and what is the perception  with regard to luxury hardware?

The response in India has been very positive, and I am pleased with the inroads we have made so far, but we have a long way to go.  We have done work with many of India’s top architects and designers in a few cities. The challenge is to widen the distribution in a market which is not as organized in high- end hardware compared to the USA. The Indian customer is not as aware of what luxury hardware really means, and why it is worth the expense.  This is because most of the hardware available in India so far is imported from China and is mass produced and of a lesser quality.

However, the Indian customer is getting more aware and sophisticated in their choices and their expectations as they get greater exposure to products from all over the world.  In the few years that we have entered the Indian market, we can see this evolution.  They are willing to spend more money if they are convinced about the uniqueness and value of the product.  Also an appreciation for hand -crafted and bespoke products is returning, which is a push- back against mass production.  That is where we fit in beautifully.

Tell us something about your current projects in the hospitality sector

We are working on some exciting projects in the hospitality sector all over the world.  A high- end boutique hotel in Israel is currently in its final stages.  We have some exclusive India projects in the design phase, as well as hotels in the US.

Do you design the hardware yourself?

Yes, most of the designs are my creations – some of the older ones were by the co-founder (who passed away unfortunately). The process of design and creation is what inspires and rejuvenates me, and I find inspiration in nature, art and architecture.

In a male dominated industry, being the only woman-owned manufacturer must be a huge challenge? How do you handle that?

It certainly is a challenge, but I was brought up to believe I could do anything regardless of my gender.  So it does not bother me, rather I thrive on destroying stereotypes in people’s minds.  I am particular to be as knowledgeable about the technical side of hardware as the design side, so I can handle any situation with a customer.  I can recall some interesting meetings where upon being introduced as the owner of Hardware Renaissance, men have not-so-subtly tried to probe my technical knowledge, to see if I really know my products, or whether I am just “the face” of the company!

 It also means it is a time- consuming business-- managing a business, home and family-?

Being a working woman is all about finding balance – and it is a constant challenge.   My family takes first priority, but my work is also important to me.  My husband is a big part of making it all work, and I make it a point to be well organized and plan ahead.  I’d like to be a good role model for my  daughter, and I now realize that does not mean showing that I can do everything. It means having the confidence to make the right choices which are better for me and my family.  And not doing things to get approbation from the public, but because it is important to me. 

  

Do you find  time to pursue your childhood interests  --singing & classical dance?

I am happy to say that I revived my Bharatanatyam dancing after a hiatus of almost 20 years, so that I could hopefully inspire my daughter.  It is such a joy to share the dance stage with her. I don’t get a lot of time to do it, however.  As for the singing, it is mostly restricted to the shower nowadays!

What are your other interests?

I love to travel, read, cook, listen to music - and go on long walks with my family in the beautiful nature that surrounds us where I live.