Mumbai Mayhem- Praying For The City

First of all, I am traumatized, but safe. Thank you all for your concern and for your mails. It's been over 24 hours, and the city is under siege. I don't really know what to say. It's been a numbing and humbling experience. Numbing because of the carnage involved. Humbling, because they have shown us how vulnerable and helpless we all are. Young men, 22 to 24 years old, killing, dying for an indeterminate cause they do not understand themselves.

Both Taj and Oberoi hotels are very close to our house in Cuffe Parade. Most importantly, Taj Mahal Hotel is to Mumbai what the twin towers were to NY. It's a symbol of what the city stands for. Grand, luxurious, beautiful, enigmatic. I sat in front of the television, watching it burn, and I wept. It broke my heart, to think of all those trapped inside. We could hear the explosions, and they shook us from within. I am not a weak person. I have lived through many terror attacks on Mumbai, but today it's different. We lost the Chief of the Anti Terrorist Squad, a brave man, who fought for all of us, till his last breath. We lost many innocent people, in the hotels, at VT station and on the streets.

The TV channels were quick in giving out the names of the two terrorists killed in the cross-firing. "Abu and Ishmail", they kept repeating. Underlining their religion. But you know what, terror does not have a religion. It's just about terror. For the first time in my life, I feel fear. When I went for a walk, I saw people staring at each passerby. What has religion got to do with it? Does death choose it's victims by religion?

I just heard another explosion, a big one. I stay right opposite the World Trade Centre. We could be the next target. Soon enough, they will find us. But you know what, I am not staying in anymore. I am going to work tomorrow. Mumbai will fight back. We all will fight back.

A Slice Of India In Australia

Last week, our office took us to Sydney for a small trip. A good time was had by all. And much shopping was done. I was particulalry delighted to see this shop in Sydney, with all the lovely, colorful stuff one would usually find in India. I loved the Rajasthani patterns on the cushions, and the tiny ring boxes, among other things. After a long, tiring walk, looking for something to buy, we almost ended up buying some Indian things, all the way down under. Fortunately, good sense prevailed and we walked out, still tempted by the lovely display.

Weblog Excellence - Me???

The awesomely talented Indian Rose Fashionista has nominated me for the Brilliante Weblog Premio Award 2008! It’s an honour, and I don’t know if I am barely in the same league and Indian Rose herself! Hers is a witty, style-aware voice that I’d love to be able to come close to some day.

As a nominee, I can nominate up to seven blogs that I love. Here is the list:

1) Freelancer’s fashion Blog: Beautiful, witty and quirky, her blog makes my day. From personal style to hairstyle DIYs, she is one blog diva many emulate.

2) Plastic Paradise: One of the funniest people in the blogosphere. If there is an unusual print out there, she will find it. And her writing style is among the best I have come across.

3) Vain and Vapid: She has a great eye for style. And desserts! Her posts are eclectic, stylish, fashion-forward and hugely entertaining.

4) Be Frassy: Audrey is a true stylista in the making. Her posts are gorgeous and extremely high on style quotient. No wonder her blog is going places!

5) Style and the City: Kamel’s gorgeous street style photographs capture the spirit and essence of Paris in a way no one can even come close to. He is to Paris what Sart is to NY!

6) Into the Fray: A mix of Ambika’s fabulous personal style, her handmade beauties, and all things lovable about fashion. I have been following this blog as long as I have been blogging. And it just keeps on getting more exciting.

7) A to Z of Style: A blog with sensitivity and beauty unmatched. Joy is one of the most beautiful and talented people I know through Blogosphere. Her regular sections, like “From the pantry” are stunning visual treats that I always look forward to.

Pratishtha

Back To School - Manuel Bozzi's University Of Rock 'n' Roll

I have always liked fashion with a bit of an edge. And Italian designer Manuel Bozzi’s work fits right into the slot. Using silver, gold, precious stones, diamonds, leather and enamels, Manuel Bozzi creates fine jewellery collections that are romantic yet edgy, inspired by his strong and decisive taste. The jewels, like all things stylish are designed to last and be worn every day.

The most recent collection, “University of Rock 'n' Roll” has a strong Rock inspiration, borrowing heavily from the Keith Richards years. The three guitars belts and the alligator buckle are my favorites from that collection.




The "Keyboard 8 Ring" is an elegant jewel inspired by technology for daily luxury, a modern, non-conformist style that remains forever elegant.



As a young artist, Manuel was noticed by French designers Marithé and François Girbaud. Their collaborations—which continue on to this day—established Bozzi as a name to watch and the subsequent global success marked him as an innovator in the field.



Each handcrafted piece designed by Bozzi reflects his dedication to fine detailing. His unusual inspirations make his designs extremely unique, and intriguing. Recognizing his superior aesthetics and keen eye for the unconventional, some of the most exclusive boutiques worldwide now house Bozzi’s work. The success of his Rock ‘n’ Roll collection has urged him to plan a world-wide expansion of his vision and designs.

I can actually see these stunning designs finding their way into India. They will be such conversation pieces, more so, if some daring fashionista finds in her the courage to team them with an Indian outfit. What fun!