Fashion
Ananya Panday’s dazzling international ramp debut in Paris
In a stunning display of fashion and charisma, Bollywood actress Ananya Panday recently marked her international runway debut at the prestigious Haute-Couture Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Week in Paris. Ananya walked the ramp for renowned designer Rahul Mishra, as reported by NDTV.
Gracing the runway in a captivating black and gold ensemble, Ananya’s presence was a sight to behold. She added an artistic touch to her appearance by carrying a giant sieve, a bold and unique accessory that complemented the haute-couture vibe of her outfit. Expressing her exhilaration, Ananya shared on her Instagram story, “Walking for Rahul Mishra at Paris Couture Week,” capturing this milestone moment in her career.
Read more: How to Identify an Authentic Bangladeshi Jamdani Saree?
Designer Rahul Mishra also took to social media to welcome Ananya into the world of high fashion. He posted, “Hello baby girl. Welcome to the world of couture. Ananya Panday for Rahul Mishra at Paris Couture Week,” celebrating her successful debut.
Away from the runway, Ananya continues to make waves in the Bollywood film industry. She recently starred in “Kho Gaye Hum Kahan,” a film directed by Arjun Varain Singh, featuring Siddhant Chaturvedi, Adarsh Gourav, and Kalki Koechlin. Her fans eagerly await her upcoming ventures, including “Control” and “The Untold Story of C Sankaran Nair.” Additionally, she is set to appear in the upcoming show “Call Me Bae.”
Since her acting debut in 2019 with “Student Of The Year 2,” Ananya has carved a niche for herself in Bollywood. Her filmography includes notable titles such as “Dream Girl 2” with Ayushmann Khurrana, “Pati Patni Aur Who” alongside Kartik Aaryan and Bhumi Pednekar, “Khaali Peeli” with Ishaan Khatter, and “Gehraiyaan” featuring Deepika Padukone and Siddhant Chaturvedi. Ananya Panday’s ascent illustrates her versatile talents and her growing influence.
Read more: "Khadi Fest 2024" begins in Dhaka showcasing its immense potential in shaping future of textile industry
"Khadi Fest 2024" begins in Dhaka showcasing its immense potential in shaping future of textile industry
A two-day Khadi Festival, hosted by the Fashion Design Council of Bangladesh (FDCB), began on Friday featuring an exhibition and fashion show.
The theme of the event was 'Khadi: The Future Fabric Show.'
President of BGMEA Faruque Hassan said, “I am delighted to witness the Khadi Fest 2024, an event that not only celebrates our rich cultural heritage but also underscores the potential of Khadi as a sustainable and eco-friendly fabric in the fashion industry."
He said the collaboration between BGMEA and the Fashion Design Council of Bangladesh for this festival signifies their commitment to supporting initiatives that promote ethical and environmentally conscious practices.
"This festival serves as a testament to the creativity of our designers and the craftsmanship of our artisans, showcasing the immense potential Khadi holds in shaping the future of the textile industry.”
Read: 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) begins Saturday“We are delighted to be part of a movement that embraces nature, beauty and local culture. Khadi has been part of Bengal for centuries," said Milon Chisim, Owner of the Tribal Crafts.
"It is sustainable and it speaks of people. Hoping festivals as such will bring awareness of our local, indigenous products and will promote artisans.”
Maya, BGMEA, HSBC, Berger, Rupayan Group, and Buy Here Now are supporting the event.
The festival showcased the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh, highlighting Khadi as the fabric of the future and a symbol of sustainable fashion.
The two-day event featured a captivating runway show, where Bangladeshi designers unveiled future fashion trends in fabric and innovative products.
Read: Fashion Design Council of Bangladesh unveils "Khadi- the future fabric show" at Khadi Fest 2024
Zara apologizes for ‘unintentional’ Gaza imagery association in ad campaign
Zara has expressed regret over what it describes as a "misunderstanding" linked to an ad campaign that faced backlash for seemingly including images reminiscent of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The controversy, which ignited substantial reaction on social media and led to complaints to the UK's advertising authority, prompted Zara to withdraw the remaining images, as reported by the BBC.
Bangladesh demands immediate end of Israeli brutalities in Palestine
The campaign in question featured a model holding a mannequin wrapped in white plastic, which Zara said some customers interpreted as a reference to imagery “far from what was intended when they were created.”
This interpretation led to calls by some netizens for a boycott of the fashion retailer.
Bangladesh demands immediate end of Israeli brutalities in Palestine
Zara clarified that the Atelier line campaign, launched in July and photographed in September, was unrelated to the Israel-Gaza conflict. The campaign's imagery, showing a model amidst cracked stones and unfinished sculptures, was interpreted by some as depicting scenes from Gaza.
However, Zara emphasized that the campaign was intended to showcase handcrafted garments in an artistic setting, with no connection to the conflict. The company deeply regretted any offense caused and reaffirmed its respect for all individuals.
One child is killed every 10 minutes in Palestine: Ambassador Yousef SY Ramadan
Before the controversy, Zara described "The Jacket" campaign as a focused design exercise, showcasing Zara Atelier's creativity and manufacturing prowess, offering one garment in six styles with endless possibilities.
How to Identify an Authentic Bangladeshi Jamdani Saree?
Jamdani saree, an emblem of Bangladeshi tradition, symbolises cultural richness and artisanal finesse. Distinguishing a real Jamdani from cheaper replicas necessitates keen attention to intricate details and a deep understanding of its defining characteristics. This ensures preservation of the material’s true essence and craftsmanship.
Why Jamdani Saree is Unique
The Jamdani saree originated from the Bengal region. It represents the pinnacle of meticulous craftsmanship. Crafted with fine cotton, it boasts intricate designs often inspired by nature or folklore, defining its renowned elegance and desirability.
An authentic Jamdani saree is a masterpiece. It showcases exquisite craftsmanship, with seamlessly woven intricate motifs that reflect the expertise of skilled artisans and the traditional weaving technique. This hallmark garment is coveted for its delicate patterns and holds an essence that resonates deeply with its authenticity.
Read more: Personal Grooming Tips and Tricks for Better Life and Career
Tips to Recognise an Authentic Jamdani Saree
To discern the authenticity of a Jamdani saree, careful scrutiny of various elements is essential.
Weaving
The weave is a critical factor. Authentic Jamdani sarees are distinguished by their supplementary weft technique. It boasts flawless structure, free from loose threads or irregularities. They show the diligent interlacing of extra weft threads.
An authentic Jamdani’s borders are a testament to supreme craftsmanship. They feature distinct patterns that complement the overall design flawlessly, devoid of fraying or uneven edges. Rough or uneven designs may hint at a saree's lack of authenticity.
Read more: Gemstones Guide: Precious, Semi-precious Stones Used in Jewellery
Igniting the Fashion Revolution In Bangladesh, Arka Fashion Week begins
Arka Fashion Week, the groundbreaking event with a mission to democratise fashion, kicked off its inaugural edition on Thursday at the Aloki Convention Center, Tejgaon in the capital.
An exclusive initiative of Arka Studio, the Arka Fashion Week comes with a commitment to provide equitable opportunities to all kinds of designers and brands in Bangladesh.
The inaugural day of the three-day fashion week witnessed a bustling Marketplace and was alive with a dazzling array of fashion and cultural celebrations, and marked the beginning of a transformative journey for the country’s fashion industry.
Also read: Personal Grooming Tips and Tricks for Better Life and Career
Over 50 entrepreneurs and brands are participating in this three-day event which works with fashion, fashion accessories, and fashion-related products, made in Bangladesh. Alongside the marketplace, there are several other engaging spaces for the attendees including an exhibition curated by Shehzad Chowdhury and Adrita Mahin Khan on the theme "Analogue to Digital," an interactive space titled ‘Design Lab’ where one can buy a product and create their designs, live concerts with renowned bands and food zone.
As part of the opening day extravaganzas, a pageant competition titled “Miss and Mister Celebrity Bangladesh 2024”, was held at the event. The pageant is a platform to empower individuals and enhance their talents through the grooming of a pageantry journey on a local and international level.
Also read: Gemstones Guide: Precious, Semi-precious Stones Used in Jewellery
In Bangladesh, the Azra Mahmood Talent Camp (AMTC) is the license holder for the pageant. AMTC also represents India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. This has been an all-inclusive camp dedicated towards a focused endeavour of transforming models and aspiring models into their world-class counterparts by incorporating years of industry experience and knowledge, transforming the dreams of all men and women into groomed, artistic versions of themselves.
A total of 16 participants, 8 male and 8 female contestants participated this year, and the winners of the titles of Miss and Mister Celebrity Bangladesh 2024 were Sajria Tabassum Proma and Rajiul Islam Shadhin, respectively. They will further go on to represent Bangladesh in Miss and Mister Celebrity International 2024 in Vietnam.
Also read: Freshwater Pearls: All You Need to Know
Personal Grooming Tips and Tricks for Better Life and Career
In today's fast-paced world, personal grooming has become more than just looking good. It's a journey toward self-development that can significantly impact someone’s life, career, and business. Personal grooming is a key component of this journey, as it helps people look better and boosts their self-confidence and charisma. Let’s delve into the significance of grooming for personal and professional improvement. This article will also provide some practical tips and tricks that one should know to one’s self-grooming.
What Is Personal Grooming?
Personal grooming is a wide range of practices and habits aimed at enhancing one's physical appearance, personality, and overall self-presentation. It goes beyond mere aesthetics and includes aspects such as hygiene, etiquette, attire, communication skills, and self-confidence.
Personal grooming is not about conforming to unrealistic beauty standards. But it is about feeling comfortable in one's skin and presenting the best version of oneself to the world.
Read more: What is Self-relationship? Keys to Building a Healthy Relationship with Yourself
Gemstones Guide: Precious, Semi-precious Stones Used in Jewellery
Gemstones, the beautiful creations of mother nature, have fascinated humans for centuries. These alluring stones have been treasured, often finding their way into exquisite jewellery pieces to adorn people. In ancient civilizations, gemstones were believed to possess mystical properties that bring good health, fortune, prosperity, etc. Even today, the enchantment of gemstones persists, and they continue to hold a special place in the hearts of jewellery enthusiasts.
What Makes a Stone Precious?
Beauty
Beauty elevates a gemstone's preciousness. The mesmerizing inner reflection of light, aura and color grading of gemstones captivate hearts. For example, sapphire is renowned for its intense color and brilliance. It is one of the most precious gemstones used for making unique jewellery pieces worldwide.
Rarity
One of the most crucial factors that make a gemstone precious is its rarity. Gemstones that are found in limited quantities are highly sought after and command higher prices in the market. The pink diamonds' scarcity has elevated its value, establishing it as a prized and precious gemstone.
Read more: Gold vs Diamond: Which Should You Choose for Investment?
Clarity
The clarity of a gemstone refers to the absence of internal flaws. Stones with excellent clarity are considered more valuable as they allow for better light reflection and a more dazzling appearance. For instance, blue topaz is popular for its exceptional transparency.
Durability
Durability adds to a gemstone's preciousness, ensuring that it can withstand the test of time and wear. Diamonds, known for their exceptional hardness, are not only shiny but also a symbol of enduring love, making them highly valued and cherished gemstones.
Acceptability
Acceptability is another component of a gemstone's preciousness as it gains recognition and admiration among jewellery enthusiasts. Ruby is cherished for its deep red hue and historical significance. Its widespread appeal and cultural significance have made it a precious gemstone.
Cut
The cut enhances a gemstone's preciousness by maximizing its brilliance and visual appeal. A perfectly cut diamond exemplifies this. It reflects light in a brilliant display of beauty. A skillfully executed cut gemstone is prized for fine jewellery.
Read more: Gold Buyer's Guide: Know the types, colors, karats of the precious metal
What are the Most Precious Gemstones in the World?
Diamond
Diamond, the king of gemstones, is renowned for its unmatched beauty and durability. Its clarity and exceptional light dispersion make it a symbol of purity and eternal love.
Freshwater Pearls: All You Need to Know
Pearls have captivated human beings for centuries with their timeless beauty and elegance. Renowned for their lustrous glow and delicate allure, pearls have become a symbol of sophistication and luxury. These natural treasures, formed within the shells of mollusks, have gained immense popularity as cherished ornaments. From ancient civilizations to modern fashion trends, pearls have adorned people's necks, ears, and wrists, enchanting with their exquisite simplicity. Their enduring popularity is a testament to their enduring charm and enchantment.
How Pearls are Formed Naturally?
Saltwater pearls, as the name suggests, develop within oysters in saltwater environments. When an irritant, such as a grain of sand, finds its way into a mollusk, it secretes a luminous substance called nacre, or mother of pearl. This liquid gradually coats the irritant and forms a particle, bead, or tissue within it. Thus, creating layers over many years leads to the formation of the enchanting, creamy-hued pearls adored for their unique shine and shapes.
Pearls naturally form in the oysters in the ocean. However, pearls can also be intentionally cultivated in freshwater water environments under controlled conditions. Natural pearls are rarer and often more valuable and occur less frequently than cultured pearls.
Read more: Gold Buyer's Guide: Know the types, colors, karats of the precious metal
As a result, cultured saltwater pearls exhibit a smoother and rounder appearance, often presenting a classic spherical shape.
Gold Buyer's Guide: Know the types, colors, karats of the precious metal
As an ornament, gold has been cherished for centuries due to its inherent beauty and lustrous appeal. Often the word jewelry synonyms gold. Even sometimes gold is related to religious beliefs. Gold can be a valuable resource too. Gold is a highly conductive metal and is used in different types of applications. For instance, gold is used in dentistry for its biocompatibility and resistance to corrosion. Even gold is used in electronic systems and space exploration because it is reliable and durable.
Gold has been a popular investment for centuries. Its value mostly follows an upward trend during times of economic growth. Gold is a tangible asset that is not subject to inflation or government control.
Different Types of Gold Used in Jewelry
Though gold is always a precious metal, the value and quality of gold jewelry differ based on its manufacturing process. Here are some types:
Gold Plated
Gold-plated jewelry is the most affordable option and is made by covering a base metal like brass or copper with a thin layer of gold. The gold layer can be as little as 0.05% or less and may fade or tarnish over time. Gold-plated jewelry is produced in many countries, including China, India, Thailand, and the United States.
Read more: Gold’s Shiny Secret: How to clean gold jewelry right way
Gold-Filled
Gold-filled jewelry is made by bonding a solid layer of gold to a base metal like brass, with nearly 100 times more gold than gold-plated jewelry. This process results in a more durable piece of jewelry that won't rub off. Gold-filled jewelry is commonly produced in the United States, Italy, and Turkey.
Gold Vermeil
Gold vermeil jewelry features a sterling silver base coated in a thick layer of gold plating, typically 2.5 microns thick. The gold plating is done through the electroplating process, and the resulting piece is more durable than gold-plated jewelry. Gold vermeil jewelry is commonly produced in countries such as the United States, Italy, and France.
Solid Gold
When the jewelry is made of gold metal with no other base metal, it is called solid gold jewelry. Not to mention, it is the best type of gold jewelry.
Read more: Is Gold a Good Investment?
However, the solid gold jewelry comes in various karats. High karat golds offer more purity, and quality in exchange for a higher price tag. Solid gold jewelry is produced in many countries worldwide, including China, South Africa, Australia, the United States, and Canada.
The value of each type of gold can vary depending on several factors such as its purity, rarity, and demand in the market. Solid gold will always be the most expensive due to its high purity and lack of base metals.
Gold-filled and gold vermeil feature higher quality and are more expensive than gold-plated jewelry. But they are more budget-friendly than solid gold made jewelry. Solid gold made jewelry is the most expensive one as it offers better quality than gold-filled and gold vermeil jewelry. Gold-plated jewelry is the most affordable option, but its gold content is minimal, which affects its durability and longevity.
Read more: Is Sanchayapatra a Good Investment in 2023?
Vivienne Westwood, influential fashion maverick, dies at 81
Vivienne Westwood, an influential fashion maverick who played a key role in the punk movement, died Thursday at 81.
Westwood’s eponymous fashion house announced her death on social media platforms, saying she died peacefully. A cause was not disclosed.
“Vivienne continued to do the things she loved, up until the last moment, designing, working on her art, writing her book, and changing the world for the better,” the statement said.
Westwood’s fashion career began in the 1970s when her radical approach to urban street style took the world by storm. But she went on to enjoy a long career highlighted by a string of triumphant runway shows and museum exhibitions.
The name Westwood became synonymous with style and attitude even as she shifted focus from year to year, her range vast and her work never predictable.
As her stature grew, she seemed to transcend fashion. The young woman who had scorned the British establishment eventually became one of its leading lights, even as she kept her hair dyed that trademark bright shade of orange.
Andrew Bolton, curator of The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of New York, said Westwood and Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren — her onetime partners — “gave the punk movement a look, a style, and it was so radical it broke from anything in the past.”
“The ripped shirts, the safety pins, the provocative slogans,” Bolton said. “She introduced postmodernism. It was so influential from the mid-70s. The punk movement has never dissipated — it’s become part of our fashion vocabulary. It’s mainstream now.”
Westwood’s long career was full of contradictions: She was a lifelong rebel honored several times by Queen Elizabeth II. She dressed like a teenager even in her 60s and became an outspoken advocate of fighting climate change, warning of planetary doom.
In her punk days, Westwood’s clothes were often intentionally shocking: T-shirts decorated with drawings of naked boys and “bondage pants” with sadomasochistic overtones were standard fare in her popular London shops. But Westwood was able to transition from punk to haute couture without missing a beat, keeping her career going without stooping to self-caricature.
Read more: Two-time Emmy winner Kirstie Alley dies at 71
“She was always trying to reinvent fashion. Her work is provocative, it’s transgressive. It’s very much rooted in the English tradition of pastiche and irony and satire. She is very proud of her Englishness, and still she sends it up,” Bolton said.
One of those contentious designs featured a swastika, an inverted image of Jesus Christ on the cross and the word “Destroy.” In an autobiography written with Ian Kelly, she said it was meant as part of a statement against politicians torturing people, citing Chile’s Augusto Pinochet. When asked if she regretted the swastika in a 2009 interview with Time magazine, Westwood said no.
“I don’t, because we were just saying to the older generation, ‘We don’t accept your values or your taboos, and you’re all fascists,’” she responded.
She approached her work with gusto in her early years, but later seemed to tire of the clamor and buzz. After decades of designing, she sometimes spoke wistfully of moving beyond fashion so she could concentrate on environmental matters and educational projects.
“Fashion can be so boring,” she told The Associated Press after unveiling one of her new collections at a 2010 show. “I’m trying to find something else to do.”
Her runway shows were always the most chic events, drawing stars from the glittery world of film, music, and television who wanted to bask in Westwood’s reflected glory. But still she spoke out against consumerism and conspicuous consumption, even urging people not to buy her expensive, beautifully made clothes.
“I just tell people, stop buying clothes,” she said. “Why not protect this gift of life while we have it? I don’t take the attitude that destruction is inevitable. Some of us would like to stop that and help people survive.”
Westwood’s activism extended to supporting Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, posing in a giant birdcage in 2020 to try to halt his extradition to the U.S. She even designed the dress Stella Moris wore when she married Assange this past March at a London prison.
Westwood was self-taught, with no formal fashion training. She told Marie Claire magazine that she learned how to make her own clothes as a teenager by following patterns. When she wanted to sell 1950s-style clothes at her first shop, she found old clothes in markets and took them apart to understand the cut and construction.
Read more:
Westwood was born in the Derbyshire village of Glossop on April 8, 1941. Her family moved to London in 1957 and she attended art school for one term.
She met McLaren in the 1960s while working as a primary school teacher after separating from her first husband, Derek Westwood. She and McLaren opened a small shop in Chelsea in 1971, the tail end of the “Swinging London” era ushered in by the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.
Read more: ‘Top Gun,’ ‘Black Panther’ advance in Oscars shortlist
The shop changed its name and focus several times, operating as “SEX” — Westwood and McLaren were fined in 1975 for an “indecent exhibition” there — and “World’s End” and “Seditionaries.”
Among the workers at their shop was Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock, who called Westwood “a one off, driven, single minded, talented lady” in a statement to The Associated Press.
He said it was a privilege “to have rubbed shoulders with her in the mid ’70s at what was the birth of punk and the worldwide waves it created that still continue to echo and resound today for the disaffected, hipper and wised up around the globe.”
“Vivienne is gone and the world is already a less interesting place,” tweeted Chrissie Hynde, the frontwoman of the Pretenders and another former employee.
Westwood moved into a fresh type of designing with her “Pirates” collection, exhibited in her first catwalk show in 1981. That breakthrough is credited with taking Westwood in a more traditional direction, showing her interest in incorporating historical British designs into contemporary clothes.
It was also an important step in an ongoing rapprochement between Westwood and the fashion world. The rebel eventually became one of its most celebrated stars, known for reinterpreting opulent dresses from the past and often finding inspiration in 18th century paintings.
But she still found ways to shock: Her Statue of Liberty corset in 1987 is remembered as the start of “underwear as outerwear” trend.
She eventually branched out into a range of business activities, including an alliance with Italian designer Giorgio Armani, and developed her ready-to-wear Red Label line, her more exclusive Gold Label line, a menswear collection and fragrances called Boudoir and Libertine. Westwood shops opened in New York, Hong Kong, Milan and several other major cities.
She was named designer of the year by the British Fashion Council in 1990 and 1991.
Her uneasy relationship with the British establishment is perhaps best exemplified by her 1992 trip to Buckingham Palace to receive an Order of the British Empire medal: She wore no underwear, and posed for photographers in a way that made that abundantly clear.
Apparently the queen was not offended: Westwood was invited back to receive the even more auspicious designation of Dame Commander of the British Empire — the female equivalent of a knighthood — in 2006.
Westwood is survived by her second husband, the Austrian-born designer Andreas Kronthaler who had a fashion line under her brand, and two sons.
The first, fashion photographer Ben Westwood, was her son with Derek Westwood. The second, Joe Corre — her son with McLaren — co-founded the upscale Agent Provocateur lingerie line and once burned what he said was a collection of punk memorabilia worth millions: “Punk was never, never meant to be nostalgic,” he said.