V - agina Monologues

A 26-year-old Australian nurse, who came to Mysore for its tourist spots and learn yoga and French, was sexually abused on June 24 by two youths... and they ask why indian men are hated all over the world. this is the only thing heterosexual indian men are known for. - Rwitobrato , a friend on facebook put up this status a few days back.

Maid gangraped by NGO owners. - Times of India, June 23rd.

Teacher held for raping ex-student - Times of India , June 23rd

Police seeking money: Rape victim kin - Times of India , June 25th

The above were headlines collected from the Elaan group page on facebook. Having observed violence on women , from very close quarters, prompted me to make a blog-post out of it.

The Vagina Monologues , an episodic play written by Eve Ensler has been all about the story of the big V - the Vagina. Made up of a varying number of monologues read by a varying number of women , every monologue relates to the vagina through sex, love, rape, menstruation, mutilation, masturbation, birth and orgasm. In a world where thousands of women are raped , tortured , traded and killed everyday , one is bound to wonder what the V in Victory actually stands for in the V for Vagina.

Incidentally I happened to do a shoot related to the shackled , anti-free state of women. The following is a shot from the series.

Nimbus Burst of a Citrus Punch !

Citrus fruits have long been valued as part of a nutritious and tasty diet. The flavours provided by citrus are among the most preferred in the world, and it is increasingly evident that citrus not only tastes good, but is also good for people. It is well established that citrus and citrus products are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre (non-starch polysaccharides) that are essential for normal growth and development and overall nutritional well-being. For those in the loop , citrus fruits can also help prevent cancer !

Now , to steer clear from all the nutritional talk its needless to say that citrus hues can definitely aid in pepping up your mood even the most "gray"-est one and oh-boy are we getting a lot of that already ! The monsoon's are in full swing rather in 'over' swing and an extra dose of Vitamin C is just what the doctor ... err the designers recommend ! From Marc Jacobs to Prabal Gurung, and Stella McCartney, shades ranging from soft pink to burnt orange are all the rage.

The above is Moi trying to work the citrus trend ! Photographed by Srijata Roy.

F L O W E R C H I L D gypsy

Urmi , Fairlawn !

Flower-print top : Urmi's own

Grey tee -dress : Colaba

Tights - Designed by Urmi's friend

Shoes - Zara

Camel-skin bag - Mesh , Bandra

Another design maverick Dabie Nath's sketch of the iconoclast herself , should I say more ? I dont think so ! X

My fabulously Gaga-licious friend Dabie Nath with her green leather tote ! Familiar much ?

The Hermes Birkin green leather bag ! Available in many colors , this is a must have for most celebrities.

We , however , vowed to indulge in one , when we could afford to ! Amen !

Before , saying bon nuite from this part of the world , here's Florrie's glamorous new video with a new track off her upcoming EP!

J U X T A P O S I T I O N

Well to say that I was tremendously moved by these two photos right below is to say the least . Its from a Vogue(India) Living article titled 'Past Perfect' depicting the Cuban way of life. What particularly intruiged me about them was how eclectically and resourcefully dressed these two women were - and to think , that they are well past their heyday. Intact with their own distinct sense and perception about fashion and beauty, that transcends the barriers of cast , creed , religion and economic stratification , they exude a charm and genuine un-borrowed sense of style that is lacking today and not necessarily age-defying.

It was later as I started googling up did I come across this short film by Line Plioplyte ,inspired mainly by the iconic style mavens of New York city who are mostly on the other side of sixty , for the Advanced Style blog run by Ari Seth Cohen.

The likes of textile guru Iris Apfel with her signature owl glasses, artist Ilona Royce Smithkin in bright orange eyelashes and other women adorning leopard sunglasses, bright feather scarves, men's jackets and bold chunky earrings , find pride of place in this short film.

"I don't want to go around like a dreary old lady," one woman said.

As great as these women are, Cohen said he'd also like to add Yoko Ono, Richard Avedon's 60s muse China Machado and Jane Schmitt, who was featured recently in the Lanvin X H&M campaign.

Another major icon who fits perfectly in this context , is the late Elizabeth Taylor. Replete with a fervent passion for fashion this diva truly knew how to look different.

"Walking around New York taking photographs, I noticed how many young girls are appropriating style from older women: leopard print, fur, turbans and hats," said Cohen. "In general, the older women wear these things naturally, with more confidence."

Confident, indeed.

"I don't dress for anybody else. I dress for myself," added one woman. "If somebody doesn't like what I'm wearing, I don't give a shit."

All images except the afore-mentioned are courtsey the Advanced Style blog . Happy Aeging everyone !

Mom in Work Clothes

A great wardrobe choice to beat the summers escpecially when you're a working woman is the cotton Kurta . Easy, functional and can get you sailing through the day without much discomfort or unwanted attention.

In picture : Blue kurta with paisely print - FabIndia

Ochre bag - Nine West

Leather slippers - Hushh Puppies

So , the other day , as I routinely opened to check my mail box after coming back from running some errands , out fell this issue of Vogue with a very 'mermedian' Rihanna (donning her usual flaming red hair of course) gracing the cover. If I'm not mistaken the exact same cover was used for the April issue of US Vogue, a few months ago? Well, goes without saying I wasn't quite expecting to see it again so soon !

The magazine didnt come alone. Behind it lay, hidden a treasure of a Little Black Book! Well , although its clearly just another cute advertising strategy ,the interpretation is quite likeable . It hosts a variety of information from Eco fashion vendors to a breakfast of bagels at your local deli and from Chikankari embroiderers to Brazilian waxing stations - intended for the multi-tasking woman on the go.

What I personally found attractive was the play of the black and dull pink giving it a very feminine look and feel. The very first page that assigns rightful ownership also adds a very personal touch.

When baking is a way of life !

Almond-Walnut Chocolate cake and sugar and chocolate cookies made by fellow blogger Srijata Roy herself.

“You should have taken up food technology… You have a knack for baking”-Dad

“I wanted to do anything but engineering”-Me

The Betrayal That is Love

Judas Iscariot , was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. He is best known for his betrayal of Jesus , to the hands of the chief priests for 30 pieces of silver,by identifying him with a kiss - “Kiss Of Judas” .This was circa the 8th century.

Fast forward to 2011 . Lady Gaga plays Mary Magdelene to mexican actor/rapper Ricky Gonzales who plays Jesus in Gaga’s controversially biblical ‘Judas’ video. The twelve disciples including the one who betrayed , are seen riding Harley Davidson crossbones bikes across some Calfornian highway , in black Schott Perfecto leather biker jackets.

The plot still remains the same?

In an interview she said ““I’ve had a lot of ex-boyfriends betray me – a**holes, we all have them. I began to write a song about an ex-lover who betrayed me, who loved heavy metal music.And then I thought about the biblical implications and how Judas was the betrayer. And once I thought about what I wanted to do with the video. Judas didn’t really betray Christ because he was part of the prophecy. So I thought a more liberating way to tackle the message of the song – we attack the idea by saying my ex betray me and this person haunts me, but I forgive them.”

But was Judas really forgiven? The Gospel of Judas states that the other eleven disciples stoned him to death after they found out , about the betrayal or possibly he himself committed suicide by hanging himself.

If Newton’s laws are anything to go by , well maybe you can never be forgiven . Amen.

FLOWER POWER

Shot on a sultry summery roof (by me) as Srijata , embraces her floral glory !