Tuesday 1 November 2016
K Kristina’s Designerwear Is Quirky With A Touch Of Oldschool Minimalism - My piece for LBB Bangalore
The Scoop
A young, fresh, vibrant label for the urban woman, K Kristina offers fun, yet comfortable designer wear. Founded and run by Karishma Kristina Singh, K. Kristina’s design aesthetic is cool, colourful and classy.
The Style
K Kristina is best described as old school minimalism with a little ‘masala’, quirky cuts and pretty prints. The label caters to a small clientele and likes to keep it that way to maintain quality and exclusivity. The funky, theme-based collections have been gaining traction among the youth. These collections are time-bound, and once the season passes, it is next to impossible to lay hands on a piece. Tops, capes, blouses and dresses, you will find them all. There’s also belts, shrugs and stoles available occasionally.
What We Love
K Kristina offers quality and quirk at an affordable price range. The prints like dragon flies, butterflies and popsicles, coupled with cool pastels and sober tones, make for beautiful garments. The awesome part — your piece can be stitched on request. The collections can be viewed on the website {which is also minimalist} or Instagram and orders can be placed by getting in touch with the team through the site.
Who Is It For?
The pieces already displayed on the website and social media can be ordered, but K Kristina also takes up custom orders. Say you want a different print on a top with the same cut and flow, it will be done! Also, if shoppers have specific requests with respect to the available fabrics, prints and colours, the label will customise the piece. Majority of the collections are summer-friendly and light, designed for tropical climates. The clothes are for anyone who enjoys dressing up, but doesn’t take fashion trends too seriously.
Photos: K. Kristina
https://lbb.in/bangalore/k-kristina-label-online-bangalore
Wednesday 12 October 2016
India’s major literature festivals are powered by women - My special feature for SheThePeople.tv
It’s Lit Fest season. Yes, it’s that time of the year when thousands of readers (and many more non-readers) across the country are all set to attend an assorted array of Lit fests. Almost every major city in India has a lit fest of its own and the metros have multiple. Lit fests have as many detractors as lovers and whatever said and done, it is not easy to put together and pull off a successful one. In such a saturated environment, it takes a whole lot to stand out and bring something different to the table every year, year after year. Behind these lit fests are immensely passionate and dedicated teams who often spend their time and energy (and at times even money) just for the love of books and reading. Leading some of these teams which organise the best lit fests in India, are multi-tasking, multi-talented women. Let us take a quick look at some of the women who work day and night in order to ideate and implement some of our favourite literary jamborees, and what they have to say about their experiences:
1. Namita Gokhale – Jaipur Lit Fest, Bhutan Lit Fest, Crime Writers’ Fest
If Jaipur Lit Fest (JLF) is the mother of all Lit Fests, Namita is the queen of JLF. Along with William Dalrymple, she co-founded and co-directs the world’s largest free lit fest, in India’s Pink City. JLF has also had successful editions at Boulder, Colorado and Southbank, London. Apart from JLF, she also runs ‘Mountain Echoes’, the annual Bhutan Lit Fest, and the Crime Writer’s Festival in Delhi.
Gokhale is committed to showcasing literature from across the Indian languages. She has written twelve books. In a chat with SheThePeople.TV, she says
“It has been a privilege to be associated with so many literature festivals. The Jaipur literature festival is part of my life rhythm.”
The Namita Gokhale Interview
“People tend to relegate women to being convenient ‘back room girls’. I don’t like to indulge in gender stereotyping but women are sometimes more conscientious and detailed in admin matters, and I enjoy working with them. One thing I bring to all the festivals I direct is the insistence that we resist mansplaining manelist sessions and bring in feminine voices and experiences into sessions.”
2. Shinie Antony- Bangalore Lit Fest, Bengaluru Poetry Fest, Bangalore Biz Lit Fest
Writer, Editor and Columnist Shinie Antony is Co-founder and Director of India’s largest community-funded lit fest and second largest literary conclave- the Bangalore Literature Festival (BLF). She is also director of the Bengaluru Poetry Festival (BPF) and Bangalore Business Lit Fest (BBLF) – the first of their kind in India. She has written short story collections, novels and has compiled anthologies. Shinie is calm, composed and committed and a curator who is as cool as a cucumber. While BLF will see its 5th edition take place in December this year, the BBLF has completed 2 editions and the BPF debuted to astounding response from poetry lovers, earlier this year.
“Being a woman is largely incidental. What I bring to the table is a team worker’s spirit and my sensibilities as a reader and writer.”
3. Bachi Karkaria- Times Litfest Mumbai
One who needs no introduction, veteran journalist and columnist Bachi Karkaria is well-known in the industry for her sharp insights and path-breaking innovations that have time and again helped the Times of India Group stay ahead of competitors in the market. The Times Litfest is perhaps another such initiative of one of India’s journalistic stalwarts. Her enthusiasm and energy are infectious and these qualities certainly come across in the vibe that the Times Litfest in Mumbai carries. A festival that has very much grown into an ‘ideas fest’, it represents all the passions of the city of Mumbai.
“Our authors and audience gratify us with decency and grace, though some of the big names can be a pain. However, overall, it has been a great journey and a rewarding experience.
Times Literature Fest: Bachi Karkaria
Though I don’t think gender makes a difference as far as one’s ability to pull off a successful lit fest is concerned, as a woman, I think multi-tasking comes naturally to me, and this is certainly helpful. Also, patience and efficiency in handling tricky situations and thinking out-of-the-box. In fact, at points, I have had to deal with some authors with a great deal of tact and have gotten away with them being a little less churlish.”
4. Sagarika Ghose- Times Litfest Delhi
After the tremendous success year-after-year of the Mumbai edition, the The Times of India Group, under the able leadership of Sagarika Ghose, started their very own lit fest in Delhi. The New Delhi-born Sagarika is a journalist, former television news anchor and an Author. She is currently consulting editor at The Times of India. Right in its very first year, the event was held on a large scale and managed to fill the vacuum in Delhi’s lit fest calendar that lacked an event of a certain magnitude that the city could call its own.
Sagarika Ghose: Picture by SheThePeople
5. Manjiri Prabhu- Pune International Literary Festival
Manjiri Prabhu is an English Author, Film-maker and Founder-Director of the Pune International Literary Festival. Labelled ‘Desi Agatha Christie’, Dr. Manjiri Prabhu has published 8 books till date. The Pune International Lit Fest is the city’s first and only English language lit fest and has completed 4 editions.
6. Nirmala Lakshman- The Hindu Lit for Life
The Hindu is perhaps part of the average Chennai citizen’s DNA. Reading the newspaper with a piping hot cup of filter coffee is still a beloved habit of many Chennaiites. It is the only newspaper in the country to have a supplement wholly dedicated to books and literature- the Literary Review. Nirmala founded and edited The Hindu Literary Review and the Lit for Life was started in 2010- when this supplement completed 20 years of publication.
Nirmala was Joint Editor of The Hindu and has held senior editorial positions at the newspaper for more than three decades. She launched and curated Lit for Life and initiated the annual Prize for Fiction from The Hindu.
7. Maina Bhagat and Anjum Katyal- Kolkata Literary Festival
Director of Oxford Bookstore Maina Bhagat along with editor, writer, translator and critic Anjum Katyal jointly direct the Kolkata Literary Festival. The Kolkata lit fest has been happening for the past 7 years. What makes it unique, is the fact that unlike the other major lit fests that have all their events happening at a single hotel/college, this festival has its venues spread across the city, with the Oxford Bookstore acting as the fulcrum. Apart from the Oxford Bookstore, the other venues include heritage buildings and well-known landmarks of Kolkata- thereby bringing the city to life… bringing the people of the city, known to be art, culture and literature lovers alive.
“Our lit fest is an extension of the 98 year-old Oxford Bookstore. It is a continuum of our year-long involvement with books. Love for books and reading is the basis from where it all started.
As a woman, I think it helps to gauge everyone’s sensibilities while curating the festival. Of course, women’s issues play a large part in our festival, just like they play a major role in several other lit fests as well. However, the content that goes into the sessions is largely based on my experiences, and not my gender.”-Maina Bhagat to SheThePeople.TV
Feature Image Credit: AllAboutJaipur.com
Note the list is in no particular order
Note the list is in no particular order
http://shethepeople.tv/indias-literature-festivals-are-powered-by-women/
From A Gallery To Classes, Studio Olive Brings Together All Things Art - My piece for LBB Bangalore
What Is It?
Studio Olive is an art gallery which also offers classes and artistic services.
Where Is It?
Located on St. John’s Road {in the lane next to the Aegis building}, the studio is a 2-5 minute walk from Commercial Street.
Arty Space
Studio Olive is situated in the heart of the city, yet nestled away from all the noise and pollution – a perfectly-located island of creativity. Apart from being an art gallery, the space also has art classes for all ages in a cute, friendly, green atmosphere. Run by artist and former adman, Ajai Chavan {who has forayed into teaching and creating art full-time}, the place offers customised courses based on your age and availability of time. With classes on everything from sketching and shading to calligraphy and abstract painting, it is a convenient option for all those who love art and craft, but can’t seem to fit it into their busy schedule.
Ajai also specialises in knife art, knife painting, tribal art, and Mexican art. So, students might even get to learn some unconventional techniques from the experienced artist. Affordable to all, yet kept classy and exclusive, he tries to make high-quality art {think mixed media, oil and acrylic works} accessible to all. Also, the environment that has a workshop, classes as well as a studio, is perfect for art enthusiasts.
#LBBTip
Look out for the coasters, trays and clothes {designed by Ajai} available at the studio.
Where: 40, St. John’s Road, Next to Aegis Building. Near Ulsoor lake
Price: INR 3,000 upwards for paintings, fees for classes depend on the course and schedule
Contact:+91 9845256244, studioolive40@gmail.com
Timings: 10am – 5pm
https://lbb.in/bangalore/studio-olive-ulsoor
Daily Dump: Quick Solutions to Garbage Disposal Right At Home - My piece for LBB Bangalore
The Scoop
Founded by Poonam Bir Kasturi {an industrial designer}, Daily Dump deals mainly with their flagship terracotta pots – to dump your daily wet waste into, and convert it into organic, high quality manure.
The Store
Located in Indiranagar, Daily Dump’s offices are located in a large, spacious compound, where they have different models of pots available for display and demos. They also have a cute store that sells organic seeds, garden tools, composting powder, cloth bags, and more. It has an earthy look and feel. The founder is mostly always present at the store and will happily have a chat with you.
What We Love
The number of options; you get to pick according to usage, quantity of waste generated, and space available. Their flagship product is the Khamba {or stack composter}, which is a set of three terracotta pots that sit one on top of the other. They also have specialised composters for specific purposes {for instance, to compost dry leaves from your garden}. The well-informed staff are helpful and take the time to explain the ecological benefits of their products.
Who Is It For
It’s for anyone who would like to help tackle the city’s garbage crisis by starting segregation and composting at source. The pots from Daily Dump are designed beautifully, come in different colour variants, are modular and don’t take up much space at home and most importantly, do not emit a foul smell of any sort. All it takes is a little extra care and effort in managing your garbage and with time…Voila! The compost is ready to be used in your garden or for that matter, even sold to others who need it!
#LBBTip
While they do have an online store, if you are a first-time user, it is better to go there physically to check out the various options. Do collect the printed user manual – a complete guide to your composting journey. It is also advisable to take your own car along when you decide to purchase the pots – it can be quite cumbersome to carry it on a bike or on public transport, as some variants are large and heavy.
Where: Daily Dump, off 12th Main, Near Sony Center, 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar
Price: INR 1,000 onwards
Contact: +91 9916426661, 080 41157311
Timings: 9.30am – 6pm
https://lbb.in/bangalore/daily-dump/
Trippr’s Backpacker Hostel And Cosy Cafe For A Budget Stay In Chikmagalur- My piece for LBB Bangalore
What Is It?
Trippr is a budget-friendly, uber cool backpackers hostel. A perfect spot for travellers on a tight budget with beds in a dormitory setting, the rooms are done up with quirky decor and funky interiors. Clean towels and bed linen, free WiFi, lively community spaces to unwind — what more could one ask for? And all of this at the most pocket-friendly rates!
Attached to Trippr is Coffee Barn Cafe, a cute little cafe serving some delicious food and drinks. They are known for their yummy pastas, sandwiches and milkshakes. And of course, the most heavenly freshly brewed filter coffee! The property that plays home to the hostel and the cafe, is perhaps one of the oldest heritage bungalows of Chikmagalur town. While the bungalow itself is home to the hostel, the verandah and yard in front of it has been converted into a cafe.
Where Is It?
One of the main advantages to travellers is its location in proper Chikmagalur town, so access is not an issue.
How Do I Get There?
From Bangalore, Chikmaglur is just around 250kms away — a four-hour drive. Though there are several buses that ply between Bangalore and Chikmaglur, it is advisable to take your own car or bike, as the journey becomes more comfortable and quick {buses take around 6 hrs approximately}. There are also trains available, but they take 7 hours.
What Is Unique About It?
Though Trippr is nowhere close to offering luxury, it most certainly is comfortable, clean and cool. There is a great vibe about the place and the people running it with passion. Trippr also offers guests guidance from local experts on sightseeing and nearby adventure trips and activities that can be done. Apart from the spacious, yet cosy dorms, the backyard of the bungalow has been converted into a colourful and interesting community space with bean bags, board games and books — a place for guests to relax, unwind and energise themselves among fellow travellers. Last but not the least, dog lovers will fall in love with Jager — Trippr and CBC’s very own labrador!
Best Time To Visit?
Fortunately, Chikmagalur can be enjoyed in different ways in every season! All through the year on the weekends, the city is filled with tourists, so try and make it during the week, or find a relatively quieter weekend to visit.
#LBBTip
Remember this is a shared living space. If you are lucky enough to book out an entire room with people you know, it’s great! But that might not always be possible. Hence, one must keep in mind that not all travellers are the same, so adjusting is the name of the game.
Price: INR 549 per bed per night, special student discount at INR 429 with ID, INR 300 for two at CBC
https://lbb.in/bangalore/trippr-backpacker-hostel-chikmagalur/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)