Vogue India Teams Up with Royal Enfield for The Himalayan Knot Design Prize

Mumbai, 1st December 2024 – Vogue India and Royal Enfield Social Mission are thrilled to announce that they have joined forces for The Himalayan Knot Design Prize, a groundbreaking endeavor that brings the prominent worlds of fashion, craft and sustainability closer together.

 Vogue has long been at the helm of redefining fashion and design, championing purpose-driven narratives that shape culture. From spotlighting visionary designers to exploring sustainability’s role in the industry, Vogue has continually pushed the boundaries of what fashion can achieve.

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 At Royal Enfield, craftsmanship has remained an anchor of legacies, with the legendary pinstripes, hand-painted to this day, standing as an ode to its creative pursuits. Inspired by the artisanal craftsmanship of Himalayan communities, The Himalayan Knot—Royal Enfield Social Mission’s textile conservation initiative—pays tribute to the enduring artistry in its spiritual home. As part of Royal Enfield Social Mission’s long-term vision of partnering with 100 Himalayan communities, this project brings together communities, creative practitioners and urban designers.

 In this spirit, Vogue India and Royal Enfield Social Mission come together for a collaboration that speaks to the heart of fashion with a purpose. The Himalayan Knot Design Prize is an initiative that invites the next generation of emerging designers and fashion students to engage with the soul of sustainability—nestled deep within the textile-rich landscapes of the Himalayas.

 With two coveted spots—one for a designer and one for a student—this opportunity goes beyond design, offering a rare chance to learn the nuances of conscious fashion in a region where tradition meets untamed beauty. Under the mentorship of industry leaders, the selected talents will explore how authentic craftsmanship can be reimagined for the modern world, all while leaving a meaningful impact on local communities.

 “For me, the Himalayan Knot Design Prize is an opportunity to explore the Himalayas, the talent there, local crafts and really allow us to create a story that has not been told enough.” – Rochelle Pinto, Head of Editorial Content at Vogue India.

 “The Himalayan Knot Design Prize represents a meaningful convergence of sustainability, craftsmanship, and contemporary fashion. By bridging designers with Himalayan artisans, we aim to celebrate the region’s heritage while fostering thoughtful, sustainable design practices. This initiative reflects Royal Enfield Social Missions commitment to safeguarding artisanal craftsmanship and supporting local communities through impactful collaborations. We’re excited to see how emerging talent will embrace this opportunity to create innovative designs that honour Himalayan crafts and inspire a more mindful future for fashion. – Bidisha Dey, Executive Director of Eicher Group Foundation.

iCONGO and United Nations Recognize Prachi Kaushik with Rex Karmaveer Global Fellowship & Karamveer Chakra Award

Prach Kaushik, Founder and Director of Vyomini Social Enterprise, Honored with the prestigious Rex Karmaveer Global Fellowship & Karamveer Chakra Award for her work in promoting sustainable sanitation, hygiene practices, and entrepreneurship at a vibrant ceremony held at The Shri Ram Millennium School in Noida. Recognized for her pioneering contributions to menstrual health and hygiene […]

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GIRI Expands Its Retail Reach with a New Showroom in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, 2 December 2024: Giri, India’s leading retailer of spiritual and cultural products, proudly announces the opening of its newest showroom in Malkajgiri, Hyderabad. The new location marks an important step in GIRI’s mission to bring authentic spiritual resources and cultural essentials closer to communities across India. The esteemed Shri Krishnan Raajamani, Managing Trustee, Sri Subrahmanyaswamy Devalayam graced the inauguration ceremony. With this expansion, GIRI continues its commitment to providing high-quality, traditional products […]

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Real Estate Leader DRA Signs Rashmika Mandanna as Brand Ambassador for ‘Home of Pride’ Vision

Bengaluru, 1st December 2024: DRA, pride of Chennai’s Real Estate, today announced PAN India Star Rashmika Mandanna as its first-ever Brand Ambassador. The move comes in line with the company’s refreshed brand philosophy ‘Home of Pride’, which is set to fuel the next phase of transformative growth. As part of the brand’s ongoing transformation, DRA has launched a powerful TV commercial (TVC) featuring Rashmika that showcases the emotional connection people share with their homes. Apart from the TVC, DRA will be launching an integrated marketing campaign that includes print advertisements, digital promotions, multiplex and out-of-home (OOH) activations.

Rashmika

By roping Rahsmika Mandanna as its Brand Ambassador, DRA aims to further increase its market share and strengthen its pride-connect with customers, employees and the partners. This collaboration also underscores DRA’s commitment to offer quality, spacious homes at the right price point while instilling a sense of pride in every home buyer. DRA will roll out its ‘Home of Pride’ campaign with Rashmika Mandanna starting from 29th November 2024. The 360-degree integrated campaign will have a balance of TV commercials across leading channels, print commercials, social media promotions, multiplexes and OOH activations. The new brand philosophy and the architecture was designed and developed by Blue Noodles.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Ranjeeth Rathod, Managing Director – DRA said “We are thrilled to have Rashmika Mandanna join us as our national Brand Ambassador, embodying the essence of our renewed philosophy– ‘Home of Pride’. Rashmika’s incredible rise from humble beginnings to becoming a self-made national star mirrors the spirit of perseverance, authenticity, and growth, much like DRA’s journey of relentless passion and commitment to excellence. As a Brand Ambassador, Rashmika represents the very essence of what DRA stands for and together, we look forward to building not just homes, but lasting legacies for our customers.”

Sharing her views on the association, Actress Rashmika Mandanna, said “I’m excited to join hands with DRA as their Brand Ambassador. As DRA embarks on their new journey, one that is filled with immense pride, I have no doubt that this journey will be one of great success, and I’m so excited to be a part of it. I’m also looking forward to seeing DRA expand its ‘Home of Pride’ philosophy and bring dreams of homeownership to even more aspiring buyers in the years to come”

The TVC was directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Gautam Vasudev Menon, known for his distinctive storytelling, ensuring the films resonate with audiences on an emotional level. The entire brand architecture and concept behind the new philosophy were created by Blue Noodles, a leading creative agency specializing in brand strategies and campaigns.

Blum India Opens Studio Ethos, Its First Flagship Store in New Delhi

National, 1-12-24: Opening a new world of the Blum experience, Blum India launched its first Blum Inspiration Centre, Studio Ethos, in New Delhi on 29 November 2024. The store was inaugurated by Blum India Managing Director Nadeem Patni and the owner of Studio Ethos, Mr Raghav Khandelwal, along with his associates Gautam Macker and Neeti Macker. This new centre raises the bar for customer experience.

blum store

Blum Inspiration Centre: Studio Ethos

Address: A-55, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-1, New Delhi-110020.

Speaking on the occasion of the inauguration, Blum India Managing Director Nadeem Patni commented, “It’s a point of pride for Blum India to open our first Blum Inspiration Centre in the national capital in collaboration with our trusted partners, Studio Ethos. We want to assure interior designers, architects, and anyone interested in home design that this flagship store breaks new ground. We have rolled out a fresh kitchen design concept called the “Kitchen Test Drive” that gives customers a hands-on opportunity to test multiple kitchen layouts right in the store to find the one that meets their needs. The centre unveils a new interactive space to experience our innovative furniture fittings with inspiring design ideas that are essential to elevate the quality of living.”

Mr Raghav Khandelwal, the Owner of Studio Ethos, added, “With a time-honoured legacy in the architectural hardware industry, we are driven to chart a new course in the modern-day modular furniture industry by bringing the best to our design and architecture community in New Delhi. It’s a momentous occasion to launch Studio Ethos today in partnership with none other than Blum, the world’s leading furniture fittings manufacturer, known for being ahead of the curve in quality and innovation.”

Studio Ethos is a standout Blum store featuring inspiring ideas for living spaces and innovative furniture fittings for interior designers, architects, and home design enthusiasts to rethink their approach to modular furniture. Customers can experience world-class furniture fittings, receive expert assistance for designing living spaces, and enjoy unparalleled service standards, all at Studio Ethos.

Behind the Scenes: Lily Collins’ Hairdresser Unveils Styling Tips for ‘Emily in Paris’ Looks

Part 2 of Emily in Paris Season 4 has officially landed on small screens across the UK, with fans eager to see what iconic fashion and beauty looks feature in the latest episodes.

Lily Collins’ hair stylist, Mike Desir, shares how he achieves her head-turning looks on the show.

Speaking about the looks in Season 4, Mike says, “In Season 4, Emily’s hairstyle has undergone a dramatic transformation with 22 different looks. This season introduces loose waves, a messy yet sultry style, and new hair textures Emily has never tried before”.

Here’s how to achieve four of this season’s memorable hairstyles from celebrity experts:

Emily’s Beach Wave Hair (Episode 3, Season 4) – attributed to Lily Collins’ hairstylist, Mike Desir

For the beach wave look featured in episode 3, after Emily falls into the lake, it’s crucial to keep her hair moisturised for that wet, beachy effect.

To achieve this look, divide the hair into four sections and apply a surf spray product. Braid each section and use a hair dryer to dry the braids, ensuring the spray has set and that the texture remains intact. Next, use the Corrale™ straightener to reshape parts of the hair by flipping and pulling it away from the face. Finish with a curly hair cream to achieve a textured, messy, and sultry look.

mike desire

Emily’s Wet Hair Look (Episode 4, Season 4, Lauren G Club Opening) – attributed to Lily Collins’ hairstylist, Mike Desir

To get this wet hair look, start by applying mousse to the hair and brush it back with the comb to ensure the product is evenly distributed at the roots.

Continue by using the Airwrap multi-styler with the firm smoothing brush attachment to brush the hair backwards and sleek the roots. For the final touch, hydrate the hair with a curly cream and add hairspray to set the hair in place. For best results, use the diffuser attachment on low heat settings to dry the hairspray.

Emily’s Straight Hair (Episode 10, Season 4) – attributed to Lily Collins’ hairstylist, Mike Desir

For Emily’s straight hair seen in episode 10, my favourite tool to use is the straightener. To achieve this look, apply a prep hair lotion to semi-wet hair and use the Dyson Airstrait to dry the hair while straightening it at the same time. This technique provides a beautiful shine and maintains the hair’s health.

Emily’s ‘Everyday’ Hairstyle – attributed to Lily Collins’ hairstylist, Mike Desir

To achieve Emily’s usual hairstyle, start by using the Straightener to create soft, flat waves. Begin at the neck section, flipping small sections of hair away from the face with the straightener. Continue this technique from side to side to achieve an undone texture.

Handloom Haat Janpath Presents Unique Handloom Expo to Celebrate Indian Weavers

New Delhi: A Special Handloom Expo will be held at Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi, from December 1 to December 8, 2024. The event is organized by the National Design Centre (NDC) in collaboration with the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The expo will be open daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

 This expo is dedicated to promoting traditional Indian handloom products, with over 75 weavers, self-help groups (SHGs), and cooperatives participating. Its primary objective is to connect weavers directly with buyers, exporters, designers, and customers, offering them a unique platform to showcase and market their creations.

 Visitors will experience over 50 weaving styles from various states, including silk and cotton sarees, dress materials, home furnishings, shawls, bed linens, and other handmade textile products. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase these items directly from the artisans.

 The event Is designed to help weavers expand their reach into national and international markets, supporting their business growth. Additionally, it provides the public with an opportunity to explore and appreciate the diversity and richness of India’s traditional textile arts.

 A large turnout Is expected, offering visitors the chance to enrich their wardrobes while discovering the vibrant cultural heritage of Indian weaving.

Air India Express Kicks Off ‘Payday Sale’ for Budget-Friendly Travel Deals

1-December-2024, National: Air India Express has launched its ‘Payday Sale,’ offering Xpress Value fares starting at ₹1,199 and the exclusive zero baggage Xpress Lite fares starting at ₹1,049. The sale is open for bookings on domestic flights until 2nd December 2024, for travel between 7th January and 31st March 2025.

The airline also offers zero convenience fees on Xpress Lite bookings made on its award-winning website, airindiaexpress.com. Xpress Lite fares come with added benefits, including the option to pre-book an additional 3 kg of cabin baggage at no extra cost and discounted check-in baggage rates, with 15 kg available for ₹1,000 on domestic flights and 20 kg for ₹1,300 on international flights.

air india

Air India Express is also offering fab deals for loyalty members. These include exclusive discounts on upgrades to Biz seats, the airline’s business class equivalent with an industry-leading seat pitch of up to 58 inches. Loyalty members also enjoy 25% off ‘Gourmair’ hot meals, seat selections, and Xpress Ahead priority services at no additional cost for higher tier loyalty members. Biz seats are currently available on 35 brand-new Boeing 737-8 aircraft, which Air India Express has recently inducted as part of its rapid expansion programme, with a new aircraft joining the fleet every week.

In addition, the airline continues to offer special discounted fares and benefits on its website for students, senior citizens, doctors, nurses, members of the armed forces, and their dependents, ensuring a wide range of benefits for diverse passenger groups.

NTPC Recognized with UN Women India WEPs Award for Transformative Girl Empowerment Efforts

New Delhi, 1st December 2024: NTPC Limited, India’s largest integrated power utility, has been conferred as the First Runner-Up in the prestigious 2024 UN Women India WEPs (Women’s Empowerment Principles) Award in the category “Community Engagement & Partnerships” for its flagship CSR Project “Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM)”.

NTPC is the only PSU receiving this prestigious award.

NTPC’s Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM) empowers school-going girls from underprivileged communities in the vicinity of its power stations through education, skill development, and life-skills training. Launched in 2018, GEM has reached over 10,000 girls, fostering greater gender equality and brighter futures.

Shri V Jayanarayanan, General Manager (HR/CSR/LA/R&R) received this award on behalf of NTPC at a programme on 29th November at Delhi. The Award was presented in the presence of Ms Shombi Sharp, RCO, UN Resident Coordinator; Ms Susan Ferguson, Country Representative, UN Women India; Mr Franck Viault – Minister Counsellor Head of Cooperation, European Union and Ms Seema Arora, Deputy Director General, CII.

NTPC Wins WEPs Awards1

This recognition reaffirms NTPC’s unwavering commitment to fostering gender equality and driving impactful community development initiatives. Incidentally, NTPC is also one of the signatories to the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEP).

The UN Women Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards is the first regional awards initiative that recognizes companies taking action for gender equality in the region aligned to the Women’s Empowerment Principles, with the ultimate objective to make good practices visible and encourage more businesses to take action by joining the WEPs.

This award recognizes corporate champions that promote gender equality through community engagement and partnerships, which includes integrating gender equality into their sustainability strategies, CSR programs, and committed to promoting gender equality within wider communities.

Besides, Shri Jayanarayanan also participated as a panel speaker in the session on “Marketplace and Community: Transforming Supply Chains for Impact” highlighting NTPC’s initiatives to create a more appealing and supportive work environment for women, as well as the company’s engagement with the community, particularly through its flagship GEM Programme aimed at empowering girl child from under-privileged sections of the society.