Master Deepika Padukone’s Style: A Beginner’s Guide to a Simple Style

Master Deepika Padukone’s Style: A Beginner’s Guide to a Simple Style

Master Deepika Padukone’s Style A celebrated Indian film actress, Deepika Padukone’s style is not only in her acting abilities but also her fine dressing sense. Whether attending a movie premiere, a glamorous event, or somewhere casually shopping at the airport, Deepika has always had a fabulous take on Bollywood fashion. This guide will teach you how you can achieve her classic fashion style that is so fabulous today and in decades to come.  The Power of Simplicity The  Celebrity fashion tip that resonates with Deepika most of the time is that of dressing simple and elegant. Also, she is on most occasions spotted wearing outfits that are mainly black and blue that accentuates her tall nature. If you wish to compare yourself to Deepika’s style, stick to timeless pieces such as a perfectly tailored white shirt and high-waist trousers or even an elegant black body hugging dress. The basic philosophy when it comes to selecting outfits to layer is that they should be pieces that will not date and will lend themselves to being worn with other other garments easily. Embrace Ethnic Elegance One of the most important elements of Deepika’s style that needs to be talked about is ethnic wear inspiration. Whether it comes to flaunting a beautiful saree or a sexy lehenga she sure knows how to make even such ethnic dresses look modern. To achieve this appearance, it’s best to have some timeless pure-colored sarees such as red, black, or gold. best suited when worn together with the least amount of jewelry and  laser hair style. It is also important for the accessorizing not to become too much so as not to overshadow the beauty of ethnic wear. Statement Accessories are an Essential Deepika’s dresses are accentuated by colorful large eyewear, belts or designer handbags which enhances her get ups. In order to introduce the Deepika Padukone fashion tips into your own dressing code, opt for accessories that can make a statement. A classic structured handbag of some pop of a bright color or a large set of hoops instantly makes the look more sophisticated. But, do not overdo yourself – moderation is always good.      Confidence and Poise However, it is confidence and self-possession that clearly make Deepika stand out from the rest. She moves and poses like a well-bred lady on any dressing regardless of her dressing code of the day. When trying to mimic her style, always remember that confidence is the best fashion statement. You may wear fashionable outfits, but ensure you walk out confidently to show the world what you are because you are lovely inside as well.  The Perfect Footwear Turning to the issues of footwear, Deepika’s choices can be regarded as satisfactory from the points of view of fashion and functionality. She prefers to wear pointy toed shoes, elaborate heels, or simple that is incorporated with some elegance to it. In order to copy her style, pick the shoes that not only should be comfortable but also look good. If not interested in loud shoes then pumps or simple sandals are perfect which can be matched with both western and ethnic clothing. Fashion Designers Behind Deepika’s Style A key part of Deepika’s success as a fashion icon is her collaboration with some of the finest designers in the world. Indian actress fashion designers Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Manish Malhotra, and Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla have created iconic looks for her, especially in ethnic wear. Sabyasachi’s regal sarees and lehengas are often her go-to choices for red-carpet events, while Manish Malhotra’s glamorous gowns and ethnic outfits add a dash of high fashion to her wardrobe. On the global stage, Deepika has donned creations by renowned designers like Prabal Gurung, Zuhair Murad, and Ralph Lauren, blending Indian and Western styles with ease. By incorporating designer pieces into your wardrobe, whether Indian or international, you can elevate your style to match Deepika’s. It’s all about finding that balance between tradition and modernity while staying true to your personal aesthetic. Conclusion Deepika Padukone’s style is the epitome of classy chic and knows how to get the perfect balance of the old and new. From the aforementioned characteristics, it can be seen that it is very easy to include her style in your wardrobe if you follow the principles of simple forms, prefer ethnic wear, and choose accessories properly. Just as a reminder: she is not afraid of anything, so wear what you will feel comfortable in!

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 Celebrate Independence Day This year With Exciting Accessories

Celebrate Independence Day This year With Exciting Accessories

Celebrate India with stylish, Tricolor-Inspired Sunglasses This Independence Day, celebrate India with stylish, tricolor-inspired sunglasses that make a bold statement with OPIUM Eyewear. Opium offers a variety of trending styles, from classic Aviators and edgy Top-Bar sunglasses to bold Oversized shades and vibrant tinted lenses, ensuring there’s something for everyone to flaunt their patriotic spirit. Mosaic: Price: INR 3,990 Link: https://www.opiumeyewear.com/products/op-10186-c04-59-mosaic-orange-men  

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 Celebrate Independence Day In Style With Your Favourite Pick

Celebrate Independence Day In Style With Your Favourite Pick

As Independence Day approaches, get your look for the day from stunning array of resort wear pieces in vibrant hues inspired by the tricolour of the Indian flag. These designs ensures you look your best while embracing the festive spirit with comfort and style. Celebrate the modern Indian woman who values authenticity and free spirit. Vibrant Spirit Of The Occasion With Nouria’s Outfits Price: INR 15,999 Link: https://nouria.co.in/products/mahi-dress-bsq

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 July Fashion Trends Updates For Men

July Fashion Trends Updates For Men

The sun climbs high in the sky, casting long shadows and painting the world a vibrant gold. It’s July Fashion Trends, the heart of summer, and the fashion world reflects the season’s vibrancy. This year, trends for both men and women prioritize comfort and self-expression, with a growing emphasis on eco-conscious choices. July Fashion Trends:  Let’s delve deeper into the hottest trends, exploring the details and offering tips to incorporate them into your wardrobe, transforming you into a sizzling summer style icon. For the Gents: Effortless Cool with a Playful Edge Just like the ladies, comfort reigns supreme for men this July. Ditch the stiff suits and uncomfortable button-down shirts. Embrace relaxed-fit shirts in breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Think of a breezy linen shirt with a camp collar, perfect for a day spent exploring a new city or simply relaxing in your backyard hammock. Linen pants, with their slightly wrinkled texture, offer a sophisticated yet casual look. Imagine yourself in a pair of beige linen pants paired with a crisp white t-shirt and boat shoes, a perfect outfit for a summer brunch or a casual business meeting. Shorts are a summer staple for men, and this July is no exception. Opt for relaxed-fit shorts in comfortable fabrics like cotton or chino. Avoid overly short or tight styles, and choose a length that falls just above the knee for a more polished look. The Dad Sneaker Makes a Comeback: Comfort Meets Style  The chunky “dad sneaker” trend, a mainstay of the past few years, shows no signs of slowing down. These comfortable and stylish sneakers are perfect for running errands, exploring the city, or adding a casual touch to a more dressed-up outfit. Bold & Playful Prints: Expressing Your Individuality Don’t be afraid to experiment with prints this July! Gone are the days of plain t-shirts and solid-colored shorts. This season is all about expressing your individuality through bold and playful prints. Tropical prints, reminiscent of lush summer vacations, are a popular choice. Think of a Hawaiian shirt with a bold palm tree print paired with a pair of khaki shorts, perfect for a backyard barbecue or a pool party. The Matching Set: Convenience Meets Style Matching sets are a convenient and stylish way to put together an outfit this July. Look for matching shirts and short sets in lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton. These sets are perfect for throwing on for a quick errand run or a relaxed day at the beach. Co-ord tracksuit sets, once relegated to the gym, are now a fashionable option for casual summer outings. Imagine yourself in a co-ord tracksuit set in a soft pastel color, perfect for a walk in the park or a casual coffee date. The Rückkehr der Cargohose (The Return of the Cargo Pants): A Streamlined Evolution Cargo pants, a symbol of practicality and utility in the past, are making a comeback this July. However, this time around, the silhouettes are more streamlined and sophisticated. Gone are the days of baggy, overly-pocketed cargo pants. Look for cargo pants with a slimmer fit and strategically placed pockets that add functionality without looking bulky. Imagine yourself in a pair of olive green cargo pants with a tapered leg and just a few cargo pockets for a touch of utility, perfect for a day spent hiking in the mountains or exploring a new city. The key to mastering the cargo pant trend is to choose a pair that fits well and complements your overall style. Pair your cargo pants with a t-shirt and sneakers for a casual look, or dress them up with a button-down shirt and loafers for a more polished outfit. Sustainable Style for Men: Eco-Conscious Choices Just like for women, sustainable fashion is a major trend for men this July. Look for brands that use recycled materials or organic cotton in their clothing. Invest in high-quality, well-made pieces that will last for years to come. Support brands that prioritize ethical production practices, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for garment workers. Many brands are now transparent about their supply chains, allowing you to make informed decisions about the clothes you buy. The Bucket Hat is Back: A Touch of Streetwear Cool The bucket hat, a popular style in the 90s, is back in a big way this July. This versatile hat adds a touch of streetwear cool to any outfit and offers protection from the sun’s harsh rays. Conclusion: Embrace Your Personal Style  This July fashion trends are all about comfort, self-expression, and sustainability. Whether you’re a woman who loves flowy maxi dresses and bold floral prints, or a man who prefers relaxed-fit shirts and playful prints, there’s a trend for you.

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 Fashion Revisit 2024  Odyssey: Revisiting the Yesteryear Glamor

Fashion Revisit 2024 Odyssey: Revisiting the Yesteryear Glamor

Fashion Revisit in 2024: Revisiting the Yesteryear Glamor Fashion Revisit in 2024: A Journey Through Time in Fashion Fashion Revisit 2024: In the ever-evolving landscape of fashion, trends often come full circle, breathing new life into styles of yesteryear. As we step into 2024, the fashion industry finds itself captivated by a sense of nostalgia, as designers and enthusiasts alike revisit and reimagine iconic looks from bygone eras. From the whimsical charm of bow clips and ribbons to the timeless allure of boot-cut jeans, let’s delve into the resurgence of retro fashion and explore how it’s shaping the style narrative of today. The Resurgence of Retro: Embracing Yesteryear Glamour in 2024 Within the constantly changing world of fashion, trends frequently resurface, giving previously popular styles a fresh lease on life. As 2024 approaches, the fashion industry is enthralled with nostalgia, with designers and enthusiasts alike re-creating classic looks from earlier eras. Bow clips and ribbons: One of the most delightful trends making a comeback in 2024 is the resurgence of bow clips and ribbons. Once a staple accessory of the ’80s and ’90s, these whimsical adornments are now being embraced by fashionistas seeking to infuse their look with a touch of playful elegance. Whether adorning a sleek ponytail or adding a feminine flair to a sophisticated updo, bow clips and ribbons offer endless styling possibilities. From oversized satin bows to delicate lace ribbons, these accessories evoke a sense of nostalgia while adding a modern twist to any ensemble. Boot-Cut Jeans: In the realm of denim, the reign of skinny jeans is being challenged by the triumphant return of boot-cut jeans. Popularized in the ’70s and ’90s, these jeans are characterized by their fitted silhouette through the hips and thighs, with a slight flare at the hem. Offering a flattering and versatile alternative to their skinny counterparts, boot-cut jeans are beloved for their ability to elongate the legs and create a balanced silhouette. Paired with anything from cropped sweaters to flowy blouses, these timeless denim classics are reclaiming their status as a wardrobe essential in 2024. Styling Adjectives: As fashion enthusiasts embrace the revival of yesteryear glamour, styling adjectives reminiscent of decades past are taking center stage. From “retro-chic” to “vintage-inspired,” these descriptors evoke a sense of nostalgia while capturing the essence of bygone eras. Whether channeling the polished sophistication of the ’50s or the free-spirited bohemian vibe of the ‘70s, fashion lovers are embracing a diverse array of styling adjectives to express their individuality and pay homage to fashion history. Puff Sleeves: Puff sleeves, reminiscent of the romanticism of the Victorian era and the boldness of the ’80s, are making a triumphant comeback in 2024. From blouses to dresses, these voluminous sleeves add drama and flair to any outfit, offering a playful nod to fashion history. Polka Dots: Polka dots, a timeless print associated with the playful elegance of the ‘50s and ’60s, are once again gracing runways and wardrobes alike. Whether adorning dresses, blouses, or accessories, polka dots infuse any ensemble with a sense of retro charm and whimsy. Midi Skirts: Midi skirts, with their flattering length that falls below the knee and above the ankle, are experiencing a resurgence in popularity in 2024. Reminiscent of the sophisticated silhouettes of the ‘40s and ’50s, midi skirts offer a timeless elegance that can be dressed up or down for any occasion due to the fashion revisit. Cat-Eye Sunglasses: With Fashion revisit cat-eye sunglasses, a staple accessory of the glamorous ’50s and ’60s, are making a bold statement in 2024. With their exaggerated winged frames, these sunglasses add a touch of vintage-inspired chic to any look, instantly elevating the wearer’s style quotient. Tie-Dye: Tie-dye, a symbol of the counterculture movement of the ’60s and ’70s, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity among fashion-forward individuals in 2024. From vibrant t-shirts to psychedelic dresses, tie-dye patterns inject a sense of retro nostalgia and free-spirited energy into contemporary wardrobes. These are just a few examples of the myriad ways in which retro fashion is being revisited and reimagined in 2024. From iconic prints and silhouettes to beloved accessories, the resurgence of yesteryear glamour continues to inspire and captivate fashion enthusiasts around the world. Conclusion: As we reflect on the fashion revisit landscape of 2024, it’s evident that the allure of yesteryear glamour continues to captivate and inspire. From the revival of bow clips and ribbons to the resurgence of boot-cut jeans, fashion enthusiasts are embracing retro-inspired looks with renewed enthusiasm during the Fashion revisit. Whether infusing their wardrobe with vintage charm or putting a modern twist on classic styles, individuals are redefining fashion norms and celebrating the timeless appeal of bygone eras. As we embark on this journey through a fashion revisit, let us continue to embrace the past while forging ahead into a future where style knows no bounds.

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 Alia Bhatt x Helen Anthony making headliners in pantsuits

Alia Bhatt x Helen Anthony making headliners in pantsuits

Pantsuits are currently the coolest and most influential fashion trend in Bollywood, and Bollywood celebs have embraced them passionately. For any occasion, including red carpet appearances, movie promotions, and photo shoots, pantsuits are a popular choice. The best clothing for looking sophisticated, stylish, and daring all at once is a pantsuit. And who better to display it in flair than the Bollywood celebrities? They have a well-known obsession with work dress, and Alia Bhatt is giving the mainstay of the wardrobe her own sensual spin. Alia Bhatt has long been renowned in the fashion industry for her adaptable style and capacity to pull off any look. With her wardrobe choices, the Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani actress goes over and beyond to make a statement. She is also renowned for using clothes to make strong messages. The Bollywood actress recently shocked her admirers by donning a more formal and sophisticated outfit for an occasion instead of her usual casual clothing.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Alia Bhatt 💛 (@aliaabhatt) The power-dressing craze presently sweeping Bollywood has us head over heels in love. At red-carpet events, award ceremonies, and movie promotions, pantsuits are enormously popular for all the right reasons. As she poses for many photos, Alia Bhatt makes it clear that she means business while wearing a black pantsuit. A wide-leg pair of trousers and a full-sleeved jacket with a fashionable lapel were the focal points of Helen Anthony’s chic ensemble. Alia chose merely a set of stud earrings and a pair of black pumps to go with her stunning formal dress. Her bubble braids gave her a professional image, which we admired. A few glitzy rings and earrings were chosen from the accessories section to provide a touch of shine. Alia’s beautiful makeup finished off her OOTD with glossy lips, a light foundation, mascara-coated eyes, and precisely sculpted brows. There has been a discernible change in fashion trends in recent years, with a greater focus on formal wear.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Helen Anthony (@helenanthonyofficial) What was formerly only used in boardrooms and formal settings has evolved into a symbol of elegance and strength. This movement is being led by a number of celebrities, like Alia Bhatt, who is demonstrating that formal clothing can be chic and stylish. Alia Bhatt’s decision to dress in a Helen Anthony-designed dark blue pantsuit is evidence of her changing sense of style. The look, created by Priyanka Kapadia Badani, highlighted her slim form with a tailored jacket and superbly cut pants. The dark blue colour was sleek and sophisticated, yet radiated a feeling of strength and assurance. She finished off her look with a pair of chic black open-toe shoes.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by TheStyle.World (@www.thestyle.world) Helen Anthony works tirelessly to create and bring you the newest trends in clothing and design. In paving the road for a worldwide fashion presence, Helen Anthony has seen tremendous success on a global scale. The overwhelming support and acclaim we have gotten from the established fashion industry is proof of the personality, style, design, and calibre of the clothing and accessories we create. Creative director Anthony collaborated with British upscale mills to create his own cloth pattern. Within three years of her debut, Helen Anthony has shown three complete collections, including two shows at Milan Fashion Week and a booth at Pitti Uomo in Florence, the biggest menswear fashion show in the world. With Maurice Sedwell of Savile Row in London, we have a long-standing partnership and shop presence, and Huddersfield Fine Worsteds, the most prominent mill in the world, has officially sponsored us.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Helen Anthony (@helenanthonyofficial) Each design by Helen Anthony is a labour of love that she invests a lot of work and care into. We hope that you can also sense this. The gorgeous pantsuit worn by Alia Bhatt was made by renowned British designer Helen Anthony, known for his excellent menswear and womenswear creations. Anthony is renowned for his exquisite craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Alia Bhatt had a faultless and powerful appearance thanks to the pantsuit’s streamlined lines and exquisite craftsmanship, which beautifully matched her small frame. She enhanced this outfit even further by accessorising with massive rings from Viange, India’s first vintage designer jewellery brand, and simple gold earrings from Riddhi Joshi Jewellery. Her modest makeup, which included pink eyeliner and a lip colour to match, as well as her stylishly styled plait of hair that highlighted her face, improved her whole appearance. But wouldn’t you agree that her charming grin is our favourite feature of this outfit?

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 Father’s Day Special Collection By Brune And Bareskin

Father’s Day Special Collection By Brune And Bareskin

Father’s Day is around the corner and it is a special occasion to honor the fathers, father figures, and mentors who have played an invaluable role in our lives. Brune and Bareskin recognizes the significance of this day and has curated a selection of meticulously crafted leather accessories that combine functionality with unparalleled style. Whether it’s a dapper wallet combo, matching sets of ever stylish shoes, phone covers with a refined belt, or a statement-making travel bag, Brune and Bareskin offers a diverse range of products designed to meet the discerning tastes of fathers everywhere. Artisans at Brune and Bareskin employ traditional craftsmanship techniques, using only the finest quality leather that has been ethically sourced. Each piece is thoughtfully constructed to ensure durability, functionality, and timeless elegance. These pieces can be customized as well (perfect for father’s day). The collection features a wide range of hand-crafted styles, and a variety of products including Luxurious Sandals, Travel bags, phone covers, etc, designed to appeal to mothers of all ages and tastes.  Brune and Bareskin continues to strive for excellence in design and quality, making it a go-to brand for fashion-conscious men & women everywhere and is the perfect destination to buy something special on this Father’s Day.

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 Meet the Ace Choreographer, Coordinator and Actor

Meet the Ace Choreographer, Coordinator and Actor

When Rahul Dev Shetty, passed out from an Engineering College (Electronics) and began his career as a Telecom Engineer at United Breweries Ltd., little did he know that he would end up as a successful Fashion Choreographer, Coordinator and Actor one day. The tall, dark and handsome hunk from Bengaluru, made his foray into the Indian fashion industry as a model 25 years ago. He soon expanded to include Direction and choreography of fashion shows, model co-ordination and compering of entertainment and corporate events. As a model he has walked the ramp in over 400 shows in India and overseas and has done some major Advertising Campaigns for big brands. For the last two decades, he has been exclusively directing and choreographing high fashion events for designers and corporate clients across the country and abroad. He has also choreographed leading models like Lara Dutta, Deepika Padukone, Yana Gupta, Sheetal Mallar, Jesse Randhawa, Fleur Xavier, Viveka Babjee, Indrani Das Gupta Rajlaxmi, Tinu Verghese, Aryan Vaid, Zulfi Sayyed, Shawar Ali and Shayan Munshi to name a few. He has acted in films like Station and Lekar Hum Deewana Dil and will soon be seen in the much awaited psychological thriller called Lalbagh, produced by Raj Zacharias and directed by Prasanth Murali Padmanabhan. Rahul Dev Shetty speaks to thestyle.world, before the release of the film Lalbagh on his role in the movie and his other passions. 1. When and how did your first movie role come about? How has your acting journey been since then? It was the early 90s. Rajendra Singh Babu was looking for a new face in a Vishnuvardhan Sonu Walia starrer. I was a busy model by then and someone sent him my pictures. They asked me to meet them at Airlines hotel and I got selected for that role. After that I did two more Kannada films for Director Shivamani – Jaana and Mother India. Around that time, I moved to Bombay to try my luck in Hindi films and television. After I moved to Mumbai, films took a backseat as modelling was getting big at that time and getting breaks in films was very tough. I returned to Bangalore and luckily got a break as a choreographer with Encore events. I did that for almost two decades and then got a shot at films again. I began my second innings with an independent Hindi film called Station, helmed by Saad Khan. After I was noticed in Station, I got a role in a mainstream Bollywood film called Lekar Hum Deewana Dil, directed by Imtiaz Ali’s brother Arif Ali. 2. How did the role in Lalbagh come about? What preparation did you have to do for your role? I saw an ad in Facebook about a Malayalam film looking for new people in different age categories, so I applied for the one in my category and it was for a doctor’s role. Luckily for me the Producer Raj Zacharias happened to be an old friend and he did his research and told me that he had a bigger role for me in mind. But only if I cut my hair. I went for the look test and to meet the director Prasanth Murali. They gave me a haircut then and there and thought I fit the role of a cop and so here I was biting off more than what I had planned for. For the preparation of my role, I did some research on the police force. I was playing an ACP, so I had to work on my uniform, body language and some mannerisms! 3. How challenging was it? Luckily for me, my director Prasanth Murali Padmanabhan was in total grip of the shoot. Since he is the writer and an ad film maker, every shot was brilliantly designed as far as camera angles, colour tones of costumes and background, music score etc was looked into minutely. Even in my performance he would tell me to do more or underplay as the scene would require. The film is looking sophisticated and sleek because of his due diligence. Our producer Raj Zacharias saw to it that we had a comfortable set and congenial work environment so that we could all perform stress free and all the schedules and targets were met effortlessly. 4. How was it acting with the other co-stars? They were all seasoned actors – very professional and extremely helpful. Mamta Mohandas especially, was very generous with her time and patience with me. I got to learn so much from her and this one actor named Ajit Koshy from Chennai was brilliant! The other actors – VK Prasad, renowned ad film maker from Bangalore, Rahul Madhav, Ajit Koshy and Sudeep Karakkat were also fun to work with. 5. There’s a lot of Bangalore connect in the film right? Tell us more. The entire film was shot in Bangalore. The story is about a group of Malayalees living in Bangalore and an incident occurs, in the Lalbagh jurisdiction, hence the title. The city has been beautifully captured by the lens of Antony Jo the DOP. His placement of camera and lighting of each scene is impeccable. 6. Any memorable or fun experience or incident you can recall from the shoot? The funniest was when we were shooting on the KR Puram hanging bridge. It was an early morning shot, but Bangalore traffic is crazy at 7am on that road. It was a moving police jeep shot with a camera sticking out of the driver side window and one on the bonnet. This was taking time and we actors were tucked away in another car waiting for the jeep to be readied. The circle inspector in the scene with me was Rajesh Devaraj, another Bangalorean. By this time a huge crowd had gathered and this attracted the real cops to come and harass the film unit, for permissions and money etc. The moment the shot was ready, my colleague and I who was playing the inspector, both in full

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 Masks & Metaphors in the Time of Mass Epidemics

Masks & Metaphors in the Time of Mass Epidemics

I am bombarded with videos of clumsy husbands in kitchens, songs of grit and prayers to the universe. The one forward of a video for the campaign #MaskForAll, for this COVID-19 Pandemic, has set me thinking of the masks we wear and the metaphors we live by. I could see Jim Carey in a yellow suit with his green mask. It heralded the success of Jim Carey as an actor in his iconic film, The Mask. It was a film that many years back made me laugh a lot, those days I laughed at most things. I watched Stanley Ipkiss’ magically-unleashed Id seduce the moll and finally good triumphed over evil. I started liking that magic mask & in my enthusiastic imagination I wanted that mask so that I could slap my mean boss, make more money and just do whatever hell I wanted to do. I also watched Stanley Kubrick’s film Eyes Wide Shut, and encountered that classic scene: masked people playing out their fantasy in a secret society of hidden identity and debauchery. It delved into the darker side of human beings, a part of us that we not-always-successfully bury forever: desire devoid of the moral code of right and wrong. Paradoxically, hiding a part of us seems to help us become who we want to be. Masks hide what we don’t want others to see in us, and magnify the things we do. It’s protection and projection. This instinct has been with us since time immemorial. It is deep. Innate. So it’s here to stay. The proliferation of superhero movies is but one more expression of this. Right now the story all over the globe is different, we want to be seen with medical masks on, we need to be identified as law-abiding citizens and are also concerned of not infecting other human beings. The mask is now a social symbol of support and intellect. There is great social pressure against people not following the pandemic rules of proper COVID-19 behaviour code. I have found that as we progress with technology and into a virtual world of boy meet girl and hook up, the mask is always on for most. I wish we had these many masks during our times. We trusted people and took the world at face value. I recall Yellow Fever gripping the nation & my childhood friend and I decided to go to Jaipur during that time. We returned pink after that holiday and our parents were crimson with anger and fear. Yellow didn’t deter our fearless youth. Of course, this is a different ball game of the world coming to a standstill. This is is a pandemic. The masks need to come on. I often wonder if these days we are able to take off our masks ever. There are wolves in sheep’s clothing. There is the clown mask in the film Joker who represented dystopian America. One cannot get over the dance on the steps of the film The Joker, Phoenix with his mask on was a sight to behold. Despite the movie’s theatrical trappings, that mask represented a mass ennui and disillusionment, a tendency to violence and chaos that is very much a part of the real world. In India we have the Kathakali, the Chau dancers, the occasional Hanuman mask that children near traffic signals sometimes wear to beg on a Tuesday, which is Hanuman’s day. I think the new order would be of different kinds of masks. I find myself pondering how we will differentiate between the rich and the poor? Will there be a difference between the maid cleaning the house to the well-heeled madam? Maybe the poor in the days ahead would have basic masks and the rich could have some Swarovski thrown around in a bespoke design? Perhaps COVID-19 will be a true leveller. Maybe it’s telling us even if you have the LV or the Prada right now you gotta get your hands into the sink and the mop on the floor and stand in the queue for groceries. For that at least, hell yeah! I guess corona will cure us and curse us in equal measure. If that isn’t dystopia what is? My streets lie desolate, Shops have their shutters down, The lone crow shifts from branch to branch, My clothes in my cupboards lie creaseless, It’s like death that just came knocking on my doorstep, I am humbled as I realize this is teaching me a lesson, When the end comes, We all fit into the same space, Few feet under the ground, Where the address is the same, And the sunshine is the same, This is a leveller, If I don’t learn today When will I learn to be human, To realise that it’s not the riches that makes the difference, It is the love for one another that creates this tolerance. – By Mohua Chinappa, a writer, brand specialist, consultant who also runs a blog moodymo.co.in on Indian arts & crafts, gender and also writes human interest stories. Masks & Metaphors in the Time of Mass Epidemics

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 Add some Sweetness to your Life

Add some Sweetness to your Life

Makes 2 Dozen Cupcakes Cupcakes Ingredients: 1 ½ cups self-rising flour 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 2 cups sugar 4 large eggs, at room temperature 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake papers. In a small bowl, combine the flours. Set aside. In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugar gradually and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and vanilla. With each addition, beat until the ingredient are incorporated but do not overbeat. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the batter in the bowl to make sure the ingredients are well blended. Carefully spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about three-quarters full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cupcake comes out clean. Cool the cupcakes in the tins for 15 minutes. Remove from the tins and cool completely on a wire rack before icing. Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Buttercream Ingredients 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1 box (4 cups) confectioners’ sugar 2 – 3 TBLS milk 1 teaspoons vanilla extract Instructions: Cream the butter in a large mixing bowl. Add the vanilla. Gradually add sugar one cup at a time. Scrape down sides of bowl often. When the mixture starts to thicken and appears dry add 2 TBLS of milk. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy about 2-4 minutes. Add more milk as needed if you want a thinner consistency. If desired, add a few drops of food colouring and mix thoroughly. Store the icing at room temperature. Icing can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add some Sweetness to your Life

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