Smartbuy issue dated January 12, 2011

Smartbuy Business Line

G A D G E T S

|

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

A U T O |

L U X U R Y

www.blsmartbuy.com

Create your own boudoir!

Three luxurious themes to stylise your homes Page 12

WHAT’S HOT this week

Team Smartbuy Editorial Anushya Mamtora anushya@thehindu.co.in

Ketaki Bhojnagarwala ketaki@thehindu.co.in

Mahananda Bohidar mahananda@thehindu.co.in

S. Muralidhar muraliswami@thehindu.co.in

Design Bryan Gaughan aqua@thehindu.co.in

Balakrishnan designkbala@thehindu.co.in

Advertising Contact R. Diwakar ramdiwakar@thehindu.co.in

Web Advertising Contact N. Amarnath amarnath@thehindu.co.in

www.blsmartbuy.com

Larger than life Panasonic TH-152UX1

Become a fan of our Facebook page: BL Smartbuy Follow us on Twitter

Cover photo: Better Interiors

This 152-inch 3D telly from Panasonic features a self illuminating display. It produces four times the amount of information than a regular HD display, which results in true to life images even when viewed from a short distance. Other features include contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1, high speed driving technology and crosstalk reduction technology.

Rs 3.5 crore

Picture perfect Casio EXILIM EX-Z800 Get snapping with this new 14-meg digicam from Casio! Small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, the Z800 sports a 4X optical zoom lens that starts at a 27 mm wide-angle view (35 mm film camera equivalent). You can directly upload the pictures you shoot on to YouTube or to your photoblog.

Rs 9,495

Sound everywhere Creative ZiiSound D5 The Red Dot Award Winning sound system from Creative streams music wirelessly from any compatible Bluetooth handset, media player, netbook, notebook or any other Bluetooth A2DP enabled device. The ZiiSound D5 also serves as a dock for your iPhone or iPod and even the iPad, if bundled with a detachable transmitter.

Rs 17,999

Smartbuy

2

January 12, 2011

Inspiring performer Dell Inspiron M101z The new series of laptops from Dell feature 11.6inch TrueLife HD glossy WLED display and fulllength ergonomic keyboard with raised keypads.

The Inspiron M101z laptop is powered by AMD Athlon II Neo Mobile processors and integrated ATi graphics and gives you more than six hours of operation with its standard 6-cell rechargeable battery.

Rs 20,900 onwards

Ahead of the curve Sony Xperia Arc Unveiled at the CES, the new-age Xperia Arc is a 4.2-inch touch screen smartphone featuring ‘Reality Display’. Powered by Sony’s Mobile BRAVIA Engine, the Arc comes with an 8.1-meg camera that delivers exceptional image quality through its bright f/2.4 lens and Sony’s awardwinning Exmor R technology. A built-in HDMI connector allows you to share your pictures and videos in HD on your telly and you can download Android apps on this smartphone that runs on Android 2.3.

To be announced

Smartphone symphony HTC HT7 Mozart The HTC Mozart is the second phone from the company to feature the Windows 7 operating system. The phone is crafted from a single piece of anodised aluminium and features a 3.7-inch WVGA multi-touch display. The camera is an 8-megger, with Auto Focus, Xenon Flash and 720p HD recording. For all music lovers, the phone is equipped with virtual surround sound, and features Microsoft Zune integration.

Rs 26,490

Smartbuy

3

January 12, 2011

DIGICAM line-up

SHOOTING STARS Features galore Sony CyberShot DSC-WX5 A superior Auto mode that combines exposures for dynamic range and minimal noise makes the WX5 a bonfire night essential. The antimotion blur and handheld twilight features also aid photography in low light, as does the maximum 3200 ISO setting. Oh, and there’s a fireworks mode, if all else fails. The WX5 also creates 3D panoramic shots, although this isn’t advised in low light, has a 2.8-inch, 4,60,800 dot LCD display, a 5x optical zoom and takes 12.2-megapixel snaps. It’s a very good all-rounder.

Rs 21,235 Love - Superior Auto mode, anti-blur features, nifty panoramas Hate - So many features you may get confused

Bang for the buck Nikon CoolPix S3000 The 12-megapixel S3000 features a 4x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD and is just 19mm thick. It includes few manual controls, but you will find lots of features that make life easier for amateur photographers, including four anti-blur functions and Scene Auto Selector, which optimises settings for your surroundings. ISO goes all the way up to 3200 – good news for snapping fireworks in low light– although noise creeps in at ISO 800. Picture quality isn’t amazing and it’s not one for action fans, but it is pretty cheap.

Rs 7,950 Love - Slim and stylish design. Price tag Hate - Lack of creative possibilities due to its point-andshoot nature

Low-light wonder Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX700 Small, chic and touch-controlled, the 14-meg FX700 is a feature-heavy compact with a bright Leica F2.224mm ultra-wide angle lens and burst shooting up to 10fps at full resolution. Despite its high-end features, the FX700 is especially easy to control using the 3-inch LCD. Autofocus tracking, Intelligent ISO control and Intelligent Exposure mode make taking duff photos hard and low light performance is very good, with a maximum ISO of 6400. There’s also an effective fireworks mode created especially for festivals.

To be confirmed Love - Plenty of good auto modes. Fast shooting.

Good in low light. Excellent Leica lens Hate - Complex menus

This material is translated or reproduced from T3 magazine and is the copyright of or licensed to Fut

You no longer need a DSLR to capture that perfect, professional shot. Compact cameras are now offering better lenses, faster processors, shake-reduction technology, sky-high ISO settings and noise reduction – so next time there’s a dazzling fireworks display, whip that digicam out of your pocket and start shooting!

ture Publishing Limited, a Future plc group company, UK 2010. Used under license. All rights reserved

Rough and tough Olympus μ TOUGH-6020 Waterproof to 10m, shock-proof to 2m and freezeproof, this tough compact is built for action. Its 14-meg sensor, 5x optical zoom and dual-image stabilisation work to create images that look great on the 2.7-inch screen. However, as is often the case with ruggedised cameras, the Olympus can’t match up to softer rivals for overall performance. Maximum ISO is lower than the rest at 1600 but photos still show traces of noise.

The autofocus system is irritatingly slow too, particularly in low light conditions.

Rs 16,999 Love - Tough, waterproof and smart looking. Photo Surf allows easy browsing by date, name etc Hate - Slow autofocus

Best click Canon Ixus 300 HS Debuting Canon’s new HS system, which includes a new high-sensitivity sensor and Digic 4 processor, the 300 HS gives better performance in low light and has a high-speed shooting mode – up to 8.4fps. Also on board is a bright f/2.0 wide-angle lens, sharp 3-inch LCD screen, 3.8x optical zoom and the best image stabilisation on test. Ideal for shooting at night, the low light mode can reach ISO 6400, although image quality then drops to 2.5-megs. Stick with 10-meg shots at ISO 3200 and you won’t be disappointed.

Rs 24,995 Love - New HS system delivers excellent images even in low light. Speedy shooting. Build quality Hate - No internal storage

High-speed shooting Casio Exilim EX-FH100 The bulbous, 10-meg Casio FH100 isn’t a looker, but its speedy focusing and high-speed continuous shooting, at up to 40fps, will ensure you don’t miss the climax of the fireworks display. Dual-image stabilisation keeps things sharp and the wide-angle lens with 10x optical zoom is good for both panoramic shots and close-ups composed on the crisp 3-inch LCD. If you’re shooting in low light, the ISO mode – which tops out at ISO 3200 – will fill your shots with noise. Not ideal if you’re trying to snap a catherine wheel, but it’s a solid cam for less autumnal pursuits.

Rs 16,000 Love - High-speed shooting and 10x zoom Hate - Poor low-light shots

CAMERA guide

Add-ons for the shutterbug

If you’ve just invested in a new camera, you should be prepared for some extra costs. You’ll need to budget for a few add ons such as memory cards, a camera bag and a few accessories. We’ve categorised your camera needs according to basic, amateur and professional – so you’ll know exactly what you need for your next purchase

+

+

+

Extra AA batteries with slow self-discharge rate Rs 200

A small camera pouch for camera protection and transportation Rs 450

A basic lint-free cloth for cleaning the camera and lens Rs 200

+

A memory card, and an extra one while travelling Rs 350

+

+ = Rs 7,995 A small, portable gorillapod for your compact camera Rs 1,000

+

A smart battery charger with auto cut-off charging Rs 800

Basic Compact Camera With their compact sizes, these cameras have a number of creative features that are handy for simple, everyday photography Rs 4,995

+

An extra Li-ion battery for power backup Rs 1,800

+

Lint-free cloth to clean the camera body and the lens Rs 200

A medium-sized bag, if your camera is bulkier than a regular compact Rs 1,500

+ 8GB SDHC card for more storage and faster speed Rs 650

+

= Rs 34,645 Advanced Compact Camera These cameras often shoot in RAW or can support an external flashgun. They are a link between basic compact cameras and DSLRs

Rs 26,995

Smartbuy

6

January 12, 2011

A lightweight yet sturdy tripod for low light photography Rs 3,500

+

+

Utilities to protect the lens from external elements Rs 1,600

+

An extra Li-ion battery for power backup Rs 2,200

A strong and sturdy tripod to support the weight of the camera body and lens Rs 7,500

A cleaning kit for the camera and optics Rs 1,000

+

+ = Rs 76,650

A high quality camera bag to store your camera, lenses and other accessories Rs 4,000

Interchangeable Lens Camera DSLRs and mirrorless cameras give the user much more control when shooting and offer a lot more features with far superior image quality

+ 16GB SDHC Class 6 memory cards for storing RAW files and HD video Rs 1,400 Better Photography

Rs 58,950 (Kit)

Within shooting range for beginners

Photo: S. Thanthoni True to life colours are captured accurately

D. Krishnan he Tamron 18-200 E3.5-6.3 Aspherical Af lens is a multipurpose lens suited for most photographic situations from landscapes to portraits, and sports to events.

It also has a Macro mode which enables you to get as close as 18 inches to the subject.

The lens is ideally suited for candid and child photography. Measuring 3.3-inches and weighing just 400 g, the lens is one of the lightest and most compact in this range.

It is made with Tamron’s proprietary technology that uses special low dispersion glass.

T

Close-up shot at 200mm

We put the lens to test in our lab and on the field and found that it functions best in bright light conditions.

The focussing was fast and accurate, the colour rendition excellent. The lens was able to capture different hues of red, green and yellow accurately, with detail in both highlight and shadow areas.

The focusing tends to be a bit slow in low light and struggles a bit when shooting against strong lights. Shooting indoors in available light may be difficult as you progress towards longer focal lengths of the zoom. However, this can be bettered by using a tripod.

The results were pleasing with enough detail in the

shadow areas.

One plus point was that the zoom has a lock option that can be engaged to prevent accidental slippage. We also noticed that there was no vignetting of corners at the extreme ends of the zoom, a good indicator of performance quality. With mounts to fit Nikon, Canon, Pentax and Sony cameras, the lens is a good buy for the entry level photographer who wants a multipurpose lens with an eye on the price tag.

Rs 17,500 Love - Compact size and zoom range Hate – Poor low light performance Test photos: D. Krishnan

Smartbuy

7

January 12, 2011

AUTO focus

Time to play Spyder-man Jason H. Harper he Audi R8 Spyder makes me want to move to California.

A few minutes in the convertible, sun pinking my nose, and I’m ready to trade my life in the blizzard-prone Northeast for earthquakes, fires, state bankruptcy and paparazzi.

Since the Spyder sports car starts at $ 1,61,000, I’ll probably have to live in a rundown place in the Valley, but I’ll still be ruling Los Angeles from the Audi’s leatherbucketed throne, with the V-10 engine right behind me.

I’m a fan of the R8 coupe in both 4.2-litre V-8 and 5.2litre V-10 guises, and was not surprised to see Audi roll out a topless version. It’s a time-honoured - and bottom-line pleasing - tradition among makers of exotic cars.

What I didn’t expect was that trading its metal lid for a soft top would also set the rather constrained R8 free. It ditches the Hugo Boss suit and briefcase for board shorts and aviator shades. The convertible looks different, handles differently, and completely changes the perspective from inside the car.

My metallic-brown test model twinkles in the L.A.

T

sunlight as I snap down the freeway at 85 mph, other cars ceding territory to its bright LED running lights. Then, into Beverly Hills for a latte, where I’m one of the tribe. No matter that I’m an arriviste - so is everybody else.

Power talk This R8 has the larger V-10 engine, and it arguably has more power than you need in a convertible. After all, ditching the top also means that the R8 could no longer function as a weekend racetrack car, a personal fantasy I often entertain on snowy Sundays in New York City.

Manual shift In the coupe, I prefer the superfast 6-speed automatic transmission, controlled by behind-the-wheel paddles.

You can shift in a tenth of a second. Yet here I’ve got an old-world, six-speed open-gate manual shifter. You have to negotiate the metal stick through a series of open, gaping slots, large enough to drop a nickel into.

On the racetrack you lose too much time finding those gears. Yet in the convertible it’s perfect: Passengers in higher-riding cars get to look down into the open cockpit

Smartbuy

8

January 12, 2011

and watch the operation. Every time you shift, there is a soft clink of metal on metal.

Caffeinated, I head for the Angeles National Forest north of the city, a place I’ve always imagined as primeval timberland, but which suffered a terrible fire in 2009, so I find instead spindly copses of flame-touched foliage. What it still offers are thickets of looping ridge-side roads.

Corkscrew turns I drive for hours and hours and am never once behind another car. The R8 pulls me relentlessly along, grabbing purchase with all four tyres through tight corkscrew turns and open sweepers. The combination of all-wheel-drive, mid-engine layout, manual transmission and big engine is the perfect algorithm for a convertible.

It’s not as stiff as the coupe, true, yet it feels more like motoring. The weight is ideal, and even though I’m shifting mostly between redline at third into fourth, I come nowhere near the limits of the car. If I heard tyres shrieking on these narrow roads, it would mean I’d done something grievously wrong. The brake and accelerator pedals are perfectly situated for blipping the gas as you downshift

- a racing technique used to blend engine speeds and one of those esoteric techniques that’s both pleasing and rare to get right. I do it correctly almost every shift in this car.

There are a few things I’d change. Mostly, I wish the R8 had a “mean” button you could engage, which would open up the engine and allow it to get really throaty and wild, more like the Lamborghini Gallardo from which it is derived. Even when you’re really gunning it, the V-10 is too polite by half. Fine around town, but out here I want to hear myself.

Leg cramps The footwell is also cramped, with the left-side dead pedal pushed too far forward, so my left leg cramps. I wish the seats had slightly better lumbar support, too.

In the shadows of the mountains it’s much colder, in the 50s, but it’s below freezing back home so no worries. I’m in a T-shirt with the top down. I get out at the crest of a 7,000- foot ridge, ostensibly to look at the view. I soon give up peering through the smog and just stare at the car.

The Spyder has lost the coupe’s signature side scoops, and you can no longer see the engine itself behind glass.

Yet with the top missing, the proportions are better wider and more squished. More exotic.

I leave the mountains far to the east of the city. It’ll be a long ride back on highways, along flatland that’s already full of traffic moving at 80 mph. I hurl myself into it, confident in my machine. No more snow days - just warm wind in your face. It’s a California dream.

(The author writes about autos for Muse, the arts and leisure section of Bloomberg News. The opinions expressed are his own.)

The 2011 Audi R8 5.2 Spyder at a glance Engine: 5.2-litre V-10 with 525 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque Transmission: Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic Speed: 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds

Gas mileage per gallon: 12 city; 19 highway Best feature: That sense of entitled freedom Worst feature: Can we get a bit more noise, please?

Target buyer: The Los Angeles titan Price as tested: $171,915

Photos: Bloomberg

Celebrating Team Smartbuy round the world, in some of the greatest brand museums you will find one iconic, instantly recognisable symbol that has inspired and built the aura around the brand that it represents. The Spirit of Ecstasy – the enigmatic mascot of Rolls-Royce Motor cars, has been carved to perfection and set atop the trademark bonnet grille of every Rolls-Royce car that has ever been produced since February 6, 1911.

Now, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is celebrating one hundred years of the Spirit of Ecstasy, the famous flying lady mascot that has inspired and continues to inspire owners and enthusiasts of what is arguably the world’s pinnacle luxury brand.

To mark a year of celebration, every Ghost and Phantom produced at the home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood will bear a Spirit of Ecstasy with the inscription Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary – 2011. This will be etched into the base of each statuette, in a specially selected font ‘ITC Willow’.

A number of events have also been planned to mark this special year. On February 6th – the date on which Charles Sykes’ Spirit of Ecstasy design was first registered – RollsRoyce Motor Cars will host a drive through central London. A hundred contemporary and historic Rolls-Royce cars will make their way through the capital’s streets taking in key landmarks en route, such as Berkeley Square and Conduit Street, the current and original homes of Rolls-Royce in London.

The story of the Spirit of Ecstasy is one of glamour and intrigue. The mystery surrounding the identity of the lady with her dress billowing in the air, who was immortalised by the Rolls-Royce symbol is probably second only to the magic of Monalisa’s smile, a woman whose identity continues to be the subject of considerable speculation.

Here is an extract from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ official version on the history of the Spirit of Ecstasy: It starts at the dawn of the motoring era, when open roads and the end of the hated Red Flag Act in the UK bring seemingly limitless possibilities for car makers, owners and enthusiasts. It ends in tragedy for more than one of the players, but leaves us with a legend. And a motoring icon that continues to inspire those who make and enjoy Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today.

The tale starts with three very different people; Charles Rolls, Henry Royce and Claude Johnson, the founding fathers of the Rolls-Royce brand.

The Honourable Charles Rolls was an aristocrat, engineer and one of the most experienced drivers of the day. At the turn of the century, he ran a car import business near Earls Court.

Dissatisfied with the quality of foreign cars, Rolls sought and found a kindred spirit in Henry Royce, an established electrical engineer with a car manufacturing business in Manchester.

The men were brought together in 1904 by Claude Johnson, who became known as the hyphen in Rolls-Royce. Johnson had been secretary at the Motor Club of Great Britain, latterly the RAC Club, but in 1901 had joined Rolls in business. When C.S. Rolls and Co. established exclusive rights to sell RollsRoyce cars from its dealership in Conduit Street, Mayfair, it was Johnson who helped drive its success.

Johnson was a man with a talent for marketing, with established links to newspaper owners. In an early advertisement for Rolls-Royce he famously coined the line ‘The Best Car in the World’, a phrase repeated by the motoring press of the day, and a moniker that is still applied to Rolls-Royce models today.

John Scott Montagu was a friend of Claude Johnson and Charles Rolls, as well as a fellow motoring pioneer. He founded The Car Illustrated in 1902 and today his son’s estate in Hampshire continues to guard the Spirit of Ecstasy legend.

Montagu appointed a young sculptor and illustrator called Charles Sykes as resident artist for his magazine in 1903. It

A

Photo: S. Muralidhar

the Spirit was Sykes’ beautiful illustrations and bronzes that signposted the way to the creation of the first Spirit of Ecstasy.

The final and most important player in the story is Eleanor Thornton. Eleanor was secretary to Claude Johnson at the Motor Club of Great Britain. She subsequently joined Montagu as his personal assistant – and thereby became a co-worker of Sykes. It is upon Eleanor’s image that this very British legend takes shape.

The Rolls-Royce board had publicly voiced its displeasure at a growing fashion for gaudy bonnet adornments such as portly policemen that ill-befitted the best cars in the world.

And so Johnson turned to Sykes, whose illustrations and sculptures had so impressed him, for a solution.

Thus far the story is fact. But it is to Eleanor Thornton that we turn for the mystery and intrigue. Eleanor was a hard worker, who became known as the ‘brains behind the business’ while working for Montagu. Previously, she had been instrumental in preparing the famous 1,000 mile trial for Johnson during his time at the Motor Club of Great Britain, a competition that did so much to ignite a passion for motoring in its early years.

But Eleanor was much more than just a competent colleague. Beautiful and provocative, she became an inspiration for Sykes artwork. We know for example that she was Alice in Motorland, a serialisation that parodied Alice in Wonderland.

Eleanor appeared on several front covers, including the 1905 Christmas edition where she took the form of Alice gliding in a winged chariot.

But Eleanor was almost certainly the inspiration for many more of Sykes early sketches, paintings and bronzes. The Whisperer is perhaps the most famous example of a Sykes figurine in bronze, which more than hints at the famous bonnet mascot to come.

Tragically, Charles Rolls was never to see a Spirit of Ecstasy fitted to a Rolls-Royce model. A passion for aviation led to a tragedy in 1910 at an air display in Bournemouth. It was the UK’s first air fatality.

For Eleanor too, the story ended in an untimely death.

She and Montagu travelled to India in 1915 at the height of the First World War. Eleanor was never to return, she was the victim of an enemy torpedo attack on their ship, the SS Persia, in the Mediterranean. Montagu survived, returning to read his own obituary in the Times.

So what of the legend? Is the figurine that has adorned Rolls-Royce cars for a century really Eleanor Thornton? Many believe it to be so. But the truth is that no one knows for sure.

Sykes never spoke publicly about Eleanor in the years between 1915 and his death in 1950. He may have confided in his daughter Josephine. But, when asked about Eleanor, her father and the Spirit of Ecstasy, Josephine is reported to have replied: “Eleanor was a lovely person. It is an interesting story and if it makes you happy, let the myth prevail.”

Perhaps the story was stoked by Johnson, a man who recognised the power of PR and the allure of a legend.

What we can say for certain is that the Spirit of Ecstasy is a true icon. Just as each statuette is unique - a consequence of the lost wax technique still used in production - this symbol of automotive excellence commands unique emotions and meanings for those who admire her.

And whether her image is that of Eleanor Thornton or not, one thing is certain; the Spirit of Ecstasy continues to intrigue, excite and inspire those who work for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today.

LUXE homes

‘Trio-fic’ interior themes Graceful lines of Art Nouveau, Boudoir-inspired flamboyant textures and sensuous colours and a majestic Colonial setting. Here are three splendid settings that can envelope your homes and wow your guests

The Boudoir glamour Step back in time, and immerse yourself in the sumptuous beauty of the boudoir style. Before we get into the details, a little background on this design style. Traditionally, the word ‘boudoir’ referred to a small room exclusive to the French ladies; a feminine and fussy, often visually cluttered space where they retreated to indulge and ward off their blues. Not for the fainthearted, the style exudes a sense of sophistication with a touch of outrageous fervour. To get the perfect look, seek products that will reflect the magnificence of the surroundings. An ornate antique mirror will open up the room, whilst a chaise or settee with goldleaf embellishments will add a touch of sensationalism. Spice up the setting with textures rendered through the curls of a stunning oak candelabra (or crystal-studded wall scones); sure to spark off a romantic mood. A surprise element is the beige carpet with an intricate arabesque pattern that brings a sense of warmth to this grandiose affair.

Since it is all about over-the-top decor, the fancier the better. So, scout around in antique shops for accessories with gold trimmings, and pick up luxurious silk and satin furnishings.

>> A period piece, the mahogany hand-carved mirror is embellished with gold leafing (as seen on cover) >> This oak, gold-leaf candelabra is sure to look regal placed on either side of your dressing table (Rs 1,27,000 onwards) >> The glamorous Italian gold-leaf Love Seat is the quintessential piece of furniture for a boudoir-inspired setting and is hand-carved out of rosewood with gold leafing (as seen on cover) >> Simple and elegant, an arabesque pattern carpet offsets the bling fervour (as seen on cover) >> The ornate French table lamp sports a cotton shade (Rs 38,000) >> A finely carved Italian marble-topped, rosewood side table with real gold leafing along its circumference (Rs 62,000 onwards) All products from The Great Eastern Home and the carpet from Ali Joo

Art Nouveau elegance Fluid forms, aerodynamic horizontal lines, whiplash curves… this setting echoes the beauty of one of the much talked about art forms of the 1800s — Art Nouveau which is French for ‘new art’. Although it is difficult to bring about all the aspects of this elaborate style form, the setting captures its essence. The undulating shapes and asymmetrical forms come alive through the magnificent life-size mahogany mirror whose frame branches out in a sinuous manner to hold the dressing paraphernalia. In the same vein, is the painstakingly hand-carved Burma teak and rose wood side table flaunting a smooth round shape. Adding softness to the composition are the accessories in form of elegant silverware, the subtle lighting brought in by the ornate chandelier, a transparent sheer that flows unhindered, complemented by the broody brown colour palette. After all, Art Nouveau is not just about natural forms, it is presenting them in a highly decorative style.

>> This magnificent art nouveau mirror is handcarved in mahogany: The Great Eastern Home >> Simply stunning, these Persian rugs flaunt delicate floral design: Ali Joo >> Fluttering in the evening breeze, the organza sheer lends an aura of subtle elegance. Available in stores such as Good Earth, Fabindia, Atmosphere and AA Living >> A play of light and shadow sets the stage for this set-up. An ornate baroque-styled chandelier breaks the monotony of clean lines: Raj Lamp Export >> For your knick-knacks, a pure silver bowl: Silver House >> Flaunt your prized possessions in style: bracelets and neckpieces entwined around the branches of the mirror frame: Silver House >> A trio of pillar candles for subdued lighting available in stores such as Good Earth, Pallate and Apartment 9 >> The Burma teak and rosewood side table will work perfectly as a cocktail table, courtesy the glass-holders (Rs 52,000 onwards): The Great Eastern Home

Smartbuy

13

January 12, 2011

Colonial magnificence Classic indeed, this stiff-upper-lipped style made its presence around the 1900s. One way to get this look is to pick up stuff that exudes volume and masculinity. For instance, this setup is marked by minimal but massive furniture pieces, which are sure to make an impact on any space. The show-stealer is the coffee-hued mahogany table- supported on regal and powerful looking lion faces, and featuring intricate hand-carvings along the edges. Equally impressive are the Burma teak book cabinet and the tall mirror that render a sense of drama to the study, complemented by the armchair and the floor lamp that amplify the luxurious aura of this period. Lest we forget, the colour scheme is crucial to get the perfect look. It’s a good idea to stick to a monochromatic palette. This setting uses a brown one with a touch of black (the mirror) to accentuate the masculine appeal.

Don’t miss out pewter accessories (such as the stag candle-stand) which were in vogue during this era, and team them up with glass, silver or bronze to complete the look.

>> This large Burma teak book cabinet will add impressive scale to your library (Rs 2,50,000 onwards) >> Standing tall, is the slender Burma teak floor lamp (Rs 42,000 onwards) >> The gracious oak chair with its low seat features spiral work along the arms and legs (Rs 64,000 onwards) >> Reflective glass candle-holders soften the solidity of the wooden elements (Rs 9,700 onwards, each) >> A cut above the rest: the massive mahogany table features large lions for the base and detailed handcrafted work on the edges >> The beautiful rich tones of the carpet create a warm and inviting image >> The life-size mercury-coated piece comes alive in the black-polished Burma teak frame (Rs 2,50,000 onwards) All products from The Great Eastern Home and carpet from Ali Joo Better Interiors

Smartbuy

14

January 12, 2011

MELANGE luxury redefined

Luxe accessories After wowing us with their clothes, designers Shantanu & Nikhil step in with their accessories line – S & N Co. Product’s. From exquisitely crafted pens and pencils in leather and metal finish, to a leather and metal USB wrist drive, tie and cufflinks to wine sets with an assortment of tools, take a peek at the duo’s creations at their stores in New Delhi and Mumbai.

Rs 5,500 (in pic)

Leather overdose Ostrich print in mauve, mixy croc in maroon and suede in coffee.

Adamis’s 2011 collection is for the leather-holic. Grab on to handbags, wallets, travel bags, belts and accessories at select boutiques.

Rs 8,400 (in pic)

Marching in Military style now seeps into handbags from Baggit with exaggerated zipper trims, gold and metal detailing, camouflage prints and military cuts in earthy hues, army green and camel shades.

Available at its outlets.

Rs 1,200 onwards

Winter glow TAG yourself!

Churning out yet another range of accessories, TAG Heuer has some classy leather products lined up.

Take a pick from its card and key holders and vintage wallets, in neat designs at its boutique and select watch stores in New Delhi.

Rs 7,000 to Rs 12,500

Thalgo makes the cold season a pleasant one for your skin with some specially designed products. The Comfort Range includes a ‘delicious’ cream, an ‘extreme’ one and a melt-away-mask instant comfort, all rich in Complexe Algomega.

Available at leading spas and salons.

Rs 1,820 to Rs 2,980

Smartbuy

15

January 12, 2011