The mastectomy is a procedure that had been done to reduce her chances of being prone to cancer by 87% to less than 5%. It was a step she had taken keeping in mind her family history of cancer, especially since her mother succumbed to cancer at the age of 57 years.

Angelia Jolie has stated that she hopes that this procedure will encourage more women to take this step when needed, so that they can live a longer life with their family. And she has encouraged partners of these women to help them through such difficult times.

There has been a lot of debate whether it was the right thing to do or not. Whether or not it was the right thing to do in terms to medicine is something only medical experts can tell us. But, as a movie star, an icon, and an UN ambassador many of us wonder of the positive or negative effects this may have.

If taken negatively, this may turn into a negative trend where women many insist on getting these procedures done even when not required. If taken positively it may help a lot of women who are at potential risk take the required steps well in advance to lead a healthy and long life.

When it comes to Indian cinema, we have known for a long time that in the battle of fashion vs fit, fashion beats fit hands down most of the time. But, there’s plenty of good work going on. The exceptions stand out with attire and make-up that fit the role, the story line and the director’s vision rather than the notion of pure fashion.

Look of the Character

Black is one such film where Rani Mukherjee’s character, Michelle McNally who is blind, dons shapeless clothing in blacks and greys. Right up to the neatly groomed hair in an unfashionable do and the dark glasses, Rani Mukherjee is attired just right for her character.

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The Reality Look

Rani Mukherjee’s character got it right once again in Talaash as far as the fit quotient is concerned. Clad in handloom saris that look neat, yet natural as they are supposed to on a home maker, the look was appropriate. Apparently, she herself had chosen some of the saris for the film . With minimal make-up and in combination with the sari tucked into the blouse in some of the scenes, she brings out the look of a house wife to the last bit.
In all probability, as a fashion stylist, you may have to work with multiple styles for the same film. Taking Talaash as an example, you would have to give a reality look, eg. Rani Mukherjee. At the same time, you would have to give the come hither look of Kareena Kapoor. To achieve that, you need to get into the skin of the character as much as the actor does, to understand the demands of the role and the film.

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The Period Look

Devdas is a film we cannot miss for its period costumes. From the choice of colours, accessories and make-up to hair styling, there’s plenty of research that goes into knowing a period completely and in evoking that period through costumes. It takes a lot of hard work and patience to bring it all together down to the minutest detail. All this hard work pays in the end when it shows up as near-perfection.

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Creative Vision in Styling

Contrast this with the look in Guzaarish which is akin to a painting. Every costume, each look and every setting in the film gives us the feel of being surrounded by a painting. It is for the fashion stylist to understand what the director has in mind and help translate it on screen through the attire, accessories and make-up. This is where the fashion stylist’s creativity comes to the fore. To take the director’s vision, to give it physical meaning and to bring it alive.

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No matter what the requirement of a film is, a successful fashion stylist is one who understands the period, character, setting and the director’s vision thoroughly. The stylist then brings it alive through his or her own knowledge, research, creativity, and by sourcing the right material without making any compromise. That is the secret to becoming a successful fashion stylist.

Thank you for showing an interest in attending the two hour free awareness workshop on Power of Personal Appearance. We will revert back to you to invite you for the same.

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Thanking You.

Yours Sincerely,

As an individual living and working in a highly complex and competitive society, you must recognize and understand the impact of your appearance as it communicates first to you and then to others. What you wear and the way you look affects:

1. The way you think

2. The way you feel

3. They way you act or behave, and then

4. The way others react or respond to you

While it is important to like what you wear and how you look, it is more important to understand why or why not and specifically how this affects you, others, and your life and the achievement of your goals. It is important to project an appearance which is appropriate to your goals and roles, authentic to look the real you in terms of incorporating your personal style, attractive by dressing as per body shape and personal colours and it should be affordable to maintain the same. Although you carry a lot of skills, ability and experience but people you meet often judge you by what meets the eye.

Image Consulting Business Institute is conducting a two hour free workshop on The power of Personal Appearance.

Register yourself through the following form to attend a free workshop.

One day I happened to see the “TAAZA HO LE” advertisement on television. It was the Brooke Bond Taaza Tea ad in which a married lady fulfills her dreams. She becomes a dance teacher in one version of the ad and a writer in the newer version.

Lo….behold……I was inspired. I took it upon me as a challenge to spend every moment of my life learning something new and constructive that was of interest to me.

In the time that my child and husband were away at school and work respectively, I pursued a course in Clinical Nutrition, Counselling and Sports and Fitness Nutrition.

In the coming years, we were posted to Bangalore where I worked part-time as a dietician and put to use my precious knowledge of nutrition in helping people to eat wisely and stay healthy. It was a very satisfying experience. Very soon I entered the world of grooming and personality development and became a trained personality development trainer.

In the process of complete evolution, I felt the need to grow spiritually, and learnt Pranic Healing and Arhatic Yoga… and have been practising all the virtues learnt all along. These were virtues of loving kindness and inner forgiveness, generosity – emotional and intellectual – honesty and non-lying, moderation and non-excessiveness and spiritual practice.

I had many shortcomings but I treated each one as a stepping stone and moved forward.

I saw myself transforming at every stage……..learning and unlearning life.

Today, I feel grateful to the Supreme Being for, I AM THAT and for the inspiration, support and understanding from my family members. When I was stepping out of my home for work after a gap of 12 years as a dietician and a personality development trainer, their words of encouragement and their support that things will be taken care of at home increased my self-confidence.

I call upon each person to develop a good will and the will to do good!!!

Mrs.Ratan Kaul
VP – Indian Council for UN Relations (ICUNR) &
Executive President – Kashmiriyat Preservation Foundation (KPF)

This is a first person account of a young girl from a small ”educational town” of Ajmer, Rajasthan, brought up in a large family of 4 siblings, cousins, extended aunts, uncle’s et al.

The limited social exposure in my growing up years was more than compensated by the almost voracious appetite I developed for reading, having been blessed with a ”room of my own” and the excellent and internationally acclaimed education at Sophia, both school and college.

Early on I realized that ‘personal growth’ in all senses of the term was critical to self-development and to an enriching life as a responsible and active member of society and to being a complete individual, hence began the journey and my tireless efforts to achieve just that.

What helped in great measure was our family shifting to the capital city of New Delhi, where I sought higher education and varied work experiences.

My current work with the Indian Council of UN Relations, which is a registered CSO (Civil Society Organization) devoted to promoting the mandate of the UN at the country level encourages me to strive towards peace building, developing bilateral and multilateral relations with other countries by our public Diplomacy initiatives in the areas of international relations, trade, commerce, art, culture, etc.

My work has brought me in contact with heads of state, thought leaders, captains of industry, academics. Each experience has left an indelible mark on me, providing me with deep learning and insights in various fields and domains.

Today, as I look back with satisfaction at my journey, it has been a rewarding and exhilarating ride with cherished memories and still an insatiable desire to live and learn.

Truly one life to live and love!

Cellulite is the bane of a woman’s life. No amount of exercise seems to have an effect on it.

Clarins, the renowned French skincare brand has come to the rescue with the Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Control cream. It treats early and stubborn cellulite. According to the company, Body Lift can reduce existing cellulite and slow down the formation of new cellulite while reinforcing the skin’s firmness.  The result is reduced feelings of heaviness and a satin-smooth feel. 

Along with your cardio, aerobics, treadmill, cycling, yoga and pilates, you’d do well to pack Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Control into your day. 

Face I

Kajol had entered the film world with her famous unibrow and powerhouse performances. It seemed all acting and little focus on style. Her devil-may-care attitude in terms of her looks marked her in people’s minds as much as her acting did.

Face II

The second was when she cleaned up her image to look casual. She seemed to say – This is what I am. I am casual. I am comfortable. 

Face III

The third and current one involves a complete change in her look. There is careful attention to her hair, clothes, accessories all of which brings about the classy style and the building of a brand. She says, “If you want to build yourself as a brand, then you have to work on it and this was a conscious decision on my part. I had to change my attitude towards certain things. With time and patience I want to do it.”  She thanks Karan Johar for her newfound attention to style

 

That’s Kajol – always herself – carefree, casual or classy.