Kareena Garg, a Naperville, Illinois, resident and Waubonsie Valley High School junior, won the first runner-up title at the National American Miss Illinois Jr. Teen pageant held July 1-3 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Indian American teen will now be competing for the National All-American Miss Jr. Teen title in Anaheim, Calif., this November.
Garg, who is the state winner of the NAM Spokesmodel speech competition, also won the Miss Personality title, where she was judged on several parameters such as an onstage personal introduction, interview with a panel of judges, formal wear round, community service involvement and her overall poise and presence during the final pageant.
Garg, who believes that with determination and hard work, anyone can achieve their dreams, said National American Miss gives an incredible opportunity for girls to achieve confidence, communication skills, poise, and make lifelong friendships through the process of preparing and competing in a pageant which promotes a girl’s natural beauty.
AAPI Convention has come to be recognized for its ways of catering to the varied needs of the delegates from across the nation. A ways of networking and strengthening bond, AAPI convention offers events, programs and services, always striving to provide the best in the world to the partiucipants.
While AAPI convention is packed with Seminars, CMEs, CEO Forum, gala, cultural events, scintilating Bollywood and Hollywood shows, one thing has come to be popular among the delegates is the live Fashion Shows. Participants at the 34th annual convention in New York City this year will not be disappointed.
This year’s Fashion Show is being led by Rohini Bedi. The much sought after South Asian designer Rohini Bedi brings to you her exclusive collection 2016 for APPI in her presentation for AAPI delgates, “The Colors Of India,” announced Dr. Seema Jain, President of AAPI. “Rohini’s collection infuses the vibrant colors of the East and the jaw dropping designs that rock the runways in the West,” she added.
According to Dr. Hetal Gor, an organbizer of the event at the Convention, “The Fashion Show will start with beautiful dancers, dancing to Caribean, Brazil, Hawaian dances provided by Bergen pac and music, while the screen will be projecting beautiful natural settings. These will be followed by models walking in Resort Wear.” In addition, there will be Fusion/Jazz/ Tap dancing to get everyone excited for the day wear/office wear which stunning models will show case. A sensational Kathak Dance with Pakiza set and Taj Mahal on the screen will be followed by Party and Wedding Wear. The grand finale will have breathtaking performances by Sonali Bhendre.
The exclusive Indian fashion designer Rohini Bedi has been custom designing and selling her label throughout various boutiques in India and worldwide. She has recently opened her flagship studio “Fashion by Rohini” next to Bhindi Jewelers in Cerritos bringing her exclusive showcase to the South Asian bride right here in So Cal. Rohini has the innate talent to bring any brides dream to life, so for those brides to be that want an exclusive one of a kind piece tailored to their vision…let Rohini bring that special touch to the most memorable day of your life.
AAPI’s 34th annual convention will be held at the Marriott Marquis, Time Square in New York from June 30-July 4, 2016. Expected to have a record attendance of more than 2,000 delegates including Physicians, Academicians, Researchers and Medical students, “the annual convention offers extensive academic presentations, recognition of achievements and achievers, and professional networking at the alumni and evening social events,” she added. For more details, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit: www.aapiconvention.org and www.aapiusa.org
(Los Angeles, CA – April 1, 2016) After a week-long theatrical run in Washington, D.C., Chicago and San Jose, 23 sold-out screenings at mainstream and South Asian film festivals around North America and multiple audience and jury awards under its belt, the smart, witty, coming-of-age comedy feature, “Miss India America,” will be available on the following broadband platforms starting Tuesday, April 5th: Amazon, GooglePlay, iTunes, Vimeo, Vudu, AT&T, Vubiquity (General, Charter & Verizon), inDemand General, Comcast, Xfinity, Cox, Time Warner Cable, Dish, Direct TV – IPVOD and Sling.
The brainchild of husband/wife creative team Ravi Kapoor (director/co-writer) and Meera Simhan (actor/co-writer), the cross-cultural comedy is set against the backdrop of the Indian beauty pageant world in Los Angeles. Inspired by Simhan’s one-woman-show of the same title, “Miss India America” starsTiya Sircar (The Internship, 17 Again, Vampire Diaries) and Hannah Simone(of Fox television series New Girl fame), along with a supporting cast of talented actors, including Kosha Patel, Satya Bhabha, Cas Anwar, Rizwan Manji, Anjali Bhimani and Bernard White. Produced by Megha Kadakia andSaurabh Kikani and distributed by MarVista Entertainment, the feature film “establishes an authentic tone that pays respect to Indian cultural norms, while poking gentle fun at these traditions,” raves The Hollywood Reporter.
“We feel like our child is finally going out into the world,” said co-producers Kadakia and Kikani. “This journey has been so fulfilling for all of us involved, and we really hope our online audiences support the film and share it with their friends and family members.”
First Lady Michelle Obama chose a floral gown made of Kashmiri fabric and embroidery by Indian-American designer Naeem Khan for dinner on the concluding day of the Obamas’ visit to Cuba last week. “The dress Michelle Obama selected for the Cuban dinner was in a Kashmiri fabric,” the New York Times reported. “It was embroidered with an Indian floral motif, and was similar to one in the same fabric from the designer’s pre-fall collection,” it added. The embroidery on the gown was Kashmir’s traditional “Ari work”. The dinner’s dress code was “casual cocktail”.
Celebrated designer Khan told the media “after what America has done for me, coming from India, I need to give back to this country. She (Michelle Obama) has made my brand and put America back in fashion,” he said. “I would do anything for her.” Barack Obama is the first US President since 1928 to undertake a three-day visit to Cuba along with his wife Michelle Obama and senior officials.
In the end, Mrs. Obama went with Naeem Khan, the Indian-American designer she has worn often. “I had sent her a couple of different things,” Mr. Khan said in an interview on Tuesday morning. “I had no idea. You never know what she’s going to wear. I guess I got pretty lucky.”
Khan is responsible for some of Mrs. Obama’s best looks, including the gown she wore to a state dinner for India in 2009. (Cathy Horyn, then the fashion critic of The New York Times, wrote, “She probably never looked better.”) He has also become something of a family favorite: The first daughters Malia and Sasha Obama wore Naeem Khan dresses for their first appearance at a state dinner at the Canada dinner this month. (“I guess they see their mom in all the glam and want to be like her,” Khan said. “I was very happy when they chose something.”
Fashion designer Namrata Joshipura will showcase creations inspired by the creativity and vibrancy of New York City — a mash-up of fascinating street style juxtaposed with the most innovative ideas in fashion, art and technology — at the Amazon India Fashion Week (AIFW) Autumn-Winter 2016 edition later this month.
Joshipura’s show will be held in association with Maybelline New York on March 19 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, read a statement from the beauty brand. The designer, who is known for global aesthetics and contemporary silhouettes with modern interpretations, will display creations which embody high-fashion New York style, complementing Maybelline’s latest innovations in make-up this season.
Talking about the new collection, Joshipura said: “Taking inspiration from the various hues of Color Sensational Lip Gradation by Maybelline New York, the collection has deep reds, berry tones, grape and wine used in ombre gradation in dresses, embellishments and other techniques.”
Joshipura is a fit for the association as she resonates the spirit, style and energy of the brand, says Pooja Sahgal, general manager, Maybelline New York – India. “We are looking forward to creating stunning ombré beauty and fashion looks on the runway. Through the show, we hope to inspire young girls and women to express themselves, define their beauty and make it happen with make-up,” Sahgal added.
Sunil Sethi, president of Fashion Design Council of India, is also excited about the collaboration and he is confident that the show “will see a resplendent amalgamation of the best in beauty and fashion, and create trendsetting statements that will capture the New York panache”. (Bollywood Country Report)
(New York, NY: February 25th, 2016) – Shalini Vadhera, a renowned, award-winning global beauty and lifestyle expert, founder and CEO of Power Beauty Living, and best-selling author of Passport To Beauty, proudly takes her Power Beauty Living brand global on February 29th, 2016 at the United Nations alongside IMPACT Leadership 21, for an exclusive VIP POWER UP Networking and Cocktail event.
Vadhera was recently appointed to IMPACT Leadership 21’s Global Advisory Council (GAC) as its newest member. A global leadership platform that provides solutions to creating inclusive economies, IMPACT Leadership 21’s GAC is comprised of men and women in diverse leadership backgrounds and influence from multi sectors.
“We are thrilled to add such a dynamic, passionate leader with a strong track record of success and zest for empowering women to the GAC. Shalini’s extensive entrepreneurial experience and industry knowledge is a welcomed addition to our team, especially as we expand our international reach,” said Janet C. Salazar CEO and Co-Founder of IMPACT Leadership 21.
On February 29th 2016, Vadhera will be unveiling her experiential Power Beauty Living platform – a holistic approach to powering up your business, beauty and life for women, by women – at IMPACT Leadership 21’s 3rd Annual POWER of COLLABORATION Global Summit at the Power Beauty Living VIP Networking and Cocktail reception, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Vadhera will be showcasing how to live powerfully and beautifully to over 150 country heads, diplomats, ambassadors and high-level executive women from the United Nations. One of summit’s highlights will include a diverse panel of global thought leaders in the beauty, health and wellness space, curated by Vadhera, to discuss initiatives they’re implementing to turn conversations into action. Distinguished guests will also be treated to an enriching Power Beauty Living interactive experience and receive exclusive VIP gift bags from highly curated beauty and lifestyle brands.
“IMPACT Leadership 21’s Global Advisory Council is a first-class team of passionate innovators, creators and entrepreneurs and I’m thrilled to be a part of such a trailblazing group. I’m confident that together we will find unique ways to thrive in today’s increasingly diverse workplace and create game changing programs to help women live empowered and to lead their best lives. I’m excited to be bringing my Power Beauty Living platform to the United Nations to inspire women to be strong leaders while living their best life,” said Shalini Vadhera.
Vadhera created Power Beauty Living based on her own business experiences as an entrepreneur and the lack of mentorship, community and resources for women by women, in building their businesses and balancing their lives. She felt a strong desire to create a destination for women to get the insight and tools they needed to empower themselves in business, by providing mentorship, in beauty and in living a blissful balanced life.
Shalini Vadhera is an award-winning global beauty and lifestyle expert, founder of Power Beauty Living, a social platform for women, and best-selling author of Passport To Beauty. Her global influence with women and young girls stems from her entrepreneurial passion to build companies and create products to empower women. Vadhera’s rise from jewelry and fashion entrepreneur, celebrity make-up artist and best-selling author, to a regular contributor on Dr. Oz, The Today Show, and The View and the founder of a multi-million dollar global cosmetics company is nothing short of remarkable. Vadhera has transformed this platform while using her business acumen to create global beauty, lifestyle and business solutions to empower women around the world. Vadhera was named the #1 Person To Watch by The Economic Times of India, Winner of the Game Changer Of The Decade Award in Beauty and winner of the coveted Oprah Beauty O~Ward.
Manish Arora has become the first Indian fashion designer to receive the highest honour in France. French Ambassador Francois Richier conferred the Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur, the country’s highest honor, on veteran designer Manish Arora on February 16 in recognition of his renowned and critically-acclaimed contribution to the fashion world.
“I’m thrilled and honored by the recognition I have received from the country that I love with all my heart. France has been an inspiration always. I now live between Paris and Delhi, and for me France is literally my own country. I hope to keep getting inspired by France, the beauty and the elegance of the French people,” said Arora at the investiture ceremony at the French embassy here. “It is the first time in the world of fashion in India to be awarded this honor. Only the French can do it. They can spot you, pick you up and say you deserve it.”
“Manish has a long-standing connection with France, which is like a second home for him,” Francois Richier said. “He is a pioneer in bringing the fashion culture of both countries together with his exuberant imagination. I am delighted to confer this high honor on him. Beyond what you have created, you are also representing the best of India. An India that creates, that is successful – an image of India that everybody loves and recognises across the world.”
The event witnessed the attendance of socialites including Priya Paul, Ambika Pillai, Kalyani Saha, Rahul Mishra and Subodh Gupta. The Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur is France’s premier award to recognize eminent accomplishments of service to France. It is bestowed on both citizens of France as well as foreigners.
Pinning the insignia on the celebrated designer, Richier said: “Manish has a long-standing connection with France, which is like a second home for him. He is a pioneer in bringing the fashion culture of both countries together with his exuberant imagination. I am delighted to confer this high honor on him.”
Arora, who is best known for his obsession with gold and pink, launched his fashion label back in 1997, and went on to debut in London Fashion Week in 2005. The designer has regularly shown the fashion world his vibrant and exciting designs at Paris Fashion Week since 2008.\ He was appointed as the creative director at Paco Rabanne in 2011, and opened his flagship store in Paris in 2014.
With a long list of celebrity clientele that includes the likes of Aishwarya Rai, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, the designer has established a reputable status in the industry. In the past, eminent personalities such as Pandit Ravi Shankar, Amitabh Bachchan and J.R.D Tata have been honored with the prestigious award.
Los Angeles, CA: Recognizing the fact that India today leads the International cosmetic empire, leading Indian herbal beauty expert Shahnaz Husain has been invited to speak on “Ayurveda – India’s ancient Cosmetic Science” at the Pre-Oscar function, part of the Oscar Award event, highlighting the dangers of chemicals and power of herbs, to be held in Beverly Hills, California.
According to Siddhartha Sengupta, Chief General Manager of Corporation Communications, the formal invite mentions “Ayurveda is the only natural alternative – this is just what Beverly Hills and Hollywood is looking for.”
Shahnaz Husain has brought her unique range of products aimed at alleviating the effects of chemotherapy on the skin and hair around the world. The Shahnaz Husain story is the story of the spirit of true entrepreneurship. It provides a rare insight into the individual qualities that make one person stand apart from the rest. It is the story of a woman, a first generation entrepreneur, a pioneer, visionary and innovator, who introduced a totally new concept of Ayurvedic Care and Cure worldwide, with universal appeal and application. It is the story of a woman who created a brand and an international market for Ayurvedic beauty and health care. In a world ridden with environmental degradation, Shahnaz Husain opened the windows of the world to Nature and its healing powers, taking the Indian herbal heritage of Ayurveda to every corner of the globe with a crusader’s zeal.
Shahnaz Husain, the pioneer of organic beauty care, has achieved unprecedented international acclaim for her practical application of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of herbal healing. Just when there was a worldwide “back to nature” trend, Shahnaz Husain recaptured an ancient herbal system and made it relevant to modern demands. Almost four decades ago, she adopted the principle of Ayurveda, based on an integrated system of clinical treatments and product ranges. In fact, her career has been a constant search for a better alternative. Her study of Ayurveda, the Indian holistic system of herbal healing, strengthened her faith in nature, finding that it could offer the ideal answers to protective, preventive and even corrective cosmetic-care. Today, her name has become the brand and she is herself the brand ambassador. She heads the largest organization of its kind in the world, with a chain of over 400 franchise clinics, shops, schools and spas worldwide, as well as Ayurvedic formulations for skin, hair, body and health care. Her journey, from one herbal clinic to a worldwide chain, is one of unprecedented success.
Born into a conservative family, Shahnaz had to comply with existing traditions and was married at the tender age of 15, becoming a mother by the time she was 16. She trained for ten years in cosmetic therapy and cosmetology, at leading institutions of the West, like Helena Rubinstein, Swarzkopf, Christine Valmy, Lancome and Lean of Copenhagen. Adopting the principle of “Care and Cure,” she set up her own herbal clinic, in her own home, with very little capital investment, formulating products for skin, hair and body care, based on the Ayurvedic system and devising clinical treatments for specific problems. Her formulations and treatments have become breakthroughs in natural beauty care. In fact, she has also become known for specialized treatments for specific skin and scalp disorders.
Miss Universe 2015 is Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. For around 90 seconds, Miss Columbia Ariadna Gutierrez was crowned the winner and had been given her flowers. She was basking in her moment of glory on stage. She was then forced to give up her crown to Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. Wurtzbach stood as the most beautiful woman in the universe as was crowned as Miss Universe 2015 in Las Vegas on Sunday, December 20, 2015. Wurtzbach bested 79 other candidates from around the globe to get the coveted crown.
The 21-year-old, beaming with her bouquet of flowers, was forced to remove the bejewelled crown and give it to Miss Philippines, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. Miss Wurtzbach appeared stunned as she walked to the front of the stage alongside the crown-wearing Miss Gutiérrez.
The ending left viewers on the edge of their seats. Miss Colombia was declared the winner of the beauty pageant – but then host Steve Harvey announced he’d made a mistake and the crown was handed over to Miss Philippines. “Okay folks, I have to apologize. The first runner-up is Colombia,” Steve Harvey, the host explained as the camera panned to finalists Miss Colombia, Miss USA and Miss Philippines.
Harvey, a comedian and talk show host, apologized effusively and made a point of showing the card to the cameras to prove that the second crowning of the night was, in fact, the correct one. “Horrible mistake, but the right thing,” he said. “I can show it to you right here. The first runner-up is Colombia.”
The two contestants stood awkwardly side by side, a smile on neither face, while one woman was de-crowned and the other was crowned. “I want to apologize emphatically to Miss Philippians and Miss Columbia,” he wrote. “This was a terribly honest human mistake and I am so regretful.” Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega of Colombia transferred the crown. The Cagayan de Oro beauty’s win marks the third time that the Philippines won the prestigious beauty title.
All the candidates answered the question: “Why should you be the next Miss Universe?” Miss USA Olivia Jordan was the first candidate who answered the question because she wants to empower women all over the world.
Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez was second, where she said that she has certain qualities that only a Latin woman have which makes her a shoo-in as the third Colombian to win the crown. Miss Universe Philippines was the last candidate to answer the question. When asked why she wanted to be Miss Universe, Miss Wurtzbach replied that, “I will use my voice to influence the youth and I would raise awareness to certain causes like HIV awareness, that is timely and relevant to my country. I want to show the world, the universe rather, that I am confidently beautiful with a heart,” she said. The Philippines last took home the crown in 1973, courtesy of Margie Moran. It was a short wait after the first victory of Gloria Diaz in 1969.
The final 15 contestants paraded around in bikinis while Charlie Puth performed his hits including “Marvin Gaye.” The final five contenders were asked about some serious issues facing the world. In fact, Miss USA was asked about gun control, but couldn’t finish her answer before the time ran out.
Backstage, Miss Philippines described the ending as a “very non-traditional crowning” in a video posted by the Miss Universe Organisation on Facebook. In another message on the Miss Universe Facebook page, Miss Colombia said she was still “happy” while wiping away tears with a tissue. “Everything happens for a reason … I’m so happy, thankyou for voting for me,” she said.
The Miss Universe Organisation has also issued a public apology, saying that “a live telecast means that human error can come into play”. “We witnessed that tonight when the wrong winner was initially announced. Our sincerest apologies to Miss Universe Colombia, Miss Universe Philippines, their families and fans. We congratulate Miss Universe Philippines as Miss Universe 2015.” Regardless of the gowns, swimsuits, Q&A and performances, the public will likely be talking about Harvey’s mistake that he continues to feel awful about.
Ever since Jaya Iyer’s daughter was a toddler, she had been fascinated by Saturn and its icy rings. When Swaha turned three, she had a space-themed birthday party. But when her mom went to find clothes with space images for Swaha, she couldn’t find any. They were all in the boys section. Jaya Iyer, an Indian American clothing designer is attempting to do away with gender-specific clothing for children. Iyer, 41, of Washington, D.C., launched her clothing line, Svaha, in response to not being able to find a girl’s shirt with an astronaut graphic on it.
Iyer, mother of two, who has a doctorate in fashion merchandising, started her own business called Svaha (which is how her daughter’s name is pronounced) to sell clothes that upend gender stereotypes. One shirt features a grinning green stegosaurus, the plates on its back adorned with polka dots. A second comes in a blazing pink hue, with an astronaut planting an American flag on the moon. That one should satisfy her daughter. “She was very upset with me for not ever buying her anything with astronauts on it,” Iyer says. “Then she started telling me: ‘I want a ninja on my shirt.'”
Svaha is one of several startups that have emerged in recent years with the goal of changing the standards that govern what kids wear. These upstarts aren’t looking to replace current kid’s apparel entirely. Instead, their founders say they want to provide children with more options. Handsome in Pink says it’s all right for boys to wear pink and purple. BuddingSTEM offers science-themed garb for girls. Perhaps the buzziest label is Princess Awesome, which raised more than $200,000 in a successful Kickstarter campaign, showing demand for pirate-themed dresses and girl’s apparel covered in the symbol for pi. Most of the ventures remain in early stages as online-only entities using crowdfunded or bootstrapped cash to sell small numbers of shirts or dresses.
Originally from Dharwad, Karnataka, Iyer earned her undergraduate degree in India and moved to the United States in 2001 to pursue her master’s in fashion merchandising from the University of Georgia and her doctorate in the same field from Iowa State University. “Since I have experience in this industry, I decided to create a line of T-shirts,” the Indian American entrepreneur told India-West.
Jaya Iyer with her daughter
Iyer launched a Kickstarter campaign with her Svaha partners, Eva Everett and Mansi Patney, and raised more than $30,000 to fund the project. With the funding in the rearview mirror, Iyer noted the hardest part was finding graphic designers and production on a limited budget.
“I wanted to make the T-shirts in the U.S., but, since I was going to do small quantity, nobody was responding to me,” she explained. “I have been able to find a factory in India who is able to help me with production.”
Iyer said the next hurdle Svaha faces is reaching a wider audience, but she remains optimistic it will be accomplished. Svaha has zero gender discrimination, according to Iyer.
“We have astronaut, cars and diggers, along with T-shirts in pink, blue and purple for both girls and boys,” she said of the product. “We also have many STEM-based designs for both girls and boys. “We want to provide children with clothes through which they are able to show their love for anything that they want,” the designer added. “It does not have to be limited to princesses and pink for girls and cars and blue for boys.”
In addition to the design, Iyer said all the customers rave about the feel of the shirts, saying it is like silk, though the shirts are 100 percent cotton. Soon, Svaha hopes to shift to 100 percent organic cotton. “We want to be different and appealing to our customers in many different ways,” she said. Svaha has opened an Amazon store and Iyer said the business is continuing to grow steadily, though the company still has “a long way to go.”
Currently, Svaha offers T-shirts and dresses but plans to expand to more dresses, leggings and boys and girls underwear. In the future, she would like to add non-clothing items like towels and sheets, among other things. Iyer has taught fashion merchandising at Marymount University in Arlington, Va., for nearly five years. She has also authored “Retailing in Emerging Markets” and has been a buyer at ThinkGeek.
After giving a new definition to fashion in her films and red carpet appearances, Kangana Ranaut, has now turned designer for a limited edition collection called ‘Marquee’ for fashion label, Vero Moda to create a collection that reflects her own style sensibility.
There are five broad themes — Dandelion Dreams, Deep Lake, Red Velvet, Royal Enchantment and Gold Rush — that make the “VERO MODA MARQUEE by Kangana Ranaut” collection. The designs include casual, formal and occasion wear.
“For the collection, I pretty much followed what globally is going to be trend. We have exciting categories with no confusion. There are dresses for brunches, gigs and many such special occasions so there is no confusion. You can just pick the right outfit and flaunt it,” Kangana told IANS when asked about the USP of the collection. The actress showcased her first show as a designer at Mehboob Studio here last week and it had to be one big affair.
From celebrities like Dino Morea, Elli Avram taking the front rows to the thumping live music while the models sashayed down the ramp in glamorous outfits, brought spark to the night. While Dandelion Dreams is a very dreamy collection with botanical design elements, exquisite and artfully crafted beaded embroidery in a buffet of diffused dandelion design patterns, Deep Lake takes inspiration from the colors of a deep lake.
Red Velvet is a classic theme with a very sexy and a bold feel. All the pieces in this story were very dramatic, accentuated with lace and embroidered in rich florals. Inspired by royalty, Royal Enchantment had a rich mix of luxe embroideries in interesting geometric patterns. Finally, Gold Rush takes its inspiration from the ‘Midas touch’ and sweeps golden hues into its mix, giving a metallic twist to the all over metallic gold fashion to minimalism.
Beating out 32 contestants from countries across the globe, Miss India Oman 2015 Stephanie Lohale was crowned Miss India Worldwide at the pageant’s grand finale at the Lalit Hotel in Mumbai Sept. 5.
“I don’t know where to begin,” Lohale, who was also the first runner-up at Miss India United Arab Emirates, posted on Facebook Sept. 8. “I’m so immensely happy and blessed. Thank you so so much to every single one of you, my supporters and everyone that truly believed in me. THANK YOU! It’s going to be one heck of a year!! So stay tuned for more, love you all.”
A design studies student at Heriot Watt University in Dubai, Lohale, 19, was the youngest contestant at the pageant this year, according to Muscat Daily.
The teenager told Muscat Daily she wants to contribute back to society with the help of the crown and spent most of her time mentally and physically preparing to win.
“I do a lot of running and attend zumba classes to stay fit. But I feel that success comes easily when you have good thoughts. You need to have the right mindset and attitude, and always feel good about yourself…That’s when a lot of doors open for you. Meditation has helped me in that sense. It’s essential to know the basis of success before venturing out to seize it,” she said.
India’s Miss India 2015 Apeksha Porwal was the first runner-up while the second runner-up was Miss India South Africa 2015 Shivani Govender.
The winners were crowned by last year’s Indian American winner from the U.S., Monica Gill.
The pageant also gave out several subtitle awards to contestants for specific qualities, such as friendliness. Miss India Netherlands 2015 Soesoe Mustafa was crowned Miss Congeniality, Miss India Qatar Jyotsna Arora was crowned Miss Talented, and Miss India Indonesia Grace Walia was awarded the title “Miss Bollywood Diva” at the 24th edition of the pageant.
Roopal Patel, a fashion consultant specializing in luxury retail, fashion, beauty and lifestyle industries, was appointed Fashion Director of Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the world’s pre-eminent specialty retailers renowned for its superlative American and international designer collections, last week.
Saks Fifth Avenue, which is part of the Hudson’s Bay Company brand portfolio, and operates 38 full-line stores in 22 states, five international licensed stores and saks.com, the company’s online store, announced September 10 that Patel has been appointed Fashion Director of Saks Fifth Avenue, effective immediately. She will report to Tracy Margolies, Chief Merchant of Saks Fifth Avenue.
The company said Patel’s appointment will strengthen the role of the newly shaped fashion office at Saks within the merchant organization, the fashion industry and ultimately consumers.
“Roopal is a respected force in the industry with high energy and a deep understanding of today’s luxury fashion consumer, and we are so pleased to welcome her to Saks,” said Marc Metrick, President of Saks Fifth Avenue. “I am confident that her demonstrated expertise in trend direction combined with Tracy’s leadership in fashion merchandising will be invaluable as we continue to elevate the brand and position Saks as a modern and relevant fashion authority in luxury retailing.”
Patel’s experience and expertise speaks to the multifaceted approach necessary to succeed in today’s global marketplace. She spent many years working in luxury retailing as senior fashion director at Bergdorf Goodman and as senior fashion director for its parent company, Neiman Marcus, where she broadened her expertise, learning how luxury works beyond major cities.
She was previously a market editor at Style.com at its launch and also worked at Ralph Lauren’s Club Monaco. Most recently, Miss Patel served as executive fashion director at e-retailer Moda Operandi.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the best retailers, industry leaders and designers in the fashion industry,” says Patel, according to Roopal Patel Consulting, a creative consultancy she founded in 2012 with a focus on brand development and positioning, merchandising retail strategy, and trend forecasting. “Roopal Patel Consulting allows me the opportunity to use my past experiences to support future initiatives in the fashion industry,” she earlier said.
At Saks Fifth Avenue Patel will play a key role in forecasting the trends that underpin all of Saks’ buying activities, articulating the store’s seasonal fashion message, and scouting fresh designers and collections.
Patel said, “I am truly honored to join Saks Fifth Avenue during this exciting and dynamic time. I have long admired Saks Fifth Avenue’s iconic history and am thrilled to be on the team. I look forward to working with Marc, Tracy, and the entire Saks team to bring an elevated fashion message to the customer and build a strong future for Saks.”
Patel is regularly quoted as a fashion industry insider by such publications as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Women’s Wear Daily, Vogue India and Vogue Japan.
Hudson’s Bay Company, founded in 1670, is North America’s oldest company, one of the world’s pre-eminent luxury specialty retailers, comprises 38 U.S. stores, five international licensed stores and saks.com. The Company also operates Home Outfitters, Canada’s largest kitchen, bed and bath specialty superstore with 67 locations. Hudson’s Bay Company trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
The 24th Miss India Worldwide will be held at the LaliT hotel in Mumbai, India, on Saturday, September 5, 2015. Acclaimed as the most glamorous event in the world, the pageant is sure to bring nothing short of spectacular. The present Miss India Worldwide, Monica Gill, has completed two Punjabi movies produced by Tip series and will be making her debut in Bollywood soon.
Contestants from over 35 counties will arrive on August 31 to kick off the week full of events including Talent Night, Mumbai sight seeing, visits to studios and meeting Bollywood celebrities. “We are very thrilled to bring back Miss India Worldwide to Mumbai after nearly 10 years. Miss India Worldwide is the only international Indian pageant that promotes Indian culture, traditions, values and performing arts” said Dharmatma Saran, Chairman and Founder of Miss India Worldwide based in New York. The event is managed by Emirates Vision, Dubai, U.A.E.
New York, NY – A taste to quench every appetite. The Eat This Collection by PUNARVI caters to all palates, whether the craving is pizza, French fries, donuts, or ice cream. Classic foods adored by all are seamlessly intertwined and designed into clothing to create this first collection from PUNARVI. In this collection, designer Punarvi Patel has created elegant and premium quality t-shirts that reflect her passion for cooking. The collection features designs that give women a sophisticated yet playful alternative to the basic tee by using colorful embroideries depicting classic food items that are universally loved by women.
“Food and clothing are two very personal things in a woman’s life. I aspired to blend the comfort and joy we get from our favorite foods with every woman’s favorite item of clothing, the classic tee,” said Punarvi. PUNARVI will be debuting their first collection at a launch party in New York City on Friday August 28th, 2015. The event is invite only.
Punarvi Patel has a degree in fashion design from Los Angeles’s acclaimed Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. Upon graduating she went on to lead design and production roles at the fashion houses of Naeem Khan and Oscar De La Renta in New York City. Armed with that invaluable experience and her innate creativity, she launched her own clothing line. PUNARVI is designed to focus on individuality and ingenuity, with a perfect blend of style, creativity, and innovation enriched by superior craftsmanship. With an emphasis on quality, PUNARVI t-shirts are made from 100% Supima cotton. PUNARVI has partnered with expert craftsmen who are passionate about their work and are unrelenting in their desire to make sure every piece of clothing is impeccable. PUNARVI lives at the intersection of luxury and playfulness, allowing the modern woman to be uninhibited and free. PUNARVI creates clothes that real women love to wear, as an expression of themselves, striving to make getting dressed the most enjoyable part of their day.
If you would like more information about this release, please contact Suresh Bodiwala at +1.844.PUNARVI or email at press@punarvi.com. Please visit our website at www.punarvi.com .
Urban Outfitters , a retail company headquartered in Philadelphia, Pa., has removed a Hindu goddess jewelry stand from its Web site within about 12 hours after a group of Hindus protested, calling it inappropriate.
The “Lotus Jewelry Stand,” depicting the multi-armed Hindu goddess Lakshmi seated on a lotus, an “Online Exclusive” item which was described as “perfect for holding all of your rings + things,” did not show up after a search on the UO website Aug. 9, within 12 hours of Rajan Zed informing company officials via e-mail urging the withdrawal.
Zed, president of the Universal Society of Hinduism and who spearheaded the protest, in an Aug. 9 statement thanked UO for understanding the concerns of the Hindu community. Zed, however, indicated that an official apology from UO and its CEO, Richard A. Hayne, to the upset Hindu community was still due, as it was their third incident trivializing a Hindu deity.
Urban Outfitters apologized to Hindus and removed its Lord Ganesh socks from stores and the Web after a protest spearheaded by Zed in December 2013, calling it inappropriate. It also removed its Lord Ganesha Duvet Cover from its Web site after another protest in July 2014.
In related news, Zed Aug. 6 criticized the distortion of goddess Kali’s image in Titan Comics, seeking the withdrawal of all the comics containing the image from stores and online. Titan Comics describing Kali on its Web site, said: “Kali, oldest and deadliest of these creatures, was thought defeated long, long ago; her body scattered throughout time to prevent her return.”
Zed stated that goddess Kali was highly revered in Hinduism and was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be thrown around loosely in re-imagined versions for dramatic effect in comics.
