Worth the watch

Much has been ado about the ICC Cricket World Cup being co-hosted in Dhaka, be it the promise and potential of the Tigers, the alleged preparedness of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (or lack thereof), the dramatic, last-minute makeover of our capital or the remarkable elusiveness of tickets. But a few matches into the championship, shall we shift focus to that which is truly most important? Ladies, a list of 2011's lookers.
Aside their charming good looks, Indian cricketers usher in a hefty female fan following due to the near-celebrity statuses they are catapulted to through a staggering number of advertisements. Skipper turned brand endorsement powerhouse MS Dhoni is probably in the front seat of this bandwagon but infectious smile as he may have, you had best turn down the volume every time he appears on screen. Lest he start to speak and…well…undo all the good that his smile did. Dhoni and fellow teammate Yuvraj Singh have been bitter rivals in more (Bollywood beauty chasing) ways than one, but the second common space they share is that of poster boys of India. Both men are not just good players but also easy on the eye. But while Dhoni's looks are more subtle, Yuvraj stands out more for his attitude and demeanour, be it with the dark glasses on the field of play or the suave suits he pulls off outside it. And if you have had enough of your Yuvrajs and Dhonis, new kid on the block Virat Kohli also packs heat, both with his expansive batting and in the looks department.
Neighbours Pakistan are perhaps, cricket-wise, going through their worst cycle in years but the frown lines seem to have provided a certain modishness to their captain Shahid Khan Afridi. Long a heartthrob of millions in the city (anyone remember the 'Marry me Afridi' posters?) Afridi's newfound 'elegance' (if that is not pushing it too far) will endear him to a few thousand more. Be prepared for more posters proclaiming their love. And ensuring that the Pakistan contingent is not under-represented Shoaib Akhtar too comes to the party despite his bulging eyes and not-so-cleverly-disguised balding forehead. With Shoaib the charm is more in his brash, boorish 'all or nothing' persona than in his actual looks.

Now New Zealand may have suffered a humbling defeat to Bangladesh at home late last year, but the hapless Kiwis more than compensated for their dismal showings with the constant appearance of Daniel Vettori. The Kiwi captain may not be 'smouldering hot' but he is good-looking in the subtle and sober way that would make any girl confident about taking him home to meet her parents. The exact opposite is true of England swing bowler James Anderson whose rock-star hair, three-day stubble and sharp, good looks mark him out as a trail-blazer or a rebel. Definitely not one to take home and perhaps the charm is there exactly. In his early days, the English press christened Anderson as the David Beckham of cricket, and while he may not be as all-encompassing-ly brilliant as the footballer, Anderson does run him close.

But none probably personify suave better than Chris Gayle. The West Indian captain is what every girl fantasises Caribbean men should be about. Steely physique, unsmiling demeanour, cornrows, glasses and the biggest party animal on the cricket scene. South African JP Duminy is not at Gayle's level yet but give him a few years and he might just get there, cricket-wise and attitude wise. With the name Jean-Paul you really can't go wrong.
It would be unfair to end an article about good-looking cricketers and not have any from Bangladesh. After all, our very own Alok Kapali was once voted amongst the three 'sexiest men' in the World Cup. Alas, poor form has seen Kapali axed from the national side but stepping in to fill his boots is none other than our captain Shakib Al Hassan. Again, Shakib may not boast chiseled model good looks but there is no denying that he is the quiet, subtle, and engaging boy-next-door who you can't help but feel attracted to. After all, he isn't the most eligible bachelor in the country for nothing.
Before we end, an honourable mention should go out to the men who will not grace the field but still be close to the cricket. Step forward Ravi Shastri, Wasim Akram and our own Athar Ali Khan. All three will make the commentary box a nicer place to be. And of course, no piece on good looking cricketers can ever be complete without a lovestruck nod at Imran Khan. The suave, classy, urbane, chic ex-World Cup winner turned politician has a grace about him that is unmistakable. For many, myself included, he was cricket's first real star and like any real good thing, Imran's appeal is timeless.

Trend check

Looking around and observing the trends, it is not much of a hard job to catch the recent fads waving through Dhaka city.
Lounges: With the advent of the auspicious lounge culture in Dhaka, we now see many a teen spending away their leisure time sitting with friends on a comfy couch, sipping away fancy drinks or smoking a sheesha. Unlike the actual definition of lounge culture, where lounges are meant to provide an appropriate ambiance to sip a cup of coffee while working on the laptop, the lounge scenario in Bangladesh seems to be rather dominated by the youth. The reason might be the absence of a night life in Dhaka or probable places like quality parks to hangout in. But whatever the reason might be, lounges are the places to be in right now.
High-tech luxury: It seems as if almost every other kid has an XBOX 360 or PS3 at home now, and if not then they are wrangling with parents to buy them one. All of a sudden, people are all for showing off expensive LCD TVs mounted on their walls, or buying the latest Apple creations. Laptops can no more be called gadgets for the corporate, as now even a 9th grader gets one for scoring all As in his final exams.
Flat footwear: Heels are evergreen, but right now, flats are totally in. The latest collections of international brands like Gucci and Louise Vuitton are boasting their collections of flat shoes. And the best thing about flats is that they are extremely comfortable to wear and give you a reason to walk that extra mile and burn some calories. With numerous designs to choose from, flats are definitely all the rage.

World Cup cricket and Ekushey 

collection from Megh

 

Whether you are looking for a special dress for three upcoming occasions like Pohela Falgun, World Cup Cricket or 21st February, there is plenty to choose from in Megh's collections. There are designs of handworks and prints as well as local handlooms in cotton and khadi fabrics, whose colours and designs are specially created for these three occasions. Available at Megh's three outlets.
Moreover T-shirts which are made for the World Cup are designed to look like the jerseys of the Bangladesh national cricket team and feature the World Cup cricket logo.

Aarong's Ekushey collection - reflecting the inspiration

As the glorious month of February hits the calendar one more time, the spirit of Ekushey is once again in the air. Inspired by the rebellious, patriotic and mournful spirit, Aarong presents a line of outfits of symbolic colours and motifs for men and women.
Check out their sarees that draw inspiration from colours such as mournful black and white, somber grey and zealous red. Moreover, the calligraphy motifs give the perfect expression for Ekushey. You will also find inspiring embellishments of block prints, screen prints, machine embroideries and geometrics on the elegant silk, half-silk, muslin and cotton saris.
On the other hand, the Taaga collection offers a variety of chic attires. Comfortable and elegant, and synchronised with the passion of the occasion, the endi and cotton outfits have tribal and folklore motifs in blacks, whites and reds.

The shalwar kameezes in grave black and white with hints of fervent red are the catch of the collection. With smart cuts, pockets and flairs, the long length kameezes are decked with bold work of appliqué, sequins, erri, screen prints, cutworks, block prints and embroideries.

The men's collection is not lagging behind as well. Complete with symbolic colours, designs and nakshikantha and calligraphy motifs, the panjabis reflect the zeal of Ekushey- of grief, pride and reverence.
This month, make sure you wear the right clothes, reflecting the right spirit of the month, and show your pride. And Aarong can surely help you with that!

Bangladesh's elusive essence

Contrary to popular belief of outsiders regarding Bangladesh, there is more to this nation than abject poverty, devastating floods and dreadful cyclones. This is a land steeped in traditions and one that boasts a culture to rival most countries of the civilised world.
The coming ICC Cricket World Cup will witness a surge of foreign tourists in the country. And they may be puzzled as to what they should take back from this land of warm, friendly people other than a mere positive image.
Tourists take back mementos of places they visit. It is a reminder of the positivity they experience, which they want to relish for a long time.
For the tourist desiring to take back curios from Bangladesh, the rickshaw may stand out and quite rightfully so, as this does represent the urban framework of this place. Miniature bronze replicas of rickshaws are available at “Jatra” a renowned curio outlet that sells artefacts deeply rooted into the pastoral-urban framework of the country. These miniatures are also available at “Aarong”.
In fact, Aarong may serve as a one stop destination as this renowned boutique has a considerable number of outlets throughout the country and mostly sells rural handicrafts and contemporary designer wears based on folk motifs.

Female visitors may be inclined to take back traditional garbs, the "shalwar kameez" set which can serve as excellent casual wear. This loose tunic worn with a matching, or contrasting pyjama and an unstitched dupatta also has the potential to be party wear, given that the right fabric - silk or organza is chosen.

But if you are indeed looking for the right party wear, why look beyond the ethereal sari? This opulent garb can make an excellent formal wear, and has rightfully found its place in celebrity wardrobes. Aarong boasts a wonderful array of ethnic designs however the place to be for traditional saris would be Tangail Sharee Kutir, at New Bailey Road.
Handloom saris are inexpensive and can be an excellent addition to your casual trousseau. Jamdanis, with their wonderful weaving patterns, is for the connoisseur and can be rather expensive.
Apart from saris and shalwar kameez sets, nearly all boutiques of the country showcases fatuas - tunics for men and women; a shorter and slimmer version of the kameez.

While women like to dress themselves, why should men be any different? Go for the panjabi! This is a comfortable long dress unique to Bangladesh. The Indian and Pakistani panjabi differs in fabric and also the cut. Team it with a headcap toopi and you will have the perfect Bangladeshi look. Just don't forget the white pyjamas.
If you have set your mind to take back a dress from Bangladesh that will speak of the people who dwell in it, visit the “Deshidosh” outlet at Bashundhara Shopping Centre or their outlet in Chittagong. Deshidosh houses ten of the most renowned boutiques of the country under one roof and showcases a wonderful assortment of dresses for men, women and children.
For over three millennia Bengal has been a land witness to communal harmony. Although it was ultimately Islam that flourished, Bangladesh still maintains a high Hindu and Buddhist population. Historians claim that it is through Bengal that Buddhism flourished in the orient many thousand years ago.

If you are a collector of religious artefacts, then we suggest Dhyani Buddha, the meditating Buddha. These are available at Aarong and also at the antique shops at Gulshan-2. Just don't get blown away by the fancy prices. Remember that this is a sheer test of your haggling skills.

Those drawn to Hinduism may want to take back “shakhas” conch shell bangles worn by Hindu women throughout Bengal as sign of their nuptial bond. These beautiful works of craftsmanship are best found at Shankhari Bazaar, in the old town.
Music plays a vital role in the lives of Bangladeshis, and in a country where the greater segment are still confined to rural areas, folk songs are the heart and beat of the nation. For authentic versions try albums by Farida Parveen or Ferdausi Rahman. These however are for the purists. For modern renditions of folk beats chose “Bangla” or “Lalon”. You will not be disappointed.

There is also much for the art enthusiasts. At dealers situated in Gulshan-2 you will find works by modern maestros and even new artists. But this is an expensive field and you can always go for simple watercolours, or fine art prints. These may well be within your budget.
Every February, the Bangla Academy plays host to a month long book fair. This is the most significant event in the cultural calendar of Bangladesh and if you are visiting this country in February, it is a must see event.
You will find many books some in English -- that speak of the country, its socio-political and cultural history. For the bibliophile, this can be the perfect recipe for years of study and knowledge hunt.
And speaking of recipes, why not take a cookbook? Surely you will be sampling some wonderful local cuisines and would like to replicate these same dishes on your dinner table. Our suggestion, go for books by Shawkat Osman, the renowned food connoisseur who combines recipes with his unique blend of wit and great story-telling.
It's all too easy to pick up an “I Luv Bangladesh” T-shirt from any street vendor, if you can find one with that slogan. Bangladesh never did personify itself with one slogan or one logo. To appreciate the ethnic diversity of this people, you will have to look deep into the lives of this people. What you discover is what you take back, a memento from Bangladesh.

Style factor

In striving to strike a balance between comfort and glamour the occasion, we recommend celebratory colours such as emerald green, blood red and deep purple. Opt for cotton kurtis in simple but trendy block prints and draw elegance to your ensemble by adding thick zari borders. Replacing shalwars by bright leggings will result in the double-edged benefit of chic and comfort. Because there is the risk that you might have to be on your toes for extended periods, pamper your feet in traditional flats, but forget not the availability of embellished sandals that will complement the rest of your attire.

To strike a comfortable note in fashion, you might want to try some simple cotton kameezes that are not too flashy but still make you look as beautiful as you are. Something that's decent, elegant and yet comfortable enough for you to move around in when handling all the meaty madness.

You don't have to highly accessorise either, but make sure you have your hair tied up nicely and you look presentable enough.Of course, later when all the hard work is over, you can always put on your new clothes and shoes, look dazzling and walk out the door like it's a new day! But if you're too tired, there's always tomorrow.

Wardrobe and jewellery: Maheen Khan
Makeup and hair style: Farzana Shakil

Beauty talk

SADIA MOYEEN Beautician, La Belle, 13/A /2 Kemal Ataturk Avenue , ( 3rd/ 4th fl ) Gulshan -2

There was a time, long long long ago when the only hair accessories available were flowers. Though as far as I am concerned, they still head my list of favourites to dress hair. Fresh jasmine in a bride's braid or roses in her curls are definitely added attractions - ask any groom. Not to mention the heroines of the sixties who started the trend of wearing hair accessories with their bouffants and tight churidar kurtas, there would still be this one Tiger Lilly behind Asha Parek's ear or a huge rose, but they carried it with such élan that we have still not forgotten it. Nor have we forgotten the quivering flower that would magically, and strategically block the kissing lips of the heroes and heroines; us little kids would bend this way and that trying to look past the interrupting flower!

Those were the days; then came the seventies with the thick hair bands of fabric and ribbons and bows that would put a gift wrapping to shame, nevertheless with a charm of its own. Then came the forehead band during the discoing mid and late seventies a la Mithun Chakraborty, Zeenat Aman, John Travolta and so on. Even for me that was too much to swallow; thank God it's all in the past! By this time I was sent off to boarding school and didn't come out until the mid-eighties; no movies, no television, no nothing. Those days it was so uncool to use make up, watch movies or listen to Abba or Air Supply (all of which I secretly loved), and hair accessories? You must be kidding!

Hair accessories and ornaments have from time immemorial been an integral part of the desi woman, from the time when women wore flowers in their hair every single day of their lives, to today, where it has now become seemingly confined to formal occasions only but is still a very crucial part of our culture. Not to mention that jewellery for hair has been an ancient custom; kings and queens and common folk, all wore some form of hair ornaments . Even today, imagine a bride without her tikly or jhoomar (jhapta). How taken aback will we be? So no matter how modern we have become, inherently we, as a race, simply love to get dressed up from head to toe!

Today there are endless options with which to accentuate your hair, from simple scrunge clips that gently hold your hair in a casual style, to hair extensions that can add body or length or both to your hair. These can be weaved into your natural hair or can be clipped on to strategic sections of hair. Ready-made buns, braids with or without ornaments, stones etc; the list of accessories is endless.

Diamante hair clips, combs and brooches are very popular and can look quite good if not too overdone. Dry flowers, feathers, pins, clips, stickers - whatever takes your fancy, as long as you can carry it well.

Everything said and done, nothing like a hair accessory to dress up and brighten your look!

festive styles

Saris
During any occasion, especially festivals, saris are probably our most enamored ensembles. We love to showcase the most beautiful weaves. I would suggest you look at your options carefully before you make your purchase. We have developed a keen interest in our Bangladeshi traditions and exclusive designer wear that reflects our sense of identity.

Dhakai saris
This distinctive Dhaka weave is a prized possession. A jewel in our textile tradition that was desired by the landed gentry and the royalty of Bengal and elsewhere for hundreds of years. Today however, these opulent weaves have been revived to reach their past glory and are available in select stores in Dhaka.

Jewellery
Every  festivals you should invest in jewellery that has stories of love, dreams and master craftsmanship. Always look for signature pieces that are iconic. Jewellery can be the most cherished token of commitment. Classic styles may be heirloom pieces admired through generations. In fine jewellery, always look for simplicity and clarity in design.

Timeless elegance
Modern styles with traditional craftsmanship are probably a great way to blend your ensembles. In every festivals we like to reveal our ability to stylise our entire look. Long flowing suits are in style paired with narrow pants or churidars. Playful hemlines with a-symmetrical cut are a fresh idea.

Contemporary Bongo-Western
Mixing styles is currently very trendy and hip. These days we like to display edgy styles that border on funk and rage but the element of surprise is essential to make the entire look work. A T-shirt with Bengali calligraphy or design elements paired with culottes, jeweled flats and an embellished muslin scarf will make a contemporary statement.

Du jour man in a panjabi
The modern man demands to look up to date and at par with present trends. During festivals, panjabis are suitable attires; an informal, easy and effective look. In either short or long styles, understated styles are evidently taking off as more desired modes. The urbane man is suave in the most subtle applications and genres. He is inclined toward quality fabrics and fine detailing and enthusiastic to be discerning and sophisticated.

Vibrant attires for kids
The true essence of festival is expressed in the celebrations. Children take the most pleasure in observing the festivities. The joyous mood and fancy attires are an integral part of the day. The girl child looks fabulous in a churidar suit or a lehenga choli. Playful with a duppatta and a fluid, effortless hemline is particularly stunning and impressive.

---

Jamdanis were, and they forever will be. Or so we hope at least. Invest in a classic shade of this national favourite and further solidify your choice by picking a never-go-wrong shade such as white or black. A black on black jamdani will go miles in terms of elegance as well as exclusiveness and because the sari is one-tone, you can afford a little indulgence in terms of jewellery. Since jamdanis are proudly and quintessentially Bangladeshi, choose to enhance this look with chunky, ethnic jewellery in a dark metal that will underline the colour of the sari.

Central to this, or any other deshi look, is how you style your hair and although we discourage submitting to hackneyed silver screen trends in terms of your outfit, we see no reason why you should not recreate the playfully graceful side-buns that are all the rage today.

Makeup and hair styling: Farzana Shakil
Wardrobe and jewllery: Maheen Khan

All About Valentine

Aneela Haque has recently launched her Valentine's Day collection incuding a great variety of party attire focusing on the colours red and black.
Photo: Andes

---

Adroit

Valentine's Day has special meaning to a lot of people. Not only those smitten by the love bug but also those who prefer to express their affection for all dear and near. A concept of the West that oozed though satellite channels in the early 1990s has now blended with local custom and has been fused with local traditions.

Every year, come Valentine's, boutiques of the city offer an assortment of clothes for the urban youth. Be it sari, fatua, panjabi or a shirt, lovers find pleasure in gifting garbs for the adornment of their loved ones.

Adroit, this year, has come up with a selection of astute assortment of clothing that forms their Valentine's Day collection.

Prices range from Tk490-14450 for saris, Tk820-3850 for shalwar kameez sets, Tk295-1180 for fatuas, and Tk529-3500 for panjabis. Also on the shelves are T-shirts, shirts and children's wear.

Available at all Adroit outlets.

---

Rang


Colour is what Spring is all about. Vibrant hues, garlands made from fresh blossoms of the season worn with a pleasant smile.
Boutique Rang colours itself this season like many other Falguns that have passed by.
This year sees significant additions to their usual range of saris, shalwar kameez sets, fatuas and panjabis. Not to mention kurtas, shirt and T-shirts.
Along with the traditional yellow, the ever so popular 'bashanti', other colours have been introduced, which to say the least , are befitting the pleasantry of spring. Apparels have been further embellished with screen prints, tie n' dye, hand block prints, appliqué, handpaint and batik. Vegetable dyes have now made a comeback and have been rightfully incorporated within the collection.
This wonderful Spring Collection 2011 is now available at all Rang outlets.

---

The hunt begins…

Over the years, Nogordola has made a niche amongst the fashionistas of the city not only as a boutique that houses exquisite designs but also as an enterprise upholding a social commitment. Through their numerous outlets spread across Dhaka and Chittagong this house showcases attires that are traditional yet contemporary.

In order to create a mark in the fashion industry Nogordola now attempts to present some fresh new faces. Through their association with RTV as media partner, the Nogordola Model Hunt 2011 will soon begin for new upcoming models. A board of adjudicators will be formed consisting of renowned personalities from the field of fashion, art and culture and the event will subsequently be aired on RTV.

Interested individuals may applying by submit photographs and profiles to the nearest Nogordola outlets -- Dhanmondi, Banani, Basundhara Deshi Dosh and Chittagong Deshi Dosh.

Or contact: Nogordola, House-1/A, Road-13(new), Dhanmondi, Mirpur Road, Dhaka. #9126451, 9127035. The profiles may also be submitted through email: nogordola@gmail.com

---

Ena la Mode

Ena la Mode dresses up for Valentine's, showcasing attires in vibrant hues of red and blue. The joyous fervour is also evident in the designs of the saris, shalwar kameez sets, panjabis, fatuas, etc. The embellishment has been carried out with hand block prints, screen prints, tie n' dye, embroidery, karchupi and appliqué. Also available are fashion accessories for both men and women.

Contact: Ena la Mode, House 4, Road 12, Sector 6, Uttara. #01713048621

---

Foring

As we celebrate the coming of spring, nature blends in with the merriment. As we rejoice, nature smiles with colourful blooms.

To accentuate this euphoric time, boutique Foring gears up to provide the right ensemble for Pohela Falgun the first day of Spring.

Keeping 13 February in mind, this boutique presents a colourful selection that features, but is not limited to, vibrant colours - green, yellow, orange - and new cuts in shalwar kameez. The graceful sari has been revamped in new forms, blending the traditional with contemporary ideas and motifs.

Available at all Foring outlets.

---

Tara Marka

Keeping the coming Valentine's Day in mind, boutique Tara Marka comes forth with their collection that features saris, fatuas, panjabis, shalwar kameez sets and fatunjis. Prices range between Tk 250-1000. Available at Tara Marka outlets in Bailey Road and Aziz Supermarket.

---

Angeleena's Valentine offer

With a view to celebrate the day of love, boutique Angeleena presents a Valentine's Day special. On Valentine's Day the shop is offering a 10% discount on all items for men wanting to please their better halves on the special occasion.

Address: Shop no. 2, Pink City, Gulshan 2.

Kay Kraft

Vanlentine's Day is a universal celebration of the bond that holds humanity together: love. To add to the celebration of this day, boutique Kay Kraft presents an ensemble for the fashionistas to choose from, for this day. Going through their large selection of saris, shalwar kameez sets, fatuas, panjabis and T-shirts, the fashion savvy will feel at ease as there is something for almost everyone.

Also available now is a brilliant assortment if designs on the usual line of attires for Pohela Falgun, the first day of Spring.

Be sure to check them out.

Let Jamdanis be

Nothing is worse than a bouquet of red roses embroidered on an elegant, white jamdani. But what might beat that is your smug smile when someone comments on your fashion sense and you feel happy, not having the slightest clue that a fashion crime has been committed.

What is happening to our jamdani sari, can anyone tell me? Please, consider this an ardent request and fill in the gaps that I have, regarding the current status of our pride, the jamdani weave -- Dhakai sari to be precise.

The other day I heard a friend saying that her two nieces, who are by the way getting married this month, bought very expensive jamdanis and they are now contemplating the idea of embroidering them.

Instantly my head started buzzing and almost made a 360 degree turn. On the one hand the mere fact that jamdanis are part of their trousseaus -- that too ones as expensive as Tk60000 -- is praiseworthy (in fact a plain cotton Tk5000 one is also appreciated), but on the other hand they are all ready to choke the expensive weave to death. I don't understand this hypocrisy. A Tk60000 jamdani is in itself a story, a piece of art. It doesn't need any further accessorising to make it dazzle or stand out; just wearing the right kind of jewellery with it should suffice.

I don't know why these modern day fashionistas cannot leave jamdani as it is. Their overt attention and their keen business acumen is taking the jamdani off on all different tangents except the height it should have achieved. A Tk60000 jamdani that is sold by retailers unfortunately does not bring much profit to the artisans who put their skill and labour to weave that gorgeous sari. Thus his profession remains at stake and on the verge of extinction. Instead of helping and patronising the industry or trying to revive age-old designs, women today are trying to re-invent and re-design it. How sorry is the state of jamdani that people today fail to recognise the elegance of these saris and are all set to gag the prestigious weave?

I am dead sure not one of these women will ever think of re-designing their traditional Indian saris like kanchipurams, sambalpuris, narayanpets, benarasis or mangalgiris and pochampally, by taking them to the embroiderers and asking them to do machine or even hand embroidery with zardosi or zari and buttas on them. I am almost certain they will never, even in their wildest dreams, think of undertaking such a sacrilegious act.

Then please explain to me why are they doing that to their precious jamdanis? Why do they fail to appreciate the beauty of this special garb and why are they so eager to ruin it with their so-called designer's instincts?

Yes, I am being slightly in-your-face regarding this fashion crime. Jamdani should be what it is and was all through these decades. You can only ruin it if you are equally enthusiastic about ruining your Indian traditional saris. Just because it is your country's heirloom piece that doesn't give you the right to re-invent it.

Let traditions be, you have thousands of one colour silks, muslins and chiffons to do your embroidery on. Leave the jamdanis alone.

Spring and yellow

After months of being bare of their cloaks of green, the trees are finally able to put on their brand new outfits for the year. Nature wakes up from its slumber and pumps life into the surroundings. Birds seem to be singing happier songs. Flowers bloom and the gardens once again become colourful. The queen bee builds herself a new abode. The sun smiles broadly and the biting winter waves finally bid farewell. The time of the year when people welcome life with a freshened enthusiasm: spring.

In our country, the month of Falgun marks the arrival of Bashanta. And the people welcome it with as much fervour and eagerness as Mother Nature. While Mother Nature is getting busy in colouring everything with different hues of green, yellow, red and so many more colours, people get busy in celebrations to welcome the new warmth.

People shed their multiple layers of clothing and do not cower against the harsh winter waves anymore. One will know that spring has arrived in our country from all the yellow around them. And the yellow is not due to the courtesy of the new blooming flowers only; it is also because of our age old tradition of donning yellow on the first day of Falgun.

Yellow seems to be an important part of spring here. One could say that spring and yellow are synonymous. It is almost like spring without yellow is no spring at all. One may ask why.

Maybe it is because of years of tradition. Then again maybe it is because yellow is the colour of the sun and one can associate it with a new beginning like the beginning of a new day after the night. Be it a yellow sari, a yellow kameez or a yellow flower in their hair or wrapped around their wrists, Bangladeshi women make it a point to have a new yellow garment or accessory for the first day of spring.

The men do not fall behind either. They do not miss the chance of raiding the shops or their wardrobes for a nice yellow panjabi or a panjabi of a lighter colour if they consider yellow to be too loud.

In Dhaka, Pohela Falgun is celebrated with much zeal, especially at the University of Dhaka. Young girls and boys clad in yellow attires throng the campus to be a part of the song and dance performances and other entertainment arrangements like fairs; here, girls can be seen trying on bangles of different cheery shades.

With song and dance programs, cultural institutions all over the country usher spring. One song that is definitely performed at every programme is the evergreen Tagore number 'ore bhai fagun legeche bon e bon e'.

Even youngsters who are not so keen on visiting these cultural events or wearing traditional outfits celebrate this new beginning in their own way. Maybe with a yellow t-shirt on or a yellow dress, girls and boys celebrate this long awaited warm spring day with as much joy.

All in all Pohela Falgun -- the first day of spring -- is one of the most awaited days for Bangladeshis when they celebrate it hoping for a better year and a better beginning ahead. Be it rich or poor everybody in Bangladesh celebrates the advent of spring with delight. One may ask how they would know that. They would find their answer in the yellow Gada flower stuck behind the ear of the little street girls skipping around on the street.

Makeup and hair style: Farzana Shakil
Wardrobe and jewellery: Chondon

---

The onset of spring provides the perfect license to flaunt bright, refreshing yellows without any reservations about being too loud or showy. This season we suggest, nay insist, that you make use of this excuse to invest in wearable forms of the colour of friendship. Because the mercury has risen, you would do well to opt for materials that let your skin breathe such as light cottons or taats in bright, but soothing, yellows accentuated by contrasting pinks, blues and greens for that added rush of colour. Team your saris with interesting sleeveless blouses in batik or single-toned materials. Accessories can include subtle ethnic jewellery, small teeps and glass or plastic bangles in complementary hues.

Borrowed!

It may have something to do with hormones. Or 'growing up'. Or 'struggling to create an identity'. Or 'generally being a teenager'. Maybe all of the above. I have never quite understood why my daughter, armed with tax-collector zeal, lays such self-assured claims on all things mine, or meant to be mine at least, while I am not even allowed to touch her things.

It started with my nude, shimmering lip gloss, and mind you, not just any, the best brand I own. It was her first time with make-up and I reasoned, 'Either this or she will pick out some atrocious, not-for-13-year-olds shade of crimson herself', so it really was the lesser of two evils. But I have never seen that lip gloss, or many others after it, that was borrowed 'just to see how it looks'.

Several years, countless articles of clothing, drastically depleting containers of make-up and no sense of shame later, the matter has stretched far above and beyond a dab of lip tint. Because now, all those silly saris that I so lovingly cherished, dry washed and korpur sachet-ed, are suddenly back in fashion. The soft as butter katans, the broad par-ed muslins, the smoother than silk silks -- yes all of them, they must be had. If only silly mother understood these little silly things.
I can make a compromise and I would, if it was just the odd pashmina here and the rare bottle of nail polish there, but the same goes for virtually all my things. From the white-stone studded hairpin from Aarong (why, pray tell, since you sport that unkempt, ear-length feather cut), to the designer bags from trips abroad (of which there is a grand total of two), to my only pair of heels (did she really have to have my slender feet), to the oversized tees I recently bought for my yet-to-attend yoga classes (to be seen sauntering out on her back with chunky belts across the centre).
I have considered saying no, fantasised about it even. But the high-pitched death moan that tells me how this sari, this very sari, and only this sari, is the lone one that might possibly (but of course never adequately) compensate for that half a pimple on her face, forces me to reconsider. Better a half-cranky daughter at a wedding than a plague-is-upon-me-faced one at home all Friday night long.
I am led to believe teenagers are wired differently from the rest of us -- such that they have a very sorry sense of impulse control indeed. Psychologists assert that so complicated is this unfortunate intellectual dysfunction, that if they believe that that pendant which cost me an arm and a leg is necessary to look good at a friend's sister's friend's holud, then they simply cannot fathom not having that pendant.
How traumatic must these few years be, when they have such little sense of perspective? Not.

On the upside, this unfortunate condition is meant to diminish with age. Or so I am promised. But I am not one to buy into false assurances; for I have seen many a friend's child (yes, sons included) grow well out of their teens and still spend half their time at home engaged in this 'harmless' smuggle. So I am yet to comprehend the exact origins of this thought process, yet to accept raging hormones as causes, and most importantly, yet to discover a way of dealing with its effects.

While I venture on in my quest to understand why my possessions must suffer such regular theft under my own roof, I had best get around to bringing home my next lot of saris from my mother before the next working week begins. I know she doesn't mind, after all, I am only borrowing them.

Glowing skin begins with Aloe Fleur de Jouvence
A LOE FLEUR de Jouvence ('Flower of Youth') is claimed to be one of the most effective restorative beauty collections assembled. It is a collection of six components each designed to fill a special part in a complete regiment of facial skin care.
Combining the benefits of traditional wisdom with the scientific knowledge of modern dermatology, Forever Living Products has spared no expense in researching and developing products. Displayed in an elegant container, the collection also includes a mirror, mixing spoon and application brush. While each of the products is available separately for replacement, it is only through the combined use of all six elements that the full benefits can be enjoyed.
Each product in Aloe Fleur de Jouvence has been developed with great care and attention to the daily needs of your skin. FLP starts with pure, stabilised aloe vera gel, and combines it with nature's unique cellular substances, hydrolysed elastin and collagen, along with exceptional moisturisers, emulsifiers and humectants. This creates a unique skin care range that helps counteract the effects of time, weather and environmental elements.
The preventive and restorative Aloe Fleur de Jouvence programme provides a daily skin care regime to help promote the naturally occurring attributes of youth, vigour, freshness and radiance of the skin.
Now, pamper yourself even more with Forever Living Products Aloe Fleur de Jouvence! This summary of the entire treatment will instruct you on how to use each of the six elements.
STEP 1: Cleanse. Exfoliating Cleanser is the first step in achieving beautiful, flawless skin. Massage Exfoliating Cleanser into the face and neck area every morning and evening. Gently remove with a dampened cloth or tissue.
STEP 2: Tone. Rehydrating Toner is alcohol-free and contains aloe vera, collagen and allantoin for gentle toning. Using a cotton ball, apply rehydrating toner in an upward motion every morning and evening.
STEP 3: Moisturise (Morning). Firming Foundation Lotion is a hydrating moisturiser that helps skin retain its healthy, vibrant appearance. Gently massage lotion into the face and neck area. It also makes an excellent base for applying your favourite cosmetics.
STEP 3: Moisturise (Evening). Recovering Night Creme hydrates and soothes, replenishing your skin while you sleep. After cleansing each evening before bedtime, apply generously to face and neck area.
Aloe Facial
An Aloe Facial is recommended 2 to 3 times a week to smooth, cleanse and tighten the skin while revitalising your appearance. Aloe Activator is a superb moisturising agent and is the ideal partner to work in combination with the Facial Contour Mask Powder.
Aloe Activator is also extremely effective as a skin cleanser and freshener. Add one mixing spoon of Facial Contour Mask Powder to the mixing bowl. Combine with one mixing spoon of Aloe Activator until the mixture has the consistency of lotion. Use the applicator brush to apply a thin, even film from the neck upward. Relax in a reclining position, limiting facial movement for approximately 30 minutes. Apply a moist towel to the face to soften the mask, then gently remove remaining mask and rinse with warm water. Follow with toner and your
favourite moisturiser.

Holud hungama

The Hindi songs to dance to are very two years ago. Now, we have a wide variety of rhythmic wedding music in Bangla! Love songs, wedding songs, and so much more to dance to.

I can see my sister getting cold feet while the women in the parlour are doing her make up and she's fidgeting on the seat. On the evening of her holud, she looks at me with scared eyes expecting me to give her some words of advice. On the contrary, I'm sitting next to her with a big grin on my face just waiting to step in and start dancing! Yes, all I can think about is the big holud hungama!

Of course, the wedding is the most important part of any bride or groom's life. Beginning from their clothing, to jewellery, to accepting the fact that they're about to start a new life altogether, there's so much for them to be worried about. As for the siblings and cousins, their main worry and excitement lies solely in the holud. Their thoughts are mostly about what songs to pick, how to choreograph the dances, which of their best friends are going to perform, how many songs to dance to, what to wear for the dances and so on and so forth.

Justified enough, the holud counts for a lot more than just putting on some turmeric on the bride and groom's faces in order to make them look perfect for the wedding. The holud…is a war! It is a war between the youngsters of both households. It's a competition to see which house emerges victorious in terms of presenting the most entertaining show. This includes clothing, decorations, dalas, the dances and the music. The more fun the guests have at your side's holud, the surer you are that yours is definitely better!

Now, to make sure the guests have the kind of fun you want, there are a lot of tricks you can call upon. Just dancing to some random music won't work. Nowadays, most children seem to choose any kind of fast Hindi music to make sure their dances are rhythmic. They forget that the more wedding related the songs are, the cuter and more fun the dances look. Since it's a holud, it already has a theme and it's the most fun theme to work with.

Dancing solely to Hindi songs is very two yeas ago. Now, we have a wide variety of rhythmic wedding music in Bangla! Love songs, wedding songs, and so much more to dance to. Yes, you can use one or two Hindi songs to brighten things up a notch, but it's best to stay as traditional as possible.

Traditional holuds are back…and back with a bang! 'Amar gorur gari te bou shajiye' gives you the perfect scenario of a cute couple about to be wed. Absolutely ideal to dance to at a holud! There are songs like 'Jadu', 'Panjabiwala', 'Dola de' and so many other tracks by Mila and Habib that are easy to dance to and bring that certain perk to holud dances.

Sometimes, randomising some sweet love songs can do the trick. And putting on a little skit works like a charm. Acting out the love story of the bride and groom with songs that suit the situation can be enough to bring a smile to the guests' faces.

You should always remember, the more you enjoy, the more the entertainment for the audience. So, the one thing you should always keep in mind is that you have to let loose and have as much fun as possible.

So, as I sat there grinning like an idiot, I said to my sister, 'Don't you worry, once you see us dancing…you'll forget all you inhibitions'. And she knew it was true, even she was starting to get hyped about it all, hyped about the long awaited 'holud hungama!’

Dhaka weddings

Dhaka weddings are no longer hurried affairs. Long gone are the days when all the wedding rituals were completed within a week starting from shopping to the reception dinner; done in a rush on the rooftop with a maximum of 60 guests and with just the very basics. Wedding celebrations have transformed in a huge way.

The pre-wedding hullabaloo goes on for at least fifteen days prior to the big event now. Rehearsals for the holud stint, gift wrappings, bachelorette or bachelor's nights, mehendi and rang khela; the list of festivities is endless at times.

Couples now want extravagant weddings, minus the kitschy showdown. Stylistic and simple, yet tasteful, thematic and colourful without being flashy are their current preferences.

The reason for this change might be that most of the young couples tying the knot spent a good portion of their adult lives abroad and now want to incorporate their acquired styles to their own weddings, resulting in some new-fangled ideas gaining huge popularity over the run-of-the-mill and gaudy receptions.

Engagements on river cruises with friends and families only, a very casual laid back affair where they exchange rings and have a day's outing that is full of fun instead of the stiff ceremony that is usually the norm.

Holud or our pre-wedding rituals are now being done in farm houses, if not on the couple's own then at a hired venue; giving the entire ceremony a village fair sort of a feel. With puppet shows, jatras, jari gaans, nagor dolas, light and sound shows or even fire acts, it is a happy occasion that should be targeted solely at having fun.

Then there are mid morning akhts and the registration followed by dinner that night.

Thinking outside the box, some couples are actually opting for sunset weddings on the beach and Café Mermaid Eco Resort is the perfect venue for such a unique wedding. Simple cotton taant in cream and red, a shita pati and traditional shita har, a bira khopa with flowers, a big red bindi, barefooted on the sandy beach lined with coconut trees and the orange sun setting in the horizon; it is the perfect place and time to say 'I am yours forever'. Obviously it will be followed by a sumptuous dinner.

Some are contemplating lavish, outdoor tea parties with gazebo tents and fairy lights, lending a relaxed mood and casual ambience to the whole event. One of today's hottest new wedding reception trends is the tea party and this provides couples with a unique idea that will undoubtedly be remembered for many years to come.

Along with serving the pastries, tarts, scones and lamingtons, the option for serving dahi phuchka, papri chaat, faluda, Calcutta Rolls are always an interesting mix. But the main attraction of this reception should be the tea bar, of course. You don't have to stick to just one variety; for a fun event, set up a tea bar that includes tea from around the world. Oolong or Earl Grey or even a special herbal tea, this certainly makes an afternoon tea party wedding reception a lot of fun.

In current times, the groom and the bride no longer want to sit in stiff, upright chairs on an elevated dais faking smiles all evening; in the process ending up with back aches that last for the next couple of days. They want to mingle with their guests and socialise, thanking them personally for being a part of the most special day of their lives. Thus their heavy saris are looking to be replaced by lighter counterparts, their thick pan-caked looks are being modified to light nude looks that keep the make-up to a minimum, and the aspect of apparently advertising for a jewellery store is being revolutionised by wearing just one favourite piece of jewellery or choosing a cherished heirloom instead.

Grooms are bidding fast adieu to their sheheras and pagris; with the tradition of having handkerchiefs over their mouths already long gone. They now want gorgeous panjabis, or simple sherwanis so that they are more at ease with their roles, rather than looking like a caged animal in a zoo.

Even the traditional wedding menus are subject to improved and innovative alterations- mocktails are being introduced, and finger foods such as canapés are being served while guests mingle with each other, along with starters and entrees before the main course. The main course is no longer simply kachchi; assortments of kebabs with bread baskets, fish cakes or whole fish and lobsters are making their fancy debuts.

Recently the whole new idea of giving favours to invited guests has started to catch on like wildfire in Dhaka. This is just a token of appreciation for sharing a memorable time with the newlyweds. Creative goody bags are being planned beforehand that provide a memento for the guests. This can be a simple bag of sugar-coated almonds on the table next to a thank you note from the couple or a gift that best represents the couple's tastes and preferences. It can include something as innovative as tickets for a show or invitations to special lunches or dinners that add a touch of personalised glamour, striking the fancies of many thoughtful couples nowadays.

In endnote, couples should be at full liberty to design their weddings as per their personal choices and long-held aspirations. It is after all, their day where they should be allowed to keep the whole affair dressed down to a simple and classy tea party if they so choose to do, or conversely go all out and reiterate the elaborate multi-week long affairs that have become characteristic of Dhaka weddings these days.

That said, this wedding season we continue to root for events of seldom precedence. If not much else, the river cruises, finger food tea parties and romantic sunset beach weddings will go miles in terms of exclusivity and memorability...until of course, that trend too catches on!

How Water Improves Your Body & Beauty

 

Not drinking enough water can increase the probability of health problems and make you look dull.  If you feel weak and your body feels dehydrated, consider drinking more water than you usually drink.  A lack of water in the body causes health disorders.
The effect of water on the body
Water makes up about 71 percent of the body.  It is found in all the tissues and cells that make up the body; it is important for the functioning of organs.
Most of the body’s systems, such as the circulatory system, work with the aid of water.  Our brains and the hormone system is dependent on proper water balance.  It is impossible for a person to survive for more than two weeks without water.  A lack of water causes serious damage to the body within a few days.
What amount of water is essential for the body?
The amount of water needed for proper body function depends on your weight and nutrition.  One liter of water is recommended for every 23-24 kg of bodyweight.
If you weigh about 50 kilograms, you should consume more than 2 liters of water each day to maintain health and good feelings.  The amount of water you require may also vary according to the types of foods and beverages you consume.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are made up of about 90 percent water and supply the body with a lot of water.  If you consume plenty of healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and beverages such as fresh fruit juice then you may need to drink less water.
Health problems associated with a lack of water
When you are not drinking enough water, your body gets dehydrated.  Feeling thirsty is the first symptom of a dehydrated body.  It is essential that you carry a water bottle everywhere you go, whether its work or school.
A lack of water can cause serious illnesses such as disorders of the excretory system and kidney disorders.  Moreover, a lack of water can cause problems in food digestion and lead to constipation.  On hot days, you may feel dizzy or get headaches.
As tap water contains many chemicals it is recommended that you filter water before drinking it.
Water is a vital element in maintaining the health and beauty of the body.  Consuming adequate amounts of water keeps the skin hydrated and makes it firm.  As a result, you look healthy and have beautiful skin.

urban truth

Have you noticed how the style sense among young girls has gradually changed in recent decades? How these girls are not stuck to the sari, shalwar kameez concept anymore? For our mothers it was saris after marriage, our great aunts it was sari since adolescence, for us shalwar kameez sets maybe forever. But recently, our girls and many among us, we are most comfortable in casual, smart western wear.
We are not talking about fashion, mind you, but about the very basic style factor that appeals to each individual or even each generation and that is where the change has come.
Youngsters these days take traditional garbs like shalwar kameez to be just another ethnic attire which they wear only on occasions like weddings or milads -- or maybe if they want to, for pohela boishak and such. And saris have just vanished from their wardrobes. Saris are worn only rarely and voluntarily. There are no problems in these bold changes; in fact it is the time for change and they should be able to define it the way they want to.
If the sixties were about doe-eyed girls in bouffants, the seventies about psychedelic prints and Zeenat Aman's Hare Krishna Hare Ram, the eighties about Farah Fawcett's hairstyle or Olivia Newton John's Grease, then this decade is certainly about skinny jeans and leggings topped off with a shirt like Anne Hathaway in Devil Wears Prada.
Young girls in Dhaka now hardly get out of their jeans; for university classes or coaching centres, for a friend's birthday or days out, they are all into the corporate chic or the casual, smart westernised look. There are many reasons for this paradigm shift, but one certain reason is that they want to follow the inclusive fashion. Tops and jeans paired with a pair of converse with a scarf tossed over, and these girls are set to face the world and they carry it off very confidently. Our girls have rightly adopted this global trend as their own style.
Of course the other reason is that they get good clothes in Dhaka now because of the booming garments industry. However, there is more to the garment retail sector than the industry's rejects. We now have our own brands of western wear to boast about, for one thing, and most importantly these are not garments' surplus.
One such brand is Urban Truth, a venture of Pride Group. The store is a young girl's dream-come-true; not only does the place ooze a chic ambience but their collection mirrors the mindset of the urban generation as well. Knitted body hugging tops, viscose tops elegantly done in discharge printing, jackets that are great for layering, smart sandals and shoes, trendy jewellery, hip bags and not so flashy scarves; this store showcases everything a young girl needs. Reasonably priced, their collection changes according to seasonal demands.
Professor Momen, Director Pride Group, which owns brands like Pride, Moda and Urban Truth says, “Dhaka University is the cultural hub of the city, the students have always played an iconic role in determining the country's political, cultural and even fashion scene. Today in my class I see girls in skirts and trousers which were not seen before. This mere fact defines the change in their style sense.
“In the 60s we were just textile manufacturers, during the 90s we launched Pride as a brand and now we have diversified even more and targeted different sectors. Urban Truth associates itself with current culture. Its user-friendly line speaks of international trends. We are working for many well-reputed brands like Zara and our concept sparked from that experience,” Momen explains and talks about taking the brand to regional heights.
Urban Truth in Banani Road 11 signifies youth and celebrates their time, while their other brand Moda, housed in the same space is, as Momen explains, “A rich woman's boudoir or wardrobe”, while Pride Group's first venture Pride, spoke of Bangaliana.
“Our first venture Pride was very successful but it got trapped in the zeal of others replicating us and we suffered an image crisis. To get out of that stigma we needed an image change and Moda came into being,” Momen informs.
Elegantly designed, the store carries saris in local materials, like muslin, jacquard Tangails, Mirpur Benarasi but they are all solely designed by Moda's own group of highly qualified designers with degrees from the Fine Arts Institute. Prices at Moda are extremely reasonable compared to the quality and standard of their line. Moda also carries chiffons and georgettes imported from China.
“Local brands should have a strong footing as soon as we become a middle income country to keep international brands from dominating the markets. This is an emerging economy and local brands should be promoted or they will be taken over and internationalised,” Momen rightly warns.
We have come a long way. There was a time when second hand clothes were all we had and from that stage, we have earned the rank of one of the leading garments exporters in the world. Now the need of the hour is to create our own brands and promote them.