By Papri Das

Known for his chiseled body and action packed roles, Sonu Sood is the kind of actor that makes you root even for the villain. (Remember Dabangg?) Given his 'angry young man' image, it comes as a surprise when we found out that he is a self confessed shopaholic. 

After a two month hiatus from the maximum city, Sood is back in Mumbai and Exec Lifestyle caught up with him at Vogue Fashion's Night Out. Looking dapper in a black on black suit, he soon slipped into the crowd of celebrities inside a popular pub for the after party of the event, but not before answering a short Q&A on fashion with us.

Excerpts:

What's your fashion mantra?

Wear what's comfortable and be confident in it. Don?t follow a fad blindly unless you want to experiment and are down for it. In events like these, you generally see a lot of people decked up for the occasion, but for me this occasion is all about meeting my friends. I was out of Mumbai for a few months and I am going to have a good time catching up.

Have you ever gone on a shopping spree?

Although I hold myself back here, but yes, there have been a few instances abroad where I have gone on a shopping spree. There was time during shoots when I over stacked myself with stuff I bought and I had nowhere to store them. Women are often teased for their love for shopping but it is definitely not exclusive to them.

What do you go gaga over in a store?

Shoes, shoes and more shoes. I am head over heels for a new pair of shoes. If I do an inventory of my wardrobe, I think there will be around 250 to 300 pairs of shoes at least.

What type of shoes do you prefer?

Depends on where I am headed to and what the occasion is. I like the good old classics, but off late I am experimenting with colours and patterns but within my comfort zone.

Would you go to a party wearing the wackiest pair of shoes?

Oh absolutely. I sometimes wear bright red converse shoes with formals. But then again, I need to be among people I hang out with.

By Papri Das

Tanishq has launched the second edition of the Farah Khan Collection. The jewellery range is an extension to the elaborate diamond jewellery collection line launched last year. Designed by renowned celebrity jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali, the collection is a take on the royal rhapsody of the Persian and Mughal aesthetics in a contemporary perspective.

Unveiled by Farah Khan Ali and Titan Company head of jewellery division Sandeep Kulhalli, inspiration was brought to life as beautiful models sashayed down the runway, draped in striking outfits, complemented by the stunning diamond jewellery designed by Ali.

Overjoyed with her second collaboration with the brand, she said, ?I am extremely elated to announce the launch of the second edition of the Farah Khan for Tanishq line.?

When asked about her thought behind the collection, Ali said, ?This collection is a recreation of a glorious era of grandeur, splendor and preciousness. Using intricate floral and bird motifs, it marks a royal celebration of exotic new forms, inspired by striking silhouettes and enchanting colors.?

The diamond accessories that the models sashayed in were crafted in 18k gold with diamonds and other precious stones like rubies, emeralds, pearls, citrine, amethysts and topaz amongst others. With an assortment of chandelier earrings, cocktail rings, pendant sets and bracelets, the collection has taken a step forward by adding multi finger rings, ring-earring sets, ear cuffs and front back earring sets to cater to the fashionable trend in jewellery today. 

Speaking about the target clientele for the collection, Kulhalli said, ?This collection is for the Indian woman, who considers jewellery to be an extension of her personality. We are pleased to have Farah back in the Tanishq family as we celebrate the success of this stunning range of jewellery. We are confident this second edition will be as successful as the first one, if not more, and have an appeal amongst women of diverse age groups across India.?

The versatile collection can be paired with both ethnic as well as western outfits.

By Papri Das

All that glitters is most definitely gold and giving credence to this was the first day of India International Jewellery Week, which saw the launch of Tanishq?s latest gold collection - The Divyam.

The Divyam was a world removed from the usual modern aesthetics that our eyes are trained to see in fashion shows. Floral garlands decorated the sidewalks of the runway, while temple bells and powerful spiritual chants replaced the ?oh-so-familiar? peppy background music that models catwalk on. The fragrance of the flowers too added to the mystic and holy ambience of the runway.

With the elegant and effervescent Juhi Chawla?s association with the brand, anticipation was already high surrounding Tanishq?s latest launch. From follower-heavy lifestyle and fashion bloggers to eminent industry honchos and stylists, the house was packed with a buzzing audience. The opening semi-classical dance was quick to grab attention, soon followed by models who effortlessly sashayed in displaying the glowing yellow metal around them. Carved out of 22 carat gold, The Divyam is inspired by the heritage surrounding Indian temples, at the same time keeping it lightweight for more contemporary patrons.

Titan jewellery division, associate vice president of design Revathi Kant said, ?When you talk of heritage, temples offer a great deal of inspiration for us designers. First is the architecture, then the figurines, and of course myths and stories that are associated with temples make it a treasure trove for inspirations. What we have tried to do is take all of that along with their intricacies and represent it through the designs in the jewellery collection, and create a product, which is hand crafted for today?s modern woman.?

Kant further added that their target patron for The Divyam collection is the contemporary woman who prefers lighter jewellery, and yet loves a touch of ethnicity and gold on her. ?It?s an ethno-contemporary collection. They are more of statement pieces. The jewellery can go with sarees, or even with a maxi dress or a black cocktail gown. It has been designed keeping the modern Indian woman in mind, who is not necessarily donning a saree all the time,? said the designer.

The collection features different gold techniques like nakashi work, laser cut stamps and cut work. Apart from the distinct lockets with straight edges, what was noteworthy was the use of ?jhumkas? in the collection. Kant explained that it was a conscious decision keeping in mind the current consumer trends.

?Jhumkas are very much in focus this season. Not just that, ear-wear are selling pretty well. There are beautiful ear cups and there is a lot of adornment around ears, which can be experimented with. Jhumkas add that perfect touch of tradition with otherwise sharper and edgier neck pieces,? Kant added.

The show was divided into three major segments, with classical dancers playing perfect interludes with their dance moves. Their final act tactfully built up the atmosphere for the show-stopper to hit the stage. As Chawla glided in elegantly, showcasing the many necklaces of various lengths with the masterfully made stone studded gold choker at the center of all attention, the crowd couldn't help but applaud.

After the show was over, the bubbly actress told this website that when it comes to jewellery, she was more inclined towards the traditional. ?I love traditional jewellery so needless to say that I prefer more intricate designs. I like polki and jadau jewellery,? she said.

When asked to pick her favourite from the numerous necklaces she was adorning, Chawla initially finds herself in a bind, unable to pick one but finally decides on the gorgeous polki choker. ?I really like what I am wearing. Each one of them is stunning. My favourite would be the choker but I really can?t pick,? she says. ?I love them so much that I want to take all of them home, until they said they will come running with the bills,? she signs off with a wink.