'11 Issue 05

Known for his high-impact, surreal photography, New York-based Mike Ruiz has impacted the face of the still image globally. Speaking about his all-consuming passion, in an exchange with Verve, the lensman zooms in on the ‘It’ quotient that has coloured his life...
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They are young, trendy and very creative. Taking home décor to a brand new level, Gautam Seth and Prateek Jain, talk to Verve about their eclectic designs, maverick lifestyle and exclusive clientele. Verve catches up with the duo in their spacious New Delhi home
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His animated mannerisms are infectious and his energy levels are enviable. Weeks into a whirlwind international tour, country-hopping, seminar-dotted schedules and beating the clock do not wear him out. Jimmy Choo enthusiastically interacts with everyone he meets, obliging with photo poses as per their myriad requests; then whips out his own camera and clicks some more with visitors for his personal albums (not Facebook, he clarifies). The high priest of couture shoemaking is certainly well-heeled enough to rest on his accolades – OBE being the most prestigious one – but continues to pursue his passion for creating bespoke footwear, and seriously regards his role as the Ambassador of Footwear Education at the London College of Fashion and as a spokesperson for the British Council promoting education in Britain – where his works have earned him the title of ‘Professor’. In Mumbai to promote design education, in association with University of the Arts, London, the very grounded Dato (the Mayalsian equivalent of knighthood) has a conversation with Verve about hand-made traditions, the importance of connecting with the youth, his Buddhist beliefs, his art-business outlook and his expertise at reading feet
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The boys came prepared. They arrived with a plan and set to execute it with determination. Shantanu and Nikhil Mehra stepped under the Indian runway scanners for the first time in 2001. Ten years have passed. They are still there, standing strong. And not boys anymore, but seasoned men of the game. Verve visits the dynamic duo not to embark upon a retrospective, but to observe their assertive process of expanding their empire – one retail point at a time
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Right now, Gucci is Frida, and Frida is Gucci. Whatever Ms Giannini does, the world considers gospel. The creative director of the Italian luxury giant has been piloting the brand since 2005, steadily reasserting the Gucci stamp, digging into its legendary archives and reinterpreting classics, but always keeping things contemporary. Presently in its 90th year, the company ranks as one of the most coveted luxury brands in the world, and there are no questions regarding how instrumental Frida Giannini has been in this ascent to the top. Verve quizzes the powerhouse about celebration plans and things to look forward to
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A dreamer and a dream catcher, fashion choreographer and director of shows at Fashion Weeks, Shyamlee Kalra revels in the ways of the industry
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