Entertainment
What lies beneath?
During one of those regular brainstorming sessions, when I was asked to become a salesgirl at a lingerie shop for a day, I knew what I was getting into: Boring cotton bras and panties. I mean selling them to even more boring middle-aged aunties and girls. How exciting could selling the bare essentials be?
Very exciting. That’s what I realized after spending a day at a lingerie shop in Convent Junction, Cochin. The owner of the shop agreed to ‘hire’ me for a day and keep my identity under wraps from the rest of the staff.So far,so good.
Underwear everywhere
Friday was my first (and last) day at ‘work’. The moment I stepped inside the shop, I gasped. Never in my life had I seen so many ‘under-things’ together. And even if I had seen them, I had never noticed. They were everywhere- in all imaginable (and even unimaginable) shapes, sizes colours and designs.
Soon I was introduced to my colleagues – Sheetal, Nisha, Sangeeta and Anjana. A mischievous twinkle lingered in my eyes. They didn’t know I was a spy.
Good noon, uncle …..
It was at Eve’s collection that I learnt two important lessons in life. Lesson one: Always keep an open mind. For example, while at a lingerie shop, never assume that your customers are going to be women. ‘Girlie’ things always attract more men than women.
Lesson two: Reporters have a long way to go before they become lingerie experts.
Oh lord
The first customer was a fat, old gentleman. “what does this old ‘ker want ?”one of my colleagues asked.
Before I could tell him that we didn’t sell men’s underwear, he stumped me with his demand: some ‘cute, red’ lingerie for his beloved.
“Ass….le” giggled another.
Simple looking lingerie, the kind women actually wear, were an absolute no no for him. “I need something that will set our imaginations on fire,” he told us. When we gave him the flimsiest stuff available in the store, he looked at least 20 years younger. Uncle left happy, humming a popular Bollywood number.
Pink please
Our next customer was also a man. He wanted pink lingerie for his 25 year old girlfriend, who is a nurse in a city hospital. The pink man proved to be an expert on the subject. “Hero Rayappan knows more than his girl” one of my fellow salesgirls commented.
Ladies last
The nurse guy had just left when an aunty walked in. “oh, gosh…” a colleague groaned. Apparently, the woman shopped for bright-colored lingerie every 15 days. “She buys more lingerie than vegetables” they informed me.
This time, she wanted jet red panties. It seems her husband loves red on her. Is he a Superman fan, I wanted to ask.
Next in line was a really overweight lady. We were not sure we had anything that would fit her. And the woman was very choosy. “Why is she so choosy? With her size, does she even have a choice?” a colleague murmured.
But the staff, polite and patient with every customer, after a frantic search, found what she wanted. “I want to spice up my romantic life” she whispered. The fat lady, it seems, had fat money also. She paid an outrageous amount for three pieces.
Angry
Customers can lose their cool even in cool lingerie shops. One woman lost it when the shop manager refused to take back her purchase saying she didn’t have the box in which the lingerie was packed.
After arguing for a good 15 minutes, the woman stormed out, saying, “fine, don’t take it, I will throw it away”
The ‘sister-turned-mod’ left a bad taste in everybody’s mouth.
A little secret
My colleagues told me a love story was blossoming in the shop. One of the girls was having an affair with a sales boy who delivers stuff to the shop. The boy, they told me, was treated like Prince Charming by all of them! Wow. Finding a love mate in a lingerie shop! Can it get more romantic than that?
Just because they serve you doesn’t mean they like you. Kevin Smith made the movie Clerks about sales folks in a shop. Angaadi Theru ( Market Street), a 2010 Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Vasanthabalan, starring debutant Mahesh and Anjali in the lead roles also showcases the sales folk’s story.. What they say about you once you are gone? Reshma Nair from FWD life became a salesgirl in a lingerie shop for a day to eavesdrop on salesgirl’s bitchy talk. It might not have been Clerks nor Angadi Theru, but it sure was a lot of fun. Go on, peep inside.
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Popular Curtain Fabrics to Consider for Your Home
When it comes to decorating your home, curtains play a crucial role in shaping both the aesthetic and the functionality of a space. The fabric you choose can dramatically alter the atmosphere, offering anything from opulence to a laid-back vibe. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular curtain fabrics that can elevate the look and feel of your home.
1. Luxurious Velvet
Velvet curtains bring a sense of luxury and elegance. Known for their plush texture and rich appearance, velvet is perfect if you’re looking to add sophistication to a room. They not only provide excellent insulation but also block out light, making them ideal for bedrooms, home theaters, or any space where you want a cozy, private atmosphere.
Best for: Bedrooms, formal living rooms, and home theaters.
2. Airy Sheer
Sheer curtains offer a light, breezy aesthetic that lets natural light filter through. These curtains are made from translucent fabrics like chiffon or voile, creating a delicate and ethereal look. Sheers are perfect for rooms where you want to maintain privacy while still enjoying sunlight, such as living rooms, dining areas, or sunrooms.
Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, and sunrooms.
3. Classic Cotton
Cotton is one of the most versatile curtain fabrics, known for its breathable and lightweight properties. Cotton curtains come in a wide variety of patterns and colors, making them easy to fit into any design scheme. They’re also low-maintenance and can be machine washed, which makes them practical for high-traffic areas in your home.
Best for: Bedrooms, kitchens, and casual living spaces.
4. Elegant Silk
For a luxurious and glamorous touch, silk curtains are the go-to fabric. Silk adds a glossy finish and drapes beautifully, exuding elegance and grandeur. However, they require extra care and are better suited for formal spaces. Silk curtains are often lined to protect them from sun damage and to provide additional body and privacy.
Best for: Formal dining rooms, master bedrooms, and sitting rooms.
5. Versatile Linen
Linen curtains offer a natural, textured look that blends well with both contemporary and rustic designs. Linen is a durable fabric that allows light to softly filter through, and it also has excellent temperature-regulating properties. It’s perfect for creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere in any room.
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and spaces with lots of sunlight.
6. Durable Polyester
If you’re looking for an affordable, low-maintenance option, polyester curtains are a great choice. They are resistant to wrinkling, shrinking, and stretching, making them a durable option for everyday use. Polyester curtains are available in a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns, giving you plenty of choices to suit your home’s décor.
Best for: High-traffic areas like living rooms, guest rooms, and children’s bedrooms.
7. Chic Satin
Satin curtains are known for their smooth, glossy surface, which reflects light and adds a subtle sheen to any room. They are often used in contemporary and modern designs to bring a sense of refinement and class. Satin works well for rooms that require a touch of glamour without being as heavy as velvet or silk.
Best for: Bedrooms, formal spaces, and accent rooms.
Choosing the right curtain fabric can have a significant impact on your home’s overall design. Whether you prefer the lushness of velvet or the breezy nature of sheer fabrics, the right curtains can create the perfect balance between style and function in your space. Consider the mood you want to create and the practical needs of each room to select the best fabric for your home.
Events
The L’Oréal Paris Show at Paris Fashion Week 2024
The L’Oréal Paris runway at Paris Fashion Week 2024 was a captivating spectacle, celebrating women’s empowerment, inclusion, and sisterhood under the theme “Walk Your Worth.” A star-studded lineup of global icons brought glamour to the stage.
Kendall Jenner stole the spotlight in a bold red mesh asymmetric dress, paired with a vibrant lip and striking bleach blonde hair. Alia Bhatt, making her much-anticipated debut at Paris Fashion Week, dazzled in a metallic silver bustier and black off-shoulder jumpsuit. Eva Longoria mesmerized in a sheer organza gown with a daring high slit, dripping in diamonds.
Other standout moments included Cara Delevingne rocking a red silk trench coat and high-waisted hot pants, while Jane Fonda exuded elegance in a shimmering silver trench, styled with metallic trainers. The event also featured appearances from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Heidi Klum, and Simone Ashley, each bringing their unique flair to the runway.
Kendal Jenner
Eva Longaria
Aishwarya Rai
Anitta
Viola Davis and Simone Ashley
Jane Fonda
Heidi Klum
Andie MacDowell
Cara Delevingne
Belinda Peregrin
Bethenny Frankel
Aja Naomi King
Beatrice Vio
Samadhi Zendejas
Alia Bhatt
Camila Cabello
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Laapataa Ladies: Kiran Rao’s Social Satire Becomes India’s Official Entry for the 2025 Oscars
Kiran Rao’s delightful bride-swapping comedy-drama, *Laapataa Ladies*, has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, the Film Federation of India (FFI) announced on Monday. FFI Chairman Jahnu Barua revealed that the film was chosen from a pool of 29 contenders. A 13-member jury evaluated 12 Hindi, six Tamil, and four Malayalam films to decide the country’s submission for Best International Feature Film. Among the notable competitors were Animal, Kill, Kalki 2898 AD, Srikanth, Chandu Champion, Joram, Maidaan, Sam Bahadur, Article 370, the National Award-winning Malayalam film Aattam, and Payal Kapadia’s Cannes-winning All We Imagine As Light.
Expressing her gratitude, Kiran Rao stated, “I am deeply honored and delighted that Laapataa Ladies has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of my entire team, whose dedication and passion brought this story to life. Cinema has always been a powerful medium to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and ignite meaningful conversations. I hope this film will resonate with audiences worldwide, just as it has in India.”
Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, features a fresh ensemble cast including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, and Chhaya Kadam, with a standout cameo by veteran actor Ravi Kishan. Released in theaters on March 1, the film garnered praise from critics and audiences alike, steadily gaining momentum through word-of-mouth.
Though it didn’t achieve massive box office numbers, Laapataa Ladies found a growing fanbase following its release on Netflix, where it reached a wider audience. The film, a social satire based on Biplab Goswami’s award-winning story, was brought to life with a screenplay and dialogues by Sneha Desai. It also earned recognition on the international stage, having been screened at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) last year.
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