Shopping??

Sale! Slashed prices by half.. even more. Advertisements on newspapers, tv commercials, mailers or just around you, this is what is up.Sale is everywhere and we see people going mad over shopping. Suddenly the same money is giving us more products. A time when people, especially women, would run over each other to pick the products which otherwise their pockets won't allow.  It suddenly reminds me of confessions of a shopaholic.

People are buying and not in small number either. The spree has grown in size over the years encompassing a larger mass to purchase products which they not only don't need, but also don't like. They do it because it is offered at a price they simply fail to resist. The story has grown manifolds in the last couple of years with the influx of e-retailing which has led to an enormous increase in units of commodities purchased. These purchases even include the products which is not of their size, colour preference or original picks.Indian consumer has always been trying to balance out the satisfaction received with the money spent on that particular product. And the shopping websites has targeted this. They provide products at a price that you will not be able to say no to. This look good on the economic aspect where we say the standard of living is uplifted and life is becoming more electronic and convenient. But it certainly has an aspect we cannot just keep ignoring.

Everything produced goes into the landfill eventually. And the production is done based on the demands of the consumers. Just five years back when people used to buy one shoe, now on an average they buy five of them. Not because they need it, not because they want, not even because they like it but because just because it has suddenly become affordable. So just spare a moment to realise your contribution to the products that is dumped.

Pick what you are in absolute love with!

Fashion Forecasting

Myriad

Myriad was launched to global renown through a groundbreaking mix of tradition and innovation and infused the luxury brand with a sense of daring and provocation that resonated with celebrity and the fashion world. The stiletto, and silk cutout jersey dresses with metallic hardware details and the accessories with a bold outlook became instant icons of uniquely glamorous vision.

Myriad continues to focus on strengthening the values upon which its enviable reputation has been founded for its exclusivity, quality, fine craftsmanship, and fashion authority. Setting it apart from its competitors, Myriad is able to claim a unique duality in its brand positioning pairing modernity and heritage, innovation and craftsmanship, trendsetting and sophistication. 

Theme/concept board: Untamed

 Unleash the animal in you

Theme: Untamed

For the natives of the Earth, nature is a walk-in wardrobe

The animal kingdom has always inspired fashion with its zebra prints and reptile textures.

While Lady Gaga and Sophie Dahl may get experimental with McQueen’s armadillo-inspired shoes, we mere mortals have to play this trend with a little caution.

 If you’re the kind who’s a bit conservative about going wild with outfits, your accessories can help you embrace this trend with grace. 

The use of leathers and furs cements the natural feeling. Queens of the night, which sparkle in drama prints, fur and killer heels.

Target market visual board

A sense of glamour and sophistication teamed with the sexy air of ruggedness describes the lounge lovers of the luxury world.

·         Age: 16-35 years

·         Gender: female

·         Income: high

·         lifestyle: classy, exciting, trendy

·         Social class: rich

·         Opinion: easily led or opinionated

·         Activities and interests: partying, clubbing ,shopping, books

·         Attitudes and beliefs: Out going, doer

Color board

A longing for the natural is what drives the Wild Things. Blues are likened to the ocean and the sky, while the greys and whites of mountains make out a calm palette base.

Chunky knits pay homage to the nomads of the north, while the warm colours of South American tribal wear appear on prints and patterns.

An effortless approach to dressing is seen on the women's side where the swathing of cosy materials around the body is key.

Deep purples and reds are contrasted with black, gold and orange, while striking silhouettes are cut in the sumptuous materials of evening dresses and perfect this trend by sticking to bold colour basics with no frills, no drama and definitely no bling.

Silhouette board

This brand of allure comes armed with myriad methods of seduction: streetwear is transfigured by embroidery and the skilful cut of tweed parkas; femininity conquers all.

Layering emerges as the guiding philosophy of the collection. Flared skirts are paired with ultra-refined buttoned pants and tweed jackets.

Cocoon and boxy silhouettes came with shiny treatments in a simple palette of pure black, white and hints of burgundy.

There was a dark mood - too dark, actually -, that felt almost like a sin just to be watching the collection. There were the quilted sporty jackets with hardcore leather skirts, fish cut turtlenecks with see-through draping full of edginess.

Slip on a jacket on a tube dress paired with knee-high python print boots, or go conventional with an asymmetrical dress and chain link clutch in the reptile print.

Fabric board

Super soft quality wool and cashmere quality fabric : 65%wool, 20%cashmere, 15%nylon

Soft faux fur fabric 100%nylon

Tiger print pony skin faux fur 100% polyester

Fine metallic organza Metal and nylon

Mini white spot on black light weight jersey knit viscose/spandex

Textured wool and polyester mix, one way stretch, soft brushed

And more in combinations with velvet, cashmere, lycra, organza, braided wool and cambric

Trim board

Not just the necessity trims like threads, buttons, hook and eye have been enhanced, a lot of playfulness has been done with zippers- gold and bold- in rich metallic colors brings an edge to the otherwise not so jazzy merchandise. Metallic patterns have been created to act as a glam to the wardrobe. Without mention comes to the wild collection of fall/winter leathers and furs in colors close to the earth. Each of the trims to be used is carefully selected by the best designers to give you what we promise to deliver. A variety of hooks and eye, beautiful collars and fine metallic work has been picked up.

LESSONS AT COLLEGE: CLASSROOM AND MORE…

There is this guy at college who usually sits in the middle benches of the class, so he is never far off. Suddenly a buzz would fetch your attention there and in the middle of the class all his attention will be shifted to the update at the smart phone, well maybe it always was there. Some witty statement just crossed your mind and you would already be craving to put it online if you already have not done while it came. With technology being so handy and universal one will always have more than one thing at a time. Timeline connect, just tweet or link In ,bbm, wassapp or just a text, view pages or check e-mails and now e-shop; the stuff which really don’t help you gain (based on time invested and results gained) but certainly takes the share of work though makes you look busy when you are really not doing one thing which is the reason of falling efficiency and low results when compared to the potentials.

 Rules like no mobiles and electronic notebooks in class will not be a solution as it has been deep rooted by now. It lives in the brain, waits impatiently for the class to get over. It has grown so big that there seems no solution. And the case is no different at organizations. The virtual and actual life has blended very subtly into a habit of everyone. I am no exception. It acts as a resort of escapism, from the world into a more controlled place.

IT’S THE TIME TO LET LOOSE THE CHAIN

Ever since independence, India has been wary whenever it came to trade beyond boundaries.  Had it not been for Rajiv Gandhi’s initiatives and determination, despite intense criticism in mid-80s, and the new Industrial Policy of 1991, India would far off be lagging behind at a global stand.

Picturing the recent trade scenario, India had been on guard regarding the FDI in retailing. Though a 100% FDI for the single brand retail is allowed, the 30% sourcing clause acts as a bottleneck to the comparable entries. The pitiable impact speaks for its inefficiency as the Swedish furniture and home-ware retailer IKEA, among the firsts to push for permission, expressed that it would be difficult for it to "live up to" some of the conditions of the policy implemented by India, but still looks forward to the entry in the economy when the terms "are appropriate". Abhorring the clause, Mr Arvind Singhal, Chairman, Luxury Connect said, “This condition ( on sourcing) is highly impractical and illogical. Big brands entering India would not like to source from SME players as they cannot match up to the standards of global retailers. We believe that the Government cannot force this condition on brands wishing to scale up in India.”

The proposal of 51% FDI in multi-brand is being debated upon. The policy is expected of not only creating more intense competition but also is believed to bring down prices and facilitate higher quality coupled with consumer satisfaction. Brands like Tesco, Wal-mart and Carrefour awaiting it’s entry would give a motivational kick to the multi-brand retailing of the nation and help them match the international level.

Following the footsteps of China, India proposes to let 100% FDI in multi brand retailing with the six metros- Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore and intends to eventually expand the horizon depending on the success rates in these cities. However, the matter is put to the backburner in the budget2012-13.

The BJP, however, expresses its outright non acceptance out of desperate emergency on behalf of the livelihood of about 50 percent of the country’s population engaged in unorganised retail and try to draw attention towards the impact of such liberalisation in multi brand retailing on the unskilled labour of local vendors and the numerous kirana stores.

Favoring the opening of India’s multi-brand retail trade to FDI, the Economic Survey 2011-12 concluded the positive impact in terms of curbing the food inflation in the country along with other benefits it brings.

Such a policy not only will generate numerous employment opportunities but also will provide the economy the boom it deserves at this hour. The fall in consumption and the slow movements of the sector needs to be accelerated so as to enable the growth, no close equivalent can be viewed. Also the politicians should keep a check over their filthy reactionary rage for it is time we all think towards the nation’s development.