Slumdog actress ran off ramp

This week, focus on > Where to buy limited edition suitcases that sport a crocodile skin feel > The journey of model Freida Pinto, from Mulund to Hollywood > Why you should ditch the tie and sport the cravat SRK style

Described by Rolling Stones as "achingly lovely", Freida Pinto walked the ramp for Goa-based fashion designer Wendell Rodricks' Les Vamps show in 2007

This week, focus on

> Where to buy limited edition suitcases that sport a crocodile skin feelu00a0u00a0
> The journey of model Freida Pinto,u00a0 from Mulund to Hollywood
> Why you should ditch the tie and sport the cravat SRK style

Two individuals, interviewed at different times, couldn't have possibly run out of words from an expansive vocabulary to describe Slumdog Millionaire actress Freida Pinto. And yet, both Director and CEO of Elite Model Management Sushma Puri, and designer Wendell Rodricks ended up using "very confident" for the Mangalorean beauty.

Sushma signed on Freida in 2005, while Wendell made her walk the ramp for his Lakme Fashion Week show in 2007. "Danny Boyle's casting agency was looking for a fresh, versatile face, one that wouldn't look out of place in a slum, and yet have a subtle glamorous look. When they approached me, I suggested a couple of girls, but it was Freida who was called back for auditions and screen tests. She was eventually chosen in 2007," recalls Sushma about the Mulund-basedu00a0 model.

Freida's 5 feet 5 inch stature made her "not tall enough" for ramp, but Wendell along with handful of designers took a chance on her. "During the auditions at Taj Lands End, she was the only girl with great energy. There was something nice about her face, a mix of innocence and confidence. In fact, Freida walked the ramp for me and was so intimidated by the crowd, that she scurried back half way," laughs Wendell. The Goan designer with an eye for spotting promising faces including model-turned-actresses Deepika Padukone and Anushka Sharma, went on to work with Freida on the Elite 2006 calendar.

If Wendell were to design an Oscar outfit for Freida
I would use colour effectively to make her look taller. I'll put her in a sleek, sexy outfit. She is very confident of her body, I don't think she'll have a problem revealing a bit.u00a0u00a0

We loved SRK's cravat at the Golden Globes

For the recently held Golden Globe Awards, superstar Shahrukh Khan chose to sport a trend that originated between the 17th century and World War I. The French switched from old-fashioned starched linen ruffs to the new loose linen and muslin cravats (a sort of neck tie); the military styles often had broad, laced edges, while a gentleman's cravat could be made from fine lace.

Menswear designer Arjun Khanna says he loves the black and white combination SRK chose. "Though I wouldn't have worn it (cravat) that loose. If I was dressing him, I'd have put him in a sharply tailored black bandgala, and thrown in the cravat."

Wearing a cravat without a jacket will be considered a fashion faux pas
Mumbai-based menswear fashion designer Arjun Khanna dresses the likes of actor Ranbir Kapoor

Kangna gives it lady spin
Actress Kangna Ranaut gave the cravat a feminine spin, seen in O Jaana, the promotional song for her forthcoming release Raaz-The Mystery Continues

Buy one here

>Raymond stocks cravats in four colours red, black, blue and grey.
Cost: Rs 800 onwards
At: 301, 3rd floor, Atria Mall, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli.
Call 24813412

>Ermenegildo Zegna stocks it in varied combinations. Choose from black with white stripes, orange and blue with white stripes.
Cost: Rs 7,100 onwards
At: Taj Mahal Hotel And Towers, Apollo Bunder, Colaba.
Call 22844000

>Pal Zileri stocks the cravat in beige, blue and yellow.
Cost: Rs 5,299 onwards
At: Shop No. 2B, Crystal Cooperative Housing Society, 36, Altamount Road.
Call 23540185

Your Dos and Don'ts guide from Arjun Khanna

There really is no particular occasion that demands that you sport this style. It's a very
individual and stylish look. It looks best with a blazer, usually in black, navy, or charcoal. If you are wearing a camel or light coloured blazer, you could experiment with colours, prints, and fabric.
You don't have to stick to a dark colour. Any variation is allowed as long as it goes with the rest of your outfit. Wearing a cravat without a jacket is considered a fashion faux pas. A jacket (any type) depending on the look you are going for, is essential.
You usually wear/tie the cravat the same way you would a tie. Skip the last stage, where the tongue goes into the knot. The newer ones come pre-pleated and stitched with a Velcro strap.
Specific dimensions are needed for a cravat. For example, a stole would not work as a
replacement since it would bunch up. A cravat is made in its own unique way.

Samsonite's Black Label range

We LOVE n The limited edition futuristic, silver version designed by international designer Alexander McQueen. The idea is adapted in two styles Al1 takes on the imprint of a human form and the AI2 has a crocodile skin effect. It's scratch and UV resistant (Available for Rs 47,000).

>>The classic and timeless purple beauty case from the Vintage collection (also in tuscan and black). With sleek contemporary lines combined with detailing reminiscent of the 1930s.
>>In an era where Bespoke has become a way of life, the Couture collection offers sophisticated travellers the opportunity tou00a0create their own set of travel pieces. You can choose from an infinite combination of bold colours, vibrant patterns, rich prints and soft luxurious leathers (Price on request).

Samsonite Black Label stores at G-2, Grand Hyatt Hotel, Vakola, Santacruz (E).
Call 30601018.
Also at 2nd Floor, Atria Mall, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli.
Call 24813404