07 October,2010 06:42 AM IST | | soma das
Splurge on home decor, festive apparel, accessories and desserts at crescent moon for a good cause. seema and natasha jain have organised Crescent Moon, a shopping extravaganza, which brings together 74 women entrepreneurs from all over india under one roof.u00a0u00a0
Giving a whole new meaning to the term "flower power" are Seema and Natasha Jain, the mother-and-daughter-team behind Crescent Moon. The bi-annual exhibition (held in March and October) is back in its pre-Diwali festive edition and will feature 74 participants from all over India along with international brands.
Silver-plated handcrafted clutch by Neeta Parekh; made using American diamonds and precious stones.
By: Mystique (Mumbai)Price range: Rs 2,000 to Rs 25,000
The day-long exhibition provides a platform for women entrepreneurs and NGOs devoted towards women and children's empowerment. In its third edition, the exhibition will feature seven NGO stalls showcasing products made by Act Kalpana, Akanksha, Aseema, Om Creations, Saathi, Smile and Shraddha Trust.
Explaining how they got started, Natasha Jain, recalls, "My mother used to organise exhibitions for a charitable organisation. Since she was keen on helping women entrepreneurs with fledgling start-ups, we started Crescent Moon and the response kept us going. Around 25% of the total money earned through the exhibition is donated to NGOs as well." She adds that while they have repeat participants, a major share of participants are newcomers who need visibility that such an event affords.
In tandem with the festive season, the exhibition will include gift items, colourful garments, bags, shoes, jewellery and home decor products. The emphasis is on moderate pricing (products are priced Rs 250 onwards), so that it doesn't pinch your pocket.
Among the exhibitors, watch out for Gurgaon-based organisation Aakarshan Elite, which sells dried flowers from South East Asia and China's tropical rain forests. These flowers are treated to last forever. Indulge in Mumbai-based brand Cocoabean's range of desserts which includes mousse tarts, puddings, truffles and handmade chocolates. Don't miss their brownie lollipops and lollipops shaped like milk bottles and strollers.
In the festival apparel section, ethnic meets contemporary chic in Jalandar's Ishvaara brand. To promote the traditional art of Punjab, they offer Nalas (traditional belts in bright colours), Parandha (hair accessory) and Kaleera (hand accessory that brides tie to bangles on their wedding day).
If you are looking for festive wear, check out Mumbai-based designer Karishma Trehan's festive sarees and anarkalis while Delhi-based brand Tex Indus will offer colourful sarees, tunics and kurtis with applique work. For western wear, check out Mumbai-based brand Paprika's silk gowns. To add some bling to your wardrobe, pick up Swarovski-studded T-shirts from Blue Lotus and for those who prefer bespoke apparel, Sapphire will offer customised dresses at the exhibition.
In the jewellery section, take a peek at Mumbai-based brand Rosentiques' collection of jadau and uncut jewellery. If you are a fan of accessories, head to Italian brand Tanya Rossi's collection of charms, chains and stackables (an assortment of rings that are stacked together to form a customised ring).
ON: October 8, 10 am to 7 pm at Taj President, Cuffe Parade. CALL: 9820600240
Where to get more festive goodies
At the Diwali Fair, pick up candles and diyas for the upcoming festival as well as clothes, jewellery and home decor for the wedding season. Choose from a wide range
of gifts, decoration and trousseauu00a0packing options.
On: October 8 at Blue Sea Banquets, Worli Sea Face, Worli. Call: 24902222; On: October 15 at The Club,
DN Nagar, Andheri (E).
IMC Ladies' Wing presents Women Entrepreneurs (WE) 2010, which focusses on on women's philanthropy and empowerment. Participating NGOs will be given a free platform to showcase their skills at this exhibition. Check out a whole new range of clothes, accessories, jewellery, home decorative items and gifting options for the festive season.
On: October 14 and 15 at Expo Center, World Trade Center, Cuffe Parade.
