(From top): Raseel Gujral and Navin Ansal at the launch of Paradox One; choreographer Sharmila Khanna and Prasad Bidapa at the launch of Swarovski’s Lovlots collection; J&K governor Jagmohan lights the lamp at the Kashmir Views exhibition as Adarsh Sein Anand (extreme right) and others look on

The Crescent Mall, which recently opened its doors at Qutub on Mehrauli Gurgaon road is all set to become the latest fashion address for Delhi’s designer fraternity after MG 1 and MG 2 came crashing down courtesy the demolition drive a few months ago. Big names like Rohit Bal, Tarun Tahiliani, Suneet Varma and Manav Gangwani are just some of the designers who are likely to set up shop here. Last month Ritu Kumar launched her showroom at the mall and the latest in the line-up to join the Crescent family was interior designer Raseel Gujral and architect husband Navin Ansal. Their venture, Paradox One is located on the third level of the building.

Describing the interiors of the store Gujral said she has laid more emphasis on the jewelled look this time, right from cushions and mirrors to accessories like lampshades that are heavy on the glitz and glitter.

At the new store there are eye-catching bronze sculptures imported from Brazil in the shape of fruits besides the furniture in unique shapes and sizes. Apart from this, all eyes were on the latest series of paintings from Raseel’s father, artist Satish Gujral who also attended the launch. Others spotted at the event were J J Valaya, Reena Dhaka, Ritu Kumar, Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna.

A glimpse of paradise

The untouched beauty of old Kashmir captured by the lens of late photographer Ram Chand Mehta came alive at India Habitat Centre’s Visual Arts Gallery in Delhi recently. The exhibition ? Kashmir Views ? was organised by the photographer’s grandsons Dushyant and Hemant Mehta and showcased the rare collection of archival black and white photographs of Kashmir taken by Mehta between 1934 and 1965.

Mehta founded the well-known photo studio Mahatta’s in Srinagar in 1918. Dushyant Mehta, the COO of IndiaPicture.com (a website featuring the work of about 60 photographers) and its photo editor, Hemant Mehta compiled the pictures taken by their grandfather that were lying in the attic of his studio on the banks of the Jhelum. With the help of senior photo editor Sanjeev Seth, they took five months to select and put the pictures together for the exhibition.

From the panoramic views of the valley to the frozen Dal jheel, River Jhelum and house-boats, the images bring alive a gamut of landscapes including the style of royalty and culture of the people.

Former union minister and J&K governor, Jagmohan, and chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Adarsh Sein Anand, inaugurated the exhibition.

Wild on

After making their presence felt on the saris of the ladies who lunch, crystal giants Swarovski recently launched their collection of animal figurines in Bangalore in an event that was high on, well, glitter. Hosted by the city’s No. 1 party animal ? stylist, event manager and model- coordinator Prasad Bidapa ? the high-profile event was held at the city’s latest glam stop, the Olive Beach restaurant.

A bit about the collection that has been a hit with crystal lovers around the world: the Lovlots, as they are called, are nine crystal figurines ‘symbolising love and friendship’. The quirky animal figures with quirkier names like Missy Mo (a cow), Lil of Bling (cat) and Y2B (sheep) each represent a personality trait such as loyalty, ingenuity, originality and extravagance. They will soon also be available as charms to be put on bracelets, belts and watches.

To bring home the friendship theme which the Lovlots are supposed to represent, Bidapa called on stage nine pairs of friends from among the invitees. They were from Bangalore’s hip brigade, such as models Rohit and Pashmeena Barker, model Mustafa and his friend Tejni and designers Raj and Neetu Shroff of the label Ravage. The friends were then asked to talk about the personality traits of their partners much to the amusement of the gathering.

The event saw a glam guest list which included John Abraham who made a fleeting entry and exit, actress Keerthi Reddy and event impresario Gautam Kalra.

Photographs of Delhi events by Rupinder Sharma and Jagan Negi