Art

An All Women Kathakali Saga

FWD life gets in touch with the world’s first and one of its kind all women’s Kathakali troupe.

Published

9 years ago

June 4, 2015

Strolling through the veranda, I was led to the Tripunithura Temple Ootupura. The chimes of pancharimelam rang in my ears. As I walked into the green room, I could hear those feminine laughs and titters. I saw a few many women getting ready for their enactment of Duryodhanavadham. If an experience could be a transformation then what I witnessed sufficed. There they sat patiently, as their faces slowly got masked. Ironically it was to reveal another story. The lashes flickered in intensity, I could sense the excitement. They were getting ready for their role reversals. From the initial makeup to the final positioning of Kireedam(crown), I was lucky enough to capture all these moments with my eyes and write stories in my mind

Grandeur Of Kathakali

It is true to say that Kathakali, a highly complex and stylized temple art form is where Gods and Demons come to play. Probably the only art form where the audience can see the emotions ascend and reach its impeccable best. For instance, in the Duryodhanavadham, one gets to see a vengeful Bhima dancing in fury clashing with Dushasana on the battlefield. The pinnacle of the play is the convergence of conflicted emotions. Bhima dances his hunger for avenge; Dushasana his defiance. The fighting takes the form of a duet with clattering drums and crashing cymbals that are overwhelmingly energetic. Hands interlinked, the combatants spree on the stage each propelling the other into a new level of spleen. Good triumphs over Evil, as the proverb inevitably goes. Bhima knocks down Dushasana onto the ground with his mace. An out of control Bhima rips out his foe’s entrails and drinks his blood. In utter oblivion of what is going on, Bhima reaches a point of vengeful ecstasy. As Lord Krishna enters, he begins to return to his senses; realising what he has done, Bhima falls on his face in front of Lord Krishna and begs for pardon. As he receives the lord’s benediction, Bhima’s mannerisms completely change. One can see the anger drain from his body to be replaced by the tender mood of poignancy, and this is the moment when the audience gets to experience trance. It is probably at these moments when people talk about the divine manifestation through human bodies; Kathakali fulfills that.

Skimming Through The History

For more than three centuries, Kathakali, belonged to the upper-class men. Later when the caste system was officially abolished, boys from all the backgrounds were permitted to get themselves trained and perform. It was in 1975, which was coincidentally the International Year of Women, when a group of immensely talented young women formed an all women-troupe. It was a period when youth festivals were gaining momentum among the students, and there was a section for Kathakali. During one such lot, few girls performed, beat the boys and won the prize. And few judges quipped, “Had we knew that they were girls, we wouldn’t have given them the prize.” Padmasri Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair, the doyen of Kathakali, was then residing in Tripunithura. He took the initiative to give solo performances with girls in it. He called Radhika Varma, Shylaja Varma and few others who perform Kathakali, two women from Palakkad who sing, a woman from Kollam who plays the chenda and formed a group. That’s how the world’s first all-women Kathakali troupe took its first breath – The Tripunithura Kathakali Kendram Ladies Troupe.

Although the troupe had made their presence felt in the field of Kathakali, it was only in 1999, that Kalamandalam recognized this troupe and invited them to perform. “Earlier, people came to watch our performance, not because they felt we were good; because they were curious. Let us see what these girls can do! So was their attitude,” says Geetha Varma, one of the senior most members of the troupe.

The Story

It was in the year 2002 that the troupe made its international debut. Three months and 19 shows. During one of these shows, Radhika Varma, the first woman of the troupe did a demonstration about 9/11 at Washington. “When asked the audience whether they understood anything, what we received was utter silence. We heard whispers and then the audience started shouting ‘It is 9/11!’.” quipped Radhika Varma.

The demonstration culminated with a thumping applause. The misconception of Kathakali not being understood by common men stood as a contradiction to this event. Being a woman is not easy. Being a woman artist is all the more difficult. One of the major drawbacks of the troupes now is that there are no female chenda artists. The troupe mourns the fact that many talented women who were part of the group before marriage had to leave soon after their wedding. When asked about the changing audience for Kathakali over the years, Parvathy Menon, also a senior artist in the troupe said, “the number of youngsters who come to watch Kathakali has definitely gone over the years. But for the performance which lasts through the night, which also is very rare now, we find very little audience.”When asked about what the biggest achievement of the troupe is, Geetha Varma says, “We started performing when we were not even allowed to think of performing. We started from there. It has been nearly 30 years since we have been performing. We have done about 1500 performances. The biggest achievement that we feel proud about is that today girls and young women are coming up and performing with male artists. We could probably say that we are a reason for this.”

I realize that walking into a man’s world might be difficult but is certainly not impossible. The group stands as strong pillars, not just reflecting the past, but as living examples who’d inspire the generations to come

Photos: Ramesh Varma and Aabha Muralidharan

Art

The Microscopic Handbag Phenomenon: MSCHF’s Bold and Tiny Louis Vuitton Creation

Published

11 months ago

June 16, 2023

Keerthi Thilakan

In the realm of fashion, innovation knows no bounds, and the boundary-pushing collective known as MSCHF constantly proves this point. Their latest creation, a microscopic handbag inspired by Louis Vuitton, has taken the industry by storm, captivating fashion enthusiasts around the globe. Breaking free from traditional size constraints and redefining functionality, this miniature accessory has ignited curiosity and sparked a sensation. Join us as we delve into the extraordinary world of MSCHF’s microscopic handbag, exploring its origins, unique features, and the remarkable buzz it has generated.

MSCHF, renowned for their unconventional and thought-provoking projects, partnered with luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton to unleash a game-changing collaboration. Together, they birthed a surprising twist on the classic handbag, pushing the boundaries of scale to an entirely new level. The microscopic handbag challenges the norm and introduces an audacious new concept.

Measuring a mere 1.5 inches in height, the microscopic handbag is a masterpiece of miniaturization. This whimsical accessory captures the essence of a traditional Louis Vuitton purse, complete with the iconic monogram pattern and signature leather trim. Despite its minuscule size, it exudes luxury and craftsmanship, embodying the brand’s prestige and aesthetic.

The MSCHF microscopic handbag represents a captivating fusion of fashion and art. It blurs the lines between these creative realms and prompts us to question our perception of material possessions. Through this micro-sized wonder, MSCHF challenges our understanding of fashion’s role in society and invites us to contemplate the value we attach to material goods.

Since its introduction, the microscopic handbag has caused a viral sensation across social media platforms. Its diminutive size and unexpected collaboration have captivated fashion enthusiasts and sparked intriguing discussions. This extraordinary creation serves as a catalyst for conversations about fashion trends, the power of satire in design, and the evolving landscape of the industry. Once again, MSCHF has successfully captured the attention of the fashion world, pushing boundaries and reshaping our perception of what is considered fashionable.

MSCHF has cemented its legacy as a disruptive force in the fashion and art realms. Their innovative and thought-provoking projects consistently challenge norms and captivate audiences. With the microscopic handbag, they have once again showcased their ability to generate intrigue, spark conversations, and inspire wonder within the industry.

In conclusion, the MSCHF microscopic handbag stands as a testament to bold creativity and audacity in the world of fashion. Its tiny size and unexpected collaboration with Louis Vuitton have shattered conventional handbag design and ignited curiosity on a global scale. This extraordinary creation not only exemplifies the artistry and innovation of MSCHF but also invites us to reflect on the ever-evolving nature of fashion and its profound impact on our collective imagination. As we eagerly anticipate MSCHF’s next groundbreaking venture, one thing is certain: they will continue to redefine the boundaries of what is possible in the world of fashion.

Art

Inside Louis Vuitton’s Extravagant Airport Lounge: A Luxurious Layover Experience

Published

11 months ago

June 5, 2023

Keerthi Thilakan

Louis Vuitton, the iconic luxury fashion brand, has ventured into a new and unprecedented realm by opening an airport lounge at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar. Known as the “Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno,” this unique space caters to first or business class guests traveling with Qatar Airways or those belonging to the Louis Vuitton clientele.

Helmed by renowned three-Michelin-starred French chef Yannick Alléno, the lounge offers a gastronomic experience like no other. Guests can indulge in Parisian viennoiseries, smoked fish platters with caviar, tea sandwiches stamped with Vuitton’s fleur monogram, and a range of exquisite dishes such as langoustine carpaccio, yuzu-flavored confit lamb shoulder, and pilaf rice with dried fruit and spices. Coffee enthusiasts can enjoy expertly crafted cappuccinos with the iconic “LV” logo on the foam.

The Louis Vuitton Lounge is not only a culinary haven but also a visual delight. The space is adorned with designer furniture, including pieces from Louis Vuitton’s Objets Nomades collection. With India Mahdavi low tables, Paolo Lenti high tables, and Costela armchairs by Martin Eisler, the lounge exudes sophistication and elegance.

Upon entering the lounge, guests are greeted by a lush jungle-like ambiance, with abundant greenery and Quetzal bird mobiles hanging overhead. Flanking the doors are stacks of Louis Vuitton trunks, paying homage to the brand’s heritage and travel legacy. The intention behind the design is to create a welcoming environment that transcends time, ensuring all travelers feel at ease during their visit.

This innovative venture by Louis Vuitton comes at a time when airport lounges are often viewed as functional spaces rather than glamorous destinations. Hamad International Airport, known for its exceptional shopping experience, is ranked as the second-best airport in the world. As the hub for Qatar Airways, which has been consistently ranked as the world’s best airline, the airport attracts millions of travelers each year. The Louis Vuitton Lounge revives the glamour and allure of air travel, providing a luxurious layover experience that leaves a lasting impression.

With this audacious collaboration between fashion and aviation, Louis Vuitton is redefining luxury and hospitality. The lounge sets a new standard for travel experiences, where fashion, gastronomy, and design seamlessly intertwine. As airports evolve, this collaboration offers a glimpse into the future of travel, where each moment is curated to delight and inspire discerning globetrotters. The Louis Vuitton Lounge at Hamad International Airport represents the art of travel, symbolizing the enchantment that awaits modern travelers seeking a truly extraordinary journey.

Art

Summer Nails Sizzle: The Hottest Trends for Your Next Mani-Pedi

Published

12 months ago

May 5, 2023

Keerthi Thilakan

Summer is the perfect time to experiment with new nail trends and colors, so why not try something bold and beautiful? This season’s nail trends are all about bright hues, playful patterns, and statement-making designs. Here are some of the top nail trends to try this summer.

1. Neon Colors

One of the biggest nail trends this summer is neon colors. From electric green to bright pink, these bold hues will add a pop of color to any outfit. Go for a full set of neon nails or add a pop of color to your favorite neutral shade.

2. Negative Space Nails

Negative space nails are a trend that’s been around for a while, but this summer it’s all about getting creative with your designs. Try a geometric pattern or a cute little fruit design for a playful and fun look.

3. Glitter and Sparkle

Summer is all about shimmer and shine, so it’s no surprise that glitter and sparkle are hot nail trends this season. Add some sparkle to your nails with a glitter topcoat or go all out with a full set of glitter nails.

4. Pastel Hues

Pastel hues are always popular in the summertime, and this year is no exception. Soft shades of lavender, peach, and baby blue are perfect for a subtle and sweet look.

5. Floral Designs

Floral designs are always in style, but they’re especially popular in the summer. From dainty little flowers to bold and colorful floral patterns, there are so many ways to incorporate this trend into your nail art.

6. Tie-Dye

Tie-dye is a trend that’s been making a comeback in fashion and beauty, and it’s the perfect way to add some retro vibes to your summer nail look. Try a rainbow tie-dye design or go for a more subdued look with a few pastel shades.

7. Animal Prints

Animal prints are another trend that’s been around for a while, but this summer it’s all about bold and bright colors. Leopard, zebra, and snake prints are all popular choices, and they’re the perfect way to add a little bit of edge to your summer nail look.

There you have it, some of the hottest nail trends to try this summer. Whether you prefer bold and bright colors or subtle pastel shades, there’s a trend for everyone. So why not experiment with some new nail art and make a statement this season?