Young, rich and powerful

Today’s young are earning well. Is money power giving them a freedom to go wrong ?

MONEYWISE The youth of today are focussed and responsible

They breeze out of swanky suites and opulent cabins. With fat pay packets tucked in they have the world in their pockets. Life for them is flushed with comforts and privileges. Yet they are not experienced CEOs or corporate veterans. They are all but in their mid-twenties. These young Turks are an emerging new brand on the horizon today.

Exuding confidence and loaded with fresh ideas, facts and a never-say-die attitude they have added a new dimension to our perception of youth.

Certain sections of the older generation are apprehensive that the youth being vulnerable may be corrupted with too much power and money in hand. Won’t it spoil them? Miriam Alexander a mother of two youths says, “youth today are sensible but their minds are easily influenced and too much of money at a young age can make them spendthrifts and reckless if they are not careful.”

Lifestyle

However, a chat with today’s young go-getters reassures and restores our confidence. They assure that money may have changed their lifestyles but not them.

Mithun Vazhiyil, 25, Financial Co-ordinator of Ernst & Young GSS feels upbringing and family values does play a role. He says, “the money I earn is through my hard effort. Besides I have been brought up to realise the value of everything. So I can never be a spendthrift. I spend money only on things worthwhile. I do investments . I also plan to do a course for which I am saving. Besides, I also buy gifts for my parents and loved one and that’s when I feel most happy and blessed.”

Youth thus cannot be generalised as irresponsible. They are in control as long as they are equipped with family values. Fat pay packets are not always splurged. They are invested wisely and spent on things meaningful.

Vrindha Surendran, 23, Software Engineer of Sathaym Computers projects a more realistic picture. She feels that though upbringing may play a major role, character, attitude and sense of discrimination are essential. She says, “initially there may be a tendency to overspend especially from those of the lower strata when they see too much money at their disposal. But it’s often only a temporary phase among those with discriminating power. One very soon learns from experience and start to invest money wisely.”

Money thus need not be a fear factor for parents with intelligent children who can discriminate the superfluous from the real. Yet, today when the world is increasingly caught up by consumerism -where cell phones are purchased and exchanged every month as newer models are pumped in, it is hard to determine or draw a line.

Consumerism

Twenty-five year old Alok Pandey, Social Anthropologist with the Ministry of Social Justice says, “the 21st century is living in another economic environment. So it is difficult to generalise the behavioural traits of youth. There has always been a conflict of ideas, values and interests between the generations. And huge pay packets and consumerism may have brought more strains in relationships. However, the younger generation too has commitments. So the accusation that youth cannot be trusted with too much money may not go down well with the present generation.”

The younger and the older generation shall thus never see eye-to-eye. So what the youth calls for today is a broader outlook and faith. “Why should money be always viewed as something evil,” retorts Varsha Arun, 26, Software Engineer with Tata Consultancy Services, “money can also bring about many positive changes in one’s life. It can add

quality to our lives. It enables us to save, pursue hobbies and passions like travelling; joining new courses etc that make us grow as a person.

And this is how we utilise our salary. Today’s youth being level headed and aware know where to draw the line. Anybody can fall a victim of consumerism. So the fears of the older generation that youngsters can go astray with too much money are certainly exaggerated.”

The youth thus today are focussed .They know what they want, they work hard at it and they get it. Theirs is a relentless drive to show the world who they are and what they are capable of. And one cannot overlook them. For youth power is here to stay.

Past has a present

Designer Rina Dhaka’s forte lies in blending the old and the new

No doubt fashion has to move forward. But in its onward journey, it cannot afford to forget the richness of our past,” says New Delhi-based designer Rina Dhaka.

Unveiling her new line “Unleashed” at Collage on Greams Road, the designer says, “Today, the Indian woman has become a global woman. Travel and media have exposed her to Western sensibilities like never before. Things are fast-changing in the fashion world. Sensibility has evolved. Mindset has changed. People who refused to show their elbows are now keen on wearing dresses. Only hope the sari, a symbol of our tradition, does not become an archival piece like the kimono. Indian clothes have now become festival clothes or occasion wear! It’s the responsibility of designers to keep our tradition alive — by tweaking it to suit modern tastes. Remember the lycra churi I designed some seasons ago?”

A look at her new line explains Rina’s efforts to blend the old and the new. And she does this seamlessly. A pretty scarlet dress with an intricately crafted neckline doubles as an ethnic ensemble when worn with a churi and crushed stole. Tunics with ethnic motifs, trademark lace embroidery and tribal workmanship display her way of combining urban chic with the Indian idiom. “I’m a complicated person when it comes to design. I source the fabric from one place and send it to various other places for the craft embellishment. In fact, I work extensively with tribal people too. The funny thing is that they are capable of suddenly disappearing on their bullock carts!”

Talking about her 20-year journey in stylebiz, Rina says, “I’m actually beginning to look into the finer aspects of design now. When I started out, I was more focussed on the creative side of the business. Somewhere in between, I was caught up with establishing my label and honing my entrepreneurial skills. Now, the wheel has turned to where I began — and fortunately to the time I set foot in fashiondom. Yes, the late 1980s are back in vogue. And I’m loving it.”

About the mix-and-match trend, the designer, who was one of the pioneers to introduce separates explains, “Now, people have an individualistic style sense. It works better to give them versatile, practical clothing that can be worn whichever way they want. The best thing about this trend is that fashionistas now prefer to shop in India than abroad. We have an edge when it comes to pricing — besides, the styles are not over the top. At the same time, we like to welcome foreign brands on Indian shores. Only after their entry does the customer understand the value of branding. Besides, no one makes accessories like they do. So bags, shoes, sunglasses and watches… foreign brands complete the work of Indian designers! They add those fashion extras that count.”

The designer, who has an A-list clientele from Hollywood and Bollywood, is currently working on Lara Dutta’s clothes for the film “Blue.” “Lara is a designer’s delight. She has a fabulous body and avant-garde sensibility. But films are a different ball game. It’s time consuming and demands coordination at many levels.”

Talking about the burgeoning band of young designers, the seasoned stylist says, “Some of them are incredibly brilliant. But they need to polish their technical and trade knowledge, improve their communication skills and learn to handle labour.”

With many fashion weeks happening (she’s participating in the London Fashion Week too) and a flourishing retail business at home and abroad, Rina’s date’s diary is jam-packed. But she isn’t complaining. “I seek peace within myself. The key to success is to identify one’s drawbacks and try to overcome them without much ado.”

Filmi vestments

A brand new address for those looking for some trendy couture

 
FashionAn ensemble by Anita Dongre

Fashion and Bollywood go hand in hand. Bollywood inspires fashion and creates trend making them popular at the same time.

In early Bollywood days, Dev Anand popularized full sleeves top collared shirts. Leg-hugging pyjamas and no side-split kurtis were a rage with college girls in 60s.In the early 90s Madhuri Dixit , created a trend of flared and flowing salwar kameezes. Even today fashion is largely being dictated by Bollywood, in India .

Bollywood connection

Vidula Soorej, bring this essence, through her store ‘Vesta’. Vesta has tied up with a few designers who create fashion in Bollywood, thus bringing you the latest from the fashion capital. Some of the designer labels are AND by Anita Dongra, Thalisman, Anuradha Ramam, Tailor Bird and other up-coming designers like Shibani and Deepika. The store showcases chic knitted indo-western tops and kurtis from AND, saris from Anuradha Ramam to make a style statement like Kiran Kher, salwar kameezes by Thalisman for that glamorous look of Shabana Azmi. Also available are fabrics to make your own ensemble.

A collection of handbags and foot wears to co-ordinate with your designer outfit is also on hand. The store has the prêt lines of these designers, in keeping with the taste and preferences of the city.

Vesta will also provide customised dress fittings and a tailoring centre. “We have trained tailors who can understand and provide our customers with the latest trends and fashion” say Vidula Soorej. Apart from this personal style consultation will be given by qualified fashion designers.

The store is located at 28/124, Panampilly Nagar. Its brightly coloured interiors, fancy lighting and the entire feel of the store surely gives you a glimpse of the glitz and glamour of Bollywood. With Christmas and New Year just around the corner, this partying season Vesta is surely a treat to all Kochiites!