/ Editor's Note, Spring 2007

by Anokhi Admin

Editor’s Note, Spring 2007

Aug 06, 2013

What does it take to be a global thinker? Over time, the term globalization has come to mean many things, but it largely refers to an increased connectivity, integration and interdependence in the economies and ways of life across the world. Culturally speaking, there is now greater influence and exchange through multiculturalism, travel, worldwide trends and pop culture. This increased cultural experience and exchange of ideas has never been more prominent than in this spring issue of ANOKHI.

On the fashion front, global thinking is key for the trendsetting designs of New York’s Naeem Khan (Living Life Lux, p.30) and Toronto’s Rashmi Varma (Politically Shaping her Designs, p.38). For Khan, a lifelong globetrotter, who was born and raised in India and cultivated his knowledge of textiles growing up under the wing of his grandfather’s fashion legacy to then apprentice under the iconic Halston in the U.S., and now just returned from sourcing trips in Colombia, Naeem Khan clearly doesn’t believe in the notion that inspiration demands seclusion. Enjoy his summer 2007 runway collection, which consists of impeccably tailored cocktail suits and sophisticated gowns – often embellished with beads so delicate that a surgical needle is necessary to attach them.

Varma always knew her multidisciplinary background in political science and interior design would influence her fashions and set her apart from the rest. In an industry where clothes are mass-produced and machine made, Varma chooses to use clothes as a medium to express socio-political concerns around the globe, supporting the community of Indian craft workers as she balances old techniques with new stylistic approaches.

And, for the first time ever in Canada’s retail history, the nation’s largest department store retailer, The Bay, is opening a South Asian fusion boutique appropriately called FUSIA. Featuring the collection of designer label Alia Khan and the ANOKHI fashion line, FUSIA will house innovative, modern, ethnic-inspired clothing.

Beauty continues to be redefined; as we see the globalization of this concept result in demands directed to modeling agencies from the Pradas, Guccis and L’Oreals of the world to better represent men and women with crossover appeal or ethnic ambiguity. It turns out that not quite being able to put your finger on what a model’s ethnic background is – is a hot commodity in advertising.

And what do we do to globally expand our minds? Escaping to another country is a great start. This issue’s travel section gives you some ideas to think about as you plan for your own vacation this spring. Whether it is a safari trekking adventure (Madikwe Magic, p.80) to catch a glimpse of leopards, elephants and rhinos, or a four-day getaway to the Islands of the Bahamas (Rediscover Yin and Yang, p.84) to run your toes through the pink sands and dip into the turquoise ocean – both are sure to create memorable experiences.

ANOKHI’s writer’s quill this issue offers true diversity of thought from around the world…literally. Our profile on Londoner Gautam Malkani (p.116) explores how this author went from a PhD thesis at Cambridge to a much hyped, linguistically genius, debut novel about middle class, South Asian boys getting into trouble all in the name of bolstering their masculinity to hide deep-rooted insecurities. Our second profile salutes Indian author Vikram Chandra and his newest literary endeavour Sacred Games. This epic tale of Godfather-like proportions had Chandra meet face to face with the most notorious gangsters in Mumbai. Receiving a million dollars in advance for the book, it has become a bestseller and set off competitive auctions amongst publishers internationally.

I’d be remiss not to mention our exclusive interview with legendary Sir Ben Kingsley (All About The Ben, The Kingsley and I, p.110), which only serves to deepen the reverence and awe his fans hold for him, as we remember his flawless portrayal of Mohandas K. Gandhi and the many universal roles thereafter spanning moral, racial, religious and patriotic strides. In theatres this spring, he stars in The Last Legion, a period film, with Colin Firth and Aishwarya Rai.

Our cover story (p.98) reveals the creative spirit and audacity of actress Namrata Singh Gujral, who not only starred in the film Americanizing Shelley, but also wrote the screenplay and produced the movie in-house at her own studio, American Pride Films Group.

Hope you enjoy.